Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Wiggie Shell, a great American and a great Texan, on the occasion of his 60th birthday. I am honored to call this business and civic leader a friend.

A fifth generation descendant of a Central Texas ranching family, William Carroll ``Wiggie'' Shell was born March 1, 1957 in Georgetown, Texas. His family has long been committed to his beloved home town. During the early 1950s to 1968, Wiggie's father owned and operated the only public swimming pool in Georgetown known as ``The Shell Pool'' which was a favorite place where young and old spent many of their summer hours.

Wiggie graduated from Georgetown High School in 1975. A true child of Texas, Wiggie was a rodeo bull rider in his youth and used that knowledge to wrangle Donna, his wife and love of his life, marrying in 1977. They have two children and three grandchildren.

Wiggie started his railroad career as a carman at Georgetown Railroad Company, worked his way up to Chief Mechanical Officer, spending 20 years with the railroad. Wiggie then started at a supplier company called Georgetown Rail Equipment Company (GREX) in the Operations department and worked his way up to President and CEO. Under his leadership, GREX doubled in size and revenue in just three years. Wiggie made GREX into an industry leader by pioneering high-technology solutions for thorny long-standing railroad problems. Under his direction, the company is now moving into international markets. His work as an innovator led to Wiggie being a respected railroad industry support spokesperson in Washington, DC and Austin, TX.

Wiggie's contributions don't stop when the work day ends. He served in the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department for 28 years and volunteers with Sky Ball, the premier fundraising event for the Airpower Foundation, one of the oldest military support organizations in the U.S. When he's not working or volunteering, Wiggie relishes his family time, whether enjoying NASCAR races or fishing with his grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I join Wiggie's friends, family, and colleagues in wishing him a happy 60th birthday. His has been a life of innovation and service. With Wiggie, the best is yet to come and I wish him nothing but success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Crusaders of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor who capped a perfect season by defeating the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans 10-7 in the Stagg Bowl to claim their first ever DIII Football National Championship. It was a game low on points but high on drama.

While the Stagg Bowl was contested over the span of four quarters, for UMHB it was a championship 19 years in the making. A program built from scratch by Coach Pete Fredenburg nearly two decades ago can now call itself the best in the land.

Anyone who follows sports knows the truth of these three words: defense wins championships. While high scores thrill the casual fan, the art of shutting down an opponent's ability to rack up points is what ultimately allows a team to hoist a championship trophy. The Crusaders' suffocating defense held the Titans to just 215 yards overall and allowed UMHB to control the game. Their relentless playmaking and defensive intensity, honed through seasons of tough practice and a strict commitment to football fundamentals, brought home the title for the Crusaders.

While football is a team sport, there was great play from the Crusaders' star players. Quarterback Blake Jackson, the game's MVP, ended the game with 171 passing yards and 119 rushing yards. Senior linebacker Matt Cody came through in the clutch with a game-sealing interception.

It's no secret that Texans live for football and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's commitment to teamwork and tough physical play represent the very best of our beloved sport. I congratulate the Crusaders on their victory in the Stagg Bowl and wish them continued success in seasons to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional young man whose financial acumen just made his college expenses less of a burden. In the process of doing so, he's learned some valuable life skills.

Round Rock High School freshman Adam Cearley was awarded a $20,000 scholarship after ranking sixth among 11,000 students nationwide in the H&R Block Budget Challenge. This innovative two-month, in-school simulation tasked students to manage money online based on a fictional profile. Students received a virtual salary, which they used to pay bills, invest in retirement, and manage loans to get points. Adam took to the challenging project early on, impressing both his peers and his teachers with his sound money management.

Not only does the simulation serve as a fun activity to ease students into business lessons, it's important for teenagers to learn financial lessons early. The skills teens like Adam learn from this will serve them well throughout their lives.

Young leaders like Adam Cearley show that the future for our nation is a bright one. I congratulate him on his great achievement and wish him nothing but the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to attend votes the week of January 5, 2015. I would have supported final passage of the following bills:

Roll Call #7 (H.R. 22: Hire More Heroes Act of 2015--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass)

Roll Call #8 (H.R. 26: Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass)

Roll Call #9 (H.R. 37: Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass)

Roll Call #10 (H.R. 23: National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass)

Roll Call #14 (H.R. 30: Save American Workers Act of 2015--On Passage)

Roll Call #16 (H.R. 3: Keystone XL Pipeline Act--On Passage)

Due to illness, I was also unable to attend votes the week of January 19, 2015. I would have supported final passage of the following bills:

Roll Call #41 (H.R. 161: Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act-- On Passage)

Roll Call #45 (H.R. 7: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2015--On Passage)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the charter for Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. The Lone Star State's first institution of higher education and Texas' leading undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university, Southwestern has progressed from its early pioneering roots to become a vibrant and diverse center of growth and potential.

By fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity, Southwestern reflects the best values of Central Texas. Southwestern offers small classes and numerous collaborative undergraduate research opportunities. Over 1,500 students enjoy the warm, small-town feel of historic Georgetown as well as the close proximity of Austin with its vibrant, innovative, and creative culture. Outside the classroom, students are civically engaged and volunteer in the community at more than twice the national average. Half of all students study abroad and most take advantage of leadership, service, and activism opportunities in Southwestern's 90+ student organizations.

Engaging minds remains at the forefront of the university's mission. Southwestern professors balance the highest level of scholarship with a serious dedication to teaching and collaboration with our students. The university has been recognized as a leading institution of higher learning. Both U.S. News & World Report and USA Today College rank Southwestern University the top national liberal arts colleges in Texas. Southwestern is consistently recognized as one of 40 colleges in the publication Colleges That Change Lives.

I'm proud that Southwestern University calls my congressional district home. For 175 years, this great college has been transforming lives and preparing our nation's next generation of leaders for success. I wish Southwestern University only the best as it continues its proud mission of scholarly excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Jade Stawasz. On January 27, 2015, she closes out 47 years of incredible service to the U.S. Army and begins the next exciting chapter of her life.

Jade is a valued member of the Army's Civilian Service. More than 330,000 strong, Army civilians serve as an integral part of the Army team. This global family is devoted to ensuring our warriors are prepared to shoulder any challenge that comes their way.

Widely admired and respected for her leadership and work ethic, Jade excelled at numerous responsibilities over the years. From her work as Director of Executive Services for Ill Corps and Fort Hood to her efforts on behalf of Army leadership ranging from Kansas to Hawaii, she's long been someone both her supervisors and colleagues could rely upon.

Jade's great work has not gone unnoticed. For her efforts she was awarded a Superior Civilian Service Award, Commander's Award for Civilian Service, and a Commander's Award for Public Service. The United States Armor Association honored her with the Order of St. Joan D'Arc Medallion for her contributions to the morale, welfare, and spirit of armor and cavalry families during their spouse's absence. Her commitment to service doesn't end when she leaves the office. As a member of the Harker Heights and Killeen Chambers of Commerce, she works tirelessly to strengthen bonds between Fort Hood and the surrounding communities.

I commend Jade Stawasz's selfless service to the United States Army. Her patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to excellence reflect the very best values of Central Texas. I join Jade's friends, family, and colleagues in wishing her all the best in her much-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alither Mae Stephens of Copperas Cove, Texas as she celebrates her 100th birthday on January 15, 2015. Even with a century of living behind her, she remains a vibrant part of her growing central Texas community.

Born in Cassatt, South Carolina, Alither kept her southern heritage alive when she moved to Copperas Cove. Devoted to family, Alither and her beloved Edward had one daughter, eight grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. She knows the keys to a long life are eating healthy, staying positive, and remaining active. Alither continues to cook for herself and church, bowling, and civic duties help fill her days.

In her century of living, Alither witnessed her 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 her dreams. She listened to the soaring words of a southern minister as he worked to bring equality to all Americans and she saw people of all races, creeds, and backgrounds join together to make our nation a beacon of hope and freedom. Alither saw how America has been defined by extraordinary men and women who fought for a country brave enough to confront its past imperfections and hopeful enough to embrace a better tomorrow.

The City of Copperas Cove, Texas proclaimed January 15, 2015 as Alither Mae Stephens Day, a fitting tribute to an amazing lady who has lived a long life, blessing all she has come into contact with along the way. I join her family and friends in celebrating Alither as we wish her the happiest of birthdays and nothing but health and prosperity in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks, including extraneous material, on further consideration of H.R. 240, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania.) Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas?

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. The executive actions of November 20, 2014, and the Morton memos of 2011 and 2012 are in direct contravention of congressional intent and have no standing in current law and must be dismantled.

Apparently, the President learned nothing from the devastating results of his previous executive amnesty, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA, which led to nearly 70,000 children arriving on our southern border last summer at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to the American taxpayer.

This amendment turns back the President's shortsighted executive overreach, and for that reason, I strongly support its passage.

Mr. Chairman, we will also consider four additional amendments today. All of them seek to correct many of the dangerous actions the President has taken on this issue and restore the rule of law. I plan to support all of these amendments and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Will the gentleman yield?

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, may I remind my colleague from New York that we put $300 million in those fusion centers in the bill.

At this time, because this is clearly primarily about the amendments that are on this bill, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Gowdy).

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from the Judiciary Committee.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 240 and that I may include tabular material on the same.

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

Today, I am privileged to present to the House this bipartisan- bicameral agreement providing appropriations to the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, for fiscal year 2015.

Before I describe the details of this agreement, I want to thank everyone who has worked on this bill here today because, despite its importance to national security and public safety, its path to the floor has been far from certain.

First, to the Speaker and majority leader and your staffs, thank you for doing what is necessary to get this bill to this stage of the legislative process.

To Mr. Rogers and the full committee staff, thanks for fighting for this bill. It wouldn't be on the floor without you.

To the House and Senate subcommittee staffs and to my personal staff--Darek Newby, Kris Mallard, Cornell Teague, Laura Cylke, Anne Wake, Steve Gilleland, Bill Zito, Jonas Miller, and Val Baldwin--thank you for your advice and counsel in crafting this agreement. Your work takes you away from home and from your families, and I appreciate your efforts.

Finally, to the Honorable David Price, who is the ranking member of the subcommittee, much thanks to David. Our partnership is critical to this bill's success. His experience and measured approach makes this agreement even better.

Thank you, David, for your service and, more importantly, for your friendship.

As everyone knows, several amendments will be proposed to stop the President's recent executive actions on immigration. I plan to vote for these amendments because, like many Americans, I believe the President's actions exceed the authority provided to the Executive in the Constitution.

We need to have this debate, but after all of the arguments have been presented, the underlying appropriations bill must be enacted because it is critical to the Nation's security and to public safety.

Mr. Chairman, last week, we watched a terrible tragedy unfold in Paris as armed terrorists killed innocent French citizens who were doing nothing more than going about their daily lives. Like 9/11, this event and others that have occurred this year remind us that our democratic values are under constant attack, and they serve as a warning that we must remain vigilant.

Make no mistake, what happened in Paris can happen anywhere, including in the United States, and we must provide the resources necessary to find and to root out the seeds of terrorism. Therefore, passing the Homeland Security Appropriations bill is an imperative we cannot fail to meet.

Mr. Chairman, this agreement is very good, and I am proud of it. It supports DHS' frontline personnel and its essential security operations and maintains fiscal discipline.

Specifically, for Customs and Border Protection: this agreement adds $42 million above the request to assure the 24/7 surveillance of all land, sea, and air approaches; it increases air and marine flight hours from 74,000 to 95,000 per year; this agreement fully funds 23,775 CBP officers to continue efforts to reduce the wait times of passengers arriving at the Nation's international airports without resorting to burdensome user fees as proposed by the President; funds are included for 21,370 Border Patrol agents, the highest operational force in DHS history; funds for tactical communications equipment and border security technology are increased by $20 million above the request; substantial increases are included for targeting systems and data analysis to support counterterrorism efforts.

For Immigration and Customs Enforcement: custody and deportation operations are increased by $862 million above the request to ensure the full funding of 34,000 legislatively-mandated detention beds and to detain, deport, and deter the influx of families and children illegally crossing the southwest border. Included in this amount are 3,732 new family detention units to deter the illegal migration of families. Also included are 207 new enforcement officers to expedite the process of returning illegal immigrants to their countries of origin.

ICE's investigative capability is increased by $82.4 million over the request, which will result in more convictions of child pornographers, drug smugglers, human traffickers, and other criminals; full funding is provided for E-Verify and all existing 287(g) agreements.

For the Transportation Security Administration: TSA screeners are capped at 45,000--1,000 below last year's level; privatized screening is increased by $12.1 million over the request; funds are reduced from TSA's current request and prior year balances, saving the taxpayers almost $300 million.

For the U.S. Coast Guard: operational hours in critical source and transit zones are increased by $16.7 million over the request; depot level maintenance, which is crucial for the Coast Guard's readiness, is increased by $52.7 million over the request; the eighth National Security Cutter is fully funded; and $95 million over the request is added for an additional C-130J aircraft.

For the United States Secret Service: $25 million in additional funds are provided to address training shortfalls highlighted by the White House fence jumper and to enhance perimeter security, including for additional K-9 teams.

For the National Protection and Programs Directorate: funds are provided so DHS can effectively manage the collection of biometrics and protect and enhance the resilience of the Nation's physical and cyber infrastructure.

For the Federal Emergency Management Agency: $7 billion is provided to fully fund operational needs for disaster relief; first responder grants are increased by $300 million above the President's request to sustain funding for State and local grants, firefighter assistance grants, and Emergency Management Performance Grants.

For Science and Technology: $23.7 million above the request is provided for vital research efforts, including biological defense, cybersecurity, border security, and first responder technology; $300 million is included to complete the construction of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.

Finally, this agreement provides absolutely no discretionary funds or mandatory funds to implement the President's executive actions on immigration.

As you know, the costs of processing immigration applications are paid entirely by individual applicants when they submit their supporting documentation. Fees from those transactions are collected in a specific amount in the Treasury, as mandated by the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The hard-earned income of American taxpayers does not subsidize the costs of immigration applications, and the spending bill under consideration today has no funding for these purposes.

In closing, Mr. Chairman, this Homeland Security bill meets the security needs of our Nation and the fiscal stewardship expected by the taxpayers. I believe it is worthy of every Member's vote, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky, Mr. Hal Rogers, the chairman of the full committee

Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), the honorable chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Jeb Hensarling, the honorable chairman of the Committee on Financial Services.

Madam Chair, at this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas, Mr. John Culberson, of the CJS Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.

Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Fleischmann), a member of our subcommittee.

Madam Chairman, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), a member of our committee.

Madam Chairman, at this time I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to my good friend and colleague from Texas (Mr. Poe), a colleague not only of this House but of the judiciary prior to that time.

I yield the gentleman another minute.

Mr. Chair, before I proceed, may I ask how much time is left on both sides, please?

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), one of our new Members of the 114th Congress.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hurd), another Member of the 114th Congress, a man who probably has more of the southern border of the United States than any other Member of Congress.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mr. Chairman, at this time, I will yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the State of Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus).

At this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Pittenger).

Mr. Chairman, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Marino).

At this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Stewart).

At this time, Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Barr).

Mr. Chairman, I believe we have no further speakers, so at this time, I am prepared to close.

I would just like to clarify a few things. Nobody is going to lose a paycheck, no agency is going to go broke, as we have this constitutional discussion and this constitutional debate that has taken place today and will probably take place tomorrow, when the amendments will actually be before this august body for a determination of whether they will be included or not included in this bill.

There has been some confusion, I think, that some may think these things are already here, but we will follow the regular process tomorrow on the amendments that have been made in order.

No one is trying to put the security of the United States at risk in this bill, and we will have a normal debate, as we do here. What better body to address constitutional issues than the Congress of the United States?

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I move the Committee do now rise.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about my friend Ralph Hall. An amazing man. He has done just about anything adventuresome you can think of in your life.

This is the man that tells us that he was a little boy when Bonnie and Clyde went through, and I think he is telling us the truth.

He tells me that he was a fight promoter, and I know he was a fight promoter--I heard it from other people--who turned down a young man from Kentucky named Cassius Clay because he thought he had a glass jaw.

He is a man that served in the wild and wily Texas Legislature and Texas Senate. He once ran for attorney general, and he said he looked in the mirror and thought he saw the attorney general, and it turned out there was another guy that he was seeing in the mirror.

He served in this House both as a Democrat and a Republican and is loved by both parties and respected by both parties.

He had an amazing talent for carrying humor around as a tool of friendship. I just want to share one small thing that livened up a crowd like I have never seen before.

We were at the laying of the keel of the aircraft carrier George Herbert Walker Bush. There were about 50 or so people sitting down in chairs in the hot sun. They put a bottle of water under each chair. I was sitting next to Ralph on the front row. He looked down there underneath his chair and he saw that bottle of water. All these people were sweltering behind us waiting for the thing to start. He reached down, he picked up the bottle of water, he got up, and he turned around to the crowd behind him and he said: ``Somebody nice put a bottle of water underneath my chair. Who's got the scotch?'' The crowd just started laughing, everybody relaxed, and the ceremony began.

Ralph made friends like nobody else. He is my friend. I think every Member of this House considers him a friend.

He is a great American, a great Texan, and I am going to miss him dearly.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act this House will consider later this week.

I am very proud to represent Fort Hood, the largest military base in the world. On November 5, 2009, 5 years ago, our community suffered an unthinkable tragedy when a radicalized Islamic extremist named Nidal Hassan opened fire on Fort Hood and fatally shot 15 men and women and 1 unborn child.

More than 30 others were wounded that day. Hasan's radicalization was well known to the FBI and the DOD as early as 2005. Hasan plotted with the known terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki, and he expressed his radical views to his classmates. This administration dismissed these concerns in the name of political correctness.

Five years ago the President promised to take care of the victims of this shooting, but shortly thereafter, he turned his back on them and declared the attack to be workplace violence. These victims and their families are still waiting for justice. Our communities have suffered long enough in the name of political correctness.

I am very proud that my colleagues in the House and Senator Cornyn and Senator Cruz have not dropped the ball. We have stood for the Fort Hood community and the victims of this terrorist act even as the President failed to act. The House and Senate have agreed on this legislation that will allow these heroes to receive Purple Hearts and make them eligible for the benefits they deserve. The victims and their families will soon receive justice and closure. I am proud to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Texas, Roger Williams, my strong partner in this effort.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a dear friend and outstanding citizen, Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, for his 33 years of dedicated, distinguished, and honorable service. SMA Chandler will retire on August 1, 2015, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and devotion to the United States Army and this great nation.

A native of California but raised in the Boston area, SMA Chandler enlisted in the Army in 1981. He excelled throughout his career and served in all tank crewman positions and had multiple tours as a troop, squadron, and regimental master gunner. SMA Chandler's skill as a leader of warriors was recognized early on as he assumed command positions in numerous regiments and divisions. He was assigned as the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy command sergeant major in December 2007. Nearly two years later, he became the 19th Commandant of United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and the first enlisted commandant in the academy's history.

In his final assignment, SMA Chandler served as Sergeant Major of the Army, our Army's most senior enlisted soldier, leading the Noncommissioned Officer Corps and carrying news of the enlisted ranks to the Chief of Staff of the Army and other leadership. He served as the role model and standard bearer for enlisted personnel, built relationships between the Army and Congress, and rallied support from community and business leaders for soldiers and their families. His guidance and influence have steered the Army into a well-equipped and well-trained force over the past four years.

His extraordinary service has not gone unnoticed. SMA Chandler is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. He has also been honored with the Order of Saint George, the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin, and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Additionally, SMA Chandler sat on a wide variety of councils and boards that made decisions affecting enlisted soldiers and their families and was routinely invited to testify before Congress.

Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but rather the beginning of a new adventure. On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues to celebrate SMA Raymond Chandler's retirement. His patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to service reflect the very best values of our nation. He has been a shining example for the nation and has earned our gratitude. I commend him for his selfless service to the nation and the United States Army. I wish him and his wife Jeanne all the best in their much-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, last month, in October, I had a young lady, Jessica Huber, and her father come to my Round Rock office and tell me a great story of survival.

I am introducing legislation on behalf of this 13-year-old, Jessica Huber of Leander, Texas, and all who have shown the real meaning of survival, and we have great examples every day in our armed services-- who are serving in harm's way on our behalf--of their strong heart of survival.

In Jessica's case, on November 19, 2002, Jessica was nearly killed after her mother, while under the influence of prescription drugs and illegal drugs, ran a red light and crashed. Jessica's father experienced a parent's worst nightmare when doctors had given up hope that she would survive.

But those doctors didn't know Jessica.

Like all Texans, she didn't just give up. She underwent multiple blood transfusions and surgeries, and she endured painful rehab. There were many dark days for this brave young woman.

Despite the extraordinary odds against her--and all said the odds were against her--I am glad to report that Jessica is living a happy, healthy, and productive life in my district. Jessica's journey reminds us all of the indomitable nature of the human spirit and of our basic desires to persevere in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and challenges.

My legislation recognizes November 19 as Survivors Victory Day and encourages all to honor the thousands who have been victims and, more importantly, survivors of traumatic crimes, illnesses, and misfortunes. I call on my colleagues to celebrate this survival and to support this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the extraordinary service of Williamson County Treasurer Vivian L. Wood as she begins the next exciting chapter of her life. Recognizing the importance of allowing a new generation of leaders a chance to make a positive impact, Vivian is stepping down from her two decades of dedication to making Williamson County a great place to live and work.

Under Vivian's stewardship, Williamson County has enjoyed tremendous population and job growth while the rest of the nation was still recovering from recent economic challenges. As the fastest growing county in the USA from 2010 through 2012, Williamson County is home to Dell Computers, cutting edge medical centers, and thriving small businesses. Vivian's forward-thinking financial management has been critical to the county's continuing success.

Widely admired and respected for her leadership, Vivian has been a treasurer both her colleagues and constituents could rely upon. Her commitment to public service doesn't end when she leaves the office. Vivian has served in all offices of the County Treasurers Association of Texas since 1996 and has received numerous awards for her dedication to excellence.

Vivian's extraordinary commitment to service reflects the best values of Central Texas. She's positively impacted the lives of thousands and there's no doubt that Williamson County is a better place because of her.

Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but rather the beginning of a new adventure. I commend Vivian Wood for her selfless service to her beloved community and wish her only the best in the years ahead.