What Pat Fallon said, and what was done

“Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Rogers for his dedication. He is a great American truly, and it has been an honor to serve under him. I also thank Ranking Member Smith for his good-faith efforts to do everything he can to protect our country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 7283, the Ensuring Federal Purchasing Efficiency Act. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is a government procurement reform bill that allows for far more efficient government spending and reduces the burden on small businesses by ensuring they don't have to navigate different procurement policies from year to year.”

“Mr. Speaker, yesterday, a legend was called home. Lou Holtz passed away surrounded by his loving family, and I know coach, if he had to choose, wouldn't have it any other way.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Leda A. Melideo, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who passed away on December 20, 2025. Leda A. Melideo was born on December 1, 1929, at home in the Lakewood section of Pittsfield, the daughter of the late Frank and Ida Curini Tranquilli.”

“Arthur. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Texas, followed by an MBA from the University of Southern California.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the short but beautiful life of Kai Khan Zafar, of Durango, Colorado. On August 30, 2025, Kai was born to Dani and Kamran Zafar.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Branch of Royse City, Texas. For more than two decades, Mr. Branch has been a devoted and highly visible leader in the Rockwall County and Royse City communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Janet Nichol, of Royse City, Texas. For almost three decades, Ms. Nichol has been a devoted and highly visible leader in the Rockwall County and Royse City community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Crowley of Royse City, Texas. Tom Crowley has been a resident of Royse City since 2006 and has dedicated much of his life to public service, community engagement, and leadership.”

“Mr. Speaker, if critical minerals like lithium are essential to our military and to our national security, if that is the case, then why are we still relying on our number one global adversary to supply them?”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Thomas Unerfusser of Denison, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Captain Unerfusser honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1985 to 2006.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Warrant Officer 05, Quint Avenetti, of Rockwall, Texas, and to award him a Congressional Veteran Commendation. CW05 Avenetti honorably served in the United States Marine Corps as a Field Artillery/Target Acquisition Officer.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Paul Smith of Hunt, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Sergeant Smith honorably served in the United States Army for five years, demonstrating exceptional dedication and courage in defense of our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Robert ``Rob'' Altman of Frisco, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Major Altman honorably served for over 25 years in the United States Army, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Specialist Robert ``Bob'' Harvey of Celina, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Specialist Harvey honorably served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1955 to 1956 and in the United States Army from 1957 to 1963, dedicating his career to the defense of our nation with distinction and commitment.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Private First Class Weldon Edward McClane of Sadler, Texas, and to award him a Congressional Veteran Commendation. PFC McClane honorably served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945 during World War II.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Clinton ``Clint'' Bass of Trenton, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Sergeant Bass honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1971 as a member of the Air Police and Base Security.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Dan McCall of Denton, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Captain McCall honorably served in the United States Army from 1997 to 2005, demonstrating exceptional leadership, courage, and commitment to the defense of our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Technical Sergeant Donald Babbs of Celina, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Technical Sergeant Babbs honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961 and in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1978 to 1989.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel and Police Chief, Eddie ``Ed'' Drain of Plano, Texas, and to award him a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Chief Drain honorably served in the United States Army and Army Active Reserve.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Staff Sergeant Jack Eramdjian of Celina, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Staff Sergeant Eramdjian honorably served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966 and in the United States Army Reserve from 1966 to 1970, demonstrating steadfast dedication and service to our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master Sergeant Jerry King of Heath, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Master Sergeant King honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1995, demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Staff Sergeant John Kisic of Cooper, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Staff Sergeant Kisic honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 1986 and in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1986 to 1989.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Warrant Officer Three Joseph Patrick Lynch of Rockwall, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. CW3 Lynch honorably served in the United States Army for twenty-three years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Lorna Kipphut of Rockwall, Texas, and to honor her with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Lieutenant Colonel Kipphut honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1998, dedicating twenty years to the defense of our Nation with distinction, leadership, and trailblazing service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Kipphut of McLendon-Chisholm, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Mark has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Sergeant Major Christopher ``Chris'' Joseph Lynch of Rockwall, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. CSM Lynch honorably served in the United States Army for twenty-seven years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer Third Class Ashten Waldrep of Whitewright, Texas, and to honor her with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Petty Officer Waldrep honorably served in the United States Navy from 2008 to 2015, demonstrating integrity, discipline, and dedication to duty as a Master at Arms.”

“Peer Network, where she provides peer support, suicide prevention, and community outreach for veterans in need. As a Mentor Coordinator for Veterans Court, she assists justice-involved veterans by offering guidance, accountability, and a second chance at success through rehabilitation and support.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Andre Jackson of Rockwall, Texas, and to honor him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Sergeant Jackson honorably served in the United States Army from 2000 to 2007, dedicating nearly a decade of service for the defense to our Nation with distinction, leadership, and selfless service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mr. Steve Ledwell of Texarkana, Texas, and to present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Steve has dedicated his life to faithfully serving his community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mr. Dennis Lewis of Texarkana, Texas, and to present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Dennis has dedicated his life to faithfully serving his community and country.”

“While Dennis has been recognized with numerous distinguished service and leadership awards, he considers his greatest accomplishments to be his three sons growing into dedicated fathers and his enduring marriage to Paula.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mrs. Lisa Singleton of Bowie County, Texas, and to present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Lisa has dedicated her life to faithfully serving her community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mr. Gary Singleton of Bowie County, Texas, and to present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Gary has dedicated his life to faithfully serving his community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable career of Dr. Meena Vyas, whose dedication to mental health care and public service has profoundly impacted the people of Denton County, Texas, and beyond.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a dedicated patriot, Cesar J. Solda, of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. Born in France during a time of war, Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Wanda Faye Babb of Paris, Texas. Mrs. Babb was born on September 20, 1935, in Paris, Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Thomas McCall of Frisco, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. He has served and uplifted our community through his leadership and dedication.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Mrs. Trellis Maddalena of Flower Mound, Texas. A native of Georgia, Mrs. Maddalena has dedicated more than 13 years to the United States Postal Service, beginning her career as a mail carrier in Flower Mound.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Thomas John Wade of Jefferson City, Missouri, who peacefully passed away on the 3rd of September, surrounded, fortunately, by his loving family.”

“Now, I mentioned that Thomas was in the Army. Not only that, he served in Vietnam, and he served in combat in Vietnam. He served in combat in Vietnam in military intelligence, which essentially put him on the front lines of the front lines.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mrs. Rosemary Margo Enrico of Dallas, Texas, who peacefully passed away on May 6, 2025. Rosemary was born on September 28, 1944, in Chisholm, Minnesota, to Andrew and Rose Margo.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mr. Alan Barry Carr of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, who peacefully passed away on June 8, 2025. Alan was born on January 17, 1937, to James and Olive Carr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Patrick ``Pat'' Terrell of Burr Ridge, Illinois, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Pat has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.”

“American Trans Air, now ATA Airlines. Moreover, he founded Terrell Materials, a very successful company that specializes in high-volume concrete manufacturing for runways and taxiways at major airports.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Elizabeth ``Beth'' Terrell of Burr Ridge, Illinois, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Beth has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Kyle Frazer's exemplary and distinguished record of service to our Nation. A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kyle was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 2008 through the University of Utah.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Major Robert Coleman's exemplary and distinguished record of service to our country. Rob is an active-duty Military Police Officer in the United States Army, and he served as my Defense Fellow throughout last year.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Roger Anthony Enrico, who peacefully passed away on June 1, 2016. Roger was born on November 11, 1944, in Chisholm, Minnesota. to Anthony and Rose Marie Parucci Enrico.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Oliver Royal of Plano, Texas, on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and his continued dedication to public service. Oliver is currently a senior at Plano West Senior High School who will be graduating this month with Honors.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mrs. Barbara Leonard Hayes of Carrollton, Texas, who peacefully passed away on April 6, 2025. Barbara was born on July 8, 1937, in Tom, Oklahoma and was adopted by John and Lena Noll Leonard.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Punk Carter of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Punk has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Walter Eugene Hunter of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Walter has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Andy ``Hop'' Hopkins of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Andy has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Carmen Roberts of Celina, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Carmen has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John ``Johnny'' Rothfus of Prosper, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Johnny has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Lane Akin of Decatur, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Lane has dedicated himself to faithfully serving and protecting our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Corbett Howard of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Corbett has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Sean Michael Terry of Pilot Point, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Sean has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor lsiah Moore, Jr., of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Pastor Moore has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Metdker of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Mark has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Nate Pike of Prosper, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Nate has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ralph O'Dell of Celina, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Ralph has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Kay Akin of Decatur, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Kay has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Catherine ``Trinka'' Taylor of Dallas, Texas and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Trinka has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Matthew Logan Finke of Bells, Texas, who peacefully passed away on September 25, 2024. Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Heart's Desire in Frisco, Texas. In 1995, Sherri Hale and Molly Hoebeke founded Heart's Desire, the first gift shop in Frisco.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Nathan L. Hammond for his recent promotion and recognize his distinguished service to our nation in the United States Air Force.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mr. Austin Metcalf of Frisco, Texas, a young student athlete and aspiring leader who tragically passed away on April 2, 2025.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the grand opening of Lionshead Specialty Tire and Wheel's newest facility in Paris, Texas. Since 1993, Lionshead has specialized in state-of-the-art contract manufacturing to produce and distribute a wide range of options for tires, wheels, and vehicle components for the trailer and recreational vehicle market nationwide.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the founding of Bonham, Texas. Bonham's rich history began in autumn of 1837 as Fort Inglish, a small, fortified blockhouse and stockade constructed by Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of the men and women who fought for our Nation during the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, 8.7 million Americans served in our Nation's Armed Forces, with over 2.7 million being deployed to Vietnam.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. James Muns of Plano, Texas, who peacefully passed away on March 6, 2025. Mr. Muns was born on January 6, 1932.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. Joe Vernon Adams of Cooper, Texas, who peacefully passed away on February 20, 2025. Joe was born on June 27, 1963, to Eugene and Jo Ann Adams.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr Fred Moses of Plano, Texas, who peacefully passed away on January 24, 2025. Fred was born in Coward, South Carolina, on June 6, 1949, to Otis and Elveta Moses.”