Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on June 23, 2014, I was unable to be present for all votes due to an unexpected travel delay due to inclement weather.

If present, I would have voted accordingly on the following votes:

S. 1044, World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2013--``yea.''

H.R. 316, Collinsville Renewable Energy Production Act--``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, last night, tragedy struck a small town in central Texas. Little River Academy is a very small town outside of the largest town of Temple in Bell County, Texas.

The chief of police, Lee Dixon, was killed in the line of duty while responding to a routine disturbance. There is an investigation ongoing, and I am confident, as a former judge and having personal knowledge of the judiciary of that county and the makeup of the juries, that justice will be served in this case.

I ask this House to keep the family of Chief Lee Dixon in their thoughts and prayers as they go through this time in a very small, but important town, in Bell County, Texas.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, as cosponsor of this bill and chairman of the Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4228.

Over this past year, I have aggressively called for a reform agenda to address the evolving needs of DHS. This bill tackles one of the most urgent, the need to reform DHS acquisitions. These reforms are much needed and long overdue. I sincerely appreciate Chairman McCaul's and subcommittee Chairman Duncan's collaboration on this effort.

I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition.

Mr. Chairman, law-abiding Americans shouldn't have to sacrifice their right to privacy to exercise their Second Amendment rights because they live in the southwestern part of the United States.

I don't understand why they want to take the people who stand on the border and take this onslaught of the failure of the administration to defend and prosecute those who violate the laws of our country, and they want to have something that imposes upon our right to privacy and our right to exercise our Second Amendment rights.

Law enforcement tools are not taken away by the fact that we have limited this intrusion upon the rights of the people in the States that are on our southwestern border. In fact, law enforcement has the right to at any time walk into a Federal firearms dealer and request any sales records, and they mandatorily must provide them. A bouncer can walk into a Federal licensed firearms dealer and get these records every day. The amendment doesn't prohibit gun dealers from reporting multiple sales of purchases. It just doesn't mandate on four States of this Union a violation of their right to privacy.

The playing field should be level in anything we do under the law. But the fact is we are unleveling the playing field for the very people that stand down in the direct onslaught of the invasion coming across our southern border as a result of this administration's failure to properly enforce immigration policy.

This is something that we shouldn't even be discussing, limiting the ability and making reporting requirements on four States and involving their right of privacy contrary to the rest of the union. I don't understand why this is even being discussed.

I oppose the attempts to toss out the Second Amendment rights of the people of the State of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I want to point out that this recordkeeping is directed at multiple rifle and shotgun sales of a semiautomatic character. It becomes a habit around here to call anything that will fire six shots when you pull the trigger an assault rifle.

In fact, this requires the reporting of semiautomatic shotguns, as well as of semiautomatic rifles. People all over the United States--and particularly in our State--hunt every day with these weapons. Families have these weapons

in their homes. They are not assault weapons. They are semiautomatic shotguns and rifles. This reporting requirement is on those weapons, and it doesn't say anything about assault weapons.

I question the logic of this whole thing when we are talking about the privacy of the individual under the Second Amendment and about the right for Americans to keep and bear arms.

Therefore, I think that the language that is in place today is the right language for the policies of the United States.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I would point out that this law pertains only to the southwestern border States and that my friends from Connecticut and New York are not affected by this rule. There is no reason why you can't buy long guns in New York or in Connecticut and ship them down to the border. This is discriminatory against four States and four States only. It is bad policy.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Royce Schertz who will graduate as

a Second Lieutenant from the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 28, 2014. While his time at the academy is coming to an end, there's no extended summer vacation in store for him. Lt. Schertz has been accepted into the prestigious pilot school program which starts three weeks later.

While the Academy's aviation programs give cadets the opportunity to fly in both powered and unpowered aircraft, learn advanced parachuting skills, and compete against students from colleges around the world, only the elite move on to the pilot school program. Lt. Schertz's next year will be focused and devoted to the program as his time will be filled flying and preparing for flights. Taking control of the most advanced aircraft in the world--and pushing their performances to the limit--requires extraordinary skill, precision, and commitment to mission accomplishment. All of these are attributes Lt. Schertz has shown time and time again.

At the Academy, Lt. Schertz distinguished himself as both a scholar and a leader. A regular presence on the Dean's List, he also found time to support and motivate his classmates, raise funds for charity, and host foreign exchange students. In addition to his intense military training, Lt. Schertz devoted many hours to community service and was a key member of the Academy's competitive athletic programs. All this was atop an academic workload that challenges our nation's best and brightest.

Lt. Schertz's dedication to excellence displays the best values of central Texas and is a reflection of the greatness of the men and women of our armed forces. I commend his achievements, celebrate his commitment, and wish him well in the future. I'm grateful that brave young men like him will be providing our nation's security in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the fantastic public service of Belton, TX Mayor Jim Covington as he begins the next exciting chapter of his life. Recognizing the importance of allowing younger leaders a chance to make a positive impact, Jim is stepping down from his nearly two decades of dedication to making Belton a great place to live and work.

Under Jim's leadership, Belton escaped the cycle of ``management by crisis'' by adopting forward-thinking strategic policies. Reviewed annually and updated every five years, these plans have put Belton on the right track. As a result, Belton has seen its population grow as the city has been repeatedly honored with awards from the Texas Municipal League, the prestigious Preserve America Presidential Award in 2008, and a Scenic City Award in 2010.

Jim's tenure was dedicated to making Belton's natural beauty his top priority. Nolan Creek winds through the heart of Belton and connects many important areas of the city including three major parks, the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, and the historic downtown area. Recognizing this uncut gem flowing through his city, Jim worked tirelessly to improve and promote this critical waterway. His vision will dramatically enhance the quality of Belton life by offering a unique recreational corridor with watersports opportunities while promoting strong economic development.

Widely admired and respected for his leadership, Jim has been a mayor both his colleagues and constituents could rely upon. His commitment to public service doesn't end when he leaves the office. A proud part of the larger Fort Hood community, he's been involved in troop support for years.

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 Jim Covington for his selfless service to his beloved community. I wish him only the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero.

A native son of Puerto Rico, Sgt. Felix Conde-Falcon volunteered to join the Army in 1963 and was soon stationed in Texas at both Fort Bliss and Fort Hood. He settled in the Lone Star State with his wife and young family before answering the call to fight for freedom in Vietnam.

On April 4, 1969, while serving as platoon leader in the vicinity of Ap Tan Hoa, Vietnam, Sgt. Conde-Falcon showed extraordinary leadership under heavy fire as he took out multiple enemy positions. While his heroic actions saved the soldiers serving with him, he was shot and killed just as he eliminated the final bunker. He was laid to rest in Rogers, TX.

Nearly a half century later, Sgt. Conde-Falcon was awarded the Medal of Honor. Reserved for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty, it is our nation's highest military tribute.

Were Sgt. Conde-Falcon still with us, generals, admirals, and fellow warriors of all ranks would honor the hallowed custom of saluting him. This simple gesture of respect, admiration, and courtesy speaks volumes about the reverence shown to Medal of Honor recipients.

Were Sgt. Conde-Falcon still with us, he would know how grateful his nation is for his service, his heroism, and his commitment to duty. He'd know how admired he is by his fellow soldiers. Because of his valor, many of his platoon brothers were able to return home. Some would honor promises made in the jungles of Vietnam and spend decades tracking down Sgt. Conde-Falcon's family to let them know of his bravery, leadership, and the impact he had.

Were Sgt. Conde-Falcon still with us, he would have seen his family grow and prosper. His children carried on the tradition of proud service in the military. His son Richard would receive the Medal of Honor on his behalf.

Sgt. Conde-Falcon's name, like those of over 58,000, is enshrined forever in black stone at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Those extraordinary men and women, from a multitude of races, faiths, and backgrounds, fought for a country brave enough to confront its past imperfections and hopeful enough to embrace a better tomorrow. His story, like all of theirs, was one of sacrifice and devotion to freedom.

There is no more deserving recipient of the Medal of Honor than Sgt. Felix Conde-Falcon. Despite a life cut short, this brave warrior's patriotism, valor, and commitment to service reflect the very best of both America and Central Texas. May his legacy remind us of the values and freedoms we must never cease to defend.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes earlier this week in order to attend the memorial services held for the victims of the tragic shooting at Fort Hood, TX, last week. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows:

April 7, 2014:

Rollcall No. 165, Motion to Recommit H.R. 1872--``nay.''

Rollcall No. 166, Passage of H.R. 1872--``yea.''

April 8, 2014:

Rollcall No. 167, Motion to Recommit H.R. 1871--``nay.''

Rollcall No. 168, Passage of H.R. 1871--``yea.''

Rollcall No. 169, Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 544-- ``yea.''

Rollcall No. 170, Adoption of H. Res. 544--``yea.''

April 9, 2014:

Rollcall No. 171, Substitute Amendment No. 1--``nay.''

Rollcall No. 172, Substitute Amendment No. 2--``nay.''

Rollcall No. 173, Substitute Amendment No. 3--``nay.''

Rollcall No. 174, Passage of H.R. 4414--``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the founding of Wag-A-Bag convenience stores. One of central Texas' most beloved institutions, Wag-A-Bag is celebrating a half century of service to the Lone Star State.

First opening in 1964, Wag-A-Bag stores were the brainchild of Virg and Nancy Rabb. A true innovator, Virg realized that the rural small towns that dotted the Texas landscape needed convenience stores. My home town of Round Rock, TX had just 1800 residents, no traffic lights, and no police force when the first Wag-A-Bag store was built.

Since opening, Wag-A-Bag has enjoyed continuous but cautious growth. One store grew to nineteen and they expanded locations to Hutto, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, and Austin. Each store has become an essential part of the fabric of community life. Wag-A-Bags have been the site of first jobs, last minute stops for ingredients before dinner, and countless cups of coffee to start the day.

Proudly a family business, Wag-A-Bag still operates under the guidance of Nancy Rabb and her son Cary, who stepped in following Virg's death in 1998. They also devote resources to making a difference and are committed partners with numerous civic and school organizations.

With its exemplary customer service as well as its commitment to being a contributor to the Central Texas community, Wag-A-Bag is truly an American success story. I wish their founders and employees a happy 50th birthday and all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Lieutenant General William N. Phillips, United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and selfless service to our nation as the Military Deputy Director to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. Lieutenant General Phillips will retire after 38 dedicated years and exceptional service to this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, let me be the first to say that there is no mission too great for this incredible individual. Bill's tremendous vision, leadership, and dedication to excellence has ensured our beloved Soldiers fighting on behalf of the Nation have always had and will continue to have well into the future, the most technologically advanced and reliable equipment whenever

and wherever they need it most. A true champion for Soldier's and their Families, his efforts have proven to be exponential and his example unwavering.

Lieutenant General Phillips earned his commission as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army from Middle Tennessee State University and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on the first of July, 1976. Excelling in a multitude of positions spanning from Army aviator to defense procurement and contracting expert, Lieutenant General Phillips has performed at an elite level in business, academia, and combat. He humbly served with great pride as a warrior and scholar.

Lieutenant General Phillips' assignments have been some of the most challenging and diverse his profession has to offer. He served impeccably in positions to include but not limited to: the Commanding General, Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan in Baghdad, Iraq, the Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal in the great State of New Jersey, as well as the Program Executive Officer for Army Ammunition, and the Deputy Program Executive Officer for Army Aviation.

Mr. Speaker it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Lieutenant General William ``Bill'' N. Phillips as he proceeds into the next chapter of his life. Bill is leaving a legacy that will be remembered for the years to come. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Lieutenant General William N. Phillips for almost four decades of tremendous Service to his Country in the United States Army. I wish Bill and his loving and dedicated wife Marilyn Phillips, the very best as they begin their new journey that is sure to be filled with continued success and adventure.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday afternoon, tragedy struck the heart of Texas at Fort Hood, which we know as ``The Great Place.'' A gunman whose motives we do not understand took the lives of three American soldiers and wounded 16 more before taking his own life.

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time Fort Hood has had to endure a tragedy like this.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Fort Hood community. We pray for a speedy recovery to the wounded and extend our deepest condolences to the friends and families of those soldiers who lost their lives.

We stand ready to provide any and all assistance we can to support Fort Hood, the soldiers serving there, and the surrounding community.

Now I yield to my good friend and colleague and ally in supporting this incredible community which we both have the honor to represent, Congressman Williams.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to ask the House to join me in a moment of silence and hopefully prayer for the Fort Hood community and all those families of the injured and dead at Fort Hood today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Keifer Marshall, Jr., recipient of the Drayton and Elizabeth McClane Community Achievement Award for individuals who truly exemplify public service leadership. Marshall's life of sacrifice and activism reflects the very best values of central Texas.

Marshall, a native son of Temple, TX, bravely stepped forward when his country needed him most and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. Stationed in the Pacific Theater, he fought the ferocity of the Japanese head on. At Iwo Jima, the casualties of his company were the severest of the entire campaign. Out of 250 Marines, Marshall was one of the lucky few to survive.

This proud Marine is also a committed citizen. Marshall returned to Temple and began

the next chapter of his life of extraordinary service. A member of numerous councils and boards, he later became a City Councilman and a two-term Mayor. Marshall was President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, and was awarded Temple Citizen of the Year honors in 1992. He remains a respected leader who's made a real and positive impact on his community.

Ronald Reagan once said, ``Some people live an entire lifetime wondering if they've made a difference in the world, Marines don't have that problem.'' Keifer Marshall is a local treasure and a fitting recipient of the Drayton and Elizabeth McClane Community Achievement Award. I join all who celebrate his selfless service to his nation and his hometown.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Lieutenant Colonel John Rafferty of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our nation at the Deputy of the Army House Liaison Division on Capitol Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Rafferty will soon transition to the Legislative Director for the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Army Congressional Liaison officers provide an invaluable service to both the military and Congress. They assist Members and staff in understanding the Army's policies, actions, operations, and requirements. Their firsthand knowledge of military needs, culture, and tradition is a tremendous benefit to Congressional offices.

A native of Great Falls, Virginia, Lieutenant Colonel Rafferty enlisted in the Army in 1987 and served in Germany with the 8th Infantry Division. Two years later, he left the active Army to return to college and pursue a commission as an Army Officer. He received his commission as Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army as a Field Artillery officer. During the next twenty years, LTC Rafferty served in a variety of tactical assignments, including service in 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 75th Ranger Regiment, staff officer in the 25th Infantry Division, command of two artillery batteries in the 1st Armored Division, and command of 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. Along with becoming an Army Ranger and Master Parachutist, he served multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, he was selected as an exchange officer for the U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and for the United Kingdom Joint Services Command and Staff College with the British Military.

Lieutenant Colonel Rafferty is both warrior and scholar. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Longwood College, a Master of Arts in Defense Policy from King's College-London, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

His devotion to his country is matched only by his commitment to family. Lieutenant Colonel Rafferty is married to the lovely Tracey Lowery Rafferty. They're proud parents of a thirteen-year-old daughter, Erin, and a twelve-year-old son, Evan.

Lieutenant Colonel Rafferty's great work has not gone unnoticed. His military awards include the Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, three Bronze Star Medals, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals. He was inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara and is a Distinguished Member of both the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment and 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Lieutenant Colonel John Rafferty as he proceeds into the next chapter of his remarkable career and continues to serve the United States of America. I wish him the best as he continues to serve our great Nation and proceeds to the next chapter in his remarkable career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday of General Robert Shoemaker, U.S. Army, Retired. Through a lifetime dedicated to service, General Shoemaker continues to make extraordinary contributions to both the security of his nation as well as to improving the quality of life in Central Texas.

He was born February 18, 1924 and grew up in eastern Michigan. Following graduation from West Point in 1946, General Shoemaker was commissioned in the Infantry. His brave service of nearly 40 years in both the 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions as well as the 82nd Airborne Division saw numerous tours of duty in Vietnam, various commands, as well as achieving the elite status of Army Aviator. General Shoemaker rose to the highest levels of the military and was promoted to four star general and led the U.S. Army Forces Command. Known as FORSCOM, this command consists of more than 750,000 soldiers, nearly 90 percent of the Army's combat power, and provides expeditionary, campaign- capable land forces to combatant commanders. Under his steady leadership, FORSCOM held fast and true to its motto as ``Freedom's Guardian.''

Bringing to life Patton's maxim ``the soldier is also a citizen,'' General Shoemaker settled in the Fort Hood, TX area following his 1982 retirement and began the next chapter of his life of extraordinary service. Knowing firsthand of the importance of education to military communities, he worked tirelessly to establish Texas A&M University-- Central Texas near Fort Hood. He served eight years as an elected Bell County, TX Commissioner. Important civic organizations sought his tremendous leadership skills and General Shoemaker served as President and advisor to numerous entities, including the 1st Cavalry Division Association, the Heart of Texas Council of the Boy Scouts, and the Fort Hood Chapter of the United Way. The same commitment to excellence General Shoemaker brought to the Army he also brought to his beloved community.

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world. General Robert Shoemaker doesn't have that problem. His patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to service reflect the very best values of Central Texas. Let February 18 continue to be a celebration of one of our nation's heroes who devoted his life to keeping us free and making America a beacon of hope in the world. Along with his friends, family, and loved ones, I wish him both a happy 90th birthday and all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Bernita Peeples, the newest honoree of the Yellow Rose of Texas Award for her tremendous legacy as a Texas woman of outstanding volunteer and public service. A pillar of the Belton, TX community, Bernita's life and career is a reflection of hard work, activism, and dedication to bringing news to central Texas.

Lucky enough to know what she wanted her life's work to be since she was a young lady, Bernita started her career as a reporter for The Belton Journal during her senior year of high school. In an age when the average worker stays on the job for just over four years, Bernita has been faithfully reporting to her desk for 80 years! While chronicling stories big and small, as well as producing regular and popular columns, she's seen The Belton Journal's circulation climb tenfold.

The unofficial historian of Belton, Bernita's truly seen it all. A career that began on a 1927 Royal typewriter witnessed the rise of personal computers, the Internet, and social media to transmit the news. While reporting on 13 presidential administrations, WWII, and nearly a century of American advancement and innovation, she's kept her ear to the ground in Belton, never forgetting the community she calls home.

Bernita took breaks from writing and even retired once. But like all who have a calling, she couldn't stay away from her profession and soon returned to journalism. She still has a desk at The Belton Journal office where she writes one feature per week. Even better, she still has the typewriter with which she started her career.

Bernita's work doesn't stop when the paper has gone to the printers. She's involved in many organizations, including the Bell County Historical Commission and 1874 Church Restoration, for which she posed on a motorcycle for a 2010 calendar. She didn't miss a meeting of the Belton Rotary Club for 19 years and she was the first woman to receive the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen award.

The people of Belton and central Texas are lucky to have Bernita Peeples. She's a local treasure and a fitting recipient of the Yellow Rose of Texas Award. I join all who celebrate her enormous contributions to journalism and her beloved community.