Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was absent during the time of votes due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 517, H.R. 10545, American Relief Act 2025.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the people of north Texas for trusting me with the sacred responsibility and opportunity to represent them for the last 6 years. It has been an honor of my life to serve the great people of north Texas, who I was born and raised among, and to have done it with so many great colleagues.

I was born and raised in Dallas by a single mom who was a public schoolteacher. It wasn't always easy for us, but because of our community, because of my family, because of my teachers, my coaches, and the good folks at the YMCA, I was able to make it. I played Division 1 football at Baylor University. Afterwards, I made the team on the Tennessee Titans and spent 5 years as a linebacker. I eventually went to law school and became a voting rights attorney, and I proudly served the Obama administration at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For the last 6 years, it has been my greatest honor to represent my hometown of Dallas and all the communities across the 32nd District from Dallas to Richardson to Addison to Mesquite to Garland, communities big and small across the DFW area. The folks in north Texas have always been my inspiration to get things done.

I am so proud of all the things we have done together. Working with folks in both parties, we secured the Garland VA Medical Center. It took over a year, but after countless meetings, phone calls, letters, and false starts and stops, we got it done. Together, we created thousands of good-paying jobs in north Texas and are helping to better serve our veterans and get them the care they have earned. This is one of my proudest accomplishments, and I will continue to support local efforts to invest and expand the facility.

We passed historic legislation that will help north Texas and the country for years to come: the CHIPS Act, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the pandemic relief legislation that helped save our economy in a time of deep crisis.

We lowered the cost of healthcare and kept the cost of insulin for seniors at $35 a month. We invested in high-tech manufacturing, job training, and clean energy that is helping Texas create thousands upon thousands of jobs.

Because of our efforts, more Texans will have access to economic opportunities to enter the middle class and to live their version of the American Dream.

During my time in office, I made a point to introduce legislation that was focused on helping people. From voting rights to ensuring veterans can access their benefits to cutting red tape and helping government work for people, I am so proud that together we worked to pass 50 of the bills I cosponsored into law. That doesn't include the dozens of amendments, committee work, or administrative actions that we had a hand in helping to get done.

We ran a constituent-first office that was focused on cutting red tape for people and helping them get the services and help they needed from their government. From helping folks with Social Security to assisting veterans to helping our businesses, big and small, keep people employed, I am proud that we closed over 4,300 cases and saved Texans more than $57 million. I am also personally proud to be the first Member of Congress to ever take paternity leave and to hopefully set an example for all new dads who will follow me.

Though this is the end of a chapter for me, I am reminded that our democracy is great because it doesn't begin or end with one elected official. It is not about one person. It never has been.

We are caretakers. We are guardians of the great American experiment and protectors of this democracy.

I know that Congresswoman-elect Julie Johnson will serve the people of the 32nd District with honor. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have worked with me over the years, people who I know will keep working in a bipartisan way to represent and deliver for their constituents.

I remember the legends and icons I have had a chance to serve with, Members like Eddie Bernice Johnson to John Lewis.

I also could not have done this without my wife, Aly, and my two boys, Jordan and Cameron, who have helped me every step of the way.

I thank my staff, who have been on my team and on my side since the very beginning. I am so proud that we have had one of the lowest turnover rates of any office in Congress. My dedicated staff are public servants who have

helped us serve people here in Washington and in Dallas.

This was always personal for me, Mr. Speaker. It wasn't just another district; it was the place where I was born and raised, where I went to high school, where my family lives.

Mr. Speaker, we served during a time of great uncertainty: a pandemic and an insurrection. There is more uncertainty to come, but I believe in this country. I believe in the people of north Texas. I know that God will continue to bless Texas and our great country.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent during the time of the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 233, H. Res 1215 and YEA on Roll Call No. 234, H.R. 6983.

Mr. Speaker, on April 18, 2024, Douglas `'Doug'' D. DeLair, died in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 81. He was born on December 12, 1942, in Oakland, California, to the late Raymond DeLair and Evelyn (Crumbliss) DeLair.

A distinguished captain in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, Doug served admirably as a helicopter pilot.

His disciplined spirit later guided his fulfilling career in bankruptcy law in Lincoln, Nebraska alongside his beloved wife, Sandra DeLair.

Beyond his professional achievements, Doug was a devoted bowler and golfer, his sportsmanship and enthusiasm endearing him to many.

Doug will be remembered not just for his achievements but for his generous heart, sharp wit, and the unwavering support he provided to his friends and family. He was a pillar

in his community, often volunteering his time and legal expertise to those in need.

He is survived by his wife Sandra and their children Dianne, Deborah (partner Antonio), John, Robert (wife Christine) and Danielle (husband Joshua). Doug was blessed with eleven grandchildren including Lucy, Everett, Elaina, Ivy, Breanna, Claudia, Lydia, Sharon, Anthony, Lizzy, and Gabe. Doug was also a brother to Steven DeLair (wife Sally), Stanley DeLair (wife Bertha), and John DeLair (wife Gail).

Doug was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Evelyn (Crumbliss) DeLair.

Mr. Speaker, on April 20, 2024, I was absent during the time of the following vote. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 143, H.R. 3602, End the Border Catastrophe Act.

Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted Nay on Roll Call No. 143.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent during the time of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 60, H.R. 3391, Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 61, H.R. 3838, Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Texas giant, a trailblazer, a leader, my mentor, and my friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Congresswoman Johnson was unrivaled in her ability to deliver for Dallas and Texas. She always put Texans first and fought every day for her constituents in Dallas.

Congresswoman Johnson broke so many barriers. It is not hyperbole to say that I would not be here today serving in Congress if it weren't for Congresswoman Johnson.

Everywhere you look, Texans can see the mark that she made on our State in her 50 years of public service, from improving the VA, to investing in transportation, to fighting for Texans' civil rights, and to her work as the chair of the House Science Committee to pass the Chips and Science Act and invest in high-tech manufacturing.

Texas lost a giant, and I lost a friend. We all mourn this loss for our Texas community.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commemorate a historic achievement by the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers won the World Series for the first time in franchise history despite many setbacks and injuries along the way.

On Friday, November 3, 2023, Arlington, TX hosted a well-deserved Championship Parade.

As a Congressman for North Texas and a lifelong Rangers fan, I am excited to celebrate this hard-fought victory with the Rangers and my fellow fans.

Achievements such as this don't happen overnight, and they take the support of families, friends, coaches, fans, staff and crew. It really does take a community. And the Metroplex should be proud.

As a former professional athlete myself, I know the hard work it takes, day in and day out, to practice and work to win as a team. All while forging ahead in the face of adversity.

They have shown that North Texans are champions, and we couldn't be prouder of what they all have accomplished together.

Go Rangers.

Mr. Speaker, on September 14, 2023, I was absent during the time of votes due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 388, H. Res. 681, On Ordering the Previous Question, NAY on Roll Call No. 389, H. Res. 681, On Agreeing to the Resolution, YEA on Roll Call No. 390, H.R. 1435, On Motion to Recommit, and NAY on Roll Call No. 391, H.R. 1435, Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act.

Mr. Speaker, on September 2, 2023, Jack Delbert Stewart II, died peacefully at his home in Denton, Texas at the age of 88. He was born on July 6, 1935, in Ennis, Texas, to the late Jack Delbert and Dora Ellen (Johnson) Stewart. He graduated from Ennis High School in 1953 and Abilene Christian College in 1957. During his summer breaks, he and some friends worked for the U.S. Forest Service backing up the Hot Shot teams fighting wildfires out of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.

In 1958, a roommate set Jack up on a blind date with Jean Pogue. They went to the King and I at the State Fair. After a two-year courtship, they were married on January 23, 1960.

Jack served for six years in the 49th Armored Division of the Texas National Guard, which was mobilized in April of 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. They spent one year stationed at Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana.

Jack and Jean returned to Dallas where he worked for Industrial Indemnity Insurance until he was transferred to Beaumont. In 1970, they moved to San Antonio to work with SP Personnel Associates. He was a member of the MacArthur Park Church of Christ where he was active in church leadership, serving as both a Deacon and an Elder. He also served on the founding board of Christian Heritage Schools.

In 1992, they moved to Abilene for Jack to be the director of the Career Center at Abilene Christian University. There he helped students prepare for life after college, including helping to counsel them on career next steps as well as resume writing, interviewing skills, choosing the right majors, and setting up job fairs and job interviews. Of all the careers he had, this was his favorite because he loved working with the students and helping to put them on a path to success. He was an active member of Hillcrest Church of Christ and served as an Elder.

Jack always had a servant's heart, and he volunteered frequently at the food pantry in Abilene. A committed family man who always wanted everyone to be together, Jack and Jean fulfilled a dream of buying a cabin in Angel Fire, New Mexico where they shared

many wonderful memories with their friends and family. He was also a lifelong Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs fan. He rarely missed a game and loved to talk sports, including the latest on his ACU Wildcats. In April of 2021, Jack and Jean moved to Denton to be closer to family and UT Southwestern.

He is survived by his wife Jean of 63 years and their children, Jeff, Jay, and Jill. Jack was blessed with seven grandchildren who knew him as Papa, including Joshua Stewart, Jackson Stewart, Meghan Tapia, Morgan O'Connell, Jamie Barber, Clarke Bartholomew and Grant Dowdy. Papa was also a great-grandfather to Grace and Evelyn O'Connell, Elliot Stewart, and Willow Tapia. He was known as Apple Jack to his nephew Todd and nieces Tracy and Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his brother Michael G. Stewart and wife Barbara.

Mr. Speaker, on May 6 our North Texas community was left scarred by the shooting at Allen Premium Outlets.

Nine people were killed, and 7 others were injured.

But today, I recognize the brave story of the service of Gicela Aleman.

An unsung hero who that day was shopping for new shoes at the outlet mall with her daughter, Adele.

When the gunman opened fire, he severely wounded Preeti Patel, a mother and grandmother who was visiting family in North Texas and like so many others--was just trying to do some shopping.

Amidst the chaos and violence, Gicela sprung into action. She grabbed Preeti and tried to slow her bleeding.

After seeing that ambulances were struggling to get through security, Gicela drove Preeti herself to get the care she needed.

Preeti is alive today because of Gicela.

An amazing story that deserves a hero's praise.

We thank her for her bravery, selflessness and representing the best of North Texas.

Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 317.

Mr. Speaker, on May 6, our north Texas community was left scarred by the shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets. Nine people were killed, and seven others were injured.

Today, I rise to talk about the bravery and service of Gicela Aleman, a nurse and unsung hero, who that day was shopping at the outlet mall with her daughter.

After the gunman opened fire, he severely wounded Preeti Patel, a woman who was visiting family in north Texas and, like so many others, was just trying to do some shopping.

Amidst the chaos and violence, Gicela sprang into action. Using her training as a nurse, she grabbed Preeti and tried to slow her bleeding. After seeing that ambulances were struggling to get through security, she called the hospital and drove Preeti in her car with her daughter to the hospital in time to save her life.

Preeti is alive today because of Gicela, an amazing story that deserves a hero's praise. She and her daughter should not have had to be heroes that day, but they were and are. We thank them for representing the best of north Texas.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, May 24, marks 1 year since the massacre at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, 1 year since 19 children and 2 teachers were murdered, leaving a community forever scarred and parents all across the country holding their little ones closer.

I know my heartbreak won't pass new legislation, but like many parents, I am heartbroken.

I know my outrage won't bring these kids back, but like many Texans, I am still outraged.

I also know that we don't have to live like this. Last year, we finally ended 30 years of inaction by passing gun violence prevention legislation.

We can build on that. We can strengthen background checks, pass red flag laws, and raise the purchasing age of an assault-style rifle to 21. All of these policies are overwhelmingly supported by the American people, but we have to work together.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us in looking for common ground because I know I am willing to work with anyone to save lives. The people of Uvalde and all Americans deserve no less.