[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4420-H4421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING WILLIAM ``BUDDY'' BENNETT

  (Mr. Burchett of Tennessee was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the tourists up there in the 
gallery who, I am sure, are not here to hear me speak but are just 
getting out of that horrible heat. I welcome them to their Nation's 
Capital.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Trooper William 
``Buddy'' Bennett and his impactful career of protecting The Volunteer 
State for three decades.
  Trooper Bennett is well known by the Tennessee General Assembly 
members and State House members and senators as a member of the 
Tennessee Highway Patrol's Capitol Protection Unit, where he was a 
friend to all.
  In my 16 years in the State legislature, Mr. Speaker, I came across 
many State troopers who were as much a part of the legislature as we 
were. Trooper Bennett was always selfless and kind no matter who was 
there. He will be dearly missed by the State capitol and his 
colleagues, current and former members and Senators alike, and me, as 
well.
  As a devoted father and husband, he will commit his time following 
his retirement to his wife and two children at his home in Lebanon.
  I thank Trooper Bennett for his service to our great State of 
Tennessee, and I wish him well in his retirement.


                        Recognizing Don W. White

  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the outstanding career of 
my very good friend and fellow motorcycle rider Don White, who has 
spent more

[[Page H4421]]

than three decades serving and protecting the citizens of Lenoir City.
  A lifelong resident of Lenoir City, Don dedicated his career to 
public service by keeping drugs off the street and putting bad people 
behind bars. He built strong, lasting partnerships with the Federal and 
local agencies. He strengthened drug enforcement efforts, and he set a 
standard of excellence that has elevated the entire department.
  As chief and later as public safety director, Don guided Lenoir City 
through periods of growth and challenge with steadiness, integrity, and 
a devotion to the good people of Loudon County. His influence was so 
impactful that the city opened the Don W. White Public Training Center 
in his honor, ensuring future public servants will carry forward the 
values he championed.
  After 33 years of service, Don White leaves behind not just a career 
but a safer, stronger Lenoir City shaped by his leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, as I have always said, that bald head is nothing to be 
ashamed of. It is a solar panel for a think tank.


                        Recognizing Kyle Hixson

  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the appointment of 
Justice Kyle Hixson to the Tennessee Supreme Court. As a seventh-
generation Tennessean, Justice Hixson is the true embodiment of what it 
means to be a true Volunteer.
  Justice Hixson has spent nearly two decades as a public servant and 
will continue to serve the good folks of east Tennessee in the highest 
court of our great State.
  In appointing Justice Hixson, Governor Bill Lee selected a judge 
whose career is dedicated to upholding and fighting for the 
constitutional values necessary to maintain liberty and justice in 
Tennessee.
  Justice Hixson has been a lifelong pillar of our great community. 
From working in his family's grocery store as a kid to raising his 
three very lovely daughters, he understands the strength of Tennessee 
lies in its families, its communities, and the people who call it home. 
Throughout his great career, he has remained committed to serving both 
his profession and his fellow Tennesseans with humility and integrity.
  Justice Kyle Hixson embodies the volunteer spirit through hard work, 
faith, and principles. His appointment is a testament to Tennessee, and 
I am honored to recognize him today and call him a friend.

                          ____________________