Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to honor Texans for Life Coalition President Kyleen Wright for her decades of work to protect life. Kyleen has been a leader and a fixture in the Texas pro-life movement for years, and her dedication to the unborn was critical to the recent passage of the sonogram law in the Texas Legislature. This law expands informed consent to include a visual presentation via sonogram.

Since 1975, Kyleen has been a tireless pro-life advocate. Beginning in her freshman year of high school, Kyleen has spent the last 36 years influencing and instituting policies conducive to strong families. Her work has culminated in significant policy changes in Texas, including the sonogram law and an abstinence education program in 1995. It is also thanks in part to Kyleen's work that the incidence of teen abortions has dropped by half since 1995.

The pro-life cause in Texas has many leaders, but few are as effective in the state capital as Kyleen. Whether it's working with the legislature or talking on the airwaves, Kyleen is leading Texas and America to a brighter and better future. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing Kyleen Wright for a career of hard work to protect the unborn and their families.

Mr. Speaker, to my constituents in Texas, two things lay at the heart of this bill. The first is that the repeal of the 3 percent withholding requirement removes unreasonable burdens on contractors doing business with federal, state, and local governments; the second is that it creates a more stable economic environment to conduct business, create jobs and get America moving in the right direction.

The legislation before us repeals a requirement that may have been well-meaning but was ultimately misconceived. Whatever the original purposes of three percent requirement, the outcome would be disastrous.

Much-needed capital would be kept out of the hands of cash-strapped businesses across the country. And local and state governments--facing historic budget pressures--would be saddled with even more additional administrative and compliance costs on basic goods and services.

At a time when business investment is essential to revitalizing our economy, repealing the 3 percent withholding rule is the kind of federal action that aids economic growth and makes possible an increase in private consumption and demand. H.R. 674 is a thoughtful, commonsense, bipartisan bill that strengthens our economy, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 2576. This bill would count the entire Social Security benefit, rather than just the portion that is taxable for income tax purposes, as income for determining eligibility for Exchange subsidies, Medicaid, and CHIP.

This bill is both good policy and good economics. The 2010 health care law uses a uniform definition of modified adjustment gross income--or ``MAGI''--to determine eligibility for Exchange subsidies, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program, CHIP. By using a uniform basis of eligibility, the current health law doesn't properly take account of the entire Social Security benefit. This understates the resources available to some households; which thus allows some individuals to game the system.

To illustrate, allow me to cite a report by the Associated Press, dated June 21, 2011. In the report, the Chief Actuary for federal health programs, Richard Foster, determined that ``a married couple could have an actual income of about $64,000 and still get Medicaid'' under the current definition. There is no sound logic to this. In the same article, Foster adds, ``I don't generally comment on the pros and cons of policy, but that just doesn't make sense.''

In addition, CB0 and JCT have estimated the bill would reduce the deficit by $13 billion over ten years.

H.R. 2576 is good policy and good economics. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, in my district and across America, mortgage fraud is a serious crime that's hurt homeowners, businesses, and the economy.

The exact amount of losses attributed to mortgage fraud is unknown, but some estimates state that $10 billion of loans were originated with fraudulent applications in 2010. Major contributors to mortgage fraud are carried out by nonresident aliens and illegal immigrants.

HUD's Office of Inspector General noted that one loan officer gave fraudulent documents to undocumented immigrants in order to obtain FHA- insured mortgages. HUD then realized $3.2 million in losses.

To correct this problem, I've introduced H.R. 695. The purpose of my bill is to cut down on such waste. It does so by requiring E-Verify checks with mortgage applications where the mortgage is guaranteed by an agency of the Federal Government. This will help stop the fraud in our mortgage system.

Please join with me in ending this mortgage fraud and help me support

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of these free trade agreements. Simply put, the trade agreements create more jobs, increase exports, and broaden economic growth. At a time when the United States unemployment hovers around 9 percent, including 8\1/2\ percent in Texas, engines of job growth are needed.

As the independent International Trade Commission points out, the three trade agreements would increase U.S. exports by $13 billion. While more jobs are good news for the country as a whole, Texas, in particular, stands to benefit from increased trade. In today's globalized economy, Texas depends more than ever on world exports.

Businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are positioned for big gains. DFW Airport, one of the world's leading trade gateways, already handles almost 65 percent of all international air cargo in Texas. The trade agreements would increase shipments of goods from DFW to some of the most lucrative Latin American and Asian markets.

DFW alone has five direct flights every week to South Korea. Madam Speaker, I am in support of the trade agreements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. J. Oscar Ward of Irving, Texas, President of the Greater Irving Republican Club, and its members for their concern and respect for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen that are serving in harm's way. I appreciate their efforts in calling attention to the unfortunate extra challenges faced by the surviving family of Chief Warrant Officer Bradley Gaudet of Gladewater, Texas.

Chief Warrant Officer Gaudet was killed from injuries sustained in a helicopter crash on June 5, 2011 in Afghanistan. His surviving family faced significant hurdles and resistance from the military in transferring his body from Ft. Drum, New York to its final resting place in Gladewater, Texas. These are challenges that should never be a concern to a grieving family. I appreciate President J. Oscar Ward and the members of the Greater Irving Republican Club for their firm resolve in calling attention to the burial of Chief Warrant Officer Gaudet.

I would like to further recognize the assistance and kindness of Southwest Airlines for flying the body of this fallen hero from New York to Texas for his final resting place. Without their assistance, this situation could have been even worse for all of Chief Warrant Officer Gaudet's surviving family and loved ones.

We should never allow a situation similar to what happened to Chief Warrant Officer Gaudet to ever be experienced again by a grieving family. I call on my colleagues to help ensure that every possible consideration is made for every surviving family. I am requesting that any rules and regulations that may preclude the proper burial at the location of the surviving family's choosing of a brave American hero be promptly changed. We must avoid anything similar to this ever occurring again.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations and best wishes to President Ma Ying-jeou on the occasion of Republic of China (Taiwan)'s Centennial National Day. This national holiday commemorates the 1911 Wu-ch'ang uprising that ended centuries of monarchy and led to the birth of the Republic of China.

Taiwan and the United States enjoy a robust relationship that reflects our two countries' historical, cultural and economic ties over the last century. Despite lack of formal relations between the two countries, the United States and Taiwan continue to be strong partners in trade, cultural and educational exchanges as well as cooperation in many other areas. Taiwan's cooperation with the United States in combating global terrorism has earned the trust of the American people and boosted exchanges and friendship between our two nations. Such relations also extend to discussions over Taiwan's military needs. A strong Taipei-Washington relationship is in both governments' best interests for the stability of East Asia. Last year, we celebrated the 31st anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations.

My additional congratulations to the people of Taiwan for their continued participation in the World Health Assembly meetings this May in Geneva. I hope Taiwan will also soon join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

I join my fellow colleagues in wishing the people of Taiwan a joyous Centennial National Day celebration and look forward to expanding our strong relationship.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of R.L. Turner High School. As a graduate of R.L. Turner, I am honored to recognize this school as a significant part of the City of Carrollton's history.

In the fall of 1911, Carrollton High School had its first class of three students. In 1915, a two-story, red brick building was constructed for the high school. When the high school changed locations, the building became DeWitt Perry Junior High. The junior high school was named after DeWitt Clinton Perry, who donated the land to the city for the original high school.

The first Homecoming Day celebration was held on Friday, November 17, 1933. Former students from as far back as the original class reunited at the football game where the Carrollton Yellow Jackets defeated the Hutchins Tigers by a score of 13-6.

In 1937, Carrollton High School changed their mascot from the Yellow Jackets to the Lions. In 1962, to accommodate the growth in the area, Carrollton High School moved from the two-story, red brick building on Beltline Road to its current location on Josey Lane. In the same year, Carrollton High School changed its name to R.L. Turner in honor of Superintendent Robert Leon Turner.

R.L. Turner High School has received a number of distinguished awards over its rich history. In the 1990-1991 school year, the high school was honored with the Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence. In the 2000-2001 and 2009-2010 school years, the high school achieved a Recognized Rating for its academics from the Texas Education Agency. And in 2010, R.L. Turner was ranked as the top school in the district on Newsweek's list of America's Best High Schools.

Since the first class graduated in 1912, approximately 50,000 students have passed through this exceptional institution. I am very proud of R.L. Turner and its century-long commitment to educational excellence. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating R.L. Turner on its 100- year anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the First United Methodist Church of Carrollton. For 110 years, this church has been a centerpiece for spiritual growth and community outreach for the City of Carrollton.

In 1901, a group of 15 Methodists moved to Carrollton, Texas to start a ministry and formed what is known today as First United Methodist Church of Carrollton. Preaching only once a month, founding pastor Reverend John D. Major visited the congregation as the fifth church on his circuit. The congregation met in the attic of W.H. Stephens' store in downtown Carrollton, where the church developed a strong Sunday school program. By 1902,

membership had expanded to 54 and the church acquired additional property.

In the mid-1950s, the First United Methodist Church of Carrollton needed to relocate. With a generous donation from the Milburn Family Farm, First United Methodist Church secured five acres for future growth. Since 1967, First United Methodist Church has been pastored by Kenneth Carter, Dr. Paul Morell, and Rev. Jerry Simmons, and is currently under the spiritual leadership of Dr. Richard Dunagin. Throughout its history, First United Methodist has continued to place an emphasis on evangelism in the mission field by providing dental and medical care to those in need around the world. In 2001, as the church celebrated its centennial anniversary, land was provided for a new church and school. In 2004, a new worship center opened which was adorned with stained glass windows from the original sanctuary. Since 2004, the church has added a stadium and sports complex, meeting rooms, and a new sanctuary that can accommodate 1,500 people.

Over the past 110 years, First United Methodist Church of Carrollton has also started other successful ministries in the Carrollton community. For example, the Sonshine Preschool expanded into Carrollton Christian academy, which instructs students from preschool through 12th grade.

In celebrating its 110th anniversary, we recognize the positive impact that First United Methodist Church has had on the greater Carrollton area. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the rich history of First United Methodist Church of Carrollton.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to honor the service of an outstanding public servant in the 24th Congressional District of Texas. Firefighter Captain B.G. ``Shakey'' Holder is a hardworking, family-oriented individual who has served the Irving area selflessly throughout his personal and professional life. Captain Holder is retiring after 56 years of public service with the city of Irving.

Captain Holder has been married to his wife, Virginia ``Ginger'' Holder, for 19 years. They have a wonderful family of five children, seven grandchildren, and two great- grandchildren. His daughter, Cindy Jeffery, describes him as a man that ``just gives to all.''

``Shakey'' joined the Irving Fire Department on December 1, 1955. Since then, he has become a well-respected officer who has mentored many young firefighters. Over the last 30 years, he has been assigned to two

important positions: working at Irving Fire Station 2 and serving as captain of Fire Station 1.

A strict routine of great health practices allowed Captain Holder to perform his tasks at the highest possible level of skill, which helped him as the lead man for his shift's Swift Water Rescue Team. His commitment to conditioning, training, firefighting, and enjoying life has been a leading example to all the members of the Irving Fire Department.

In 2005, Captain Holder was honored with a Texas State Proclamation and the city of Irving declared December 1st ``Shakey Holder Day'' in recognition of his outstanding service. In 2006, Captain Holder received The ``Shakey'' Gene Holder Lifetime Achievement Award, named after him for his lifetime dedication to the Irving Fire Department as a frontline firefighter. In 2010, he received the Fire Chief Award, and in the spring of 2011, the captain was recognized at the Texas State Capital for his 55 years of service.

On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Captain Holder for his years of public service to the city of Irving.

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to celebrate the relocation of the Metrocrest Social Services Resale facility. From its humble beginnings in 1971, this organization has exemplified charity and service throughout its rich history in the Metrocrest community.

Metrocrest Social Services opened its doors in Farmers Branch as the TRUTH House, serving underprivileged teens. By 1984, the nonprofit organization changed its name to Metrocrest Social Services and expanded its operations, volunteer base, and geographic areas served. Today, Metrocrest Social Services has established itself as a vital part of the Metrocrest community, providing emergency assistance and beneficial programs to move families toward self-sufficiency. Metrocrest Social Services serves the residents of Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell and parts of Dallas. During 2010, the organization assisted 12,052 individuals with one or more services.

In 1989, the first Metrocrest Thrift Store opened in the Old Carrollton Square to help people receive clothing, household goods, and support. In 2002, the Thrift Store relocated to Beltline Road and Josey Lane. The new 8,238 square foot Metrocrest Resale facility, located at Midway Road and Trinity Mills Road, will continue to support day-to-day operations of Metrocrest Social Services and its mission to prevent homelessness in the Metrocrest community.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Metrocrest Social Services as they relocate their Resale facility. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Metrocrest Social Services for its faithful service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, in the last few weeks as I traveled across my district, the 24th District of Texas, it became very obvious to me that the number one issue on the minds of my constituents is out-of- control Federal spending.

In the last legislative session in Texas, my former colleagues in the Texas legislature passed a resolution addressing this out-of-control Federal spending. The resolution requested that the Congress pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and send it to the States for ratification.

This is the resolution I have in my hand that was sent to me by the State representatives and the senators in my district that I represent. By overwhelming votes in both houses, the house and the senate, the Texas legislature passed this resolution that I'm holding right here in my hand. The Texas House of Representatives approved this bill by a vote of 115-17 on April 13, and the Senate adopted the bill on May 19 by a vote of 28-3.

This resolution calls on Congress to enact the best measure to stop runaway Federal spending. We can best ensure our future prosperity by passing a balanced budget amendment. I would like to personally thank the members of the Texas legislature that represent parts of my district, the 24th District of Texas. I applaud them for sending this resolution urging us to take action. My sincere thanks go to State Senator Jane Nelson, State Senator Chris Harris and State Senator John Carona, and to State representatives Vicki Truitt, Burt Solomons, Linda Harper-Brown, and Todd Smith. These brave men and women have taken a courageous stand on this issue, and I feel it's my obligation to follow through with their request.

The Federal Government must end sustained deficit spending. In fiscal year 2010, the Federal Government accumulated a deficit in excess of $1.3 trillion, an annual deficit that exceeds the entire gross State product of Texas. In order to finance our current deficit, we borrow 40 cents of every dollar we spend--40 cents on the dollar--money that could easily go to pay our national debt down.

The longer we wait only results in more debt, debt that we will pass along to our children and to our grandchildren. Our national debt currently stands at $14.7 trillion, which equals a debt per taxpayer of $131,288. This is a problem we can no longer ignore.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Texas legislature's request for prompt passage of a balanced budget amendment.

The State of Texas House of Representatives

House Concurrent Resolution No. 18

Whereas, the gravity of federal debt and federal

obligations was established early in American history, with

deficit occurring only in relation to extraordinary

circumstances, such as war; yet for much of the 20th century

and into the 21st, the United States has operated on a budget

deficit, including the 2010 budget year, which surpassed an

astounding $1.3 trillion, an annual deficit that exceeded the

entire gross state product of Texas; and

Whereas, the federal debt is greater than $14 trillion, a

sum that if shared equally by each person in America would be

a burden of over $45,000 per person, and yet the federal

government continues to accrue debt; and

Whereas, the higher the deficit, the more the government

must spend on paying interest on the debt; compounding the

problem is the use of deficit spending, which becomes a

responsibility for future generations of Americans to assume

without their consent; and

Whereas, Congress has attempted to set budgetary restraints

for itself in the form of a balanced budget amendment; the

proposal won wide support in 1995, failing by only one vote

in the senate; and

Whereas, many states have previously requested that

Congress propose a constitutional amendment requiring a

balanced budget, but Congress has proven to be unresponsive;

and

Whereas, this growing burden of public debt is a threat to

the nation's economic health, and action must be taken to

restore fiscal responsibility; a balanced budget amendment

would require the government not to spend more than it

receives in revenues and compel lawmakers to carefully

consider choices about spending and taxes; by encouraging

spending control and discouraging deficit spending, a

balanced budget amendment will help put the nation on the

path to lasting prosperity; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas

hereby respectfully urge the Congress of the United States to

propose and submit to the states for ratification an

amendment to the United States Constitution providing that

except during a war declared by the Congress of the United

States pursuant to Article I, Section 8, Clause 11, United

States Constitution, or other national emergency, the total

of all federal appropriations for a fiscal year may not

exceed the total of all estimated federal revenue for that

fiscal year and providing for a spending limitation; and, be

it further

Resolved, That the Texas Secretary of State forward

official copies of this resolution to the president of the

United States, to the speaker of the house of representatives

and the president of the senate of the United States

Congress, and to all the members of the Texas delegation to

the congress with the request that this resolution be

officially entered in the Congressional Record as a memorial

to the Congress of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 699, my plane flight was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day forever etched into the memory of the American people. On that day 10 years ago, over 3,000 innocent people, including nine Texans, died during the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93. We gather at the Farmers Branch Remembrance Service to honor both their memory and the sacrifices of their families. We also renew our commitment to honoring the sacrifice and service of the citizens who risked their lives to help all those impacted on that terrible day. Firefighters, police officers, and first responders saved thousands of victims, and nearly 350 rescue personnel gave their lives in the service of others. It is because of their bravery that many of us knew 9/11 would not be the downfall of our great nation, despite what those who attacked us intended.

While 9/11 is a day of great solemnity, it is also a moment of pride. Our reaction as a country to those events--both during the events and afterward--reveals much about us as a people. Our enemies thought they could break our spirit and crush our will, but they failed to realize our resolve and resilience. As President George Bush said only days later, ``America today is on bended knee, in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families that mourn.'' They sought to divide us, but they mistook the strength of our convictions for the inability to act and the wisdom of liberty for frailty of arms. And they certainly failed to understand the breadth of our unity and the depth of our commitment to freedom both here and around the world.

As we look back on the 10 years since the attacks, we are reminded that the United States still faces enemies who spread fear and hate through terrorism and brutality. Congress, the Presidency, and the Federal Government have an obligation and duty to protect our nation. We have made great strides since that terrible day, but there is still much to be done. ``Stars and Spokes'' is a terrific reminder of the resilience of our nation and the ability of the American people to put our differences aside for the sake of our country men and women.

Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day forever etched into the memory of the American people. On that day 10 years ago, over 3,000 innocent people, including nine Texans, died during the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93. We gather at this Valor Commitment Dedication to honor both their memory and the sacrifices of their families. We also renew our commitment to honoring the sacrifice and service of the citizens who risked their lives to help all those impacted on that terrible day. Firefighters, police officers, and first responders saved thousands of victims, and nearly 350 rescue personnel gave their lives in the service of others. It is because of their bravery that many of us knew 9/11 would not be the downfall of our great nation, despite what those who attacked us intended.

While 9/11 is a day of great solemnity, it is also a moment of pride. Our reaction as a country to those events--both during the events and afterward--reveals much about us as a people. Our enemies thought they could break our spirit and crush our will, but they failed to realize our resolve and resilience. As President George Bush said only days later, ``America today is on bended knee, in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families that mourn.'' They sought to divide us, but they mistook the strength of our convictions for the inability to act and the wisdom of liberty for frailty of arms. And they certainly failed to understand the breadth of our unity and the depth of our commitment to freedom both here and around the world.

As we look back on the 10 years since the attacks, we are reminded that the United States still faces enemies who spread fear and hate through terrorism and brutality. Congress, the Presidency, and the federal government have an obligation and duty to protect our nation. We have made great strides since that terrible day, but there is still much to be done. This Remembrance Service is a sign that we are moving forward as a nation, and that while we may have bent on 9/11, we shall never be broken.