House clerk reads impeachment charges against Hegseth

[0:00] and 50 U.S.C. 1543B, Public Law 93-148, Section 4B, 87, Stat. 555, concerning hostilities [0:13] that had commenced in Iran on February 28, 2026. [0:18] In the 60-day period following said transmission, Congress did not enact, and still has not [0:24] enacted, any declaration or specific statutory authorization for use of United States Armed [0:30] Forces and hostilities against Iran, or extended the applicable 60-day period by law despite [0:37] remaining physically capable of meeting and carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. [0:43] Moreover, President Donald J. Trump did not submit the written certification required [0:49] to invoke the additional 30-day withdrawal period by May 1, 2026, even assuming the President [0:57] had validly invoked the separate and limited 30-day extension. [1:03] It would likewise have expired on June 1, 2026. [1:08] Without lawful cause or excuse, and despite the Executive's initial observance [1:13] of the reporting requirements under Section 4A of the War Powers Resolution, Section 1543A3 [1:20] of Title 50, United States Code, through the President's transmission to Congress [1:25] of a letter acknowledging the commencement of the statutory timeline, Secretary Hegseth continued [1:31] to direct, authorize, and sustain the use of the United States Armed Forces and hostilities [1:37] in the Islamic Republic of Iran after the expiration of every potentially applicable statutory period. [1:48] Secretary Hegseth continued such hostilities after the 60-day period expired on May 1, 2026, [1:56] and after June 1, 2026, the date on which even the maximum possible additional 30-day withdrawal [2:03] period would have expired, despite the absence of a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, [2:10] or extension enacted by Congress. [2:14] Secretary Hegseth further contravened the limited purpose of any such additional 30-day withdrawal [2:20] period by directing United States Armed Forces to continue engaging in hostilities against the [2:26] Islamic Republic of Iran in a manner calculated not to terminate the unauthorized use of such forces [2:33] and bring about their proper removal, but rather to continue prosecuting the war to pursue additional [2:40] military objectives not authorized by Congress, and has therefore directed the Department of Defense [2:46] in violation of Section 1544B of Title 50 United States Code. [2:53] Secretary Hegseth abused the powers of his high office through the following means, one, directing, [2:59] authorizing, and sustaining hostile United States military actions in Iran after the expiration [3:05] of the 60-day period established under Section 5B of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, despite the absence of a [3:13] declaration of war, specific statutory authorization, or an extension enacted by Congress. [3:21] Two, continuing to direct and sustain hostilities in Iran in the pursuit of additional military [3:29] objectives during and after the expiration of any potentially applicable additional 30-day period. [3:37] Notwithstanding such 30-day period could be used only when required by unavoidable military [3:45] necessity respecting the safety of the United States Armed Forces and the course of bringing [3:53] about their proper removal as certified as necessary by the President of the United States, [3:59] a certification never transmitted to Congress by President Donald J. Trump pursuant to Section [4:05] 1544B of Title 50 United States Code. [4:09] Three, failing and refusing to take all necessary steps within his authority as Secretary of Defense [4:16] to terminate the unauthorized use of United States Armed Forces and promptly withdraw such forces [4:23] from hostilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. [4:28] Four, directing the Department of Defense to treat the mandatory termination requirement as discretionary, [4:35] thereby substituting the judgment of the executive branch for the constitutional and statutory judgment of Congress, [4:42] and nullifying the express command that the unauthorized use of United States Armed Forces shall be terminated. [4:51] Through these actions, Secretary Hegseth knowingly executed and sustained unlawful orders that, in practice, [5:00] displace the constitutional and statutory judgment of Congress by permitting the executive branch to determine [5:07] when war may be commenced, how long it may be sustained, whether statutory deadlines governing unauthorized hostilities must be obeyed, [5:16] and whether a war may continue after the expiration of every period permitted by law. [5:23] In all of this, Secretary Hegseth has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as Secretary of Defense [5:30] and subversive of constitutional government to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, [5:38] and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States. [5:42] Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution [5:50] if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law. [5:57] Peter Brian Hegseth thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. [6:10] Article IV, ignoring laws that minimize civilian casualties. [6:17] The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment, [6:22] and that civil officers of the United States, including the Secretary of Defense, [6:28] shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors [6:36] in his conduct as Secretary of Defense and in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of Secretary of Defense, [6:46] and to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, [6:51] and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, especially during the commission of war. [7:01] Secretary Brian Hegseth has abused the powers of the Department of Defense in that, using the powers of his office, [7:11] Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth directed the Department of Defense in a manner that resulted in the death or injury [7:19] of more than 200 civilians at the Shijara Tahara Elementary School in Minab, Hormansgan Province, Iran. [7:29] He did so through a scheme of course of conduct that affected the systemic deterioration and removal [7:37] of the Department of Defense infrastructure that Congress has mandated by law to limit collateral damage to civilians [7:43] and non-military objects during military operations. [7:48] While doing so, Secretary Hegseth also cultivated a war-making culture at the Department of Defense, [7:55] which he boasts as being dismissive of stupid rules of engagement with preference for maximum lethality, not tepid legality. [8:05] Such combination chilled and rendered ineffective components of the Department of Defense responsible [8:11] for preventing, mitigating, and responding to civilian harm by directing the Department of Defense [8:18] in a manner that foreseeably dismantled the safeguards necessary to distinguish civilian objects from military objectives. [8:26] Secretary Hegseth thereby effected the murder of civilians and abused the trust of the men and women under his command [8:34] by requiring them to conduct military operations within a targeting and legal review system that he had deliberately degraded. [8:45] This undermined the integrity and diplomacy of the United States and its armed forces. [8:50] He thus ignored and injured the interests of the nation. [8:54] Secretary Hegseth engaged in this scheme of course of conduct through the following means. [9:00] Secretary Hegseth willfully disregarded and acted to defeat the requirements of Section 184 of Title X United States Code [9:12] by systematically dismantling civilian protection infrastructure in that [9:17] Secretary Hegseth submitted a legislative proposal to Congress on May 29, 2025 requesting a repeal of Section 184 of Title X United States Code, [9:30] the statutory requirement for civilian protection systems at the Department of Defense, [9:36] even as Congress had fully funded such systems for FY 2025 and FY 2026. [9:45] And after Congress did not enact the requested repeal, Army officials nevertheless confirmed that such civilian harm mitigation activities have been halted. [9:56] Secretary Hegseth intentionally stalled and reversed implementation of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, [10:05] CHMR-AP, and rendered ineffective the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, CPCOE, [10:14] despite it being congressionally mandated by Section 1082 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act, [10:22] Public Law 117-263, and Section 936 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act, Public Law 115-232. [10:33] C. Secretary Hegseth eliminated funding for the Army's Casualty Tracking Database, [10:40] the institutional system for recording and verifying civilian harm reports, [10:45] so that should civilians be harmed as a result of United States military action, [10:51] there would be no functioning system within the Department of Defense to review, verify, and report on such harm. [10:58] D. Secretary Hegseth willfully refused to ensure that DOD components receive adequate resources to satisfy CHMR requirements, [11:10] including by removing more than 90% of civilian harm mitigation and response staff assigned to combatant commands. [11:19] E. Secretary Hegseth failed by the end of fiscal year 2025 to satisfy any of the 11 objectives or complete 133 actions [11:31] mandated by Congress for the prevention and mitigation of civilian harm during armed conflict, [11:37] thereby rendering every such component of the Department of Defense's civilian harm prevention apparatus partially or totally ineffective [11:46] by the time United States military combat operations against Iran began in early 2026. [11:53] E. Secretary Hegseth removed, without reason or cause, the senior-most Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, [12:03] thereby undermining independent legal oversight of the combat operations and legal advice to commanders on the law of armed conflict. [12:12] E. Secretary Hegseth promulgated the 2026 National Defense Strategy with all references to civilian protection omitted, [12:23] marking a deliberate and unprecedented departure from the prior defense policy that had recognized, [12:31] in accordance with law, civilian harm mitigation as a strategic priority. [12:36] E. Secretary Hegseth, from the outset of his tenure, instigated a departmental culture hostile to the law of armed conflict [12:46] and the protection of civilians through his public and repeated degeneration of rules of engagement as stupid, politically correct, [12:55] and overbearing in that aim. [12:57] E. On September 30, 2025, while addressing the largest assembly gathering of United States generals and admirals in American history, [13:06] Secretary Hegseth boasted that we, the United States military, don't fight with stupid rules of engagement. [13:13] E. Upon unlawfully renaming the Department of Defense the Department of War on September 5, 2025, [13:23] he poetically proclaimed maximum lethality, not tepid legality, violent effect, not politically correct. [13:33] E. During his confirmation hearing on January 14, 2025, he told the Senate Armed Services Committee [13:40] he had thought very deeply about the balance between legality and lethality, [13:46] ensuring that the men and women on the front lines have the opportunity to destroy with and close the enemy, [13:54] and that lawyers aren't the ones getting in the way. [13:57] E. Five, Secretary Hegseth undermined effective journalistic oversight by expelling the traditional Pentagon press corps [14:04] and imposing credentialing rules that restricted journalists from soliciting or publishing unapproved materials, [14:12] thereby weakening independent reporting on civilian harm and on matters affecting the welfare and safety [14:18] of the United States service members by journalists most familiar with the Department of Defense. [14:24] These actions were not isolated administrative or rhetorical choices. [14:29] Taken together, they degraded the personnel, institutional systems, independent legal review, [14:36] and civilian protection safeguards upon which the Department of Defense relies to verify the current status [14:43] of proposed targets, distinguish civilian objects from military objectives, reassess targets as circumstances change [14:52] and prevent or mitigate civilian harm. [14:55] The foreseeable consequences of Secretary Hegseth's scheme manifested in the United States strike on the Shijara-Tahara Bay Elementary School, [15:07] which killed and injured more than 200 civilians and exposed systemic failures in the Department of Defense targeting process. [15:16] The events of that strike and the reported events leading to it are as follows. [15:21] One, on the morning of February 28, 2026, at approximately 9.45 a.m. local time, the United States, [15:34] in partnership with Israel, launched Operation Epic Fury, commencing the 2026 Iran War. [15:41] Within the first hour of the U.S.-Israel offensive into southern Iran, three BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles [15:51] fired from United States Navy warships impacted the elementary school between 10.23 and 10.45 a.m. local time, too. [16:01] Because the war was commenced mid-morning on a Saturday, the first day of the Iranian working week, [16:09] students were in attendance at the school. [16:12] Despite an attempted evacuation of the school, at the time of the first cruise missile's impact, [16:18] between 170 and 264 students were present in the facility, most of whom were girls between the ages of 7 and 12 years. [16:29] Three, whereas it is unclear how many casualties were inflicted by the first impact, [16:35] which caused a partial destruction of the structure and the collapse of its roof, [16:40] it is reported that the students were then sheltered in a prayer room deeper in the facility, [16:45] waiting for rescuers, when a second and third missile in rapid succession impacted the building. [16:51] Four, reported death tolls from the strikes on the elementary school indicate that at least 156 civilians were killed, [17:01] with some reports suggesting the civilian death toll surpassed 170. [17:07] Those killed included at least 120 schoolchildren, 26 teachers, [17:12] seven parents attempting to evacuate their children, and a school bus driver, [17:17] a pharmacy technician from a nearby clinic, and the six-month-old unborn child of one of the teachers also killed in the attack. [17:26] An estimated 95 other individuals were wounded. [17:33] Under United States military doctrine and the law of armed conflict, which Secretary Hexteth is obligated to uphold, [17:40] the lawfulness of an attack does not depend solely upon whether civilians were deliberately selected for the purpose of harming them. [17:48] The obligations of distinction, target verification, and feasible precaution require military decision makers to determine in good faith [17:57] that an object is a lawful military objective on the basis of information reasonably available at the time. [18:06] A failure to undertake the verification and review required by those obligations may render an attack unlawful, [18:13] a failure directly caused by the Secretary Hexteth's dismantling of key infrastructure designed to prevent such errors. [18:22] With respect to the strike on the elementary school, those institutional failures manifested in systemic noncompliance [18:29] with Department of Defense targeting doctrine and legal guidance. [18:34] The strike on the military school was not an isolated targeting failure divorced from the conduct of the Secretary of Defense, [18:43] nor can Secretary Hexteth's conduct be dismissed as a single targeting error or isolated failure in the fog of war. [18:52] The elementary school was struck after Secretary Hexteth sought to repeal congressionally mandated civilian protection requirements, [19:02] dismantled the department's civilian harm mitigation infrastructure, removed the senior-most judge advocates general responsible for independent legal oversight, [19:12] stripped civilian protection from the national defense strategy, [19:16] and publicly degenerated legal restraints on military force as obstacles to maximum lethality. [19:25] He thereby weakened nearly every institutional safeguard designed to minimize civilian casualties inflicted by the United States military, [19:33] and then presided over a targeting process in which a functioning elementary school was struck three times, [19:40] killing and wounding more than 200 civilians, mostly children. [19:44] Such conduct reflects not merely a failure of judgment, but an extraordinary abuse of powers entrusted to the Secretary of Defense, [19:53] and a profound disregard for the civilians his department was obligated to protect and the service members he was entrusted to lead. [20:02] In all of this, Secretary Hexteth willfully and systemically refused to comply with laws and directives [20:09] mandated for the protection of civilians during the commission of armed conflict, [20:15] chilled and rendered ineffective such components to prevent and mitigate harm to civilians, [20:21] and therefore forcibly affected the death and injury of over 200 civilians to the manifest injury of the United States. [20:30] Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hexteth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to civilians, [20:37] the lawful conduct of United States military operations, [20:41] the integrity and credibility of the United States Armed Forces, [20:45] and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, [20:49] and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law. [20:53] Peter Brian Hexteth thus warns impeachment and trial, removal from office, [20:59] and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. [21:06] Article 5, extrajudicial killings. [21:11] The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment, [21:17] and that civil officers of the United States, including the Secretary of Defense, [21:21] shall be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, [21:28] and other high crimes and misdemeanors. [21:30] In his conduct as Secretary of Defense Peter Brian Hexteth, in violation of his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, [21:39] and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, [21:46] especially with regard to the Commission of War, [21:49] has abused the powers of the Department of Defense in that, [21:52] using the powers of his office, Secretary of Defense Peter Hexteth directed the Department of Defense [21:59] in a matter that resulted in the extrajudicial killings of at least 243 persons aboard seagoing vessels [22:07] alleged to be smuggling narcotics in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, [22:13] principally in international waters. [22:16] He did so through a scheme or course of conduct that shielded independent legal review within the Department of Defense, [22:23] constructed a purported legal basis for the use of military force without constitutional [22:28] or statutory authorization and displaced longstanding president and codified maritime law enforcement practices [22:36] that are jurisdictionally assigned to the Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies, [22:42] by substituting in such place the use of summary lethal force by Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps elements. [22:52] While doing so, Secretary Hexteth also oversaw orders denying quarter [22:58] and failing to provide rescue, including secondary strikes against shipwrecked survivors, [23:04] who were ordered Kumba and abandonment of shipwrecked survivors at sea, [23:10] thereby by engaging members of our armed forces in future military engagements, [23:16] by encouraging adversaries to subject American service members to the same treatment, [23:22] by subjecting persons merely suspected of criminal conduct to lethal military force without judicial process, [23:32] without congressional authorization, [23:37] and without establishing a lawful basis for treating such persons or vessels as military targets. [23:43] Secretary Hexteth arrogated to himself and the executive branch the roles of judge, jury, and executioner, [23:51] and asserted the unilateral power to determine who may live and who may die. [23:57] Such a power is foreign to the rule of law, repugnant to the legal traditions [24:01] and fundamental values of the United States and the Western world, [24:05] and contrary to United States law and customary international law. [24:09] This conduct undermined the integrity and credibility of the United States and its armed forces, [24:15] damaged the diplomatic standing of the United States, and injured the interests of the nation. [24:21] Secretary Hexteth engaged in this scheme of course or course of conduct through the following means. [24:28] One, Secretary Hexteth authorized strikes beginning on September 2, 2025, [24:34] without authorization from Congress pursuant to Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the United States Constitution, [24:41] and in the absence of a declaration of war, specific statutory authorization for the use of military force, [24:48] or a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, [24:55] or its armed forces as provided in Chapter 33 of Title 50 United States Code. [25:01] Two, Secretary Hexteth ordered and oversaw the strike campaign against seagoing vessels [25:07] alleged to be smuggling narcotics in international waters, comprising of at least 69 separate attack events, [25:14] 46 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, 21 in the Caribbean Sea, and two in unspecified locations, [25:25] which at least struck 73 vessels and killed at least 243 individuals. [25:31] In doing so, A, Secretary Hexteth displaced the statutory framework established by Sections 70503 [25:41] and 70504 of Title 46 United States Code, under which Congress expressly treated maritime narcotic offenses, [25:50] including conduct occurring on the high seas, as federal crimes subject to apprehension, prosecution, [25:57] and trial in an appropriate United States District Court, and instead treated such offenses as predicates for lethal military targeting. [26:07] B, Secretary Hexteth disregarded the statutory restrictions in Section 274 and 275 of Title X United States Code, [26:18] governing direct participation by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps in civilian law enforcement activities, [26:26] including federal narcotics enforcement by employing lethal military force against persons suspected of drug trafficking, [26:34] absent any congressionally enacted authorization for the use of military force or other statutory authorization for such direct military action. [26:45] C, Secretary Hexteth disregarded the maritime law enforcement framework established by Sections 102 and 522 of Title 14 United States Code, [26:56] as well as Section 279 of Title 10 United States Code, under which only the Coast Guard is authorized to conduct interdiction, search, seizure, and arrest. [27:09] And he did so by directing members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps to employ lethal military force in place of the law enforcement processes. [27:19] Three, Secretary Hexteth established targeting guidelines for such strikes on August 5, 2025, by issuing an executive order, EXORD, [27:31] directing the use of the United States military force against persons alleged to be members or affiliates of certain designated terrorist organization, DTOs, as follows. [27:42] A, Secretary Hexteth established guidelines that I, used designated terrorist organizations as a targeting category, notwithstanding the term is not a congressionally created designation conferring authority to use military force. [27:59] Double I, did not require positive identification of any targeted person, but instead required only reasonable certainty that such person was a member or affiliated of a DTO, [28:13] a threshold lower than the near certainty standard established for drone strikes on suspected Al-Qaeda militants during the congressionally authorized global war on terror. [28:24] And Triple I, did not require the presence of weapons or narcotics on targeted vessels alleged to be smuggling narcotics in association with a DTO. [29:06] Secretary Hexteth, in the course of such strikes, oversaw orders resulting in the denial of quarter two and the failure to provide timely rescue for shipwrecked survivors of initial strikes, including A. [29:18] On September 2nd, 2025, during the first strike of the campaign, the United States Navy attacked a seagoing vessel carrying 11 persons between the coast of Venezuela and the nearby Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. [29:31] The strike destroyed and capsized the vessel. [29:34] Approximately 45 minutes later, while two survivors clung to the wreckage, a secondary strike was ordered killing both survivors. [29:41] In doing so, Secretary Hexteth has endangered members of our armed forces in future military engagements by encouraging adversaries to subject American service members to the same treatment and be. [29:53] On December 30th, 2025, United States Southern Command attacked three vessels approximately 400 nautical miles southwest of Ocoast, Guatemala, in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three persons and leaving eight others shipwrecked. [30:08] Although the campaign had been underway for approximately four months, no recovery assets had been prepositioned to rescue survivors. [30:15] Rescue assets did not arrive until approximately 45 hours after the strikes, by which time all eight shipwrecked survivors had died at sea. [30:25] In doing so, Secretary Hexteth has endangered members of our armed forces in future military engagements by encouraging adversaries to subject American service members to the same treatment. [30:37] Five, Secretary Hexteth took actions to preempt, constrain, and overcome independent legal objections within the Department of Defense concerning the lawfulness of such strikes, including A. [30:50] Secretary Hexteth, Secretary Hexteth removed the senior most judge advocates general of the Army, Navy, and Air Force without stating a reason or cause, thereby foreseeably chilling the exercise of independent legal judgment by judge advocates tasked with advising military commanders on the lawfulness of combat operations, and subsequently stating at a Pentagon press conference on February 25th, 2025, that he did not want military lawyers to serve as roadblocks to orders that are given by a commander-in-chief. [31:19] A. Secretary Hexteth employed an interagency group of lawyers comprising four career officials and four political appointees from the Department of Defense, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Central Intelligence Agency, the White House, and the Office of Legal Counsel to develop a classified memorandum purporting to establish a legal basis for such strikes, and to address anticipated objections to their execution falsely asserting the following. [31:47] A. [31:48] I. [31:49] The United States is engaged in a non-international armed conflict, NIAC, with 24 Latin American designated terrorist organizations, DTOs, thereby attempting to displace the governing law enforcement framework as established in paragraph 2, and substitute an armed conflict framework for the conduct of military operations against such organizations, despite the absence of congressional authorization for such military action, [32:15] notwithstanding one, pursuant to Little v. Barum, 1804, and utility air regulatory group v. EPA, 2014, an executive branch legal memorandum cannot enlarge authority, conferred by Congress, or legalized conduct otherwise unauthorized by statute, [32:45] because they do not place United States personnel in danger, presumptively on the basis that such vessels are incapable of self-defense, [32:53] a predicate that would likewise mean that any military action conducted by drone, or any airstrike against a target lacking air defense capabilities, cannot also constitute hostilities in triple I. [33:05] The DTOs are engaged in armed violence against the security forces of allied nations, including Mexico, and such violence is financed through cocaine trafficking, such that the strikes may be characterized as attacks against cocaine shipments, [33:19] and that the deaths of persons aboard targeted vessels as collateral damage, a rationale inconsistent with the EXORD targeting guidelines described in paragraph 3, which did not require narcotics to be present aboard a targeted vessel, [33:33] and instead authorized targeting based on alleged DTO membership or affiliation. [33:37] Secretary Hexeth abused the authority and trust vested in him as Secretary of Defense not only by directing the unlawful use of lethal military force resulting in the summary execution of at least 243 persons in international waters, [33:54] but also by using his office to compel members of the armed forces to carry out such operations under false legal authorities that he caused to be constructed and imposed upon the chain of command. [34:05] In denying quarter and refusing rescue, Secretary Hexeth endangered members of the United States Armed Forces in the future military engagements by encouraging adversaries to subject American service members to such treatment. [34:17] Secretary Hexeth further endangered United States law enforcement personnel by substituting lethal military targeting for the established maritime law enforcement practices of interdiction, search, seizure, arrest, and prosecution. [34:32] By demonstrating that vessels merely suspected of narcotics trafficking may be destroyed and their occupants killed rather than interdicted and arrested, Secretary Hexeth foreseeably increased the likelihood that persons aboard such vessels will perceive future encounters with the United States authorities as threats to their lives and respond with lethal force rather than surrender. [34:54] In this manner, his conduct not only endangered the persons unlawfully targeted by the strike campaign, but also made lawful enforcement of United States narcotics laws at sea more dangerous for the Coast Guard and other federal personnel charged with carrying them out. [35:09] In all this, Secretary Hexeth has acted in a matter contrary to his trust as Secretary of Defense and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice, and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States of America. [35:26] Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hexeth by such conduct has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to civilians and the laws of war, the integrity of United States diplomacy and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law. [35:44] The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment, and that civil officers of the United States, including the Secretary of Defense, shall be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, or other [36:15] crimes of high crimes and misdemeanors. [36:18] In his conduct while Secretary of Defense, Peter Brian Hexeth, in violation of his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and to faithfully discharge the duties of his office, abused the powers entrusted to him by retaliating against a member of Congress for constitutionally protected speech, and attempting to subject a member of a [36:40] Coordinate branch of government to executive branch punishment for the exercise of his legislative and oversight responsibilities in that. [36:47] On November 18, 2025, Senator Mark Kelly, a retired United States Navy Captain and National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA astronaut, who flew 39 combat missions during the first Gulf War, and who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee, appeared in his official capacity as a Senator in a [37:10] video addressed to members of the United States Armed Forces stating, [37:13] stating, our laws are clear, you can refuse illegal orders. [37:18] Despite such a statement being consistent with decisions in United States v. Kenan, 1969, and United States v. Kelly, 1973, Secretary Hexeth weaponized the Department of Defense to retaliate against and intimidate Senator Mark Kelly for such a statement. [37:36] Secretary Hexeth did so despite the fact that Senator Kelly is a sitting United States senator who cannot fulfill his role in representative government if he fears executive branch reprisals for expressing his views. [37:51] As the Supreme Court held in Bond v. Floyd, 1966, representative government requires that legislators be given the widest latitude to express their views on issues of policy. [38:03] Members of Congress, moreover, enjoy speech or debate immunity. [38:08] Under Article 1, Section 6, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution, and Senator Kelly, as a retired service member, is entitled to the full breadth of First Amendment protection. [38:21] Using the powers of Congress, Secretary Hexeth retaliated against and sought to intimidate United States Senator Mark Kelly for his statement through a scheme or course of conduct intended to interfere with Congress's constitutional authority to oversee the executive branch, [38:39] expressly grossly grossly expand Article 2 powers to expense of both the legislative and judicial branches of government, [38:46] and to establish a precedent that would chill the protected speech of millions of retired United States service members and inflict irreparable harm upon the First Amendment freedoms. [38:55] Secretary Hexeth engaged in this scheme or course of conduct through the following means. [39:00] One, on November 24, 2025, the Department of Defense, through a social media post on X, threatened that Senator Mark Kelly could be recalled to active duty for court martial proceedings or administrative measures for his statement. [39:15] Two, on November 25, 2025, Secretary Hexeth directed the Secretary of the Navy to review Senator Kelly. [39:22] Three, on January 5, 2026, Secretary Hexeth issued a secretarial letter of censure against Senator Kelly for A, saying you can refuse illegal orders. [39:33] B, saying he would always defend the Constitution. [39:37] C, questioning the legality of military operations as a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. [39:45] D, criticizing military leadership, Hexeth, for surrounding himself with yes men. [39:53] And E, allegedly accusing Secretary Hexeth of war crimes. [39:57] Four, in the letter of censure, Secretary Hexeth also threatened Senator Kelly with criminal prosecution or further administrative action, [40:07] including the reduction of Senator Kelly's retired military grade, should the Senator continue to question the legality of military operations or criticize Secretary Hexeth. [40:17] Five, in response to a January 12, 2026 complaint filed by Senator Mark Kelly against Secretary Hexeth for retaliating against and intimidating the Senator for his First Amendment-protected speech, [40:30] Secretary Hexeth filed a memorandum of opposition to Senator Kelly's motion for a preliminary injunction, egregiously asserting A, [40:38] Senator Kelly, as a retired naval officer, has diminished First Amendment protections. [40:43] B, Department of Defense actions against Senator Kelly's constitutional rights, due to his statements relating to military affairs and his being a retired naval officer, constitute non-justiceable military personnel decisions. [40:58] C, Secretary Hexeth's opinions supersede the court's jurisdiction to determine whether the government could censure, threaten, and financially punish Senator Kelly because of his speech. [41:09] And D, Senator Kelly is required to exhaust military administrative remedies before seeking relief in an Article III court, [41:17] thereby seeking to place the adjudication of Senator Kelly's constitutional rights within military processes controlled by the executive branch. [41:25] Thus, in addition to abusing the powers of the Office of Secretary of Defense for politically motivated reprisal against Senator Kelly, [41:36] for the Senator's criticism of conduct implicating potential war crimes, [41:40] Secretary Hexeth grossly violated or sought to violate the separation of powers by attempting to subordinate both the legislative and judicial branches [41:49] and matters concerning constitutional rights to the authority of the Department of Defense. [41:54] In the same effort, Secretary Hexeth sought, without precedent, to extend to retired servicemembers the diminished First Amendment protections applicable to active duty servicemembers under Parker V. Levy, 1974, [42:08] including retired servicemembers, including retired servicemembers serving in Congress and exercising constitutional oversight over the military. [42:15] He further asserted in substance that the military, rather than Article III courts, possesses supremacy to determine the constitutional rights of civilians [42:24] and to adjudicate whether its own actions conform to the Constitution and laws of the United States. [42:29] At minimum, with respect to the speech of retired servicemembers, despite such position being in flagrant conflict with Marbury v. Madison, 1803, [42:39] which shows that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is, not the military. [42:46] The result of such effort, had Secretary Hexeth been successful, would have subjected the speech and congressional oversight activities of nearly 20% of the current Congress, [42:56] and whatever proportion of future Congresses may consist of retired servicemembers, [43:01] as well as the speech of millions of other retired servicemembers to the will and discretion of the Department of Defense, [43:07] without any immediate avenue of recourse outside the Department to vindicate their constitutional rights. [43:13] Such a result would constitute one of the most extraordinary expansions of executive branch power in the history of the United States. [43:21] In all of this, Secretary Hexeth abused the powers of the Department of Defense by retaliating against and attempting to intimidate a sitting United States Senator [43:30] through the threats of punishment for speech protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, [43:36] in an effort to deter that Senator from fulfilling his constitutional role in overseeing the executive branch, [43:42] in doing so, Secretary Hexeth weaponized the Department of Defense to chill a core function of the legislative branch, [43:50] encroach upon the constitutional role of the judicial branch, [43:54] by seeking to insulate such retaliation for meaningful judicial review, [43:58] and through the precedent he sought to establish, [44:01] place the First Amendment rights of millions of United States veterans at risk of irreparable harm. [44:06] Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hexeth, by such conduct, [44:10] has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution and the separation of powers, [44:15] if allowed to remain in office and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties, [44:20] the rule of law, and the constitutional liberties entrusted to his protection. [44:24] Peter O'Brien Hexeth thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, [44:30] and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. [44:37] Article 7, Kidnapping of a Sovereign Foreign Leader. [44:40] The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment, [44:46] and that civil officers of the United States, including the Secretary of Defense, [44:50] shall be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of, [44:54] treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. [44:57] In his conduct of the Office of Secretary of Defense, [45:00] and in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the Office of Secretary of Defense, [45:06] and to the best of his ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, [45:11] and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, [45:16] especially during the Commission of War, [45:18] Peter O'Brien Hexeth has abused the powers of the Department of Defense in that, [45:23] using the powers of his office, Secretary of Defense Peter Hexeth directed the Department of Defense [45:29] to carry out an unprecedented military operation code name, Absolute Resolve, [45:34] to capture and kidnap President Nicolas Maduro, the leader of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, [45:40] and his wife Celia Flores from Venezuela, an act of war against a sovereign country, [45:46] executed under the guise of narcotics law enforcement, [45:49] though in actuality intended to assert U.S. control over Venezuela's oil reserves. [45:55] In doing so, he gambled the lives of Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps personnel [46:01] in order to facilitate the illegal taking of national oil. [46:04] To wit, immediately following such attack, Secretary Hexeth appeared alongside President Donald J. Trump, [46:11] during which the President announced in reference to Venezuela, [46:14] we're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition. [46:23] So we don't have to be involved with having somebody else get in. [46:27] And we have the same situation that we had. [46:31] We're going to run it, essentially. [46:33] And we're going to have our very large United States oil companies, [46:36] the biggest anywhere in the world, going in and start making money. [46:41] And we are ready to stage a second, [46:44] and much larger attack if we need to do so. [46:47] Thus, revealing the motives behind the foreseeable removal of President Maduro, [46:52] which extended far beyond the narcotics law enforcement rationale [46:56] on which the operation was falsely predicated. [46:59] On January 3rd, 2026, Secretary Hexeth directed United States Armed Forces into hostilities [47:06] in and around Caracas, Venezuela, employing more than 200 United States Special Operations personnel on the ground, [47:14] and more than 150 aircraft and drones including fighter aircraft, bombers, armed helicopters, and electronic war aircraft, [47:22] supported by a substantial naval force that included the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, [47:28] and the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which together penetrated Venezuelan territory, [47:33] suppressed and destroyed Venezuelan air defenses, [47:36] struck multiple targets in the Caracas area, [47:39] inserted an armed ground force into Caracas to seize Maduro, [47:43] successfully kidnapped Maduro, [47:45] killed at least 83 people, including several civilians, [47:48] and caused seven American casualties. [47:51] In doing so, [47:52] 1. Secretary Hexeth executed unlawful orders affecting the removal of the President of a sovereign nation, [48:01] placed boots on the ground, [48:03] conducted preparatory bombardments, [48:06] inflicted substantial casualties, [48:08] and subsequently caused regime change, each of which constitutes acts of war. [48:13] 2. Secretary Hexeth executed unlawful orders violating Article I, Section 8, Clause 11, [48:19] of the United States Constitution by [48:22] i. Ordering the United States Armed Forces to commit an act of war against Venezuela, [48:27] without a declaration of war by Congress against such nation, [48:30] and double i. Making rules concerning captors on land, [48:34] a power specifically vested in Congress, [48:36] where Congress had made no rules authorizing or otherwise applicable to such operations, [48:41] and 3. Secretary Hexeth executed unlawful orders [48:45] and contribution of Section 2C of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, [48:50] Section 1541C of Title 50, United States Code, [49:00] by entering United States Armed Forces into hostilities in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, [49:06] without a declaration of war and specific statutory authorization, [49:10] or a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, [49:14] its territories or possessions, or its armed forces. [49:17] Through these actions, Secretary Hexeth knowingly directed United States Armed Forces into hostilities [49:23] against a sovereign foreign nation without clear constitutional or specific statutory authority, [49:29] employing military force of a nature and magnitude rising to the level of constitutional war. [49:34] In doing so, Secretary Hexeth usurped Congress's constitutional authority over war [49:40] and transformed the Department of Defense into an instrument for objectives extending far beyond [49:45] the apprehension of Nicolas Maduro for purposes of narcotics law enforcement, [49:50] including regime change and the acquisition of foreign oil. [49:53] In all of this, Secretary Hexeth abused the powers of the Department of Defense, [49:58] violated laws and treaty obligations of the United States, [50:02] and subordinated the constitutional allocation of war powers to executive objectives [50:07] neither authorized nor approved by Congress. [50:10] Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hexeth, by such conduct, [50:14] has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to the Constitution [50:17] and the well-being of United States military personnel. [50:20] If allowed to remain in office and is acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties [50:25] and the rule of law, Peter Brian Hexeth thus warrants impeachment and trial, [50:29] removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, [50:34] trust or profit under the United States. [50:37] Article 8, Unlawful War in Yemen. [50:40] The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives [50:43] shall have the sole power of impeachment [50:46] and that civil officers of the United States, including the Secretary of Defense, [50:50] shall be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, [50:55] or other high crimes and misdemeanors. [50:57] In his conduct, while Secretary of Defense Peter Brian Hexeth, [51:01] in violation of his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, [51:06] and in violation to his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, [51:10] and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, [51:15] especially with regard to the Commission of War, [51:18] has abused the powers of the Department in that, using the powers of his office, [51:22] Secretary of Defense Peter Hexeth directed the Department of Defense [51:26] in a manner leading to the deaths of an estimated 224 civilians, [51:31] as well as approximately 500 to 600 Houthi fighters, [51:35] through the initiation and direction of Operation Rough Rider. [51:40] The operation comprised more than 1,100 strikes against targets in Yemen [51:46] over approximately 52 days. [51:48] In less than eight weeks, there were nearly as many civilian deaths in Yemen [51:52] as United States military actions has caused in that country than the preceding 23 years. [51:59] Secretary Hexeth initiated and directed these hostilities in the absence of any of the predicates [52:04] required in Section 2C of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 [52:09] for the President to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities. [52:14] Moreover, Secretary Hexeth acknowledged the absence of any imminent threat to United States, [52:19] further undermining any assertion of Article 2 authority to initiate such hostilities [52:24] without congressional authorization. [52:26] Secretary Hexeth initiated and directed Operation Rough Rider without congressional authority, [52:33] pursuant to Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the United States Constitution [52:38] or statutory authorization in that 1. [52:41] Secretary Hexeth executed unlawful orders in contravention of Section 2C of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, [52:49] Section 1541C of Title 50 United States Code, [52:54] by entering and sustaining United States Navy and Air Force personnel into hostilities in Yemen [52:59] between March 15 and May 6, 2025, [53:02] without a declaration of war, a specific statutory authorization, [53:06] or a national emergency created by an attack upon the United States as territories or possessions [53:11] or as armed forces. [53:13] 2. [53:14] Secretary Hexeth executed unlawful orders in contravention of Section 4A of the War Powers Resolution of 1973, [53:22] Section 1543A of Title 50 United States Code, [53:26] by continuing to direct United States Armed Forces into hostilities in Yemen after March 17, 2025, [53:32] despite the President of the United States having failed to notify Congress of such hostilities within 48 hours of their commencement, [53:40] as required by Section 4A and notwithstanding that the President did not transmit such a report to Congress until March 28, 2025, [53:49] thereby further undermining any possible Article 2 authority for the continued hostilities, [53:54] especially during such 13-day period. [53:56] 3. [53:57] Outside of the requirements to engage in hostilities pursuant to the War Powers Resolution of 1973, [54:03] Secretary Hexeth directed Operation Rough Rider in the absence of any imminent threat requiring military action, [54:09] without prior Congressional authorization as evidenced by a leaked signal check involving Secretary Hexeth concerning the potential execution of Operation Rough Rider in which [54:19] A. Several senior United States government officials, including Secretary Hexeth, [54:24] each possessing unfettered access to military and intelligence information, [54:28] advised there was no immediate need to enter United States Armed Forces into hostilities in Yemen, [54:34] thereby asserting there was no imminent threat to the United States, its possessions or territories, [54:39] or its armed forces as indicated through the following communications. [54:43] Aye. [54:44] Vice President J.D. Vance stating, [54:46] There is a strong argument for delaying Operation Rough Rider a month. [54:50] Double I. [54:51] Then Acting Chief of Staff to the National Security Advisor Joe Kent stating, [54:56] There is nothing time-sensitive driving this timeline. [54:59] We'll have the exact same options in a month. [55:02] Triple I. [55:03] Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe stating, [55:07] A delay would not negatively impact us. [55:10] And additional time would be used to identify better starting points for coverage on Houthi leadership. [55:16] Aye. [55:17] V. [55:18] Addressing the timing of Operation Rough Rider, Secretary Hexeth stated, [55:22] We can easily pause. [55:23] And V. [55:24] Addressing the Vice President's concerns regarding Operation Rough Rider's immediate commencement, [55:29] Secretary Hexeth stated, [55:31] VP, [55:32] I understand your concerns to immediate risk on waiting. [55:35] One. [55:36] This leaks and we look indecisive. [55:39] Two. [55:40] Israel takes action first or Gaza ceasefire falls apart. [55:44] And we don't get to start this on our own terms. [55:47] This is not about the Houthis. [55:49] It's about reestablishing deterrence, which Biden cratered. [55:53] Thus, Secretary Hexeth knew there was no imminent threat to the United States, its territories, [56:00] or possessions, or its armed forces. [56:02] As such as a threat existed, there would have been no basis for him to state that we can [56:07] easily pause. [56:08] Moreover, the only immediate risk identified by Secretary Hexeth concerned media optics and [56:13] Israeli affairs, rather than the direct affairs of the United States of America, the nation to [56:17] which his oath is sworn. [56:19] In all of this, Secretary Hexeth abused the powers entrusted to him as Secretary of Defense by [56:25] subordinating the constitutional limits of the use of military force and the laws governing the [56:30] conduct of hostilities to his own policy objectives. [56:33] Notwithstanding his knowledge that no imminent threat to the United States existed and demonstrated [56:38] a profound disregard for civilian life and the rule of law, the constitutional authority of [56:44] Congress and its duty to ensure the lawful conduct of the United States Armed Forces. [56:49] Wherefore, Secretary of Defense Peter Hexeth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will [56:55] Secretary of Defense Peter Hexeth, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain [56:59] a threat to civilians, the lawful conduct of United States military operations, the integrity [57:05] and credibility of the United States Armed Forces, and the Constitution, if allowed to remain [57:10] in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law. [57:14] Peter Bryan Hexeth thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification [57:20] to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States. [57:26] The resolution qualifies. For what purpose does the gentleman from California seek recognition? [57:38] Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk. [57:41] The clerk will report the motion. [57:44] Mr. Issa of California moves to refer the resolution to the Committee on the Judiciary. [57:51] The gentleman from California is recognized for one hour. [57:56] I urge adoption and yield back. [58:00] Without objection, the previous question is ordered on the motion. [58:06] The question is on the motion to refer the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed say no. [58:14] In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The motion is not adopted. [58:21] Mr. Speaker. [58:22] The gentleman from Kentucky. [58:25] I request the yeas and the nays. [58:29] The gentleman from Kentucky requests the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays are requested. [58:36] Those in favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. [58:47] Members will record their votes by electronic device. [58:51] To Clause 9 of Rule 20, this 15-minute vote on the motion to refer will be followed by a five-minute vote on ordering the previous question on the House Resolution 1650 and adoption of House Resolution 1650 if ordered. [59:24] This is a 15-minute vote. [59:27] On this vote, the yeas are 2-11. The nays are 2-0-4. The motion is adopted. [1:26:54] The motion to reconsider is laid on the table. [1:27:00] Pursuant to Clause 8 of Rule 20, the unfinished business is the vote on ordering the previous question on House Resolution 1650 on which the ayes and nays are ordered. [1:27:14] The clerk will report the title of the resolution. [1:27:17] House Calendar No. 92, House Resolution 1650. [1:27:21] Resolution providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 1013 to amend the Federal Securities Laws to enhance 403b PANS for further purposes. [1:27:31] The question is on ordering the previous question. Members will record their votes by electronic device. [1:27:39] This is a five-minute vote. [1:27:42] On this vote, the yeas are 2-13. The nays are 2-0-7. The previous question is ordered. [1:35:05] The question is on the adoption of the resolution. Those in favor of saying aye. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, for what purpose does the gentleman from Massachusetts seek recognition? [1:35:23] Mr. Speaker, I ask for a recorded vote. [1:35:25] The recorded vote is requested. Those favoring the recorded vote will rise. A sufficient number having risen. A recorded vote is ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. [1:35:42] On this vote, the yeas are 2-15. The nays are 2-0-9. The resolution is adopted. Without objection, a motion to reconsider is laid on the table. [1:46:27] For what purpose does the gentleman from Virginia rise? [1:46:31] Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman will suspend. The House will be in order. [1:46:42] The gentleman from Virginia is recognized. [1:46:44] Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourned today, it adjourned to reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m. [1:46:53] Without objection, for what purpose does the gentlewoman from Oregon seek recognition? [1:47:12] Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House out of order. [1:47:18] Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized. [1:47:21] Mr. Speaker, the House will be in order. The House will be in order. The gentlewoman is recognized. [1:47:36] Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, it's been almost a month since we lost our babies in the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting in Bend. [1:47:51] And while the news outlets have since packed up and gone home, our community is still grieving and holding on so tightly to the memories of our babies that we lost. [1:48:03] Thanksgiving is just around the corner and our families are staring down the holiday outfits that won't be worn, the pieces of pie that'll go untouched, and the place cards beside chairs that won't be filled. [1:48:19] My heart is with our families, our students, our educators, and all of Oregon. [1:48:26] To our babies that we lost and their families, I am with you. Everyone is with you. [1:48:34] And I know we can't keep saying goodbye to our children like this. [1:48:39] Our babies deserve to feel safe at school, at home, in our communities. [1:48:45] They deserve better, Mr. Speaker, and I promise to continue to fight to protect all of America's children. [1:48:52] Mr. Speaker, in this chamber, I ask that you join me in a moment of silence to remember everyone who was lost. [1:49:01] Let us keep watch over our babies. I yield back, Mr. Speaker. [1:49:40] The chair will now entertain requests for one-minute speeches. [1:49:49] For what purpose does the gentleman from Pennsylvania seek recognition? [1:49:57] The gentleman is recognized for one minute. The house will be in order. The gentleman is recognized. [1:50:18] Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Northern Tier Community Action Corporation, which celebrates its 60th anniversary last month. [1:50:27] For decades, this nonprofit has served men, women, and children across northern Pennsylvania. [1:50:33] It has helped countless people start their journey towards achieving the American dream. [1:50:38] Mr. Speaker, this organization covers more than 3,000 square miles. [1:50:42] And this year, their staff assisted almost 3,000 people. [1:50:46] I applaud them for this historic achievement. [1:50:49] That's thousands of people who have access to new opportunities and thousands of Pennsylvanians who have achieved their goals. [1:50:56] As a senior member of the House Education Workforce Committee, I applaud the group for connecting men and women with employment and ensuring children have the resources necessary to thrive in school. [1:51:07] This group's dedication and expertise will strengthen our local communities for years to come. [1:51:12] Mr. Speaker, I thank Northern Tier Community Action Corporation for their commitment to the region. [1:51:17] Congratulations on this milestone. [1:51:19] Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield back the balance of my time. [1:51:22] The gentleman yields back. [1:51:23] For what purpose does the gentleman from Ohio seek recognition? [1:51:31] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [1:51:34] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [1:51:36] I rise today to recognize Kelly Crabtree, a constituent who proudly represented Southwest Ohio at the Special Olympics USA Games this year. [1:51:45] It was Kelly's first time competing on a national stage. [1:51:49] She joined just three other Special Olympics swimmers from Ohio to compete against athletes from all 50 states. [1:51:57] She swam the 50-meter backstroke, the 100-meter freestyle, and after qualifying for the finals in both events, Kelly secured a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle and a second-place finish in the 50-meter backstroke, bringing home silver for Ohio. [1:52:13] Beyond the competition, Kelly said, my favorite part about the games was meeting all the people from different states. [1:52:22] So congratulations to Kelly on this incredible achievement. [1:52:26] Your hard work and dedication have made Southwest Ohio so very proud. [1:52:30] Thank you, and I yield back. [1:52:31] The gentleman yields back. [1:52:33] For what purpose does the gentleman from Alabama seek recognition? [1:52:37] One minute. [1:52:41] I'll send my remarks. [1:52:42] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [1:52:45] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [1:52:46] I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of my friend John Watson of Dothan, Alabama. [1:52:52] John was born February 12, 1938, in a small rural community of Skipperville. [1:52:57] He was the first in his family to attend college, and he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University. [1:53:04] It should be noted that the University of Alabama offered him a football scholarship, which he declined because Auburn had a superior engineering school. [1:53:13] He was a co-op student working at the Redstone Arsenal in the ROTC program at Auburn. [1:53:19] He entered the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant, and he served during the Berlin crisis. [1:53:25] He returned to Dothan and took a job as an engineer for Smiths, Inc. [1:53:29] In 1966, he and two other employees bought 47% interest in the company from James N. Smith, and four years later, they bought the rest of the company, a transaction financed by Mr. Smith. [1:53:42] While John was an engineer, he was also an astute businessman building or owning numerous other businesses, including Allodan, which became the largest latex glove producer in the United States, [1:53:53] and USA Yeast Inc., a state-of-the-art baker's yeast plant, producing one-seventh of the total U.S. yeast demand in the U.S. [1:54:01] His success as an engineer and businessman was recognized when he was inducted in the Alabama Business Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 2008. [1:54:11] He was a man of faith. He served as an elder in the Evergreen Presbyterian Church. [1:54:16] He served his community and stayed on numerous boards, including the chairman of the Alabama Ethics Committee. [1:54:21] He was a devoted supporter of his alma mater, Auburn University, where he and his wife established the John H. and Gail P. Watson Scholarship Endowment. [1:54:29] He was a major supporter of Auburn Athletics. The Auburn University honored John by naming their premier volleyball facility the John H. Watson Fieldhouse. [1:54:38] He was a faithful husband to his wife, Gail, and devoted father and grandfather to his two children and grandchildren. [1:54:43] I'm very grateful to have had John as a friend. I miss him. I think of him often. I'm humbled to honor his legacy. [1:54:49] And in the spirit of our friendship, I conclude with War Eagle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back. [1:54:56] The gentleman yields. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from Oregon seek recognition? [1:55:01] Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. [1:55:10] Thank you. [1:55:12] Mr. Speaker, I rise because last week the American people sent a resounding message. [1:55:18] They rejected a government that operates with impunity backed by a rubber stamp Republican Congress. [1:55:26] They rejected forever wars. [1:55:28] Today, House Republicans had the chance to show they heard that message. [1:55:32] Instead, they voted to bury articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth. [1:55:37] Two months in, he incompetently and illegally texted war plans to a group chat with a journalist in it. [1:55:46] He has waged a war on his own ranks by purging trans service members and firing women commanders. [1:55:53] Then came his illegal war on Iran. On day one, an American strike hit a girls' school. [1:55:59] More than 150 people died, mostly children. [1:56:03] Our country deserves a leader, not lip service, from a former morning TV host. [1:56:10] Republicans may have buried this vote today. [1:56:14] But in January, a new Congress answers to the American people. [1:56:18] And Pete Hegseth will answer to it as well. [1:56:21] I yield back. [1:56:22] The gentleman yields back. [1:56:24] For what purpose does a gentleman from Colorado rise to seek recognition? [1:56:28] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [1:56:35] Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ellen Stein as she steps away from the opinion pages of the Durango Herald and the Journal. [1:56:45] Ellen first joined the Herald in 2016 as an editorial writer, working alongside longtime editorial page editor Bill Roberts. [1:56:53] She returned to the job in September 2024, calling it the only one she would have ever gone back to. [1:56:59] Community newspapers help a region think through the issues that shape daily life. [1:57:05] Ellen brought seriousness, curiosity, and a strong sense of responsibility to that work. [1:57:10] One of her greatest contributions was making room for other voices. [1:57:15] She welcomed community members onto the page, including people who disagreed with her and listened when they challenged her views. [1:57:22] That openness strengthened the conversation and earned readers' trust. [1:57:28] A strong community depends on people willing to share their ideas and on someone willing to make room for them. [1:57:34] I thank Ellen for her years of service to Southwest Colorado and wish her the very best in the next chapter. [1:57:41] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back. [1:57:43] The gentleman yields back. [1:57:44] For what purpose does a gentlewoman from Ohio seek recognition? [1:57:48] Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. [1:57:55] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [1:57:58] This Veterans Day week, I rise to object to President Trump's poorly conceived plans for a triumphal arch that would cast a shadow over the sacred grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. [1:58:10] The President's proposal has not been properly reviewed by architectural specialists, and the proposed 250-foot-tall arch would break up the beauty and carefully constructed sight lines from the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington National Cemetery. [1:58:25] Further, this unnecessary and ostentatious gold-covered arch would cast shadows over the final resting place of 75,000 U.S. service members. [1:58:34] It would block the entrance. [1:58:36] It would also impose shadows over the John F. Kennedy Memorial, the Military Women's Memorial, and the grave sites of three Supreme Court Justices. [1:58:44] One of the largest stretches of shadow will block light through the white marble markers of World War I and World War II veterans. [1:58:53] The arch will also cast a shadow on the D.C. side of the river shadowing the Vietnam veterans, the Lincoln and Korean War Memorials. [1:59:00] Veterans interred at Arlington National Cemetery deserve respect. [1:59:05] They deserve their final resting places to be treated with dignity. [1:59:09] The President should reconsider this ill-suited monstrosity, and our veterans deserve so much better. [1:59:15] Perhaps because there is no veteran in the Trump immediate family, there is a vacuum in understanding the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. [1:59:23] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back. [1:59:25] The gentleman yields back. [1:59:28] For what purpose does a gentleman from Kansas rise? [1:59:31] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [1:59:39] Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Emporia, Kansas, the founding city of Veterans Day. [1:59:48] In 1953, local resident Alvin J. King, moved by the loss of his nephew in World War II, believed our nation should honor all veterans, not only those who served in the First World War. [2:00:01] That November 11th, Emporia hosted the first All Veterans Day, setting an example for our nation. [2:00:07] Then Congressman Ed Reese of Emporia carried Mr. King's vision to Washington. [2:00:12] And in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, another notable Kansan, signed the bill establishing Veterans Day. [2:00:21] This week, the Lyon County History Center in Emporia unveiled a plaque honoring Alvin King's leadership in the renaming of Armistice Day as Veterans Day. [2:00:31] The plaque will be located at the site of Mr. King's former shoe store on Commercial Street in downtown Emporia, a fitting tribute to the man whose vision helped create our national tradition. [2:00:43] Congress, by concurrent resolution in 2003, recognized Emporia's role, and its legacy lives on every November 11th. [2:00:53] On this eve of Veterans Day, I thank Emporia and its citizens for their leadership and extend my deepest gratitude to all of Americans' veterans. [2:01:02] We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid. [2:01:07] I yield back. [2:01:09] The gentleman yields back. [2:01:10] For what purpose does a distinguished gentleman from North Carolina rise? [2:01:14] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [2:01:23] Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. [2:01:28] I wish the United States Marine Corps a very happy 251st birthday. [2:01:38] They've been answering our nation's call for over two and a half centuries. [2:01:41] Eastern North Carolina is extremely proud of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, [2:01:53] as well as the many generations of Marines and their families who've lived here. [2:01:59] Thank you to all Marines, past and present, for your courage, dedication, and service to our country. [2:02:09] Happy birthday to the United States Marine Corps. [2:02:13] Semper Fi, I yield back. [2:02:16] The gentleman yields back. [2:02:18] For what purpose does a distinguished gentleman from South Carolina rise? [2:02:26] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [2:02:29] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [2:02:33] On October 6th, 2026, Lexington County, South Carolina welcomed the birth of Byron Michael Thomas, Jr., of Casey. [2:02:40] Baby Thomas is the newest addition to the family of Byron and Rebecca Thomas and sister Mary Blythe, [2:02:46] who lovingly arrived in the world in February of last year. [2:02:50] Born at 9.26 p.m., weighing eight pounds and measuring 19 inches high, [2:02:56] young Michael enters a loving home with extended family and friends, including his proud grandparents, [2:03:01] Jeff and Vicki Thomas, Lana Thomas, and Bruce and Nancy Pope. [2:03:06] I am grateful for his father, Byron, who is a dedicated long-time staff member in the West Columbia Congressional Office, [2:03:13] serving as Director of Outreach and simultaneously as City of Casey Councilman. [2:03:19] Byron Michael Thomas, Jr., is blessed to be born into a home that will foster and guide him to a bright and fulfilling future. [2:03:27] On behalf of my wife, Roxanne, and our family, and my son, the governor-elect of South Carolina, Alan Wilson, and staff, [2:03:34] I extend the warmest congratulations to Byron, Rebecca, and Mary Blythe for the arrival of this blessing. [2:03:40] I am grateful for the courageous service of Secretary of War, Pete Hexeth, to defeat Tehran, which chants death to Israel, death to America. [2:03:49] We must win. I yield back. [2:03:51] The gentleman yields back. [2:03:54] For what purpose does a gentleman from New York seek recognition? [2:03:58] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [2:04:04] It's home to the Blueberry Festival, the Borscht Belt Festival, and my wife's favorite breakfast sandwiches at Morning Sunshine. [2:04:22] But what really makes Ellenville special is its people. [2:04:26] People like Ellenville Police Chief Philip Matrician, who is retiring from the Ellenville Police Department after a distinguished 40-year career. [2:04:35] Service and patriotism run deep in Chief Matrician's family. [2:04:39] The grandson of a World War II veteran who put his life on the line to defend America. [2:04:44] The son of a Navy medic killed in action in Vietnam. [2:04:47] Chief Matrician learned at a young age what it means to serve your community and your country. [2:04:53] And that is what he has been doing for his entire life. [2:04:56] He rose through the ranks from narcotics detective to police chief, a role in which he has served with honor and distinction for the past 23 years. [2:05:05] And that would be a life full of service for most, but Chief Matrician has always gone above and beyond, serving also as president of the Ellenville School Board. [2:05:15] During my time with Chief Matrician, whether at Underground Coffee or in the halls of Ellenville's schools, the thing that shines through most clearly is how much he loves the community he serves, [2:05:28] admires the police officers he leads and cares for the students wearing Blue Devils blue. [2:05:35] Congratulations on your retirement, Chief. Wishing you all the very best in your next chapter. Yield back. [2:05:41] The gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from Wisconsin rise to seek recognition? [2:05:48] I make a request to speak for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks. [2:05:55] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [2:05:58] Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, I one more time had an enjoyable time attending the New Year's ceremony of the Hmong community in Appleton, Wisconsin. [2:06:11] I think the week before that I attended a similar ceremony in Oshkosh, and in two more weeks I'll attend a ceremony in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. [2:06:22] Wisconsin is the home of the third largest Hmong population in the country, and I'm proud to represent the Hmong. [2:06:30] The Hmong, of course, came to the United States after they helped the United States in the war against communism, which we fought in Vietnam. [2:06:40] Them and their children have grown throughout Wisconsin and are an economic boon to our community as well as providing a strong moral example to all Americans as you look at their family values, which are clearly greater than the native born. [2:07:04] In any event, I would like to take this opportunity to say Happy New Year to all the Hmong in the 6th Congressional District. Thank you. [2:07:14] The gentleman yields back. For what purpose does the gentleman from Missouri rise to seek recognition? [2:07:27] Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for one minute. [2:07:30] Today I want to honor the extraordinary life of my friend, Frank Steven Leda, who passed away on August 5th at the age of 95. [2:07:41] The son of Italian immigrants, Frank served our country in the Air Force. [2:07:46] He married the love of his life Tony at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in St. Louis in 1952, a marriage that would span 74 years. [2:07:56] Through hard work, he had success in selling sewing machines. [2:08:00] Then in 1965, Frank decided to take a chance on a small and relatively unknown Japanese motorcycle company named Honda [2:08:10] and later became the first Honda automotive dealer in the Midwest. [2:08:15] His business grew into Frank Leda Automotive Group and today operates five dealerships throughout Missouri. [2:08:21] Frank's business accomplishments were impressive, but it is his generosity, his faith, and his dedication to his family that we remember most. [2:08:30] Frank was the father of three, grandfather to 12, and great-grandfather to 23. [2:08:35] He is deeply missed by his family, friends, and by his fellow parishioners at St. Gianna Catholic Church, of which I am one. [2:08:44] May Frank's soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. [2:08:49] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [2:08:52] The gentleman yields back. [2:08:53] Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Fields, is recognized for 60 minutes as a designee of the minority leader. [2:09:06] Mr. Fields. [2:09:08] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [2:09:12] Mr. Speaker, I rise to tonight with a great deal of gratitude and appreciation for the privilege of serving the people of Louisiana's 6th Congressional District. [2:09:29] From the bayous of Acadiana, to the streets of Baton Rouge, from Shreveport to Alexandria. [2:09:39] From small towns where everybody knows your name, to the cities that never stop moving. [2:09:52] The people of Louisiana has been generous, resilient, and hopeful. [2:10:02] I say to my constituents, thank you. [2:10:09] Thank you for allowing me to carry your voices into these chambers. [2:10:16] I've tried to honor that trust with every decision I've made and every vote I've cast. [2:10:29] I would like to take a moment to thank my colleagues that I've been honored to serve with, including those of you who sometimes oppose positions I've taken. [2:10:45] You just made me research a little harder, and sometimes I would even agree with you. [2:10:53] I want to thank my staff for all of their hard work supporting me in my efforts to make District 6 better. [2:11:09] And to the staff of this institution, the clerks, the Capitol Police, the parliamentarians, and everyone who keeps this house running, thank you as well. [2:11:28] Let me take a moment to especially thank my family, my wife Deborah, our two sons, Brandon and Christopher. [2:11:47] I've had the privilege of serving in this body, not once, but twice. [2:11:56] I first came to Congress in 1993 as the youngest member of the 103rd Congress. [2:12:06] I departed after the 104th Congress in 1997, following the ruin of the court that declared the district that I represented to be an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. [2:12:25] I then returned to Congress 28 years later in 2025 as a part of the 119th Congress, this Congress. [2:12:39] I will depart again soon because of another court ruling that the district that I currently represent is an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. [2:12:58] Mr. Speaker, I'm quite amazed to say that I've never served a single day in this body without a federal lawsuit to dismantle the district that I represent hanging over my head. [2:13:19] Both times I leave Washington not because I was defeated at the polls, but because the district lines were redrawn by court order. [2:13:36] I say this to you because I believe it tells a story of a community that has had to fight again and again and again for something many Americans take for granted. [2:13:56] People in Louisiana simply want a fair chance to who speaks for them in this Congress. [2:14:10] In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson stood before this very House and addressed a call for help from Americans trying to secure the right to vote. [2:14:23] And he declared that day, their cause must be our cause too. [2:14:32] The 89th Congress took his message to heart and they worked together to deliver one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history, the voting rights act. [2:14:47] Its passage grew out of years and years of hard work and countless of Americans who made tremendous personal sacrifices to have a real voice in their government and hope for a better future. [2:15:06] Mr. Speaker, let me be emphatically clear. [2:15:11] I'm very disappointed in the Supreme Court's decision in the Louisiana v. Calais case that literally gutted the voting rights act. [2:15:24] Progress that took generations to win should not be so easily set aside. [2:15:32] As a black man from Louisiana, I am unfortunately all too familiar with setbacks and slow pace of progress. [2:15:44] It was in Louisiana in 1868 where the Honorable John Willis Menard, who picture hangs in my office today, he became the first black person ever elected to the United States Congress. [2:16:02] Most people don't know it because when he got to Congress, even after winning 64% of the vote, this Congress, this body, this institution refused to seat him. [2:16:24] Yes, he was permitted to stand on the floor and argue his case, the right to represent his constituents. [2:16:35] But by a vote of 130 to 57, this body denied him to exercise the very right that's so basic to represent his constituents. [2:16:51] One of the leaders of the opposition was a gentleman from Ohio, James Garfield, who said on this floor, Mr. Speaker, it is too early to allow a Negro to be seated in this body. [2:17:13] Let's keep the seat vacant and let's save $5,000. [2:17:21] And they sent Garfield back to Louisiana, though he was elected by over 64% of the people of that district, the second congressional district, he was never seated. [2:17:37] And what's really interesting, Mr. Speaker, Congressman Garfield became the 20th president of the United States of America. [2:17:49] It didn't stop there. It was Louisiana who elected PBS Pinchback, not to this body, but to the other body, to the United States Senate in 1873. [2:18:08] Mr. Pinchback suffered the same results that the gentleman from Louisiana suffered. [2:18:20] They refused to seat him, not one year, not two years, but three years, even after being elected from the state of Louisiana. [2:18:33] For three years, he fought in court for the seat which the people duly elected him to. [2:18:41] The courts eventually awarded him $16,000 for past salary and for the legal battles for over three years. [2:18:56] But the interesting thing, Mr. Speaker, he was never able to take his rightful place. [2:19:03] And in the case of Louisiana, Louisiana is another case, Plessy v. Ferguson. [2:19:12] In 1896, where the Supreme Court, this Supreme Court, basically said separate but equal was okay, and he codified it. [2:19:28] But I'm not here tonight on this floor to dwell on past disappointments. [2:19:36] Dr. Martin Luther King once said that the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, [2:19:47] but where he stands in moments of challenge, chaos and controversy. [2:19:55] I've always believed that the true measure of our service is not simply what we accomplish while we're here in office, [2:20:03] but the foundation we leave for those who come after us to build a better tomorrow. [2:20:14] My challenge to those members who will lead the next Congress is to carry it with the same determination [2:20:31] that the voters who elected them displayed last week, and to work with courage and conviction to honor their trust. [2:20:43] Plainly speaking, Mr. Speaker, I question each of my colleagues on which side of history have they been, [2:20:54] and what legacy do they want to leave on leveling the playing field for everybody. [2:21:04] When a community tells you its voice is being weakened, will you listen? [2:21:13] When citizens have endured generations of exclusion, simply ask for meaningful political opportunity, [2:21:22] will you examine their claim fairly? [2:21:29] When protecting their rights, their rights carry a political cost, will your conviction survive the price? [2:21:40] Will you recognize that another person's exclusion makes our democracy smaller? [2:21:49] In fact, it makes it weaker. [2:21:53] Will you understand the fairness that fairness requires us to hear people whose experiences are different than our own? [2:22:05] Will you treat diversity, equity and inclusion policies as a way to match talent to opportunity? [2:22:16] Will you accept that power carries an obligation to those who have been marginalized, mistreated, or too easily ignored? [2:22:33] There will be more tests to come. [2:22:37] The question is, which side will you be on? [2:22:46] With a majority of, at least a few seconds ago, I was told 255 seats and growing in the House. [2:22:56] 54 seats and growing in the Senate. [2:23:02] You will have the opportunity to effect change that impacts people all across this country. [2:23:10] Utilize every tool at your disposal to address the affordability crisis at the grocery store. [2:23:17] End the war in Iran. [2:23:21] Bring gas prices down. [2:23:24] Expand access to health care. [2:23:28] End childhood poverty. [2:23:31] And restore accountability to the executive branch of government. [2:23:37] Above all else, I call on this body to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to codify into law protections that have been taken away. [2:23:56] We owe it to the people who fought so hard to obtain the right to vote to continue their fight today. [2:24:05] We must guarantee that that sacred right to vote is never infringed upon ever again in this country. [2:24:18] Mr. Speaker, the story of this country has always been one of a group of people pushing in the right direction. [2:24:35] So I have to laugh at this church in the right direction a leader of Jesus Voting Rights Down. [2:24:36] If I amaceyqué加油. [2:24:37] I am watching this church in the right direction of the Americanahn� [2:25:00] tonight. I will keep working for the people I love, for the state that I'm still so proud of, [2:25:13] and I will keep believing that the arc of the moral universe is long, is a long, long road, [2:25:21] but it bends towards justice. God bless the people of Louisiana's 6th congressional district. Thank [2:25:30] you for giving me this opportunity. God bless the United States, and Mr. Speaker, I yield back the [2:25:38] balance of my time. The gentleman yields back the balance of his time. Under the Speaker's [2:25:48] announced policy of January 3rd, 2025, the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Carter, is now [2:25:55] recognized for 60 minutes as a designee of the majority leader. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to [2:26:18] recognize Samuel Benjamin Hollis of Okete, South Carolina. Hollis is a decorated World War II [2:26:25] veteran who passed away July 7th at the age of 100. Born in Mayfield, Georgia, Sam answered the [2:26:31] call to serve at just 17, entering the United States Army immediately after high school. He served [2:26:37] honorably as a sergeant in the European theater from 1943 to 1945. After the war, Sam earned a [2:26:45] degree in the Woodrow Wilson. He devoted his career to public service as regional counsel for the United [2:26:54] States government, earning respect for his integrity and wisdom. He is survived by his wife, [2:27:00] Mary, daughters, Mel Evans, and Catherine Hollis Peters, and many other loving relatives. Sam lived [2:27:06] through a century of change, helping shape history through his service to God, country, and family. [2:27:19] Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the legacy of Sidney Ray Howell of St. Mary's, [2:27:24] Georgia, who passed away on September 2nd at the age of 71. Sidney was a lifelong resident of St. [2:27:30] Mary's and dedicated nearly three decades of his working life to the Gilman Paper Company. [2:27:35] But his commitment to his community went far beyond his career. Sidney proudly served two terms on the [2:27:41] St. Mary's City Council, where he worked to preserve and improve the community he loved. One of his [2:27:47] proudest accomplishments was making the motion to purchase St. Mary's Waterfront Park, a decision [2:27:52] that continues to benefit generations of families. Sidney was a devoted father and grandfather, a proud [2:27:59] American, and a loyal friend. He enjoyed hunting, camping, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, and [2:28:04] spending time with those he loved, including his beloved dog, Dinky. Sidney Howell leaves behind a [2:28:12] legacy of service, family, friendship, and love for his hometown. His community is better because of his [2:28:18] dedication, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the people of St. Mary's. [2:28:22] Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Sidney Ray Howell and [2:28:29] extending our deepest condolences to his family and his loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to [2:28:40] recognize Hurst Bowler and Welding Company of Coolidge, Georgia, and the Hurst family for nearly [2:28:45] six decades of American manufacturing excellence. Founded in 1967, Hurst has grown from a small shop [2:28:52] into a 48-acre manufacturing campus with more than 350,000 square feet of production space and the [2:28:58] capacity to employ more than 275 Georgians. Today, Hurst manufactures industrial boilers and energy [2:29:06] systems serving customers across the United States and around the world, including innovative biomass and [2:29:13] alternative fuel technologies. What makes Hurst especially remarkable is its commitment to family and to [2:29:21] American manufacturing. Tommy, Hayward, Terry, and Jeff Hurst, along with multiple generations of their [2:29:27] family, continue the tradition established by their parents. I am proud to recognize Hurst [2:29:32] Bowler and Welding Company and the Hurst family for their tremendous contributions to Georgia's economy, [2:29:38] America's manufacturing, and communities across the world. Congratulations, and thank you for [2:29:44] continuing to build it right here in Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Strategic Firearms [2:29:55] and as its