Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Lumberton Police Department Officer, Lieutenant Joseph Allen ``Joey'' Breaux, Jr. Lieutenant Breaux passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021, after a long journey with cancer.

The oldest of three children, Lieutenant Breaux was born to parents Joseph and Helen Breaux on August 8, 1968, in Silsbee, Texas. Like his brother, Steven, and sister, Julie, Lieutenant Breaux was a graduate of Lumberton High School. He was a kicker for their high school football team and held a record for his 51-yard field goal for many years.

Lieutenant Breaux began his law enforcement career in 1989 as a dispatcher in Silsbee, Texas. In 1990, he graduated from the Lamar University Regional Police Academy. Two years later, Lieutenant Breaux joined the Lumberton Police Department where, unknowingly at the time, he would serve the surrounding community with love and tireless devotion for the next 29 years as a patrolman, investigator, and criminal justice teacher. As a beloved member of the law enforcement community, he will be remembered for his friendship and mentorship to fellow officers, his kindness and compassion to those he encountered while on patrol, and his outstanding moral character.

Lieutenant Breaux met his wonderful wife, Molly, in 1988. Love flourished, and the couple were married in 1990. He and Molly share two daughters together, Harley and Kaylee. Over the years, he never missed an opportunity to cherish and spoil them.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to acknowledge the life of Lieutenant Joseph Allen ``Joey'' Breaux, Jr. and his 32 years of law enforcement service. My heartfelt prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support strong of H.R. 5746, the NASA Enhanced Use Leasing Extension Act of 2021, legislation that I cosponsored, to extend NASA's enhanced use leasing authority, which expires on December 31.

NASA has used enhanced use leases for almost 20 years to enter into arrangements to lease idle or underutilized areas on NASA property to the private sector, to State and local governments, and to academic institutions and universities.

NASA can then use some of the money raised from the leases to offset spending for facilities maintenance, capital revitalization, and real property improvements. NASA expects to collect over $14 million in net revenue in 2022 from enhanced use leases and apply that money to its deferred maintenance backlog.

The last extension of the enhanced use lease authority was for 2 years. H.R. 5746 will extend it for 10 years, until December 31, 2031.

This 10-year authority will give NASA and its partners the flexibility and predictability to enter into longer term leases, which could reduce the burden on taxpayers and help the United States' commercial space industry continue to compete and out-innovate the world.

I proudly represent the Johnson Space Center of Houston, Texas. As a strong advocate for this vital NASA center, as well as for all of our NASA centers, I want to make sure that we are doing the utmost to empower the brilliant men and women supporting our space industry, scientific discovery, and human exploration.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, passage of this legislation will allow NASA to better manage their infrastructure, maintain their facilities, and support the commercial space industry. The provision is fiscally responsible, as it helps NASA collect revenue from its underutilized properties.

Congress will continue to provide oversight of how NASA uses this authority in the coming years to ensure that taxpayer interests are protected and that the authority is not misused.

I would like to thank Representative Frank Lucas, the ranking member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, for his leadership on this important topic. He is a strong advocate for not only our Nation's space program but for our entire scientific enterprise, both public and private.

I would also like to thank Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, my colleague from Texas, and also my friend, Chairman Don Beyer, for their efforts to expedite this bill, as well as the majority and minority staff of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

I would also like to thank the NASA civil servant and contractor workforce. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, NASA employees and contractors have been able to accomplish phenomenal achievements. From once again launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil, to landing a rover the size of an SUV on Mars, to flying the first helicopter on another planet, NASA has not missed a stride. These achievements are a credit to the perseverance and fortitude of the entire NASA family, and I look forward to witnessing many more amazing feats in the coming weeks and months. It is an exciting time.

Finally, I would also like to recognize the passing yesterday of Mark Geyer, the former Director of Johnson Space Center. Mark was a stalwart leader, a skilled engineer, and a thoughtful friend.

Representing the Johnson Space Center afforded me the opportunity to work with Mark over the years, and I can tell you that he had a profound impact on our Nation's space program.

I would also like to wish his wife, Jackie, his three children, and the entire Geyer family my heartfelt condolences and thank them for Mark's service to NASA, the American people, and the noble endeavor of space exploration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Charlene Matthews Leonard, who passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born on March 3, 1933, in Mexia, Texas, to parents Z.S. and Jewel Matthews.

Charlene and her family moved to Beaumont, Texas, in the early 1940s, where she graduated from Beaumont High School in 1951. During her formative years, Charlene encountered and befriended Mrs. Eloise Milam, founder of the Melody Maids. This singing group of young women performed with the goal of expressing their gratitude to the men and women serving in uniform during WWII. Without hesitation, Charlene quickly joined the group. Traveling for 30 years as ``Ambassadors of Goodwill,'' the Melody Maids brought joy to American military bases around the world.

Charlene met the love of her life, William S. ``Bud'' Leonard, while attending Lamar College, which is now known as Lamar University. They shared a wonderful marriage for nearly 67 years until Bud's death in 2020. During their marriage, the couple was blessed with two children. Their eldest daughter, Joni Marie, was born on March 14, 1956, in San Diego, California, while Bud was stationed there in the Navy. Joni was born with severe mental and physical disabilities, but that did not prevent her from living a full life at home with her parents for the last 65 years. Their son Will, equally the apple of the couple's eyes, was born in Beaumont two years later in 1958.

With a song always in her heart, Charlene could be heard faithfully sharing her love of music with the church choir at Calder Baptist Church, the Interfaith Choral Society, Beaumont Junior League Follies, and Lullaby of Broadway which supported the music program at Lamar University. She routinely attended her alma mater's functions, cheering on the Cardinals at athletic events, while her husband Bud served as Vice Chancellor for Development. Those attending productions at the Julie Rogers Theatre in Beaumont regularly found Charlene in the Melody Maids' Museum sharing the countless mementos and scrapbooks from their decades of travel that are housed there.

Charlene was strong in her faith and her love for her husband Bud, her son Will and his wife, Michelle, of Beaumont, and her twin granddaughters, Anne Kellam Leonard of Los Angeles, California, and Claire Matthews Leonard of Birmingham, Alabama. Similarly, one cannot say enough about Charlene's devotion and selfless adoration for her special daughter, Joni. She never relented in her resolve to personally care for Joni as long as she could and never complained or regretted one moment of that decision.

Madam Speaker, until he passed away in 2020, Bud and Charlene Leonard were an inseparable pair, a Beaumont institution that defined community service and a zest for life. Charlene genuinely loved and cared for people and valued making new friends to add to the many cherished old friends she was dedicated to her whole life. I am privileged to have known her.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial of the Houston Pilots Association. Over the last century, they have faithfully provided pilotage services to foreign and domestic vessels entering and departing the Port of Houston.

The Houston Ship Channel (HSC) is one of the narrowest and busiest ports in the world, with 21,000 commercial vessels and more than 247 million tons of cargo in transit each year. It provides 3.2 million jobs and contributes $802 billion to America's yearly economy. In fact, more than 20 percent of Texas' gross domestic product (GDP) is supported by the HSC. The Houston pilots are responsible for maneuvering vessels safely and efficiently to and from docks through the narrow and congested Houston Ship Channel. Without the knowledge and expertise of the Houston pilots, our great state would not be flourishing.

The origin of the Houston pilots dates back to 1916 when L. Fred Allien and J. William Laughton received gubernatorial appointments as pilots for the Port of Houston and Galveston Bay. The official formation of the Houston Pilots Association occurred five years later, in 1921, when four more men were appointed to ensure the safety of ships and their crews entering and exiting the HSC. Their work laid the foundation for future generations of pilots.

The Houston pilots are a team of skilled ship handlers, commissioned by the governor of the Lone Star State to protect Houston's most vital waterway. Since 1921, 251 pilots have proudly served the Houston Ship Channel. Their names, units of service, and years of service are listed below:

George Allien, Unit No. 1, 1921-1940; James B. Birch, Unit No. 2, 1921-1935; Charles H. McLean, Unit No. 3, 1921-1950; W. Joseph Weikerth, Unit No. 4, 1921-1933; Charles O'Brien, Unit No. 5, 1922- 1952; Charles H. Baether, Unit No. 6, 1924-1946; Charles S. Borup, Unit No. 7, 1924-1949; Ezra Sherman, Unit No. 8, 1924-1936; Joseph G. Basquez, Unit No. 9, 1924-1938; Jesse S. Charpentier, Unit No. 10, 1925-1949; Audley Lancaster, Unit No. 11, 1925-1946; Leo Skinner, Unit No. 12, 1925-1952; Mason Wiggins, Unit No. 13, 1926-1949; George W. Allen, Unit No. 14, 1927-1943; Guy M. Stanton, Unit No. 15, 1927-1934; Edward B. Mercer Sr., Unit No. 16, 1928-1950; Albert S. Barrow, Unit No. 17, 1929-1935; Hugh C. Cage, Unit No. 18, 1930-1962; Nick J. Morina, Unit No. 19, 1931-1959; John R. Rowland, Unit No. 20, 1931- 1949; Roy C. Blodgett, Unit No. 21, 1932-1960; V. A. Bujan, Unit No. 22, 1932-1934; Henry Corry, Unit No. 23, 1932-1961; W. E. Dunlap, Unit No. 24, 1932-1956; J. F. Cook, Unit No. 25, 1938-1956; Charles H. Fuller, Unit No. 26, 1938-1957; Coney T. McMains, Unit No. 27, 1938- 1965; Holt P. Daniels, Unit No. 28, 1940-1957; M. F. Russell, Unit No. 29, 1943-1958; James E. McNary, Unit No. 30, 1947-1972; I.E. Wicker, Unit No. 31, 1947-1958; Charles Barfield, Unit No. 32, 1948-1967; David O. Duncan, Unit No. 33, 1948-1961; Kenneth B. Plash, Unit No. 34, 1948- 1959; Merl E. Palmer, Unit No. 35, 1948-1959; Lewis Bennett, Unit No. 36, 1951-1965; Fred A. Parker, Unit No. 37, 1951-1969; Jack E. Rowland, Unit No. 38, 1951-1973; Curtis W. Burlison, Unit No. 39, 1951-1971; Arthur S. Borup, Unit No. 40, 1951-1969; A.G. Roye, Unit No. 41, 1952- 1958; Edward B. Mercer Jr., Unit No. 42, 1951-1992; Thomas H. Bratcher, Unit No. 43, 1952-1970; William W. Steinhart, Unit No. 44, 1952-1984; Lee Roy Murray Jr., Unit No. 45, 1952-1984; Paul Collie, Unit No. 46, 1953-1986; Elmer C. Bell, Unit No. 47, 1953-1986; Robert D. Moss, Unit No. 48, 1957-1966; Harold B. Willis, Unit No. 49, 1957-1980; Philip Pizzitola, Unit No. 50, 1956-1996; Pat J. Neely Jr., Unit No. 51, 1957- 1992; Robert E. Adams, Unit No. 52, 1957-1994; Thomas N. Lightsey Jr., Unit No. 53, 1957-1993; Leroy Arthur, Unit No. 54, 1957-1977; James C. Wall, Unit No. 55, 1958-1987; Jack W. Vetter, Unit No. 56, 1958-1991; A. Thomas Gibson, Unit No. 57,

1959-1968; Walter C. Nixon, Unit No. 58, 1958-1996; Neill W. Ray, Unit No. 59, 1958-1991; Tommy E. Longino, Unit No. 60, 1958-1995; Robert E. Wicker, Unit No. 61, 1960-1974; James F. Johnson, Unit No. 62, 1960- 1974; James W. Pearson, Unit No. 63, 1959-1988; Billy F. Mahaffey, Unit No. 64, 1959-1985; Charles C. Lary Jr., Unit No. 65, 1959-1983; Paul A. Galler, Unit No. 66, 1960-1974; Zane Skinner, Unit No. 67, 1960-1990; Renee S. Aguillard, Unit No. 68, 1960-1968; Jack B. Niday Jr., Unit No. 69, 1960-1985; Jay C. Browning, Unit No. 70, 1961-1989; H. E. Andersen, Unit No. 71, 1961-1993; Arthur Tuttle Jr., Unit No. 72, 1961-1991; Wesley B. Parker, Unit No. 73, 1961-1987; Earl C. Goodwin, Unit No. 74, 1966-1997; Robert D. Bennett, Unit No. 75, 1967-1995; Edwin L. Bruce, Unit No. 76, 1967-1994; Eugene C. Garrison, Unit No. 77, 1967-1987; Robert L. White Jr., Unit No. 78, 1968-1988; Roy R. Faulkner, Unit No. 79, 1968-1996; Roger H. Sutton, Unit No. 80, 1968-1989; Lindy A. LeBert, Unit No. 81, 1968-1997; Eldridge Larry Burnthorne, Unit No. 82, 1971-1992; Henry Jesse Gibson, Unit No. 83, 1971-1983; Charles A. Schuessler, Unit No. 84, 1971-1992; Francis Michael Kershaw, Unit No. 85, 1972-1984; James L. Griffin, Unit No. 86, 1973-1988; Jimmie L. Williams, Unit No. 87, 1974-1985; Leslie Palmer, Unit No. 88, 1974- 2002; Jack W. Roland, Unit No. 89, 1974-2001; Michael K. Lawson, Unit No. 90, 1975-2009; Donald A. Clark, Unit No. 91, 1975-1986; Allan R. Barry, Unit No. 92, 1977-2007; Stewart G. Corry, Unit No. 93, 1977- 2000; John C. Chapman, Unit No. 94, 1977-2008; Harry L. Lydick Jr., Unit No. 95, 1978-2014; Richard C. Schultheis, Unit No. 96, 1978-2006; Michael P. Gale, Unit No. 97, 1979-1996; Thomas E. Phelps, Unit No. 98, 1979-2014; Joseph W. Warfield, Unit No. 99, 1980-2011; Raymond J. Fincher, Unit No. 100, 1980-2005; James Joseph Donnelly, Unit No. 101, 1980-2005; Pieter C. Duif, Unit No. 102, 1980-1982; Robert M. Bratcher, Unit No. 104, 1980-2005; Ernest D. Reed, Unit No. 105, 1980-2011; Lance A. Miller, Unit No. 106, 1980-2005; David A. Smith, Unit No. 107, 1982- 2010 Monte B. Warren, Unit No. 108, 1982-2018; Charles C. Lary, Unit No. 109, 1985-2018; Charles H. Picton, Unit No. 110, 1985-2015; Paul G. Brown, Unit No. 111, 1985-2018; R. Leonard Glass, Unit No. 112, 1986- 2009; Thomas L. Gibson, Unit No. 113, 1986-2013; Armando Luna, Unit No. 114, 1986-2014; John B. Niday, Unit No. 115, 1987-2007; Walter F. Russell, Unit No. 116, 1987-2005; Charles Edward Larsen, Unit No. 117, 1988-2011; Louis C. Vest, Unit No. 118, 1988-2015; James R. Wall, Unit No. 119, 1989-2004; Robert L. Thompson, Unit No. 120, 1989-present; Randy L. Rhoads, Unit No. 121, 1989-2015; Daniel J. Doty, Unit No. 122, 1989-2020; Richard D. Moore, Unit No. 123, 1990-2018; Bobby W. Kirk, Unit No. 124, 1990-2015; Scott J. Browning, Unit No. 125, 1991-2020; Larry E. Walters, Unit No. 126, 1991-2015; Richard J. Teeter, Unit No. 127, 1991-2021; Richard H. Fisher, Unit No. 128, 1992-2012; Paul F. Dunaway, Unit No. 129, 1992-2017; Michael R. Pizzitola, Unit No. 130, 1992-2018; Arthur F. Tuttle, Unit No. 131, 1993-2020; Eric W. Corgey, Unit No. 132, 1993-2017; George C. Reeser Jr., Unit No. 133, 1993-2017; James J. Hensley, Unit No. 134, 1993-2015; Theodore A. Schendel, Unit No. 135, 1994-2016; Angel Gonzales, Unit No. 136, 1994-2015; William Scott Frailey, Unit No. 137, 1994-2021; Michael C. Phillips, Unit No. 138, 1994-present; Charles R. Schuessler, Unit No. 140, 1995-present; Julian T. Platon, Unit No. 141, 1995-2019; Robert M. Shearon, Unit No. 142, 1995-2020; Greg Brown, Unit No. 143, 1996-present; Paul L. Bartholmey, Unit No. 144, 1996-2013; Steven P. Housinger, Unit No. 145, 1996-2017; David A. Rodrigues, Unit No. 146, 1996-present; Sherri G. Hickman, Unit No. 147, 1996-present; Robert V. Arthur, Unit No. 148, 1996-2021; Barry Craig Holland, Unit No. 149, 1996-present; Criss K. Schroeder, Unit No. 150, 1996-2020; Holly B. Cooper, Unit No. 151, 1996-present; Michael A. Morris, Unit No. 152, 1997-2017; Thomas J. Cleary, Unit No. 153, 1997-2018; Brett A. Callier, Unit No. 154, 1997- present; Robert S. Deckard, Unit No. 155, 1997-2018; Laurence A. Wheatley, Unit No. 156, 1998-2020; Mark W. Mitchem, Unit No. 157, 1998- present; Scott E. Roberts, Unit No. 158, 1998-present; Kent D. Barton, Unit No. 159, 1999-present; Elton S. Porter, Unit No. 160, 1999-2017; Stephen J. Conway, Unit No. 161, 1999-2019; John C. Blomquist, Unit No. 162, 1999-present; Larry Evans, Unit No. 163, 1999-2017; Thomas C. Goodwin, Unit No. 164, 1999-present; Robert G. Webbon, Unit No. 165, 1999-2019; Michael G. McGee, Unit No. 166, 1999-present; John M. Vassar, Unit No. 168, 2001-present; Thomas C. Pace, Unit No. 169, 2001- present; William Jack Mitchell, Unit No. 170, 2001-2018; Hugh A. Guidry, Unit No. 171, 2001-present; James T. Concagh, Unit No. 172, 2001-present; Michael A. Curtiss, Unit No. 173, 2001-present; Randall E. Medard, Unit No. 174, 2002-present; Michael J. Newingham, Unit No. 175, 2002-present; Stephen M. Hill, Unit No. 176, 2004-present; Craig P. Newkirk, Unit No. 177, 2004-present; Clint Adam Winegar, Unit No. 178, 2008-present; Charles Calvin Murphy, Unit No. 179, 2008-present; Bradley G. Miller, Unit No. 180, 2008-present; Steven A. Nelson, Unit No. 181, 2008-present; Sean P. Arbogast, Unit No. 182, 2008-present; John M. Bratcher, Unit No. 183, 2008-present; Jeff B. Locke, Unit No. 184, 2009-present; Mark A. Peace, Unit No. 185, 2009-present; Marcus A. Maher, Unit No. 186, 2009-present; Kelly J. Creech, Unit No. 187, 2009- present; Kenneth Jones Sr., Unit No. 188, 2010-present; Jason Charpentier, Unit No. 190, 2010-present; Gilberto Martinez Jr., Unit No. 191, 2010-present; David Reeder, Unit No. 192, 2010-present; Jonathan Samuell, Unit No. 193, 2010-present; Donald King, Unit No. 194, 2010-present; Sean Cook, Unit No. 195, 2011-present; Chad Prejean, Unit No. 196, 2011-present; Blakeley Morgan, Unit No. 197, 2011- present; Michael Riggle, Unit No. 198, 2011-present; Adam W. Guice, Unit No. 199, 2011; Frank Loeffler IV, Unit No. 200, 2011-present; Matthew Glass, Unit No. 201, 2013-present; Michael Lawson II, Unit No. 202, 2013-present; Robert Roberts, Unit No. 203, 2014-present; Sheldon Ginsberg, Unit No. 204, 2014-present; Kristi Taylor, Unit No. 205, 2014-present; Phillip Reed, Unit No. 206, 2014-present; Jeremiah Walcik, Unit No. 207, 2014-present; Patrick J. Dean, Unit No. 208, 2014-present; Stephen Jewell, Unit No. 209, 2015-present; William Ewing, Unit No. 211, 2015-present; Jason Stancil, Unit No. 212, 2017- present; Rebekah Martin, Unit No. 213, 2017-present; Travis Parker, Unit No. 214, 2017-present; Justin Benecke, Unit No. 215, 2017-present; Jason Briones, Unit No. 216, 2017-present; Rohit Malhotra, Unit No. 217, 2017-present; William Kem, Unit No. 218, 2018-present; Darren Collins, Unit No. 219, 2018-present; Brandon Bass, Unit No. 220, 2018- present; Kevin Keith, Unit No. 221, 2018-present; Justin Phillips, Unit No. 222, 2019-present; Adam Shuptar, Unit No. 223, 2019-present; Brian Saba, Unit No. 244, 2019-present; Nicholas Henrich, Unit No. 225, 2019- present; Cody Lynch, Unit No. 227, 2019-present; Douglas Kelly, Unit No. 229, 2019-present; Brent Covert, Unit No. 230, 2019-present; Kevin Kirk, Unit No. 231, 2020-present; John Dunaway, Unit No. 232, 2020- present; Bradley Albrecht, Unit No. 233; 2020-present; Ramin Hatami, Unit No. 234, 2020-present; Donald Buckley Jr., Unit No. 235, 2020- present; Nicholas Moraski, Unit No. 236, 2021-present; Matthew Decatur, Unit No. 237, 2021-present; Brent Elrod, Unit No. 238, 2021-present; Scott Reed, Unit No. 240, 2021-present; Curtis Laskowski, Unit No. 241, 2021-present; Lucas Beyl, Unit No. 242, 2021-present; Ryan Casas, Unit No. 243, 2021-present; Bryan English, Unit No. 244, Deputy; Mark Scott II, Unit No. 245, Deputy; Justin Eusepi, Unit No. 246, Deputy; Ian Manthey, Unit No. 247, Deputy; Justin Conway, Unit No. 248, Deputy; C. Lane Gould, Unit No. 249, Deputy; Donald Childress, Unit No. 250, Deputy; Darris Jefferson Jr., Unit No. 251, Deputy.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Houston Pilots Association for their 100 years of commitment to safety while keeping our waterways open and the commerce of Texas, the United States, and the world moving.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Navy Seaman Second Class Charles Louis ``Sonny Boy'' Saunders of Winnie, Texas. Seaman Saunders was serving aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) on the morning of December 7, 1941. Tragically, the Oklahoma sustained 429 casualties during the attack on Pearl Harbor, claiming Mr. Saunders' life. After eight decades, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has identified Seaman Saunders' remains. This year, he will be reinterred in his hometown on the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Mr. Saunders was born to Mortimer Alvin and Melina Falke Saunders on October 16, 1923; He was the sixth child and one of four boys. His oldest brother, Adam, passed away at just 13 months. He grew up with his sisters Lillie Mae, Mary Alice, Sadie Lee, and Anna Belle along with brothers Sidney ``Buddy'' Edward and Mortimer Virgil.

The Great Depression led to difficult times as his father worked in construction and labored in rice fields to provide for his family, while his mother cared for the home and raised their children. Mr. Saunders' younger sister, Anna Belle, always spoke of her brother's compassion, and how he sacrificed so she could have shoes for her daily walk to school. He could not bear to see his little sister struggle in any manner.

His kind, caring, and playful nature fueled his ambition to serve our nation. On November 23, 1940, one month after his 17th birthday, he joined the U.S. Navy. Not only did he possess a deep desire to defend our country, but he also had great determination to make a better life for his parents and siblings.

On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft launched an attack on the American fleet of battleships moored at Pearl Harbor, thrusting the United States into the Second World War. After Seaman Saunders' warship capsized because of damage from multiple Japanese torpedoes, his whereabouts were unknown. According to a casualty roster of the Oklahoma compiled two weeks after the attack, Seaman Saunders' status was labeled as ``missing'' but later amended to ``killed in action.''

Those who perished aboard the USS Oklahoma were buried at two different cemeteries: the Halawa and Nu'uanu Naval Cemeteries in Hawaii. Most of the remains were recovered during salvage operations but were unable to be identified before their interment, and therefore, they were buried as ``unknowns.''

In recognition of his service, Seaman Saunders was awarded a Purple Heart for military merit and three ribbons for American Defense, American Campaign, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign. However, these awards seemed to be a lost memory uncovered after family members found his commendations carefully tucked away in a box left inside his mother's old sewing machine.

As the last living sibling, Anna Belle was committed to bringing her brother home and laying him to rest at the gravesite their parents prepared for him years ago at Fairview Cemetery in Winnie, Texas. In 2015, the DPAA was given authority to exhume the unknown remains of the servicemen associated with the USS Oklahoma and to reexamine them using advanced forensic technology. It was at this point that the military contacted Anna Belle. She worked tirelessly to gather and provide DNA of family members to help identify her brother's remains.

Unfortunately, she passed away on July 19, 2019, but never lost hope that her brother would one day return home. She prayed her unwavering mission would be continued by those who survived her, and it was. On February 11, 2021, the Saunders family received word that their long- lost relative had finally been found and identified.

Madam Speaker, Seaman Second Class Charles ``Sonny Boy'' Saunders' arrival in Winnie, Texas, will be welcomed by many relatives, friends, and fellow patriots. On the 80th anniversary of his passing, Mr. Saunders will be buried alongside his parents with full military honors. May God continue to bless this family for their long record of service and sacrifice to our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Navy Seaman Second Class Charles Louis ``Sonny Boy'' Saunders of Winnie, Texas, in my district.

Seaman Saunders was serving aboard the USS Oklahoma on the morning of December 7, 1941. Tragically, the Oklahoma sustained 429 casualties during the attack on Pearl Harbor, claiming Mr. Saunders' life that morning. After eight decades, 80 years, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, or DPAA, has identified Seaman Saunders' remains.

This year, he will be reinterred in his hometown on the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Mr. Saunders was born to Mortimer Alvin and Melina Falke Saunders on October 16, 1923. He was the sixth child and one of four boys. His oldest brother, Adam, passed away at just 13 months old. He grew up with his sisters Lillie Mae, Mary Alice, Sadie Lee, and Anna Belle, along with brothers Sidney ``Buddy'' Edward and Mortimer Virgil.

The Great Depression led to difficult times as their father worked in construction and labored in the rice fields to provide for his family while his mother cared for the home and raised their children. Mr. Saunders' youngest sister, Anna Belle, always spoke of her brother's compassion and how he sacrificed so that she could have shoes for her daily walk to school.

His kind, caring, and playful nature fueled his ambition to serve our Nation. On November 23, 1940, 1 month after his 17th birthday, he joined the United States Navy. Not only did he possess a deep desire to serve our country, but he also had a great determination to make a better life for his parents and his siblings.

On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft launched a surprise attack on the American fleet of battleships that were moored at Pearl Harbor, thrusting the United States into the Second World War.

After Seaman Saunders' warship capsized because of the damage from the multiple Japanese torpedoes, his whereabouts were unknown. According to a casualty roster of the Oklahoma compiled 2 weeks after the attack, Seaman Saunders' status was labeled as ``missing'' but then later was amended to be ``killed in action.''

Those who perished aboard the USS Oklahoma were buried at two different cemeteries: the Halawa and Nu'uanu Naval Cemeteries in Hawaii. Most of the remains were recovered during salvage operations but were unable to be

identified before their interment, and therefore, they were buried as ``unknowns.''

In recognition of his service, Seaman Saunders was awarded a Purple Heart for military merit and three ribbons for American Defense, American Campaign, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign.

As the last living sibling, Anna Belle was committed to bringing her brother home and laying him to rest at the gravesite that their parents prepared for him those years and years ago at Fairview Cemetery in Winnie, Texas.

In 2015, the DPAA was given authority to exhume the unknown remains of these servicemen associated with the USS Oklahoma and to reexamine them. It was at this point that the military contacted Anna Belle, his younger sister. She worked tirelessly to gather and provide DNA of family members to help identify her brother's remains.

Unfortunately, Anna Belle passed away on July 19, 2019, but she never lost hope that her brother would one day return home. She prayed her unwavering mission would be continued by those who survived her, and it was. On February 11, 2021, the Saunders family received word that their long-lost relative had finally been found and identified.

Mr. Speaker, Seaman Second Class Charles ``Sonny Boy'' Saunders' arrival in Winnie, Texas, will be welcomed by many relatives, friends, and fellow patriots; finally coming home. On the 80th anniversary of his passing, Mr. Saunders will be buried alongside his parents with full military honors.

May God continue to bless this family for their long record of service and sacrifice to our great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman so much, my good friend and colleague from Florida, Representative Cammack, for this Special Order hour.

Madam Speaker, this is a baby at 15 weeks old. He or she can sense light, make facial expressions, and feel pain. The beating of their fully functioning heart can be heard on an ultrasound, and all of their major organs are being developed.

Today, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson case. In the coming months, it will rule on whether Mississippi and other States like them can prohibit the murder of an unborn baby after 15 weeks of age.

Currently, the United States is one of seven nations, including North Korea and China, that allow abortion on demand after a baby can feel pain. I don't know about you, Madam Speaker, but I am appalled that our standard of human rights for the unborn is so low that we actually align with nations like North Korea and China.

When will the so-called party of science actually accept the science proving that life begins at conception? I am earnestly praying that the Supreme Court makes the right and the just decision to allow States to continue defending the very most innocent among us.

But no matter the outcome, I will never surrender the fight for our unborn.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Navy Motor Machinist Second Class (MM2C) Cedric Stout of Bridge City, Texas. Mr. Stout enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and was aboard the USS Utah anchored at Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7. At 100-years-old, he is believed to be the only remaining Pearl Harbor survivor in Southeast Texas.

Mr. Stout was born to Frank and Rita Nezat Stout and spent his childhood in Leonville, Louisiana. Growing up, he labored with his six brothers and seven sisters as sharecroppers working the fields by hand to make ends meet for their family. Like many others in rural Louisiana during the Great Depression, the Stout home was without electricity or indoor plumbing. At the age of 17, Mr. Stout joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) where he helped build national parks in Oregon.

After returning to Louisiana, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 23, 1941. Following boot camp in San Diego, he was stationed in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Utah. On the morning of December 7, Mr. Stout was awakened by the sound of Japanese aircraft attacking our Pacific Fleet. With the ongoing bombardment happening around him, he knew his chances of survival were slim. Yet, by the grace of God, he managed to get to safety. Tragically, the USS Utah, and many on board, were not so lucky. The battleship's substantial damage made it capsize and sink in a mere seven minutes.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Stout was reassigned to a light cruiser, the USS Detroit (CL-8). Later, while participating in the invasion of Saipan, his landing craft sank, leaving him and the other surviving crew members to be rescued. For his military service, Mr. Stout received the following commendations: the Navy Expeditionary Medal, American Campaign Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

While on leave in 1944, Mr. Stout married Delma Courville of Sunset, Louisiana. The couple had nine children together. Their names are Shirley Harmes, Julie Pike, Gerald Stout, Darlene Montagne, Janet Johnston, Janine Carter, Denise Evavold (passed away in 1997), Daniel Stout, and Theresa Hock. Mr. Stout and his wife also had 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. After his service in World War II, Mr. Stout moved his family to Bridge City, Texas, in 1959 and began driving a city bus in Port Arthur, Texas, for two years before becoming a salesman for the Price Cigar and Candy Company. He retired in 1988.

Sadly, Delma passed away in 1999. He married his second wife, Cherry Tiller, in 2000. Together, they remain committed to their large family, including the Stout and Tiller children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. Mr. Stout and Cherry enjoy attending mass together, sharing household chores, and gardening. In fact, this impressive centenarian can still be spotted mowing the yard on his John Deere tractor.

Madam Speaker, I salute this American hero for his valiant service in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in recognition of a fortitude few share, but all are grateful for. I congratulate this newly-minted centenarian on a life well-lived. May God continue to bless him for his service to his country, community, and family.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my good friend from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn) for having this Special Order.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to stand in this sacred Chamber each year during National Bible Week to express the importance of a book that has influenced my life more than any other. Without a doubt and without fault, the Bible has been my comfort in sorrow, my counsel in decisionmaking, and my unwavering companion in day-to-day life.

From running my dental practice to raising my family to serving the good people of Texas' 36th Congressional District, God's Word has always been the central hub that everything else revolves around, and it continues to mold and shape my life for the better each day.

But the Scripture's reach is much further than the life of one Texas Congressman. If you take a single glance at a U.S. history book, you will see its footprint immediately. During our Nation's birth, the Bible was perhaps the most accessible book to our Founding Fathers, and in its pages, they learned valuable insights about human nature, civic virtue, and the rights of our citizens.

Biblical influence can also be seen in our founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, which states that ``all men are created equal, that they are all endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.''

We are living in uncertain and perilous times, and I pray daily that we as a country find our way back to the teachings of the Scripture. May we never forget that it was God's divine providence and written word that provided the fortitude to those responsible for creating this grand experiment of America.

Keeping His hand in all we do is the only way that we can preserve it. I will close with one of my favorite passages of encouragement and hope and life everlasting from the Bible, Job 19:25-27:

For I know that my redeemer lives, and He shall stand at

last on the Earth. And after my skin is destroyed, this I

know, that in my flesh, I shall see God whom I shall see for

myself. And my eyes shall behold Him and not another. How my

heart yearns within me.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend, Gordon ``Mack'' McKinley, Jr., who passed away on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at the age of 72.

Mack and I grew up together in Beaumont, Texas, survived high school together and were roommates and fraternity brothers during college at the University of Texas.

Mack was a guy you could count on in good times and bad times to always have a positive outlook. He learned it through an adversity that terrified the mothers of our generation and left its mark on those who survived it. But Mack was strong and resilient, and he never let polio define him.

He was born on November 14, 1948, in Galveston, Texas, and named after his dad, Gordon McKinley, Sr. He was an only child, but a friend to many.

Like many students at the University of Texas in Austin, Mack fell in love with the city and stayed on after graduation. In 1974, he opened a club called The Common Interest which quickly became a popular hangout and has been an Austin institution for the last 47 years. The Common Interest provided a great gathering place where sports games could be enjoyed with friends, songs could be sung and fun could be had by all, especially Mack, a huge fan of the University of Texas Longhorns.

Mack also fell in love with a girl he met in the Common Interest, named Shannon Wilson, with whom he shared a happy married life for 45 years. Mack and Shannon began their lives together in Austin, Texas in 1976 and were blessed with three sons Michael, Kevin and Brandon. Shannon was the love of his life. He considered her and their family his greatest blessing and his greatest accomplishment throughout his life being a father. He was an enthusiastic fan and supporter of his three boys in the various sports they played. To this day, his son's jerseys still hang with pride on the walls of The Common Interest.

Mack was an avid golfer all his life. A special gift from his sons a few years ago was a trip to the Master's Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

Mack never quit doing things on his own terms, overcoming physical limitations that may have caused others to give up. He accepted life's challenges, he worked hard, he was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather or ``Pops'' as he was known, and he was my lifelong friend and inspiration.

I will miss him.

Mack is survived by his wife, Shannon McKinley, his son Michael McKinley, wife Brie, kids Bodie and Kai, his son Kevin McKinley, wife Candace, kids Kaylee, Kenna, Kensi and Kason, and son Brandon McKinley, wife Amber, kids Dakota and Merritt. Mack is also survived by numerous cousins close to Dallas, Chicago and Nashville.

Madam Speaker, today I honor my close friend and college roommate Mack McKinley. His example of fortitude and strength to overcome obstacles will not be forgotten, and my heartfelt prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague and neighbor from Louisiana across the Sabine River for hosting this Special Order tonight.

Madam Speaker, it has been 10 months since Joe Biden took office, and look at the state of our country. Our southern border is eroding before our very eyes. Gas prices are skyrocketing. Inflation has gone up every month. Our currency is diminishing at an alarming rate. And now Americans are about to sit down to the most expensive Thanksgiving in history.

How can anyone justify the fact that a bag of carrots has a price tag 48 percent higher than just a year ago?

My colleagues across the aisle know full well that every American is hurting because of their bad policies. They conveniently avoid the topic, telling people that inflation is actually a good thing.

Give me a break. Try telling that to those hardworking Americans at the grocery store or at the gas pump now.

What will it take for the left to finally come to their senses and say no more?

Is commonsense and wisdom something of the past? Outdated and disregarded? Democrats criticize us for telling the American people that they are destroying the country. They try to divert the American people's attention by censuring a Republican congressman over a cartoon; but I would ask them to simply look around. We are in a state of crisis and decay; and hardworking, law-abiding, freedom-loving Americans fear the inevitable outcome should we continue down this path. That outcome, what is it? Socialism, folks.

Today, I ask my Democrat colleagues to look at the burden that they have put on the American people and face the fact that history has so clearly written--a socialist utopia simply does not exist.

Today, I ask them, on behalf of every single American in this Nation, to find the courage and rise and say enough.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association, the Texas Historical Commission, and the volunteers honoring the thousands of Texans who selflessly gave their lives in armed conflict around the world. From the start of the Texas Revolution in 1835 through the war in Afghanistan, 21,500 Texan lives have been lost.

On November 13, 2021, volunteers will place and light 21,500 luminaries on the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site to honor every Texan who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each luminary reminds us that freedom is not free and honors all those who humbly gave their lives to protect our liberties,

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize and express my gratitude to ``The Texas Memorial Illumination at San Jacinto'' and their volunteers for their hard work to honor those Texans who died fighting for what they believed in.

Madam Speaker, I thank General Bergman for having this very worthy Special Order tonight on veterans. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, patriots will come together to celebrate America's brave protectors, past and present.

As a son of a World War II veteran, a veteran myself, and the father of a decorated Navy SEAL, it is sometimes very difficult for me to adequately express the deep-rooted gratitude that I hold for our military; the same gratitude historically held by a majority of our great country.

This year, however, something is different. The people of this Nation still honor our servicemen and -women, but unfortunately, some in the White House don't seem to do that. This administration would rather focus on our military being woke rather than being prepared and ready for a potential war with our enemies.

My heart especially goes out to our veterans of Afghanistan. The Biden administration and our military leadership failed you and the Afghan allies that you worked so closely with for decades. To the men and women of our Armed Forces who sacrificed so much over the last 20 years, I say this: Hold your head up high. Your service protected countless freedom-loving people and prevented terrorism from thriving in the United States and in our post-9/11 world.

Ronald Reagan once said: ``Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it onto our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.''

No one understands this truth more than our vets. I promise to continue using my position in Congress to serve those who have served us and to all of our current and former soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, guardians, and coasties, I gratefully and humbly say thank you.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sesquicentennial of Rural Shade Baptist Church, located in the community of Tarkington Prairie in Liberty County, Texas.

In 1870, a small group met in a brush arbor in Tarkington Prairie, symbolizing the beginning of a new church. The congregation was made up of hardworking, compassionate individuals determined to provide a robust and moral foundation for their community. On July 3, 1878, a deed was granted ``for the purpose of the erection and occupancy of a Baptist Church and Masonic Hall . . .''. Later that year, a two-story building was completed. While the top floor was dedicated to the Masonic Lodge, the bottom floor served as the sanctuary of the Rural Shade Baptist Church.

In 1902, Rural Shade started a choral school, collected their first offerings for the Buckner Orphans' Home, and took on a leadership role in forming the Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association. Five years later, they constructed a second building, costing $1,470.00. Soon after, church members granted the trustees of Oakdale High School, the first high school in Tarkington Prairie, permission to use the old church building, while the members moved into their newly constructed second church building. Over the years, Rural Shade has completed several building projects and renovations, including adding a third church building in 1938, a baptistry in 1945, a fourth church building in 1962, a youth wing in 1993, and a fifth building in 2005, which also serves as the church's current worship center. Remarkably, over the last 151 years, the church has remained on the same tract of land.

Early pastors were elected from the church's men each year until 1898 when pastors were first called to stay for an indefinite period. In 1944, the church hired its first full-time pastor. Former Pastors of Rural Shade Baptist Church include: D. D. Forman, B.F. Ellis Jr., J.M.A. Black, D.W. Jackson, J.A. Lee, O.P. Chambers, H.C. Morrison, J.W. Thomas, E. Loose, J.B. Marshall, J.L. Watson, J.E. Mott, J.H.H. Ellis, B.S. Franklin, T.J. Fouts, J.F. High, Henry Jones, W.H. Jones, R.W. Smith, R.J. McGinty, D.P. McGowan, H.C. Philips, W.A. Smith, H.R. Pressley, Bert Mattingly, W.A. Curtis, H.R. Pressley, D.L. Sinclair, G.M. Coe, Earl Hahn, R.L. Self, LeRoy Cooper, C.D. Sowell, Dale Mingus, John Garrett, J.B. Grimes, Albert Foster, Earl Be Iver, and Byron Reeves. Since 2016, Brad Dancer has served as the church's pastor.

Over the past two decades, Rural Shade Baptist Church has aided the community tremendously in response to natural disasters. In 2005, 2008, and 2016, individuals were sheltered and housed after the devastating aftermaths of hurricanes Rita, Ike, and Harvey. During Hurricane Harvey, the church assisted with high water rescues, saving individuals from flooding homes and buildings. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the church joined the Houston Food Bank and distributed $3 million worth of food to local families in need. In fact, for his outstanding leadership and service to his community, Pastor Dancer was awarded the Citizen of the Year in 2020 by the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Rural Shade Baptist Church on reaching their Sesquicentennial last year and their 151st anniversary this year. Over the past century and a half, the Lord has certainly used this historic church to demonstrate the love, kindness, and generosity of Jesus Christ to the good people of Southeast Texas. I am privileged to represent such a devoted and faithful place of worship in my district.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and recognize the retirement of a true American hero, Major Dennis Allen. Major Allen has served his community and Nation admirably for 55 years, including three years in the military and 52 years as a law enforcement officer.

Born on August 13, 1947, to parents Jo and Bill Allen, Dennis spent his childhood in Silsbee, Texas. Following his graduation from Silsbee High School in 1966, he joined the Army and served a year-long tour of duty in Vietnam from January 1967 to January 1968. In Vietnam, he spent his time as a light weapons member of a 10-man reconnaissance team in the Central Highlands area of North Pleiku.

After being honorably discharged in 1969, he attended Georgetown University and trained at the Metropolitan Police Academy in Washington, D.C. He later served as a patrolman, undercover detective, and member of the Civil Disturbance Unit for the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). As an MPD officer, he was one of many called to respond to the mass demonstrations in D.C. on ``May Day'' in 1969, which resulted in the arrests of more than 6,000 rioters and protesters of the Vietnam War.

In 1973, Dennis returned to his hometown in Texas and began working for the Silsbee Police Department, eventually serving in every position within the agency, including Chief of Police. He later moved on to work for two other law enforcement entities located in Southeast Texas, including the Polk County Sheriff's Office, where he was the Captain of Detectives for ten years, and the Hardin County Sheriff's Office, where he held the positions of Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, and Major of Criminal Investigations during his stay. In addition to his law enforcement education, Dennis holds a Master Peace Officer License through the state of Texas and has held that level of certification since 1994.

To say that Dennis has had a remarkable career is a vast understatement as few law enforcement officers reach 50 years of service. The positive impact he has made is evident by the number of officers he has mentored and trained, many of whom have become supervisors and administrators themselves. Their accomplishments are a direct reflection of the leadership and instruction they received from Major Allen.

Yet, life was not only about law enforcement for Dennis, especially after marrying his beautiful bride Sandy in 1973. Dennis and Sandy have two children, Kevin Allen and Stacy Caldwell, and are also the proud grandparents of six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Major Dennis Allen for his more than half a century of unwavering commitment to his community and country. He has done so with incredible integrity and professionalism, and I am honored to represent such a patriot in Congress.