Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1301, the FY17 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. The world is more dangerous and unstable than any time in recent history. The U.S. and our allies face constant threats from countries including Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea. ISIS and other global terrorists threaten our very way of life.

Our number one responsibility as Members of Congress is to provide for the defense of this Nation. I commend Chairman Frelinghuysen for the outstanding job he did drafting the FY17 bill. He deserves our thanks for producing such a significant and meaningful bill.

Since becoming the chairwoman of the Defense Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, I have spent a lot of time talking to senior defense leaders to find out what they need to combat these threats. They have unanimously stated that the only thing our adversaries respect is strength, and they need this bill passed to ensure our military is as strong and effective as possible.

Sequestration and reduced budget requests have caused the military to be underfunded for too long. This bill begins a process of rebuilding our military and giving our warfighters the resources they need to counter the numerous complex threats around the world. This bill reverses the drawdown of end strength and instead increases it by 36,000 troops above the FY17 budget request. This bill reverses steep cuts to procurement by funding additional ships and aircraft to modernize our weapons systems and address shortfalls. This is important because we have the smallest number of ships in the Navy since 1916, and the average age of an Air Force aircraft is 27 years old. Marine aviation squadrons have been forced to salvage parts from museums in order to keep our planes flying.

In every meeting I have had with defense leadership, they emphasize the devastating impact both sequestration and operating under a continuing resolution have on our security. When asked about the impact of a full year CR, General Goldfein, chief of staff of the Air Force, said: ``There is no enemy on the planet that can do more damage to the United States Air Force than us not getting a budget.''

Our military is counting on us to pass this bill now. It is the only way to ensure the United States will be strong and able to lead in this very dangerous world. I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of James ``Jim''

Howard Shaw, a remarkable Texan who passed away on December 27, 2016 after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Jim's family has deep roots in Fort Worth, having moved there to open Shaw Brothers' Dairy in the late 1800s. Jim was born on September 12, 1950 to Bill and Betty Shaw. He attended Paschal High School where he was a stand-out track athlete, earning himself a scholarship to Louisiana Tech University. Jim hung up his cleats for law school at Texas Tech and began practicing law in 1975, briefly as a prosecutor and then in private practice as a defense attorney--a role he continued through the final months of his life.

Over his 41 years as a defense attorney, Jim earned the reputation of being a staunch protector of his clients' rights, representing each within the full bounds of the law. His colleagues recall that he would often get hired on a Sunday, pick a jury on Monday, and earn a favorable outcome by the end of the week. Jim loved the art of trying a case. Anyone who watched him in action would agree he was a master of his craft, making lasting friendships and inspiring his peers along the way.

When not in the courtroom, Jim could be found on the golf course at Colonial Country Club, behind home plate cheering on the Texas Rangers, or on a patio somewhere enjoying Mexican food. However, more than anything, Jim loved his family and spending genuine time with them. He is survived by his wife Carol; children James Shaw Jr., Ben Shaw, Tim Shaw, and his stepchildren Steven Prewitt and Aimee Plummer; 11 grandchildren; and his brothers Bill Shaw, David Shaw and Greg Shaw.

Jim Shaw's death leaves a great hole in the hearts of many, but his passion for the law and his kind heart will be felt for generations to come. Fort Worth was lucky to have him and is a better city because of his devotion to justice. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Jim Shaw. May he rest in peace.

``The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice-President; . . . ''

Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 557 I am not recorded because I was absent due to a previously scheduled meeting. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye.

Thank you. It is such an honor to speak about our good friend Ralph Hall.

His background and what he has done is really amazing. He joined the Navy in 1942. He went to war. He came back and got an LLB from Southern Methodist University. He was admitted to the Texas Bar and became a county judge, the president of the State Judges and Commissioners Association. He was elected to the State senate and was president pro tem. Then in 1980, he came to the House of Representatives, where he still serves.

The most important thing in Ralph's life, something that Joe Barton talked about--he said: ``If you are going to talk about how important my life is, you are going to talk about my wife, Mary Ellen,'' the love of his life. They married in 1944 and were married until she passed in 2008.

But we are really not talking about what Ralph Hall did but who Ralph Hall is. Anyone who met him one time, the first thing you think about is that great smile. He was always smiling. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a joke on his lips. There is no one who tells jokes better than Ralph Hall. He has always got a story, and he has always got a joke.

I had to go to The Dallas Morning News for an endorsement at the editorial board one time, and, unfortunately, Ralph was interviewed right before I was. I walked in and they were still laughing at his jokes. No one could even think of a question for me for a while. But he was just that kind of a person. Never said a mean thing about anyone but told a lot of jokes on a lot of people.

So I wish Ralph were here sitting in this Chamber with us tonight, but because of his accident, he is not. But I know he is watching it.

I will say to Ralph, we miss you, and we wish you the very best. It has been wonderful. We are all better for having known you. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and accomplishments of Judge Jean Boyd, who has been a proven leader in Fort Worth, Texas.

Judge Jean Boyd is the presiding judge of the 323rd Family District Court, which serves Tarrant County as its Juvenile Court. Judge Boyd has presided in this Court since 1995, having previously served as its Associate Judge since 1987. She is retiring from the bench in December 2014 after 27 years of judicial service.

Throughout her career, Judge Boyd has worked to serve her community and her profession as a whole. She is the Chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee of the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas, and she has previously served as Chair of the Juvenile Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. She served on the Board of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission from 2005 to 2011. In January 2014, she was appointed by Governor Perry to the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families.

Judge Boyd is a past board member of the Tarrant County Bar Association and a past president of the Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court, the Tarrant County Young Lawyers' Association and the Tarrant County Women Lawyers' Association. Judge Boyd was honored as the Outstanding Young Lawyer of Tarrant County in 1988 and received The Professionalism Award from the Tarrant County Bar Association in 2001. In 2011, Judge Boyd became the first woman to receive the Tarrant County Bar Association's prestigious Silver Gavel Award, which is given to jurists who have made a substantial contribution to the bench by exemplifying ability, integrity and courage.

In 2000, Judge Boyd spearheaded the implementation of National Adoption Day in Tarrant County and has participated in every National Adoption Day event since then. She was selected as Judge of the Year by Texas CASA in 1999. In 2002, Judge Boyd received the Judge Scott Moore Award from Child Advocates of Tarrant County. In 2003, she was the recipient of the Angel in Adoption Award from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. She served on the founding boards of CASA of Tarrant County and the Alliance for Children and is currently a member of the board of Gill Children's Services.

Judge Boyd has dedicated her career to making Tarrant County a better place to live, and her contributions to our community are undeniable. I join in congratulating her on her outstanding service and retirement.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for the hard work you have put into this difficult situation.

Mr. Speaker, we are here tonight because this Congress has a responsibility to immediately stop the humanitarian crisis on our southern border. The President has failed to lead. The Senate failed to lead. This Chamber has to lead.

Since October, 58,000 unaccompanied minors have made the treacherous 1,000-mile journey from Central America, across Mexico, and through our southern border. Tens of thousands more unaccompanied minors are expected to come if we don't act. Doing nothing is not an option. I repeat, doing nothing is not an option.

The members of the working group I chaired made recommendations for an immediate short-term response. I want to recognize the hard work and commitment of the working group members who made targeted policy recommendations on how to end this crisis.

Our conclusions included in the bill are to tweak the 2008 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act to make sure that all unaccompanied minors are treated the same as Mexicans, prioritize last in-first out, expedite the hearing process within 7 days after the children are detained, and hire additional temporary judges to support the accelerated process.

To fully support Customs and Border Protection's mission, we include a provision to allow Border Patrol unfettered access to Federal lands. Finally, Mr. Speaker, the supplemental includes a sense of Congress that children should not be detained at military bases.

The Congressional Budget Office has given its assessment of the policy changes in this legislation. They have

said that because the legislation allows for the children to self- deport, it will lead to immediate savings.

I want to commend Chairman Rogers on this smart, targeted bill that helps address the crisis immediately, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the supplemental.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.

Madam Speaker, as we speak, unaccompanied minors continue to be sent from Central America through drug cartel smuggling networks across Mexico and through our southern border.

Families are being lied to and manipulated by the coyotes. The $6,000 their families spend to send their children to the United States goes into the bank account of the most powerful drug cartels in the world.

Since October, over 58,000 unaccompanied children have made the dangerous journey to the United States, and many more will continue to come unless we send a clear message that they will not be allowed to stay in the United States.

I have seen firsthand the crisis that has unfolded at the southern border in places like the Rio Grande Valley and south Texas. I have seen the women and children sleeping on the floor of a bus station in Laredo.

I have seen motherless infants being cared for by any stranger who is around. I have seen the children who are alone in detention facilities in McAllen, Texas, and I have seen the 1,200 children who are being sheltered at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, and--most disturbing of all--I have heard the stories about the most God-awful journey anyone should ever have to experience.

We are here today because we have a responsibility to stop this crisis. The President has failed to lead, so I firmly believe this Chamber must act. Doing nothing is not an option.

Since June, when the Speaker asked me to lead a working group to provide policy recommendations on what we can do to address the crisis, I have been to the Texas-Mexico border twice and led a codel to Guatemala and Honduras, to see where the children are coming from and why. I will be returning to the border tomorrow for a third time.

The members of the working group dove headfirst into this issue to understand this crisis and provide recommendations for a short-term, immediate response. The policies we recommended are not an attempt for immigration reform. They are serious solutions to address this crisis.

I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work of the members of the working group who have made policy recommendations to the conference and the expertise they brought to the table.

I want to thank the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Bob Goodlatte; chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Michael McCaul; chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, John Carter; chairman of the Western Hemisphere Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, Matt Salmon; Congressman Steve Pearce from the Financial Services Committee; and Mario Diaz-Balart from the Appropriations Committee.

One of our conclusions from the last several weeks is that Congress should not provide more resources to the administration without changing the policies that have led us to the situation we are in today. Administration officials and officials in the Central American countries have all said that we have to make changes to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008. A month ago, it appeared there was a bipartisan consensus forming on this issue.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said from the White House podium just 3 weeks ago, when discussing changes to the 2008 law, that it is ``a priority of this administration, and if you listen to the public comments of Democrats and Republicans, it sounds like it's a bipartisan priority.''

I agree, and it is disappointing that the White House has backed down from their original statements on how we can immediately address this issue.

We are not asking for a repeal of this law. We are saying we need to tweak the 2008 law so that all unaccompanied minors are treated the same as Mexican and Canadian children for removal purposes. The policy changes included in this bill ensure that children receive a prompt hearing within 7 days after they are detained and require that a judge rules no later than 72 hours after a hearing.

Accelerating the hearing times requires more judges. I thank the chairman for including the necessary funding to hire 40 temporary judges until this crisis is under control.

For repatriations, we are prioritizing last in-first out. That means the last child to go into United States Government custody will be the first one we send home. After families have spent between $6,000 and $9,000 to send their children here, this will send a strong message to the families in the countries of origin that their children will not be permitted to stay. This is a message of deterrence.

I also note that Chairman Rogers has prioritized funding for Central American countries to safely and humanely return these children, working with these countries as we return their children, as they have asked us to do.

With the surge of children, there has been increased pressure on our Customs and Border Protection officials. This supplemental deploys the National Guard to assist high-traffic States. This will free up the Border Patrol to focus on their mission.

To fully support the Customs and Border Protection's mission, we include a provision to allow unfettered access to Federal lands. Right now, through a memorandum of understanding, Border Patrol officials are only permitted to pursue suspects onto Federal lands. They cannot do regular patrols.

Finally, the supplemental includes a sense of Congress that children should not be detained at military bases. While this will not change the law, this provision addresses a serious and growing concern for Members of Congress, not the least of concerns is that children should not be stored on military bases.

The Congressional Budget Office has given its assessment of policy changes in this bill. They have said that, because the legislation allows for the children to self-deport, it will lead to immediate savings.

This is a smart, targeted bill that addresses the crisis immediately. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the supplemental and show the American people that we are going to end this crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Commander Peter T. Courtney, on his retirement after 24 years of Commissioned Service to the United States Navy and for his extraordinary dedication to duty and to the United States of America.

I have worked with Commander Courtney personally over the past five years--first in 2009, when he was a Defense Legislative Fellow assigned to my office, and then for three years as the Deputy Director, Appropriations Liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller). I would like to share with you some highlights of his fine career.

Commander Peter Courtney graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. Following Commissioning and flight school, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer. He reported to his first sea assignment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) flying the F-14 Tomcat. He then transferred to Navy Fighter Weapons School for duty as a TOPGUN Instructor. He later reported to Fighter Squadron Thirty Two (VF-32) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and direct action missions during Operation DESERT FOX. After he completed his Master of Arts degree at the Naval War College he reported to USS George Washington (CVN-73) participating in Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and ENDURING FREEDOM.

Peter served with distinction in a variety of assignments ashore: as Aide to then Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark; Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & Comptroller) as a Congressional Appropriations Liaison; and with Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Staff for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, including Adversary Aircraft Requirements, Acquisition Reform, and Manpower Planning and Resourcing.

After completing a Military Legislative Fellowship, Commander Courtney reported to his current assignment as Deputy Director Navy Appropriations Matters Office where he helped the Department of the Navy achieve their financial and legislative goals. For nearly four years, Commander Courtney has demonstrated exceptional leadership and foresight, engaging Members of the Appropriations Committee and its Staff to provide information essential to resourcing the Navy for its role as the world's dominant sea power. In an increasingly difficult budget environment, Commander Courtney provided essential support in shepherding three Navy budgets through the appropriations process. Peter served our Navy and nation with integrity, insight and dedication. My office, the subcommittee staff, and I have found him to be a pleasure to work with and all respect his professionalism.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in saying thank you to Commander Peter T. Courtney for his extraordinary dedication to duty and steadfast service to this country throughout his distinguished career. We wish Peter, ``Fair Winds and Following Seas,'' as he leaves the Naval Service.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 311, due to a previously scheduled constituent event in my district, I was not able to be present for this vote.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 309: Due to a previously scheduled constituent event in my district, I was not able to be present for this vote.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th Anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service and the American Foreign Service Association. Created by the Foreign Services Act of 1924, the Foreign Service brought together the U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Service and Consular Service to be the face, heart and soul of America abroad. Through a World War and various hot and cold wars across the globe since, the men and women of the Foreign Service have played vital roles in representing the United States of America, serving U.S. citizens, and securing U.S. interest near and far.

Much has changed since the initial formation of the Foreign Service following World War I. But a few things have remained the same over these ninety years. Among them are the professionalism and dedication of those who often leave the creature comforts we have come to enjoy on our hallowed shores to serve in remote and distant places often with little recognition or notoriety for a cause far greater than themselves. I rise today to recognize them not only for the crises they led U.S. through, but also for the many crises they allowed our country to avert through their diligence, intellect, intuition, compassion and steely resolve to be champions for peace, democracy and basic humanity. I rise to recognize them for the service, care and comfort they provide to our citizens while abroad reminding them that the supporting hand of American is never far away.

Our world has become more globally networked and intertwined since the early days of ``hand shake, face-to-face'' diplomacy. Revolution can start in days now not months. Economic interests often go crosswise with security, social, or political interests. Adversaries on some issues are often allies on others and we look to the members of the Foreign Service to navigate and represent the nuances of American foreign policy. Yet time after time, year after year, crisis after crisis, issue after issue they have always owned up to the challenge and America and the world are the better for it.

Not only do we celebrate today the 90th Anniversary of the Foreign Service but also the 90th Anniversary of the American Foreign Services Association (AFSA) which was formed as the professional association of the modem Foreign Service and later became the official representative and advocate for our Foreign Service professionals. Initially formed with the Foreign Service in mind, the Association has expanded to represent not only Foreign Service retired and active employees of the Department of State and USAID but also the distinguished Foreign Agricultural Service and Foreign Commercial Service employees, Broadcasting Board of Governors and Foreign Service employees at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service . We stand today to celebrate this wonderful organization that has for ninety years served those who serve us.

Through the years AFSA has been stellar in fulfilling its mission of promoting a strong, effective professional career Foreign Service as the institutional backbone of American diplomacy, enhancing the effectiveness of the Foreign Service, protecting the professional interests and rights of its members, ensuring the maintenance of high professional standards for all American diplomats, career or political appointees, and promoting understanding of the critical role of diplomacy and development in promoting America's national security and economic prosperity. AFSA has been and continues to be an effective voice and strong advocate for the Foreign Service with it members' management, the Congress and the American public.

Finally, Mr. Speaker we can take comfort in this year of celebrating the Foreign Service's 90th Anniversary that whether it is a crisis in

Ukraine, a civil war in Syria, conflict and suffering in Africa, trade in North America or peace in the Middle East for example, our Foreign Service is there in fact and in spirit reflecting the best of who we are as a country and for that we say ``Thank You'' and congratulations on your 90th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I have been looking forward to this day ever since I first learned about the greatest untold story of World War II, and that was 8 years ago.

For me, my journey with the Monuments Men began at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2006 when I met Robert Edsel, who had just published his first book, ``Rescuing Da Vinci,'' and who later wrote ``The Monuments Men: Allied Heros, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History.'' It was that evening when I realized how critical these men and women were in preserving European cultural history and how remarkable their task was during the Second World War.

While death and destruction surrounded them, their mission was the complete opposite: to protect cultural treasures so far as war allowed. This special military unit was tasked with helping to locate works of art confiscated by the Nazis and return them to their rightful owners. The Monuments Men and women were able to locate, preserve, and return almost 5 million cultural items, including many of the world's greatest works of art.

Today, there are only six surviving members--five men and one woman-- of the Monuments Men. As Memorial Day approaches, I believe the veterans who participated in these daring missions are certainly worthy and deserving of the recognition of Congress' highest expression of appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, the medal authorized in this bill will be given to the Smithsonian for safekeeping and available for display, as well as available for loan as appropriate. In my view and that of many other Members, one very appropriate place would be the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, which is building a permanent exhibit on the Monuments Men and expected to open in 2016.

Before I close, there are several people I want to thank who helped make this possible: of course, Robert Edsel for uncovering this story and sharing it with the world; Congressman Michael Capuano for sponsoring this legislation with me; Congressman Steve Cohen for his tireless efforts to help build the support needed to bring this bill to the floor for a vote. I also want to thank Senators Roy Blunt and Robert Menendez for taking the lead on this bill in the Senate.

While we can never say thank you enough, I believe the Congressional Gold Medal is a worthy token of appreciation from a grateful nation to these members of the Greatest Generation.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 211, due to a previously scheduled, and very important, constituent event in my district, I will not be present for this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Warren E. Cupps, Captain of the USS Fort Worth. The sixteenth of April two thousand fourteen marks a historic day for the United States Navy and the City of Fort Worth. Commander Warren E. Cupps will complete his successful tour as the Commanding Officer of USS Fort Worth LCS 3, Crew 103 Rough Riders.

Commander Cupps successfully commanded his ship and her Sailors through sixteen months of arduous sea duty. Taking Command on the seventh of December two thousand twelve, he commanded over 80 Sailors as crewmembers, mission package detachment crews and aviation detachment personnel. He has been instrumental in guiding the various mission packages including Surface Warfare Mission Package Detachment One, HSM-35 Detachment ONE and Mine Countermeasures Mission Package Detachment Three.

His leadership as the commanding officer is evident when the Commander of Naval Surface Forces in the U.S. Pacific Fleet awarded USS Fort Worth the 2013 Battle Effectiveness award. The Battle ``E'' is one of the highest awards presented to a ship. An annual award, it recognizes ships and crews who have demonstrated their combat readiness with superior performances in six categories in which they have maintained excellence and high standards.

Commander Cupps has led his crew through many milestones and achievements throughout the early life of USS Fort Worth. During his tenure, the ship completed Final Contract Trials, the Cybersecurity Inspection, the Technical Evaluation and Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation Period.

Final Contract Trials is a major ship inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey, a congressionally mandated inspection. In the life of a newly constructed ship, it is the final inspection where the ship's material condition and operations are thoroughly tested. This is one of the last milestones in a ship's first year of life. Commander Cupps led his crew through the first-ever trial period for the newest class of ships, the Littoral Combat Ship.

In addition, USS Fort Worth is completing their Technical Evaluation and Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation Period. These events are crucial for the Littoral Combat Ship program in final testing of the seaframe, Surface Warfare Mission Package including 30mm cannons, 11m fast boats with maritime security teams and an MH-60R helicopter. In addition, during the crew's Cybersecurity Inspection, the crew set a new Fleet Record of excellence.

USS Fort Worth is one of the newest littoral combat ships to join our naval fleet. The Littoral Combat Ship, is a fast, agile and focused- mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments and open-ocean operation, with war fighting capabilities to defeat asymmetric threats such as mines, submarines and fast surface craft. USS Fort Worth was christened in 2010 and commissioned in 2012 celebrating the first time our great city has been named as a Naval vessel to honor our city. The citizens of Fort Worth have embraced the Sailors of USS Fort Worth with true Texas hospitality. Our city maintains a proud military heritage and is home to the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.

The charge of command is an immense responsibility. It is the very soul of our Navy since 1775. It represents the finest level of leadership. Commander Cupps upheld the highest degree of naval standards and Navy traditions when commanding his Sailors. Through relentless hard work and determination, Commander Cupps exemplified Fort Worth's ``Grit and Tenacity''. The planks of USS Fort Worth are engraved with his leadership in professionalism, honor and virtue.

Finally, I will say the lasting impression within the bulwarks of USS Fort Worth will be the true loyalty and trust in which he instilled in his Sailors. At all times, Commander Cupps put his ship and her crew above himself. Warren, as a dear friend, I will say Bravo Zulu on your Command at Sea. Thank you for taking care of our men and women in uniform and keeping our ship combat ready. You are a great American and a Naval Officer of high honor and virtue. Fair Winds and Following Seas!