Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Grapevine High School Baseball Team. The Grapevine Mustangs Baseball Team clinched their second consecutive state title at the UIL 5A Division II State Championship in Round Rock, Texas. With a 9-5 victory over Humble Kingwood Park High School, the Mustangs became the first UIL 5A team to go back-to-back since 2003.

Throughout the season, the team displayed incredible resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship representing North Texas well. With the strong leadership of Head Coach Jimmy Webster, Grapevine finished with an impressive 36-3 record and ranked number 1 in the Texas High School Coaches Association Rankings.

The Mustangs' hard-fought championship run is more than just a victory on a field, it is a testament to their dedication and commitment. I congratulate the players, coaches, and families on this unforgettable season. The Grapevine High School Mustangs Baseball Team has given us in Texas-24 something to celebrate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Assistant Police Chief Kevin Palmer. Kevin lived a life of service, an Air Force veteran, dedicated public servant, and a respected leader in the North Richland Hills community.

His journey of service began in the Air Force before he joined the North Richland Hills Police Department in 2004. Over the next two decades he rose through the ranks to become Assistant Police Chief in 2023, overseeing patrol, traffic, SWAT, and criminal investigations. Throughout his career in public service, he received more than 40 police service awards, graduated from the FBI National Academy's 283rd session, and graduate of the PERF--Senior Management Institute of Police.

His absence is felt throughout the community today, Kevin's legacy lives on through the many men and women he mentored, and the community he served with dedication and heart.

Assistant Chief Kevin Palmer served with honor and led with an unwavering commitment. We are thankful for his sacrifice and we will never forget the legacy he leaves behind. May his memory continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Chief Justin Ball. Dallas Fire-Rescue has named a new fire chief, Justin Ball, a veteran of the department with nearly three decades of service to North Texas.

Chief Ball began his journey with Dallas Fire-Rescue in 1997, and has worn many hats throughout his time with the department, starting as Firefighter Paramedic, to Executive Assistant Chief of Operations, and most recently serving as the Interim Chief, before being named as Chief permanently. Through dedication, leadership, and commitment to public

service, he earned the trust of the department, city leadership, and most importantly, the people of North Texas.

I congratulate Chief Justin Ball on his well-deserved new role. His leadership and commitment to keeping our communities safe is appreciated by Texas-24 and all of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Dr. Brad Hunt. After 35 years in public education, including eight years as Superintendent of Coppell ISD, Dr. Brad Hunt is set to retire at the end of the school year. Starting as a teacher at Coppell High School in 1990, he went on to serve as principal and then superintendent. His leadership has helped shape Coppell ISD into one of the most respected school districts in Texas.

Dr. Hunt has inspired generations of students, supported countless educators, and left a lasting mark on every campus in the district. His dedication to student success and his vision for excellence have touched thousands of lives, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

I thank Dr. Hunt, for his incredible service, his belief in our North Texas students, and his commitment to Coppell. We wish him the very best in his next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Cason Wallace. Cason, a Dallas native and Richardson High School alumni, recently helped lead the Oklahoma Thunder to a NBA Championship. In the Game 7 victory, he contributed 10 points and 3 steals in 26 minutes played. His championship win is not just a personal victory, but a proud moment for the entire community that have watched him play in Richardson throughout the years.

From the beginning of his athletic career at Richardson High School to his collegiate success at the University of Kentucky, and now a world champion on the NBA stage, his roots in North Texas remain strong, continuing to inspire young athletes across our community.

I thank Cason for showing us what it means to lead with heart and hustle. Cason has given North Texas something unforgettable to celebrate, and we look forward to watching his NBA career continue.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Ashlea Quinonez. Ashlea is a North Texas native and accomplished leader with an impressive career in politics, government, and healthcare. She was recently appointed as Regional Administrator for Region VI of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In this role, she will be based out of Fort Worth, and represent Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Arkansas.

Ashlea's interest in politics began when she was just seven years old when she helped stuff envelopes with campaign letters for a family friend that was seeking county office. A graduate of Texas A&M with a B.S. in Political Science, she went to work for former Senator Phil Gramm. Her career has led her to working for a North Texas political party, running a district office for a member of Congress, and working in government relations for the Memorial Hermann Health System. Through her service on numerous boards and task forces across Texas, Ashlea has left a lasting impact on our communities across the state.

I congratulate Ashlea on her new role and thank her for her continued commitment to serving others in North Texas and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, HerStory Gallery. As wildfires continue to displace families and destroy homes in California, the need for aid is greater than ever. HerStory Gallery, a North Texas store dedicated to empowering and uplifting women, has stepped up in an incredible way. Their latest initiative embodies the spirit of compassion and service--organizing donation drops in HerStory locations across our community to support those affected by the devastating fires.

Joining forces with Revell with a Cause, Giving Generously, and the L.A. Dream Center, HerStory cleared floor space at their galleries in Dallas and Fort Worth to make room for donations and rallied our community to provide essential supplies such as non-perishable food, clothing, hygiene products, and emergency relief items for those impacted. Their efforts remind us that, even from miles away, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in crisis.

I thank HerStory Gallery for leading with heart and showing what it truly means to serve others through their generosity and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, University Emergency Medical Response at UT Dallas. The University Emergency Medical Response (UEMR) of the University of Texas at Dallas was recently recognized as the Collegiate EMS Organization of the Year for 2025 at the National Collegiate EMS Foundation Conference.

Since being founded in 2017 by just two students, UEMR at UT Dallas has grown into an award winning team of over 90 volunteers who are certified as EMTs, Advanced EMTs, and paramedics. These volunteers answer over 500 emergency calls, support over 65 events each year.

In addition to keeping the campus community safe, UEMR provides training to over 350 students annually through EMT and paramedic courses. With their seventh recognition, we are happy to celebrate their commitment to keeping the UT Dallas community safe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Chief Daniel Comeaux. Daniel Comeaux is the new Chief of Police for the City of Dallas, bringing more than three decades of law enforcement experience to North Texas.

Chief Comeaux began his career with the Houston Police Department in 1991 before joining the DEA, where he eventually served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Field Division. Over his 33 years of service, he has led major operations across the country, including along the Southern border, and achieved significant results, such as a 40 percent reduction in overdose deaths in Laredo, Texas. He is an experienced leader known for his collaborative and community-focused approach.

I congratulate Chief Comeaux, and welcome him to North Texas. I wish him the very best as he takes the helm of the Dallas Police Department and leads it into a new era of service and excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Trey Toney on his retirement from the Grapevine Police Department after 25 years of service. With decades in law enforcement, Officer Toney has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety and serving our North Texas community.

Officer Toney began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the Texarkana Police Department, where he served as a Patrol Officer before joining the Housing Projects and Gang Unit. In 2001, he joined the Grapevine Police Department and went on to serve the community in numerous capacities throughout his distinguished career.

During his time with the Grapevine Police Department, Officer Toney served in Patrol and spent a decade in the Motor Unit before transitioning to Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, where he developed specialized expertise and worked to ensure the safety of Grapevine's roadways. In 2023, he transitioned into a new role as a School Resource Officer, continuing his commitment to public service by fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and students, staff, and families.

Over the past two years, Officer Toney has served at Grapevine Elementary, where his daily commitment to safety and building trust has made a lasting impact on the school community. I thank Officer Toney for his decades of service in protecting and serving others and wish him all the best as he begins his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Senior Police Officer Steven Snyder on the occasion of his retirement from the Euless Police Department.

Officer Snyder has dedicated his life to service. Before beginning his career in law enforcement, he served our Nation as a Gunnery

Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 to 1994. Following his military service, he joined the City of Euless in July 1999 as a Police Officer and was promoted to Senior Police OffIcer in May 2003. Throughout his career, he has served with distinction as a Detective and Crime Scene Investigator.

Officer Snyder's commitment to public safety, professionalism, and excellence has left a lasting impact on the Euless community. His extensive training in crime scene investigation, counterterrorism, gang intelligence, forensic pathology, and emergency response reflects his dedication to continually strengthening his ability to serve and protect others.

In 2011, Officer Snyder was named Euless Police Officer of the Year, and he has received numerous letters of commendation throughout his career. His dedication to service also extends beyond the department through his involvement with organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Brotherhood of the Fallen, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shriners.

I thank Officer Steven Snyder for his many years of honorable service to our Nation, the City of Euless, and the people of North Texas. I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement and wish him all the best in this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Honorable William D. Tate as he celebrates his Golden Jubilee of service to the City of Grapevine, Texas.

A native of Grapevine, Mayor Tate grew up along the city's historic Main Street and developed a deep appreciation for its heritage, character, and people. For more than fifty years, he has served his community with steadfast leadership. integrity, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the qualities that make Grapevine unique.

Throughout his distinguished tenure. Mayor Tate has played an instrumental role in protecting Grapevine's historic charm while thoughtfully guiding its growth into the vibrant and thriving community it is today. His leadership has encouraged economic development, strengthened civic pride, and helped establish Grapevine as a destination recognized throughout Texas and beyond.

In addition to his service as Mayor, William D. Tate is a respected attorney, historian, and storyteller whose knowledge and passion have enriched the cultural fabric of Grapevine. As one of the longest- serving mayors in the United States, his remarkable legacy reflects a rare and enduring dedication to public service.

Mayor Tate's Golden Jubilee represents far more than a milestone of years served. It is a celebration of a lifetime devoted to the citizens of Grapevine and of the profound impact his leadership has had on the identity and success of the city.

I congratulate Mayor Tate on his Golden Jubilee and thank him for his extraordinary service and enduring commitment to the Grapevine community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8873, the Recover COVID Unemployment Fraud in Banks Act, which I was proud to introduce with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi), my bipartisan partner.

This commonsense legislation creates a Federal task force to work with States to recover unspent Federal pandemic unemployment funds that remain frozen in financial institutions and return those taxpayer dollars to the U.S. Treasury, but Congress must act quickly.

Last December, the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General issued two fraud alerts identifying nearly $1 billion in unspent Federal unemployment funds frozen by banks because of suspected fraud. Those funds are now sitting on millions of prepaid debit cards that States used to distribute supplemental unemployment benefits during the pandemic.

More than 6 years later, many of these accounts have simply been forgotten. They remain unreconciled by State workforce agencies and, in many cases, have even been transferred to State unclaimed property divisions, making recovery even that much more difficult. Without congressional action, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars could be lost permanently.

The Committee on Ways and Means has made combating pandemic unemployment fraud a top priority. Earlier this year, the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare held a hearing that examined the scope of this problem and the consequences of failing to act.

During that hearing, the Department of Labor Inspector General testified that the fraud alerts covered prepaid debit card accounts across 21 States and that more than $200 million in suspected fraudulent funds have already been transferred into State unclaimed property programs.

H.R. 8873 addresses this problem by establishing a Federal task force, led by a national recovery coordinator, to partner with States in identifying, recovering, and returning those Federal unemployment dollars to taxpayers.

The bill also extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting pandemic unemployment fraud from 5 years to 10 years. This provision mirrors H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, which passed the House last year with bipartisan support.

Federal investigators are still actively pursuing hundreds of pandemic fraud cases. Since October 2025 alone, the Department of Labor Inspector General has brought 59 criminal matters to prosecution, resulting in charges against 131 individuals and more than $16 million in recoveries. Extending the statute of limitations ensures prosecutors have the time they need to hold fraudsters accountable.

This legislation has earned bipartisan support from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and Strategic Services on Unemployment & Workers' Compensation.

Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar that cannot serve hardworking Americans or reduce our Nation's debt. It is not too late to recover these taxpayer funds, and it is not too late to hold criminals accountable. H.R. 8873 gives us the tools to do both.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Richard Weber of the Grapevine Police Department on the occasion of his retirement after more than 29 years of dedicated service in law enforcement. Throughout his distinguished career, Officer Weber has demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of North Texas.

Officer Weber began his law enforcement career in 1991 and joined the Grapevine Police Department in 1996. Much of his career was dedicated to the Criminal Investigations Unit, where he focused on Crimes Against Children, reflecting his deep commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community.

In addition to serving as a patrol officer and investigator, Officer Weber was a member of the Grapevine Emergency Response Team, serving as a Sniper/Marksman and later as Sniper Team Leader. He also specialized in computer forensics and cell phone investigations, earning certification as a Forensic Computer Examiner.

After obtaining his Master Peace Officer License in 2005, Officer Weber later transitioned into the role of School Resource Officer, where he continued serving and mentoring students and families in the Grapevine community. His dedication to youth earned him the Friend of the Children Award in 2024 and the Texas PTA Honorary Life Membership Award in 2025.

Officer Richard Weber's commitment to public service has left a lasting impact on the Grapevine community. I extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes to him as he begins his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Corporal Marco Valladares for his outstanding service to the City of Euless as he retires after more than three decades in law enforcement and a lifetime dedicated to serving others.

Before joining the Euless Police Department, Corporal Valladares proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1982 to 1990 as a RADAR Technician on the F-4 Phantom Jet Fighter, earning an Honorable Discharge for his service to our Nation.

Throughout his distinguished career with the Euless Police Department, Corporal Valladares served in numerous roles, including Patrol Officer, Gang Officer, SWAT Officer, Bicycle Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Criminal Investigator, and School Resource Officer. Promoted to Police Corporal in 1993, he served with professionalism and integrity for more than 30 years.

Among his many contributions, Corporal Valladares established the Euless Bicycle Patrol Program, strengthening relationships between officers and the community through neighborhood policing efforts. He also served on the Euless SWAT Team for more than a decade and later became a SWAT Hostage Negotiator and Criminal Investigator, bringing steady leadership to some of the department's most difficult situations.

Since 2012, Corporal Valladares has served as the School Resource Officer at Central Junior High School, where he became a trusted mentor and role model to countless students and families in the Euless community.

A dedicated public servant and lifelong learner, Corporal Valladares earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude, from Columbia College and obtained numerous advanced certifications throughout his career, including his Texas Master Peace Officer License.

I thank Police Corporal Marco Valladares for his leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.