[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 14, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H586-H587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             MOUNTAIN GATEWAY OFFICIALS WRONGLY IMPRISONED

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 13 
Mountain Gateway officials who have been separated from their families 
and wrongly imprisoned in Nicaragua.
  Our Founding Fathers in America established our First Amendment, 
which guarantees the freedom of religion. While we are blessed that the 
United States ensures these rights, other countries and governments do 
not offer these same liberties. Mountain Gateway is an evangelic 
ministry based in Texas that desires to make Jesus Christ's name known 
to all nations.
  The organization has had relations with Nicaragua since 2013, 
establishing churches, humanitarian relief projects, and a fair trade 
coffee farm that provides income to rural residents. This past year, 
Mountain Gateway held a series of mass religious worship services

[[Page H587]]

in Nicaragua with the government's approval. Throughout eight separate 
gatherings, more than 1 million people attended.
  The Nicaraguan Government began arresting Mountain Gateway affiliated 
personnel shortly after their most recent service in Managua on false 
claims of money laundering. Thirteen Mountain Gateway officials are 
currently being held in prison with no access to legal counsel, no 
visits from their relatives, and no access to the allegations against 
them.
  Beside me are pictures of a family that has been separated because of 
this catastrophe. The children, who are also U.S. citizens, are 
currently separated from their family due to the wrongful imprisonment 
of their parents.
  The response of the Nicaraguan Government is unacceptable. While the 
current U.S. open border has allowed over 300,000 Nicaraguans to access 
America since 2021, the Nicaraguan Government has targeted numerous 
U.S. citizens to be arrested and extradited to Nicaragua and separated 
two U.S. children under the age of 3 from their parents.
  As an American and a strong supporter of religious freedom, it is 
hard to grasp the reality that other nations do not have the freedom to 
worship in peace. I condemn the actions by Nicaraguan authorities 
against both Nicaraguan and American citizens for worshipping the God 
who created them, and I will be praying for peace and comfort for the 
individuals and their families until they are safely united.


                     Recognizing National FFA Week

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize February 17 through 
24 as National FFA Week. President George Washington once said: 
``Agriculture is the most healthy, the most useful, and the most noble 
employment of man.''
  FFA members and alumni nationwide continue to look up to President 
Washington as a model of leadership and a champion for agriculture. For 
the past 76 years, we have celebrated National FFA Week during the week 
of Washington's birthday, February 22.
  My roots in FFA run deep. The organization played a role in shaping 
me into the man I am today. I was a member of the Fountain Lake FFA 
chapter in high school and went on to serve as the Arkansas FFA State 
president. I now have the opportunity to serve on the bipartisan 
Congressional FFA Caucus, and many of my staff members are previous FFA 
members, State officers, and even a national officer.
  At a time when the average age of a U.S. farmer is nearly 60 years 
old, agriculturists are looking to the next generation to fill their 
shoes. It has never been more important to give youth a seat at the 
table and enhance the agricultural talent pipeline, and that is where 
FFA excels.
  I am proud to recognize National FFA Week to celebrate this 
incredible organization. May it be a reminder of the great strides FFA 
makes in contributing to the future of agriculture.


                Honoring the Life of Bob R. Brooks, Jr.

  Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Bob R. Brooks, Jr.
  Bob was loved by many, a true family man. He was proud to be known as 
Uncle Bob to the light of his life, Ryan, as well as to Arkansas 
Attorney General Tim Griffin's children. He was deeply involved in the 
lives of his friends and colleagues, and many considered him a member 
of their family.
  He graduated from the University of Arkansas and was a dedicated 
Razorback fan, rooting for the Hogs in every sport. Bob served as chief 
of staff for former Congressman Jay Dickey before returning to Arkansas 
to serve the Natural State in several ways, in both the public and 
private sectors. Bob was named chief deputy attorney general by 
Attorney General Tim Griffin in 2023. He deeply enjoyed golfing, horse 
racing, and traveling.

  Bob was loyal to those around him and the State of Arkansas. I am 
thankful for his contributions to our State; but furthermore, I am 
thankful for his friendship. Bob's legacy will be felt by many for 
years to come.

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