Roger Williams

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, while the President was vacationing at his beach house, and the Border Czar Kamala Harris enjoyed a football game, our Border Patrol agents were working around the clock to address the over 12,000 migrants who illegally crossed the Del Rio International Bridge this week. This is on top of the more than 200,000 apprehensions Border Patrol agents encountered in August, a 317 percent increase from the same time last year. So what has changed? The Biden administration's reckless repeal of President Trump's successful border policy and the Biden open border agenda. Even the Democratic Mayor of Del Rio, Texas, admitted that ``this is beyond crisis. This is urgent. This is dire.'' The President campaigned on open borders and free health care for illegal immigrants. Americans need to wake up to the socialist policies that are destroying our Nation and undermining the rule of law. The Biden experiment has not worked and will not work and it is a total failure. In my State of Texas we are always open for business. Now we are open to illegal behavior every single day, thanks to President Biden. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the 1st Cavalry Division. Formed in 1921, the division is based at Fort Hood, Texas, which I am proud to represent in Congress. This 1st Cavalry division is unique in that they have worn many hats over the years--they have served in cavalry, infantry, assault, and armored capacities. The honorable men and women of the 1st Cav have served in many of our nation's wars; World War II, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, and in Afghanistan--and they have exhibited extraordinary grit and an unwavering commitment to duty above self. In all that they do, they have honorably answered the call to serve our country and defend freedom and liberty around the world. It is my great honor to recognize their contributions and thank them for their 100 years of enduring service, duty, patriotism, and bravery. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impact of rising inflation on American consumers. The Consumer Price Index jumped by 5.4 percent this year through June, the largest year-over-year gain since 2008. From the higher cost of gas, to the higher price of used cars, to the price of food at your local grocery store, small businesses and Americans are paying more for goods and services, due in large part to government spending during COVID-19 and now Democrats' reckless economic agenda. It is as simple as this: Inflation is taxation. As a small business owner for 50 years, I can tell you these increased prices are creating challenges for consumers whose budgets are being stretched thinner and thinner every single month. The Democrat solution to all of this? Ram through a partisan $3.5 trillion package that will further increase taxes on the American people and completely disregard rising inflation. It is pretty simple. Raising taxes, less jobs. Lower tax, more jobs. Congress must return to some fiscal sanity and Democrats must resist the temptation to spend our way out of this situation, as rising inflation and the growing national debt become an unrelenting enemy. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, due to President Biden's failure to address the crisis at the southern border, I was not present in the House and unable to vote on July 1, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 208.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, due to President Biden's failure to address the crisis at the southern border, I was not present in the House and unable to vote on June 30, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 197.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, due to President Biden's failure to address the crisis at the southern border, I was not present in the House and unable to vote on June 29, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 191, and NAY on Roll Call No. 196.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, one of the most sacred American values is the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The right to life is not to be forsaken, and today we see Democrats reject the science of life and the fact that life begins at conception. One of the longstanding acts of bipartisanship is the Hyde amendment, with one of its most vocal supporters being then-Senator Joe Biden. Since first enacted in 1976, it has saved over 2.4 million innocent lives. Americans who hold their pro-life convictions should not be forced to front the bill for abortion services and violate their belief that life is worthy of protecting. President Biden's recent budget proposal excludes this lifesaving amendment after 40 years of being included. This should not be controversial. I will continue to fight to uphold the Hyde amendment and make sure not one dollar of taxpayer dollars goes to destroy the life of an unborn child. These children are the future of our country. Life is too sacred, and we must respect the millions of Americans who believe everyone has a right to life. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, 4 years ago yesterday, Republicans were tragically attacked by a liberal gunman with an agenda to shoot and kill Republican Members of Congress. That day, United States Capitol Police Officers Griner and Bailey, along with Alexandria police, acted swiftly to neutralize the gunman and prevent what could have been an extraordinarily deadly event that changed the course of our country. I stand here today because of their heroism, and I, along with my Republican colleagues present that morning, are forever grateful. We must always support our men and women in blue and oppose any efforts to defund the police and make communities less safe. Law enforcement officers go to work in their communities every day to make a difference, protect their neighbors, and prevent crime, a solemn duty we should commend and not tear down. We will forever owe a debt of gratitude to the officers present 4 years ago and are grateful for every brave and honorable law enforcement officer who is willing to sacrifice themselves to keep us safe. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to formally recognize Dr. Ken Shaw, who spent the last seven years as an outstanding President of Southwestern Adventist University. As President, he remained committed to the school's mission of inspiring knowledge, faith, and service to all the students all while staying committed to a Christ-centered education. It has been a privilege to call Dr. Shaw a dear friend and stand among many others inspired by his steadfast and unwavering faith in God. I am eager to see Dr. Shaw transition as the 27th President of Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee and continue inspiring the hearts and minds of students and faculty members. On behalf of the Southwestern Adventist community, I thank Dr. Shaw for all his work, leadership, and dedication to the students and faculty. I send my blessings to Dr. Shaw and Ann as they prepare for this new chapter in their lives. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States Army's 3rd Cavalry Regiment, celebrating its 175th anniversary this week. Formerly known as the Brave Rifles, they are currently stationed at Fort Hood, Texas or the Great Place, which I am proud to represent in Congress. They have taken part in many of our nation's most hard-fought campaigns, from the Mexican-American War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This honorable unit has always answered the call to arms, with brave Soldiers defending freedom and liberty across the globe. It is my great honor to recognize the 3rd Cavalry Regiment of Fort Hood, Texas for their extraordinary contributions to our Country. A grateful Nation shares in their celebration this week. We thank them for their enduring commitment and for their selfless service. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my concerns about the current state of the economy and the worker shortages that employers face due to the Democrats' extended unemployment benefits. As a small business owner for 51 years, I have seen a lot. I know firsthand how challenging a year of government-mandated shutdowns have been for business owners. The enhanced unemployment benefits in last year's CARES Act were meant to be temporary and targeted to the effects of this COVID-19 pandemic. Now, over a year later, and thanks to the success of Operation Warp Speed and the Trump administration's focus on vaccine development, the economy is ready to fully open. Yet, millions of Americans who can return to work are choosing a government paycheck over earning an income. Unemployment was never meant to be a full-time job. We are telling people it is a career, for crying out loud, and living off the government for more than 26 weeks while you are capable of working will only delay our economic recovery. In Texas' 25th Congressional District, hundreds of small businesses are feeling the effects. They simply cannot operate their businesses if employees refuse to return to work. States need to enforce unemployment laws. If employees are offered a job and they refuse it, unemployment benefits should immediately expire. Enhanced weekly payments will continue to eliminate the incentive to return to work. Under no circumstances should they continue past September. Vaccines are widely available if people so choose, but there are no longer excuses to remain on the sidelines. Before the pandemic, we had the greatest economy in modern history. Certainly the best I have seen in 51 years. For all the right reasons, and with thanks to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by President Trump and Republicans, we had more jobs than people. However, under President Biden and House Democrats, we have more jobs than people, because what they ultimately want is to make Americans reliant on the government. It is simply called socialism. It is victims versus patriots. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Police Week and formally honor our men and women who have answered the notable call to serve in the law enforcement profession. Every day, police officers patrol our streets, answer emergency calls, put away criminals, and sacrifice their own safety in order to protect members of their community. Law enforcement officers are our communities' most essential line of defense against those who seek violence or criminal activity. This week is also an important time to pause and pay our respects to the police officers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. May their sacrifice not be in vain and their memory be a blessing. May we continue to recognize the heroic efforts of all members in the police community and do all that we can to show our appreciation for their sacrifices. I will always stand with our men and women in blue, and may God continue to keep them safe as they work tirelessly and with an unwavering commitment to put service above self. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Dripping Springs Tigers women's soccer team for their outstanding win in the UIL Class 5A final. Dripping Springs finished the season as the Class 5A State Champion with a record 26 wins. They outscored their opponents this season 104- 8. The team showcased their amazing talent and skills on the field, and I am proud that all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year ultimately paid off. Congratulations again to the Dripping Springs Tigers. Texas' 25th Congressional District is extraordinarily proud of their achievement, and we cannot wait to see what they will do next. Go Tigers. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the resilient linemen of Texas-25 for their outstanding work to successfully provide power to Texas homes, businesses, and communities during the catastrophic winter storms. I and many others send our deep gratitude to the workers of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Austin Energy, and other electric providers in Texas-25 who worked tirelessly through a brutal winter storm to meet the needs of Texans and across the State. They put their lives in danger, working around the clock in subzero temperatures and in harsh conditions to restore critical power as quickly as possible. Due to their fortitude and grit, lives were saved, animals were saved, and communities were restored and on track to recovery. You are our heroes, and on behalf of the 25th Congressional District of Texas, we simply say thank you. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak for thousands of music venues, movie theaters, and museums that are struggling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year, Congress has come together in a bipartisan manner to pass over $3.5 trillion in pandemic assistance. While much of this aid was necessary, government bureaucracy has routinely delayed getting this money into the hands of the American people. As of today, there are still $1.3 trillion in unspent COVID-19 relief. In December, the House passed my bipartisan Save our Stages Act, which established the $15 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, providing direct relief for music venues, movie theaters, and museums devastated by the pandemic. These businesses were the first to close and will be some of the last to reopen. Nine weeks have passed since President Trump signed this into law, and the SBA still has not even produced the application for venue owners to apply. At this rate, some grants won't be delivered until summer. This is unacceptable, and the SBA needs to get to work immediately. Every day we wait, there is another door that permanently closes. The bottom line is: The shows must go on. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in favor of the objection.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would first like to say to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who said we should be ashamed over here, I am not ashamed, and neither are my colleagues over here. We are actually proud of what we are doing and what we are standing for. So I hope the Record will show that. Yesterday's cowardly attack on our American democracy was a horrible act. While Congress attempted to execute their constitutional duty to debate and vote on this certification of the electoral college, violence interrupted the proceedings in an attempt to stop the democratic process. Those who committed these acts are domestic terrorists and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And I thank the Capitol Police and all of the law enforcement organizations that pushed back against this mob. I can't help but be reminded of the bravery during the baseball shooting on myself and my Republican colleagues in June of 2017. I thank God every day for their presence. The American people deserve full transparency in the electoral process, with confidence that any irregularities and inconsistencies in that process will be fully investigated. As a former Texas secretary of state, I know the electoral process well. And above all, I know what the courts, the executive branch, and the elections officials can and cannot do without approval of the State legislature. During my tenure, I knew that my authority was confined to the powers the legislature provided me. If States fail to abide by the Constitution and follow their owns laws, it calls into question whether the votes in Texas, or any other State, are fairly represented. And now, as a duly elected Member of Congress, the Constitution outlines my rights to speak and voice my constituents' concerns with my vote. It is pivotal that we have free and fair elections in our representative democracy and, more importantly, that we trust in the results of those elections. In no way is voicing an objection an attempt to overturn an election. And when this process is complete and all objections have been heard, I acknowledge that we will have a peaceful transfer of power on January 20. Faith in our system must be restored and Americans must be confident that their vote matters, and only lawful votes will be counted. This is a sad day in our Nation's history, but a solemn reminder that our country will not falter and will not fail. In God we trust. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Cawthorn).

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the Central Texas Food Bank for being a leader in the fight against hunger and for their commitment to serving our community over the last 40 years. Their generosity and dedication to our Texas neighbors is at the heart of the American story. Last year alone, they provided 39 million meals to central Texas families, including those in Burnet, Coryell, Bell, Lampasas, Hays, and Travis Counties in the 25th District. I was grateful for the opportunity this fall to join them distributing food to veterans and their families in the Austin area, and I look forward to working together in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, I thank all the volunteers who are working around the clock to provide food for families during a time that has presented unique and unforeseen challenges, especially as we celebrate this holiday season. By mobilizing our communities to serve and inspiring younger generations to give back where they can, they are making us a stronger and a better nation. May God bless all of them, may God bless Texas, and may He continue to bless the greatest country on Earth, the United States of America. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Rural Health Day and to commend our healthcare providers across the 25th District of Texas for their determination during this once-in-a-generation public health crisis. Throughout COVID-19, these men and women have stepped up to continue serving Texans and protecting the well-being of our families. I am proud to closely partner with rural health facilities in our district like Goodall-Witcher in Clifton and Baylor Scott & White in Marble Falls, and to provide them with tangible relief and resources under the CARES Act. To further support their mission, I introduced the Ensuring Telehealth Expansion Act that would help ensure ease of care for both physicians and their patients, especially during the pandemic. As our world becomes more dependent on technology for healthcare delivery, it is crucial we adapt by creating policies that ensure the highest quality of care possible. To our central Texas doctors, nurses, physicians, first responders, and all other medical professionals, we simply say thank you. May God bless you, may God bless Texas, and may He continue to bless the United States of America. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of the Save Our Cities and Stages Act, better known as the Save Our Stages Act, as a standalone bill so that independent live music venues can survive and recover from COVID-19. During this pandemic, these venues have been hardest hit, as they were the first to close and will be among the last to reopen due to safety restrictions and government mandates. They generate billions of dollars in our national economy and create thousands of jobs every year. They are a cultural staple in central Texas and the 25th District, unlike any other place in our Nation. Over the last several months, I have had the privilege of working with owners and managers of dozens of venues like Hudson's On Mercer Street in Dripping Springs, Songbird Live in Cleburne, and The Broken Spoke in Austin to highlight the urgency of passing this legislation. It is crucial we deliver, not only for their livelihoods, but for the artists who start out on their stages and the future generations inspired by their work. Every day we waste is detrimental to this industry. Mr. Speaker, I call on Speaker Pelosi to bring the Save Our Stages Act to the House floor for a vote. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This year, an estimated 191,930 men in our Nation will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. As a survivor of this disease, I know firsthand the challenges families face when they decide which testing, treatments, and coverage options are right for them. That is why I proudly support legislation like the Preexisting Protections Act to ensure those with preexisting conditions have access to affordable care. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, but the good news is that as innovation and technology continue to evolve, fewer men are dying after the diagnosis. Identifying signs from the outset is critical so that it can be treated and stopped before further spread. I am immensely grateful to be alive today, thanks to early detection. I encourage all men in the 25th District to talk with their healthcare providers and participate in regular screenings. I am committed to helping win the fight against cancer, and together, we can beat this disease. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8015 and the manufactured crisis my Democratic colleagues have created regarding the U.S. Postal Service. For the past week, the American people have been told they cannot trust the Postal Service to do their job and that Republicans, along with President Trump, are trying to undermine the agency. That could not be further from the truth. The Postal Service has more than enough funding to operate for the next calendar year and has not even acted upon the $10 billion loan the Treasury offered back in July. The sad truth is that the Postal Service has been financially unsustainable and without reform for over a decade, and the bill we are voting on today will do nothing, absolutely nothing, to improve the shortfalls with this agency. We should, instead, be working together to address certain problems we have while being conscious of the taxpayer dollars that have been used for bailouts over the years. Madam Speaker, I have a rural district in Texas, District 25. We rely upon the Postal Service to fulfill services that my constituents would otherwise go without. I am an advocate for improving this agency, and we should dedicate time to do just that, but there is an actual crisis among us that should demand our immediate attention. In the car business, you can't charge the sticker price if you don't have a vehicle to deliver, and you don't sell used cars that won't start. We are not delivering results today. The immediate crisis we need to address is caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Main Street America and families across Texas are wanting results, but my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would rather ignore this truth and, instead, politicize a conspiracy theory. If my colleagues are serious about postal reform, then let's get to work, but the legislation before us today isn't the answer. It is, frankly, a waste of time. I should be home with my family. I should be home with my grandchildren. As we say in Texas, ``This dog won't hunt.'' Well, let me tell you, this dog won't hunt. And, P.S., let's make the Postal Service run like a business.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, Austin, Texas, is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and every year millions of people come from around the world to my district to enjoy concerts and events. Venues like Songbird Live in Cleburne, Hudson's on Mercer Street in Dripping Springs, and Mohawk in Austin play a crucial role in our culture. During COVID-19, these venues have faced devastation as they were the first to close and will be among the last to open. In order to provide relief, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Save Our Stages Act with my colleague, Peter Welch, to create a grant program that will ensure they have the resources needed to survive. American music legends that rose to fame once graced their stages that are currently empty and motionless. They moved the young and old alike and inspired the next generation of artists. It is my hope that our venues, with the help of Congress and our communities, will be able to once again welcome their next act to the stage. I urge consideration and passage of this vital bill. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember one of Texas' finest servants, Cathy Marchel. Cathy went home to be with the Lord in January after serving our Cleburne community for almost two decades with strength, grace, and unmatched character. She took all of the gifts she possessed and used them in powerful ways to improve her world and those around her. She radiated joy with her beaming smile and gracious attitude. She was a leader and a fighter and someone we all looked up to for guidance. No one worked harder for their constituents than she did, and her impact will be felt for decades to come. Our community has lost a selfless, devoted servant, and many of us have lost a dear friend. There is most certainly a void in her absence, but we find hope in the promise that she is now with our savior, and we look forward to the day when we all will be reunited. May God bless the entire Cleburne community and the Marchel family. In God we trust.