Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I really wish I was here expressing my support for the fiscal year 2022 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill, because it includes funding for many important construction projects and programs for veterans. But, unfortunately, I cannot support the bill for three reasons.

The responsibility of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies is to provide adequate resources for our servicemembers, ensure that we fulfill the promises America made to our veterans, and be good stewards of tax dollars.

While this bill includes funding for many priorities, including child development centers, barracks, suicide prevention programs, and electronic health records, it is not part of a bipartisan funding framework that appropriately allocates funding between defense and nondefense programs.

The bill also drops two restrictions on funding that have protected Americans from the transfer of detainees, terrorists, to the United States for more than 10 years. There is no reason to allow these terrorists on U.S. soil. They need to remain in Guantanamo Bay and pay for their heinous crimes.

Finally, I oppose the majority party's attempt to force hardworking citizens to pay to end unborn human life. The Hyde amendment protects every American from seeing their tax dollars used to fund something that is the exact opposite of the American value of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

It is simple. Congress must maintain the Hyde amendment.

Despite my concerns, I think we can resolve our differences, address these issues, and provide responsible levels of funding for the next fiscal year.

In closing, I want to thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz for her work on this bill and stewardship of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. Along with the staff, she has personally worked to address many requests from all Members in this bill.

Also, I thank Ranking Member Granger and Chairwoman DeLauro for their support.

Madam Speaker, while I unintentionally missed the vote on rollcall 156, I would have voted no.

Madam Speaker, I voted in error on rollcall 143. I mistakenly voted no when I intended to vote yes.

Madam Speaker, I'm proud to honor and celebrate the Taylor Rotary Club's century of extraordinary service. Founded on May 10, 1921 by twenty-five charter members, the Club has made lasting and monumental contributions toward making Central Texas a great place to call home.

Throughout their century of service, the Club has helped where help is needed--in their own communities and around the world--with unmatched integrity and energy. When the Taylor Rotary Club gets involved, problems get smaller and communities get better.

The Club has been instrumental in the creation of public parks, Taylor's first Boy Scout organization, and numerous philanthropic campaigns. Their continued participation in the Baylor Scott and White Blood Drive, Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and numerous college and vocational scholarships to local students show the Taylor Rotary Club truly lives out its motto of ``Service Above Self.''

A century after its creation, the Taylor Rotary Club has touched countless lives for the better and continues to make positive impacts on those it's dedicated to serve. I celebrate 100 years of incredible civic involvement and join all Central Texas in wishing this great organization nothing but the best in the decades to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my longtime friend Bob Phillips III who went to be with his Savior on March 5, 2021. As we reflect on his extraordinary life, my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Blessed with a fierce intellect, Bob excelled at law school and went on to become one of Texas' premier attorneys. As a retired judge, I've seen many lawyers in practice and Bob, a tireless advocate for his clients, was one of the best.

His was a life of devotion to causes bigger than himself. I was blessed to share a Bible study with Bob where he taught, rejoiced in, and worked to make the lessons of the gospel attainable to all. Like his beloved Savior, Bob did not come to be served, but to serve, and the teachings of Christ guided Bob throughout his life. While I miss him here on Earth, I know he is in Heaven with the Son of Man who gave his life as a ransom for many.

Bob never shied away from coaching little leaguers or future attorneys and always rejoiced in thoughtful debate and good conversation. Throughout their joyous relationship, Bob and Jeanne, the love of his life, lived, loved, and prospered as one. Proud parents of five children and grandparents of seven, they kept family at the center of their lives. Bob's love of the game of baseball and his zeal for the gospel of Jesus Christ were two of the many legacies Bob passed down to his children, grandchildren, and so many others who were blessed to know him.

While I join Bob Phillips' family and friends in mourning his passing, the positive impacts he had on the lives of others will remain in our hearts forever.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the work and service of Bobby Withrow. His efforts on behalf of veterans and those in need reflect the very best of Texas values.

Since 2015, Bobby has coordinated and managed over 50 benefits and fundraisers for a host of community needs, ranging from supporting veterans and cancer patients to assisting those in their hour of need. For Bobby, there's no task too big or too small. Whether it's supporting those who've served, feeding thousands that are hungry, assisting non-profits with fundraising, or rolling up his sleeves to help families with home maintenance, Bobby's not afraid to take on the challenges of helping others.

Public servants like Bobby Withrow make Central Texas a place that residents are proud to call home. I salute his efforts and am forever grateful for his contributions to veterans and those in need.

Madam Speaker, I'm honored to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary work of Harker Heights, TX Councilman John Reider. His eighteen years of dedication to his beloved city are the reflection of a true and devoted public servant.

With his ``can-do'' spirit and high-minded vision, John is a trusted community leader. He brought his tremendous work ethic and commitment to excellence to every challenge he encountered. It's public servants like him that make Harker Heights the welcoming, successful city that it is.

While John isn't tired of the privilege of public service, he knows that everything has its season and the time has come to allow the next generation of leaders to take the stage. Stepping away from his office won't give him much idle time as he remains a vital part of the Central Texas community, operating a successful property management company with his beloved family.

Retirement is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but the beginning of a new adventure. It is my honor to recognize the selfless service of John Reider as he starts this new chapter of his life. On behalf of Central Texas, I thank him for his superb work and wish him the very best.

Madam Speaker, I'm honored to recognize the fifteenth Sergeant Major of the Army, Sergeant Major Daniel A. Dailey, for his extraordinary service to our Nation. Sergeant Major of the Army Dailey will soon relinquish his responsibilities as the United States Army's Senior Enlisted Leader and will then retire from the Army after a long and distinguished career.

A native of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, SMA Dailey enlisted in the Army in 1989 and attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training as an Infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his career, SMA Dailey has held every enlisted leadership position within mechanized infantry branch, ranging from Bradley Fighting Vehicle Commander to his current role.

SMA Dailey was sworn in as the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army on January 30, 2015. In this demanding role , Sergeant Major Dailey is the Army Chief of Staff's adviser on all matters affecting the enlisted force. He tirelessly devotes much of his time traveling throughout the Army to observe training and talk with Soldiers and their Families. He represents the U.S. Army on a variety of councils and boards that make decisions affecting enlisted Soldiers and their Families. Known for understanding the ground truth at the Soldier level he is routinely invited to testify before Congress to provide his unique perspective. SMA Dailey is the public face of the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, representing the Corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements.

Sergeant Major of the Army Dailey is a shining example of Army Values and embodies the Noncommissioned Officer's Creed. Competence is indeed Sergeant Major Dailey's watchword, and his commitment to doing what good NCOs do, accomplishing the mission taking care of his teammates, is unparalleled.

It has been a pleasure to know and serve with Sergeant Major Dailey during his time as the Sergeant Major of the Army. On behalf of a grateful Nation, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of Sergeant Major of the Army Dailey and his family. I wish him the very best as he begins this new chapter of his life.

Madam Chair, I thank my friend for yielding.

Madam Chair, today I rise in strong support of the Ruppersberger- Carter amendment to help secure the energy infrastructure. Now is the time to address electrical grid security. Grid attacks are a powerful weapon in the cyber toolkit of really bad actors.

As the two previous speakers said, a cyberattack in Ukraine wiped out their power grid, and over 225,000 people were without power. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence in their 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment makes numerous mentions of our adversaries' mapping out grid systems, identifying our weaknesses, and developing the very real and deadly capacity to attack our grid system. A targeted attack on our Nation could be devastating.

Securing our energy infrastructure is especially critical in Texas which maintains an independent electric grid.

Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Madam Chair, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas is located in Taylor, Texas, which is about 19 miles from my house, and it manages 90 percent of my home State's electrical load. Understanding where our system's weak spots are will enhance ERCOT's work to ensure that we have the most stable and secure energy network in the world.

Our amendment addresses the serious topic of electrical grid security by leveraging the unique aspects of national laboratories to establish solutions to defend the United States energy grid from attacks and to ensure the resiliency of operation during and after an event.

It establishes a 2-year pilot program to study and identify new classes of security vulnerabilities, and research and test technologies that could be used to isolate the most critical systems from cyberattacks.

It creates working groups to develop a national cyber-informed strategy to protect our energy grids.

This amendment is a commonsense approach to solving grid security. I am proud to work across the aisle with my good friend and colleague, Dutch Ruppersberger, on this important issue.

Madam Chair, I urge support of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on the occasion of the passing of a great American hero, a gentle giant, a man who spoke his mind when he needed to and stood for what was right. Now I am convinced, knowing his faith, he is among the angels.

Ross Perot was a man who cared about Americans. He was a great American, and a great Texan with a heart as big as Texas. And the things that Ms. Granger said were absolutely the truth and a great story about Ross Perot.

But an untold story, because he pretty much kept it untold, is how many times Ross Perot would hear about and help a wounded soldier, or an unfortunate American wherever they may be, who had problems with healthcare, or problems with medical bills.

In my district, there was a wounded soldier who was totally incapacitated and had no way to get around except in a wheelchair, and Ross Perot, without any public acknowledgment, looking for no fame for his good, kind heart, provided for his needs. He would pay the hospital bills.

In the case of that young man, a young soldier in Round Rock, he provided him with a van which was wheelchair accessible without disclosing who gave the gift, other than: ``I want to make sure this young man can get around.''

Those stories go on and on in every State in this Union. Mr. Perot was a man who cared about the American citizens and our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen, wherever they may be. If they were in need of his help, he was there for them.

So, today, we have lost an American hero, a great human being. He will be missed by many, and he will be missed by me. He left a legacy of a wonderful family who has the same kind of strong, productive heart that makes things happen in this world, and cares about America.

Many of us wonder if what we did in our life would really matter. Ross Perot didn't have to worry about that. Everything he did mattered, not only to our country, but to a lot of individuals who were in need.

We were blessed by the life of Ross Perot, and he will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes. It could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Madam Speaker, I proudly salute Colonel David R. Gibson as he retires after 33 years of honorable service. Throughout his extraordinary military career, COL Gibson embodied the duty, honor, and loyalty that makes the U.S. Army the world's premier fighting force.

COL Gibson's commitment to investing his gifts, talents, and abilities in service of his nation is a deeply held creed that speaks to the generosity and activism of a true and devoted patriot. Throughout his career, he earned numerous academic and military accolades that garnered the respect and admiration of his peers. His resume tells the story of a man unafraid to embrace the challenges that forge the leaders our nation needs.

Retirement is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but the beginning of a new adventure. I thank Colonel David R. Gibson for his service and dedication to our great nation. I proudly join his family, friends, and colleagues in wishing him nothing but the best for his richly-deserved retirement.

Madam Chairwoman, I rise in support of the en bloc amendment. Let me thank the chairwoman of my subcommittee, my good friend from Florida, for her efforts to put this bipartisan amendment together. It improves and strengthens the bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the minority leader of the United States House.

Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko).

Madam Chairwoman, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Madam Chair, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Hice).

Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Johnson).

Madam Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Abraham).

Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Steil).

Madam Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), who will be batting cleanup.

Madam Chairwoman, may I ask how much time is remaining.

Madam Chair, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost).

Madam Chair, let me start off by saying that I thank the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), our ranking member on our side. I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), my good friend, chair of the full committee. They are doing yeoman's work on all of these bills. They are standing strong and doing a great job, and we are proud of them.

It has been a joy to work with Chairman Wasserman Schultz. She has been fair and equitable and a joy to serve with. I look forward to working together to make this bill better and better as we go through the process.

I rise, reluctantly, in opposition to this bill. I have mixed feelings about this package. It includes many good things, and it funds important programs.

For example, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs division includes $10.5 billion to provide adequate training opportunities and modern facilities for our military. We want our military to be ready, lethal, and effective. This bill supports that.

This bill also includes $140 million to support military families and to help the services address the problems we have heard about in the privatization of military housing.

For veterans' programs, the bill fully supports and implements the MISSION Act. It also provides for a $30 million increase for mental health and a $40 million increase for homeless programs. Hopefully, this will help us reduce the scourge of veteran suicide and homelessness.

These are all goods things. They are things we need. I fear, however, that the majority is on a path that makes it difficult to reach an agreement before the start of the fiscal year.

October 1 is coming on and approaching very fast. We need a budget agreement for fiscal year 2020 and beyond sooner rather than later. The consequences of not having such an agreement are disruptive and immense. No one wants sequestration or a government shutdown.

Unfortunately, the budget numbers the House is operating under are not real and in no way do they reflect the reality of the situation on our southern border. This appropriations bill does not include funds to address the security and humanitarian crisis there, and it also does not include the $4.5 billion the President requested last month.

Congress must act. I sincerely hope we are getting closer to an agreement on a supplemental funding package.

As I close, I urge all of us to keep our eyes on the goal, a bipartisan bill that supports our troops and their families and the Nation's veterans.

Madam Chair, I look forward to working with my colleagues on this as we go through the process, and I thank the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee for the time.

Madam Speaker, the mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is broad and diverse. The men and women of CBP protect our borders at and between ports of entry. They protect the American people against terrorists and the instruments of terror. They enforce the laws of the United States while fostering our Nation's economic security through lawful international trade and travel. CBP employees provide selfless service to their nation and they do so with honor and distinction under an ever-present threat.

As a former judge, I know firsthand the essential role law enforcement officers play in maintaining law and order and the risks they face every time they report for duty. I would like to pay tribute to the agents and officers who lost their lives in the service of our Nation. While their watches have ended, the legacy and the commitment of all who wear the badge live on.

Lawrence B. Pierce, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol, Chula Vista, California, End of Watch: August 17, 1995.

James P. Epling, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yuma, Arizona, End of Watch: December 16, 2003.

Travis W. Attaway, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Harlingen, Texas, End of Watch: September 19, 2004.

Jeremy M. Wilson, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Harlingen, Texas, End of Watch: September 19, 2004.

George B. Debates, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Casa Grande, Arizona, End of Watch: December 19, 2004.

Nicholas D. Greenig, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Tucson, Arizona, End of Watch, March 14, 2006.

David N. Webb, Senior Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ajo, Arizona, End of Watch: November 3, 2006.

Ramon Nevarez, Jr., Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lordsburg, New Mexico, End of Watch: March 15, 2007.

David J. Tourscher, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Lordsburg, New Mexico, End of Watch: March 16, 2007.

Clinton B. Thrasher, Air Interdiction Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, McAllen, Texas, End of Watch: April 25, 2007.

Richard Goldstein, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Indio, California, End of Watch: May 11, 2007.

Robert F. Smith, Air Interdiction Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso, Texas, End of Watch: May 22, 2007.

Eric N. Cabral, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boulevard, California, End of Watch: July 26, 2007.

Julio E. Baray, Air Interdiction Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso, Texas, End of Watch: September 24, 2007.

Luis A. Aguilar, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yuma, Arizona, End of Watch: January 19, 2008.

Jarod C. Dittman, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, San Diego, California, End of Watch: March 30, 2008.

Nathaniel A. Afolayan, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Artesia, New Mexico, End of Watch: May 1, 2009.

Cruz C. McGuire, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Del Rio, Texas, End of Watch: May 21, 2009.

Robert W. Rosas, Jr., Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Campo, California, End of Watch: July 23, 2009.

Mark F. Van Doren, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Falfurrias, Texas, End of Watch: May 24, 2010.

Charles F. Collins II, CBP Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Anchorage, Alaska, End of Watch: August 15, 2010.

Michael V. Gallagher, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Casa Grande, Arizona, End of Watch: September 2, 2010.

John R. Zykas, CBP Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, San Diego, California, End of Watch: September 8, 2010.

Brian A. Terry, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Naco Cochise, Arizona, End of Watch: December 15, 2010.

Hector R. Clark, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yuma, Arizona, End of Watch: May 12, 2011.

Eduardo Rojas, Jr., Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Yuma, Arizona, End of Watch: May 12, 2011.

Leopoldo Cavazos, Jr., Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fort Hancock, Texas, End of Watch: July 6, 2012.

James R. Dominguez, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Cline, Texas, End of Watch: July 19, 2012.

Jeffrey Ramirez, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Laredo, Texas, End of Watch: September 15, 2012.

Nicholas J. Ivie, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Bisbee, Arizona, End of Watch: October 2, 2012.

David R. Delaney, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Big Bend National Park, Texas, End of Watch: November 2, 2012.

Darrell J. Windhaus, CBP Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Brownsville, Texas, End of Watch: December 29, 2013.

Alexander I. Giannini, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Benson, Arizona, End of Watch: May 28, 2014

Javier Vega, Jr., Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Santa Monica, Texas, End of Watch: August 3, 2014.

Tyler R. Robledo, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Carrizo Springs, Texas, End of Watch: September 12, 2014.

Jose D. Barraza, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Sierra Blanca, Texas, End of Watch: April 18, 2016.

Manuel A. Alvarez, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Casa Grande, Arizona, End of Watch: August 11, 2016.

David Gomez, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso, Texas, End of Watch: November 16, 2016.

Isaac Morales, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso, Texas, End of Watch: May 24, 2017.

Rogelio Martinez, Border Patrol Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso, Texas, End of Watch: November 19, 2017.

Christopher T. Bacon, Intelligence Collection Operations Manager, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Grand Forks, North Dakota, End of Watch: June 7, 2018.