[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 184 (Tuesday, November 7, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                DELTA 8

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Flood) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FLOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to address the growing 
threat of Delta 8 across communities in Nebraska.
  For anyone who may not be following this issue yet, Delta 8 is a 
variant of THC and is derived from cannabis. Today, retailers across 
Nebraska are selling THC-laced products aimed at kids. For example, a 
retailer in Madison County has allegedly been selling gummies 
containing 200 times the level of THC needed to send a kid to the 
hospital. Delta 8 products are made to look like common types of candy 
or snacks to appeal to children.
  I am glad Nebraska is cracking down on Delta 8, which are illegal 
even in States that have legalized recreational marijuana. Attorney 
General Mike Hilgers has filed complaints in 10 counties across 
Nebraska as he works to confront this challenge.
  I commend him and others across the country who are taking action to 
stop the threat of Delta 8 that is hurting our children.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone watching to visit AGO.Nebraska.gov 
to learn more.


              Saluting Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese

  Mr. FLOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the service of newly-
appointed Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese.
  For almost 7 years, Tom honorably served the people of District 41 in 
the unicameral. I sat next to him on our State's revenue committee. 
During those years, he fought hard to reform the State's high property 
taxes and school funding formula.
  Over the course of time in the legislature, he worked with both 
Governor Ricketts and Governor Pillen to deliver historic tax relief.
  Earlier this year, Governor Pillen announced that he would appoint 
Senator Briese to fill a vacancy in the role of State treasurer.
  Tom brings with him a wealth of experience in working with the 
legislature and State senators to shape public policy. He leads an 
office that manages the State's college savings plan and unclaimed 
property programs while watching over the State's resources.
  I know Tom will do an outstanding job in his new role and I wish him 
all the best as he takes on this new challenge.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish the treasurer best wishes in the years ahead.


       Congratulating Hampton Enterprises on 75 Years of Business

  Mr. FLOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hampton 
Enterprises on 75 years of business. The late Joe Hampton opened the 
real estate and construction company in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1948 when 
he was just 22 years old.
  Throughout the past 75 years, Hampton has constructed everything from 
houses to offices to the Pinnacle Bank Arena. Hampton has an impressive 
and extensive list of arenas, schools, and offices, and with all of 
these buildings comes numerous tenants and customers.
  One tenant has been renting office space from Hampton for nearly 40 
years. He says they offer a complete spectrum of services. Hampton 
prides themselves on maintaining their core values of integrity, 
quality, work ethic, relationships, and stewardship, which is likely 
why they have found so much success.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Nebraska's First 
Congressional District, I congratulate Hampton Enterprises on 75 years.


                            Biden-Xi Meeting

  Mr. FLOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the upcoming meeting 
between President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping.
  President Biden and President Xi are expected to meet later this 
month during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. Leading 
Biden Cabinet members have been meeting with high-level officials from 
the Chinese Communist Party in recent months.
  The focus of these meetings has been framed as ``engagement.'' While 
that might sound nice, the Biden administration's approach has weakened 
America's position in relation to China.
  The CCP respects strength, and America must project it if we are 
going to succeed in this new era of competition. If President Biden 
wants to find success in this policy area, he needs to be willing to 
communicate clear principles around national security, trade, and human 
rights as he meets with their President. Failure to do this will only 
mean America's ability to compete against China will fade away.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish President Biden all the best as he takes on this 
challenge. I hope he is up to it.


     Recognizing Beckenhauer Construction on 145 Years in Business.

  Mr. FLOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Beckenhauer 
Construction of Norfolk, Nebraska, on 145 years in business.
  Since 1878, Beckenhauer has built everything from churches to schools 
to hospitals and community projects built around the good life. Today, 
it is still a family business being run by the fourth and fifth 
generations.
  They have been involved in the Box Butte General Hospital and the 
Boone County health clinic. The University of Nebraska had them 
renovate the UNL Barkley Memorial Center in Lincoln just last year.
  Beckenhauer Construction's reach extends beyond Nebraska. They 
recently broke ground on a new law enforcement center in Clay County, 
South Dakota.
  The Beckenhauer commitment is to hold the standards of quality, 
reliability, integrity, safety, and honesty to provide unparalleled 
service to their clients. That is why they are likely to grow for 
another 145 years and beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Beckenhauer Construction and wish them 
the best in the years to come.

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