[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]
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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