Ken Calvert

To provide a temporary waiver of certain Federal and State laws governing fireworks displays during the 250th anniversary year of the United States, while preserving local authority, and for other purposes.

in committee

Condemning State-level energy policies that restrict domestic oil production, increase gasoline prices, and undermine American energy security and national defense.

in committee

ACCESS Act of 2026.

in committee

“Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Major Paul S. Deller, United States Marine Corps. For the past four years, Major Deller has served with honor and distinction as a Congressional Fellow and Appropriations Liaison Officer for the Department of the Navy Appropriations Matters Office, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), representing the needs of our Marine Corps before the United States Congress. I had the distinct privilege of hosting Paul in my office during his time as a Congressional Fellow. During this time, he gained an immersive, behind the scenes understanding of the legislative process and critical work of funding our Nation's defense. His sharp intellect, dedication, and deep understanding of national security and budgetary policy were immediately apparent and proved to be an invaluable asset to my team. Upon completion of his fellowship, Major Deller seamlessly transitioned to one of the most strategically consequential billets for the Marine Corps, serving as an Appropriations Liaison Officer. In this role, he conducted daily engagement with members and staff, ensuring that the Marine Corps' concepts, programs, and requirements were widely understood. His expert navigation of the congressional appropriations process and his steadfast advocacy ensured vital funding for our Marines across multiple fiscal years. His work was instrumental in supporting the largest budget in Marine Corps history, securing over $57 billion in annual resources. This funding was essential to advancing the Marine Corps Force Design initiatives, enhancing operational readiness, and ensuring our Marines have what they need to meet any challenge. Furthermore, Major Deller played a central role in preparing Marine Corps senior leaders for congressional testimony, official visits, responded to hundreds of congressional inquiries, and coordinated and led over 15 congressional and staff delegations. These visits allowed my colleagues and me to see Marine Corps capabilities firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the resource requirements of the force. Mr. Speaker, Major Deller's performance has been characterized by the upmost professionalism, strategic insight, and steadfast commitment to his duty. He has personally strengthened the Marine Corps' credibility on Capitol Hill and ensured the Corps' priorities were clearly communicated. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and commending Paul for his service to our country and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors. ____________________”

2026-04-27 · Defense

“Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my good friend and Navy veteran, Ward Beecher, who passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Ward lived a life grounded in love, service, family, and country, and he will be deeply missed. Ward was a true patriot. His love for this country wasn't just spoken--it was lived. From 1956 to 1960, Ward proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the MSO-490 minesweeper. That service was a defining part of who he was, and he carried the values of duty, loyalty, and quiet strength with him for the rest of his life. Ward was married to his wife, Diane Beecher, for 69 beautiful years. Together, they built a family that became his greatest pride--his three daughters, Lori, Lynn, and Jann; six grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. At home, Ward was known for his warm sense of humor. He loved joking around with his grandkids, managed to give everyone in the family a nickname, and ended every visit by saying `toodles.' He found joy in life's simple pleasures: cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners, listening to 50s music, enjoying an In-N-Out burger, and reminiscing about his time growing up on the family farm in Oklahoma. Those stories were part of who he was, and he loved sharing them with anyone who would listen. I extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Beecher family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Ward. Although he may be gone, the many contributions he made to his family and country have left an enduring legacy. ____________________”

2026-04-27 · Veterans

“Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. John Forbes as he departs service to this body to assume the role of Clerk for the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Over the course of his distinguished career spanning more than two decades, John has honorably served in the United States Air Force, the executive branch, and the legislative branch. As we mark the close of this chapter of John's service, I am pleased to honor his dedicated contributions as a professional staff member for the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense. John began his career as an enlisted airman in the Air Force in August 2000, a formative experience that grounded him in the practical realities of the men and women our defense budgets are meant to serve. Over the following decade, John rose through the ranks and earned his commission as an officer, accumulating experience across multiple Air Force installations. He completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Troy University, and later earned a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University. As his career progressed, John was selected as a Strategic Policy Fellow, serving at the Office of Management and Budget's National Security Division and the Defense Innovation Board in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He commanded the 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, during which time he established the first-ever Air Force Special Operations Command wing innovation cell, garnering Small Business Innovation Research contracts to accelerate the application of emerging technology to the wing's mission. For this and his broader service, he was recognized as both the United States Air Force Comptroller of the Year and the United States Special Operations Command Comptroller of the Year. John also served as a Politico-Military Planner for the Joint Staff's J-5 Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate, where he was the principal strategist and advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for twelve European allies and partners. Among many consequential assignments, he developed and coordinated the Chairman's foreign engagement plan in response to the threat of Russian incursion into Ukraine and Chinese influence in the region. In March 2022, John transitioned to Capitol Hill, where he served as a professional staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, where he oversaw Research, Development, Test and Evaluation for the Army; Shipbuilding and Conversion for the Navy; and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. John joined the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense in January 2023, where [[Page E267]] he had oversight responsibility of critical defense and intelligence community accounts, including Operation and Maintenance, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the United States Special Operations Command. John was essential in developing the first full-year continuing resolution for Defense in fiscal year 2025, as well as bringing the Subcommittee back to a resemblance of regular order in fiscal year 2026--both among the most challenging appropriations cycles in recent memory. As John begins a new chapter in the Senate, I would be remiss if I did not reflect on the tremendous contribution he has made to the House Appropriations Committee and to our national security. John brings to every task an exceptional breadth of experience--the perspective of an enlisted airman, a commander, a strategist, a budget officer, and a legislative professional. His depth of knowledge, his professionalism, and his abiding commitment to the men and women of our armed forces have made him an invaluable member of the defense appropriations staff. I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending John Forbes for his extraordinary service to our country, and I wish him every success in his important new role. ____________________”

2026-03-25 · Defense