[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H120-H121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1045
DOGE CAUCUS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks) for 5 minutes.
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today, proud to announce
that I have joined the bipartisan Congressional DOGE Caucus. This
important initiative is focused on bringing much needed efficiency to
the Federal Government and reducing wasteful spending that burdens
taxpayers.
As an Iowan, I know that every dollar counts. Many of my constituents
are living paycheck to paycheck, while unelected bureaucrats in
Washington continue to waste taxpayer dollars. That is why I am excited
to work alongside leaders like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk who bring
a business-minded approach to reforming government operations.
The national debt has now surpassed $36 trillion. Since 2003, $2.7
trillion in improper payments have been made by Federal agencies. The
DOGE Caucus will work tirelessly to address this issue, streamline
operations, and ensure the government is working more effectively and
efficiently for all Americans.
I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and advancing
President Trump's agenda to rein in wasteful spending while we work
efficiently to provide services and protect taxpayer dollars.
Protecting Women and Girls in Sports
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the
Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act which was introduced by
Representative Steube.
In the last term, the House passed this bill as well, but it was not
taken up by the Senate. This critical legislation ensures that only
biological women and girls can participate in athletic programs
designed for their sex at birth, preserving fairness and integrity in
women's sports.
For decades, Title IX has worked to provide equal opportunities for
women in education and athletics. This bill reaffirms that commitment
by clarifying that sex is determined by an individual's chromosomal
expression at birth.
As a physician and a scientist, the science indicates that males,
especially after puberty, have greater and longer striated muscle mass
which means they run faster, swim faster, and jump higher. They also
have greater cardiac volume and greater lung volume which
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also enables them to have greater endurance and strength. Those
individuals who are competing with women don't offer a level playing
field for female athletes.
This bill also requires a report from the Government Accountability
Office to assess the negative psychological, developmental, and
sociological aspects of male participation in female sports.
Madam Speaker, this is about fairness. It is about protecting women's
rights and women's spaces and ensuring that girls have equal
opportunities in athletics, and I urge my colleagues to support this
legislation.
Welcoming Iowans to the United States Presidential Inauguration
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I extend a warm welcome to the
thousands of Iowans, including the hundreds from Iowa's First
Congressional District, who are traveling to Washington, D.C., to
attend President Trump's inauguration. I know that many of them are
making the journey with their families, friends, and fellow community
members. I am excited to see such a strong presence of Iowans in our
Nation's Capital.
From local leaders to activists to business owners, students, and
veterans, Iowans of all walks of life are coming together to witness
this historic event. It is a testament to the pride and dedication we
have in our State and our country.
My team and I are here to make sure their experience is as smooth and
as enjoyable as possible. We look forward to assisting them in any way
we can while they are here. We welcome Iowa to Washington, D.C.
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