[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H236-H238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1830
                          OUR SOUTHWEST BORDER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 9, 2023, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. 
Hill) for 30 minutes.
  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues who were just on the 
floor discussing one of the biggest challenges that we face in this 
country, which is having a secure southwest border. It is, in fact, a 
national security problem and a homeland security problem, and it is 
the Biden's own policies that have caused this to happen.
  This avalanche of humanity at our border that is a colossal challenge 
to our Nation is due to specific decisions taken by President Joe Biden 
and his lack of leadership to recognize it is a disaster. Then to do 
nothing about it, compounds it.
  Since President Biden took office, there have been 7.1 million known 
border crossings across our southwest border; almost a million got-
aways, these are people that we don't know that crossed the border.
  In December, as my colleagues noted, a record 300,000 migrants were 
apprehended at the border. Yet, President Biden has still not agreed to 
work with Congress to solve this problem. Mr. Speaker, 300,000 in one 
month; never before have we seen numbers like that in 20 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I went down to the border a few days ago with our new 
Speaker   Mike Johnson. Over 50 of my colleagues were on that trip to 
Eagle Pass. That was my eighth trip to the border, which is about eight 
times more than Joe Biden has been to the border in 50 years of public 
service.
  While there, we saw a group of Venezuelans come across the border 
illegally to the United States right in front of the new Speaker of the 
House as he was meeting with Texas Department of Public Safety.
  Now, I can promise you, despite Secretary Mayorkas saying that the 
Biden administration has operational control of the border, that is 
nonsense. It passes no smell test of any practical commonsense American 
to think that you could say, with 300,000 people interdicted in one 
month, that we have operational control.
  President Trump inherited an open border from President Obama, but 
through many tough choices, over 4 years of trial and error and several 
homeland security secretaries, he got a strategy that began to work.
  It was President Biden on January 20, 2021, that threw those working 
policies away. Now, we have an avalanche of fentanyl coming across our 
border, an avalanche of human trafficking, and kids being trafficked 
across our border.
  Over 300,000 people since the President has been in office that are 
on the terror watch list have crossed the border. Let that sink in.
  What happened to them? How many people came across the border on the 
terror watch list that we did not catch.
  As has been said, we have challenges: Criminal cartels making 
billions, not from selling drugs to our citizens, but criminal cartels 
making billions trafficking people across our border.
  As we were told by the FBI in this House last month, this is the most 
serious moment for America since 2014, and some argue since 9/11, for 
the risk of a terror attack in our country. Yet, we don't have a secure 
border. This is why we passed H.R. 2 across this House floor, with 
Republican support, and sent it to the Senate, where it sits since last 
May, Mr. Speaker.
  The President of the United States and the Senate have known the 
views of this body in detail about what immigration policies we would 
change, what funding we would apply, and what border security ideas we 
have. They are all in H.R. 2. Yet, there has been no action by the 
Senate.
  Mr. Speaker, I join my friends. Although, I am not sure that we have 
a lot to look forward to, I am an optimist.
  President Biden told the Speaker yesterday: No, I want to change 
policy on the border. I want to work with Congress on a border 
solution.
  Bring it on. We want to see it.
  So as an optimist, I hope that when we come back to this House one 
week from now that, in fact, we see a deal that is something that House 
Republicans can support that is not lip service but true border 
security and immigration reform.


                     Noa Marciano--Israeli Hostage

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Corporal 
Noa Marciano.
  On October 7, Corporal Noa Marciano was one of more than 240 men, 
women, children, and elderly who were brutally kidnapped by Hamas 
terrorists as they stormed across the border from Gaza into Israel.
  Noa was a corporal in the Border Defense Corps' 414th unit. She was 
serving as an observation soldier at the Nahal Oz IDF base in southern 
Israel, just about a kilometer from the Gaza border. Her position was 
overrun.

  Most of her unit soldiers were female, and they were not provided a 
sidearm or a rifle to defend themselves. Their duty was to monitor the 
border with Gaza.
  On November 13, Hamas terrorists produced a video showing Corporal 
Marciano's dead body. She was 19 years old, Mr. Speaker.
  Last November, in our candlelight vigil on the House steps, I met 
with Noa's mom, Adi, as we prayed together for her daughter and all the 
hostages wrongly held by Hamas. It was just the next day that she 
learned her daughter was not a hostage but a victim of murder by Hamas. 
That is sick.
  Her family describes Noa as a girl who loved to dance, and sing, 
enjoyed music and literature, and whose dimples and smile radiated 
love.
  My heart breaks for Adi and her family. No family should have to 
experience this kind of loss due to the reprehensible actions of 
terrorists.
  We know how they feel in this country. We remember viscerally the 
pain and suffering, murder and mayhem, dust, smell, and smoke of 9/11.
  We know how her family feels.
  Sadly, while Noa can no longer be released, we remember her and her 
courage in her defense of the homeland.
  I stand here on the floor, Mr. Speaker, demanding that Hamas release 
all the remaining hostages. Those who have been fortunately released 
have shared their horrifying experience in captivity, something that 
they will never forget. America must stand unequivocally with Israel as 
it works to

[[Page H237]]

defeat this terror onslaught and free its citizens wrongfully held by 
Hamas.
  Israel has proven its willingness to pause the fighting for hostages 
to be returned home. Despicably, the terror group broke that first 
hostage deal just as the cease-fire was being put in place.
  Mr. Speaker, I call on all nations, all allies, all friends of 
Israel, and all those nations that have ties with this murderous terror 
group to press Hamas' leaders to cease military action and free those 
in captivity.


                            Taiwan Election

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, last week, the people of Taiwan went to the 
polls and elected the Democratic Progressive Party, the DDP 
Presidential candidate, President Lai, to be the next President of 
Taiwan. President-elect Lai will serve along with his Vice President, 
Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, who had a distinguished recognition 
here in Washington as Taiwan's diplomatic representative to America's 
Capital.
  This successful election signals to the Chinese Communist Party 
leadership that Taiwanese want to remain friendly, trading neighbors, 
but independent of the CCP and China.
  Although China has claimed it would not invade Taiwan, CCP Leader Xi 
has more openly stated of late that China will one day unify with 
Taiwan and has not reiterated taking force off the table.
  I met with President-elect Lai while on a visit to Taipei with House 
Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman McCaul, and I know his desire for 
peace on the Taiwan Strait, the preservation of democracy and liberty 
on Taiwan, and an openness with all the countries of the world.
  In my view, the United States' mission and the job of all freedom-
loving nations is to continue to support Taiwan in strengthening their 
security and countering the CCP's aggression in a military fashion 
toward the island.
  Let's let the people of Taiwan continue, as they have for five 
decades, the recent decades, to live in peace, democracy, and 
prosperity.


            Milken Institute HBCU Fellows 2024 Cohort Launch

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and thank the Milken 
Institute here in Washington, D.C., for this week's HBCU Cohort 
Reception, where they gathered to celebrate and welcome their second 
historically Black colleges and universities Strategic Initiative and 
Fellowship Program.
  I thank them for their leadership, and I congratulate these 20 
impressive students that the Milken Institute has sponsored and 
identified from 12 different HBCUs across the country.
  Since I came to Congress, I have been an active member of the 
bipartisan, bicameral, Historically Black College and University 
Caucus. Before I came to Congress, I was very active with the Arkansas 
historically Black colleges and universities community, working 
mightily as a community banker with Arkansas Baptist College in Little 
Rock.
  My work with ABC was impactful and meaningful, and I recognize their 
incredible contributions to both education and economic growth in my 
hometown of Little Rock by working with their students.
  Since I have been in Congress, I have advocated for HBCU growth and 
development, and along with Arkansas Baptist, I am proud to represent 
Philander Smith University and Shorter College.
  I would particularly give a shout-out to one of those 20 students, 
Mr. Speaker. Justin Woods is a senior at Philander Smith, and Justin 
was selected by Milken to be part of this cohort, and I congratulate 
him.
  I thank my co-chair of the HBCU Caucus, Alma Adams of North Carolina, 
and thank her for continuing to work together for Federal policy that 
aids our very important HBCUs, and I thank the Milken Institute for 
their continued leadership.


                            KVRE/Tom Nichols

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, since 1958, my good friend, Tom Nichols, has 
been an impactful voice for many Arkansans.
  This past November, Tom completed 65 years of broadcasting, an 
extraordinary accomplishment. His station, KVRE or 92.9 FM in Hot 
Springs, Arkansas, is family-owned and operated by Tom, and now his 
daughter, Alice.
  Sadly, KVRE is only one of the few family-owned radio stations left 
in Arkansas, and it has a great audience of over 600,000 Arkansans. 
Their station is celebrating 30 years this year; also a remarkable 
milestone.
  Tom and Alice are dedicated to ensuring that Arkansans are informed, 
while providing daily entertainment. In a world where media outlets are 
frequently corporately owned, it is terrific to recognize a local, 
family-owned, and independently operated radio station.

                              {time}  1845

  I congratulate KVRE for 30 years on the air and Tom for 65 years of 
broadcasting. My thanks to the Nichols family for their dedication to 
the communities they serve over the air. I look forward to many years 
ahead of their success.


                       Congratulating Don Walker

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Don Walker on his 
retirement from Arvest Bank. Don spent the past four decades in the 
banking industry, with most of that spent making major strategic 
decisions at Arvest, including helping craft their own corporate name, 
Arvest.
  During his tenure, he served as president and CEO of their expansion 
business in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which became one of their largest and most 
successful markets in their company. Don is known for not only being a 
great business leader and banker but for being a friend to many in 
northwest Arkansas and throughout our State.
  I applaud my friend Don Walker on his impressive career and wish him 
a very happy retirement.


          Congratulating the Harding University Football Team

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the House floor to 
congratulate the Harding University football team for winning the NCAA 
Division II Football National Championship. That is right, a national 
championship from Arkansas.
  The Bisons wrapped up an undefeated season, going 15-0, while only 
completing 26 passes all year. This team was a running machine. They 
found success by running the ball and racking up 6,300 rushing yards 
for the season.
  Mr. Speaker, this is the first time in college football history that 
a team has rushed more than 6,000 yards in a season.
  I congratulate head coach Paul Simmons and his exceptional team on 
their incredible achievement and hard work, and I really look forward 
to the team building on this success in their next season.
  Go Bisons.


                       Congratulating Kathy Webb

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kathy Webb on her 
retirement from the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
  Kathy served as the CEO of Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance for the 
past 12 years while simultaneously also representing Ward 3 on the City 
of Little Rock Board of Directors.
  During her time as CEO, Kathy expanded access to food across our 
region and our State, creating new partnerships to fight hunger and 
improve public policy at both the State and the Federal level.
  She was a real leader in our community as the COVID-19 pandemic 
disrupted work and food access. She will now carry out a 2-year term as 
vice mayor of Little Rock and work as a consultant on a variety of 
issues in central Arkansas.
  I congratulate Kathy for her outstanding leadership and work on 
combating hunger. I wish her a happy retirement from this mission, and 
I look forward to my continued work with her on issues of mutual 
concern in our city.


            Celebrating the Accomplishments of Carson DeLong

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments 
of Carson DeLong, a fifth grader from The Baptist Preparatory School in 
Little Rock, Arkansas.
  At such a young age, Carson has become the embodiment of kindness and 
giving for many this season.
  Starting in his own classroom, Carson aimed to donate 50 pairs of 
socks to the homeless in central Arkansas. As his sock drive grew, he 
ended up collecting 500 pairs.
  Arkansas has a homeless population of approximately 2,500 people, but 
because of Carson's passion, his commitment, and his love for 
everybody, some

[[Page H238]]

of those will have a much warmer winter.
  Even amongst his newfound fame, Carson remains humble and attributed 
much of this feat and success to his classmates. His class has started 
another drive for other pieces of clothing, and Carson says he is happy 
just knowing that he could help start this cycle of generosity.
  Carson is not done yet, as he started a new drive that collects teddy 
bears and stuffed animals, and he hopes to donate that to the patients 
at our outstanding Arkansas Children's Hospital.
  His kindness shines through, and I am looking forward to the future 
of this fine young man.


 Recognizing the Impressive Career of Randy Hankins a/k/a Craig O'Neill

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the impressive 
career of Randy Hankins, a/k/a the beloved Craig O'Neill, who, after 50 
years of working as a news anchor and radio DJ, retired at the end of 
2023.
  Craig has spent the best part of 24 years of his career working as a 
broadcaster on Little Rock's KTHV Channel 11, and I was really amused 
and happy as I watched the great tribute they delivered for him on his 
last sign off on December 29.
  Craig's career includes accolades and awards, including a regional 
Emmy, the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award in 
Broadcast Journalism, and Craig was inducted into The National Academy 
of Television Arts this past year.
  Randy and his wife, Jane, are devoted to Arkansas. They have helped 
raise millions of dollars for charities and community causes, and they 
have delivered decades of laughter to all of us in central Arkansas.
  On behalf of the people of Arkansas, I thank Randy for his years of 
service, love, and humor in the community as he prepares for his well-
deserved retirement.


                     Honoring Mrs. Elnora Cranford

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran and 
Arkansas native Mrs. Elnora Cranford who celebrated her 100th birthday 
on December 20.
  Elnora's call to service began long before joining the Women's Army 
Corps. Prior to service, she worked at the Jacksonville ordnance plant 
as a detonator assembler in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

  She joined the Women's Army Corps in 1944 and served honorably, 
receiving medals including the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II 
Victory Medal, and the American Theater Service Medal. She earned the 
rank of corporal before she separated from the service in 1946.
  After her separation, Elnora, a second generation Arkansan, married 
Robert Cranford, who began his service in World War II, as well. They 
were married for 56 years and have two daughters, Glenda and Judy.
  For over 25 years, they were the owners of Earl's Cafe in North 
Little Rock, Arkansas.
  I thank Elnora Cranford for her service, her love of life, her 
family, and I congratulate her on her 100th birthday.


                        Recognizing Eli Paladino

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eli Paladino of 
Morrilton, Arkansas.
  During the most recent Christmas season, Eli hosted a toy drive 
fundraiser for the kids at Arkansas Children's Hospital, the same 
hospital where he receives his care for his congenital heart defect.
  A sixth grader at Sacred Heart School, Eli got the idea for a 
fundraiser from how happy the toys made him the previous year, and he 
told his mom that he wanted to host a fundraiser the following 
Christmas.
  With an initial goal of raising $300, he has raised over $2,000 from 
family, friends, and the community for his toy drive. Eli now wants to 
work in the hospital when he grows up, because the employees there make 
the kids feel so happy.
  I commend Eli and his family for their successful toy drive and for 
creating countless memories for those kids who have to spend some time 
in a very caring place, but away from home, our Arkansas Children's 
Hospital.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________