Issues of the Day

Floor Speech

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for his promotion of his constituents and their success in exporting and for his recognizing the importance of small business to the House of Representatives.

My friend is from one of the most beautiful congressional districts in America, the Sierra Nevada.

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments and for promoting this good work in his district, and I thank him for his public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an important piece of legislation that I am working on here in the people's House.

The Ouachita Mountains inside the Ouachita National Forest stretches some 220 miles from my district in central Arkansas to eastern Oklahoma.

For 50 years now, I have sought refuge and pleasure in visiting a remarkable corner of the rugged Arkansas Ouachita National Forest mountains called Flatside. It is named for a sandstone outcrop that dominates the forest below.

Mr. Speaker, you can see in this photo on one very cold February day with a blanket of snow on the ground that I was looking west from the top of Flatside toward another high point in the wilderness area called Forked Mountain.

My guide that day was my good friend of now 50 years and longtime neighbor in Little Rock, Don Hamilton.

Don is a longtime member of the Ozark Society, a former board member for the National Wildlife Federation, and a tireless advocate for wilderness areas in our Nation.

At the time of this photo, I was a Senate staffer, and Don was urging me to persuade my then boss, U.S. Senator John Tower, a Republican from Texas, to cosponsor Democrat Arkansas Senator Dale Bumpers' Arkansas Wilderness Act.

This act would establish the 10,000 acres of public U.S. forestland around Flatside as one of nine new wilderness areas and the only one in the Second Congressional District.

With Senator Tower's endorsements and the tireless work by Senator Bumpers and my Second District predecessor, Republican Congressman Ed Bethune, Flatside did, in fact, join the U.S. Forest Service wilderness rolls in 1984 when it was signed into law by President Reagan.

At that time, the Flatside area was anticipated to be larger, encompassing the additional U.S. Forest Service lands that I am addressing on the House floor today in my new legislation.

Over the ensuing years, the Forest Service and advocates were never able to craft a strategy whereby those acres left out of the 1984 designation could be included.

When I joined Congress in 2015, I set about to design an approach that would expand Flatside to its originally contemplated size.

First, I introduced the Flatside Wilderness Enhancement Act, which passed in both the House and Senate in 2018 and was then signed into law by President Trump in January of 2019.

This bill added what I called the Bethune Woods acreage to Flatside. Thanks to Congressman Bethune for his years of hard work on this area.

This 640-acre addition had been coded by the U.S. Forest Service as wilderness and managed that way but had never been formally added to the boundaries of Flatside.

As a companion measure, Senator John Boozman of Arkansas and I included in the fiscal year 2019 appropriations bill a provision whereby the Forest Service would complete a careful and thorough study of the other Federal forest lands around Flatside that might well meet the 1964 Wilderness Act definition and be eligible for inclusion.

In May of 2021, Flatside's wilderness evaluation was completed by the Forest Service. They thoroughly examined all the areas in question and outlined the ones that they believed would qualify as wilderness if so designated by this House, by our Congress.

Thus, Mr. Speaker, here we are, 40 years later, discussing my bill, H.R. 3971, the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act. This act implements the careful U.S. Forest Service study that was completed back in May of 2021.

Further, I collaborated on the design of the measure with my colleague, the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Chair Bruce Westerman and his staff.

This bill admits 2,200 existing qualifying public U.S. Forest Service acres to the existing wilderness area. Land that qualifies for wilderness designation in accordance with the May 2021 study and is currently already managed as potential wilderness by the Ouachita National Forest Management Plan.

This measure is supported by our Arkansas Governor, Sarah Sanders, our parks and tourism leadership, our game and fish commission, our local officials in the nearby counties, and our outdoor recreation leaders, including The Ozark Society who was so instrumental in the 1994 work.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and complete the good work started by my predecessor so long ago, Congressman Ed Bethune, and initiated by President Reagan, signing the Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984 into law.

Today, we take this final step to complete Flatside Wilderness' original footprint and offer the wild beauty of The Natural State for generations to come.

For me, Flatside has provided five decades of peace that was promised in John Muir's great poem that goes like this: Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. Honoring the Life of Ambassador C. Boyden Gray

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the life of a dear friend and a remarkable public servant, Ambassador Boyden Gray. Boyden died on May 21, 2023, at the age of 80.

There was no finer gentleman, father, companion, or principled conservative advocate than the Honorable C. Boyden Gray.

In his remembrance of Ambassador Gray at a June 7 service at Christ Church, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas described Boyden as calm and courageous, warm and humorous.

It was my great pleasure to serve on the White House staff of President George H.W. Bush and witness Boyden's humor, courage, and principled leadership on a regular basis.

President Bush was fortunate to have Boyden Gray as his White House counsel, his friend, and also his counsel during his years as Vice President during the Reagan administration.

Boyden was instrumental in advising the President on appointments and on landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gray went on to continue his public service as our U.S. Ambassador to the European Union from 2006 to 2007.

Boyden was also a long-time attorney and conservative constitutional advocate in private practice in Washington, D.C.

In his touching eulogy, Justice Thomas quoted Boyden's frequent statement that his daughter, Eliza, was ``the best thing I have ever done.''

That was in full evidence as Eliza gave a beautiful tribute to her dad. Her dedication and love and his for her was in full evidence.

Martha and I send our hugs to Eliza, her husband Nick, and their children Jane and Wyatt.

The world is a less interesting place with the loss of our friend, Boyden Gray. I have no doubt that he is suggesting many structural regulatory reforms in Heaven as we speak. Recognizing North Little Rock High School's Victory in the Capitol Hill Challenge

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an incredible achievement from the high school students at North Little Rock High School who finished in first place in the SIFMA Foundation's 20th Annual Capitol Hill Challenge.

This is the security industry's nationwide contest. We used to call it the stock market game many years ago.

Thousands of teams from all 50 States compete in this 4-month financial education program where student teams invest a hypothetical $100,000 and learn the value and function of our capital markets and investing fundamentals through an integrated, comprehensive curriculum.

Additionally, these students learn how to think critically and collaborate with their peers which, in turn, improves their own personal decisionmaking and financial literacy.

The Capitol Hill Challenge allows for thousands of students across the country, particularly at underprivileged schools, to have access to exceptional financial educational programming and for those who might not even have had an opportunity to learn these important skills.

These students, as well as others whose schools finish in the top 10, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., and got to meet with their Congressmen and their Senators.

I congratulate the hardworking students at North Little Rock High School for this great achievement of being tops in financial literacy and in this contest. Recognizing Colonel Angela Ochoa

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Angela Ochoa for her distinguished service as the 19th Airlift Wing Commander at Little Rock Air Force Base.

Colonel Ochoa was commissioned in 2001, and throughout her career has flown in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Resolute Support, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, and Volant Shogun.

Colonel Ochoa has spent the last 2 years dedicated to the C-130 airlift community, ensuring that the 19th Wing is mission ready for global support.

Through her efforts, she has left a positive impact on more than 10,000 personnel and families that travel in and out of Little Rock Air Force Base every day.

In addition to her focus on combat readiness of the force, Colonel Ochoa continued to vitalize and support the central Arkansas community through the introduction of the Department of Defense's STARBASE program, which provides STEM-focused education opportunities for children in the area. She has also made immeasurable contributions to our community through the Honorary Commander Program.

I wish Colonel Ochoa continued success as she comes here to metro Washington, D.C., and takes command of the 89th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Andrews. Happy 187th Birthday, Arkansas

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge that this month, June, our great State of Arkansas celebrates 187 years of statehood.

Arkansas' rich history has shaped the vibrant and growing communities across our State today. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to stand before you and celebrate its heritage, progress, and the possibilities ahead for our citizens.

Arkansas' heritage is evident across our State in museums and historic sites but also in the individual stories of people across our State, their own stories, their own generations of calling Arkansas home.

Throughout our history, Arkansas has consistently lived up to its nickname, The Natural State. Families across our country visit our State parks, our historic sites, and other great outdoor recreational experiences from the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi Delta.

Besides the outdoors, Arkansans of all ages take advantage of opportunities in our State from art to sports to business and technology.

I am proud to support business investment in Arkansas and our young people as they learn more about what it means to call Arkansas home.

For all these reasons and more, I am confident that Arkansas has a bright future ahead. Today, and every day, I am proud to represent the many central Arkansans that make our State great. Happy Birthday, Arkansas. Congratulating Susan Ramsey, Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher of the Year

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan Ramsey, the recipient of the Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher of the Year award from the Arkansas Farm Bureau.

Ms. Ramsey teaches language arts in Pangburn, and she leads a garden class on Fridays for third and fourth graders, providing them new and engaging experiences in and around our food system and agriculture.

Pangburn High School's agriculture teacher Brian Harris, who nominated Ms. Ramsey for the award, praised her garden program because it provides students these important experiences at such a good, young age.

Ms. Ramsey has undeniably made a positive impact on her students, providing them the tools they need for future success. Programs like these benefit students and their families across our State.

This recognition is well-deserved, and as our State's nominee, she will represent Arkansas well at the National Ag in the Classroom Conference coming up. Thank you, Ms. Ramsey, for your dedication to your students. Congratulating Dr. Gary B. Arnold

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend, Dr. Gary B. Arnold, for his outstanding work as Head of School at Little Rock Christian Academy. After 16 years at Little Rock Christian, Dr. Arnold's legacy will not be forgotten.

From expanding the campus, building modern athletic facilities, and improving the art and science programs, Dr. Arnold improved student life immensely over his tenure.

Not only did Dr. Arnold lead his students, but he was a mentor to many other heads of school across the Nation.

Dr. Arnold held many positions of leadership for national organizations, promoting high standards and the growth of independent Christian education.

Through his devotion to spreading the faith and serving in the name of Jesus, Dr. Arnold's leadership creates a long-lasting, positive impact.

I congratulate Dr. Arnold on his amazing work at Little Rock Christian and look forward to his continued leadership across our great country. Congratulating Allie Thomas

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Allie Thomas on representing Arkansas in the 2023 National History Day competition.

National History Day is a high school competition whereby students can present historical research projects through websites, endorsements, or even performances.

Each year, nearly a half million students across our great country participate in National History Day. The topic for this year's competition was Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. The students' topics ranged from the history of science to politics and the military.

Allie was one of only 3,000 students selected to participate in the National History Day competition at the University of Maryland just this past week.

To advance to the National Competition, Allie's project was named a top-two project in her category and division.

I am so proud of Allie and her hard work. And we are honored she represented our great State of Arkansas. Recognizing Arkansas Children's Hospital

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arkansas Children's Hospital for being featured in the most recent U.S. News & World Report's list of best children's hospitals.

Arkansas Children's Hospital received a top 50 ranking in seven medical specialties for pediatric hospitals across the United States and was also ranked in the top 10 pediatric hospitals for the southeast region.

This recognition is well deserved. Arkansas Children's provides critical and incredibly valuable services to our children and their families across our State and the surrounding region.

This kind of comprehensive care is necessary so that kids and their families in our State can reach their full potential and have access to the absolute best care possible for every kind of complication that life can bring.

Providing these important services at such a high caliber requires a committed and talented team. The staff at Arkansas Children's Hospital certainly reflects these values.

As a former hospital director there and now a Member of Congress, I am always proud to highlight their quality pediatric care in our State and glad that the exceptional performance of Arkansas Children's Hospital is being recognized at a national level. Congratulating Jimmy Moses

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jimmy Moses, who was recently honored for his work in downtown Little Rock for Little Rock's successful growth, redevelopment, and preservation over his many decades of leadership.

Mr. Moses was featured in Block, Street, & Building magazine as a true difference maker, and I can certainly assure you, Mr. Speaker, that is understated.

His family has exemplified values that made our State great for generations. They have not only benefited from their deep roots in Little Rock, but they have used those talents and love for the area to give back. Jimmy Moses is absolutely continuing that longtime Moses family tradition.

Mr. Moses has worked in urban development and planning for years. He has worked on projects to restore historic buildings and facilitate creative development as our vital central business district of Little Rock has grown and changed over the past 40 years.

Mr. Moses also serves as one of the founders of Moses Tucker Partners, a prominent real estate development firm in Little Rock.

His background, skills, and passion demonstrate why he is so deserving of this important recognition. I am proud to recognize him as a visionary that has been so clearly dedicated to making our hometown a better place. Celebrating Earl Smith's 100th Birthday

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Earl Smith, who celebrated his 100th birthday on June 10.

Mr. Smith, an Arkansas native, is a World War II veteran. Drafted at 19, he served in the Army and the Army Chemical Corps.

He was also part of the Rhineland campaign and the northern France campaign and was awarded two Bronze Stars and a good conduct medal.

Earl was married to his wife, Eloise, for 57 years. Together, they had two children, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Earl is still an active member of the community. He makes sure to attend all of his grandchildren's events and holds the longest membership in Lifeline Baptist Church. Earl also is the oldest member of the Little Rock VFW Post 9095.

When asked about this remarkable birthday, he said: ``I had no idea I would live this long, but every morning when I wake up, I thank the good Lord for another day.''

I thank Mr. Earl Smith for his service to our beloved Nation and congratulate him for his 100th birthday. Honoring Dave Peresko

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Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dave Peresko.

Mr. Peresko is a longtime veteran who served our Nation in the Vietnam war.

Continuing his service to our country, Mr. Peresko began working for the U.S. Postal Service in Little Rock in 1973. During that work, Mr. Peresko was no stranger to any of our community members. His lively and kind spirit spread throughout our community, leaving a positive impact on everyone he came across.

Completing over 45 years of service with the post office, Mr. Peresko retired from the post office just a few years ago in 2019.

This very committed Kansas City Chiefs superfan brightened the city of Little Rock every day in the way he touched people and cared for them in his public service.

We salute Dave in his retirement.

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