Floor Statements

Like all the Members that are speaking tonight, I'm very honored to pay tribute to our friend, Ralph Hall. And I thank Congressman Lamar Smith for organizing this very well-deserved tribute.

Congressman Hall served his country as an aircraft carrier pilot in World War II, and has continued his commitment to service ever since.

As the oldest Member of Congress to cast a recorded floor vote, the dean of the Texas congressional delegation, and the oldest Member of this House, Congressman Hall has a long, distinguished career behind him.

More important than the longevity of Ralph Hall's service, however, is the incredible dedication and commitment to his constituents that he's shown in his service. Congressman Hall has repeatedly earned the trust and respect of voters of north Texas who elected him to his first political office 62 years ago, and they've been sending him back with overwhelming support for 32 years. All along the way, in every office he's served, Congressman Hall has made Texas proud, and continues to do so as chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Serving with Ralph has been a true honor, and I look forward to continuing to serve with him well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, for the last three years Shirlee and Taylor Gandy of Fort Worth, Texas, have dedicated themselves to preserving an important piece of both Fort Worth and American history.

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy awoke in Fort Worth to find thousands of people standing in the cold rain outside his hotel.

The President was in Texas to unify his party leading up to the 1964 election. That rainy day in Fort Worth, he delivered two speeches. The first was delivered to the crowd waiting for him outside the Hotel Texas, and the second to the Chamber of Commerce.

The President greeted the crowd outside, shook hands, and gave a short but rousing speech received with excitement by those in attendance. He spoke of the progress our nation was making, as well as the challenges we faced. He in turn famously challenged the American people to bear the burdens of leadership.

Inside the hotel's ballroom, the President addressed the Chamber gathering, speaking of national defense and Fort Worth's historic role in the effort.

He left Fort Worth to a tickertape parade and the words of his final two speeches faded quickly in the wake of the tragic events that followed. The citizens of Fort Worth, the nation, and the world had just heard the final public thoughts of President John F. Kennedy. His visit was a triumph and his remarks, as much then as now, bear remembering.

Nearly 50 years after the President's death, Shirlee and Taylor Gandy have championed the effort to pay tribute to John Fitzgerald Kennedy, his Presidency, and his historic Fort Worth visit.

The Gandys led the cause, making a generous personal commitment to start the project, which includes a completed 8' bronze sculpture of the President by Texas artist Lawrence Ludtke.

They assembled a committee of friends and members of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. to guide the process. But perhaps their most impressive contribution to the cause was their time.

They personally labored over all the painstaking details necessary to the project. Their labors were rewarded with a beautiful sculpture, handsome tribute design and a successful fundraising campaign. On February 27th of this year, the Gandy's were joined by Fort Worth and Tarrant County dignitaries, including former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Jim Wright, to turn the first shovels of ground on this project. The JFK Tribute in Fort Worth will be complete in the fall of 2012.

When the Tribute opens in General Worth Square on Main Street, the themes of the Kennedy Presidency will find a new public outlet for expression. His last public address and his Fort Worth visit will be remembered in bronze and granite.

And perhaps just as importantly, the warm, genuine, enthusiastic reception President Kennedy received in Texas that has been so long overshadowed by an act of atrocity, will also be remembered.

On behalf of the people of Fort Worth, Texas and the United States of America, I wish to formally thank Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy for their leadership in the creation of the JFK Tribute in Fort Worth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Petty Officer 3rd Class Clayton R. Beauchamp who was killed on August 7, 2012 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Petty Officer Beauchamp was serving with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, based at Camp Pendleton, California.

Petty Officer Beauchamp was from Weatherford, TX. He graduated from Weatherford High School in 2009 and enlisted in the Navy that July. Petty Officer Beauchamp is one of three siblings who have all chosen to serve in the United States Navy. His brother, Christopher Beauchamp, is a six-year Navy corpsman serving his third tour overseas, and his younger sister, Cheyenne Beauchamp, is in the Navy Security Forces, stationed in Virginia. According to friends, Clay always knew he wanted to serve after high school, and he signed up at the first possible opportunity on his 17th birthday, Jan. 16, 2008, more than a year before graduation.

Petty Officer Beauchamp, a medical corpsman, had earned a Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expert ribbons in rifle and pistol and the Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist device, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Clayton R. Beauchamp was a true patriot and made the

ultimate sacrifice defending his country. I wish to extend my condolences to Petty Officer Beauchamp's parents, Jack and Diana, and his sister Cheyenne and brothers Christopher, Brian and Timothy, and hope that they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on this grateful nation, his fellow soldiers, and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 50th anniversary of MICA Corporation--a family-owned company based in Fort Worth, Texas. Back in 1962, two ambitious men named Mickey Stewart and Cayce Tubb had a vision for their futures and a plan for success. Together, they established the MICA Corporation to perform highway guard-rail contract work. Over the years, MICA Corporation has remained on the cutting edge of Texas highway construction and become a well- known and highly respected state-wide company. L.C. Tubb, son of co- founder Cayce Tubb and the current owner of MICA Corporation, has flown all of his employees to Washington, DC to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this great company. I am very proud of what this company has accomplished over the years and pleased that it calls Fort Worth home. Today, I want to welcome L.C. and the many dedicated employees of MICA Corporation to Washington, DC. I want to congratulate everyone at MICA Corporation on achieving this milestone, and wish them many, many more years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has preserved Fort Worth's unique history and has made sure it is available for future generations; Holt Hickman. This Weatherford native is being honored at the Texas Independence Day in Fort Worth, and I couldn't think of a better Cowtown honoree.

While Holt is being recognized for his commitment to Fort Worth's past, his business career has been about innovation and looking to the future. Holt is responsible for helping bring air conditioning to automobiles turning the feature from a luxury to a necessity. The first Japanese cars sold to the U.S. market had air conditioning only because Holt convinced the auto makers this was the future. Holt is not only a successful businessman who has had local, national and international reach, he has also been one of the many tenacious civic leaders in our community who have made Fort Worth what it is today.

Holt helped save and preserve the Fort Worth Stockyards in what was one of the largest historic preservation projects in the country. He accomplished this in part by working with passionate and committed partners. Because of his efforts, the Stockyards are one of the most visited and beloved areas of the city today. As Mayor, I was privileged to have Holt as a partner and that friendship has continued throughout my career. His energy, generosity, and vision will continue to enhance our city's cowboy heritage for generations to come. I couldn't think of a more deserving Texan to be honored on the day of our state's independence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the State- Foreign Operations division of this conference agreement, which contains $42.1 billion in discretionary budget authority. This means that since January, spending in this bill will decrease in this bill by $6.6 billion, or more than 13 percent.

The agreement includes overseas contingency operations spending for State and USAID to implement in frontline states and conflict areas. These costs are temporary and extraordinary and will be reduced over time.

This bill has been written to address our foreign assistance and State Department funding through the lens of what is most important to our national security interests and the security of our allies and our neighbor Mexico. The bill provides security assistance for critical allies, including full finding for the U.S.-Israel memorandum of understanding.

The bill also carries new language on the Palestinian Authority, cutting off their economic aid and stopping their ability to have a U.S. office if they obtain member state status at the United Nations. Additionally, the bill addresses concerns about assistance to Egypt and to Pakistan.

New restrictions are also placed on the U.N. and other international organizations. For example, funds are withheld from these organizations until they publicly display their audit and financial reports.

I want to thank the members of the State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee and, in particular, my ranking member, Mrs. Lowey, who has been extremely helpful in developing this compromise. I also thank my colleagues across the Capitol who worked in good faith for the best possible outcomes. I believe we were successful in protecting our national security while providing appropriate oversight of taxpayer dollars.

I want to sincerely thank the staff: from Mrs. Lowey's staff, Steve Marchese, Erin Kolodjeski and Talia Dubovi; and on my staff, Anne Marie Chotvacs, Clelia Alvarado, Alice Hogans, Susan Adams, Craig Higgins, Jamie Guinn, Johnnie Kaberle, and Matt Leffingwell. They all worked appreciable hours and with great dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Army Sergeant First Class Houston M. Taylor who was killed on October 13, 2011 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was working in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while serving with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Sergeant First Class Taylor was posthumously promoted to Sergeant First Class and awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions.

Sergeant First Class Taylor was 25 years old, attended Azle High School, in Azle, Texas, and enlisted in the Army in 2005. His first assignment was to Fort Lewis, Washington, with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Taylor deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2008 before deploying to Afghanistan in early 2011. Sergeant Taylor was killed during his third combat tour. He leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife, Kelsey Rae Taylor, and two young children, Rylan, and Avery.

Sergeant First Class Taylor gallantly and selflessly gave his life in the service of his country when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire while they were on foot patrol in Afghanistan. Major Dave Eastburn, a spokesman for the brigade in which Sergeant First Class Taylor served, said Sergeant First Class Taylor ``was a warrior, a great leader, and will be truly missed.'' This affirmation only confirms what his family and friends already knew about Sergeant First Class Taylor. His mother knew from an early age that he was destined for the service and his wife said that ``he never complained about anything he had to do'' in the Army.

I wish to extend my condolences to Sergeant First Class Taylor's wife, Kelsey Rae, his children, Rylan and Avery, his parents, and all of his family and friends. I hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on both this grateful nation and his fellow soldiers.

Thank you very much for yielding to me and thank you for the time where we get to talk about women and our seniors.

Women have made great strides in the workforce and in politics-- actually, in all areas of life. But while we've had our careers, we're still the primary caregivers for our children, and we're the ones often responsible for managing our household budget.

Additionally, many of us have added the responsibility of caring for our aging and sick parents that we owe so much to, as you've talked about. We know the importance of being there for our parents, the way they were there for us throughout our lives, and that's why tonight the House Republican women are focusing on the issues that matter to America's seniors.

While Medicare and Social Security often make the headlines, Alzheimer's disease is a challenge that's touched nearly all of us in some way, someone we know, if not our own family. Beyond the emotional toll, Alzheimer's is a disease that will weigh down our economy over the next century if it's not addressed head on.

Nearly 6 million Americans are currently living with this disease, and every single day more than 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65. As these baby boomers age, one in eight will develop Alzheimer's. At a time when our government is looking for ways to save money, thinking about the economic cost of diseases like Alzheimer's is an important priority to consider.

Today, Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and we are seriously lacking in ways to prevent, cure, or even slow its progress.

This year alone, the economic impact of caring for Alzheimer's patients will cost our economy a total of $183 billion. Unless something is done soon, the costs of Alzheimer's in the United States will total $20 trillion by the year 2050; $15 trillion of that cost will come from Medicare and Medicaid.

This is a disease that is not only heartbreaking, but it is also a disease that we can't afford if we don't take action now. That means making Alzheimer's a national priority. Leadership from the Federal Government has helped reduce the number of deaths from other diseases, such as HIV-AIDS, influenza, pneumonia, and stroke. We need to do the same thing for Alzheimer's.

We have the potential to create the same success that has been demonstrated in fights against other major diseases. By making Alzheimer's a priority, we can cut down on both the financial and the human cost of this disease. So I'm proud to stand with my Republican colleagues and talk about the issues that seniors and their families are dealing with every day. And we can find solutions.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill to fund the continuing operations of the Federal Government until November 18. I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Rogers in addressing the responsibilities of this Congress.

Passing this stopgap measure will give Congress time to complete the fiscal year 2012 appropriations process. In spite of our late start, the Appropriations Committee was still able to move 11 of the 12 appropriations bills this year. However, the committee still needs time to collaborate with the Senate.

The continuing resolution funds vital government programs and services and allows essential bills to be paid. It reduces spending to the levels agreed to by the Congress and the administration in the Budget Control Act that was signed into law in August. And it avoids controversial policy riders in order to ensure swift passage.

There are many reasons Members should support this bill. Perhaps one of the most important is what this bill does for our military. Without a CR, our servicemembers and their families don't get paid. They would have to continue to do their work protecting the country, but they would have to do it while worrying about whether they would be able to pay their bills or mortgage.

Our brave men and women in uniform already faced that possibility earlier this year. They deserve better. They need to know that the United States Congress stands behind them. This bill addresses disaster relief, and it funds it in a responsible way.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill so it can be enacted as soon as possible and the Appropriations Committee can complete its work without any further delay. This is a responsible action for us to take to go forward. The American people expect the Congress to do our jobs. The Appropriations Committee must complete its work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Army Specialist Michael C. Roberts who was killed on August 27, 2011 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while serving with the 561st Military Police Company, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Specialist Roberts was 23 years old and was from Watauga, Texas. He graduated from Richland High School in Fort Worth, Texas in 2006 where he played tuba in the band and was a varsity wrestler. Specialist Roberts was the youngest of three brothers to join the Army when he enlisted in November 2007. According to his brother Patrick, Specialist Roberts relished the opportunity to ``have a positive influence.'' Specialist Roberts' first tour was to Iraq in 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a communications specialist with the 1st Cavalry Division based at Fort Hood, Texas. He re-enlisted in 2010 and transferred to Fort Campbell, Kentucky in February 2011.

Specialist Roberts was on his second tour when he was killed. He lost his life to a vehicle borne improvised explosive device that detonated near his patrol. Specialist Roberts was protecting a secured area outside a police station when a vehicle attempted to breach the area. Specialist Roberts engaged the enemy, forcing them to detonate the device prematurely, and preventing them from injuring or killing a large number of fellow soldiers. Specialist Roberts was recognized for his actions by being awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Badge. Our nation can never repay the debt we owe to this brave man and his family, who understand firsthand the meaning of service and sacrifice. Specialist Roberts represents the best values of this nation and of the United States Army.

Specialist Roberts is fondly remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest, laughed every day, was extremely generous, and stood strongly for what he believed.

I wish to extend my condolences to Specialist Roberts' parents, David and Kathy, and his brothers Patrick and Brian, and hope that they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on both this grateful nation and his fellow soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Explosive Ordnance Disposal Nicholas Heath Null who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Null was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Null was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, including one for extraordinary heroism, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, two Iraqi Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Null is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Null an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Null's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cryptologic Technician Petty Officer First Class Michael Joseph Strange who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Petty Officer Strange was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Petty Officer Strange was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and other campaign and unit decorations.

Petty Officer Strange is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Petty Officer Strange an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Petty Officer Strange's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Jon Thomas Tumilson who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Tumilson was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Tumilson was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including

two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Tumilson is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Tumilson an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Tumilson's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Aaron Carson Vaughn who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Petty Officer Vaughn was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Vaughn was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Vaughn is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Vaughn an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Vaughn's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Jason Ray Workman who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Workman was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Workman was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendation, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Workman is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Workman an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Workman's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.