Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lone Star Analysis on its expansion and new corporate headquarters in Addison, Texas, part of the 24th Congressional District.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has experienced unabated growth over the last several years due to its healthy economic climate for small businesses and strong supply of highly-skilled employees. Lone Star Analysis is a wonderful example of this story. During my time serving in the House of Representatives, Lone Star Analysis has tripled its footprint in the Town of Addison and increased employment by the same ratio.

While enjoying significant growth, Lone Star Analysis has also been an active community partner. For example, Lone Star Analysis provided studies on improving federal procurement to a committee within the United States Congress. More recently, Lone Star Analysis delivered a pioneering study on improving the lives of inner-city children. These are two of many examples of Lone Star Analysis going above the call of duty and giving back to our community and nation.

Lone Star Analysis serves key sectors of the Texas economy including oil and gas, aerospace, and manufacturing. Every day, their analytics supports the critical mission of many Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and organizations including the Chief of Naval Aviation Training, headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the Air Education and Training Command, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lone Star Analysis

on its continued growth and grand opening of its new corporate headquarters in Addison, Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Joyce Howard Pittman of Irving, Texas.

Born in Dallas, Texas on August 31, 1940, Joyce Howard Pittman had a passion for family and serving others from a young age. Growing up in the Dallas suburb of Rylie, Texas, Joyce spent many days working in the fields as the child of a farmer. Her father, O.B. Howard, and mother, Thelma Louis Hiser Howard, worked to instill in her the values of hard work and personal responsibility. From early on, it was clear that Joyce was a natural servant leader and entrepreneur.

In June 1958, Joyce met Clyde Pittman at the Dallas Farmers Market, just south of downtown Dallas. Clyde and Joyce were married almost 61 years and together they had two children, Craig Howard Pittman and Clarissa Dawn Pittman Lindsey. While Clyde served in the United States Air Force, Joyce traveled with him on assignment to destinations including Omaha, Nebraska and San Angelo, Texas. Their growing family soon settled in Irving, Texas where Joyce began to engage in local politics. She was one of the founders of the Irving Republican Women's Club where she served in various capacities and leadership roles. Additionally, Joyce served as a Republican Party Precinct Chair in Dallas County and was a fixture at election time in her neighborhood where she walked blocks and made phone calls for local, state, and national candidates.

In April of 1974, at the age of 33, Joyce was elected to the Irving City Council. Joyce was the first woman ever elected to the city council and helped pave the way for many women leaders in Irving and the North Texas community that would follow her. Throughout Joyce's time serving as a councilmember, she was known as a consensus builder and a champion of good government. Following her service on the city council, Joyce joined the North Texas Commission as a consultant. Again, serving as the first woman in this role, Joyce worked to foster economic prosperity in the North Texas region.

Throughout her life, Joyce had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a small business owner, Joyce operated a residential building business which thrived during significant growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area during the 1980s. In the late 1990s, Joyce and Clyde took over an Odessa, Texas telecommunications company, DMJ Communications. Joyce served as the COO and commuted weekly from Irving to operate the organization.

In 2012, Joyce was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. During Joyce's battle, she remained

an eternal optimist by confronting the challenge with grace and fortitude. Up until her passing, Joyce continued to do the things she enjoyed the most including spending time with her family and grandchildren, attending Plymouth Park United Methodist Church, and making phone calls for her favorite local candidates.

Madam Speaker, I extend sincere condolences to the Pittman family and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Joyce Howard Pittman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate City of Bedford Mayor Jim Griffin on his success as Chairman of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District Education Foundation's Board of Directors.

Through the guidance of its board of directors, the Hurst-Euless- Bedford Independent School District (HEB ISD) Education Foundation raises and awards private funds and community resources in support of the HEB ISD's commitment to serving its students and to educational excellence. Since its establishment in 1995, the Foundation has raised and awarded over $855,000 in the form of grants to educators and programs within the HEB ISD.

In 2016, Jim Griffin assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors, leading the foundation into a new period of success and prosperity. Acting on his passions for education and service to his community, Mayor Griffin has worked rigorously and spent countless hours on school campuses, building essential relationships with educators throughout the area. Furthermore, his efforts to secure critical funding have enabled the Foundation to effectively meet the needs of a growing student population.

Mayor Griffin's tremendous impact is apparent in the extensive and continuous outreach that he conducts on behalf of the Foundation. Throughout his time as Chairman, he has maintained the highest level of corporate and community support for the Superintendent's annual Circle of Giving Campaign. He has also expanded the Campus Liaison Program to include multiple visits to all HEB ISD campuses each year. Additionally, Mayor Griffin's work to rebrand the HEB ISD staff campaign ``ARE YOU IN? Inspire, Innovate, Invest'', has resulted in over 100 percent growth of both donors and donations in 2018-2019. With over 770 staff donors and $36,000 raised this past year, every dollar from this campaign is given directly to classrooms and campuses

through the Empowered to Excel grant program.

Under Mayor Jim Griffin's stewardship, the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District Education Foundation has reached new heights, and will continue to help the schools and children throughout their communities for years to come. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Mayor Jim Griffin on his success as Chairman of the HEB ISD Education Foundation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate thirty- three outstanding students from the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District who have been awarded the district's Awards of Excellence for the 2018-2019 school year.

The following students have been selected to receive this award due to their meritorious achievements within their respected disciplines. These students possess unique talents and experiences that have enabled their tremendous success within a diverse field of subjects, which include visual and performing arts, business and industry, science, mathematics, and communications, to name just a few.

Jack Alcorn, Troy Curtsinger, Davonia Williams, Jerry

Manyvanh, Tristen Strawn, Alina Yoo, Martha Hernandez,

Shakyria Bagley, Zachary Campbell, Khusbu Dalal, Jenna

French, Alexa Hassell, Lauren Hill, Erin Millican, Mason

Ornelas, Beverlyn Osoro, Nicholas Pena, Isabela Ponce, Coleen

Roche, Haley Sawatis, Lauren Adams, Hadee Al Hassanawi, Eric

Carlsen, Chloe Crane, Samuel Cusack, Jordan Edwards, Timothy

Harris, Dylan Hurt, Nicholas Munoz, Aaron Norgaard, Jake

Peters, Allan Stevens, Nelson Tran.

Through their hard work and dedication, these young men and women have built a strong foundation on which to continue their growth and education.

In addition to recognizing the students, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the fine educators who have worked to ensure the needs of these students are met and their talents are nurtured. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the following teachers from Hurst Hills Elementary, Central Junior High, L.D. Bell, Buinger CTE Academy, KEYS, and Trinity High School for their unwavering support of these students:

Lauren Allen, Carolyn Allen, Jo Ann Antinone, Ricky

Balthrop, Jennifer Brockman, Tammy Brown, Richard Campanaro,

Mario Casanova, Kathleen Chase, Trasa Cobern, Amanda Collins,

Kenneth Davis, Christine Davis, Michael Dean,

Blanca Diaz, Logan Douglass, Kendal Fries, Cherie Gibson,

Paul Gibson, Candace Harris, Catherine Kazyaka, Sarah Keith,

Laurel Kuepker, Van Mathews, Allen Matthews, Karen McCurdy,

Joseph Mendenhall, Courtney Miller, Jennifer Muirhead, Ann

Nadeau, Louise Payblas, Vandana Rajpurohit, David Rawls.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize these outstanding students and teachers on this monumental achievement. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2019 HEB ISD Awards of Excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize my constituent, Mr. Rafael B. Cruz for his 80th birthday on March 22nd. A man of strong faith and uncompromising willpower, Rafael embodies the meaning of persistence, and serves as a leading example of what the American Dream can look like with enough hard work and an unwavering belief in the prospect of liberty.

Born in Cuba under the oppressive Batista regime, Rafael experienced assault and imprisonment as a teenager for taking an active stance against the injustices he witnessed. In search of a better life, he left his home at the age of eighteen to pursue a degree in higher education, and arrived in Austin, Texas where he studied Mathematics and Chemical Engineering. While in school, he worked seven days a week for fifty cents an hour until he obtained his degree in 1961. In addition to his obligations as a student, Rafael maintained strong ties with his community in Cuba and advocated against the abuses of the newly empowered Castro forces.

A family man by the early 1960s, Rafael balanced his new career in the energy industry with raising two daughters and his son, current Texas Senator, Ted Cruz. Rafael moved to Houston with his family to work and found a lasting home in the state Texas. Today, he resides in my district, in the City of Carrollton, where he is a pastor, a supportive father and grandfather, and an exemplary member of our community.

Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the inspiring life story of Rafael Cruz, who has fought for freedom, family and faith for all of his life, and whose contributions to our country will continue to make a mark on the character of our American spirit. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing a very happy 80th birthday to Mr. Rafael Cruz.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Scott Rhodes on his well-earned retirement from the City of Grapevine, Texas Police Department after twenty-nine years of dedicated service as a law enforcement officer.

Scott is a hardworking and highly respected officer of the Grapevine Police Department. He has honorably served his community since beginning his distinguished career with the Paris, Texas Police Department in 1990. Scott would go on to serve as an officer in Grand Prairie, Texas and then Glen Heights, Texas until joining the Grapevine Police Department in 1996 as a patrol officer.

Throughout his twenty-two years as an officer in Grapevine, Scott has received 34 police commendations as evidence of his outstanding service and professionalism. Furthermore, he has earned meritorious service bars for Special Service, Certificate of Merit, Good Conduct, Safe Driving, Police Service, FTO Officer, Honor Guard Member, Crime Prevention, Police Instructor, Police Diver, and U.S. Presidential Protection.

Scott is a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) instructor, Firearms Instructor, Crime Prevention & Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Specialist, and Mental Health Peace Officer. He also holds certifications in ATV, Advanced Diver, Dry Suit Diver, and Nitrox Gas Diver and specializes in active shooter preparedness and asset protection training. Additionally, Scott served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Crime Prevention Association Inc. (TPCA) as Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, and President. He serves as Chairman of the TCP A/TCOLE Training Advisory Review Board and has been instrumental in the inception, planning, collaboration, and implementation of the statewide TCOLE recognized Certified Crime Prevention Specialist Certification. In 2012, Scott was awarded Life Membership to the organization and received the Overall Crime Prevention Specialist Award in July of 2014. Scott is a member of the Texas Chisholm Trail Crime Prevention association and was awarded their Crime Prevention Specialist of the Year award in 2012.

Scott's contributions to the law enforcement operations in the City of Grapevine and beyond have helped to ensure countless officers were adequately trained and prepared for the challenges they face in their everyday duties. His legacy will leave a lasting mark on the City of Grapevine and the Grapevine Police Department for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the exhaustive efforts Scott has contributed to the City of Grapevine, and the State of Texas. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Senior Officer Scott Rhodes for his many years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate trailblazers for equality like the Rainwater Family of Carrollton, Texas during this Black History Month. Over the last 100 years, each generation of the Rainwater family has persistently worked to grow Carrollton, Texas, into a diverse, inclusive, and loving community.

Born on February 3, 1912, Annie Heads Rainwater was the sixth child of Walter and Nancy Heads. In 1932, Annie married Charlie ``Wash'' Rainwater, son of George W. Rainwater and Delia Bush. Annie and Charlie had eight children, two of which passed away as infants. Annie and Charlie lived on the family farm belonging to Annie's grandparents-- located in present day Carrollton, Texas. Annie was a homemaker and Charlie managed the family farm. Together, they attended church and spent time instilling Christian values of charity, hard work, and friendship in their children.

In 1962, Dallas' school district desegregation plan was slowly being put into place. In Carrollton, a then-rural school district to the northwest, Annie Heads Rainwater's six children had no neighborhood high school. Under segregation laws and as was customary, black students were not allowed to attend the all-white Carrollton High School just minutes away from the Rainwater family farm. Black students were bused 20 miles to all-black Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas, and later, 30 miles north to Denton's all-black Fred Moore High.

To Mrs. Rainwater, the school system had failed her family. As a recent widow, Mrs. Rainwater filed civil action in U.S. District Court against Carrollton's school district, demanding desegregation. Her younger daughters, Nancy and Betty, were named as plaintiffs in the case. Later that year, Judge Sarah T. Hughes ordered Carrollton to integrate its high school. In fall 1963, Mrs. Rainwater watched as Nancy and other teenagers became the first black students to attend all-white R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton, Texas. Annie Heads Rainwater lived until 1992. In 1994, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD recognized Annie for her bold perseverance against many odds by dedicating Annie Heads Rainwater Elementary in her honor.

Today, Annie Heads Rainwater's son, Rev. Willie Rainwater, continues to carry the torch for justice and freedom through his work at Christ Community Connection. Willie and his wife, Juanita, work diligently to provide scholarships to underprivileged students in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Additionally, Willie and Juanita started the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade that celebrated its 25th anniversary last month.

Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the Rainwater Family for their significant contributions to the Carrollton, Texas community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of President George Herbert Walker Bush. A patriot and family man, the 41st President of the United States served his country honorably throughout his decades of public service. From the House of Representatives to the White House, he was a man of character who instilled strong conservative values in his leadership.

In 1942, just 6 months after Pearl Harbor, the loss of life and destruction motivated the future president to join the Navy on his 18th birthday. He would become one of the youngest aviators in our country's history; having completed his training, he was commissioned just three days before turning 19 years old. In 1944, he and his crew would partake in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, a crucial battle of WWII that disabled Japan's ability to conduct large-scale aircraft carrier operations. At just 19 years old, he risked his life and took a stand for democracy, a part of the greatest generation who heard and answered the call of duty.

Piloting his own airplane, a Grumman TBF Avenger, the young aviator and his crew took heavy fire near the Bonin Islands during a bombing run. His airplane was damaged and the engine caught fire as he attempted to maneuver away from the fight after successfully dropping his payload. Unfortunately, he was the only aviator to escape with his life of those shot down during that bombing raid. Awaiting rescue in the waters of the Pacific after his

plane went down, George H.W. Bush would emerge from this profound experience further motivated to give back to his country and would go on to serve in many capacities to our nation's benefit. He always questioned that day, and why he was the one to survive, and I quote

``Why had I been spared and what did God have in store for

me? In my own view there's got to be some kind of destiny and

I was being spared for something on Earth.''

It was during the Second World War where he met the love his life, Barbara Pierce, and they would have 6 beautiful children together. After the war George H.W. Bush enrolled in Yale, graduating early in an accelerated economics program while captain of the baseball team. He would go on to play in the first two Collegiate World Series as a first baseman. Upon graduation, the family relocated to West Texas where he began in the oil industry working his way up from an equipment salesman to president of his own company. Young and ambitious, Mr. Bush would begin his political career in the 1960s with the Harris County Republican party, and the rest is history.

George H.W. Bush was an inspiration and role model to so many wanting to join public service and make our country a better place, including myself. A member of the Texas State House at the time of his presidency, it was a privilege to see a fellow Texan so passionate and determined to leave our country a better place than when he started. His presidential legacy began on January 20, 1989, when he addressed the country as our 41st President. In his inaugural address, he spoke about the tremendous power placed into the hands of the president. His first act was asking the country to join him in prayer where he emphasized the importance of wielding this incredible power bestowed upon him to help people, and he embodied these words throughout his tenure.

Reflecting upon the major accomplishments of President George H.W. Bush, one of his defining moments was signing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990. The ADA enacted protections and vital reforms for those with physical and/or mental disabilities. His son, President George W. Bush, would later sign the ADA Amendments Act into law in 2008. It expanded the definition of disability and increased protections for many others.

Another notable event of George H.W. Bush's presidency was his leadership during the Gulf War. Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, had invaded Kuwait in the summer of 1990 and occupied most of the country. The events quickly escalated while President Bush began to rally support from our allies across the world, forming a unified front against Iraq's aggressive actions. In January of 1991, U.S. involvement in the Gulf War began with an extensive aerial bombardment, and proceeded into an intensive ground campaign that resulted in the liberation of Kuwait in late February of 1991. President Bush saw the incredible threat to freedom and democracy that Saddam Hussein presented, and knew that the military might of the United States was necessary to stifle the Iraqi army's advancements, and free Kuwait of potential tyranny.

While I could continue down the long list of his accomplishments and incalculable contributions, George H.W. Bush made a real difference at home and abroad. He understood the strength of community and wanted to use the power of the people to help each other and solve community issues as part of his Thousand Points of Lights Theme. Our nation is lucky to have had such a sensible man serve as our President. God Bless President George H.W. Bush and the positive impact he made for so many along the way.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the lasting legacy and distinguished service of President George Herbert Walker Bush.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mac Tristan, Chief of Police of the city of Coppell, Texas, on his retirement after 8 years of dedicated service to the city of Coppell and over 37 years in law enforcement in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Mac Tristan began his career with the Coppell Police Department on January 24, 2011, following over 29 years of service with the Carrollton Police Department. For the past eight years, Mac's leadership as Chief of Police has brought incredible success, in part due to his problem oriented strategies and strong conviction for serving his community. Through his guidance, the Coppell Police Department has experienced new standards of efficiency, and Chief Tristan has set a tremendous example for those in law enforcement and public service.

Mac's commitment to public service goes beyond his service in law enforcement, and is a true indication of the quality of his character. Through his work with the Kiwanis Club and as a Faith Coach at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Mac has helped countless people in need through some of their most difficult of days. Mac continues to lecture locally and internationally on leadership, problem oriented policing, challenging organizational cultures, and civil servant leadership.

Mac is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with Honors. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and the United States Army War College Strategic Implementation Seminar.

For over three decades, Chief Tristan has served his community tirelessly, putting himself in harm's way to ensure the safety of countless Texas residents. We are indebted to him for his exceptional leadership and his many years of bravery and sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary service of Chief Mac Tristan and wishing him and his family the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a small business in my district, the Bespoke Group LLC. As an exporter of pulse crops, such as lentils, dry peas, and chickpeas, the Bespoke Group was recognized in 2015 by the U.S. Commerce Department with the prestigious President's ``E'' Award. This honor was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, who wanted to recognize exporters who were making tremendous contributions to the U.S. employment level and strengthening our economy.

Today, the Commerce Department reserves this accolade for those small companies that demonstrate sustained export sales increases over a four-year period, making it the highest recognition that any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of American exports. Small businesses are vital to a healthy and growing American economy, and companies such as Bespoke Group LLC are helping to boost our economy to new heights. I look forward to other Texan small businesses receiving similar national acclaim for their exemplary work in promoting American economic growth.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the Bespoke Group LLC, and all small businesses across the U.S., for their continued and vital efforts to promoting American prosperity and strengthening our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding public servant from my district, Councilmember Nancy Welton of Hurst, Texas, who is retiring after 14 years of service on the Hurst City Council.

While Nancy has served as a councilmember for the last 14 years, her commitment to her community began well before then. As a resident of Hurst for over 33 years, Nancy has shown a profound commitment to the children of Hurst and to their education. She has served as PTA President for both Shady Oaks Elementary and L.D. Bell High School, in addition to serving on the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD School Board for 12 years.

Nancy's service as a councilmember has helped the city of Hurst experience redevelopment, revitalization, and economic prosperity through a number of initiatives and development projects, such as the Hurst Town Center, Hurst Conference Center, and Hurst Senior Center. The city has also expanded parks and recreation programs and championed customer service and staff development initiatives with the help of Nancy's leadership.

At the heart of these projects is a commitment to public safety and high quality of life for the nearly 40,000 residents of Hurst. In recognition of the City Council's efforts, the Texas City Manager's Association recognized the Hurst City Council as ``Council of the Year'' in both 2013 and 2014. For more than three decades, Nancy Welton has demonstrated an outstanding dedication to public service and community involvement.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring Councilmember Nancy Welton for her extraordinary service and wishing her and her family the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Texas, Judge Ted Poe, for hosting this special order, and for calling needed attention to sexual abuses occurring on college campuses and in many cases, off-campus events.

As with many of our fellow colleagues, I have constituents who are victims of sexual abuse and have come forward to share their tragic stories. One of them is the Bailey family of Ft. Worth, Texas, in support of their daughter Kendra.

Last December, a classmate assaulted Kendra Bailey, who recently completed her senior year at Texas A&M University. In addition to the trauma suffered by all victims in the days and weeks after an attack, being forced to still see and potentially interact with their alleged attackers only delays and makes the healing process more difficult. Such was sadly the case with Kendra. I call upon college administrators to do more to ensure proper separation for victims, especially during the immediate aftermath of an alleged assault, until a proper investigation can be concluded. After an investigation, Kendra's classmate who attacked her was found responsible for twenty-one charges by a university conduct panel of three faculty members. He was subsequently expelled from the university.

Most tragically, the full total of sexual abuse victims on college campus will never be known, as many are afraid to come forward for a variety of reasons. I call upon colleges across the country to demonstrate a commitment to supporting victims and to take appropriate and swift punishments against those who would commit such horrible abuses. Students should know the very first day they arrive on campus that sexual harassment and violence will not be tolerated and that victims have a wide array of support. Many sexual abusers count on their victims not coming forward---only emboldening them to commit further sexual abuses.

It is my understanding that Texas A&M University has commissioned two reviews of the school's handling of sexual assault cases. I look forward to reading both of the reviews, and I hope they will be both comprehensive in their scope and thorough in making significant recommendations.

I appreciate the Bailey family coming forward and sharing Kendra's story; they should be commended for their courage. I hope that their actions will help reduce the number of would-be victims of sexual abuse on college campuses across our country in the future. I thank Judge Poe for his continued work in supporting victims of abuse and for hosting this special order.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1001, I call up the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 119) expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 119, currently under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank leadership for bringing this resolution to the floor for consideration. I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 119, which would express the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the U.S. economy.

This resolution will send a clear signal to the American people that we oppose policies that would drive up energy prices for families and for businesses. A standalone carbon tax generally would have such detrimental effects on the economy and would be an unwarranted and transparent grab for revenue.

The adverse economic effects of such a tax would be felt throughout the economy, falling hardest on the most vulnerable: the young, the poor, the elderly, and those living on fixed incomes.

An Obama administration proposal in 2016 for a $10 tax on every barrel of oil would have translated into an increase at the gas pump of approximately 25 cents per gallon for every American consumer. Similarly, a standalone carbon tax would increase the price of gasoline, natural gas, home heating oil, and electricity.

American families would feel the pain immediately when they buy gas or diesel to get them to their jobs every day. American families would also feel the pain when they turn on the lights or adjust the thermostat in their homes every day.

The cost burden of a carbon tax also would, correspondingly, increase the price of everything consumers buy every day--in short, everything from a carton of milk to a pair of shoes, to a bicycle, to an automobile.

The price increases on goods with fixed demand that would result from such a tax would directly harm millions of Americans whose incomes mean that they must budget carefully in advance to afford just the basic necessities of life.

In addition, a carbon tax would hit at a time when the industries that it targets are just now recovering from a very damaging economic period of our lives.

With a reformed Tax Code built for growth and rollback of burdensome regulations, American businesses and their workers are finally making a comeback, and we are seeing great optimism about our economic future. Now is not the time to debate placing additional burdens on industries that are trying to help us keep the lights on.

This resolution makes clear that we oppose policies that would drive up energy prices, damage the U.S. economy, reduce the American GDP, and hurt American jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Marshall).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the majority whip.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Johnson).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. McKinley), who was an original cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).

(Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

I yield the gentleman from Illinois an additional 1 minute.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

For many years now, Republicans in Congress have been clear: A new stand-alone carbon tax will raise consumer costs and hurt the economy. It is not a solution to any challenge but, rather, it would create additional challenges.

If American businesses and workers in industries are targeted by a carbon tax, they will suffer economically under such a policy. They are just now recovering from the recession that we went into, and they are just now, because of the tax bill that was passed this past year, just now beginning to see a brighter economic future. We should not debate putting new obstacles in front of them at this time.

Together, we should be focused on working to advance policies that hold down energy costs, improve the U.S. economy, its GDP, and create jobs. That is what we did last year, and that is what we are doing today.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 16, I missed the following votes due to significant delays with my flight back to Washington.

For Roll Call Vote 329, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4946, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1075 North Tustin Street in Orange, California, as the Specialist Trevor A. Win'E Post Office, I would have voted ``yes.''

For Roll Call Vote 330, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4960, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 511 East Walnut Street in Columbia, Missouri, as the Spc. Sterling William Wyatt Post Office Building, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, July 13, I missed the following votes due to needing to attend to a close family member in the hospital.

For Roll Call Vote 327, on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions, I would have voted ``no.''

For Roll Call Vote 328, final passage of the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act, I would have voted ``yes.''