Our Southwest Border
Floor Speech
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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
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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 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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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
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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
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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
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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.
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