Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I stand to honor the life of Milburn Ray Gravley, the former mayor of Carrollton, Texas, who passed away on October 13, 2012, after courageously battling cancer for much of this year.

Milburn was born on January 3, 1931, and was the youngest of nine children. He was a great-grandson of Alexander Wilson Perry, one of the founding landowners of Carrollton, Texas. Like his ancestors before him, Milburn dedicated his life to rigorous and faithful service of his community. He served on several civic boards and committees, including the city council. He was also a member of the Carrollton Lodge #1400 in Carrollton, Texas, and the James A. Smith Lodge #395 in Farmers Branch, Texas. Milburn was a 33 Mason. Most notably, Milburn served as the mayor of Carrollton for twelve years, from 1987 until 1994 and again from 1996 to 1999. Later in his life, and up until his passing, he was the Chairman of the Trinity River Authority, and a member of the Valwood Improvement Board, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, and the Old Downtown Carrollton Board. Multiple bodies duly recognized Milburn's exceptional and enduring service over the years, and he was even named Metrocrest Citizen of the Year in 1989.

Milburn married and is survived by Sylvia McInnish Gravley. Together they had a daughter, Lynda, and two sons, Gary and Alan. He is survived by them and also his six grandchildren, Cristi, Casey, Lori, Matthew, Nicole, and Christopher; four step-grandchildren, Richard, Ashley, Kristen, and Preslee; and four great-grandchildren, Madison, Sydnee, Reece, and Juliet. Milburn was preceded in death by two of his brothers and four of his sisters. Two more brothers, Joe and Wilton, survive him.

It is a great professional honor for my son, Matthew, and I to have held the same office that Milburn did as mayors of Carrollton, Texas. Yet, the greater and more profound honor and joy was to have known Milburn personally. I think that I speak for the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex community when I say that he will be deeply missed.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the great life and passing of Mayor Milburn Ray Gravley.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy that I recognize and celebrate the one hundredth birthday of Lillian Estelle Christopher Mingus of Irving, Texas. Lillian will reach the age of one hundred years on November 8 and will celebrate the occasion with a party on November 10.

Lillian was born on November 8, 1912, to Frances Lozana ``Loza'' Barnett and Andrew Garrett ``Babe'' Christopher in Gentry's Mill, Texas. She was one of six children and the oldest daughter. As such, she helped her brothers with milking cows, feeding chickens, hoeing and picking cotton, and generally caring for the land and livestock. She graduated the 10th grade, the highest available at the time, from Duffau Community School in Duffau, Texas. On her 18th birthday, Lillian married the love of her life, Silvester Olen Mingus. Together they were farmers and ranchers for many years. At one point they also ran a cafe in Hamilton, Texas. Later on, Lillian was a careworker for children and the elderly. She also taught Sunday school in Odessa for fifteen years.

During their 54 years of marriage, Lillian and Silvester had three children--Grady Mingus, C.O. Mingus, and Rosa Mingus Gordon. She also has 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Today, Lillian loves to play bingo, keep up to date on the Boy Scouts, do arts and crafts, and shell blackeyed peas. She regularly attends Bible Study and is the oldest member of MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church.

The legacy of Lillian's life in Texas is a reflection of an adventurous family history. Her great-great-great grandparents, John and Elizabeth Allison, brought the family from Tennessee to Texas by covered wagon in 1834. John and his sons, including Lillian's great- great grandfather James Allison, fought for Texas in its battles for independence from Mexico and the family was personal friends with Davy Crockett. James received a land grant for his military service and also bought land in Williamson County upon which he founded the settlement of Allison, which later became known as Friendship and is marked with a Friendship Community Historical Marker. Lillian has been accordingly awarded a Williamson County Pioneer Family Certificate. Generations later, during a period of her childhood in Hico, Texas, Lillian's homestead was paid a visit by the notorious duo, Bonnie and Clyde.

Lillian is a woman with deep faith, a zest for life, and a love for meeting people with a friendly smile. When asked about her secret for living to be one hundred, she simply states that God is not finished with her yet or else she would be in home in heaven. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and one hundredth birthday of Lillian Estelle Christopher Mingus.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Mockingbird Elementary of Coppell, Texas for being recognized as a National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership. Mockingbird Elementary was chosen for its ability to foster positive character development of within its curriculum.

Since 2004, Mockingbird Elementary has been a leader in implementing initiatives designed to build the character of its students. These interschool programs promote positive socialization between developing children and create a friendlier and cohesive educational environment.

Educational success and positive development of our nation's youth comes from hard work, innovation and a supportive community. I am proud to represent such a community, and especially a school that is reaching and surpassing all expectations. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mockingbird Elementary in being recognized for its work as a national leader in proper character development and being named a National School of Character.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA and in special recognition of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. This Council comprised of more than 35,000 girls and 16,000 adult volunteers spans across 32 counties in Northeast Texas. It is with great pride that I honor their long history of public service and leadership.

Established by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, the Girl Scout movement started with just 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia, and the belief that bringing girls into the open air and the community would allow them to develop the confidence, self-reliance, and resourcefulness needed for personal and professional success. A century later, Low's extraordinary vision has impacted the lives of over 50 million girls and helped to produce some of the most accomplished women in the fields of business, science, education, and public service.

Today, Girl Scouts of the USA has nearly 4 million members and more than 100 different councils across the nation. In the greater Northeast Texas community, it is the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas who carry on this incredible legacy by offering a variety of community outreach and educational programs that help all its members become strong leaders. Thanks to this Council, thousands of girls in my district are being given the tools to become successful women and accomplished professionals.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA and recognizing the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. I look forward to the members of this Council becoming the next generation of successful American women.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA and in special recognition of the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. This Council comprised of nearly 24,000 girls and over 9,500 adult volunteers spans across 81 counties throughout Northwest Texas and Southern Oklahoma. It is with great pride that I recognize their long history of public service and leadership.

Established by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, the Girl Scout movement started with just 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia and the belief that bringing girls into the open air and the community would allow them to develop the confidence, self-reliance, and resourcefulness needed for personal and professional success. A century later, Low's small movement has grown into a massive organization and generations of women have benefitted from her extraordinary vision.

Today, Girl Scouts of the USA has nearly 4 million members and more than 100 different councils across the nation. In the greater Northwest Texas and Southern Oklahoma communities, it is the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains who carry on this incredible legacy. Thanks to this Council, thousands of girls in my district are being given the tools to become successful women and accomplished professionals.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating

the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA and recognizing the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. I look forward to the members of this Council becoming the next generation of strong American leaders.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Virginia Chamblee for her 40 years of service as a City of Bedford employee. It is an honor for me to celebrate Ms. Chamblee's remarkable career with my fellow colleagues in Congress.

Virginia Chamblee began her career with the City of Bedford on May 5, 1972, working at the city library. In 1982, the City of Bedford opened a new senior center located at 2819 R.D. Hurt Parkway. Prior to the opening of the senior center, the Bedford city leadership

deemed her as a perfect fit as the center's supervisor. On July 1, 1982, Ms. Chamblee transitioned into the center supervisor role, and on October 17, 1982, the center opened under her care and guidance.

Virginia Chamblee established programs that have become senior center traditions. In the first week of the center's opening, the Monday Night Dance was established where it has continued to this day. Likewise, the Christmas Luncheon began in 1982 and has developed into one of the largest North Texas senior community pot luck lunches. Another notable tradition from the opening year was the weekly jam sessions, which began as music lessons but developed into a community orchestra of nearly 20 members.

Virginia Chamblee has spent the majority her life serving her community. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been a dedicated and conscientious employee who has always championed seniors. She is known for her kindness, gentle spirit, and willingness to listen to any problem and extend a helping hand.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring Virginia Chamblee for her 40 years of public service with the City of Bedford.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the 30th anniversary of Unity Church located in Grapevine, Texas. It is an honor for me to celebrate this congregation's achievement and share its history with my fellow colleagues in Congress.

The Unity Church of Northeast Tarrant County, which is now commonly called the Unity Church of Grapevine, held its first worship service in rented hotel facilities on September 12, 1982. The church moved to facilities in Hurst, where they remained until 1991 when the church purchased property at 1970 E. Dove Road in Southlake, Texas.

In January 1996, the church purchased 5,825 acres on Hughes Road, one mile south of downtown Grapevine. The church built a 13,116 square foot building which was dedicated in September, 1996. Funding for the building was through issuance of $920,000 in church bonds through American Church Trust. The bonds were re-financed in 2002, providing funding for the start up of Hughes Road Montessori in September, 2003. The Church sold 1.75 acres of back property in 2005 for $285,000, leaving it with roughly 4 acres. The church received a signing bonus for the property mineral rights from Chesapeake Exploration in 2008 for the amount of $92,754.50 which was applied against the mortgage. A campaign to pay off the mortgage of $106,000 by June 1, 2012 began February 12, 2012 from a $50,000 matching contribution from anonymous donors.

For 26 years, Unity Church in Grapevine has conducted a weekly ministry in the Federal Prison System at Federal Correctional Institute in Fort Worth, Texas. In June 1989, the church received the John Templeton Radio Grant to begin a radio ministry and in 1991 was awarded the first Voice of Unity Award for excellence in broadcasting. Also in 1991, a Care Team was established in the church with its members making hospital calls, nursing home visits, furnishing food for members as needed, and contacting members by phone once a month.

Active in the community, Unity Church of Grapevine assists Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE) by furnishing food for the food pantry. The church partners with Grapevine Middle School and has tithed to the school over the past eleven years with funds providing an after school martial arts program, medical assistance, and for needs of students and their families in time of crisis. Members also volunteer as mentors to the students.

Rev. Carol Record has served the Unity Church in Grapevine since its inception. She served as Chaplain of Trinity Springs Pavilion (the County psychiatric hospital), the first woman president of Grapevine Rotary, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a 26-year volunteer at Federal Correctional Institute, mentor at Grapevine Middle School, and a MHMR Visions Board member. Rev. Record leads the weekly Sunday services, teaches a Bible class each week as well as spiritual growth classes throughout the year. She is a published author, a well known speaker, and a community leader.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Unity Church in Grapevine on its 30th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 6169, the Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012. This bill serves as the bridge to tax simplification in 2013.

As families and businesses across America know all too well, our tax code discourages work, burdens entrepreneurship, deters savings and investment, and distorts the allocation of capital. The best growth agenda for America is not a short-term policy fix. What America needs is a clear, long-term policy path that minimizes economic uncertainty and delivers results.

H.R. 6169 does just that. This bill provides for ihe enactment of comprehensive tax reform next year. Taxpayers deserve a tax code that is simpler, flatter, fairer and easier. This bill isn't just a nice gesture--it's a common sense solution that, according to some economists, will create 1 million jobs in the first year.

I am proud to support, and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support, this bill that bridges tax reform for our country.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I celebrate the 50th anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 508 of Irving, Texas. The troop has a remarkable history of serving the community and developing young men into leaders.

Troop 508 was originally chartered at Woodhaven Presbyterian Church in 1962. The troop has a reputation for frequent traveling and extended outdoor adventures. Much of the boys' solidarity has revolved around their travels together, starting with ``The Green Weeny'' bus in 1966. During its history, the troop has traveled to exciting natural locations such as the Grand Canyon, Colorado, Brazos River, and to the center of civic leadership--right here in Washington, D.C. Indeed, in a troop where ``three-fourths of scouting is outing'' it is only fitting that the group have adopted the roadrunner as its traditional logo.

Boy Scout Troop 508 also has a history of exceptional adult leadership, both in its scoutmasters and former members. The adult leaders have been trained in Woodbadge and eight of the last twelve Silver Beavers were members of the 508. Many of them serve on the staff of ALTs, Webelorees, Camporees, and the District Committee for Five Trails. The troop has won first-place several times at Camporees and at Winter Camp. Throughout its 50 years, the distinguished troop has been guided by the leadership of scoutmasters including Mitch Barker, Sterling Bradley, David White, Blackie Marks, Norman Rozell, Jack Graham, George Gray, Bob Hootman, ``Indian George'' Alford, Dwight Sensabough, Jim Bell, Herb Boyd, Hamilton, Jerry Wicker, Scott Pohl, Roger Knapp, Bob Harris, Randall Svajda, Carter Hallmark, Richard Gamble, Roland Jeter, Dean Calvert, Bob Perkins, and Wayne Fletcher. ``Indian George'' Alford was an especially noteworthy man, a selfless and kind Comanche who founded Troop and Post 134 in Dallas and moved on to make a lasting legacy with Troop 508 in Irving, particularly with his Indian dance teams.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 508 on 50 years of inspiring young men to do their best in all that they do, while enjoying competition with good sportsmanship.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of joy that I recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the wedding of John and Betty Dodd, two outstanding and esteemed citizens of Farmers Branch, Texas.

John and Betty were married on August 19, 1962, and have lived in Dallas County ever since. They have both led inspiring lives dedicated to education and our community. John is a Certified Financial Planner and CEO of Honors Academy, a nonprofit organization that operates charter schools. He has served as a member of the Dallas Independent School District Board, a city council member and the mayor of Farmers Branch, and remains active in many community organizations. Betty is a teacher and a volunteer and board member at several organizations including her children's schools, Prestonwest Republican Women, Farmers Branch Civic League, and Farmers Branch Women's Club. Truly, the Dodds have been valuable assets in the town that they call home.

They have raised a family together and are the dedicated parents of David Dodd and Angela Dodd Miller. John and Betty are also the loving parents-in-law of Shannon and Jon, and grandparents of Justin and Caroline Dodd, and Matthew, Caroline, Nathan, and Andrew Miller. The Dodds are members of First United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating John and Betty Dodd on 50 years of marriage, a truly noteworthy testament to their strong commitment to each other and to the beauty of marriage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act of 2012.

Businesses in my district in Texas and across the country are reluctant to hire and make investments due to an uncertain economy and an impasse over taxes. This bill is a thoughtful step to bolster our economy and bridge the gap to tax simplification. This bill provides a serious game plan and a timetable that shows the American economy how to move forward.

If we don't act, the looming tax hike could destroy an estimated 700,000 jobs, according to an Ernst & Young study. And it's no surprise, then, that the Institute of International Finance said there was a strong case to extend lower Bush-era taxes due to expire at the end of the year in order to avert a fiscal cliff.

I'm proud to support--and urge my colleagues to support--this bill that helps U.S. job creators and gives businesses more confidence to put Americans and Texans back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3803, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, authored by my colleague, Congressman Trent Franks. I am an original cosponsor of this bill that would prohibit abortions in Washington, DC, after 20 weeks of pregnancy, except when the mother's life is at risk. I am proud that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has joined me and cosponsored this bill.

Ample scientific evidence shows that at 20 weeks, fetuses can feel pain. Think about that for a moment. They feel it.

This is especially upsetting because most late-term abortions involve procedures that are particularly heinous. Yet the Washington, DC, government allows abortions at any time for any reason, up until the moment of birth. This is unconscionable. The vast majority of Americans do not support a policy of ``abortion on demand'' after the point at which fetuses can feel pain. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3803, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor of the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2011, authored by my colleague from Texas, Ron Paul. I commend Congressman Paul for his years of diligence in pursuing this issue. It has long since been time for the Federal Reserve to commit to an audit.

This legislation requires the Comptroller General to complete an audit of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and of the Federal Reserve Bank. Many of my constituents have been calling and writing and asking me for this significant new transparency of the Federal Reserve. I agree with them on the urgent need for accountability. This legislation is an important step forward in achieving that goal.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the Federal Reserve Transparency Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate two important anniversaries this month in relation to our close friend and ally: the country of Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker: Since the end of World War II, the United States and Taiwan have fostered a close relationship that has been of enormous strategic and economic benefit to both countries. When the United States shifted diplomatic relations from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China in January 1979, Congress moved quickly to pass the Taiwan Relations Act, TRA, to ensure that the United States would continue its robust engagement with Taiwan in the areas of commerce, culture, and security cooperation. On April 10, 1979, this important and lasting piece of legislation became the ``Law of the Land'' and has since served as the statutory basis for U.S.-Taiwan relations going forward.

After 33 years, the TRA still stands as a model of Congressional leadership in the history of our foreign relations, and, together with the 1982 ``Six Assurances,'' it remains the cornerstone of a very mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan.

These ``Six Assurances'' were designed by President Reagan to further clarify U.S. policy toward Taiwan (in particular to the sale of arms to Taiwan to reiterate our commitment to Taiwan's security under the TRA and to reaffirm our position on Taiwan's sovereignty. It also stipulated that we would not pressure Taiwan to enter into negotiations with the PRC.

July 14th marks the 30th anniversary of President Reagan issuing said Six Assurances in 1982. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the lifting of martial law in Taiwan in 1987.

Martial law was promulgated in Taiwan on May 19, 1949 by the Chinese Nationalist government, and was ended 38 years later. July 14, 1987 set the stage for a momentous process of democratization in Taiwan that continues to this day. We very are glad to see that Taiwan has transformed into a full fledged Democracy since then.

Over the past three decades, Taiwan has remained a trusted ally of the United States that shares with us the ideals of freedom and democracy. However, the people of Taiwan continue to live day after day under the ominous shadow cast by over 1400 short and medium-range ballistic missiles that the People's Republic of China, PRC, has aimed at them. The PRC persists in claiming Taiwan as a ``renegade province,'' refusing to renounce the use of force to prevent Taiwan's formal de jure independence.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Six Assurances and the 25th anniversary of the lifting of martial law in Taiwan, to further underline our unwavering commitment to the people of Taiwan and to affirm our support for the strong and deepening relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4133, now S. 2165, the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill.

Israel continues to face unprecedented and unpredictable challenges from many of its neighbors. American support for Israel must remain unequivocally solid. This legislation is the latest important effort to continue and expand our deep mutual relationship. I am pleased that the House of Representatives is considering H.R. 4133 today, as it is of the utmost importance.

In addition to reaffirming our continued commitment to Israel, this legislation will provide Israel with many new military capabilities needed to defend itself against any threats. It is important for those who may wish to do Israel harm to know that they will not be successful. Specifically, this bill will provide Israel with new missile defense capabilities, mid-air refueling tankers, and specialized munitions. Each of these are key components for ensuring Israel's continued sovereign right to exist. In addition to these items this bill thoughtfully provides Israel with certain defense equipment that is being left behind by the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.

In addition to the conveyance of equipment, this bill greatly increases our intelligence sharing operations and offers the Israeli Air Force aditional training resources in the United States. This is very important given the severely limited training grounds for the Israeli Air Force in its own country. I am especially pleased with the agreement for increased intelligence cooperation. This new level of intelligence collaboration will substantially assist our own intelligence services in keeping Americans safe. This legislation greatly benefits both countries; it is truly a remarkable partnership.

These efforts are paramount, but we must not rest. When we pass this legislation today, we must know that this is only the next step, and is not the final step in ensuring Israel's freedoms and right to exist. I remain committed to work with my colleagues for helping expand the US- Israeli partnership.