Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6863, a bill to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Memphis, Tennessee, the Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center''.

Luke Joseph Weathers, Jr., was born on December 16, 1922, in Grenada, Mississippi, but called Memphis his home from an early age.

Upon graduating from college, Luke Weathers joined a newly organized Army Air Corps training program. While there, he earned his pilot wings and commission as a second lieutenant and began his journey as a Tuskegee Airman.

Lieutenant Weathers flew with the Red Tails in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for escorting and defending a damaged B-24 bomber against eight German fighters in November of 1944. He shot down two of them.

Luke Weathers rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in a distinguished and highly rewarded military career.

He began a second career as an air traffic control specialist, and in 1965, he became the first Black air traffic controller in Memphis.

Throughout his life, he remained active with the Tuskegee Airmen and was a mentor to countless youth who had an interest in the military or aviation fields.

I cannot think of an individual more deserving to represent the VA presence in Memphis.

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

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7903, as amended, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic.

Major General Dillard began his 34-year career in 1945 when he was assigned to the 349th Field Artillery Group in Germany as part of the post-World War II army of occupation.

In 1947, he attended the infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, where he received a commission as a second lieutenant. He then went on to serve in command and intelligence positions in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam.

In 1965, Major General Dillard became the first Black officer to graduate from the National War College.

Major General Dillard served in many distinguished capacities until his retirement in 1980. Not only did he break down numerous barriers over his career, but he held various esteemed positions, earned military medals, to include the Silver and Bronze Stars, and multiple civilian awards.

By naming the VA clinic in Canton after this officer who served with such distinction and sacrifice, the many veterans who will see his name will no doubt be inspired by his legacy.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I am going to go off script for a moment here and just say that the more I hear about these veterans that we are honoring here today, they are just incredible. I want to know more about Major General Dillard and his Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart.

As we are on the heels of Veterans Day this last weekend, the remarkable bravery that General Dillard must have shown to receive those awards is staggering, and I would like to come up and see the clinic in Michigan at some point just to honor the man and meet his family.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7925, as amended, a bill to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Palm Desert California as the Sy Kaplan Veterans Center.

Sy Kaplan enlisted in the Army at age 18. He served in World War II as a combat engineer in the 2nd, 4th, and 14th Armored Divisions during the North Africa campaign and the liberation of Italy and in France. In that service, he earned three battle stars and two Purple Hearts. He rose to the rank of technical sergeant.

At the end of the war, in 1945, he was seriously wounded by an enemy mortar attack in the former Czechoslovakia and returned to the United States due to his injuries.

Following his return, he started and operated his own construction company. He retired in 1991 and moved to California, as everybody did.

Sergeant Kaplan embraced his new community, where he personally provided countless local veterans with advice and assistance in obtaining and earning their VA benefits.

He served as the commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 78 in Coachella Valley for many years, and, of course, he played an instrumental role in establishing the VA clinic in Palm Desert.

Sergeant Kaplan dedicated his life to service and, most importantly, to helping his fellow veterans. Having his name on this VA clinic will continue his legacy of inspiration.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3369, a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as the Max Cleland VA Medical Center.

Joseph Maxwell Cleland was born in 1942 in Atlanta, Georgia. Through his storied career, he always returned to his native State. Immediately after college, Max Cleland received his second lieutenant's commission in the Army. He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam war, serving with the 1st Calvary Division.

In 1968, during the Battle of Khe Sanh, then-Captain Cleland, upon landing on a nearby hill to set up a radio relay station, was gravely injured by an accidental blast of a team member's grenade. He eventually lost both legs and his right arm.

While serving, he earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service and the Silver Star for gallantry in action, in addition to the Purple Heart.

Returning to his home State, Max Cleland continued his service and was elected to the Georgia Senate as the youngest member and then the only Vietnam veteran. He became known as a staunch advocate for increasing public access for handicapped individuals as well as for his fellow veterans.

In 1977, Max Cleland was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to lead the Veterans Administration, the first Vietnam veteran to lead the agency. He was instrumental in transforming the way the Veterans Administration recognized and treated post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war. After that assignment, he served as the secretary of state for Georgia for 14 years, and then he was elected to the United States Senate representing Georgia.

In this position, and in numerous subsequent assignments, he never forgot his fellow brothers and sisters in arms. He made it his life's work to champion military personnel matters and to honor the fallen at military cemeteries and monuments overseas and veteran cemeteries at home.

In spite of many physical challenges, Max Cleland received numerous honors and awards over the course of his long and distinguished career.

His spirit served as an inspiration, and that same spirit will continue to inspire excellence at the Atlanta VA Medical Center which should proudly bear his name.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Once again, as we talk about heroism, you can't summarize in 3 minutes the heroism of these men. Max Cleland lost two legs and an arm, and this is a well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 4359, a bill to designate the VA regional office in Atlanta as the Senator Johnny Isakson Department of Veterans Affairs Atlanta Regional Office.

Senator Isakson served over 45 years as a public servant. He retired in 2019 as the longest-serving Republican Senator from the great State of Georgia.

Senator Isakson is remembered for his contributions to the veteran community and to his home State.

His successful career of public service began when he joined the Georgia Air National Guard. After separating from the National Guard, he brought this invaluable experience to the Georgia General Assembly and to the U.S. Congress.

Senator Isakson was a dedicated advocate for our Nation's veterans, serving as chairman for the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee for three Congresses.

Under his chairmanship, our friends on the Senate VA Committee spearheaded the enactment of critical legislation such as the VA Mission Act, the Forever GI Bill, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act, and the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act.

Senator Isakson is remembered fondly by his colleagues as the embodiment of compassionate servant leadership. He had a reputation as a bipartisan Member who was willing to reach across the aisle for the good of his constituents. I can think of no better way to honor Senator Isakson's legacy to both the citizens of Georgia and the veteran community than by naming the Atlanta regional office after him.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I encourage my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5721, as amended, the VA Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research Act of 2021, or the VIPER Act.

Ranking Member Bost is an original cosponsor of this bill alongside Chairman Takano.

Research is one of the core statutory missions of the VA healthcare system. VA researchers have made a number of important discoveries and advancements that have benefited not only veterans but the entire world.

Just recently, with the pandemic, VA researchers have done groundbreaking work utilizing vast stores of data to identify certain collateral health impacts on vulnerable populations, and they have made notable advancements in studying the characteristics of and potential treatments for what is termed long COVID.

This bill will make it easier for VA to conduct the research that veterans require, and yield advancements in science and medicine that will benefit everyone.

The VIPER Act would codify VA's Office of Research and Development.

VIPER would also better structure VA's ability to conduct research across the system.

Finally, this bill will expand hiring authorities for certain classes of research occupations, including statisticians, economists, informaticists, and data scientists.

VA needs the talent of these occupational categories to keep up with rapid changes in data analytics, including artificial intelligence.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the bipartisan committee work that has been done to date on this bill, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support it. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7299, as amended, the Strengthening VA Cybersecurity Act of 2022.

VA is the second largest Federal agency, and it handles 9 million veterans' personal information. The Department is a big target for cyber criminals, and the Veterans' Affairs Committee is responsible for making sure their data is being protected.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to assess how well VA is truly performing on cybersecurity, and how successfully the money invested translates into better security for veterans' information.

This bill would require a third-party cybersecurity audit of VA to fill in the gaps left by the existing audits. While necessary, those audits tend to be compliance exercises.

In contrast, this legislation requires a hard look at actual VA systems and real-world vulnerabilities. The bill also requires VA to submit a detailed plan to remediate whatever weaknesses the third-party auditor finds.

Hostile nations are working around the clock to exploit any vulnerability in our networks or systems, especially with health records. We must stay one step ahead of them, and I appreciate Mr. Mrvan's work on this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7277, as amended, the Improving Oversight of the Veterans Community Care Providers Act.

This is a bipartisan bill led by Chairman Pappas and Ranking Member Mann of the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee.

H.R. 7277 would implement recent recommendations from the Government Accountability Office on how to improve oversight of community care. Community care is VA care, and it should be timely and of the highest quality.

Unfortunately, our committee has heard repeated complaints of delays in community care. Long wait-times at VA medical centers and delays in community care are unacceptable, and we take these complaints very seriously.

The committee will continue our strict oversight of the program to ensure veterans are getting the care they need when and where they need it. It is vital to protect this important option for veterans, and I encourage all my colleagues to support the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2250, as amended, the VA Information Technology Reform Act of 2022. Mr. Rosendale, Mr. Mrvan, and Mr. Banks have worked on this legislation in the Technology Modernization Subcommittee for over 2 years.

The VA relies on information technology to deliver nearly every service and benefit to our Nation's veterans. But it is no secret that there have been many struggles with IT projects that fail to deliver. Cost and schedule overruns and poor performance are routine.

This bipartisan legislation creates new accountability standards for VA to plan, initiate, and manage large IT projects. Congress has to be informed in advance, before any money is spent, and the VA has to create a baseline to measure each project's performance against.

The legislation also reforms how VA budgets for IT and increases transparency into the Department's activities and needs.

I commend Mr. Rosendale for being a watchdog on this important and difficult issue.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rosendale).

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I come before the House of Representatives to discuss the newest and best version of the PACT Act before us today.

Putting the needs of our veterans first is something we can all agree on. On March 3, the House passed a version of the PACT Act that was unworkable and unaffordable. At that time, I joined my colleagues in calling for negotiations and refinements that would best help the veterans and gain bipartisan support, and I voted ``no'' on that original bill.

The bill that we have before us today is the result of those long and difficult negotiations. This version of the bill reinforces why I opposed it during the initial passage. When we work together and put the well-being of veterans above partisan politics, we get a workable, effective bill that will save the lives of those who have given so much for us.

It is not a perfect bill. There remains language, including the costs and mandatory spending that are somewhat troubling, but I am confident that we will be vigilant about carrying out our oversight of the implementation of those provisions and the spending associated with them. I also call on the moneys moved to mandatory spending be moved back to discretionary when we take back the majority.

America's veterans who were exposed to toxins during their voluntary military service in combat to preserve America's liberty and freedoms will finally receive the healthcare and benefits they need.

I support this legislation because it requires the VA to contact every single veteran who filed a claim for benefits that related to toxic exposure but had

the claim originally denied, allowing them to refile their claim. I support this legislation because it expands the screening of possible toxic exposure to every veteran receiving VA care.

America's obligation to our veterans is best conveyed by the words of Abraham Lincoln: ``To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.''

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to vote in favor of the amendments to H.R. 3967.

Madam Speaker, the United States is home to the most remarkable people in the world. We are the most caring, giving, and united country that has ever existed. But that is not the outlook we see daily in the news and on social media. Big traditional and social media outlets would have you convinced that Americans don't help each other. The algorithms used by these companies are designed to show controversy and to lead you to believe that there is more divisiveness in our society than harmony.

But that is not true. Since being elected to Congress, I have seen firsthand that the Texas Sixth Congressional District is home to many remarkable people; so much so that each week my office sends out dozens of recognition letters highlighting some of their achievements.

While in Washington, D.C., I have had the incredible opportunity to work with countless individuals, a lot of whom deserve the highest praise for their service to the American people. To be clear: These individuals I am referencing do not just make up my own party but also those across the aisle. Bipartisanship is alive and well up here, and I am proud to say that I am surrounded by like-minded individuals on both sides of the aisle who have dedicated their lives to public service,

working tirelessly for the betterment of the American people.

Growing up back home in Perryton, Texas, my pastor would start off every Sunday service with what he called ``Joys and Concerns.'' During this time, he would highlight some of the remarkable things that members of the church were doing and some prayer requests, to unite us as a congregation to pray for our community and those in need.

I will give my own version of ``Joys and Concerns.'' Let's start with the joys. These upstanding constituents deserve to be recognized:

I start by congratulating the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2021-2022 school year.

From Mansfield High School: Valedictorian, Kara Bell, and Salutatorian, Nicholas Bindel.

From Mansfield Lake Ridge High School: Valedictorian, Angela Morka, and Salutatorian, Hailey Chuong.

From Mansfield Legacy High School: Valedictorian, Ruth Oyerokun, and Salutatorian, Kennedy Ruhland.

From Mansfield Summit High School: Valedictorian, John Weaver, and Salutatorian, Anthony Truong.

From Mansfield Timberview High School: Valedictorian, Vanessa Bell, and Salutatorian, Yousef Ali.

From Mansfield Early College High School: Valedictorian, Ruby Lima Gallegos, and Salutatorian, Mary Oshoba.

From Corsicana High School: Valedictorian, Libby Green, and Salutatorian, Addie Owen.

From Blooming Grove High School: Valedictorian, Kinley Skaines, and Salutatorian, Kamryn Brown.

From Ennis High School: Valedictorian, Victoria Berry, and Salutatorian, Mason Gilb.

From Ferris High School: Valedictorian, Brianna Brodin, and Salutatorian, Hayden Hartman.

From Italy High School: Valedictorian, Rushton Trees, and Salutatorian, Bryant Haake.

From Waxahachie High School: Valedictorian, Niki Holmberg, and Co- salutatorians, Lillie Loose and Elena Rojas. I would like to point out that Lillie is the daughter of my district director, Julie Loose.

From Waxahachie Global High School: Valedictorian Preston Hoggard, and Salutatorian, Alexis Trojan.

From Midlothian High School: Valedictorian, Katelynn Zimmerman, and Salutatorian, Avalon YungHung Mitchell.

From Midlothian Heritage High School: Valedictorian, Cooper Lucas, and Salutatorian, Sterling Martinez.

From Red Oak High School: Valedictorian, Saadi El-Saadi, and Salutatorian, Elise Davis.

From Palmer High School: Valedictorian, Alexandria Holmes, and Salutatorian, Neyda Perez.

From Rice High School: Valedictorian, Nadhia Abreu, and Salutatorian, Laisha Perez.

From Avalon High School: Valedictorian, Savanna Bacak, and Salutatorian, Ilene Ferman.

From Kennedale High School: Valedictorian, Brian Flores, and Salutatorian, Kenaj Washington.

From Maypearl High School: Valedictorian, Aaron Jett, and Salutatorian, Josey Austin.

From Mildred High School: Valedictorian, Alejandro Tamez, and Salutatorian, Amanda Hawkins.

From Milford High School: Valedictorian, Lillian Martin, and Salutatorian, Joshua Martin.

From Arlington High School: Valedictorian, Adessa Segura, and Salutatorian, Alison Buer.

From Arlington Bowie High School: Valedictorian, Angelina Nguyen, and Salutatorian, Whiton Nguyen.

From Arlington Lamar High School: Valedictorian, Ashvi Patel, and Salutatorian, Haley Wehr.

From Arlington Martin High School: Co-valedictorians, Jennifer Uyen Tho Nguyen and Heather Van Waasbergen, and Salutatorian, Christopher Dao.

From Arlington Seguin High School: Valedictorian, Nhi Dinh, and Salutatorian, Linh Vu.

Again, congratulations on your remarkable achievement. I look forward to seeing what each one of you accomplishes in the coming years.

I also want to acknowledge the 12 outstanding young men and women we have from the Sixth Congressional District who have received and accepted appointments to our service academies.

For the United States Naval Academy we have: Ethan Clarke and Jazmin Lemus.

For the United States Air Force Academy: Seth Ramsey, Destiny Speltz, Carson Yingling, Lauren St. Clair, Oluwakorede Oylalami, Megan Fellows, and Jaiden Lanier.

For the United States Military Academy at West Point: Vinh Ho and Charlotte Patterson.

For the United States Merchant Marine Academy: Anthony Schmidt.

Next, I want to recognize members of our community who have gone above and beyond.

Let's start with Officer Rebecca Pevehouse. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Rebecca on her recent appointment as a field training officer in the Red Oak Police Department. I also recognize Rebecca for being awarded Enforcement Hero by MADD North Texas. The hard work Rebecca puts forth to keep our community safe has not gone unnoticed. I thank Rebecca for all that she does.

It is an honor to recognize Priscilla Sanchez for more than 16 years of public service in the Mansfield community. Her outstanding performance as a senior code compliance inspector and then as the volunteer coordinator has helped strengthen the relationship between the residents and community members.

I congratulate Connie Hickman on her retirement from Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace in Navarro County. It is an honor to recognize her for her nearly 40 years of public service to her community.

I welcome Chris Young and congratulate him on his new position as an assistant fire chief for the city of Red Oak.

I congratulate Darrell Hull on his recent new position as the city manager for Kennedale. Darrell brings a wealth of experience, and he previously served a 25-year career in Kennedale. The city of Kennedale is fortunate to have him in this position.

Michael Watson is a sophomore at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. He led SAGU's baseball team to a 38-16 finish and was named this year's NCAA National Pitcher of the Year. Congratulations to Michael and the team for their outstanding work and achievements.

Next, let me highlight the Eagle Scouts. To become an Eagle Scout takes years of dedication and hard work. To achieve this rank, Scouts must complete 18 hours of community service and demonstrate leadership within their troop. Only 5 percent of Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout. This year, Ethan Miller reached that goal. I congratulate him.

It is an honor to recognize Master Sergeant Roger Hardie for his 15- plus years of service in education in the Corsicana community. His outstanding performance as the Air Force JROTC instructor has helped strengthen the relationship between our students and community members. I thank him for his service.

Ashley Perkins has been working as an emergency medical dispatcher in Mansfield for several years, and in 2021, she was named Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year. I thank Ashley for her continued service to the Mansfield community.

I congratulate Fox Luu on his new position as chief of police in Richland. Luu has been serving his community as a first responder for many years, and I am confident he will do so for many years to come.

I congratulate Zoey Burt on starting her new position as sergeant in the Maypearl ISD Police Department.

Ron Appleton has been well known in his community since 1966. He started out as an ag teacher at Waxahachie ISD and worked his way to district administration. I personally congratulate Ron on having the Ron Appleton Agriscience Facility in Waxahachie named after him. It is a beautiful facility, and the impact Ron has had on his students is immeasurable. I thank him for all that he has done.

Chantell Reiper was awarded Employee of the First Quarter from Navarro Regional Hospital for 2022. This award is a tribute to her courageous and selfless acts working in healthcare. I truly appreciate all the work that Chantell does in physician practice and women's services.

I personally congratulate Fred Pontley on his retirement from being a distinguished lieutenant of the Ennis Police Department. It is an honor to recognize him for his 25 years of public service to the people of Ennis.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Navarro College. What started out in 1946 with a group of returning veterans from World War II has now become a pillar in the community not only in Corsicana but also in Waxahachie. From the first class dubbed as the ``barracks bunch'' to the students who graduated this year, Navarro College is dedicated to serving our community. Congratulations to Navarro College on 75 years.

I congratulate Jerry Lozier from Waxahachie Global High School on being named the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Region X Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. I thank Jerry for his commitment to Waxahachie ISD.

Each year Mansfield ISD honors nonteaching staff with the Shining Star Award for exceptional service and contributions to their students and staff members. This year's recipient was Brenda Stewart. As a crossing guard, each morning Brenda gets up to ensure the safety of all students going to Mansfield ISD. I thank Brenda for all her hard work and her dedication to her community.

Congratulations to Chrisanna Melick on winning first place in the UIL State competition for journalism by leading the Waxahachie fine arts program. I pass on my sincerest congratulations to the team of Morgan Lenamond, Maven Navarro, Katie Walker, and Owen Bartosh. This entire team put on a brilliant performance to take Waxahachie High School to the top.

I congratulate Greg Ellis on being named the new head football coach for Southwestern Assemblies of God University. I wish him good luck.

I congratulate Elizabeth Tull on being awarded the Excellence in Community Service Award by the Rebecca Boyce Chapter of the national Daughters of the American Revolution and for being crowned the Crape Myrtle Queen at the annual Crape Myrtle Festival in Waxahachie.

I congratulate Nolan Haisler on being recognized for 50 years of service as an H-E-B Ennis partner. Yes, that is 50 years at H-E-B. This honor recognizes him for his commitment to the city of Ennis that will leave a lasting impact for many years to come.

It is always a big deal when a small-town boy makes it to the big leagues. From Navarro College to SMU, and now with the Indianapolis Colts, I congratulate Trevor Denbow on his achievement. He showed hard work pays off, and I know his family is very proud of him, as is the entire city.

I congratulate Sonia Rivera on being awarded Detention Officer of the Year by the Navarro County Sheriff's Office for 2021.

I want to bring attention to five young women who earned the honor of receiving the Girl Scouts Gold Award: Dani DelVecchio, Samantha Aos, Julia Daniel, Caelin Whitley, and Camden Woolery. To receive this award, they each had to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.

Dani worked with Legacy Oaks, a retirement facility in Midlothian, to create garden buckets for the residents. She and her volunteers built two garden centers containing eight semi-self-sustaining garden buckets. The buckets are housed in a structure that allows easy access, regardless of a person's mobility level. Plants chosen for the gardens are easy to grow, high yielding, and compatible with each other, eliminating the need for pesticides. The new gardens encourage the residents to go outside, socialize, and offer an ongoing activity. The newly formed Green Thumb Club at the facility will maintain the gardens using instructions Dani provided.

Samantha partnered with the Texas Conservation Alliance and Ducks Unlimited to address wood duck habitation loss. After learning that north Texas is along the path of the central flyway, the primary flight route for migratory birds, Samantha created resting spots and safe havens to protect these birds from predators. Together with her volunteers, Samantha built and installed 20 wood duck nesting boxes in three counties in north Texas. The Texas Conservation Alliance has agreed to monitor the boxes, which will provide homes for generations of wood ducks to protect the eggs from predators and support population growth.

Julia's project was designed to assist older individuals with the difficult task of downsizing. Working with her church, Julia identified individuals who needed to organize and declutter their homes. She set up consultations with each family and set goals and dates to sort through items. With volunteer assistance, each family determined what they would donate, throw away, and keep during the process. The families were able to declutter in a positive way, even under difficult circumstances like a family death. The youth group at her church will consider continuing this service with instructions on the process provided by Julia.

Caelin used her love of performing arts to start a local theater company to serve youth. Working with an anonymous donor and a local dance studio, Caelin was able to offer young artists the opportunity to be part of a theater production and work with professional actors at no cost. Twenty-three students created a production together, running tech or being a part of the cast. With her volunteers, Caelin organized the rental of the performing space, the selection of the play, rehearsal planning, and all costuming. Using Caelin's framework, The Troupe Theater has become a nonprofit organization that will offer low-cost theater experiences to local youth.

Camden's project supported The Outlet Thrift Store, a nonprofit that helps fund camps and special projects for at-risk youth. The organization historically had difficulty processing donations quickly. Recognizing the relationship between inventory on the sales floor and potential revenue to benefit children, Camden built shelving units, added organizational bins with labels, and established a system to streamline the donation receiving process. The new system allowed merchandise to be placed on the floor for sale in a much quicker and efficient manner. The store will maintain the new organization system moving forward and use a similar process when they open new stores.

These are just a few examples of some outstanding people living in Texas' Sixth District. It is my privilege to honor them on the House floor.

Every Sunday, after the ``joys'' would come ``concerns,'' and there was never a shortage because everyone knew in Matthew he says: ``Where two or three are gathered in my name I am in the midst of them.'' It is no different today, and we face a great number of challenges in our country.

So I ask that you keep all Americans in your prayers.

Pray for our farmers and ranchers, who have faced incredible trials and tribulations these past couple of years as they continue to provide for all of us.

Pray for those affected by the war in Ukraine as they face an aggressor who cares not for morality and willfully disregards the importance of human life.

Pray for those affected by the fentanyl epidemic, which has devastated our communities.

Pray for the families who have lost loved ones and the innocent human life taken by human slavery as a result of the disarray in human trafficking at our border.

Continue to keep the people of Uvalde, especially the families of those most affected, in your prayers.

Keep those struggling with mental health in your prayers, and be a voice of light in a time of darkness to those who need help. Keep joy in your hearts, hope in man, and faith in God.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a true Texan, Michael Clark. Mike was a hero that dedicated his life to the service of his country. He started his career as an interrogator conducting strategic level debriefings of legal travelers, escapees, and defectors along the border between East and West Germany. He later moved to counterintelligence where he was assigned to Ballistic Missile Defense Systems Command and was the covering agent for the Missile Intelligence Agency and the Strategic Defense Initiative Program (Star Wars) programs. It was here that he participated in multiple espionage investigations, the most notable was that of James Durwood Harper. After his success with counterintelligence Mike spent the next 20 years of his career in the HUMINT operations. It was with HUMINT as a case officer that Mike focused on spotting, assessing, and recruiting foreign nationals in order to conduct espionage for the United States. He then spent his final 8 years of service with U.S. Army Special Operations as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta (Delta Force). Even after retirement Mike still served as a Senior Intelligence Operations Specialist for a USAF Special Operations unit and as CEO of OST-I, a security consulting company in Fort Worth Texas.

Michael Clark is a national hero who was a expert in his field and true war fighter. We lost a great man who will always be remember for his service, love of his country, cigars, and Jameson Whiskey. But most of all the love he had for his family and friends. I thank Mr. Clark, for his dedication to our country and we all pray for peace for his family during this time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the sesquicentennial celebration of the city of Ennis, Texas, founded on June 8, 1872.

When the railroad was expanded from Houston to St. Louis in 1872, many of the workers found solace and community in what we know today as Ennis.

The railroad workers were drawn to the area's bluebonnets and cotton fields. The appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds this Texas town still runs deep in the community.

Through the years, Ennis has grown as an agricultural and industrial community, attracting residents and visitors, which has earned it the title of the ``Official Bluebonnet City'' of our State.

Ennis is known for more than just its bluebonnets. It is also the hosting city of the National Polka Festival. The National Polka Festival began in 1967 and attracts as many as 50,000 people to the town.

Ennis is also home to the Texas Motorplex, where national records have been set and speed milestones have been broken. My family and I have been able to witness some truly remarkable races there.

It is places like these that make Texas proud. The events and venues of Ennis, Texas proudly promote Texas values by providing a family atmosphere and cultivating community outreach.

Strolling along the historic district of Ennis, one can experience plentiful restaurants and shopping options. When entering any store, you are kindly greeted. Families and neighbors welcome each other with open arms. The hospitality of Ennis is seen through these interactions, and it becomes evident why the citizens of Ennis take so much pride in their town.

Ennis has encompassed many of our Texan values, including community and family, and has shown Texas pride for the past 150 years. I am proud and honored to represent the people of Ennis in the Sixth Congressional District of Texas. I look forward to what the next 150 years brings to the great city of Ennis.

Once is more than enough for us, but I am sure that it was a well-earned victory. I appreciate having my friend, Mr. Palazzo, give me this time today.

Today, I come before the House of Representatives to honor and recognize those who have chosen to serve our country as members of their National Guard and those enlisted in military Reserve units.

The National Guard's mission began on December 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized three

militia regiments to defend its people. Since that day, they have been continuing their mission of always ready and always there.

In 1775, during the American Revolution, they were there. In 1918, during World War I, they were there. In 1941, during World War II, they were there. Of course, on September 11, 2001, they were there. They are here today.

Right now, there are over 6,500 Texas National Guard members stationed on our southern border. Why are they there? To protect us, as always. They are there to defend every man, woman, and child in this country.

We should not have to rely on these brave men and women to secure our border as National Guardsmen, but we do, and they do.

They are there to stop the cartels from trafficking drugs that are killing our young people by the hundreds of thousands--105,000 last year dead from fentanyl. They are there to save the women and children who are being brought into this country for the purposes of the sex trade, modern-day slavery.

For many National Guard members, their love for country is a calling to protect it, and that attributes to years of service, just like Red Oak resident and veteran Captain Henry Sterling.

Henry joined the Oklahoma National Guard shortly after graduating high school and marrying his wife, Billie. In 1951, Henry received orders to serve in Korea, and he answered the call to be there. He is still with us today and is still married to Billie after 73 years.

While Captain Sterling's story is a remarkable one, it is not uncommon. We have outstanding men and women all over this country who dedicate their lives to protecting those who can't.

History has always taught us that we can always count on the National Guard and those enlisted in our military Reserve units to always be there, so thank you.

Thank you for what you do for this country. What you do for this country can't be overstated. It cannot be overlooked. We would not be here without you.

Madam Speaker, today I come before the House of Representatives to honor and recognize the sacrifice of Sergeant Bishop Evans of the Texas National Guard, age 22, of Arlington, Texas.

Sergeant Evans gave his life to save two others. He exemplifies the spirit of service and sacrifice that those who volunteer to serve in our Nation's military personify.

He died an American hero. He was a light in times of darkness. May God bless his family.

Madam Speaker, at this time I request a moment of silence to honor the life of Sergeant Bishop Evans.