Roger Williams

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, the SBDC program has delivered for small businesses for many years. The Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2022 will help combat labor shortages by supporting apprenticeships and learning opportunities through SBDCs. This bill will help small businesses grow and equip American workers with new skills. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7622, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my colleague from Wisconsin (Mr. Fitzgerald), a tireless advocate for small business in Wisconsin and around the country.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7622, the Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2022. Small businesses across the country are facing labor shortages and skills gaps as our Nation remains 820,000 jobs short compared to prior to the pandemic. Just last week, the NFIB reported that over half of small businesses have unfilled job openings. This is more than double the almost 50-year historical average of 23 percent. Further, of those owners hiring or trying to hire, 92 percent of owners reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill. The Small Business Administration offers multiple resources to small businesses to help them face the current economic headwinds and labor challenges. One of these resources is the small business development centers, which have served to be a valuable tool for entrepreneurs and offer free training, counseling, and support for small businesses. This legislation will further improve SBDCs by expanding their ability to assist small businesses in establishing and improving work- based learning opportunities and apprenticeship programs. To be clear, this legislation supports all work-based learning opportunities. I thank Congressman Crow as well as Congressman Fitzgerald, Congresswoman Houlahan, and Congressman Garbarino for working in a bipartisan manner to ensure this bill reached the House floor. I also thank the chair for advancing this bill. Madam Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7622, which was unanimously reported out of our committee. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Underserved, Agriculture, and Rural Business Development.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, it is important for Congress to study all of the Small Business Administration's Federal contracting programs regularly. H.R. 7670, the Women-Owned Small Business Program Transparency Act, will enhance our research and assist us as we examine this program. The more information that we have at our fingertips, simply the better. Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7694. All contractors know the importance of subcontractors. Their work responsibilities are crucial to completing jobs on time and on budget. H.R. 7694 translates the importance of subcontracting to Federal contracting and especially those who participate within the SBA's contracting programs. Simply put, past performance should be acknowledged on all future dealings. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), my friend, who is one of the biggest advocates for small businesses and subcontractors, and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume) for working in a bipartisan manner to highlight this issue. I also again thank the chair for bringing this bill forward, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7694. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber), one of the biggest advocates for small businesses and subcontractors.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it has been more than 2 years since COVID-19 shut down the world and forced businesses to close for months. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Congress has spent--we have already talked about it--$6.6 trillion to help American businesses get back on track to financial recovery after enduring months of forced government closures. At that time, aid was critical for businesses to survive the pandemic, but we must now let the free market work and stop frivolously spending billions more in the name of COVID-19. This attempt by Democrats to spend billions of taxpayer dollars is irresponsible and will only add fuel to the growing inflation crisis that we have. Americans are currently experiencing tough times right now trying to find out how to beat, frankly, the Federal Government. Inflation and energy prices are the primary concerns for small businesses. And I am a small business owner for 51 years; I still employ hundreds of people. So those are the concerns they have. And more Federal spending is only going to strain businesses further. It is simple: to lower costs for hardworking families and businessowners, we need to cut spending. We need to cut it, not spend more money that we don't have. When you spend money you print and you spend money you don't have, it is called inflation. We should be focusing on getting control of the crisis at the southern border, lowering gas prices, managing supply chain disruptions--I am in the car business, so I can talk about that--that are leaving shelves empty and incentivizing people to get back to work, not not work. In order to get back to the thriving economy we had prepandemic under the Trump administration, Democrats must end this emergency COVID spending charade. Hey, it is over. We are done with it. Let's move on. And I always get a kick out of people that say they want to protect Main Street. Well, it is funny because a lot of those people wanting to protect Main Street are bureaucrats that never signed the front of a check. They never met a payroll. They have been up here all their lives. But they want to help Main Street. And the fact of the matter is we need to cut taxes. We need to cut regulations. So if it is so important to help Main Street, why do Democrats and liberals want to raise taxes all the time? That doesn't help Main Street. I want to help Main Street, but I want to raise taxes. That is the wrong way to go about it. So the bottom line is this: We have a better bill. I urge all of my colleagues to oppose H.R. 3807 and reject Democrats' false claims that this bill is fully paid for. It is fully paid for on the backs of Main Street America. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, rising gas prices and skyrocketing inflation are having major impacts on small businesses. In Hico, Texas, Mark Chapman of the Chapman Cattle Company said it best: ``We see smaller revenue and return on our products when the prices of gas increase, and it may be the death of small businesses, ranchers, and farmers, as we know it.'' Chapman Cattle Company is one of the many small businesses that are struggling to keep up with record-high gas prices due to President Biden's anti-energy agenda. Democrats continue to ignore Main Street's plea to get gas prices down and inflation under control. Small businesses weathered tough economic conditions throughout the pandemic only to be met with Biden's Green New Deal agenda that threatens everybody in all communities forever. I will continue to fight for small businesses, work to get the government out of our lives, and let the free market compete and do great things. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the many police officers who serve communities in Texas, and I continue to be inspired by their acts of heroism and dedication to protecting others. Now we are facing a time where there has been a tragic increase in police officers being targeted and killed while on the job as violent crime skyrockets across America. Last year alone 346 officers were shot in the line of duty, the highest in 20 years. One of Texas 25th's own Hill County Constable Kevin Cordell was shot multiple times while on a high-speed car chase. One bullet went through the windshield of the vehicle, struck him in the head, and exited through his neck. By God's grace, he survived the shooting and recovered after surgery. Liberal Activists who care more about political agendas than public safety are making our cities unsafe. Last year Austin, Texas submitted to the radical left's anti-police hatred and cut $150 million from their police department. This budget cut put Texas families and residents at greater risk for longer emergency response times and paves the way for lawlessness to run wild in the city. Now more than ever we need to back the blue and restore law and order on our streets. May their sacrifice not be in vain, and may God continue to keep them safe as they work tirelessly to put service above self.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I have met with many police officers who serve communities in Texas' 25th District, and I continue to be inspired by their acts of bravery and dedication to protecting others. Now, we are facing a time where there has been a tragic increase in police officers being targeted and killed while on the job as violent crime skyrockets across America. Last year alone, 346 officers were shot in the line of duty, the highest in 20 years. One of Texas 25th's own, Hill County Constable Kevin Cordell, was shot multiple times while on a high-speed car chase. One bullet went through the windshield of his vehicle, struck him in the head, and exited through his neck. By God's grace, he survived the shooting and recovered after surgery. Liberal activists who care more about political agendas than public safety are making our cities unsafe. Last year, Austin, Texas, submitted to the radical left's antipolice hatred and cut $150 million from their police budget. This budget cut put Texas families and residents at greater risk for longer emergency response times and paves the way for lawlessness to run wild in the city.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I take a moment to recognize the extraordinary accomplishment of Texas-25's high school football teams this past season. Texas-25 was home to two champions, and I was proud to see all the hard work pay off on the field. After a season of early mornings, long hours on the field, and staying focused in school, these teams showed dedication, strength, and an unwavering commitment to victory. In Stephenville, the Yellow Jackets became the 4A Division I Football State Champions after beating the Austin Jaguars 38-21, marking their sixth Texas State football title. The Westlake Chaparrals were named the Class 6A Division II State champions with a 40-21 win over Denton Guyer, cementing their third- straight State championship and finishing the season undefeated with a 16-0 record. As these winners prepare for their next endeavors, I wish them the best of luck for an even brighter and more victorious future. Winning is good. Go Chaps and go Yellow Jackets. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it was a great game, 13-12. There were a lot of runs scored. I think this next one coming up is going to be the gentleman's last one after many years of managing, and we appreciate what he has done. He mentioned the charities; the charities were the big winners. Almost $2 million in charity income was raised from the game. It was a great night. It is a huge honor to accept this championship trophy for not only the team but all of the Republican Conference. Being America's team is not easy. And we are officially America's team. We are looking forward to July 28 where we hope everybody returns and we raise more money for charity. It is a great honor. We will display this proudly. We look forward to seeing our opponents again on July 28. We will have Greg Steube ready to go along with his bat and everybody else we have playing. God bless all of you, and God bless the great game of baseball.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week marks 1 year of President Biden's out-of-touch, reckless, and disastrous Presidency. The past 12 months have been filled with failure after failure, and Americans are dealing with the consequences at every corner. From skyrocketing inflation, increased crime rates, a disastrous Afghanistan exit, an open border agenda, concerned parents labeled as domestic terrorists, and more, this administration has failed the American people. Amidst all the crises, President Biden has spent a quarter of his first year in his Delaware basement, avoiding all responsibilities. This is unacceptable from anyone. I came to Congress to serve the people of Texas' 25th Congressional District, and when I am back home, I hear firsthand how Texans are worse off under President Biden than ever before. The bottom line is, a year of the Biden administration's socialist and far-left agenda has dragged our country backward, not forward. It is time America has leaders that put America first. President Joe Biden is not that leader. He has 33 percent approval. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, the Biden inflation crisis has hit the poor and middle-income families the hardest. Inflation just reached a 30-year high, and consumer prices have increased to an astonishing 6.2 percent compared to 12 months ago. This has serious impacts on hardworking families as they try to make ends meet and prepare for the holiday season. Are you planning on buying a 16-pound turkey? Be prepared to pay 18 percent more this year. That does not even include the stuffing. Are you planning on driving to visit family for the holidays? Plan on paying 61 percent more in gas prices than last year. Instead of taking action to rein in wasteful government spending and address rising costs, the White House is claiming a vote for the Build Back Better plan will solve the inflation crisis, which is a complete lie any way you look at it. Their socialist spending plan will add more fuel to the inflation crisis and worsen their self-made supply chain crisis. It is no wonder a majority of Americans disapprove of President Biden's handling of the economy, and it gets worse every single day. Americans cannot afford to fund the Democrats' liberal wish list, and it is time that Washington bureaucrats take real action to get back to fiscal responsibility and save our country. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I have a message to send to all Americans: Socialism is not winning in America. We saw earlier this week Democrats lost their progressive, far-left momentum among voters across the country. Turns out, the Democrats' policies of defunding the police, removing parents from their children's education, raising taxes, and expanding government control are not a winning message for America. Republicans are committed to opening America back up for business, securing the southern border, creating strong energy independence, addressing our national debt, and supporting Main Street America through lower taxes and less regulation. This week, despite the writing on the wall, Democrats and President Biden are pushing their massive, far-left, socialist reconciliation package that will cost trillions of dollars to taxpayers for years to come. With over 2,000 pages of text, Speaker Pelosi is conducting closed- door negotiations, bypassing the Congressional Budget Office report and ramming through this legislation without full transparency on the true cost and economic impact this would have for the American people. Americans are rejecting socialism at every corner. The bottom line: It is a loser. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, President Biden looks to call his phony tax-and-spend plan Build Back Better when it actually should be called build back broke. It broke last night, and it is breaking this week. This plan is a disaster for Americans and the future of our small businesses. The National Federation of Independent Business recently reported that over two-thirds of small businesses faced significant impacts from the supply chain disruptions. Fifty-one percent of owners reported they are still unable to fill job openings. And uncertainty about the future among small business owners increased by 5 points, according to the NFIB Uncertainty Index. American small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, and unfortunately, Washington bureaucrats are turning their backs on their concerns and pushing ahead to increase taxes, fuel rising inflation, and expand government control. I came to Washington to fight for Main Street America. That is what I am. And every American should know these closed-door negotiations and socialist policies are fiscal insanity and will crush our economy. Cut taxes and save our economy, a new concept. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for yielding to me. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a small business owner for 51 years. I still have a business; I still employ hundreds of people; and I want to be a voice for my constituents in Texas-25 and to call attention to the dangerous socialist policies--yes, I said socialist--that Democrats are, once again, trying to jam through the people's House. President Biden inherited a strong economy from President Trump-- frankly, as good as I have ever seen in 50 years of being in business. But in less than a year, President Biden and Democrats want to crush small businesses with higher taxes and increased regulations, extend supply chain shortages, and keep workers on the bleacher seats with continued government handouts. The government should not be paying people to sit on the couch or imposing tax hikes and regulations that will damage small businesses that are already struggling with record job openings because of government giveaways. As a small business owner, as I said, for over 50 years, I understand firsthand the negative impacts of increased taxes and how excessive regulations can hinder growth and kill startup opportunities. I have seen firsthand how the supply chain crisis is halting U.S. production. I see it in my business today, in the auto business, which the Biden administration refuses to acknowledge or let alone address. Small businesses are hurting. Main Street America is still struggling to recover, and it is hurting. Banks are trying to provide increased access to capital, but they are being forced to hire more compliance officers than loan officers. Burdensome, overreaching government policies have real impacts on small business owners and the communities who depend on them. We do not need the Federal Government to tell entrepreneurs--people who take risks--how to operate their businesses. Rather, it should foster a properly regulated economy that creates opportunity for all. Main Street America is the backbone to our economy, and small businesses employ more Americans than any other sector there is. Hundreds of small businesses in my district in Texas and across the country will experience the negative effects of President Biden's and Speaker Pelosi's socialist policies--yes, I said socialist policies--as they chart a course to destroy Main Street, increase taxes, and make the people more reliant on the government. Madam Speaker, I will continue to oppose any efforts to raise taxes or efforts to make it harder for businesses to compete. I encourage Democrats to end their relentless campaign to make America more like China and Russia. It just doesn't work. But competing with less government regulation does. The bottom line is: Risk and reward equal the American Dream. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank our ranking member and our chairwoman for their leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2021, which equips transitioning servicemembers with resources to become entrepreneurs. In Congress, it is my greatest privilege to represent our military servicemembers and veterans in the 25th District of Texas, and I am honored to fight on their behalf in Washington. I am proud to have led this bipartisan bill with my Democratic colleague and my friend, Mr. Schneider. Our bill codifies the Boots to Business Program for 5 years. The Boots to Business Program is a 2-day, in-person entrepreneurship program offered by the Small Business Administration that provides transitioning servicemembers and military spouses information about business ownership and self-employment. While serving in the military, our servicemembers learned how to make sound decisions in chaotic environments. Research has shown that servicemembers' unique skill sets prepare them to own and operate their own business. Every year more than 200,000 servicemembers make the transition from military to civilian life, and it is critical that we assist their transition and provide them with the tools they need to be successful in whatever they endeavor next. This week is National Veterans Small Business Week, making it the perfect time for Congress to pass this bill and empower our veteran entrepreneurs. It is our duty and responsibility to ensure the men and women who have defended our liberty and freedom are given the tools to launch a successful business career after their military service concludes. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle--this is bipartisanship--to support this bill to continue this crucial program that helps our veterans become the next generation of business leaders. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, America is in the midst of an energy and supply chain crisis, and President Biden is nowhere to be found. Instead, this week he will be jetting off to Europe for a climate conference to brag to our European allies about how much he is destroying America's energy economy. In the past few months in office, President Biden canceled the Keystone pipeline, which killed over 11,000 American jobs and paused oil and gas leasing on U.S. lands and waters. The consequences of his policy decisions have been dire for hardworking American families. The numbers don't lie. Home heating costs are projected to rise by as much as 54 percent. The national average for a gallon of gasoline reached $3.38, and U.S. households are on track to spend $19 billion more on energy by 2030. Instead of working on bipartisan climate solutions, Democrats are more focused on implementing their radical Green New Deal policies and making us less energy independent. From increased costs at the pump to heating bills, Americans are feeling the pain of President Biden's anti-energy policy in their wallets. The bottom line is socialism just does not work. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the launch of the inaugural season of Major League Pickleball (MLP) on November 5, 2021. I'm proud to say that MLP's Season One will take place in Texas' 25th Congressional District at Dreamland in Dripping Springs, Texas, and it will feature eight MLP teams led by an accomplished list of owners: Discovery Warriors: Eric Kuo and Mike Meldman Pickle Ranchers: Bryan Sheffield and Tim Klitch Team Clean: West Hunt, Tim Berry and Navdeep Sooch Team Rally: John Raymond and Jim Toth ATX Pickleballers: Brene Brown, Steve Alley and Charles Kiley The Lions: Marc Lasry and James Blake Chimeras: Charles Attal and Charlie Walker Team BLQK: Richie Tuazon MLP will feature the world's best female and male professional pickleball players, competing in a unique format for the Pritchard Cup, named after the late U.S. Representative Joel Pritchard of Washington State, the inventor of pickleball, The new league has two stated aims--to create a platform to showcase the world's best professional pickleball players to pickleball fans worldwide; and to attract new people to pickleball. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America and already enjoyed by over 4 million regular players, according to The Economist. MLP is the brainchild of Steve Kuhn, a noted business leader and entrepreneur whose passion and love of pickleball inspired him to found MLP in 2021. Kuhn's goal is to spread pickleball as widely as possible to ensure children and adults from all walks of life will be able to play. I would like to express my support for the launch of the newly created Major League Pickleball and I wish them well in their inaugural season.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, President Biden and Democrats are pushing to pass a multitrillion-dollar socialist spending agenda that would be the largest tax-and-spending increase in our Nation's history. It is, frankly, money we don't have. At a time when families and businesses are struggling to deal with President Biden's reckless economic policies, the Democrats are pushing to spend trillions more dollars to fund their radical, socialistic, and costly policies. Just a few of the Democrats' far-left socialist policies will hit small business with a larger tax bill, impose costly Green New Deal mandates that simply won't work, increase our energy dependency on Russia and China, weaponize the IRS to target American families and monitor $600 per week bank transactions. I will continue to stand against the Democrats' socialistic tax-and- spend spree that will limit our freedoms, make our country less competitive, and destroy Main Street America. Their agenda is anti- American. In God we trust.