Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ryan Dant. Ryan's father Mark Dant retired just last year as Assistant Chief at the Carrollton, Texas Police Department. As a young boy, Ryan was diagnosed with a rare disease called Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS Type 1)--a disease so rare that it affects about 1 in 100,000 children.

Mr. Speaker, we recently observed National MPS Awareness Day on May 15.

At the time he was diagnosed, in the early 90s, there was no cure or even a treatment for MPS. Doctors told Ryan's parents--Jeanne and Mark--that he wouldn't make it to his 13th birthday.

Over time, the heartache of their son's diagnosis gave way to the steadfast perseverance that only a parent knows.

Scientist after scientist, through experimental treatments and research studies, Ryan's 13th birthday came and went.

Last Saturday, Jeanne and Mark Dant witnessed a miracle--their son Ryan, at age 29, received his college degree.

I congratulate Ryan on receiving his degree. His life's journey is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 10, the Financial CHOICE Act, replacing the harmful Dodd-Frank Act, with reforms that help all Americans.

The CHOICE Act keeps the promise to my constituents to remove Obama- era regulations, increase choice for consumers in my community, and impose the toughest penalties in history for financial fraud.

Strong communities like the ones I represent in north Texas are based on the strength of their local businesses. Under Dodd-Frank, America loses an average of one community bank every day. The Financial CHOICE Act will help businesses on Main Street reform business on Wall Street and fuel economic growth throughout the country.

I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 10.

Mr. Speaker, this month, May of 2017, marks the 25th Anniversary of the unusual ratification of the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Proposed to the state legislatures for ratification by the very First Congress in 1789, and sponsored by none other than James Madison, who was a Member of this House that year, it was finally incorporated into the Federal Constitution more than 202 years later when the Alabama Legislature became the 38th to approve it on this date in 1992.

Early in our nation's history, this constitutional amendment was adopted, pursuant to the Constitution's Article V, by the legislatures of Maryland and North Carolina in 1789, by those in South Carolina and Delaware in 1790, by those in Vermont and Virginia in 1791, as well as by that of Kentucky in 1792. But the proposal still had not gained the approval of enough states to be fully ratified. More than 80 years after Kentucky, Ohio lawmakers belatedly ratified it in 1873; but by then, with so many additional states having joined the Union, the ratification threshold had risen much higher. In order to become part of the U.S. Constitution today, with 50 states currently in the Union, a proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by at least 38 states.

During its later years, as the amendment approached full ratification, I was privileged to personally contribute to this proposal formally becoming part of the U.S. Constitution. Before starting my congressional service in 2005, I was among those members of the Texas House of Representatives who voted ``aye'' on House Joint Resolution No. 6, on May 25, 1989, during the Regular Session of the 71st Texas Legislature, by which Texas lawmakers approved the amendment.

A common sense proposal, the amendment reads quite simply: ``No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.''

In other words, Members may set congressional salaries for the next term of office, but may not adjust their own wages during their current term.

It is safe to say, Mr. Speaker, that the 27th Amendment would never have made its way into the Federal Constitution were it not for the dogged persistence of an employee in the Texas House of Representatives by the name of Gregory Watson. Back in March 1982, Mr. Watson was a 19- year-old student at the University of Texas at Austin. At the same time, he had just recently been hired to work part-time for a Texas state representative at the nearby state Capitol building.

As instructed, Watson wrote a paper for a course entitled ``American Government'' at the University. He ended up choosing as the topic for that paper a still-pending proposed constitutional amendment that Congress had offered to the state legislatures for ratification some 192 years earlier. Intrigued, Watson argued in his paper that despite the proposed constitutional amendment having lingered before the nation's state legislators since the year 1789, it was still needed as a means of holding Congress accountable for its actions relative to Members' salary and he pointed out, in the paper, that the proposal had no deadline by which America's state lawmakers must have taken action. Hence, despite its age, the proposed amendment was still technically pending business before our country's state legislatures.

Watson turned in the academic paper and was disappointed to get it back later with a grade of ``C'' on it. He also received a ``C'' in the course overall. That stood for some 35 years until March 2017 when the overall course grade was officially raised to an ``A'' by UT-Austin upon formal petition of Watson's former professor.

Undaunted at the time by the original low grade on his term paper, Watson began in the spring of 1982 reaching out to seek sponsorship of the proposed constitutional amendment in the various state capitols across the United States. He was intent upon this amendment ultimately finding its way formally into the U.S. Constitution. The following year, 1983, the Maine Legislature became Watson's first success story. After that, in 1984, Colorado's lawmakers gave their approval. And from that point forward--with Watson vigorously pushing every step of the way--its momentum quickened until the proposal officially became the 27th Amendment to the Federal Constitution on May 5, 1992, a decade after Watson first learned of it.

From 1982 to present, Mr. Watson has been an institution in the halls of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, having been employed in both the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate, during his decades- long career as state legislative staff. Working for a number of my then-colleagues, it was there that I first came to know Mr. Watson.

To commemorate the quarter century of the 27th Amendment's presence within the U.S. Constitution, and at the same time to congratulate Mr. Watson on the March 2017 raising of his overall course grade from ``C'' to ``A'', I include in the Record an article from the March 14, 2017, edition of the Austin American-Statesman.

Mr. Speaker, as we in the Congress debate various proposals to amend the Federal Constitution, it is important that we keep in mind the lessons that the 27th Amendment's unconventional path to ratification teach us about the power of the American people's wishes to ultimately prevail in our deliberations.

Herman: 35 years Later, A+ for Austinite Who Got Constitution Amended?

(By Ken Herman--American-Statesman Staff)

Looks like we're heading for a happier new ending on a

happy old story that some of you might not know about.

Gregory Watson seems headed for an upgrade.

We begin back in spring 1982 when Watson, then a University

of Texas student, signed up for Sharon Waite's GOV 310 course

on American Government. For his term paper, young Watson

researched the proposed Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S.

Constitution, a hot topic of the day.

But Watson diverted when he came upon a book that listed

other proposed constitutional amendments proposed but never

ratified by the required three-fourths of the states.

``And this one instantly jumped out at me,'' he recalled.

``This one'' was proposed in 1789 and concerned

congressional pay raises. At the time Watson believed six

states had ratified it, with the most recent being Virginia

in 1791. (This turned out to be wrong; two others later did.)

Another key year here is 1917. Before that, Congress did

not put expiration dates on proposed constitutional

amendments. That meant the 1789 one was still in play, and

this gave birth to a term paper Watson recalls he titled,

``Can a proposed constitutional amendment to the U.S.

Constitution offered by Congress in 1789 still be ratified by

the state legislatures after all these years?''

OK, not a title that smoothly rolls off the tongue, but on

point.

The amendment says any pay hike members of Congress OK for

themselves can't take effect until after the subsequent U.S.

House election. The topic was hot in the early 1980s because

in 1981 Congress had, in Watson's words, ``slipped itself a

sneaky pay raise'' by tucking it into a coal miner health

care bill.

So Watson turned his paper in to the course teaching

assistant, who gave it a C-. Watson, a persistent fellow,

appealed to Waite.

``She said she'd take a look at it. So 1 gave it to her,''

Watson told me. ``And then the next class period, she kind of

physically tossed it back at me and said, `No change.' ''

He got a C in the course and says he was ``kind of, sort

of' angry at Waite and the T.A.

``So I said, `I will not let this disappoint me. I will go

out and get that thing ratified,' '' Watson said.

He did, starting by contacting lawmakers in Maine in 1983.

Watson's thing became the 27th (and most recent) amendment to

the U.S. Constitution in 1992.

And that was that. The U.S. Constitution had a new

amendment. And Watson still had a C in GOV 310.

About a year ago, UT government professor Zach Elkins and

KUT Managing Editor Matt Largey contacted Watson and

expressed interest in his story, but Watson didn't know what

they were up to.

He found out March 4, live and on stage at the Paramount

Theatre, where he had been invited for what he thought was to

be a Q&A about his involvement in amending the U.S.

Constitution. His story was one of several told at something

called Pop-Up Magazine, which is kind of a live newsmagazine.

Several other topics came up before Largey's telling of

Watson's story, who then was invited on stage.

``It was at that point that professor Elkins handed me the

envelope,'' Watson said.

The envelope contained an Update of Student Academic Record

form requesting that his 1982 grade in the government course

be changed from C to A+. It was signed by Waite.

In the space for ``Explanation of error, delay or special

circumstances,'' Waite wrote, ``In light of the student's

heroic efforts to prove the professor and T.A. wrong in their

assessment of his term paper, Mr. Watson deserves an A+.''

(FYI, UT doesn't do plus or minus grades so, if the form is

approved, Watson's grade in the course will become an A.)

Waite, who was a lecturer at UT from 1981 to 1983, now

works on a Mission citrus farm that's been in her family

since 1922. Thanks to Watson's achievement, she proudly calls

herself ``a footnote to a footnote of history.''

But she says C was the proper course grade at the time

because she thought his theory about getting the

constitutional amendment ratified was far-fetched. ``I

thought it couldn't be done,'' she said. ``So he just

proceeded to prove me wrong.''

``Hey, a lowly lecturer has had more effect on the

Constitution than anybody in the professorial ranks,'' Waite

said with a laugh.

Elkins said he teaches about Watson's effort as an

inspiring example of ``heroic citizenship.''

``We just need the dean's signature, and it's done,''

Elkins said of the grade change effort.

If this gets rejected, nobody should ever wear burnt orange

again.

Largey remains understandably fascinated by Watson's story,

which he has told at Pop-Up Magazine events in San Francisco;

Washington; New York; Portland, Ore.; and Seattle.

``He is one of a kind,'' he said of Watson.

Largey's KUT story about Watson is scheduled to air at 6:45

and 8:45 a.m. Tuesday. You also should be able to find it at

KUT.org.

Happier ending upcoming, indeed. And you might have a

chance to make it even happier. Watson, 54, long has

struggled financially as he worked in the government world,

where jobs come and go.

Watson never graduated from college. He's been pretty much

a constant presence at the Texas Capitol since 1982, where

he's worked for 15 different lawmakers. He moved to Austin

City Hall in 2015 to work for then-Council Member Don

Zimmerman. When Zimmerman was defeated last year, Watson was

out of work. He's now an aide to Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort

Worth.

In addition to the government jobs, Watson has moonlighted

in retail and has bused tables at a downtown restaurant. His

current legislative job ends when the legislative session

ends in May. He needs a job after that. Maybe you know of

something.

I can tell you Watson knows his way around government and

got the U.S. Constitution amended.

And, assuming the change gets OK'd, he got an A in GOV 310.

One more thing: Yes, Watson still has his 1982 term paper--

somewhere.

``I have tried and tried and tried to find that thing,'' he

said. ``I don't know where I put it. It's not the type of

thing I would have thrown in the garbage. So it's somewhere.

And I'm one of these funny people that keeps everything, so

I've got storage unit after storage unit. It's somewhere in a

box in a storage unit.

``Hopefully, the termites haven't gotten to it.''

They wouldn't dare.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and memory of Joseph Ray Perry, a beloved Texan, World

War II veteran, and father of Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. Ray passed away on April 27, 2017, at the age of 92.

Ray was a man of faith and country. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and over the next two years flew 35 combat missions as a tail gunner for the B17 bomber, Heavy Date. He was the last surviving member of the plane's crew. By the time he left the service in 1945, Ray had earned numerous awards, including the Air Medal, World War II Victory badge, Sharpshooters badge, and the Aerial Gunnery badge. Mr. Perry was part of the greatest generation who answered the call of duty and defended our flag during a time of considerable need. The legacy of the greatest generation will stand the test of time as it helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today. He was a west Texas farmer at heart and the Lone Star State was lucky to have him.

After the war, Ray moved back to Texas and operated a farm near rural Paint Creek, a small town just north of Abilene. He was an active member of his community, a loving husband, a dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ray was a quiet but influential man and a strong moral compass for all that knew him. He was elected Haskell County Precinct 3 commissioner in 1968, a position he held for nearly three decades. Mr. Perry also served on the Paint Creek school board for 10 years and on the West Texas Council of Governments for 6 years, during which time he helped organize the Paint Creek Water Supply Corp.

While we mourn the loss of Ray, we are grateful for his example of a life well lived, guided by the values of family and service.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Mr. Joseph Ray Perry. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Ray and in sending their thoughts and prayers to the Perry family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize M. Smith Coffman for her powerful poem and kind words of inspiration to many. While the poem is meant to move and inspire our service members and veterans in times of need, I believe everyone should experience it. I intend for everyone to procure some good fortune and hope from her message.

Ghosts of the Past

The fog shrouded, silent vale,

comes to life before my trail.

Ghosts of the past, ride in the predawn mist,

in their stirring I am by angels kissed.

Here, the plan of war was born,

and there, soldiers' lives were torn.

Brave warriors on snorting, restless steeds,

our heroes against men of evil deeds.

See Lexington and Concord's men of pride.

Rebs and Yanks who at Chickamauga died.

See the tired, straggling wagon train,

faces parched by sun, in battle's strain.

Indians silently move their camps,

past sod houses lit by dim oil lamps.

I see the brave men from the Alamo,

as on, and on, and on they go.

Oh, ancient rocks, you saw it all,

you saw where gallant man did fall.

You echoed the shot, felt the glance of spear,

the price for freedom, we hold dear.

Our troops who fell on foreign soils,

they the victors, won the spoils.

There were those from the sky

and from the sea,

They gave of themselves to keep us free.

Their souls, at last, are at home,

no more foreign lands to roam.

All are soothed in the mist,

as o'er their separate paths they twist.

Their laughter softly echoes from the rills,

and across the windswept, rugged hills.

Mingling, they have enemies no more,

here at home or foreign shore.

In cadence, I heard them say,

``Let not our sons go this way.

Alas the new born cries at birth,

but men must know of joy on earth.

Oh, that we could right the wrong,

Oh, that we could leave but song.''

Oh Lord, many of our brave, gallant men of pride,

put their lives upon the line, fought and died.

Men with bodies and emotions torn,

this great loss we all should mourn.

I stand and salute you, one and all.

You went through hell, for country's call.

Dear Lord, I pray their pain relive,

give them strength and hope, and ease.

They should receive the best of care,

Mr. Speaker, I made a promise to my constituents when they sent me back to office this year. They entrusted me to represent them on the issues that affect them the most.

They sent me here to repeal ObamaCare, our health system. Our health insurance system is crushing those that it is supposed to help.

They sent me here to remove Washington bureaucrats from the healthcare business and to restore the doctor-patient relationship that has broken down. If ObamaCare has shown us anything, it is that coverage and affordable care are two very different things.

They sent me here for sweeping tax reform that benefits every American, to create a tax structure that rewards American workers and American businesses.

Lastly, they sent me here to make sure that we secure our borders and enforce our border laws because border security is national security.

Mr. Speaker, these are the issues this House should be tackling.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the public service of City Manager Clay Phillips of Coppell, Texas. On March 31, 2017, Mr. Phillips will retire from public service after serving eight years as City Manager of Coppell and over 35 years of service in municipal government.

Clay Phillips began his public service career with the Town of Addison in 1981 working as a firefighter and paramedic. He left the Town of Addison after obtaining the rank of Deputy Fire Chief to assume the position of Fire Chief for the City of Coppell. Since 1991, Clay has served as the Fire Chief, Assistant City Manager, and Deputy City Manager and in 2008, Clay was promoted to the role of City Manager.

Clay attended the University of North Texas where he received his Bachelor of Science with Honors in Emergency Administration and Planning along with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. In 2011, Clay was named the 2011 MPA Alumnus of the Year. Clay has served as president of the North Central Texas City Managers' Association and he serves on the Board of Directors of the North Texas Commission.

During his career as City Manager in Coppell, Clay has promoted regionalism amongst area cities and helped bring about a number of cooperative efforts, including the North Texas Emergency Communications

Center. Working with city staff, community, and the city council, he led many projects over the years that resulted in major improvements to the city's parks, facilities, and infrastructure. One of Clay's favorite projects was the redevelopment of Old Town Coppell, which has blossomed into a unique, mixed-use area, which embraces the city's history along with bringing together businesses and residents.

Clay is a lifetime resident of Coppell. In 1978, he graduated from Coppell High School where he received Valedictorian honors. Most recently, Clay was recognized as the Class of 2004 Distinguished Alumni. Clay has served on numerous professional and philanthropic organizations throughout North Texas and Coppell including the first Board of Directors of the Coppell ISD Education Foundation and Coppell ISD Strategic Planning Initiative. Clay is an active member of his church where he serves as elder and in the music ministry. Clay and his wife, Terry, are proud parents to two children and one grandson.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing Clay Phillips many years of continued success and congratulations as we celebrate his service to the City of Coppell.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Loren Gresham on his retirement from Southern Nazarene University (SNU). For the past 50 years, Dr. Gresham has devoted his time and efforts to providing students a top tier education in a Christ-centered environment.

Dr. Gresham has demonstrated a lifetime passion for education, including his own. Before becoming the President of SNU, Loren received a number of degrees. Loren earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) in 1962 and went on to receive his Master of Arts degree in international relations from the University of Southern California. In 1964, Loren married former Pasadena College classmate, Linda Brown, and together they have one child, Suzanne.

In 1967, Loren moved to Bethany, Oklahoma where he became a professor of political science at Bethany Nazarene College. He became a Fulbright Scholar and was granted leave for the 1970-71 academic year to conduct research in New Zealand. During his time as a professor, Loren continued to pursue his higher education studies at the University of Oklahoma and earned a Ph.D. in political science in 1973.

At Bethany Nazarene College, Dr. Gresham pursued his lifelong interest in the sport of basketball. He became assistant coach and later the head coach of the men's team. Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success including a national championship in 1981 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) defeating the University of Alabama in Huntsville. As President of SNU, Dr. Gresham has continued this tradition of competition as an active advocate of the 18 SNU women and men's athletic teams.

By 1985, Dr. Gresham became provost of Bethany Nazarene College and four short years later, in 1989, the board of trustees named Dr. Gresham the president of the institution, now called Southern Nazarene University. Currently, Dr. Gresham is the longest serving president among the eight Nazarene institutions of higher education in North America. Additionally, he is the longest tenured president serving at any college or university in the state of Oklahoma.

During Dr. Gresham's presidency at SNU, the institution has had 28 consecutive years of balanced budgets, and last fall's total enrollment was the all-time high in SNU's school history. During Dr. Gresham's tenure, SNU has been ranked the number one ``Best College'' in Oklahoma and one of ``The 50 Most Affordable Private Colleges'' in the nation by Money (2016). Dr. Gresham is also credited with raising the needed funds for operating, endowment, and capital projects. The funds raised have gone to many programs that will educate the next generation of SNU leaders and enhance student life such as campus beautification projects, construction of new living centers, major upgrades to athletic facilities, and the establishment of a online campus and a satellite campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma, among others.

Dr. Gresham has served in many professional organizations to help improve education for students and educators across the nation. He has chaired the NAIA Council of Presidents as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He has chaired the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities Board of Directors, an organization that represents more than 111 Christian colleges and universities across the nation.

Dr. Gresham's wife, Linda, has also served extensively on campus ministries. Linda and Dr. Gresham have a clear passion for education and love for SNU. Together, they founded The Gresham Leadership Grant to recruit outstanding young leaders to SNU. This highly selective first-year grant is awarded to students who have clearly demonstrated leadership in their community, church, and school and possess exemplary character in all aspects of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to thank Dr. Gresham for his 50 years of commitment and leadership to Southern Nazarene University. Dr. Gresham's work ethic, values, and integrity have set an example for those in higher education. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Gresham continued success as he enjoys his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the great honor and privilege of recognizing a true American Hero, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) James Megellas of Colleyville, Texas, in celebration of his 100th birthday.

Lieutenant Colonel James Megellas received his military commission on May 28th, 1942 as he walked the stage at his graduation from Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin. Simultaneously receiving his diploma and military orders, James became a newly commissioned officer in the United States Army. Since receiving his commission on that fateful day, LTC Megellas' incredible courage and selfless dedication to his country enabled him to become the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His exemplary service to our nation and outstanding bravery during the Second World War helped to liberate a continent and defend the freedom of millions of civilians in the European Theater.

LTC Megellas reported for duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky on June 8, 1942 and began preparing to enter the war. Soon thereafter, he was selected to become a paratrooper within the 82nd Airborne Division where he served for the duration of the war on the front lines of the European Theater. His experiences during the war brought him to Anzio, Italy where he fought in the Battle of Anzio; The Netherlands for Operation Market Garden and the Battle of Nijmegen where he crossed the Waal River; and in Belgium where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

For his service during Operation Market Garden, LTC Megellas was the first American awarded the Military Order of Wilhelm, the oldest and highest honor awarded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Furthermore, LTC Megellas was awarded the Belgium Fouragere, by the Kingdom of Belgium for his bravery in defense of the Kingdom.

In addition to his foreign honors, LTC Megellas has received over 25 awards for service and valor while serving in the U.S. Army. These honors include: the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, the Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, and six Campaign Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge to name but a few of his awards.

Selfless action in the face of unspeakable atrocity is one of the defining characteristics of the Greatest Generation. LTC Megellas and his outstanding service stands as a shining example of how truly great this generation is. This example has set a high bar for which we as patriots and defenders of freedom should strive to achieve.

After leaving active duty in 1946, LTC Megellas continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves for an additional 16 years where he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his retirement from the Army Reserves, in November 1961, LTC Megellas was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to serve as Mission Director within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) where he served in Yemen, Panama, Columbia, and Vietnam.

LTC Megellas remains active in supporting veterans and service members across the globe. He regularly travels to speak with veterans, historians, and school children to share his experiences and to remind us all of the tremendous accomplishments of the Greatest Generation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to stand before you today to wish this living legend a very happy birthday. I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in wishing Lieutenant Colonel James Megellas a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mae Beth Palone on her well-earned retirement from the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, after twenty-two years of dedicated service.

After graduating from the University of Texas with a bachelor's degree in journalism, Palone's distinguished career began at the Texas Capitol in 1975 working for Representative Elmer Martin. She then faithfully served Representative Walter Grubbs, Representative Jimmy Mankins, Representative Foster Whaley and even assisted a newly elected Representative Rick Perry before he had his own staff, finishing her Capitol career in the service of Representative Robert Earley.

Nearly twenty years later, she joined the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) serving as IBAT's Government Relations Officer where she continued to cultivate her exemplary relationships with her legislative peers and promote the cause of community bankers in Texas. Palone's journalism degree was put to great use as the author of the script for IBAT's Annual Convention and other key IBAT events and communications. Palone was promoted to Vice President in 2000. She took the reins of the IBAT Leadership Division in 2004, the most treasured experience of her IBAT career, growing membership to over 590 and implementing a regional governance structure as she mentored the future leaders of the Texas community banking industry.

Despite her busy professional life, Ms. Palone also found time to give back to her community as a CASA volunteer as well as serving on the board of directors of her homeowners association. Palone is perhaps best known for her undying loyalty to her Texas Longhorns, attending every home football game and supporting them regardless of their ranking.

Palone's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have greatly benefited those who depend upon the Texas community banking industry. She has earned the respect and admiration of her peers.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the tireless efforts that Mae Beth Palone has made to the people of the great state of Texas and Texas community bankers. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Mae Beth Palone on her many years of loyal service.

Mr. Speaker, at the 11th hour, the Obama administration's Labor Department issued a rule that stonewalled bipartisan changes to the unemployment insurance program. These changes were made so that tax dollars would be used in a more efficient and more effective manner.

It has been 5 years since Congress passed legislation giving the States the discretion on drug-testing policy for unemployment applicants. Using delay tactics, the previous administration prevented that law from ever being implemented as designed.

This kind of executive overreach impedes the ability of States to ensure that the unemployment insurance program accomplishes its intended purpose, and that is to promote reemployment.

In Texas, we take the job of fiscal responsibility very seriously. This week, Congress is responding to that overreach by the previous administration. We hope that Congress will take that responsibility very seriously. I urge my colleagues to vote against the executive overreach and to vote for H.J. Res. 42.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant Eric Starnes on his well-earned retirement from the Euless Police Department in the city of Euless, Texas, after twenty-three years of dedicated service.

Starnes' distinguished career with the Euless Police Department began in 1993 after completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Academy for his police certification. Additionally, while serving as an officer, Starnes was able to pursue a number of advanced degrees and certifications, including a Master's in Public Administration from the University of North Texas and a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Starnes is also a member of the State Bar of Texas.

In his time as an officer, Starnes has served as a Field Training Officer, K-9 Officer, and a member of the Euless Police Tactical Unit. He has received over 2,500 hours of in-service police training which consisted of a variety of courses in patrol, criminal investigation, K- 9 criminal interdiction, police instructor training, and police supervision. He received his Basic Police Certification in 1993, Intermediate Police Certification in 1998, Advanced Police Certification in 1999, and his Masters Police Certification in 2001. In addition to these certifications, Starnes has received over forty commendations for professionalism and exemplary service to his community.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the tireless efforts that Lieutenant Eric Starnes has made in contribution to the safety and security of the City of Euless. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Eric Starnes on his many years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the seventieth birthday of one of my distinguished and active constituents, James Goode of Farmers Branch, Texas.

James has been a strong and hardworking member of this community for many decades. He has been an active role model and his eagerness to be involved has resonated throughout the area. He is Chairman of the Board of the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce, President of Carrollton- Farmers Branch Independent School District Board of Trustees, and is active in his church are just a few examples of his involvement among his peers. James is someone who sets out and makes a positive difference in everyone's life around him.

James also served our country in the Navy for four years and earned his B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Texas- Arlington before settling down in Farmers Branch. His political involvement and strong engagement in the community provides a commendable example to others in the 24th district. As president of the school board, he exercises positive influence over the local education system and his reliable leadership style has helped many and will help the coming generations of children learn and excel to the best of their ability.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the seventieth birthday of one of my most engaged constituents, Mr. James Goode. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone in his remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize retiring Senior Corporal Tony Burnett for his 25 years of public service as a Euless Police Officer.

Tony Burnett began his career in public safety as a North Hills Mall security officer. In 1990, Tony's aspiration to join law enforcement was achieved when Euless Police Department hired him as Public Service Officer in the role as a jailer. Tony worked in that capacity for over three years until he was promoted to Police Officer. Throughout Tony's career, he continued to strive towards excellence which was acknowledged through the department with a promotion to Corporal in 1996 and Senior Corporal in 2008. In his leadership roles, Tony has supervised Patrol, Criminal Investigations and the Neighborhood Patrol Officers Unit.

Tony Burnett's commitment to public safety encouraged him to undergo extensive training as a patrol officer, criminal investigator, and department police trainer. His training earned him the following certifications: Basic Police Certification in 1993, Intermediate Police Certification in 1997, Advanced Police Certification in 1999, and Master Police Certification in 2004. In 1995, Tony received his Police Officer Instructor License and his DARE Officer Certification. In total, Tony received over 1,700 hours of in-service training. Tony has also taught over 1,200 hours of police training in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and he is highly recognized by the region's law enforcement community as an outstanding instructor.

Aside from his police training, Tony Burnett has also earned a Bachelor's Degree from Columbia College and a Master's Degree in Criminology from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Tony Burnett has led a distinguished career in the Euless Police Department where he received over 80 police commendations for professionalism and service to the community. He has also been nominated for numerous department awards which include Rookie of the Year Award in 1993, Civic Achievement Award in 1998, Distinguished Service Award in 2005, and Police Officer of the Year in 2006.

Tony Burnett and his wife Melissa of 20 years have two children, Jacob and Andrew. Tony graduated from Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Texas, in 1989.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in thanking Tony Burnett for his years of public service as a Euless Police Officer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gary McKamie who retired as the Euless City Manager on January 31, 2015. Gary has spent the last 42 years serving the City of Euless, and I am privileged to highlight his astonishing career.

Gary McKamie began his career with the City of Euless in 1973 as a public safety dispatcher. He worked in several positions in the Euless Police Department where he rose through the ranks as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Assistant Police Chief and, ultimately, as Chief of Police for six years beginning in 1993.

As the Chief of Police, Gary McKamie was instrumental in executing several community projects which included the passage of the criminal tax, establishment of the Citizen's Police Academy, conducting town hall meetings and assisting with the development of the police and courts facility.

In 1999, Gary McKamie became the Deputy City Manager in Euless and served in that capacity for eight years. He was then appointed City Manager in 2007. As City Manager, Gary oversaw major commercial development projects in Euless including Glade Parks and the Riverwalk. Both projects were successfully completed to maintain the charm of the community while protecting the natural scenery that defines Euless. He led significant initiatives to improve water conservation, such as the Reclaimed Water Project, which delivers recycled water for irrigation use in northeast Euless. During his tenure as City Manager, Gary was successful in maintaining a conservative budget, allowing Euless to remain in a strong financial position.

Gary McKamie and his wife, Paula, have been married for 40 years. They have three sons: Blake, Brant and Blane, and six grandchildren: Kylar, Kaylee, Kelsie, Jaxon, Addie and Annabelle.

Gary McKamie's leadership in Euless will be missed, but his impact on the city will always be remembered. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in thanking Gary McKamie for his 42 years of public service with the City of Euless.