Providing for Consideration of H.R. Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act; Providing for Consideration of H.R. Undersea Cable Protection Act of Providing for Consideration of H.R. Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act; and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Neguse for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, it is Groundhog Day again in Washington, D.C. You know, this week is an opportunity to drive down electricity costs, create jobs at home by bolstering our exports of goods made in America. It is an opportunity to lower the cost of groceries and healthcare for families around our great country. But this Republican majority never misses an opportunity to do the opposite of addressing affordability for the American people.

After all of the majority's procedural shenanigans last year, my resolutions ending President Trump's harmful tariffs on Canada and Mexico are due for a vote this week. But the Republicans couldn't let that stand. They are trying to change the rules again and again and again and again to do what? They are trying to change the rules again to avoid voting on ending Trump's tariffs.

Just this week, new research from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation showed that the President's tariffs cost the average American well over $1,000. It will cost them even more now. That is what it cost them last year. It will be even more this year.

President Trump brags about the money generated from tariffs, but it is money ripped right out of the wallets of working families. Will this body listen to the affordability concerns of our constituents and retake our responsibility over Congress' Article I powers to tax and trade? No, they won't. Will they lower the cost of utilities and groceries or medical devices around the United States that Americans need? No, they won't.

What we are witnessing is one of the most astounding displays of cowardice in the modern history of Congress. It is truly a spectacle. In all my years, I have never seen a group of Members so deeply afraid of just doing their job.

The American people sent us here to address their affordability concerns. I had to say to one member of the administration just last week: Do not continue to be a flunky of the President. Don't be a flunky of the President. Don't block for the President if he is not doing the right thing. Work for the American people. Don't be flunkies for the President when you know he is wrong. Work for the American people. Let's vote on this. Let's have the bravery to vote on this.

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