Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 41st President of the United States of America, George Herbert Walker Bush of Houston, Texas, who passed away on November 30, 2018. President Bush was born on…
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 41st President of the United States of America, George Herbert Walker Bush of Houston, Texas, who passed away on November 30, 2018.
President Bush was born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts, to Prescott Sheldon Bush and Dorothy Walker Bush. He grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where his illustrious career in leadership and public service began.
On his 18th birthday, President Bush enlisted in the United States Navy and became a naval aviator. In the middle of World War II, he was commissioned as an ensign just before his 19th birthday, making him one of the youngest aviators in the Navy's history.
Stationed in the Pacific theater on the USS San Jacinto, he piloted a Grumman TBM Avenger. On September 2, 1944, while carrying out a mission against Japan, his plane was hit by enemy fire and was severely damaged. President Bush completed the mission and flew out over water, where he was able to escape from the plane and he was later rescued by submarine USS Finback.
After recovering from his injuries, he returned to flying as soon as he was able. He flew a total of 58 combat missions, for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Throughout the war, President Bush was encouraged and supported by letters from his sweetheart, Barbara Pierce. They had met at a Christmas dance in 1941 and quickly fell in love. They were engaged in 1943 and married on January 6, 1945. Together, they would endure both difficult and joyous times, grow a large and loving family, and set the record for the longest-married Presidential couple, with 73 years of an exemplary commitment to marriage.
After his marriage to Barbara, Mr. Bush enrolled at Yale University. He graduated in 2\1/2\ years on an accelerated track and was elected to one of the most prestigious academic societies, Phi Beta Kappa. He also served as president of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and as captain of the Yale baseball team. He played in the first two college world series and maintained a love for baseball throughout his life.
Upon graduation, the Bush family moved to Odessa, Texas, where President Bush pursued a career in the oil industry. He had a successful business career, founding two companies that eventually prompted the family to move to Houston in 1959.
In 1966, President Bush ran for and won election to the United States House of Representatives to represent the Seventh Congressional District of Texas. During his time in Congress, he supported influential legislation, including the civil rights bill of 1968 that outlawed housing discrimination.
After 4 years in the House, in 1971, President Bush was appointed as United States Ambassador to the United Nations. The Senate unanimously confirmed his appointment, and he served as Ambassador for 2 years. His time at the United Nations undoubtedly influenced him, as he became one of America's greatest diplomats.
In 1973, President Bush became chairman of the Republican National Committee, where he was tasked with guiding the Republican Party through the Watergate scandal and the resignation of President Nixon.
In the President Ford administration, President Bush took on the role as chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China. Although this was not a diplomat rank, his work greatly benefited U.S.- China relations. The United States had just recently opened relations with Communist China, and President Bush worked to establish a strong foundation for that relationship.
In 1976, the Bush family returned to the United States while he served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. His expansive knowledge of foreign relations and experience in building morale and team work made him a strong leader for the CIA during one of their most tumultuous times.
President Bush worked not only to restore the reputation of the Agency in the public eye, but also to improve relations with Capitol Hill. His experience as a legislator gave him the background to reconcile the CIA with Congress, and in the 357 days that he served as Director, he testified before them a record-setting 51 times.
With a transition from the Ford administration to the Carter administration, President Bush returned to Texas and became executive committee chairman of First International Bank of Houston. He also entered academia, where he spent a year as a part-time professor at Rice University and 2 years as director of the Council on Foreign Relations.
In 1980, President Bush was elected Vice President, serving with Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. During his tenure as Vice President, he took a hard stance against communism and tyranny, while working to end the Cold War without bloodshed. He worked to
support President Reagan and was one of the most successful Vice Presidents in history. His diplomatic finesse, trustworthiness, and patriotism made him beloved by the American people and a natural choice to run for President.
In 1988, then-Vice President Bush was elected by our Nation to become the 41st President. Inaugurated on January 20, 1989, President Bush became the first serving Vice President to be elected President since Martin Van Buren in 1836.
Just 293 days into his Presidency, President Bush witnessed a major success in his almost decade-long fight against communism with the fall of the Berlin Wall, followed by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
Afterward, President Bush and his administration played a significant role in reuniting East and West Germany. Today, Germany is a powerful nation and one of our country's strongest allies, none of which would have been possible without the skill, diplomacy, commitment, and tactfulness of President Bush.
In a continuation of his fight against oppression and tyranny, President Bush was one of Kuwait's strongest allies and advocates after its invasion by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. On January 17, 1991, the first Gulf war began in an effort to restore the sovereignty of Kuwait's Government and the stability of the Persian Gulf. Lasting just 100 hours, the offensive strategy was a great success, causing the Iraqi military to retreat from Kuwait.
One of the landmarks of President Bush's administration was the drafting of the North American Free Trade Agreement, more commonly known as NAFTA. This agreement encouraged better trade with our Nation's northern and southern neighbors by eliminating tariffs and streamlining trade. Since NAFTA's implementation, the American economy has grown by 54 percent and has added 25 million jobs.
President Bush is also credited with signing into law the Americans with Disabilities Act. This civil rights legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable accessible accommodations.
While serving only one term as President, President Bush's administration was a success and its impacts went far beyond his Presidency. Upon retirement, he continued to have influence in international affairs and American politics.
In 1990, the Points of Light Foundation was created by President Bush. Inspired by his ``thousand points of light'' speeches that encouraged volunteerism and selflessness, the foundation is dedicated to engaging people to solve the world's challenges through service to others.
To cement his legacy, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library opened in 1997, in conjunction with the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Although he was a graduate of Yale University, President Bush chose Texas A&M to be the site of his library and the adjoining Bush school because of the school's patriotism, values, military history, and commitment to public service.
Having lived a life of service to others, President Bush was committed to educating the next generation who would go on to serve and to lead the Nation, not only with academic knowledge, but with Texas Aggie values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service.
An Aggie at heart, President Bush and Barbara were both beloved by our Texas A&M and Brazos Valley communities. As Congressman for the 17th District of Texas, I am humbled to represent their adopted home in College Station, and I am forever grateful for the wisdom and support President Bush personally shared with me when I started my path in public service in 2010.
A man of military service, he built a special relationship with the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M and was even made an honorary member of the corps. In 2012, President Bush and I were both inducted into the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.
Also, as an Aggie, I cannot overstate the privilege bestowed upon Texas A&M University for our campus to have served as President and Barbara Bush's final resting place, along with their daughter Robin.
Mr. Speaker, President Bush's life was defined by his service to his family, to our country, and to the world. He will be forever remembered as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a decorated veteran, a leader, a mentor, a selfless servant, and a friend to millions.
My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Bush family. We also lift up the family and friends of President Bush in our prayers.
Earlier this week, I introduced and the House of Representatives unanimously passed H. Res. 1172, Honoring the life of President Herbert Walker Bush. I was humbled to offer this resolution. I have also requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor his life and legacy.
As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who serve us, and for other first responders who keep us safe here at home.
Honoring Texas A&M Corps of Cadets
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets for receiving the Guardian of the Human Spirit Award from the Holocaust Museum Houston on November 14, 2018.
The Holocaust Museum Houston created the Guardian of the Human Spirit Award in 1997 to recognize and thank those who have enhanced the lives of others and have worked to better humankind. This year, the museum decided to honor the Corps of Cadets because of the many contributions made by Texas Aggies during World War II.
There were 20,229 Aggies who served in World War II, including 14,123 who served as officers, many of whom you will see in this commissioning photo to my left, including five generals.
This was more than any other school, including the combined totals of the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy.
Almost all of the Aggies who served during the war had been members of the Corps of Cadets during their time at Texas A&M, and they absorbed the Texas A&M values of leadership, service, and integrity.
Since the founding of the university in 1876, tens of thousands of Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets members have fought to protect the liberties and safety of our country. From the Spanish-American War in the late 1800s to the ongoing war on terror, Aggies have served to stop tyranny and terrorism for freedom-loving persons all over the world.
During World War II, Texas Aggie corps members were involved in the war from the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, where Aggies fought and died, to the victory in the Pacific in August of 1945. They fought and died on every battlefield of the war.
During this period, there were numerous acts of exceptional sacrifice, including the liberation of German and Japanese concentration camps and the heroism displayed by Texas A&M's seven Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.
One of the better known accomplishments occurred on D-day, 6 June 1944, when Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder, Texas A&M class of 1932, commanded the U.S. Army 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions, which stormed the beach and scaled the 100-foot high cliffs at Pointe du Hoc in France. The attack saw a casualty rate of over 50 percent, and Rudder was wounded twice. Despite these casualties, Rudder and his men established a beachhead for Allied troops to land and begin the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe.
The service of the Aggies during World War II was recognized by numerous civilian and military leaders:
General Omar Bradley wrote about Rudder: ``No soldier in my command has ever been wished a more difficult task than that which befell the 34-year-old commander of the Provisional Ranger Force.''
General George S. Patton, the famous three-star general who served during World War II, is reported to have said this about Texas Aggies: ``Give me an Army of West Point graduates and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies and I'll win a war.''
General Douglas MacArthur told A&M President T.O. Walton early on during the war: ``Texas A and M is writing its own military history in the blood of its graduates, not only in the Philippines Campaign but on the active fronts of the southwest Pacific.''
In 1946, Dwight D. Eisenhower said: ``No more convincing testimony could be given to the manner in which the men of Texas A&M lived up to the ideals and principles inculcated in their days on the campus than the simple statement that the Congressional Medal of Honor has been awarded to six former students, that 46 took part in the heroic defense of Bataan and Corregidor and that nearly 700 are on the list of our battle dead.''
General Omar Bradley told the graduating class of 1950: ``The men of Texas A&M can stand up to any men in the world and compare favorably their education and training for leadership--leadership in the pursuits of peace, and if it comes to war, leadership in battle.''
The Aggies' presence in the war was invaluable, and their sacrifices are a reflection of our school's values of respect, leadership, integrity, loyalty, excellence, and selfless service.
As a former member of Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, I am humbled by and proud of the service and sacrifice of our cadets during the school's 142-year history.
Cadets at Texas A&M have long been known as the university's keepers of the spirit, and now the corps will also be known as the guardians of the human spirit, thanks to the recognition from the Holocaust Museum Houston.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Holocaust Museum Houston for recognizing the contributions made by the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets in World War II and congratulate the corps for receiving the Guardian of the Human Spirit award.
I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the legacy, values, sacrifice, and service of Texas A&M University's Corps of Cadets. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.
Honoring George Maurice Jackson
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Maurice Jackson of Bryan, Texas, who passed away on October 7, 2018.
Maurice was born on November 7, 1953, in Bryan, Texas, to Mary Jackson Moore and Buddy Rory Williams. Maurice grew up in Bryan and graduated from Bryan High School in 1972, which was the first class to be racially integrated.
Maurice sat on the student board, was a member of the National Honor Society, and lettered in football and tennis. He attended college in California, obtaining his associate's degree in aerospace studies.
He eventually returned to the Brazos Valley, where he was heavily involved in our community. A devout Christian, Maurice was a member of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Bryan. He served as a member of the adult choir and as an usher at that church.
For over 18 years, Maurice worked at Moore's Printing Company before becoming an employee with the Texas A&M University library system, where he worked for 18 years.
In addition to his work and church involvement, he was a dedicated volunteer at the Brazos Valley African American Museum, where he served as a member of its board of trustees. He served two terms as board treasurer and was a member of its many various committees.
Maurice was recognized this year at the museum's Hometown Teams program, ``How Sports Shape America,'' for his contributions as the first Black student on Bryan High's tennis team.
In Maurice's life, he was known for his love of two things: the Dallas Cowboys and his wife, Brenda Jackson.
Mr. Speaker, Maurice's life was defined by his service to those around him. He was loved by our community, and he certainly left an endearing legacy. He will be forever remembered as a community leader, a husband, a father, and a friend to many.
My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Jackson family. We also lift up the family and friends of Maurice Jackson in our prayers.
I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor his life and legacy. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.
Honoring W.S. Edmonds
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor W.S. Edmonds of College Station, Texas, who passed away on November 15, 2018.
W.S. was born on September 22, 1913, in College Station, Texas, to W.S. ``Bill'' Edmonds and Ima Lilly Boyett.
W.S. spent most of his childhood in Brazos Valley, where he attended College Station High School and Texas A&M University. He graduated from Texas A&M as a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie class of 1938 with a bachelor's degree in agricultural administration.
After graduation, W.S. became a cotton classifier in Bryan, Texas, and in New Orleans, Louisiana. He later returned to College Station to work for the U.S. Postal Service.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, W.S. volunteered to serve in the United States Army and went on to work as a courier for the Pentagon. His work led him to travel around the world and to deliver the maps used for the invasion of Japan. Once the war was over, W.S. continued to serve in the Army Reserve and retired as a major.
During the war, W.S. met Marge McDermott on a delivery trip to San Francisco. Called away on duty, he left one night without warning and returned to San Francisco more than a year later to find that Marge had waited for him to come back.
W.S. and Marge were married on January 20, 1947. They settled in College Station and lived in a house that W.S. built himself.
By 1950, W.S. and Marge had two children, and W.S. continued to work with the U.S. Postal Service. W.S. was an active member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, and watching ``Gunsmoke'' episodes. An avid fan of Texas A&M sports, he spent more than 35 years as a gatekeeper at Aggie football games and as an usher for Aggie basketball games.
Even in his senior years, W.S. maintained a sharp mind, loved to tell stories, and continued to drive his truck until he was 101 years old. At the time of his passing at age 105, he was the second oldest living Aggie. He attributed his longevity to cornbread, buttermilk, and a raw egg during his younger years--and cherry turnovers and V8 juice during his later years.
Mr. Speaker, W.S.'s life was filled with service to our country. He will be forever remembered as a selfless servant, a mentor, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a friend to many.
My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Edmonds family. We also lift up the family and friends of W.S. Edmonds in our prayers.
I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor his life and legacy. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.
Honoring John McDermott
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Professor John McDermott of College Station, Texas, who passed away on September 30, 2018.
John was born on January 5, 1932, to John and Helen Kelly McDermott in New York City, where he lived for 45 years.
He attended St. Francis College, where he earned a bachelor of arts in philosophy, and continued his education at Fordham University, where he earned his master of arts and Ph.D. with great distinction in 1959.
In 1977, John joined the faculty at Texas A&M University to serve as the department head of philosophy. Over the years, he became a monumental figure in the university's development. In 1983, he was instrumental in founding the Faculty Senate and served both as a faculty senator from 1983 to 1986 and as charter speaker from 1983 to 1984. He also founded the Department of Humanities in Medicine and organized the Community of Faculty Retirees.
During his career, he received many awards from Texas A&M for his research, his teaching, and his service to our university.
John's contributions went far beyond the scope of Texas A&M University, however. Throughout his career, he served as the president of, founded, or cofounded many prestigious organizations, including the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy, the William James Society, and the Josiah Royce Society.
John's scholarship and labor in the field of philosophy was acknowledged in 2016 when he was named as one of the world's 50 most influential living philosophers.
Among John's many accomplishments was his reputation for nurturing personal relationships with his five children, six grandchildren, great-grandchild, extended family, friends, strangers, and students.
John and his wife, Patricia, were known to regularly host students at their home to learn more about them and to mentor their development.
I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to meet Professor McDermott in early 2007 and to serve Texas A&M University with him. During that year and the next, we served as members of two Texas A&M administration executive search committees. Even though our ideological beliefs were widely divergent, we became great friends and were both passionate about the future of Texas A&M University and its students.
Mr. Speaker, John's life was defined by his service to those around him. His scholarship and teaching influenced generations of people across the world. He will be forever remembered as a selfless servant, an educator, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a great friend.
My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the McDermott family. We also lift up the family and friends of Professor McDermott in our prayers.
I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor his life and legacy. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who protect us here at home.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
