[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            HIGH COST OF WAR

  (Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today more than 5 months since the 
American people were forced into a war of choice in Iran. As the 
President's negotiations fail, Americans are still bearing the expense 
every day. This is all while Russell Vought and Pete Hegseth claim the 
cost of the war to be roughly $30 billion, but the President's request 
for extra funds puts the true cost at a staggering $100 billion, if not 
more.
  With this money, we could have instead paid for: 66 million Social 
Security retirement checks, 2 years of free school lunch for every 
child in the United States, 2 million teachers' salaries, 1 million 4-
year college degrees, or the entire SNAP program for a year, serving 40 
million Americans in need of food assistance.
  It is imperative that Congress exercise our congressional oversight 
authority so that these stratospheric costs receive due scrutiny and 
the voice of the people we represent may be heard.


                       Trump's Un-American Legacy

  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as President Trump lays the 
groundwork for a namesake arch right here in the heart of our Nation's 
Capital. Despite the arch's violation of a height restriction for D.C. 
buildings, a panel consisting of the President's allies is likely to 
permit the plans.
  Unfortunately, this symbolism of corruption coming from the President 
of the United States is not novel. Need I remind the American people 
that he has already demolished the White House Rose Garden, planned to 
take over a 100-year-old public golf course in Washington, D.C., and 
plastered two large posters of his likeness on government buildings 
along The National Mall, just to name a few, and also placing his name 
on our coinage and currency.
  Donald Trump is trying at every attempt to enshrine his legacy in 
Washington, D.C., but legacy doesn't always mean being remembered for 
your name. This Nation is not a hotel chain. He is leaving rather a 
legacy of being the most un-American President we have ever had.


                         Disability Pride Month

  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Disability Pride 
Month. In July of 1990, Congress passed the Americans With Disability 
Act, also known as the ADA.
  The passage of this landmark legislation was seen as an international 
victory for many Americans with disabilities and inspired similar 
legislation in 181 countries worldwide. The ADA changed the way we view 
disabilities and brought a level of compassion and understanding for 
those with a disability, oftentimes invisible.
  We celebrate this month with pride, for the one in four Americans 
reported to have a disability and the millions around the world who 
want to continue without limitations.
  In the name of furthering the ADA's mission, we must continue to 
create a country that is equitable, inclusive, and accessible for 
everyone, regardless of differences or limitations.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to refrain from 
engaging in personalities toward the President.

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