Floor Statements

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 now at the Carrollton 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. With the Grace of God we have made great strides since that day, but with much left to be done we ask Him to continue to guide us on the path to national recovery.

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 now, on Patriot Day, 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. May we be strengthened through the Grace of God as the Coppell firefighters remind us how Americans have always moved forward from national tragedy--together, with our local, state, and national communities, our heads raised high.

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 now 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, as embodied in the partnership between Colleyville's public servants and Heritage High School in putting on this event.

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.

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 now to honor both their memory and the sacrifices of their families as we read from those who saw and studied what happened during and after the attacks. 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, and together we will make more as Irving and her communities work together to support their American brothers and sisters.

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 Southlake Baptist Church 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. It is on their behalf that today we honor Police Corporal Randy Thomas and Paramedic Paul Cook.

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. With God's Grace America will continue to move forward, never forgetting the tragedy of 9/11 but also never forgetting the strength our fellow country men and women showed in our time of need.

Mr. Speaker, it my distinct pleasure to rise today to recognize Mrs. Susan Crim, a dedicated public servant who is retiring after serving more than 21 years as City Secretary for the City of Euless, TX.

Mrs. Crim was born in Woodward, OK, and is a graduate of Northwestern State University in Alva, OK, where she obtained an associates degree in applied science. She is also a graduate of the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification program, where she attained her Texas

Registered Municipal Clerks Certification in January 1991. In 1996 and 2001, she served as a trustee for the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program. Mrs. Crim is also a member of the North Texas Municipal Clerks Association, where she served as president from 1996- 1997.

Mrs. Crim has a distinguished work history within the public and private sectors. In 1979, Susan was part owner and operator of Circle C Drilling Company. Following her time at Circle C, she took a position as executive assistant at Dresser Atlas. Mrs. Crim then served as office manager at Pecan Grove Baptist Church and School from 1983-1987. In June 1987, Mrs. Crim began her career as City Secretary with the city of Rosenberg, TX, where she served from 1987-1990.

In 1990, Mrs. Crim was hired as City Secretary of Euless. As City Secretary, Mrs. Crim recorded and maintained the minutes at city council meetings, managed the official Euless City public records, organized local elections and held the responsibility as keeper of the ``Seal of the City.'' As a fundamental part of the Euless city government, Mrs. Crim has tirelessly served multiple mayors, council members and various city departments in Euless.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mrs. Crim for her service to the city of Euless. Her experience and expertise will be sorely missed. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Susan Crim on a tremendous career as well as wishing her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great honor to rise today to recognize Senior Officer Johnny Jones of the Grapevine Police Department. Mr. Jones is a dedicated public servant who is retiring after 31 years of remarkable service to the Grapevine community.

Mr. Jones was born in Denton, Texas, spending his childhood and youth growing up in Grapevine. Soon after graduating from Grapevine High School, Mr. Jones took a position on June 19, 1980 with the Grapevine Police Department as a dispatcher. On June 16, 1981, upon completing the police academy, Mr. Jones was appointed to the Grapevine Police Department. Since then, Mr. Jones has attained the highest level of law enforcement certification as a Texas Peace Officer and Master Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. A critical member of the Grapevine Police Department, Mr. Jones has served in various roles. These include the positions of dispatcher, patrol officer, motorcycle officer, detective, and crime prevention officer.

In 1998, Mr. Jones left the police department to join the City of Grapevine's Information Technology Department as a customer service manager. One year later, Mr. Jones returned to the police force with added skills and expertise. Not long after returning to the police force he became a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner, one of only approximately 700 in the world. Mr. Jones has used his expert knowledge and skills in forensic computer examination to aid the Grapevine Police Department in capturing numerous online sexual predators and other felons.

Over the course of his 31-year career, Mr. Jones has remained committed to the service and protection of the City of Grapevine and its

residents. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing Senior Officer Jones for his distinguished career with the Grapevine Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize and congratulate George Dawson Middle School in Southlake, TX for being recognized as one of the Nation's Top 100 Schools to Watch. George Dawson was chosen for its academic excellence, developmental responsiveness to students and ability to provide students with the resources, teachers and support they need.

Sponsored by The National Forum To Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, the Schools

to Watch program looks at schools that have the whole picture of education. After a written application is approved, state teams observe schools and conduct numerous interviews. Those who pass expectations are then approved to be Schools to Watch for three years. High- performing teachers, strong leadership, and a commitment to bring about continuous improvement are but a few of the strict criteria George Dawson met to receive this prestigious honor.

Educational success is the result of many factors, including 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 George Dawson Middle School on its recognition as one of America's Top 100 Schools to Watch.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor the service of an outstanding public servant in the 24th Congressional District of Texas. Police Chief Robert Finn is a hard working, family-oriented individual who has served the Southlake area selflessly throughout his personal and professional life. Chief Finn is retiring after 24 years of public service with the City of Southlake.

Chief Finn graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, with a bachelor's degree of Public Safety Administration and an Executive Masters of Business Administration. In 2001, Chief Finn also graduated from the FBI National Academy. He has been married to his wife, Monica, for eight years and has two children.

In 1987, Chief Finn began his career in public safety as a Firefighter EMT-Paramedic for the city of Southlake. In 2002, he was appointed as the Southlake Fire Chief, and in 2008 he became Chief of the Southlake Police Department.

During his tenure as a public servant, Chief Finn assisted in the completion of the beautiful Southlake Department of Public Safety headquarters. Chief Finn developed strong relationships with neighboring cities, Keller and

Colleyville, for joint cooperation in jail and dispatch services. He created and implemented a career guide to improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the command staff and supervisors in a successful effort to secure a safer community.

Chief Finn has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career. In 1993, Chief Finn was recognized as Southlake Firefighter of the Year, and in 1995 he received the Southlake DPS Director's Award for Excellence. As a member of the community, Chief Finn's leadership has been recognized by the Southlake Rotary Club as 2007 Rotarian of Year and Southlake Chamber of Commerce as 2008 Southlake Citizen of the Year.

Chief Finn has also served as a leader in many of the Southlake community organizations. He was the President of the Texas Association of Law Enforcement Planners from 2000-2001, Peer Assessor for the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies from 2000- 2005, FBI National Academy Alumni Association member since 2001, Peer Assessor and Team Leader of the Center for Public Safety Excellence since 2006, Rotarian since 2004 and President from 2006-2007, Advisory Board Member for Southlake Art in the Square since 2008, Board of Trustee Member of Metroport Meals on Wheels since 2010, and Advisory Board Member of Kids Matter International since 2011.

On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Chief Finn for his 24 years of public service to the City of Southlake.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tine Valencic for winning the 2011 National Geographic Bee. Tine's remarkable achievement is a testament to his discipline, perseverance, and extraordinary knowledge of the world's geography. I am proud to represent Tine, who attends 7th Grade at Colleyville Middle School and founded the Geography Club at the school.

This year, 5 million students, ranging from fourth to eighth grade, studied and perfected their geographic skills as they competed in nationwide geographic bees. Students like Tine spent many months preparing by studying landscapes, and physical features around the globe.

As the 13th place finisher in the 2010 National Geographic Bee, Tine prepared for this year's competition by studying 24-page spreadsheets filled with facts and information about geographic areas and cultures. Competing against 53 semi-finalists, Tine flawlessly answered 119 questions, including five final tiebreakers. Tine was awarded a scholarship for his hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Tine on this significant accomplishment. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Tine Valencic, winner of the 2011 National Geographic Bee.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Burgess and I rise today to celebrate the outstanding service and accomplishments of Crown of Life Lutheran School's eighth grade class. This group of nine students demonstrates a level of commitment and philanthropy positioning them heads and shoulders above their peers. Their dedication to anticipating and seeing to the needs of their community provides me with great hope for the future of America. Today's students are tomorrow's C.E.O.s, Chief Surgeons, and Presidents. These eighth graders will one day make decisions that will determine what this nation looks like in the years to come. We have every confidence that we are in good hands. They have already learned the most valuable lesson--leadership starts with service.

Throughout the 2011 school year, the eighth grade class proved themselves to be extraordinary leaders through their service to the students at Crown of Life Lutheran School. Every day, they cleaned the lunchroom and assisted in the school's weekly assemblies. Monthly, they helped the school set up for Colleyville Chamber of Commerce Luncheons. This Spring, the girls basketball team helped their school to win a second place at the State tournament. The boys made an impressive showing as well, placing fourth in their tournament.

These remarkable students have participated in numerous community projects as well. They helped to organize a bingo night for Finley Elliot, a three year-old who just completed a successful kidney transplant in April of 2011. The $5,000 earnings from the event provided Finley and his family a much needed reprieve from the extensive medical costs. They also volunteered a day to clean up Lakeview Park in Grapevine in order to encourage the maintenance of public parks for the use of the community. The class also assembled care packages and wrote dozens of notes by hand to send to our soldiers

overseas.

We know that Crown of Life Lutheran School is proud to claim these star eighth graders as their own, and we are proud to offer our sincerest congratulations to Hannah Andersson, Zachary Dayley, Jacob Diamond, Sarah Hall, Justin Hawes, Austin Shone, Heide Stufflebeme, John Sandfort and Christian Scherff on their graduation from middle school. We wish you all the best.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Vivian Field Middle School. As a former student of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, it gives me great satisfaction to recognize Vivian Field Middle School for its five decades of educational excellence.

In 1960, Tom Field, a former county commissioner and staunch supporter of public education, donated 7.5 acres of land to Carrollton- Farmers Branch ISD for a new school. Mr. Field, however, had one requirement of the school district: the new school had to be named after his wife, Vivian. The school district honored his wish and constructed Vivian Field Junior High School.

Vivian Field Junior High School opened in the fall of 1961. The school consisted of the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The main building was structured with three wings which were connected by a gymnasium on the southeast side and a cafeteria on the west side. In 1969, to accommodate its growing student body, Vivian Field Junior High School constructed an additional wing, providing a formal entrance and additional classrooms. Since opening, the school has changed its name to Vivian Field Middle School to better reflect the grades and programs.

Today, Vivian Field Middle School has approximately 900 students across three grades. The middle school has been honored by the Texas Education Agency as a ``Recognized'' school from 2005 to 2010, and has been commended on the State and National level for continually providing an outstanding education for its students.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the administrators, teachers, and students of Vivian Field Middle School for its five decades of exemplary education in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the National MPS Society for their 36 years of supporting families while searching for cures. Mucopolysaccharidosis or MPS is a group of genetically determined lysosomal storage diseases that render the human body incapable of producing certain enzymes needed to break down complex carbohydrates. The damage caused by MPS on a cellular level adversely affects the body and damages the heart, respiratory system, bones, internal organs, and central nervous system. MPS often results in intellectual disabilities, short stature, corneal damage, joint stiffness, loss of mobility, speech and hearing impairment, heart disease, hyperactivity, chronic respiratory problems, and, most importantly, a drastically shortened life span.

Symptoms of MPS are usually not apparent at birth and without treatment; the life expectancy of an individual affected begins to decrease at a very early stage in their life. Research has resulted in the development of limited treatments for some of the MPS diseases.

I urge my colleagues and their staff to join me in recognizing May 15, 2011 as National MPS Awareness Day. This is an important time during which the MPS disease community will help increase the awareness of this devastating disease, as well as supporting research to improve treatments, find cures and receive early diagnosis. The MPS families are encouraged to reflect and support each other and to reach out to those families who have lost loved ones to MPS. By wearing their purple ribbons and sharing these ribbons within their community, they are increasing public awareness about this disease. This date is also the start of the national MPS Run/Walk season along with other local community activities to raise awareness along with money for research and for family assistance programs.

I commend the National MPS Society for their unwavering commitment to bring about awareness of this disease and to continue to advocate for federal legislation to streamline the regulatory processes and to speed effective treatments and cures for their loved ones while advocating for funding of respite and enhancing special education. More must be done to find cures and effective treatments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution for their patriotism and preservation of our country's rich history. Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution members can trace their family heritage to the men and women who fought for our nation's independence. For 115 years, Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution has inspired our communities with the principles and promises of our nation's Founding Fathers.

On February 8, 1896, charter members from around Texas formed the Bernardo de Galvez Chapter of Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution. The founding members selected The Honorable Ira H. Evans as the first state president. In 1897, the first annual meeting was held with fifteen members. Today the organization has grown to incorporate sixty-six chapters across Texas and approximately ten thousand members.

Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution is actively involved in communities around Texas by sponsoring and hosting many charitable events such as essay, art, and oration contests for high school students. Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution recognizes ROTC, JROTC, Eagle Scouts, and others for hard work in the community. Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution also works closely with disabled veterans in homes and hospitals around Texas. The organization honors the importance of the American Revolution through civic events where full color guard and revolutionary war uniforms are worn to commemorate our nation's founding.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution on its faithful service to our communities in Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fire Chief Kyle D. King for his commitment to community service in Farmers Branch, Texas. Chief King retired from the City of Farmers Branch on December 31, 2010, after completing 35 years of service.

Chief King was born in Carnegie, Oklahoma, attended Southwestern State University, and graduated from Oklahoma State University. After moving to Texas, he began his employment with the City of Farmers Branch as a Fire Inspector on January 1, 1976. He rose quickly, and was promoted to Fire Protection Safety Technician in 1979, Fire Marshal in 1981, Chief Training Officer in 1985, and Fire Chief in 1991.

As Fire Chief, Mr. King held certifications as an Instructor, Master Fire Inspector, Master Fire Fighter, Master Fire Investigator, and Master Peace Officer. He was a member of the Texas and International Fire Chiefs Association and is past President of the Dallas County Fire Chiefs Association. He has most recently served as Texas State Vice President of the Southwestern Fire Chiefs Association.

Chief King has overseen the construction of several fire department buildings, including the Farmers Branch Fire Station No. 3 and the Bob Phelps Fire Administration Building. He also helped to set up the construction documents for new Fire Station No. 1. Additionally he has supervised the implementation of a mass casualty incident task force, the development of an emergency management plan, initiation of the Citizens Fire Academy, and the beginning of the paramedic engine program. Other achievements for the department include receiving a Class 2 ISO rating, recognition for maintaining an outstanding cardiac save rate, and the maintenance of extremely low annual fire losses through innovative fire prevention programs.

Beyond his work at the Fire Department, Chief King is active in his community. A Baptist deacon for over 30 years, Chief King has held several leadership roles in First Baptist Carrollton, his home church. He is also a former Chaplain for Dallas North Gideons International and currently holds the position of Membership Chair. Additionally, he mentors middle school students through the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District.

On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I would like to thank Chief King for his exceptional career and community service contributions to the greater north Texas area. Because of his leadership and expertise, thousands of residents in Farmers Branch receive vital services each year. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief King for his lifetime of community service.