Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I applaud the generosity of Gordon Logan, an exceptional Texan who has been selected to receive the HillVets' Foundation ``Philanthropist of the Year Award.'' His commitment to veterans is second to none and he is a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

Gordon has made support for veterans central to his personal, professional and philanthropic life for the past 25 years. Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, Gordon founded Sport Clips Haircuts and has committed his growing company to putting veterans first. Sport Clips currently has 45 veteran franchise owners and offers a 20% discount to veterans looking to join the brand. The company sponsors the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation, which provides dream flights in Boeing Stearman biplanes for seniors and veterans living in long-term care facilities and has given more than 3,500 dream flights. Gordon's Sport Clips also sponsors veteran-centered organizations such as the Aleethia Foundation, Gratitude Initiative, Honor Flight Austin, R.O.C.K veteran program and Rosie's List in San Diego.

In addition to being a past president and current member of the VetFran Committee, Gordon also serves on the VFW Foundation Board, which directs the funds donated to the VFW for active duty servicemembers and veterans, and on the advisory board for USO Fort Hood. The VFW's Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship program has provided some 1,300 scholarships totaling $5.5 million to service men and women and veterans pursuing their education and training goals. Gordon's commitment to investing his abilities to support our veterans is a deeply held creed that speaks to the generous activism of true and devoted public servant.

Gordon Logan is one of our nation's stalwart champion for veterans. I am honored to represent him in Congress, as his efforts represents Texas values at their very best. I proudly stand alongside those who salute his work on behalf of our nation's heroes.

Madam Speaker, I'm honored to pay special tribute to William Henry Peckham III, a great American and a great Texan, on his 90th birthday. Even with nine decades of life behind him, he remains a vibrant part of his beloved central Texas community.

Many go through life wondering if they've made a difference. William doesn't have that problem. As a successful small business owner, respected race horse owner, and devoted family man, he represents the very best of Texas values.

Over his incredible life, William witnessed his nation's brave soldiers defend freedom on foreign shores, watched a humble midwesterner take mankind's first steps on another world, and marveled at technological advances beyond any of his dreams. He saw how America has been defined by extraordinary men and women who fought to make our nation a beacon of hope and freedom, always willing to learn from the past, confront the challenges of the present, and hopeful enough to embrace a better tomorrow.

March 11, 2019 makes a special day for an extraordinary man. I join William's family and

friends in celebrating his long life and the incredible impacts he's made. We wish him the happiest of birthdays and nothing but health and prosperity in the years ahead.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Yowell family, who have been an integral part of our Central Texas community since 1951. Across the years, the Yowells have tirelessly served the public through their participation in numerous civic organizations. Killeen and all Central Texas owe much to these devoted individuals.

The Yowell family's commitment to investing their gifts, talents, and abilities to improve Central Texas is a deeply held creed that speaks to the generosity and activism of true and devoted public servants. Civic-minded leaders like them work tirelessly to improve their communities, leading them to new heights and positioning them to continue into a bright future.

Starting with the late Bill Yowell, this proud family has committed their time and considerable energies to a wide range of civic causes, ranging from education to veterans to economic development. Their impacts on the region are vast, ever-lasting, and cannot be overstated.

Some go through life wondering if they have made a difference. The Yowell family does not have that problem. Their passion and selfless commitment to make Central Texas a better place is an example to us all. We cannot thank them enough for the immeasurable impact they have made. God bless them always.

Madam Speaker, I'm both proud and honored to recognize the Beck family of Killeen, TX. For decades, the Becks have made invaluable contributions toward making Central Texas a great place to call home.

Thriving communities rely on devoted public servants like the Beck family who work tirelessly across a variety of civic causes. Whether it's supporting our brave veterans or active-duty warriors, boosting local economic growth, or ensuring the region benefits from elite education facilities, the Becks have rolled up their sleeves and done the hard work to turn dreams into reality.

They don't do any of this for publicity or personal gain. Their devotion to community is about ensuring Killeen and Central Texas remain an active and vibrant place to call home. Their commitment to service before self truly reflects the very best of the generous Texas spirit.

I join the people of Killeen in saluting the incredible service of the Beck family. They've positively impacted the lives of thousands and there's no doubt that Central Texas is a better place because of them. I salute their work, share their love of community, and wish them nothing but the best for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and work of Bill Fairbrother, the longest serving Chairman of the Williamson County Republican Party, as he retires after more than 20 years of incredible public service. With his ``can-do'' spirit and high-minded vision, he's a model citizen and trusted community leader.

Bill's activism started when he joined the Baylor College Republicans and over the years he has served as an officer in the Texas Republican County Chairmen's Association, precinct chairman, election judge, and on numerous committees. He's proudly represented Williamson County as a delegate to both state and national Republican conventions.

Bill was elected Chairman of the Williamson County Republican Party in 1999. Carrying out this challenging and demanding responsibility without pay or compensation, Bill has worked tirelessly to unite factions within the party, administer primary elections, and make polling locations safe and comfortable for voters. There's no doubt that he's made a real difference for the party and the people and ideals it serves.

While Bill 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 likes to read, travel, watch sports, entertain, and enjoy all the great amenities that Central Texas has to offer.

Bill Fairbrother's retirement is the richly-deserved beginning of an exciting journey. I salute his work and commitment to the Williamson County Republican Party. I join his colleagues, family, and friends in honoring his career and wishing him nothing but the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to recognize the life, achievements, and incredible public service of my good friend Pete Correa. His hard work, activism, and dedication to what's right for Central Texas reflects the best values of our beloved home state.

Pete has spent decades devoting himself to making Williamson County a great place to work and call home. Under his steady and forward-looking leadership, the region has seen extraordinary changes, ranging from public safety initiatives to large-scale improvement projects. Pete played a critical role in securing a hospital for Round Rock, oversaw the expansion of protections for our brave firefighters and police officers, and acquired and began development of the Old Settlers Park at Palm Valley, which today stands as a beautiful area for residents to enjoy with their families. His commitment to smart, lasting, and strategic development has improved the quality of life for all citizens and put the area on track for continued growth in the future.

Pete's commitment to investing his gifts, talents, and abilities to improve his community is a deeply held creed that speaks to the generosity and activism of a true and devoted public servant. His resume tells the story of a man unafraid to contribute both his time and energies to a multitude of causes and organizations that rely upon volunteerism and social engagement to make good communities great.

I've known Pete Correa for many years, and throughout our friendship, he has always been a man of integrity, determination, and God. I proudly join his family, friends, and colleagues in wishing nothing but the best for his richly-deserved retirement. He's been an incredible leader in this community and has done countless good for the people. I admire his commitment to service, thank him for his work, and am proud to call him my dear friend.

Mr. Speaker, I salute the 2018 United States Border Patrol National Pistol Team which swept six of eight team events at the 56th Annual National Police Shooting Championships in Albuquerque, NM. The following team members exemplify professionalism, marksmanship, and the esprit de corps found within the ranks of the United States Border Patrol:

National Program Manager-Assistant Chief Kenneth Malone

Program Support-Assistant Chief Kevin Orr

Team Captain-Watch Commander Arturo Velez

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Shawn Becker

Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Brian Reilly

Border Patrol Agent Robert Vadasz (National Champion)

Border Patrol Agent Adam Kovatch

Border Patrol Agent Alaric Mason

Border Patrol Agent Ben Morrow

Border Patrol Agent Charles Rogers

Border Patrol Agent Andrew Signell

Border Patrol Agent Tony Simmons

Border Patrol Agent Brett Sullivan

Border Patrol Agent Jeremy David

Border Patrol Agent Joel De Leon III

Border Patrol Agent Dean Geiger

Border Patrol Agent Lilia Ferrer

Border Patrol Agent Andrew Moore

Border Patrol Agent Tracy Wong

Their success is nothing new as the USBP National Pistol Team has won more NPSC competitions than any other law enforcement agency and holds numerous team and individual national records set by past and present U.S. Border Patrol Agents. All USBP National Pistol Team members are law enforcement agents first and represent the USBP in competitions as a collateral assignment by earning their way onto the team.

The National Pistol Championships take place annually and include teams from the U.S. Armed Forces and Civilian Marksmanship Program clubs from across the nation. The Olympics of law enforcement-centric competitions, the Championships provide officers a program that promotes skill and competence with firearms at state, regional, and national levels.

I proudly commend the U.S. Border Patrol National Pistol Team for not only their work to keep our nation safe, but for their dedication and efforts on their own time which superbly represent the U.S. Border Patrol in prestigious firearms competitions. The Team showcases the very best in both law enforcement and the demanding world of precision marksmanship. I thank them for their service and I know they'll continue excelling in future firearms competitions.

Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to celebrate the life of my dear friend Jim Hislop II. He was never the kind of man to sit around and dwell on darker matters, so it is only fitting we remember the incredible and happy life Jim led.

Jim was the kind of person you'd find only in Texas: a family man, a gentleman, and a loving man, all wrapped up into one. He was known for his love of Western attire and collectibles, stylish cars, and his amazing skill on the grill. A man of the world, he cultivated friends from all walks of life and shared with them his love of music, fishing, and living each day to the fullest, smiling every step of the way. In the tradition of Texas storytellers, Jim had comedian's knack for telling the greatest jokes, with his delivery of each punchline hitting just the right spots to have you in stitches.

I will always remember the friendship I had with Jim. He was someone you could count on, someone who would never leave a friend behind. That loyalty is something that should inspire us all today. Let's not be sad and glum; let us instead act like our beloved friend would and enjoy each other's company and celebrate his life the way he lived it: with passion, love, and kindness.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to celebrate the work of an exceptional citizen of my Congressional District, Leo Wood of Georgetown, TX. His commitment to public service as a City Manager and Mayor represents Texas values at their best.

Leo grew up in San Saba, Texas and attended Texas A&M University. In 1969, after serving as City Manager of Rosebud, TX, Leo and his family moved to Georgetown, TX, a city of just 5,500 people at the time. At his first city council meeting, he learned that the city was penniless. He rapidly put his financial management skills to use and built of coalition of concerned citizens, businesses, financial institutions, Georgetown Independent School District, and local mainstays like Southwestern University and Texas Crusher Stone to save the city. His forward-thinking activism worked and, after retiring as City Manager in 1985, Leo left the city with over five million dollars in reserve funds and a renewed, optimist spirit.

In 1992 Leo successfully ran for mayor, serving until 1997. Along with advocating for continued growth of Georgetown, one of his major accomplishments was the recruitment of Sun City, which he describes as ``icing on the cake.'' Leo's commitment to community doesn't stop when the workday ends. He's been involved in numerous service organizations in Georgetown, including The Steak Fry Group, started by Leo in 1968, which began as a small gathering in a friend's back yard and has become an integral part of the fabric of Georgetown. This year marks the group's 50th anniversary and the group has donated over $215,000 to very deserving charities.

Leo Wood has been a key figure in making Georgetown the vibrant, growing city it is today. I join his colleagues, family, and friends in honoring his career and commending his commitment to public service. I wish my friend nothing but the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to join the City of Leander and its Historical Preservation Commission as they honor Horace Hamilton, Jr. for his service to our great nation. A survivor of one of America's darkest days, he embodies the fighting spirit and patriotism that speaks to the best of our shared Texas values.

Shortly after joining the U.S. Navy, Hamilton boarded the USS Phoenix which came to port at Pearl Harbor in early December 1941. A few days later, on an early Sunday morning, the Japanese launched a devastating surprise attack that propelled America into WWII. Hamilton and his crew reacted quickly and began pulling survivors from the water. They worked tirelessly, disregarding their own safety in waters covered in burning oil, only focusing on getting their fellow sailors out of danger.

History rarely gives us turning points as stark as December 7, 1941. The sneak attack at Pearl Harbor ushered in a nation so powerful and generous that nearly every country on earth looks to America for our leadership, our vision, and our altruistic pursuit of liberty and freedom for all.

Hamilton went on to bravely serve throughout WWII, participating in major naval conflicts including the Battle of Surigao Strait, hailed as one of the greatest battles of the Pacific Theater. One of his last duties aboard the Phoenix was to pick up survivors of the Battan Death March and deliver them to hospitals to recover from their ordeal.

Horace Hamilton, Jr., along with his brothers and sisters of the Greatest Generation, helped lay the foundation for lasting peace across the globe and put the world on notice that America will forever stand against tyranny. I salute his service and join his family and friends in wishing him nothing but the best for the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to congratulate Historic Downtown Georgetown, Texas for being recognized as one of 2018's Great Places in America by the American Planning Association. Great Place designees represent the gold standard in urban planning behind the neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces communities love. One of the most vibrant cities in Central Texas, Georgetown is a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

Over the past 10 years, Georgetown city officials, planning professionals, and citizen advocates have worked tirelessly to preserve the Victorian charm and uniqueness of Historic Downtown Georgetown. This 40-block district is the center of community life and displays environmentally-friendly practices through alternative energy sources, green infrastructure, robust public transportation accessibility, native plants, and well-maintained historic buildings. Downtown Georgetown has become a point of pride for residents and a growing tourist attraction that regularly hosts widely-attended civic events such as the annual Red Poppy Festival, which brings over 60,000 people to the Town Square.

I salute the forward-thinking efforts of city planners and involved citizens who have made Georgetown, Texas an ideal place to live. Their commitment to smart and sustainable design has benefitted the entire region and I'm glad that the American Planning Association has recognized their great work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this conference report.

I have been honored to be able to serve on the Defense Appropriations Committee and also to represent Fort Hood, the great place, the tip of the spear of our United States Army land forces.

I am very proud of what we are doing for those men and women who stand in

harm's way on our behalf. We are giving them a 2.6 percent pay raise for all of our troops, wherever they may be. And they have earned this money because they stand in harm's way on our behalf. We are taking care of our military families that are just as important a part of the fight as our warriors, and this is a long time coming. This is the largest pay raise in 9 years.

This bill contains accelerated efforts to modernize our armored brigade combat teams, including modernizing a significant number of Abrams tanks and Strykers so they can meet the needs of future war. They are the tip of the spear. This is good for us and good for those who stand in harm's way on our behalf

We are particularly proud of the fact that we have stood up the Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas, which is just south of my home, and we are going to learn about how to fight the next generations of wars through the Futures Command.

I am very proud that we have support for General Mattis' goal of ensuring our military is ready to fight the next fight--and fight it tonight, if necessary.

Critically, this bill provides this funding on time, ensuring money can be spent in its most efficient, effective way and that we are able to accomplish our goals accordingly.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank everyone both in the majority and the minority who were involved in this bill and this conference, and I thank them on behalf of the men and women who stand in harm's way on our behalf and who live in my district.

Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to celebrate Dr. Wade McLeod's forty-five years of incredible service to the Round Rock community. Dr. McLeod's life and career reflect hard work, activism, and dedication to what's best for Central Texas.

As one of four veterinarians in his family, it could be said that Dr. McLeod's passion for veterinary medicine is in his blood. Raised on a West Texas ranch near Sweetwater, he graduated from the Texas A&M University veterinary program in 1969 and opened Round Rock's first veterinary clinic in 1973. In no time, his practice became one of the most beloved animal clinics in the city.

While Round Rock has grown over the years, Dr. McLeod has nurtured a small-town feel at the clinic. His practice focuses on small pets and he employs tried-and-true business practices to keep costs to a minimum that translate into savings for his patients. Dr. McLeod's business acumen, work ethic, and commitment to putting customers first speak to the common-sense values that Texans hold dear.

This small business leader is also an activist who responds to those in need. Over the years, Dr. McLeod has worked with patients who could not afford medical care for their pets and provided treatment for injured strays. He donated half of his clinic space to volunteers who cared for stray animals before there was a shelter in the area. Through his selfless devotion to others, Dr. McLeod has impacted countless families and is a beloved pillar of the Round Rock community.

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 Dr. Wade McLeod for his service and dedication to his community. I proudly join his family, friends, and colleagues in wishing nothing but the best for his richly-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, first, I want to congratulate Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Lowey for their incredible patience and deft negotiating to bring us to this point. I also want to thank Ranking Member Debbie Wasserman Schultz for her rock-solid support and keen analytic eye. I also think we need to remember Mr. Charlie Dent, who retired early from this committee. He was the chairman and had a strong hand in the product that came out here today.

I am pleased to describe for my colleagues the good news in the Military Construction-VA division of the minibus.

We are able to provide long overdue support to our military and their family members, with a total of $10.3 billion for military construction, which is an increase of $241 million, or 2.4 percent, above FY18 levels. With that funding, we are able to provide $465.3 million for the Guard and Reserve components' projects in 20 States and territories, $352 million for two medical facilities, $267.5 million for five DOD schools, and just over $8 billion for military construction projects in the U.S.

Members will appreciate that we are able to provide $693.2 million in unfunded requirements requested by the services, which includes $100 million for upgrades for antiterrorism and force protection at military installations.

The bill also includes $921.4 million in OCO funding, an increase of $171 million over FY18.

Our bill fulfills Congress' commitment to our Nation's veterans with total discretionary funding of $86.5 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, a $5 billion, or 6.2 percent, increase over 2018. These funds provide important medical services to veterans, to include supporting the new and expanding programs resulting from the recently passed MISSION Act, as well as disability compensation, post-9/11 education benefits, and a host of insurance and lending programs.

Of note, we were able to provide $1.1 billion for the new electronic health record contract, the same record as DOD's, which will allow the exchange of veterans' health records with DOD and community providers.

In addition, consistent with the budget caps agreement, the bill includes $2 billion in medical infrastructure assistance: nonrecurring maintenance, seismic improvement activities, major construction, and minor construction.

I urge an ``aye'' vote on the package. Help us do the right thing for our servicemembers and veterans and their families who have given so much.

I would also be remiss in not thanking all those involved in the committee work to get this bill forward. I am very grateful we had a conference.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lieutenant Colonel William Thomas Slye, Jr., USA, Ret., who became an angel on February 28, 2018. LTC Slye's dedication to the United States Army, his nation, and his beloved family mark a man whose life was devoted to service to others.

A native of Washington, DC, LTC Slye enlisted in the Navy in 1953, where he served as an aircraft engine mechanic and found his passion for aviation. While the Navy could not offer him a venue to progress in his flying aspirations, he soon enlisted in the Army to pursue their flight training program.

LTC Slye's skills did not go unnoticed and he was assigned to the Presidential Flight Detachment where he flew in the Presidential Helicopter unit for both Presidents Johnson and Nixon. His valiant efforts to keep our nation's leaders safe during tumultuous times were next to none and will never be forgotten. Following a 28-year Army career that included three tours in Vietnam, LTC Slye retired in 1981 and settled in Belton, Texas.

Along with being a skilled and decorated pilot, LTC Slye was a true family man. He married the love of his life, Wanda Rose Bridges, in 1957 and went on to raise three beautiful children: Mike, Teri, and Sandie. He lived a full and inspirational life and was actively involved in his church, Knights of Columbus, and community.

LTC Slye's dedication to both nation and family reflect the best values we hold dear in Central Texas. I salute his devotion to our highest ideals and join his loved ones in mourning his loss.