High Cost of War

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today more than 5 months since the American people were forced into a war of choice in Iran. As the President's negotiations fail, Americans are still bearing the expense every day. This is all while Russell Vought and Pete Hegseth claim the cost of the war to be roughly $30 billion, but the President's request for extra funds puts the true cost at a staggering $100 billion, if not more.

With this money, we could have instead paid for: 66 million Social Security retirement checks, 2 years of free school lunch for every child in the United States, 2 million teachers' salaries, 1 million 4- year college degrees, or the entire SNAP program for a year, serving 40 million Americans in need of food assistance.

It is imperative that Congress exercise our congressional oversight authority so that these stratospheric costs receive due scrutiny and the voice of the people we represent may be heard. Trump's Un-American Legacy

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as President Trump lays the groundwork for a namesake arch right here in the heart of our Nation's Capital. Despite the arch's violation of a height restriction for D.C. buildings, a panel consisting of the President's allies is likely to permit the plans.

Unfortunately, this symbolism of corruption coming from the President of the United States is not novel. Need I remind the American people that he has already demolished the White House Rose Garden, planned to take over a 100-year-old public golf course in Washington, D.C., and plastered two large posters of his likeness on government buildings along The National Mall, just to name a few, and also placing his name on our coinage and currency.

Donald Trump is trying at every attempt to enshrine his legacy in Washington, D.C., but legacy doesn't always mean being remembered for your name. This Nation is not a hotel chain. He is leaving rather a legacy of being the most un-American President we have ever had. Disability Pride Month

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Disability Pride Month. In July of 1990, Congress passed the Americans With Disability Act, also known as the ADA.

The passage of this landmark legislation was seen as an international victory for many Americans with disabilities and inspired similar legislation in 181 countries worldwide. The ADA changed the way we view disabilities and brought a level of compassion and understanding for those with a disability, oftentimes invisible.

We celebrate this month with pride, for the one in four Americans reported to have a disability and the millions around the world who want to continue without limitations.

In the name of furthering the ADA's mission, we must continue to create a country that is equitable, inclusive, and accessible for everyone, regardless of differences or limitations.

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