What John H. Rutherford said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I am here tonight to celebrate Police Week, the National Police Week celebration for the police officers who have given their lives in service to their communities.”

“Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Gillen), someone who has been an avid champion of law enforcement. Like Mr. Suozzi, Ms. Gillen has been a great friend of those in blue.”

“Mr. Speaker and colleagues, as many of you know, this National Police Week is dedicated to the brave men and women of law enforcement who have fallen in the line of duty.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the fiscal year 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act and urge my colleagues to do the same. This bill champions public safety, and it refocuses the Department of Homeland Security back on its fundamental mission that was really lost sight of during the Biden administration.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of James ``Jim'' P. Citrano, who passed away this last August at the age of 83. Jim was born on January 2, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate Penny Justice on her selection as the winner of the Patriot of the Year Award. This annual award ceremony celebrates our great American servicemembers, first responders, and citizens, and recognizes men and women who, through their actions and words, exemplify servant leadership and patriotism.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate Penny Justice on her selection as the winner of Florida's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot of the Year Award.”

“Mr. Speaker, I was unavailable, and I missed the following Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 272; YEA on Roll Call No. 273; YEA on Roll Call No. 274; YEA on Roll Call No. 275; and NO on Roll Call No. 276.”

“Mr. Speaker, due to my flight being diverted because of severe weather, I was unable to vote on July 14, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call 191; YEA on Roll Call 192; and YEA on Roll Call 193.”

“Today, our Nation is facing growing and real threats from adversaries around the world. There is China, who continues to rapidly grow their naval capacity at an alarming rate.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the U.S. Army Special Combat Engineers 59th Land Clearing Company, also known as ``The Bushwhackers,'' for their immense sacrifice to our Nation during the Vietnam war.”

“Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate all the hard work that got us here today. Mr. Speaker, I have to tell you, as I sat here on this floor listening to the conversation, it reminded me of an old saying that my father had.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter L. Foster, a proud American and distinguished commercial and test pilot, who shattered a set of world aviation records in 1988.”