Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Keifer Marshall, Jr., recipient of the Drayton and Elizabeth McClain 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 McClain Community Achievement Award. I join all who celebrate his selfless service to his nation and his hometown.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the artistry and influence of Tex Avery. A leading innovator of a distinctly American form of popular culture, Avery created iconic cartoon characters adored the world over by young and old alike and pioneered a new and lasting approach to animated storytelling.

Avery, born in Taylor, TX in 1908, was a man of many gifts: animator, cartoonist, voice artist, director. A central figure during the Golden Age of Hollywood Animation (1935-55), his work was marked by speed, sarcasm, and irony. Collaborating with top shelf artists like Chuck Jones and legendary voice actors like Mel Blanc, Avery created Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Droopy, and developed Porky Pig and Chilly Willy. Youngsters loved their cartoons' action and slapstick; grownups loved the sly dialogue and clever commentary.

Avery's artistry reflected the joy of a nation leading the world yet restlessly seeking new ways to express itself. He wasn't afraid to innovate and regularly pushed the boundaries of the cartoon form. His characters would speak directly to the audience, object to the plot of the adventure they were starring in, or leap out of the end credits. Yet Avery understood that cartoons had to be more than just animated hijinx featuring colorful characters. A lifelong perfectionist, he would add or cut frames out of the final negative of a cartoon short if he felt a gag's timing was not precise.

Avery's importance to animation cannot be overstated. He saw things differently, changed them, and pushed the art of cartoons forward. His impact is as permanent as the characters he created are beloved.

Tex Avery's tremendous legacy will be honored February 22, 2014 by the Taylor, TX Conservation and Heritage Society with a memorial being placed in Heritage Square. I join all who appreciate fearless innovators in celebrating his enormous contributions to animation and American culture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Round Rock, TX, Police Chief Tim Ryle. With his retirement approaching, he will soon close out his incredible service to my hometown and begin the next chapter of his life.

A native Texan, Ryle carries on the family tradition of law enforcement service into its third generation. He began his career in Round Rock in 1983 and steadily rose through the ranks before being named Chief in October 2011. During his 31-year career, he's seen the Round Rock Police Department grow from a small town police force into a skilled and mobile law enforcement agency capable of providing safety to this rapidly growing city.

Ryle understood effective police work at its most basic level. A unifying force for area law enforcement leaders, he brought together the region's chiefs, sheriffs, along with the County and District Attorneys, for regular meetings to coordinate strategies and share best practices. Ryle was among the first chiefs in the nation to implement mandatory physical fitness standards for all officers. Another lasting legacy was his devoted work to fund a public safety training facility. All these achievements have made a real difference in the lives of residents.

Chief Ryle led his department with dedication, honesty, and integrity. Due in large part to his leadership, Round Rock is now one of the safest cities in the country. Locals could always sleep well knowing their safety was Ryle's first priority.

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world; Chief Tim Ryle doesn't have that problem. I join the grateful citizens of Round Rock to wish him only the best in the years ahead.

Chairman Rogers, thank you for the time and thank you, more importantly, for the leadership that you and Ranking Member Lowey have shown in completing this process and giving us a fiscal year 2014 appropriation bill. I rise in support of that bill.

Madam Speaker, the Homeland Security division of this bill is built on three themes: funding essential security and enforcement; increasing legitimate travel and trade; and demanding fiscal discipline and accountability.

The Homeland Security division includes a nearly 10 percent increase to the CBP officer workforce and nearly 5 percent increase to ICE's investigations and funding to support ICE's statutorily mandated 34,000 detention beds; more than 13 percent increase to privatization of airport screening; nearly 14 percent increase to cybersecurity; a total of $404 million for the National Bio and Agro-Defense facility in Kansas; and significant increases to the Border Patrol assets, Coast Guard operations and acquisitions, Secret Service operations and investigations, FEMA's first responder grants and bombing prevention efforts.

In addition, this bill does more to address the wait times, trade and resource shortfalls at our ports of entry, including a landmark provision for a public-private partnership authority and a mandate for CBP to work with industry on performance metrics and improved operational plans at our Nation's busiest airports.

However, this bill cuts the overall DHS budget by nearly $400 million below the fiscal year 2013 level, and it holds administrative overhead at 2 percent below the current sequestered level.

In addition, the Homeland Security division requires 31 departments to provide expenditure plans, terminates ICE public advocacy programs, zeros out three new headquarters offices, and mandates the most comprehensive accounting in DHS history.

Madam Speaker, this is a bill that is worthy of support. I rise in support of this great work and thank both the majority and the minority staffs for their work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major John Truax of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. Major Truax and his wife Alaina will be moving on from his present assignment as an Army Congressional Liaison and will soon be reassigned as a Cyber Operations Officer for the Army National Guard.

Army Congressional Liaisons 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 first hand knowledge of military needs, culture, and tradition is a tremendous benefit to Congressional offices.

Following his graduation from Valley Forge Military College in May 2001, Major Truax was commissioned in the Army National Guard as an Engineer Officer. Major Truax reported to his first operational assignment with Charlie Company, 276th Engineer Battalion in West Point, Virginia where he served as a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer. Following a period of reorganization across the Army, Major Truax transferred branches and became a Military Intelligence Officer.

He left his civilian career in management and sales to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from May 2007 to June 2008. During his time in combat, John was responsible for providing security and Area Response Forces in Northern Kuwait as a staff officer in HHC, 2- 183 CAV before assuming command of Alpha Troop. After returning from his tour in Kuwait, Major Truax remained on active duty and was assigned to the Army National Guard Materiel Programs Division in Arlington, Virginia. At the completion of an exceptional four years there, he was selected to represent the Army National Guard in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Legislative Liaison.

Major Truax's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), the Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work alongside Major Truax over the last year. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues in recognizing and commending his dedication to service and the sacrifices he and his family have made. We wish him, his wife Alaina, and their children Xander and Margaux all the best as they continue their journey to his next assignment in the United States Army.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major David Roman of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. Major Roman and his wife Dymphna will be moving on from his present assignment as an Army Congressional Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of Defense to the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York.

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 first hand knowledge of military needs, culture, and tradition is a tremendous benefit to Congressional offices.

In November of 2004, Captain Roman reported to his first operational duty assignment as a Platoon Leader with the 1st-501st Attack Helicopter Battalion during their rotation to the Unit Fielding and Training Program at Fort Hood, Texas in my Congressional district. Upon completion the unit was reflagged to 4th-227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. In 2006, Major Roman deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and served 14 months in the Baghdad area of operation. Upon redeployment in 2008, he reported back to Fort Rucker, Alabama for the Aviation Captains Career Course.

In 2008, Captain Roman returned to the 4th-227th and took command of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company. In April 2009, he deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom for a second time. He then took command of C Company and served under operational control of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force before moving to Al Asad Air Base in the Anwar Province. Due in no small part to his leadership, Captain Roman's company provided valuable reconnaissance and inflicted significant damage on enemy forces.

In 2011, Dave served as an Army Fellow in the office of Congressman Silvestre Reyes representing residents of El Paso and Fort Bliss, Texas. During that year he also earned a Masters in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University. In January of 2012, he arrived in the House Army Liaison Division where he assumed his role as a Legislative Liaison and continued to honorably serve as a conduit between the Army and Congress for two years.

His great work has not gone unnoticed. During Major Roman's distinguished service to this nation, he has earned awards and decorations including: the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Aviator Badge, Army Parachutes Badge, and the German Proficiency Badge (Gold Award).

Mr. Speaker it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of Major Roman and his wife Dymphna, who is a former Staff Sergeant in the Army and currently serves as a Department of the Army Civilian. I wish them the best as they continue to serve our great nation and proceed to the next chapter in their remarkable careers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Audrey Deckinga on her retirement from Texas Child Protective Services. Over her 39 years of service to the Lone Star State, she has shown an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.

Audrey started her journey in the field of child welfare over 30 years ago as a foster parent. After beginning her professional career in CPS as a caseworker in Williamson County in 1988, she rose through the ranks over the next 25 years to become the leader of a CPS statewide program with over 8,000 staff. She has served as Assistant Commissioner since 2009 and has impacted the child welfare arena on both state and national levels.

Under Audrey's advocacy and leadership, more children are served safely without a removal from their own homes. Adoptions have increased by more than 100%. After exiting the system, children are less likely to have a subsequent incident of abuse or neglect or to reenter state custody. These achievements bring to life the words of Fred Rogers, one of our nation's great champions for children, who said, ``Justice is taking care of those who aren't able to take care of themselves.''

Her work to do right for children doesn't stop at the end of the work day. Audrey remains involved in numerous state and national child welfare groups where she has developed a reputation as a forward- thinking supporter of policies that make a lasting difference in the lives of children.

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 Audrey Deckinga for her work improving the lives of families in Texas. I wish her only the best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate General James D. Thurman on his retirement from the United States Army after 38 years of dedicated, distinguished, and honorable service. He will retire on November 22, 2013, concluding his service over the past 2 years as commander of the U.S. forces in Korea. During both war and peace, General Thurman has served with courage and distinction in the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating his commitment to America and to our people.

During his long and honorable career, General Thurman successfully commanded 10 different units at every echelon of command, including extensive operational combat deployments. Besides his command of the 4th Infantry Division and the Multinational Division in Baghdad, Iraq, he made significant contributions during the initial invasion of Iraq as the chief of operations for the Coalition Forces Land Component Command. Other notable assignments during his tenure include operations in Kosova as the chief of the Plans and Policy Division for Allied Forces Southern Europe and battalion executive officer in the 1st Cavalry Division during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

In his final assignment, General Thurman served as the senior U.S. military officer in Korea where he was responsible for 28,500 U.S. forces stationed there. His top command priority was to deter and defend against North Korean provocations and aggression and, should deterrence fail, to be prepared to ``fight tonight'' and win. He ensured the readiness of his multinational, combined and joint forces through a broad range of actions.

As a result of changes he directed during the two annual multinational, combined and joint exercises in Korea, forces under his command became the most mission-focused training exercises in U.S.-ROK history. His initial assessment of existing capabilities on the peninsula resulted in the addition of an armed reconnaissance squadron and other changes to better prepare and position U.S. forces to respond. His steady hand and strong relationships with his ROK counterparts, as well as with senior civilian and military leaders in the U.S., were critical to safely navigating several operational crises.

A native of Marietta, Oklahoma, General Thurman graduated from East Central Oklahoma University, where he earned his commission through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. His first assignment was with the 4th Infantry Division, which he later commanded and deployed with to Iraq. Since his first assignment, he and his wife, Delia, known as ``Dee'' Thurman, have moved over 25 times in 38 years, including four tours in Germany, two at the National Training Center, and three in my district at Fort Hood, Texas. During that time, they raised two daughters, and they are now proud grandparents.

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 General Thurman for his selfless service to the Nation and to the United States Army. I wish him and his wife the best in the years ahead, and I welcome them as new constituents to the 31st Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I am a cosponsor of the Keep Your Health Plan Act.

We had promises to folks that they could keep their health plan and keep their doctors. Obviously, those promises are not being kept. A lot of Americans are finding out this hard news. One of them is Elizabeth Hoffman, this pretty young lady, and her son, from Hutto, Texas, a small town in my district.

Elizabeth is a single mother with a young son. She does not get insurance

through her employer. She got her insurance through Humana at $167 a month, with a $2,000 deductible. It was the plan she liked.

She has now lost her plan. Humana has canceled that plan. The plan most similar to the one she has now costs $404 a month, with a $2,500 deductible. Needless to say, she is not happy. She is not happy with the Obama plan, and she is not happy with the exchange and is worried about the pharmacy she is going to go to. She is not likely to have insurance next year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the great public service of Belton, TX Mayor Jim Covington. Jim is dedicated to making Belton's beauty, amenities, and growth his top priority.

Located deep in the heart of Texas, Belton is a unique city with friendly people and a rich history. Founded in 1850, Belton serves as the county seat of Bell County, one of the fastest growing areas in Texas. Belton is located on the famous Chisholm Trail, where millions of cattle were driven from Texas to rail heads in Kansas. Texas' state sport is celebrated daily at Belton's Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

A Sooner who as a young boy made his way south and took up roots in the Lone Star State, Jim is now a proud Texan. Developing leadership abilities in his youth, he settled in Belton to raise his family and realized he wanted to be a part of making the city a better place.

Jim has been instrumental in infrastructure and park improvements and has kept his eye on managing growth. A proud part of the larger Fort Hood community, he's been involved in troop support for years. Jim stays grounded by balancing his mayoral duties with his work at his wife's real estate firm and by being a devoted father and grandfather.

Jim Covington is an asset to Belton and I'm proud he's Mayor. Under his stewardship, Belton is on the right track.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Harker Heights, TX Mayor Mike Aycock. He's proudly carrying on his family's contributions to public service.

Harker Heights, just over 50 years old, is part of the larger Fort Hood community. One of the fastest growing cities in Texas, Harker Heights offers numerous recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

The son of Bell County Commissioner Joe Aycock, Mike is part of a proud family that's been in Bell County since after the Civil War. Mike settled for good in Harker Heights after college. Nurtured by citizen activists and former mayor Ed Mullen, Aycock rose to the mayor's post and has developed a reputation as a courteous and dedicated public servant who remains focused on doing what's right for Harker Heights.

The relatively young city of Harker Heights deserves a mayor with energy and enthusiasm to tackle the challenges of the future. It has one in Mike Aycock. I'm glad he's there and I look forward to seeing great things happen for Harker Heights.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the great work of Killeen Mayor Dan Corbin. This experienced leader and Vietnam veteran is the right man to work on behalf of the home of Fort Hood.

A railroad town since the 1880s, Killeen weathered the Great Depression and later became the proud home of Camp Hood in 1942. Recommissioned as Fort Hood eight years later, it's now the largest military base in the world. ``The Great Place'' is so much a part of daily life in Killeen that the town's motto is ``Tanks for the memories.''

Dan was born and raised on a dairy and hog farm in northwestern Illinois. A Vietnam veteran, he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the National Army Reserves. During his time in the Army, he earned the Meritorious Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, and three Army Commendation Medals. Knowing firsthand the importance of our veterans, he's active in the American Legion, VFW, and the Fort Hood Area Veterans Advisory Committee. Dan's ability to relate to both enlistees and officers has added an extra dimension to his skills as a public servant. He knows how to be lead and how to lead.

As mayor, Dan has embraced new technology and the internet as part of public service and constituent outreach. His tenure on the Water Sewage and Drainage Committee allows him to use his expertise on critical Texas water issues. He's looking toward a bright future of water reuse, new water treatment capacity, repairs to south sewage treatment plant, and implementing a citywide recycling program. Dan has fostered developments to downtown, work on homeless shelters, and better code enforcement.

As the proud representative of Fort Hood, I'm glad civic-minded leaders like Mayor Dan Corbin are working hard to improve their community. The people of Killeen deserve no less.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the committed public service of Salado Mayor Danney McCort. This proud native Texan is not afraid to roll up his sleeves to improve his community.

Salado is a picturesque, historic village on Salado Creek just east of Interstate Highway 35 between Waco and Austin in southern Bell County. The clear, bubbling springs of the creek, which made it a favorite camping ground for Indians thousands of years before Spanish explorers arrived in Texas, have had much to do with the development of the area. The town is the proud home to the Stagecoach Inn, the oldest continuously running hotel in Texas.

Growing up on a farm cultivated a work ethic in Danney that has served him well both professionally and personally. His career as a builder and engineer with the Veterans Administration, along with his love of home repair and do-it-yourself projects, fostered in Danney a can-do spirit that is a reflection of the Salado Community.

Mayor since 2012, Danney's worked to annex the 1-35 corridor, obtain a sewer system for downtown Salado, and foster music and culture in his thriving city. Along with his engineering knowledge, he knows firsthand the importance of water to Texas communities, farms, and livestock.

Salado deserves great leadership and Mayor Danney McCort is delivering. I look forward to continuing my longstanding and productive relationship with him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the work of Temple Mayor Danny Dunn. This eighth generation Texan honors his home state's illustrious past yet looks forward to its even brighter future.

Founded as a railroad construction camp in the 1880s, Temple quickly became home to hospitals, industry, and higher education. Over the years, the Temple area became an ideal place for military personnel to move to for their retirement.

A native son of Temple, Danny got his love of public service as a young boy attending civic events when others were playing flag football. His dreams of becoming Temple's Mayor came true in 2012 and he's made the most of his time in office. He's focused his energies on building and improving his hometown through strategic growth and development, while maintaining Temple's current infrastructure.

As a licensed Texas real estate broker, Danny knows the importance of making sure Temple offers the best of small town living with the best of big city amenities. Danny relies on an extensive network of community activists, ranging from former mayors, Rotary Club members, and faith leaders, to guide him on how to best work for Temple.

Mayor Danny Dunn is lucky enough to know you don't have to leave home to know that's where you belong. I join the people of Temple who are glad he's stayed and is working to making his city a great place to live.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Army Specialist Wesley Acuna of Round Rock, TX who was recently awarded the Expert Field Medical Badge. This symbol of excellence is a sign of his technical and tactical proficiency.

With only a 17-percent pass rate, the Expert Field Medical Badge remains one of the most prestigious and coveted awards a medical professional can obtain in the Army. The testing process, which mirrors the dynamic role medics play in operations today, emphasizes tactical combat casualty care, evacuation, communication, and warrior skills. The security of America permits no compromise when it comes to upholding these high standards.

Inspired by the support from both his section and his unit, Spc. Acuna excelled through these challenging tests and finally persevered through the grueling final stages of the qualifying event, a 12 mile march in full combat load in the blazing Kuwaiti desert. Under harsh and stressful conditions, he proved himself as both expert medical professional and skilled warrior. That he was one of 21 elite soldiers to be awarded the Expert Field Medical Badge speaks volumes about his excellence, professionalism, and determination.

Despite his tremendous accomplishment, Spc. Acuna has no time to rest on his laurels. He is currently deployed to the Middle East with the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The needs of his mission and his country continue.

Spc. Wesley Acuna's commitment to excellence not only displays the best values of central Texas, but is a reflection of the greatness of the men and women of our armed forces. I commend his achievements and celebrate his commitment and perseverance.