Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the grand opening of the Bedford Public Library. On February 12, 2011, the library will open its doors to the Bedford community, creating a haven for citizens to learn and have fun.

On June 30, 1964, the first Bedford Public Library opened on Bedford Road located in a small house rented by the city. Four years later the library moved to a larger home on Forest Ridge Drive. In 1972 a new city hall was built, and the library, along with its 19,800 items, opened on the first floor of the new facility. By 1987, the construction of the 17,000 square foot library on L. Don Dodson Drive was completed. In 2001, voters in the city of Bedford approved an $8.85 million bond package that would allow for the construction of a new library.

The city of Bedford encouraged and incorporated community involvement during the library construction process by hosting Library Design Workshops. These workshops allowed the citizens to offer suggestions about design and layout features of the library that would meet their needs as well as the needs of citizens in the future. In July 2008, a town hall meeting was held and the community voted on their favorite library design.

In February 2010, construction began on the new Bedford Public Library. This facility has been transformed from a one-time grocery store into an educational establishment for Bedford residents. The library is 40,516 square feet, approximately three times larger than the old facility.

The new library utilizes modern technological and design features, which include many energy- and cost-saving elements such as 150 geothermal wells to heat and cool the building, 824 solar panels, reflective roof, added insulation, low E glass and LED ballasted lights with monitors throughout the building. The library contains over 100,000 items including nonfiction and fiction, paperbacks and hardbacks, adult and children's classics, DVDs and CDs, and many more. The new library also has 65 public access computers for Bedford residents to enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the opening of the new Bedford Public Library. This facility exemplifies innovation and education within the 24th congressional district of Texas. The Bedford Public Library is an investment in the future of all citizens by combining cutting-edge technology with hands-on learning. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the Bedford Public Library.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Brad Bradley and his commitment to community service in Southlake, Texas. As recognition for his outstanding contributions to his community, the Southlake Style Magazine is honoring Judge Bradley with the Lifetime Community Service Award.

Judge Bradley was born in Peabody, Massachusetts, graduated from Northeastern University, and attended New England School of Law. After moving to Texas, Judge Bradley graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Juris Doctorate. Judge Bradley has had a distinguished legal and judicial career in Northeast Tarrant County. After deciding to stay in Texas as municipal judge, Judge Bradley established the first law office in Southlake, Texas.

After settling in Southlake in 1983, he recognized the need for civic organizations to benefit the growing community. As a creative planner and master organizational architect, Judge Bradley is credited with creating or co-founding at least twenty-nine vital organizations in the greater Southlake community. These organizations include the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, Southlake Executive Forum, educational foundations, community organizations, and charitable organizations to benefit disadvantaged citizens. Because of his vision, hard work, and strategic thinking, the vast majority of these organizations continue to fulfill their missions and goals. Of particular note is Judge Bradley's work in establishing the MetroPort Teen Court to provide alternative sentencing of teens by local municipal courts; the Carroll Education Foundation, which has provided more than $839,000 in teacher grants and $109,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors in the local school district; and the Pro Players Foundation, a nonprofit organization pairing professional athletes with businesses and community volunteers to enrich the lives of children and ensure they have the opportunity for success. As an innovative public servant, Judge Bradley has been the cornerstone of development and growth in Southlake.

Since 1987, Judge Bradley has been elected to numerous positions as judge, including the Municipal Court Judge of Southlake, 1987. He has also served or currently serves as Judge in Westlake, Haslet, Grapevine, Southlake, Trophy Club, Balch Springs, Edgecliff Village, and Burleson, Texas.

On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I would like to thank Judge Bradley for his exceptional judicial career and community service contributions to the greater Southlake area. Because of his leadership and expertise, thousands of residents in Southlake and Northeast Tarrant County receive vital services each year. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Judge Bradley for his lifetime of community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Harland Westmoreland, a dedicated public servant who will retire as assistant chief of the Euless Police Department. As assistant chief, Mr. Westmoreland carried out his duties with honor, boldness, and enthusiasm. With a commitment to service, Mr. Westmoreland has been a leader in the Euless Police Department over the past 35 years.

Mr. Westmoreland was born in Gorman, Texas and attended Reagan County High School in Big Lake, Texas and Dallas Baptist University for both undergraduate and graduate school. At Dallas Baptist University, Mr. Westmoreland earned a masters degree in counseling and psychology. Along with numerous certifications and licenses, Mr. Westmoreland is a master peace officer. Mr. Westmoreland and his wife Juanita reside in Euless and have four children and ten grandchildren.

In 1974, while working in the private sector, Mr. Westmoreland joined the Euless Police Department as a reserve officer. By 1975, Mr. Westmoreland chose to make law enforcement and public service a full time career. In 1982, Mr. Westmoreland became an investigator, and in 1985 he was promoted to sergeant. In January 1993, Mr. Westmoreland was promoted to lieutenant, and in December of the same year he earned the rank of captain. In September 2004, Mr. Westmoreland became assistant police chief of the city of Euless.

Assistant Chief Westmoreland has committed his career to protecting the citizens and community of Euless. Throughout his career in law enforcement, Mr. Westmoreland has positively affected the lives of countless individuals. As exemplified by his many acts of heroism, Mr. Westmoreland has sacrificed his well-being to ensure the public safety of the residents of Euless. I ask all of my colleagues to join in recognizing Assistant Police Chief Westmoreland for his bravery, for his courage, and for his distinguished career with the Euless Police Department.

Madam Speaker, due to recent major surgery, I have been unable to travel to Washington, DC and would like the record to reflect my stated positions on three major votes that I missed due to my recovery from surgery.

Rollcall vote 625 of December 8, 2010 on HR 5281 that contained the DREAM Act, I would have voted ``nay.''

Rollcall vote 638 of December 15, 2010 on the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, I would have voted ``nay.''

Rollcall vote 647 of December 17, 2010 on the Tax Compromise, I would have voted ``nay.''

I look forward to returning to Washington, DC next month when cleared to travel by my doctor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Colleyville Garden Club. Over the last 50 years, the Colleyville Garden Club has been committed to the improvement of Colleyville's parks and gardens.

On January 11, 1961, Florence Eudaly, wife of Colleyville's first mayor, along with several other women, organized the Colleyville Garden Club. The club began by meeting in member's homes with established yearly dues of $1.00. Since then, the Colleyville Garden Club has grown in membership and continues to support projects in the community with the underlying goals of promoting interest in all phases of gardening, horticultural education, civic beautification, and conservation of natural resources.

The Colleyville Garden Club has spent countless hours involved in projects in the Colleyville community such as Keep Colleyville Beautiful, Arbor Day, Promenade Garden Tour, and many others. The Colleyville Garden Club has designed and installed gardens throughout the local community including the Colleyville Center, Leone Hodges Butterfly Garden at Kidsville, Colleyville City Hall, Colleyville Parks and Recreation Office, Sparger Park, and Webb House. From 2008 to 2010, the Club generously donated two bronze sculptures and three Lyman Whitaker wind sculptures to McPherson Park.

On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize the Colleyville Garden Club for its 50 years of service in the Colleyville community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Donald W. Hodges, the co-founder of First Dallas Securities and Hodges Capital Management and the co-manager of Hodges Fund and Hodges Small Cap Fund. For 50 years Don has brought financial success to investors. Along with his three children--all of whom hold positions within his company--and 36 area employees, Don has made his business the gold standard of the investment industry.

Many people work until retirement age and begin to settle down. Don has only grown his business since he reached retirement age over 10 years ago, by adding Hodges Small Cap Fund in 2007 and Blue Chip; Equity Income; and Pure Contrarian funds last year. He is the epitome of the small business men and women who make up 80 percent of our nation's job creators.

Don began working with Merrill Lynch in 1960, and in 1974 joined Rauscher Pierce Refsnes, now Dain Rauscher. In 9 years he became President of Rauscher, and in 1981 was named one of the top 20 brokers by Registered Rep magazine. Six years ago he was profiled by CNN Money, where he was noted for both his outstanding business practices and the financial success he has enjoyed.

Don has worked hard to improve his community even beyond his businesses. One of his more prominent positions is on the Foundation Board of Directors for West Texas A&M University, where he encourages students to attend WTAMU because of the values the institution professes.

Small businesses are a critical component to our economy, and Don has done more than most to increase the size of the pie for all who have been associated with him for his five decades in the investment business. It is for this reason I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Donald W. Hodges on this day.

Madam Speaker, I seek recognition to congratulate the Coppell High School Marching Band from Coppell, Texas for their outstanding season of competition and reaching the Finals in the 2010 5A State Marching Band Contest.

The 350-member Coppell High School Marching Band has been a great source of pride for the citizens of Coppell for many years. Since the 1990s, the band has brought home gold and bronze medals from the State Championship, performed in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, won several regional marching contests, marched St. Patrick's Day parades in New York and Dublin, and continued a tradition of excellence that develops character, discipline, and leadership on and off the marching field.

In early August, not only will you find the football team beginning two-a-days at Coppell High, but you will likewise see the marching band practicing twice a day in the school parking lot. As a long-time resident of North Texas, I can tell you being outside hours at a time in 100-degree heat is the last thing most people would want to do in August. But every year, this dedicated group of students braves the elements and commits themselves entirely in the spirit of competition, their love of music, and devotion toward each other, their school, and their town.

It is this level of dedication and hard work that earned Coppell the honor of performing in the Finals of the 5A State Marching Band Contest this year. Reaching that point required several rounds of competition where, out of the 250 public high schools under the 5A classification, only 10 reached the Finals in the Alamo Dome in San Antonio on the night of November 2, 2010. Though Coppell did not take a place on the podium that night, the honor and thrill of being one of the last remaining bands should be a source of pride and respect for all the students who participated.

I want to specifically congratulate Scott Mason, Director of Bands for the Coppell Independent School District, his outstanding staff of directors and instructors, the drum majors, the section and squad leaders, and captains of the colorguard and drumline for leading their students through another successful year. Their continued accomplishments are well-deserved and hard-won.

I wish further success for these young people in their future pursuits in music and in life. I hope the important lessons learned by these students will remain with them forever.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Taiwan on Republic of China's National Day.

In the last two years, Republic of China President Ma Ying-jeou has even further strengthened the ties between Taiwan and the United States. Taiwan has been reducing its trade surplus with the U.S. year after year and supporting our war against global terrorism. Taiwan's offer of humanitarian assistance to Iraq and Afghanistan has been generous and laudatory. I sincerely hope our mutual relations will continue to prosper as we are committed to the Taiwan Relations Act, TRA, the cornerstone of our mutual relations. In keeping with the spirit of the TRA, we must facilitate and complete our arms sale to Taiwan. Despite the reduction of tensions in the Taiwan Strait, the undeniable reality is that China still has over a thousand missiles deployed and aimed at Taiwan around the clock. Taiwan's need for defensive arms is greater than ever.

Madam Speaker, we should applaud Taiwan's recent rapprochement with its major adversary, the PRC. Yet, we should always remember a well- armed Taiwan is the best way to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. To safeguard Taiwan's security, the U.S., as a longtime friend of Taiwan, must continue to provide necessary defensive weapons to Taiwan. Furthermore, we should continue to advocate for the greater inclusion of Taiwan in international organizations. One good example will be for the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, to accept Taiwan as an observer, following the model of the World Health Organization, which has invited Taiwan to be its observer for two consecutive years.

On the occasion of its National Day, I wish Taiwan even greater success in the future and appreciate the continued friendship of our two nations.

Madam Speaker, sadly what we said would happen to the popular Medicare Advantage program when Congress enacted Obamacare is starting to come true. Harvard Pilgrim recently notified 22,000 New England seniors that it would be canceling their Medicare Advantage plans at the end of the year. The decision to cancel their participation in the program was made because of the newly enacted freeze in federal reimbursements and their concerns regarding the long- term viability of Medicare Advantage.

I am very afraid that Harvard Pilgrim is just the tip of the iceberg. Other Medicare Advantage providers will probably reach the same decision to cancel their participation. Health care reform was supposed to allow those individuals who liked their health care insurance to be able to keep it. Sadly these 22,000 New England seniors are now searching for new coverage in 2011. We must restore Medicare Advantage for our seniors that depend on it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 30th anniversary of the founding of Carrollton Christian Academy (CCA) in Carrollton, Texas. Since 1980, CCA has provided a first-class education to hundreds of students. Its expansions since opening include serving students across the world with its international program, begun in 2002. The school, which truly lives its mandate to provide a quality secular and theological education, has become a staple in the area and a boon to all who benefit from its creation and growth.

Under the leadership of director Constance Waddell, then-Sonshine Christian Preschool added a kindergarten program two years after inception. In 1985, it officially incorporated, and was re-named under its current designation. By 1994, only 14 years after opening its doors, CCA graduated its first class and was forced to expand due to increased interest. A new building--complete with classrooms, a gymnasium, and science and computer labs--was built, and opened in the fall of 1994. The school re-located in 2002 to its current location in Carrollton. Today, the school has an athletic field for football and soccer, and in June graduated 49 students.

There are many people to note for their contributions to CCA. In 1985, senior pastor Dr. Paul Morrell helped lead CCA to its renaming and incorporating. That fall, Dr. Morrell, Jeff Dixon, Carla Vaughn, and Marilyn Headley helped lead the school, and incorporators included Dr. Morrell, Ann Morrell, George Etier, Lamont Scarbrough, Carla Vaughn, John Collier, Cindy Shirley, and Doug Giffen. I thank these entrepreneurs for their efforts to improve the communities in which they lived.

I have experienced the high quality of CCA's education through my own childrens' attendance. Three of my four children went to CCA, and as a parent I could not be prouder of the experiences they received. In both formal education and theological growth, the benefits of CCA are seen every day in the hundreds of graduates and the positive influences those graduates have on their world. It is with great pleasure and pride that I ask all of my esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating CCA for over a generation full of successful work for education in both the secular and religious traditions.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Heinz K. Simon, the retiring Vice Chairman and former President and Chairman of the Las Colinas Association Board of Directors. Heinz is a valued member of the Irving, Texas community and has dedicated decades of service, economic planning, and community improvements to the association and its surrounding communities. Since 1973, Heinz and his wife, Allison, have resided in Las Colinas, and in 1996 Heinz moved the corporate office of Industrial Properties Corporation to Las Colinas. As the former CEO and Chairman of Industrial, Heinz understood the dynamic business environment Las Colinas possesses. Heinz also raised his two children in this community.

Since moving to Las Colinas, Heinz's contributions to the community have been tremendous. In addition to being on the Association Board for over 10 years, he has served as the Chairman for Irving's Tax Increment Finance District. This position allowed him to push for a development project within the Tax Increment Finance District boundaries in Las Colinas. Furthermore, Heinz was the primary force behind The Las Colinas Park Foundation, a 501-(c)(3) organization that works to beautify parks and open spaces across Irving. In addition to other projects, the Foundation has replanted numerous trees and put both a statue and a sculpture in two parks within the community.

It was at Heinz's urging that the Urban Center Task Force Committee was organized in April 2006 to encourage the city of Irving to look at the needs of Las Colinas. As Chairman since its inception, Heinz has gotten involvement on the Committee from the mayor of Irving; two city managers and their staffs; and numerous city organizations. The group has encouraged the burying of overhead utilities, the construction of the Lake Carolyn promenade, and kept the interests of Las Colinas at the forefront of discussions among city leaders.

Though he retires from the Las Colinas Association Board of Directors with many accomplishments, Heinz is not done improving his community. He currently serves as the director/trustee of the Stemmons Foundation, a charitable trust established in 1963 to benefit Dallas-area cultural, educational, and scientific communities. It is for this continuous dedication to the Las Colinas area and its surrounding communities that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Heinz K. Simon's retirement from the Las Colinas Board of Directors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the marriage of Fred and Betty Williams. Fred and Betty embody all that marriage should be: fidelity, loyalty, and a strong bond formed by love. They, and all that they have done to help

their communities throughout their lives, are typical of the hard- working Americans we represent across our great Nation.

I have known Fred and Betty for almost 40 years, beginning when I attended college with their son Larry at Southern Nazarene University. Married in Longview, Texas, on August 30, 1945, they worked for years at Sears--Fred for 33, and Betty for 8, after a career at JC Penney. After retirement, they moved to Carrollton, Texas, where they embarked on an active retirement in politics, as church volunteers, and as donors to those less fortunate than themselves.

Since moving to Carrollton, the Williams' dedication to the town and area has been unmatched. Fred has served two terms as the Denton County Grand Juror and two terms on the Denton County Appraisal Review Board. Additionally, both Betty and Fred have served as polling place election judges and assistants for over a decade throughout north Texas; including Dallas, Carrollton, Denton County, Farmers Branch Independent School District, and Lewisville Independent School District.

Fred and Betty have been involved in the Church of Nazarene for 60 years. Both have taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, worked with children and youth, and held official positions within the church--Fred as church treasurer and Betty as missionary society president. Furthermore, they have helped clean the church for 10 years, and conducted various duties for the benefit of missionaries, pastors, evangelists, and college students.

Fred and Betty embody the best of the American spirit of hard work and dedication to neighbors and community. They have raised three great children in addition to everything else they have done to improve the environment in which they live. It is with recognition of these accomplishments that I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring and thanking the Williams for their lifetime of service and congratulating them on 65 years of marriage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the marriage of Francis Helen Marchant and Hobart Clay Marchant. Francis and Hobart embody everything a couple should and have created a legacy in their commitment to one another that their 5 children carry on in their own lives. As one of those five, I know this very well. Throughout their lives, they have dedicated themselves to the betterment of those with whom they meet and know.

Francis Helen Jones was born in Cooper, Texas on January 14, 1930. Hobart Clay Marchant was born in Hilger, Texas on October 23, 1920. They were married on August 18, 1950, after Hobart served 5 years in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and returned home. Hobart and Francis were both raised by farming parents in Northeast Texas but married in Grand Prairie, Texas, where both worked.

Early in their marriage Hobart worked as a carpenter. Soon after they wed, Hobart completed barber school in Fort Worth and worked

as a small businessman while he and Francis raised 5 children. Francis stayed at home to raise the children, and sold Highlights Magazines, babysat, and ironed clothes to help make ends meet.

Later in life, when their kids were grown, both Francis and Hobart Marchant worked in real estate. Hobart worked in the construction of residential homes and Francis sold homes for her husband and sons. Francis and Hobart raised their children in Dallas, moving to Carrollton in 1963 where they have lived ever since. They began attending the Church of the Nazarene over 50 years ago, and raised their children in the church. They currently attend Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, where they are still actively involved.

Their children have grown up and blessed them with 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grand-children. All of the siblings still live in the area close to their parents. Francis and Hobart Marchant have created a legacy of enduring love and commitment to family, church, and service to their community. It is with recognition of these accomplishments that I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring Francis and Hobart Marchant and congratulating them on 60 years of marriage.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to recognize the centennial anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Over the last one hundred years, the Boy Scouts of America has remained devoted to its mission of dedicated service through developing social and moral skills in young men throughout the United States. This organization has produced some of our Nation's best and brightest leaders as a result of a simple creed that was embedded in them as young adults.

In 1909, William Boyce was a lost American in the fog on the streets of London. He encountered a young boy, now known as the ``Unknown Scout,'' who voluntarily assisted him on his way. When Boyce offered compensation for the boy's good deed, the boy declined and stated that he was doing his ``Good Turn'' as a Scout. On February 8, 1910, Boyce brought the idea of Scouting to the United States and formed the Boy Scouts of America. Since its founding, the organization has been committed to preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Through one hundred years of service, Boy Scouts of America remains dedicated to building the character of servant leaders within our communities. Boy Scouts of America has worked with over one hundred and ten million young adults, two million of which have gone on to become Eagle Scouts. I also applaud the work of the Scouting leaders who are devoted to the mission of mentoring young adults through countless hours of service projects, Pinewood Derby races, and other activities in order to build America's leaders of tomorrow.

On behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to say ``thank you'' and ``congratulations'' to the Boy Scouts of America for the tremendous work it has accomplished over the course of one hundred years. By impacting and developing the lives of youth, the Boy Scouts of America has contributed to the development of a responsible and productive America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I be removed as a cosponsor from H.R. 3421.