I am concerned that we continue to find examples that seem clear that the Biden administration is weaponizing the Federal Government against its citizens.

To me, it seems like there was a directive from the White House to ensure Greenbelt emerged as the preferred choice.

Would adopting policies, such as adopting a risk-based approach for inspecting all tank vessels, free up resources that could be redirected towards other missions with implications for national security?

The AQUAA Act would help achieve this goal by establishing a comprehensive nationwide permitting system for marine aquaculture facilities.

I respectfully urge this Committee to help pass the AQUAA Act, and to pass legislation that allows the offshore aquaculture industry to expand their work into Federal waters.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Ranking Member. And it sounds like Plum Island is a plum good time.

Let's put our working waterfronts to good use to feed America with sustainable, locally sourced seafood.

As the Congressman representing South Mississippi, I want to thank you for the opportunity today to discuss my priorities.

Aquaculture, in complement with wild harvest, will ensure a consistent supply of local seafood regularly coming into our nation's ports.

Our Nation's adversaries continue to find new ways to undermine our national security.

I want Mississippians to be confident these solar panels are not enriching the CCP and contributing to this terrible slave labor genocide.

When States are having to spend millions of dollars to combat illegal immigration, what strain does this put on State and local budget to ensure safety?

I want to give you a thanks for--and the Department of Transportation--for its historic, significant investment in my home district in the State of Mississippi.

As our national debt reaches $33 trillion, we can't afford to keep spending this much money when we know there is a solution.

Over the past months, this committee has exposed the lawlessness unfolding at our Southern Border.

Let me tell you, the drain on our financial resources is staggering.

I believe this approach could bring financial resiliency to lower and moderate income households often facing extreme flooding events and even save the taxpayer some money.

Before I was sworn into office, I promised my voters I would focus on flood insurance and flood mapping issues that directly affect my district in south Mississippi.

Congress, similarly, has explored policies to improve the National Flood Insurance Program, which is unaffordable and unattainable in several areas in my district.

It is absolutely appalling.

It is no secret that the border is a mess, and it is no secret that our law enforcement officers are under attack.

The Coast Guard is conducting the planning required to relocate Port Security Unit 308 into a permanent facility.

It brings me pride to say the workforce of southern Mississippi will be responsible for building the most superior and technologically advanced polar cutters in the entire world.

I proudly represent Port Security Guard 308, the Gulfport Coast Guard Station, and the Coast Guard personnel at Pascagoula Naval Station.

However, I worry that downsizing the fleet would dangerously limit the Coast Guard's ability to respond to simultaneous emergencies like those that come after hurricanes.