Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, the argument for the motion to recommit reminds me of what President Reagan said--this is the Democrat philosophy--if it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops, then subsidize it. Unfortunately, if it stops, who we are going to be subsidizing are foreign countries that we are importing seafood from. To correct the record, it is not 1,700 jobs in Maine; it is 17,000 jobs in Maine--over 17,000 jobs. We are talking about a serious economic impact, and we are also talking about the fact that what is happening right now is working. Why continue to regulate it? Why put more burdens on Maine lobstermen who are in a tough situation, as fishermen are, around the world? So the solution is to regulate them more? It is like, hey, we see you are having a hard time, so let's put some more regulations on you. That doesn't work. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Golden).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today would provide much- needed certainty to one of the United States' most important and iconic commercial fisheries, Maine lobster. When I visited that beautiful State, I loved what they call it there, lobstah. When you think of lobster, you think of something that is woven into the fabric of the history, the ambiance, the beauty of Maine. When people from other States think of Maine, a lot of times what comes to their mind is lobster. Passing this legislation will give NOAA more time to craft regulations to protect the North Atlantic right whale and will ensure that these regulations are based on the best available science and ensure long-term operational certainty for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries. The legislation before us helps to advance the goals laid out in President Trump's executive order, ``Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.'' The Trump administration has issued a Statement of Administration Policy expressing support for identical legislation, which I include in the Record. Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 8509--Amending the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 to Extend the Time Period for which Certain Regulations Concerning the North Atlantic Right Whale are Effective, Rep. Golden, D-ME The Administration strongly supports passage of H.R. 8509, which would extend the time period, from 2028 until 2035, for which the Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Final Rule amending the regulations implementing the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (86 Fed. Reg. 51970) is deemed sufficient to ensure the continued authorizations of the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries are in full compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It would also extend the requirements for the NMFS to promote the innovation and adoption of gear technologies in the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries and promulgate new regulations for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries using existing and innovative gear technologies until 2035. This bill aligns with the Administration's priorities in Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, to promote the adoption of new technology and the productive harvest of our seafood resources. If H.R. 8509 were presented to the President, his senior advisors would recommend that he sign it into law.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Lawler for his leadership on this issue and recognize Representative Golden of Maine for his tireless advocacy for this critical industry on behalf of his constituents and his State that he loves. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 858) to authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on the National Mall to honor the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor recipients.

Mr. WESTERMAN. 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 S. 858, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as Americans across the country celebrate our Nation's 250th anniversary this year, it is important to recognize that none of this would be possible without the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. That is why the consideration of S. 858 is especially timely today, as it honors the valor and sacrifice of some of our Nation's bravest heroes: Medal of Honor recipients. Mr. Speaker, 163 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln awarded the first Medal of Honor in the midst of the Civil War. It remains our Nation's highest honor awarded to members of the Armed Forces and is bestowed sparingly on only those who have demonstrated the highest acts of valor. Fewer than 70 Medal of Honor recipients are alive today out of the more than 3,500 medals that have been awarded. As the highest and most prestigious military decoration in the United States, the Medal of Honor symbolizes extraordinary acts of bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice beyond the call of duty. By recognizing these remarkable individuals, the Medal of Honor inspires national pride, honors the memory of fallen heroes, and motivates future generations to embody the values of courage and honor. The Medal of Honor continues to symbolize the American people's profound respect and gratitude for the sacrifices recipients have made defending freedom and justice. The Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act would ensure that the monument honoring these brave heroes can be placed on what is known as the Reserve, which is commonly referred to as The National Mall here in Washington, D.C. A monument honoring our most exceptional military heroes deserves an equally exceptional location. According to National Park Service data, The National Mall receives upward of 25 million visitors each year. The monuments and memorials located on The National Mall are the centerpiece of this history, and it is appropriate to include a new monument honoring veterans who have displayed the most courageous acts of valor recognized by our country. In my home State of Arkansas, our State capital also has a memorial dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients. I hope the monument in D.C., like the one in Arkansas, can inspire reflection, patriotism, and gratitude for our Nation's military heroes. Last Congress, the Committee on Natural Resources had the privilege of hearing from one of the 65 living Medal of Honor recipients, Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Britt Slabinski. In his inspiring testimony, he reminded us that the Medal of Honor represents those willing to go above and beyond in any circumstance, no matter how small. This monument will serve as an everlasting reminder of this country's greatness and the difference that one single person can make. As an example of the difference one singular person can make on the course of history, I note that this bill has been named after Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, who, sadly, passed away in June 2022. He was known for his extraordinary heroism in the Battle of Iwo Jima during the Second World War. At the age of 21, he singlehandedly cleared a path for American troops against Japanese forces in an act of extraordinary bravery. The House has already passed this bill unanimously this Congress. It is an honor to do so again today and send it to President Trump's desk. As part of its consideration, the Senate made an unfortunate change to this legislation. It removed a portion of the findings section that expressed the sense of Congress that the Medal of Honor monument should be located near the Lincoln Memorial in recognition of President Lincoln's unique and integral role in the history of the Medal of Honor. While this section has been removed, Congress and living Medal of Honor recipients still overwhelmingly support locating this monument near the Lincoln Memorial. I look forward to working with the Trump administration to ensure such a location is ultimately chosen. I was proud to support the original legislation authorizing this memorial, and I am proud to support this legislation today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore) for his leadership on the House companion to this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I will add that the House Natural Resources Committee has done a lot of very good bipartisan work this Congress. We have sent a lot of bills to the Senate, and a lot of those bills are over there waiting to be acted upon. When we pass bills, we have hearings. We have markups. We go through regular order. We have done a lot of work that the Senate wouldn't have to do if they would just take up these bills and pass them. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore), the lead sponsor of the House companion to this legislation.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill that honors Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, our Nation's heroic Medal of Honor recipients, and all those who have served. It honors their memory. It honors their legacy, and it reaffirms our unwavering commitment to upholding the principles for which they fought so valiantly. Once again, I thank Representative Moore of Utah and Senator Justice of West Virginia for their leadership in this effort. I thank the Senate for actually passing a bill even if they needlessly changed it. Now we can hopefully get something to the President's desk. I urge passage of this bill and look forward to seeing President Trump sign it into law. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, across the United States, severe wildfires continue to place tremendous pressure on surrounding communities, wildlife, and some of our Nation's most treasured public lands. Just this past month we have witnessed the devastating human cost as firefighters gave their lives protecting others from these catastrophic fires. Their sacrifice shows just how urgent wildfire prevention is. This is not a future concern; it is an innate responsibility. Additionally, the 250th celebration of America serves as an opportunity for reflection, not just on the previous 250 years but also for the next 250 years yet to come. Congress has acted in the bipartisan legislation, that is the Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA). FOFA recognizes the need for healthy forests in order to mitigate wildfire risks, damage to our ecosystems, and climate change. This legislation is key to active forest management, which is why Congress must act to pass this influential reform. We owe it to our firefighters and communities to move beyond discussion and take meaningful action through the passage of this legislation.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, the Senate is fiddling while America burns, and when I say burns, I mean it in the literal sense. Mr. Speaker, 18 months ago, we sent a hugely bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act to the Senate. It has passed the Senate Ag Committee on a bipartisan vote. It is time for the Senate to send the Fix Our Forests Act to the President's desk. Nearly 50 uncontained fires are burning across the country, and our prayers are with the firefighters and the families of those whose lives have been taken by wildfire. We owe it to them to manage our forests and provide the tools needed to suppress fires. The Fix Our Forests Act does just that. It accelerates hazardous fuel reduction in our highest-risk forests. It strengthens State and local partnerships. It supports firefighters and their families by establishing a new Casualty Assistance Program. It does all this and much more. It is time to wake up and smell the smoke. Enact the Fix Our Forests Act so we can begin the process of forest health restoration to protect our communities, to protect our environment, and to protect against the loss of American lives.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Miss Presley Bennett of White Hall, Arkansas, on being crowned Miss Arkansas' Teen 2026. At just 17 years old, Presley has distinguished herself through her talent, leadership, service, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Competing as Miss Saline County's Teen, Presley impressed judges with a dynamic Michael Jackson-inspired tap dance performance and demonstrated exceptional poise and character throughout the competition. Equally noteworthy is her dedication to youth mental health advocacy through her community service initiative, Peaceful Places. Through this important effort, Presley works to promote mental health awareness and well-being in schools, encouraging students to prioritize emotional wellness and foster supportive environments for their peers. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Presley during her visit to Washington, D.C., when she stopped by my office. It was a privilege to learn more about her accomplishments, aspirations, and dedication to serving others. Presley exemplifies the talent, character, and leadership that have earned her this distinguished title. Her accomplishments during the Miss Arkansas' Teen competition were extraordinary. She earned a total of $13,750 in scholarships and awards, including recognition for Overall On-Stage Conversation, Preliminary Health and Fitness, the Sharon Evans Bale We Are More Award, and Overall Arrival. Her title as Miss Arkansas' Teen also includes a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Pafford EMS, further supporting her educational aspirations and future success. As Miss Arkansas' Teen, Presley will spend the coming year serving as a statewide ambassador for the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Program, making appearances across Arkansas while promoting her platform and inspiring young people throughout our state. Her example of service, confidence, and leadership reflects the very best of Arkansas's next generation. In September 2026, Presley will proudly represent the Natural State at Miss America's Teen 2027, to be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. There she will compete alongside delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands for the national title. The Miss Arkansas Scholarship Program, an official state preliminary to Miss America, has long been dedicated to empowering young women through scholarship, service, leadership, and personal achievement. Presley Bennett embodies each of these values and serves as an outstanding representative of this mission. On behalf of the people of Arkansas, I congratulate Presley Bennett on this remarkable achievement and commend her for her dedication to service, academic excellence, and advocacy. I join her family, friends, and community in wishing her continued success as she represents Arkansas on the national stage and inspires others through her leadership and example.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Colonel Thomas Murphy of the United States Army as he concludes a distinguished career of service to our Nation. As Chief of the Army's House Liaison Division, Colonel Murphy has been an invaluable partner to my office and a tremendous advocate for the priorities of the U.S. Army. Colonel Murphy's leadership and counsel have been instrumental in supporting critical national security interests in my home state of Arkansas and across the country. Notably, he worked with my office to ensure support for the Pine Bluff Arsenal. The Arsenal is the only active-duty Army installation in Arkansas and is a cornerstone of our defense industrial base, with a workforce of approximately 850 personnel and an economic impact of $141 million annually to the region. His efforts directly contributed to the recent landmark $1.3 billion investment to modernize the installation, securing its vital role for decades to come. Colonel Murphy also provided crucial support to the House Committee on Natural Resources, offering expertise on legislative matters where Department of War and Army interests intersected with the committee's jurisdiction over federal lands and resources. His insights were particularly valuable during a Congressional Delegation I led to Southeast Asia. His deep knowledge of the INDO-PACIFIC region, honed over years of service, provided essential context and clarity that greatly benefited the delegation. Colonel Murphy's exemplary career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our Nation. A native of Rockville, Maryland, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery upon graduating from Providence College. His record of service includes commanding the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, where he led the establishment of the Army's first Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery. He has served with distinction around the globe including three combat deployments in Afghanistan, two in Iraq, and in the INDO-PACIFIC, where he worked to deter aggression and build partnerships with the United States. Colonel Murphy embodies the highest qualities of military service. His leadership, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the United States Army and our Nation. I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Thomas Murphy, his wife, and his family for their sacrifice and commitment throughout his honorable career. I wish him all the best as he embarks on a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement and thank him for his service to our Nation.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5682) to take certain land in the State of California into trust for the benefit of the Pechanga Band of Indians, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5682, the bill under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to support H.R. 5682, introduced by Congressman Issa, which would place approximately 860 acres of Bureau of Land Management land into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians. Located in Temecula, California, the Pechanga Band has a deep desire to protect its ancestral and cultural land. This includes the Pu'eska Mountain, which is central to the Pechanga's creation stories and spiritual life. The Pechanga Band was able to purchase Pu'eska Mountain in 2012 and placed it into trust in 2015. The 860 acres of BLM-managed land conveyed in this legislation are interspersed within the Pechanga Band's existing holdings, including the Pu'eska Mountain. This unwieldy checkerboard pattern of land ownership has complicated the Pechanga Band's access to and stewardship of its sacred land. With this transfer, however, the Tribe will consolidate its ownership and will reasonably maintain the land. The legislation requires that the land remain as open space and be used only for cultural and conservation purposes. The bill also includes an explicit prohibition on gaming, pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. I want to thank my friend Mr. Issa for working diligently with the Pechanga Band to develop H.R. 5682, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), the lead sponsor of this bill.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, again, the Pechanga Band of Indians have worked to consolidate their ancestral and cultural land for years. The conveyance authorized by this legislation will unwind much of the checkerboard pattern that has prevented the Pechanga Band from readily accessing its lands, including its most sacred site, the Pu'eska Mountain. I thank Mr. Issa for his work on this straightforward but important legislation. I support H.R. 5682, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 41) to provide for the recognition of certain Alaska Native communities and the settlement of certain claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 41, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 41, the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act, introduced by Mr. Begich of Alaska. This bill amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, or ANCSA, to recognize the Alaska Native communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. ANCSA was signed into law to resolve the longstanding issues surrounding the land claims of Alaska Natives. Under ANCSA, roughly 200 village corporations and 12 regional corporations were established. However, those five communities I just mentioned were excluded from the list of southeast Alaska Native villages. As a result, they have missed out on numerous opportunities afforded to other Alaska Native communities. Although the five communities objected to their exclusion, no right of appeal was provided for the southeast villages, so their challenges were rejected outright. Recognizing these five communities under ANCSA has been a longstanding goal of the Alaska delegation. Accordingly, this legislation amends ANCSA to allow them to organize into Alaska Native urban corporations and select one township each within the Tongass National Forest. The lands covered by this legislation were selected in consultation with the affected Alaska Native communities, local stakeholders, the U.S. Forest Service, and the general public. I commend Representative Begich for this work on behalf of his constituents, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Begich), who is the lead sponsor of the bill.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 41 amends ANCSA to recognize the communities of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. For over 50 years, these communities have missed out on the opportunities afforded under ANCSA. This legislation will deliver the fairness these communities deserve. I, again, thank Mr. Begich for his work on behalf of his constituents, I urge passage of H.R. 41, and I yield back the balance of my time.