Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Khen Hoih of Irving, Texas,

whose inspiring story displays the type of community North Texas has to offer.

Despite being born without the lower half of his left arm, Khen has always dreamed of following in his brother's footsteps by playing in his school's orchestra. As his teachers put it, ``he's never let anything hold him back.''

This dream was recently made possible by the ingenuity of several Nimitz High School engineering students, who took their lessons from class to tirelessly fashion a musical prosthetic for Khen.

After months of work and his new prosthetic dawned, Khen miraculously played the violin for his peers, parents, and teachers at a recent school board meeting.

Khen's dedication and passion for music proved that against all odds, anything is possible.

I thank Khen for inspiring us to reach for our goals--no matter the obstacles we may face. I also thank the brilliant students who made his dream become a reality. His creativity and compassion for others is a wonderful reflection of the spirit of Texas-24.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marvin Randle, the former mayor of Irving. Marvin lives every day, from his time as Mayor to serving Oak View Baptist Church for over 65 years, wanting to make this city better. He is always looking for ways to get more involved and lend a hand. Marvin's Irving legacy, beyond dedicated service, is one filled with smiles, kindness, and generosity. He is beloved for his fish fries for Irving Heritage Society and hamburger cookouts to support Irving Police Department.

As one of Irving's proudest champions, he has spent his life in the city he loves, growing his family business here, and raising his children to live their lives with the same sense of community and dedication to public service.

Under his leadership, the Irving Arts Board was established, giving young artists in our city the support they need. He also saw the beauty in our city and during his tenure started the Tourist and Convention Bureau, making Irving a destination city to millions.

Marvin is a proud small business owner, founding Irving Counter Top in 1962 and creating over 1,200 jobs for North Texans. Irving Counter Top's success has enabled Marvin to support and sponsor numerous sports teams and charity organizations. While serving as President of Irving Homebuilders Association, Chairman of Irving Centennial Committee, President of Dallas Area Homebuilders, and a Member of the Texas Municipal League, many groups benefit from Marvin's leadership across our community.

Marvin and his wife, Bobbie are longtime friends and mentors. It is an honor to help celebrate such a full and impactful career and legacy, as Marvin retires this month. I thank Marvin for his great contributions to our local government and the impact he has made, as he helps shape our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marvin Randle, former mayor of Irving. Randle is a native and lifelong resident of Irving and served two consecutive two-year terms from May 1977 to April 1981.

Marvin has also had a great impact on our community as a small business owner, founding Irving Counter Top in 1962. Over the years, the family-owned-and-operated business has continued to grow along with the DFW Metroplex.

Marvin is a longtime friend and mentor. It is an honor to help celebrate such a full and impactful career and legacy, as Marvin retires this month. I thank Marvin for his great contributions to our local government and the impact he has made on our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas 24 Hometown Heroes of the week, the volunteers of Texas Baptist Men in Dallas, TX.

Texas Baptist Men lend a helping hand across Texas and around the world. From providing thousands with clean drinking water to assisting those affected in natural disasters, their work and generosity is seen around the globe.

TBM has also helped start and train disaster relief groups in all 50 states, creating the third-largest disaster relief network in the nation. When a hurricane, tornado or other disaster strikes, TBM moves to help those who have been affected.

I thank TBM for going above and beyond to selflessly assist in natural disasters across the state and around the world. Their generosity and commitment to our community do not go unnoticed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize this week's Texas-24 Hometown Heroes: Jalen Wilson and Michael Jankovich, who will be competing in this year's March Madness championship game.

Jalen, who attended John H. Guyer High School, and Michael, who attended Dallas Jesuit, are members of the Kansas Jay Hawks Basketball team looking to take home the NCAA tournament trophy.

These young men have not only represented North Texas well on the national stage, but showed students back home that through hard work and determination, they too can reach the same heights.

It is an honor to recognize these inspirational young leaders. They should be extremely proud of what they have accomplished this season on the court and in the hearts of everyone back home.

I wish them the best of luck as they take on UNC in the final game. Make us proud tonight.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit, and my amendment affirms this Chamber's commitment to being a proper steward of taxpayer dollars and ensuring the integrity of SBA's programs.

Over 2 years ago, Congress enacted and activated numerous relief programs to rescue the American economy from the COVID-19 State and local shutdown orders that devastated small businesses across the country. Speed was of the essence, and Congress focused on getting dollars out quickly before parts of the economy collapsed.

However, criminal behavior took hold as many illegal applicants entered programs and scammed others to take advantage of this relief. According to the SBA inspector general's estimates, over $80 billion of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program payments and $4.6 billion of the Paycheck Protection Program are potentially fraudulent. These are American taxpayer dollars that are on the line, and they are being misused and stolen.

We must do everything in Congress' power to stop this illegal behavior and ensure that the fraudsters are brought to justice. Our oversight capabilities must be reinforced and strengthened.

As the ranking member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee of the Committee on Small Business, I stand ready to ensure that these programs are adequately built to deter this fraudulent behavior.

However, we must also ensure that law enforcement has the tools at their disposal and enough time to complete the job. We must lengthen the statute of limitations for the loans and grants made during this emergency period and give the SBA's inspector general, the Secret Service, and the Department of Justice the necessary time to launch investigations and complete their process.

Five years is simply not enough, especially when the SBA continues to defer payments on EIDL loans. Therefore, my amendment moves the statute of limitations from 5 years to 10 years to capture, recover, and seize fraudulent dollars within these COVID-19 small business relief programs.

Criminals moved quickly, and they did so at a time when those folks who needed it the most were unable to get these dollars. They took advantage of an unprecedented worldwide epidemic. In due time, our authorities will find them and recover the money that was meant to assist Main Street America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our economy is driven by America's small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups, and protecting those relief dollars dedicated to them should be a top priority for all Members of Congress.

This amendment is a simple, commonsense, and necessary fix. I urge my colleagues to support it. It will give the time necessary for law enforcement to recover our American taxpayer dollars.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate thirty- three students from the Hurst Euless Bedford Independent School District. These incredible students have been selected to receive the District's Awards of Excellence for the 2021-2022 school year.

Through their talent, hard work, and unmatched dedication, this year's group of recipients earned awards in a variety of fields that include visual and performing arts, business and industry, science, mathematics, and communications, among others. It is an honor to highlight the following young men and women for their unique talents: JaNya Chandler, Elise Pham, Christian Amayat, Nicholas McDaniel, Patrick Hannigan, Nathaniel Taylor, Peytonn Stevens, Christopher Coleman, Emma Brambila, Payton McAdams, Rachel Chen, Matthew Nguyen, Leticia Aguilar, Maurecia Bessman, Analicia Alonzo, Kaylee Flippin, Courtney Wash, Wyatt Stafford, Thomas Haak, Mizan Mohammedt, Ellion Norwood, Maverick Ganzo, Nicholas King, Amirah Wooden, Isabella Cruz, Ethan Anderson, Sophie Hawkins, Ethan Rangel, Taylor King, Edith Lara, Colton Neuville, Tanvi Rajpurohit, and Sean Powell.

In addition to recognizing the students, I would be remiss if I did not thank their mentors who ensured they remained diligent and focused in their efforts, It is a privilege to recognize the following teachers from L.D. Bell High School, Buinger CTE Academy, KEYS High School, and Trinity High School for their vital role as educators: Sarah Coronilla, Kathleen Chase, Susan Kaufman, Benjamin Maughrner, Doyle Bellville, Jo Ann Antinone, Michael Dean, Allen Matthews, Nora Borgan, Julie Quinn, Evan Hoffman, Christopher Dunn, Kristen Smith, Cathy Kazyaka, Sarah Keith, Latonya John, Ken Davis, Derek Thom, Jo Ann Antinone, Jay Fitch, Courtney Miller, Jay Fitch, Sandra Hone, Travis Clark, Christopher Bruhn, Susan Alcala, Eric Oglesby, Blanca

Diaz, Canndace Harris, Kendal Fries, Tamara Haddad, and Hildegard Lombardo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my resolution condemning the anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Colleyville earlier this year. And I thank my colleagues from Florida and New York for their kind words today.

On January 15, we witnessed a heinous attack, not only on our community in north Texas, but on the entire Jewish community when a terrorist entered the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue and took four worshipers hostage.

It was disturbing to see such hate enter our peaceful community in Colleyville and threaten the lives of the worshipers who had welcomed this man with open arms. Many questions remain on how or why this act of evil occurred, but let's appreciate our law enforcement for ultimately protecting the lives of those in harm's way. Also, I thank Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker for his courageous actions that led to the safe escape of his fellow hostages in the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue that day.

I am grateful so many of my colleagues joined in support of this resolution condemning the terrorist attack and reaffirming our commitment to combat hate, bigotry, anti-Semitism, and violence against Jewish Americans. Specifically, I thank Representative Marc Veasey for his kindness and work in securing many bipartisan supporters.

H. Res. 881 clearly establishes our unequivocal support for the Colleyville community, the hostages, and all those affected by the terrorist act. It also commends the Federal, State, and local law enforcement and emergency responders who all pulled together for our community that day.

This resolution will not only condemn this act of hate but bring light to the anti-Semitism plaguing our country. As you have heard from comments from my colleagues from New York and from Florida, Jewish Americans make up a disproportionate percentage of the antireligious crimes in America, and that must end. No American of any religion should experience fear in a house of worship.

Thank you to all who joined me in this effort and made this the most supported piece of legislation in the 117th Congress. We look forward to seeing this pass on the House floor today, putting aside our differences and uniting in the face of hatred.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Robert Shafer, Second Lieutenant, United States Army, of Dallas, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community.

Mr. Shafer enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served until 1950 as an engineering and construction officer. Shafer was deployed to New Guinea, the Ryuku Islands, and Okinawa during World War II, helping build infrastructure and airfields in support of the war effort. Shafer and his men were routinely subject to Japanese bombing runs and sniper fire. He later served during the Korean War as an operations officer and platoon training officer. His decorations include the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the American Theater Medal.

After leaving the Army, Mr. Shafer has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. Shafer worked as a Boy Scouts of America leader, a leader within his church, and has helped organize and assist with his church's food pantry.

Mr. Shafer's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of the Texas-Twenty-Fourth Congressional District, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Thomas Terrell, Captain, United States Marine Corps, of Southlake, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community.

Mr. Terrell was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1961 and served until 1967. Terrell served several tours in Vietnam, to include at Chu Lai, Dong Ha, Phu Bai, and Quang. At Dong Ha Combat Base in 1967, Terrell and his fellow Marines came under an intense enemy artillery attack, during which Terrell moved three wounded Marines to safety and maneuvered under enemy fire to assess and check upon the welfare of his Marines during the attack. Terrell was awarded the Bronze Star with ``V'' device denoting valorous actions as well as the Purple Heart.

After leaving the Marine Corps, Mr. Terrell has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. Mr. Terrell holds several ministerial roles in local churches, taught for several years at the Happy Hill Christian Academy, and is a member of the Texas Real Estate Commission's Broker-Lawyer Committee.

Mr. Terrell's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of the Texas Twenty-Fourth Congressional District, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Stephen LeClaire, Airman 1st Class, United States Air Force of Bedford, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community.

Mr. LeClaire enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961, having served in an engineering unit until being honorably discharged in 1967. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After leaving the Air Force, Mr. LeClaire has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He has served on several boards, commissions, and committees. Among these are as a member of the commission for Boy Scouts of America Troop 499, a volunteer for Boy Scouts of America Troop 387 for 7 years, a soccer coach for the YMCA, an organizer for the Ronald McDonald House charity, and a member of the HEB Community Emergency Response Team.

Mr. LeClaire's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Air Force and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Matthew Ostergaard, Major, United States Army, of Lewisville, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community.

Mr. Ostergaard enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1992, eventually becoming a commissioned officer in the infantry, retiring in 2017. During his years in the Army, he served in Operation Joint Guard in Bosnia and in Operation New Dawn in Iraq. His decorations include the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars to denote serving in different phases of the Iraq War, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of second award, the Army Commendation Medal with one silver and two bronze Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of 7 subsequent awards, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters to denote 3 subsequent awards, the Army Good Conduct Medal with bronze clasps to denote 3 subsequent awards, as well as the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

After retiring from the Army, Mr. Ostergaard has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He is active within his church, serving in its hospitality ministry, as an assistant leader with the local Cub Scout pack, and volunteers with several veteran organizations in the Dallas- Fort Worth area.

Mr. Ostergaard's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Alexander Sagcal, Lieutenant Junior Grade, United States Navy, of Carrollton, Texas for his honorable service he performed in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community.

Mr. Sagcal was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy in 1986, serving until 1990. During his years in the Navy, he served aboard the USS Sumter as a main propulsion assistant officer, an auxiliary officer, an electronic material officer, and the ship's assistant 1st Lieutenant.

After leaving the Navy, Mr. Sagcal has brought the same love he had for his country

and poured it into making his community a better place. Mr. Sagcal currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce; Member of the Board of Directors, Coppell Chamber of Commerce; Ambassador- Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors--CFBISD Educational Foundation; Vice-President Historic Downtown Carrollton Association; and is active with the St. Mary Immaculate Church.

Mr. Sagcal's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Navy and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Edward L. Peters, Petty Officer 1st Class, United States Navy, of Grapevine, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community.

Mr. Peters enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1972, serving in waters in the Middle East, the Northern Atlantic, the Caribbean, and two deployments to Guantanamo Bay. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

After leaving the Navy, Mr. Peters brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He has served on several boards, commissions, and committees. Among these are the Board of Directors, Tulip Track Council I of the Girl Scouts of the USA, the Board of Directors for the Grapevine Shield Foundation which fundraises for fallen and injured first responders, an active volunteer for the Grapevine Police Department with over 5,500 hours volunteered since 2010, and an active volunteer for the Lions Club, Kiwanis, the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, the Grapevine Masonic Lodge, and the Grapevine Elks Lodge.

Mr. Peters' service is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Navy and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.