[captioning made possible by th, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. The clerk the speakers room, washington, d. C. , may 14, 2024. I hereby appoint the honorable larry about how much an to act as speaker pro tempore on this day, signed mike johnson, speaker of the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the order of the house of january 9, 2024, the chair will recognize members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning hour debate. The chair will alternate recognition between the parties with time equally allocated between the parties and each member other than the majority and minority leaders and the minority whip limited to five minutes, but in no event shall debate continue beyond 1 50 p. M. The chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Mr. Joyce thank you, mr. Speaker. During National Police week, we recognize the brave men and women of Law Enforcement who serve and protect our communities each and every day. From carrying out arrest warrants, to conducting outreach at our schools, to patrolling our streets, Police Officers provide Invaluable Service to our communities, helping to keep each and every american safe. Far too often, these officers experience threats and violence in their work and tragically 136 Law Enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty last year. It was president Ronald Reagan who said that evil is powerless if the good are unafraid. Through their heroic actions, these officers embody the spirit of that message, and we can never truly fully repay the debt that we owe them. This week, lets recommit ourselves to standing with Law Enforcement and ensuring that these men and women who have tools and resources that they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, under President Bidens failed leadership, Energy Prices have skyrocketed and American Families are feeling the effects of an administration that has neglected our Energy Security in favor of far left Green New Deal policies. Since President Biden took office, Energy Prices have soared by 30 , squeezing families who are already hurting from President Bidens inflation. By canceling the keystone x. L. Pipeline, by halting new oil and natural gas leases, and by deploying new e. P. A. Rules that limit new development, joe biden has sent a clear message that he cares more about scoring political points with his base than he does about the safety and the security of the american people. This past january, the Biden Administration announced a ban on new l. N. G. Export projects, empowering countries like russia and iran, while hurting our allies who depend on u. S. Energy. Now isnt the time to rely on ineffective energy sources, like Wind Turbines and solar farms. We know the power American Families need is underneath the feet of my constituents in pennsylvania. Unlocking the natural gas that we have can lower Energy Prices while providing clean and reliable power. Now isnt the time for new regulations that limit energy growth. It is time to invest in American Energy and put a stop to the Green New Deal. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new york, mr. Ryan, for five minutes. Mr. Ryan thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor two visionaries of the Hudson Valley art scene upon their retirement. Chris silva and steven lamarca have been life forces for the regions theater performances for the past three decades, revitalling the opera house built in 1869 in poughkeepsie, and the Performing Arts Center in my hometown of kingston. The two together preserved the record as the oldest operating theatre in new york state, keeping it afloat through many trying times. Their ingenuity and savviness brought stars from Aretha Franklin and bob dylan, to jon stewart. Chris and stevens impact on the Community Goes beyond the bright marquee lights. Their bigtime gigs funded Extensive Service to our community, from free films for kids to Educational Programs and i go invite economic boons for the surrounding downtown neighborhoods in both poughkeepsie and kingston. Although their retirement wont come till the end of the year as they prepare, i wish them a restful and happy retirement, spend with the satisfaction of knowing they are responsible for an inspiring, inspiring an estimated 2. 5 million audience members through the over 2,500 artists and performance they brought to the stage in the Hudson Valley. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to honor world war ii veteran, dennis degrote jr. , who recently passed in his hometown of new york. Only weeks after the entire Community Came together to celebrate his 100th birthday and only hours after finally being penned with a purple heart that had been missing and replaced from years ago. Dennis life of service to our nation is incredible and started in the civilian conservation corps. He served in the army, protecting freedom and democracy for all americans and the world on the front lines in europe, including on the shores of normandy, in the battle of the bulge, and suffering gravous injuries at the battle of ocen. In that battle, he nearly lost both of his legs and was told that he would never walk again. But that was no match for dennis. He relearned to walk and never slowed down again. He came back to his Home Community and worked well into his 90s, and his incredible legacy of service and just positivity lives on through 20 grandchildren, 47 greatgrandchildren, 19 greatgreat grandchildren, and countless others that his 100 years of heroism, humility and service inspired. Dennis is proof that a century spent in service to others leaves an impact that will last many, many more. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate lieutenant brandon rola on being named the new chief of police for the city of newburg, new york. Lieutenant rola is newburg through and through. He decided early on in his life to commit fully to serving his community, our community, at only 38 hes already a 16year veteran of the Newburg Police department, recognized over 30 times for his meritorious and heroic acts. But it truly, if you know brandon, its not about the awards. Its about protecting his community and protecting his neighbors. Its this sense of duty and Selfless Service that drove him into a cold, snowy thanksgiving night in 2014 at 2 00 a. M. In search of two missing boys. During the search he found a shovel next to a snow bank, felt a gut instinct to dig, and ultimately found the missing boys buried in an eightfoottall snow bank. He rightly received National Attention after the rescue, but humbly said it was a good day. Today is a good day for newburg, and tomorrow and many more with the citys safety in the hands of lieutenant rola, a tried and true public servant. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, finally i rise today to congratulate captain Steven Menard on his retirement after over four decades of extraordinary and selfless Public Service to the city of Poughkeepsie Police department and all the residents of the city of poughkeepsie in the Hudson Valley. Throughout his incredible career, captain menard went above and beyond in his call to protect and serve. In addition to his Selfless Service and great risk to himself and his family, he earned a masters degree and ultimately a ph. D. , becoming drt of his service and to train others in our local Community Colleges and surrounding universities, attending the f. B. I. Academy and developing trainings ultimately for the f. B. I. National executive institute. Hes not only directly uplifted the Poughkeepsie Community by Building Trust and delivering peace of mind, but made countless communities across new york safer through the crick limb he developed and taught. While his retirement from the force will be felt and he will be deeply missed, i am hopeful for the future because of the thousands of others hes trained to be champions for the communities, just like he has been. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore chair recognizes the gentleman from florida, ms. Lee, for five minutes. Ms. Lee thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor public supermarkets as they donate their 100th Million Pound of produce to food banks across the eightstate footprint. When leaders of puplix that farmers were plows under this 2000, they decided to purchase produce from partners and give it away to feeding america. Ads of today, publix has donated 100 Million Pounds of produce to 35 food banks. I am proud to have publix headquartered in my district and appreciate all they are doing in partnership with food banks throughout the southeast. Congratulations to all Publix Associates on this important milestone and for doing good together. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from texas, mr. Sessions, for five minutes. Mr. Sessions thank you, mr. Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on the floor about a very important topic, but really to honor two people, jackie and david segal of central florida. Jackie and david segal, as proud americans, have stepped up to form what is known as victorious voice foundation. The story behind this is one that resonates with millions of americans. They lost their daughter, 19 years old, to the ravages of drug addiction, to the ravages of what started as a simple marijuana cigarette, turning into a t. H. C. Induced addiction that led herron ward through drugs, ultimately to her death. Mr. Speaker, across this country millions of American Families are searching for ideas, not only about the truth behind the problems with t. H. C. , which is the active ingredient in marijuana, but also the ravages of drugs that come after that, because marijuana, assist a gateway to these harder drugs that so many people move to. David and jackie segal understood this as they watched their daughter. They watched their daughter not just her addiction, but how she moved herself through drugs and eventually it led them to seek a time for her to receive treatment. Treatment, while very important, is no stronger, or is stronger than love is, and thats what they learned also. David and jackie watched their daughter as she spiraled through not only drug addiction, but the people that she became associated with. So i stand today to say that david and jackie segal did something about this as they joined into a nationwide organization that is intended to teach communities, schools, and parents that there is a way to not only understand and comprehend the things that are happening to our youth, but ways to become active to where they can address these issues, by working with schools, by working with parents, by working with Law Enforcement to make sure that these ravages of drug addiction are not only understood, but addressed. Mr. Speaker, david segal lost an 18yearold daughter who he loved very much, and it has caused him and jackie to spend millions of dollars to give this outreach of what a voice that victoria held and how important that is to them, because they care about other people also. Families all across this country are struggling to find exactly how do they address this, how do they take on a big problem. I would say today they have provided they have provide add real clear way for the american people, for families, for communities, for schools who are struggling with these addiction problems, who are struggling with not just the psychosis that happens, but ultimately the death of so many of our students. I think david had the right idea when he said he didnt want this to happen to another family. Without their knowledge what they could dole to save not just their children but other children in the community. Mr. Speaker, today i stand up and salute jack and dave for not just sitting back in their own sorrow, but actually moving forward in the american spirit and working with people of good will who want to protect our children, who want to see the dangers as they exist in our country today, and make a meaningful difference. I applaud david siegel for not only his investment of millions of dollars, but also applaud him for standing up and saying that he believes that the only way we can win this battle is through a confidence that we give our children that we care about them. That a School System or School People go to will take this same rigorous responsibility also and we as a community and as a nation can solve this problem. Mr. Speaker, i stand today in support of david and Jackie Siegel not this their grief but resiliency that they have to move forward to help other people in our country. I yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from new york, mr. Lalota, for five minutes. Mr. Lalota hypocrisy, mr. Speaker. Hypocrisy. For years House Democrats said they were in favor of raising or eliminating the state and local Tax Deduction cap. Yet exactly three months ago today on the floor of the house of representatives every single House Democrat voted to block a bill that would eliminate the marriage penalty on the salt deduction cap. Its shimful shameful. Shameful, mr. Speaker, that House Democrats claim to support salt relief but vote otherwise. Their partyline no vote denied many long island families, including many of my constituents, about 2,000 in much needed tax relief. As a lifelong long islander, i understand how costly albany democrats have made life for new york suburbs. We have the highest property, sales, and income taxes in the entire nation. And yet when we needed washington democrats to help relieve us of some of that burden, by raising the salt cap, they ran for the hills, mr. Speaker. I am disappointed in my colleagues from the other side of the aisle. But, mr. Speaker, i am not deterred. I will continue to call on all of my colleagues to erase or eliminate the cap on the salt deduction. My constituents deserve nothing less. I yield back, mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the the gentlewoman from new york, ms. Tenney, for five minutes. Ms. Tenney thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor and celebrate the lives of richard John Mcdermott ii and anna Marie Christine mcdermott, valued and beloved members of the who is swayingo county community tragically killed last year in a car accident on june 10, 2023. Nearly one year later our Community Still feels the gaping hole create the bid created by the sudden loss of these people. They left and enduring legacy and impact on their three children, grandchildren, family, friends, and community, and also on me. I was fortunate enough to know rick and actually become friends with him over the past 20 years. He was a bright and engaging and passionate advocate. Particularly for the second amendment. And also as an avid sportsman an conservationist. Rick believed in preserving the Natural Resources we are blessed to have in new york state, and especially in the beautiful region of upstate new york where he resided for most of his life. Rick worked for over 20 years as an electrical engineer and retired in april of 2023. Just a few months before his life was tragically taken from him. As an avid outdoorsman, rick devoted countless hours to local gun clubs and conservation groups. He was a tireless advocate and trusted resource for hunting rights and second amount rights across new york state. In 2012, rick founded the new york cross bow coalition which was critically important to the efforts to legalize the cross bow as a hunting equipment in new york. I remember meeting with rick to organize several rallies in albany when i was a member of the state legislature. Against new yorks unconstitutional gun law known as the safe act. Passed in the dark of night in 2013. Earlier today i had the honor of meeting tom, ricks son, at the white house. They were touring the white house. A wonderful opportunity we have as american citizens. Tom informed me earlier he wassually an attendee at one of these massive rallies at the capitol in albany. Rick was always leading the way and always in oswego. Always trying to educate everyone in our community so they understood the true value of our bill of rights and everything we stood for as americans and new yorkers, particularly. Understanding the value of Outdoor Recreational programs, rick led many youth and wounded veterans throughout the years. I never had the pleasure of meeting his wife, she exhibited a similar passion and dedication to our community. The heartwarming tributes to anna marine rick are incredible and touching by their own hometown and revealed the depth of the devotion of these two wonderful people to our community and their families. Anna marie was a devoted teachers assistant for nearly 20 years in williamstown, as we call it a. P. W. School district. She was dedicated to supporting young aspiring leaders in our community. She was described by so many who loved and admired her as a person who would strife to go above and beyond for her students. Anna marie created the Breakfast Club and the rebel club, which were beloved morning and afternoon programs that encouraged students to embrace learning and to foster stronger relationships with other students. They were united in marriage on may 16, 1987. Rick and ann maa maries legacy not only defined by their professional achievements but by the love and devotion they poured into their role as parents of megan birch and her husband, who reside in new yorks 24th district. Valerie and her husband troy. Thomas and his girlfriend, of west monroe. And also the grandparents of the braley and mason. Rick and anna and their unwavering support and presence at every milestone event under underscored the commitment to their family and community, leaving an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to know them. Certainly it was an honor for me to know rick and the impression he left on me. My deepens condolences to the family and friends of these wonderful people taken too early in life. I hope this modest recognition and remembrance of rick and anna marie on the house floor will provide some comfort to the family and friends and everyone who knew rick and anna marie. I also hope that all americans will know that as they witness on this floor there were wonderful People Living wonderful lives of courage and passion and patriotism in our own communities. Not seeking recognition but always seeking to do good for their communities, families, and for everyone who knew them. And left a beautiful and indelible impression on so many people they met. I just want to say thank you to the families and everyone who have suffered through this very difficult year and have provided so much support. Including the communities. To all that has happened and all that has happened to the young children, grandchildren, and also to the kids. To valley, thomas, and megan. And all that they have done to try to stand strong in the face of this tragedy. With that i just want to say thank you again to everyone who supports anna marie and supported rick and their family. With that, mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from georgia, mr. Carter, for five minutes. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i rise today to celebrate the achievements of jalen simpson, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Jalen was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 nfl draft after five years playing at the university of auburn. Before attending auburn, he graduated high school from Frederica Academy in the First District of georgia. In his senior year he racked up 441 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns, and one interception as the quarterback. He also made 48 tackles and four interceptions while playing corner in a season that led to a gisa state championship. At auburn, jaylin played in 47 games, totaling seven interceptions, 14 pass bucks, and four tackles for a loss during his career. The Indianapolis Colts have no doubt just received an outstanding football player. Congratulations congratulations, i know i speak for the whole First District when i say we are very, very proud of you. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to celebrate the career of kyle muncy, retiring from his position as Deputy Director of the federal Law Enforcement training center. His Law Enforcement career began in august of 20 2002, as a u. S. Secret Service Special agent. He helped conduct investigations related to issues such as counterfeit Currency Bank fraud, and other financial crimes. He also served in the special Operations DivisionCounter Assault team where he led countless protected missions for the president of the United States and other dignitaries domestically and abroad. During his time as Deputy Director, he oversaw training for 125 federal partner organizations. He directed operations across all four of fletcs training delivery points, leading the administrative Security Financial mission support, and Resource Management programs. Thank you to Deputy Director muncy for four years of for your years of dedicated service to this great country. I hope you enjoy your well earned retirement. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to celebrate the achievements of Savannah Christians jamary mciverry, who recently received the 71st annual daring award. The award given annually to the areas most vs. Versatile male athlete for more than seven decades was presented at Savannah Christian to him who consistently brings Home Hardware for his alma mater. He is the 10th Savannah Christian raider to win the award in 71 years and currently signed to play football at northern illinois. Hes truly and all star. Not only is he great at football, but a star on the basketball court, and one of the greatest track athletes they have seen in ages. Hes the reigning state champion for both 200 and 400 meters for track. His record speaks for it s hes a multisport star and the First District could not be more proud of him. Congratulations, i know well continue to see your success on the field for years to come. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize former United States house of representatives member from the great state of georgia, Lindsey Thomas for receiving the 2023 rock howard conservation Achievement Award. The rock howard conservation Achievement Award is given to those who are recognized as an environmental and Natural Resources leader embodying the passion and success of rock howard, georgias first director of the Environmental Protection division. Its only natural that representative thomas receive this award. He was a champion of the outdoors and conservation during his 10 years in congress. He cofounded the congressional sportsman caucus in 1989 to bring together members of the house and senate in a bipartisan effort to support americas hunting and fishing communities in federal policy decisions. This bipartisan caucus has helped influence policy benefiting hundreds of anglers, and it is inspired the creation of parallel caucuses in 50 states and 36 governors offices. I want to thank my good friend representative thomas for being a tireless supporter of sportsmen and environment. Congratulations on wigging this prestigious award. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from pennsylvania, ms. Scanlon, for five minutes. Ms. Scanlon thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about ghost guns. They have been called the identify kia of firearms ikea of firearms. You can order them on line and less than an hour have a firearm as deadly as any sold by a gun dealers. These untraceable firearms can be bought without a background check and they are wreaking havoc on our communities. Thats why they have become the weapon of choice for people who would otherwise be banned from purchasing a gun, including known violent offenders, gun traffickers, and increasingly, teenagers whose Digital Literacy enables them to purchase ghost gun kits freely online. Police discovered five or fewer handmade firearms per year during criminal investigations, but by 2022, 525 ghost guns turned up in investigations, and that number has only grown. Last summer the mass shooter who killed five people in the neighborhood had two ghost guns in his possession when he was arrested. Recently, Delaware County was rocked when a 15yearold killed another 15yearold using a ghost gun. These guns are reaching into every community, including the heartland, and not just our big cities. According to the bureau of alcohol, tobacco and firearms, the number of ghost guns seized by Law Enforcement has skyrocketed in the last decade, from less than 3,000 in 2017, to nearly 26,000 in 2022 alone. Thief become a lucrative business for gun traffickers. In the last couple of years, district attorneys in three suburban and Rural Counties near philadelphia have busted gun traffickers assembling and selling ghost guns for profit. In one instance, the trafficker had set up shop across the street from the county courthouse. This has to stop. We hear all the time from lawmakers who oppose gun safety laws that we should focus on violent crime. Well, thats exactly what h. R. 4992, the ghost guns and untraceable firearms act of 2023, would do. Theres no reason why anyone would want an untraceable gun that can be purchased without a background check, except to use it in a crime. Bad guys arent stupid, theyre just bad. But this bill has been waiting for consideration since it was referred to the House Judiciary Committee nearly a year ago. In the absence of federal action, cities like philadelphia, baltimore, and l. A. Have been forced to undertake creative legal strategies, like suing ghost gun manufacturers, to block them from selling these guns without background checks. But thats far from enough to stem the tide. The white house also stepped up to issue a regulation that would require ghost guns to be traceable and subject to background checks, but that regulation has been challenged in the supreme court, and get this, the argument is that the white house cannot regulate guns because its congress job to regulate guns. Well, its time for congress to stop arming people who should not have access to guns. Members of Congress Need to make a choice. Will they stand with americans who want to live free from gun violence, or will they stay in the pocket of ghost gun manufacturers . Americans, our children deserve to know why their representatives stand. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to speak about the legacy of Marion Anderson, the world knows the story of Marion Anderson, the legendary singer who, after being barred from performing at the diar Constitution Hall in washington, d. C. Because of her race, instead sang at an open air concert at the linkion memorial before a crowd of more than 75,000 people and a Radio Audience in the millions. But not so well known is that she was a proud daughter of philadelphia, born in 1897. She lived there most of her life, almost 100 years, and shes buried in the Eden Cemetery just outside of philadelphia in Delaware County. Marion andersons home in south philadelphia, which she purchased in 1924 and where she entertained famous black musicians, including louis armstrong, bessie smith, billie holliday, Duke Ellington and the like, is a museum celebrating her legacy as an outstanding artist, a champion of modern civil rights, and a true philadelphian. Between 1925 and 1965, Marion Anderson performed opera, spirituals in American Classics in major venue as cross the United States and europe. She sang at the white house in 1939, and in 1955 became the first black soloist to perform at the metropolitan opera. She served as a delegate for the u. N. Human Rights Committee and a goodwill ambassador for the United States department of state. But the acclaimed talent was never fulled recognized in her native country because of the color of her skin. Until now. On june 8, 2024, 85 years after she sang on the steps of the lincoln memorial, the philadelphia orchestra is renaming its principal performing venue in the heart of philadelphia as Marion Anderson hall. This will be the first major concert venue in the world to honor Marion Anderson, and its fitting that this honor will be bestowed in her hometown by the renowned philadelphia orchestra, which has its own history of cultural diplomacy as a proud global ambassador for our nation. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields. The chair recognizes the gentleman from new york, mr. Lawler, for five minutes. Mr. Lawler mr. Speaker, today i rise to honor an exemplary leader, dr. Francis pratt, for her Remarkable Service to Rockland County and new york state, as we celebrate her 90th, i mean 29th birthday. Known for her distinctive hats, advocacy in our community, and a deep faith, dr. Pratts life has been marked by a passionate commitment to civil rights and an unwavering ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds. Growing up in South Carolina in the segregated south, she traveled northward with her husband, eventually settling in nyack in 1957, after receiving her nursing degree from Rockland Community college in 1959, she served as a nurse and in the medical field in rockland for over 45 years. Beyond her Heroic Service in medicine, dr. Pratt also served as president of the nyack branch of the naacp for over 40 years. Growing the organization into a major force for good within Rockland County and beyond. Throughout her career, dr. Pratt has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength, advocating tirelessly for justice, and working to make her Community Better each and every day. Dr. Pratt, thank you for your many years of service, your inspirational leadership, and the indelible mark you have left on nyack, Rockland County, new york state, and our nation. Your impact will resonate for generations to come. On a personal level, i adore you. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today i rise during National Police week to honor the life of Alfred Robert mossialo jr. , known as ali, who tragically passed away on may 2, 2024. Born in the bronx, allie grew up and was a standout defensive lineman in high school. He carried his passion for football to hobart college, where he earned degrees in engineering and economics and finance. In 2023, allie began a career with the village of pelham manor Police Department and later joined the west chester Police Department in 2021. His work ethic, integrity, and commitment to the Community Set him apart as a model police officer. Beyond his professional life, allie was a loving husband to angela and devoted father to jackson and isabella. He found joy in the simplest pleasures, riding a. T. V. s, throwing pool parties, and spending quality time with his family. Allie was also a man who stood ready to help anyone in need, a testament to his generous spirit and kind heart. To his wife, angela, his children, his colleagues in Law Enforcement, and all his loved ones, our deepest sympathies go out to you. May allie rest in peace knowing that his life was well lived and his memory will forever be cherished. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. Pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess until 2 00 p. M. Today. I want to make this clear, what the other guy is saying