Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 297, offered by our Natural Resources Committee colleague, Congressman Case from Hawaii. This bill is the first step toward the creation of Hawaii's first national forest. This bill requires a study to identify potential parcels of land that could later be incorporated into a national forest that would help fulfill the National Forest System's mission. Hawaii is one of the few States without a national forest and the only State that has tropical rainforests. Hawaii's rainforests are among the wettest places on Earth. This bill would help inventory how best to conserve and expand Hawaii's unique forests and lay the groundwork for the establishment of a national forest. While I question my friends from Hawaii on why they would be interested in potentially giving the Federal Government jurisdiction over any land in Hawaii, especially considering the unfortunate state of our national forests on the mainland, I do urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

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

Mr. WESTERMAN. In closing, Madam Speaker, again, I urge adoption of H.R. 49, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I recently toured my district to meet members of the community nominated by their fellow residents who served their fellow citizens extraordinarily during the pandemic. During my tour, I had the honor of meeting Mena Police Chief Tommy Stueart and Bearden Police Chief Nathan Greeley. These men cared for their communities by delivering food and prescriptions and taking care of the sick and elderly, all while dealing with their own staff shortages. When our local police officers go to work, they wear many hats. Of course, they are protectors, but they also play the role of nurse, comforter, teacher, caretaker, and confidant. Ask any police officer and they will say it is just part of the job, but it is a grave mistake to take this for granted. Madam Speaker, another grave mistake is the Democrats' move to defund police. This National Police Week, let's honor the heroism and the daily kindnesses shown by our law enforcement, and let's work to support those brave men and women who protect and serve.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the dean of the House and a true expert on Tribal issues.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1688 amends the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act to reauthorize three programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of the Interior that are intended to prevent cases within Indian communities where child abuse, neglect, family violence, and trauma may occur and to provide treatment for victims of Indian child sexual abuse. The authorization for appropriations for the three programs expired in 1997. The bill also makes several technical changes to the underlying statute, requiring agencies to report on grant awards. Advocates cite the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act as the only federally dedicated child abuse prevention and victim treatment funding for Tribal governments, but Congress has only appropriated approximately $5 million for this program. I appreciate the sponsor bringing attention to this important issue as abuse, neglect, and violence have no place in any community. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the dean of the House.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2208, sponsored by my colleague from Texas (Ms. Escobar), would amend the act of Congress that restored the Federal recognition of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. The amendment would override a gaming limitation imposed by Congress on the Tribes, thereby authorizing the Tribes to operate casinos regulated not under Texas law, as Federal law currently provides, but under the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. The question of whether Texas law or the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act applies to the two Tribes is no longer under serious dispute. Federal courts have settled the question, and the result of the litigation is that the two Tribes may not conduct gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, unless Congress enacts a measure to allow them to do so. The bill enjoys significant local support in the communities around the reservations of the two Tribes, and the members who represent the Tribes strongly support enactment of the measure. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I support this bipartisan bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Fortenberry).

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I thank the majority for the bipartisan support on this good piece of legislation. H.R. 810, authored by our colleague from Nebraska, Congressman Fortenberry, directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of designating the Chief Standing Bear National Historic Trail. Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe is one of Nebraska's most important historical figures and is honored here in the Capitol as one of Nebraska's contributions to the National Statuary Hall Collection. Chief Standing Bear led his people through a crisis that began with its displacement by droves of westward-bound settlers. The Ponca Tribe moved twice in search of new land but had no success. Finally, in 1877, the U.S. Government forced their relocation. By 1878, when they reached their destination in Oklahoma's Indian Territory, starvation and disease had claimed almost a third of the Tribe. Among the dead was Bear Shield, the first son of Standing Bear. Standing Bear's desire to honor his son's wish that he be buried in his Nebraska birthplace, at a time when Native Americans could not legally leave their reservations without government permission, led to the trial for which he is best remembered today. The case established that Native Americans were persons under the law and are entitled to the same rights as anyone else in the Nation. During that case, the words of Chief Standing Bear, pleading on behalf of his Tribe, moved the Nation. The Chief Standing Bear Trail, extending approximately 550 miles from Nebraska to Oklahoma, follows the route taken by Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people during Federal Indian removal. If supported by the study, any designation of the trail would require additional action from the Natural Resources Committee and the Congress. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 478, the Blackwater Trading Post Land Transfer Act. This bill will place approximately 55 acres of land in Pinal County, Arizona, into trust for the Gila River Indian Community. According to the Tribe, these lands and the former Blackwater Trading Post have a historical connection to the Tribe, as the trading post served many Tribal members since at least the 1930s. In 2010, the Tribe purchased the Blackwater Trading Post and surrounding lands after the former owners retired. Pursuant to the 2004 Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act, the Gila River Tribe cannot acquire off-reservation lands into trust absent an act of Congress. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Arkansas State Trooper James O. Ray on being named the 2021 American Association of State Troopers Trooper of the Year. A three-year veteran of the Arkansas State Police Highway Patrol Division and Franklin County resident, Officer Ray exemplifies service beyond the call of duty and represents the finest of Arkansas' Fourth District. Officer Ray was granted this honor following his courageous action in December 2020 in which his wise response to a dangerous chase prevented catastrophic damage and injury to the public. After responding to a call to support a fellow trooper along Interstate 40 near Ozark, Officer Ray followed a suspect vehicle at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The suspect later crossed the median, driving toward oncoming traffic. Officer Ray drove ahead of the suspect in the opposite lane, stopped traffic to protect motorists behind him, and then rammed the front corner of the suspect vehicle. Once both vehicles were in the median, Trooper Ray safely arrested the suspect, with no injuries to the suspect or any other motorist. I take this time today to congratulate Trooper Ray on this most deserving honor and thank him for his exemplary service to the people of the State of Arkansas. May we always look to officers like him as the picture of true heroism.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to a new crop of emerging leaders from the Natural State. Leadership Arkansas is a unique program grounded in the belief that real progress is achieved by bringing a diverse set of interests and backgrounds together. First introduced in 2005 by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Leadership Arkansas recruits highly motivated individuals to experience first-hand the dynamic interactions between cities, industries, governmental units and the people they serve. This year's graduating class includes: Allison Bermudez, Jill Bobo, Kent Bridger, Danna Caldwell, Nate Caldwell, John Cantabery, Jennifer Christman Cia, Sammie Cribbs, Jake Fair, Jill Floyd, Jay Geaney, Jeremiah Gentry, Maggie Jo Hansen, Nathan Harris, Jeff Hatley, Allison Hestand, Aaron Huntley, Chad Kinsley, Courtney Little, Rusty Meeks, Jennifer Morales, Joey Msall, David Orr, Ryan Pettigrew, Grace Rains, Brandon Resecker, Karen Shaw, Hunter Stuckey, Ventrell Thompson, Amy Williams, and Drew Williams. More than 800 Leadership Arkansas alumni have gone on to accept roles of great responsibility in both the public and private sectors. I rise today to congratulate these graduates on this high honor and to thank them for their commitment to serving our home. I am encouraged by the example of leadership, excellence, and professionalism demonstrated by this year's class, and I look forward to seeing how these exceptional individuals will shape the future growth of the State of Arkansas and our Nation.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, it has been 85 days since President Biden halted the Keystone pipeline. We have yet to see those green jobs he promised. Promises won't pay the bills. We stand with the hardworking Americans who were forced out of work and ask this administration, Where are the jobs? Knee-jerk policies here in Washington have life-altering implications for people like Mr. Neal Crabtree, a welder and union foreman from my district who lost his job on the Keystone pipeline. Of course, if you bring up this topic with Climate Czar John Kerry, he will tell you all these workers can switch to working in solar energy. Madam Speaker, from looking at salary data, a welding wand in the hand of a highly-skilled pipeline welder is worth more than two screwdrivers in the hands of solar panel installers. These job-killing energy policies are yet another example of how out of touch the Biden administration is with the men and women who keep our country going. Talk is cheap, action is harder. If President Biden is going to continue promising these elusive green jobs, then he needs a long-term plan in place. A plan to have a plan is not enough. Neal Crabtree and thousands of Americans like him are the people the Democrats are choosing to forget. We won't forget them.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 96th birthday of Fourth District resident and World War II veteran, Mr. Noel Kenny Calaway, Jr. A longtime El Dorado resident, Mr. Calaway served as a Navy radioman on a patrol yacht in the Hawaiian Islands. Born in El Dorado on April 19, 1925, Mr. Calaway graduated from high school in May 1943. He immediately went to work as an oil rig builder, but he received his draft notice on October 16, 1943, and reported for basic training at San Diego, California, and then a 20-week radio school in Boulder, Colorado. After arriving at Pearl Harbor in 1944, Calaway spent more than a year patrolling the Hawaiian Islands aboard an armed patrol vessel tasked with monitoring the area for submarines following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. While the patrol yacht was armed with various anti-aircraft guns, he also radioed signals to U.S. warplanes, assisting American pilots with navigation in the region. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he made him home and raised his family in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he remains one of the best examples of our nation's greatest generation. I take this time today to honor the life of service exemplified by Mr. Calaway, and I ask that our nation join me in wishing him a happy 96th birthday. I thank him and his family for their dedication to our fellow citizens and the cause of liberty.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, the Republican party has historically been, and I believe is still today, the voice for those who have no voice. We value life and believe all people should be treated with dignity. I appreciate the gentleman from Texas for leading this discussion tonight, for his compassion for people, and for his passion to serve Texas and America. Mr. Speaker, tonight, I not only rise to address the growing crisis on our southern border, but to be a voice for the persecuted. In an interview aired this morning, President Biden told migrants not to come to the United States, but still refused to recognize the situation as a crisis. Actions speak louder than words. It doesn't matter what you say when it doesn't match what you do. Such a directive is pointless, considering there are no policy changes to de-motivate the migrant surge, the likes of which the United States hasn't seen in 20 years. Our facilities and agencies are being overwhelmed by the surge. President Biden offered an open invitation for parents to send their children across the border without fear of being turned away. The result is catastrophic. While there have been migrant surges in the past, there has never been such a prolific number of unaccompanied minors. These policies are a driving incentive for parents to give their children to coyotes and traffickers who will abuse and use them, causing lifelong trauma. Over 500 children are crossing the border daily, including unaccompanied kids as young as 6 years old. These children are threatened and coerced by cartels to carry drugs over the border and exploited by sex traffickers. One in three women--one in three women, Mr. Speaker, will be assaulted as they attempt to make the journey. I just witnessed my colleagues from across the aisle spending an hour honoring women's history. What kind of history are the left's policies writing for these women? Young women, young women as young as 13 years old are being lured to Texas with the promise of a job in the service industry, and instead, are being sexually abused and trafficked. What we are seeing now is but a fraction of what we could see in the coming months. This is the Biden administration's responsibility, and President Biden owes the American people answers. But President Biden is not alone. The majority party is neglecting their oversight responsibilities and aiding and abetting these dangerous actions. I am calling on President Biden and congressional Democrats--who I remind you are the majority in both Chambers--to take responsibility for the border crisis and work to fix it and to take responsibility for the trauma these children will endure on the journey across the border. Customs and Border Protection has informed Congress that four people on the FBI's terrorist watch list were apprehended at the border. If four were caught, how many got through? What is their intent? One day, Democrats are the arsonists, and the next week, the firefighters. They have pulled this trick on every issue, including energy, Medicare, and now our border. To bring partisan immigration bills to the floor without even an opportunity to amend the bills is bad governance anytime, but it is downright insensitive during this crisis. We are a nation of immigrants, and I support all legal immigration. But open border policies are a direct threat to our national security and have created a humanitarian crisis. We should secure our borders and work on bipartisan legislation to address immigration issues, but Democrats refuse to even enforce existing laws. Mr. Speaker, what good is a new immigration law when there is no evidence that it will be enforced?

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the work of the Ms. Arkansas Senior America Pageant in the State of Arkansas and welcome the competitors to my hometown of Hot Springs. The Ms. Senior America Pageant seeks to improve the lives of seniors and those around them by advocating for personal growth through continuing higher education and community service. Celebrating ``the Age of Elegance,'' this pageant seeks to promote the value of our senior citizens' experience and wisdom, while choosing someone who represents the dignity, beauty, and contributions of the elderly to our communities. I thank the reigning Ms. Arkansas Senior America and Fourth District native, Ms. Sharon Morgan Tahaney, for her service in the last year. After years of writing and speaking on leadership, Ms. Tahaney now represents the State of Arkansas with grace. I believe she was right when she said that ``there are no limits in life based on age, just on attitude.'' She, along with an organization led by Ms. Pattie Genovese, is working hard to expand this year's State competition in hopes of providing a larger platform for senior ladies to share their wisdom, experiences, and knowledge. I take this time today to celebrate the work of this organization and its leaders and welcome them all to Hot Springs. It is my hope that our nation will derive from them a beautiful example of perseverance, hard work, and service.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Hot Springs public servant and historian, Mr. Clay Farrar. He passed away on February 27, 2021, leaving behind a community which mourns the passing of a leader, a servant, a mentor, and a friend. For nearly 50 years, Mr. Farrar worked on a variety of projects around the Hot Springs community. As a partner at Farrar and Williams PLLC, he specialized in trust and estate planning. Serving as Chairman of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce in 1988, Mr. Farrar became instrumental in the development and success of Hot Springs. He was considered an expert in local history, producing a series on the National Park Rotary Club, writing monthly columns of local history for the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record, and contributing to the Garland County Historical Society. In 1985, Mr. Farrar had a profound impact on the preservation of Hot Springs National Park's designation when efforts were made to return it to its original designation as the Hot Springs Reservation. Even after his retirement, Mr. Farrar continued to serve as chairperson of the committee tasked with the repurposing of the ACTI Complex, or the Army/Navy Hospital, which graces the Downtown Hot Springs skyline. In addition to his life of service for his beloved city, Mr. Farrar was known to be an inspiration and a mentor to many in the community, teaching the power of devotion and hard work through each project he tackled. It is from men like Mr. Clay Farrar that we can discover the importance of learning from our own history to define our future. From him, we derive the definition of true servant leadership. I take this time today to honor the life of service exemplified by Clay Farrar. I thank him and his family for their dedication to our fellow citizens and our beloved Fourth District.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 110th birthday of El Dorado, Arkansas, native, Mrs. Willie Bell Coggins. A Fourth District resident of over 70 years, Mrs. Coggins boasts a long life full of family and strong values which set her apart as joy to her community. Born on February 25, 1911, Mrs. Coggins was born in Summerfield, Louisiana to Andy and Eula Davis. After marrying Woodrow Coggins on October 8, 1949, in El Dorado, they raised ten children together. Today, her large family boasts of 20 grandchildren, 30 great- grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. It was this beautiful, large family which inspired her to work so hard throughout her life. After her husband passed away in 1967, Mrs. Coggins continued to present a hard work ethic to provide for her family, creating a home where ``everyone felt welcome.'' While this is mostly due to her cooking skills and her tremendous love of sports, according to her children, Mrs. Coggins always seeks to live her life in a way that is loving to all people. Her wisdom and innate love for her neighbors shine in her life motto: ``no secrets, living right, not hating people, and obeying God.'' I take this time today to celebrate the 110th birthday of Mrs. Willie Bell Coggins and wish her a life full of blessings. May we all look to her as the truest example of kindness, hard work, family, and love for our fellow man.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hot Springs National Park. Nearly 5,500 acres of forested hills settle just above historic downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, protecting 47 thermal water springs. Hot Springs National Park attracts millions of tourists each year with its rich multigenerational legacy of preserving history and conserving natural resources for public health, wellness, and enjoyment. First named Hot Springs Reservation in 1832, the land was one of the first federally protected parcels of land in the country. Its official National Park designation on March 4, 1921, led to the park quickly becoming a source of national intrigue. Bathhouse Row drew millions of people seeking health remedies in the thermal spring waters. Many of these bathhouses still stand today, offering visitors a glimpse into local history, art, and culture. I take this time to honor the National Park Service's century of caretaking of one of Arkansas' most valuable natural treasures. I look forward to the next 100 years, and I invite the world to come to experience my home, beautiful Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.