Roger Williams

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS 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 bill.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 5100. This bill extends two programs critical for American innovation, the Small Business Innovation Research, SBIR, and the Small Business Technology Transfer, STTR, programs, for 1 year. I thank my colleagues, Ranking Member Velazquez and Chairman Babin and Ranking Member Lofgren of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for cosponsoring this bipartisan legislation. Since the 1980s, the SBIR and the STTR programs have fueled American innovation by providing early-stage funding to small businesses. These investments have led to groundbreaking technologies that grow our economy and strengthen our national defense. SBIR and STTR programs have been regularly reauthorized by Congress to include many reforms to drive small business. However, the programs will expire at the end of this month, on September 30, just 15 days away. As my colleagues and I continue to work toward the goal of a long- term reauthorization, one thing has become clear: Time is working against us. We cannot allow these critical programs to expire. Failing to extend these programs would be a disservice to small businesses across the country. Put simply, American innovators cannot operate in uncertainty, and national security cannot afford an innovation gap. As chairman of the Small Business Committee, I am committed to ensuring these programs remain strong and uninterrupted. H.R. 5100 will allow Congress the additional time to work toward a meaningful long- term and bipartisan reauthorization while also ensuring that small businesses can continue to do what they do best, and that is innovate. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues in the House again for joining me in reintroducing this legislation. Their partnership shows the SBIR and the STTR programs' strong bipartisan support and our shared commitment to keeping America at the forefront of discovery. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense extension, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), my good friend and the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Velazquez, and I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation to continue uplifting small business innovation across America. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 452) to award 3 Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, in recognition of their extraordinary achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympics where, being comprised of amateur collegiate players, they defeated the dominant Soviet hockey team in the historic ``Miracle on Ice'', revitalizing American morale at the height of the Cold War, inspiring generations and transforming the sport of hockey in the United States.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 452, a bill that awards three Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start by thanking Congressman Stauber and the numerous original sponsors for getting this important bill to the floor today. ``Great moments are born from great opportunity.'' With those words, Coach Herb Brooks rallied the young, underdog U.S. hockey team during a dark chapter of the Cold War, a time when Americans faced nuclear threats, economic uncertainty, and a crisis of confidence. The Soviet Union's hockey team had dominated for decades, beating the U.S. in their last 12 matchups, including a crushing 10-3 exhibition win just 3 weeks earlier. No one expected the Americans to win. However, on February 22, 1980, in Lake Placid, Team USA shocked the world, defeating the Soviets in a stunning upset. It wasn't just a hockey game. It was a symbolic victory for democracy, resilience, and national pride. Just days later, they claimed Olympic gold for the United States. These 20 young men reminded a shaken Nation that its greatest moments weren't in the past. They were still within reach. Mr. Speaker, the players of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team are deserving of these Congressional Gold Medals as the highest recognition of national appreciation for their determination, courage, and patriotism. My hope is that what this team achieved on that ice in 1980 will continue to inspire Americans today and for generations yet to come. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. I even remember where I was at that very moment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Stauber).

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to reiterate the importance of the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team uniting during such a challenging and turbulent period in American history. Their unforgettable victory solidified the Nation's legacy of excellence both on the ice and on the global stage. We owe these men a debt of gratitude for transforming and shaping the landscape of American hockey over the past four decades. I thank Congressman Stauber for his leadership and his speech. It was very good. I thank all of my colleagues in advance for supporting this measure. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a remarkable milestone for the city of Arlington, Texas. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. As the city's oldest and largest business organization, the Chamber has been a pillar of the community for eight decades, serving over 1,000 members and advocating for businesses of all sizes. The hardworking families and entrepreneurs of Main Street are the backbone of our economy, and it is vital that they have the resources they need to succeed. For 80 years, Arlington Chamber members have worked tirelessly to address key issues facing small businesses throughout the community. Through securing and expanding resources, the Chamber has brought immeasurable growth to our city. I commend the Arlington Chamber for 80 years of excellence, and I thank them for their continued commitment to serving Texas. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for her leadership. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the many ways that Texans, hardworking families, and small business owners across America are benefiting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This is one of the most profamily, prosmall business, proworker legislation ever signed into law. As a small business owner myself and chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, I understand firsthand how policies coming out of Washington, D.C., can directly impact the day-to-day lives of Americans, particularly small business owners. Over the August work period, I met with constituents, small businesses, elected officials, and local leaders to hear how this historic legislation has impacted their daily lives. When I traveled across my district and the country, meeting with hardworking families and entrepreneurs, they are not concerned with Washington politics. They are focused on keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. President Trump and House Republicans are fulfilling the mandate given by the American people to restore economic prosperity, support small businesses, secure our border, unleash American energy, invest in rural America, and the list goes on. This legislation cuts taxes on hardworking Americans, lowers energy costs, brings jobs home, cuts wasteful spending, and puts Main Street first. These are not just talking points. These are real results for the American people. When you give money back to the people, it is a return on investment. I will always fight to provide certainty for the future and to put more money back into your pockets as we step into the golden age in America. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1549) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study and report on the exposure of the United States to the financial sector of the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WILLIAMS 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 this bill.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1549, the China Financial Threat Mitigation Act. The Chinese Communist Party's track record of interference and aggression toward the American financial system is a serious and growing threat. The CCP has a well-documented history of abusing international financial norms, jeopardizing both our national and economic security in the process. From manipulating currency and distorting markets to propping up state-owned industries and weaponizing finance for geopolitical gain, the CCP's actions are not just unfair but are also downright dangerous. These predatory practices harm American businesses, erode trust in global markets, and risk empowering China to pressure developing nations and destabilize debt markets for its own benefit. We cannot afford to sit back and take our eyes off the ball. We must be prepared. That is why I introduced the China Financial Threat Mitigation Act. This bill is a proactive measure that requires the Department of the Treasury to identify financial risks posed by the Chinese economy and offer recommendations for strengthening international cooperation to monitor and counter these threats. Our top priorities should always be to defend Western values, promote American interests, and hold bad actors accountable. This legislation is a critical step in confronting the CCP's abuse of the financial system head-on. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer) for co-leading this important effort with me, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1549. In God We Trust. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the CBO estimate for this bill. H.R. 1549, CHINA FINANCIAL THREAT MITIGATION ACT OF 2025, AS REPORTED BY

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, for the reasons I explained earlier, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank Congressman Gottheimer and my good friend, Ms. Waters, for their support. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Satchel Paige, a great Hall of Fame baseball player, in 1948 won two games of a doubleheader. When he was in the locker room talking to the press, the press said: Satchel, you won both games today. What was your best pitch, your fast ball or your curve ball? He says: Neither. It was my be-ball. They said: Your be-ball, what is that? He said: My be-ball, when I throw it, it goes where I want it to be. I can't think of anyplace that I would rather be than here right now representing the Congressional Baseball Game and our team. The Congressional Baseball Game was played on June 11, and I am proud to say that we raised $2.7 million for charity right here, a record. We sold almost 40,000 tickets and had 34,000 in attendance, another record. The Republican team, the USA team, Team USA is on a 5-year winning streak. We won 13-2 this year, and I am proud to coach these guys. They really do a great job, and I am proud to be able to coach this team. The Democrats have a good team. They have good coaching, and we welcome playing them again next year in next year's game and setting records. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Manager Sanchez for her comments.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would say to my friend across the aisle, she is not going to find it.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to a personal family matter, I was unable to be in D.C. and vote today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 213 and YEA on Roll Call No. 214.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Aledo Bearcats on their decisive 8-1 victory in the 2025 UIL 5A Division I State baseball championship. The Bearcats concluded a historic season with their second State title, securing the win for the first time in 11 years. This team began the season with a unified goal and put in the work to bring their vision to life. After a hard-fought season of long practices and staying focused in school, these athletes, trainers, managers, and coaches showed dedication, strength, and an unwavering commitment to victory. I am proud that their hard work has paid off. As these talented students prepare for their next endeavors, I wish them the best of luck and blessings for an even brighter and more victorious future. Go Bearcats. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gordon Longhorns baseball team on a hard-fought season. This year, the Longhorns made school history with their first-ever appearance in the UIL Class 1A State championship game. Their road to the championship was made even more remarkable by the challenges they overcame this season. On May 18, 2025, a tornado struck Gordon, leaving the school's athletic facilities, baseball field, and other resources unusable during the most crucial part of their season. The community rallied around these young men as the team practiced at neighboring schools to continue their playoff preparations. The Longhorns are a testament to determination, teamwork, and the strength of a small Texas town recovering from a natural disaster. As these students prepare for their next endeavors, I wish them the best of luck and blessings for a brighter future. Go Longhorns. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Burleson Police Department for their remarkable work supporting victims of domestic violence. The lifesaving Burleson victim assistance poster project began with one powerful phrase: If I had known someone like you existed, I would have gotten help sooner. Far too many women live in silence, unsure of where to turn, especially while still under the control or surveillance of an abuser. There is a critical gap, not in services, but in awareness and safe access to those services. Recognizing this urgent need, the leaders of Burleson, Texas, came together to create a simple yet profoundly effective solution: posters. These discreet posters are strategically placed in safe, private, and secure locations where a victim can view them without fear. Each one includes a QR code that links directly to support resources, as well as a hotline for those without internet access. In under 30 seconds, a victim can quickly connect to confidential help, shelter options, and emergency services. With the support from the Burleson Police Officers Association and dedicated community stakeholders, this initiative has expanded, reaching neighboring cities, rural areas, and locations across this great country. I thank the City of Burleson Police Department. Their leadership and innovation have created a vital lifeline, bringing safety and hope to victims of domestic abuse. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate a remarkable milestone for The Comanche Chief newspaper located in my district. For over 150 years, The Comanche Chief paper has provided trustworthy news, thoughtful commentary, entertainment, and vital resources for the people of Comanche County. It has served as a reliable voice for our community and a living record of our shared history. James Claude Wilkerson first bought the newspaper in June 1925, beginning a proud family tradition of civic service through journalism. This year, the Wilkerson family is celebrating an extraordinary milestone of 100 years in print. Today, James Bradley Wilkerson is a fourth-generation owner, carrying on his family's legacy by serving as the paper's publisher, ensuring that The Comanche Chief continues to inform, engage, and uplift its readers. As the oldest continuous business institution in Comanche County, The Comanche Chief is more than just a newspaper. It is a pillar of our community for past and future generations. I commend the Wilkerson family for their century of stewardship, and I thank them for their continued commitment to delivering trustworthy news to the people of Texas. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas

Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chip for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Texas flooding victims. On July Fourth, what should have been a day of celebration turned into a day of tragedy as catastrophic flooding struck central Texas, devastating our communities and claiming far too many innocent lives. My prayers remain with the victims, their families, and those affected by this heartbreaking disaster. As emergency crews continue recovery operations, I remain committed to supporting our fellow Texans in any way I can. In the face of immense devastation, we have also witnessed our neighbors stepping up to help one another, showing the Nation the true spirit of Texas and what it means to be a part of a great community. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Trump, the brave first responders, State and local officials, and the countless volunteers who are working tirelessly to bring relief and hope as we navigate this unimaginable loss, and I again say thank you to Chip for his leadership. While there is a long road ahead, I know Texans will continue to be on the lookout for one another and recover together. On a personal note, my 4-year-old granddaughter called today and wanted to know if it was okay if she prayed for the little girls and could she make bracelets for the victims' parents. All she had was a rope with a string to do it with. Texas is a big State, but Texas is a small State. In God We Trust.