Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today we gather as a grieving delegation and as a proud Nation to recognize the life and legacy of our colleague and friend, Congressman Ron Wright.

Texas born and bred, Ron worked with and for the people of Texas in some way for the past 21 years. Throughout his courageous battle with lung cancer, his good spirits never faltered, and he remained a steadfast champion of his conservative principles.

To many of us, it seemed like Ron never had a bad day. In fact, the last two bills he introduced in Congress protected the unborn and the sanctity of life, something Ron always passionately supported. Think about that. As his life was waning, he was protecting the lives of the innocent unborn.

The Texas people have lost a real fighter, and all of us have lost a true friend. Cathy and I and our entire Texas delegation hold Ron's wife, Susan, close to our hearts, and our deepest condolences go out to his children, grandchildren, and staff.

Godspeed to you, my friend. You will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Sergeant Major Jerry Bell, a decorated veteran of the United States Army, who sadly passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021.

Jerry Lynn Bell was born May 2, 1943 to parents William Ernest and Mary Adeline (Johnson) Bell in Leon County, Texas. Jerry Bell's entire life has been defined by bravery and selfless service. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his time in the military, he rose to the rank of Sergeant Major and proved himself to be a true American hero, receiving the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals for valor, two Bronze Stars for valor, and an Army Commendation Medal for valor during his service in the Vietnam War as a tanker and helicopter gunner. His nephew, Texas State Representative Cecil Bell Jr., describes Sgt. Maj. Bell as a ``true warrior who fought with valor and distinction.''

While his military service took him from Alaska to Germany, Sgt. Maj. Bell could not help but return to his home of Leon County. After returning to Texas, he worked for B-5 Construction, the U.S. Postal Service, and was the owner and operator of Bell Alley Gun Shop.

Sgt. Maj. Bell was a mainstay of the community. At his gun shop, he did what he loved most, selling guns and working as a gunsmith while sharing thoughts on conservatism, 2nd amendment rights, and religion. While Sgt. Maj. Bell leaves behind a military legacy to be heralded, it comes second to his legacy as a man who placed God first in his life, a man who loved his country and state, and a man who was a devoted husband, father, and great-grandfather. Sgt. Maj. Bell's favorite times were those spent with family at Bell family reunions and Christmas parties at his home in Leona. The Bell family shared their lives with each other and the entire community, making everyone feel like they were a part of this tight-knit family.

In the words of his nephew, Cecil Bell Jr., ``On January 10, 2021, as the cold rains fell in Leon County, Texas, the chopping sounds of an Army helicopter landing were heard as Jerry Bell, age 77, Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Retired, deployed to Heaven's shore.'' Sgt. Maj. is remembered by his loving wife, Alice Cothron Bell of Leona and a host of loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

I join the entire community in honoring Sgt. Maj. Bell for a lifetime of service both overseas and stateside. His service to our nation will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to have worked side-by-side with President Trump to enact historic tax reform, free and fair trade with Mexico and Canada, the repeal of the ObamaCare mandate and taxes, a ban on surprise medical bills, and the first reform of the IRS in two decades. His policy achievements have lifted working families across America.

Distrust in America's election system has been growing for two decades and is only growing worse. That is the true threat to democracy. For that reason, I gave unwavering support for President Trump to pursue all legal avenues and investigations. On December 10, 2020, I joined 125 of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in signing the Amicus Brief to the Texas petition to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Texas suit presented election irregularities and advocated the Court hold states accountable for following their own election laws. Unfortunately, the Court refused to review the case.

Due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, I am unable to participate in today's proceedings in the U.S. House. If I were, I would remain true to the conservative Constitutional principles of states' rights, limited Congressional power over presidential elections, and the Electoral College by accepting the Electoral College votes as legally certified by each state.

Article II of the Constitution and the 12th Amendment are clear. As angry as we may be about this election, we do even more harm if we weaken the Constitution, allow Congress to seize more power to choose future presidents, and undermine the Electoral College.

If either party in Congress can simply ignore the elected slate of a state for political reasons, aren't we replacing 150 million votes with 535 in Congress? Doesn't that change ``We the People'' to ``We the Congress''? Democrats in the past have blatantly attempted to overturn elections in Congress and seize more of this electoral power for Congress. It was a violation of the Constitution then, and remains so today.

I deeply respect my fellow Republicans who see this issue differently.

I worry that if we help undermine the Electoral College out of frustration and anger, we lend fuel to the liberal national popular vote scheme, inevitably we will one day stand on the sidelines as voters in only the largest cities determine our President.

Our nation's founders rejected this as dangerous to our nation's governance. I do too.

The Electoral College ensures we have a President who is accountable to all the nation, and can be a Republican, a conservative, or a grassroots outsider if America so chooses.

Madam Speaker, I have been diagnosed with covid-19. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 10 and NAY on Roll Call No. 11.

Mr. Speaker, I was unexpectedly withheld. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 9, H.R. 22.

Madam Speaker, on July 12, 2019, I was unavoidably detained and was not able to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 472; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 473; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 474.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Immune Deficiency Foundation on the occasion of their biennial national conference. On the weekend of June 20-22 more than 1,300 people gathered at National Harbor, Maryland. As part of this conference, over 200 individuals impacted by primary immunodeficiency (PI) met with legislators here on Capitol Hill to talk about important federal public policy issues.

The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF), which is based in Towson, Maryland, was founded by Marcia Boyle in 1980 after her son, John, nearly died as an infant from a form of Pl. Roughly 40 years later, John now serves as President & CEO of the Foundation as it moves into its fifth decade. IDF advocates for persons and families impacted by PI, which are a spectrum of more than 350 rare genetic disorders in which a person's immune system functions improperly or, in the most severe forms, is missing completely. Persons with PI face higher risk of infection, and even a relatively mild cold can cause severe complications. Some people go years or decades suffering from recurring illnesses before being properly diagnosed, though thankfully today the most dangerous form of PI--Severe Combined Immunodeficiency or SCID-- can be diagnosed via newborn screening.

I have been fortunate to work with IDF throughout my tenure in Congress. I was introduced to the organization by my constituent Carol Ann Demaret, who is a longtime member of the IDF Board of Trustees. Carol Ann is the mother of David Vetter, the Houston boy who was affectionately known as the ``boy in the bubble.'' David battled with SCID during the 1970s until his untimely death in 1984.

Today, thanks to advances in science and medicine, as well as in public policy, people with SCID and other forms of PI can live healthier and fuller lives if properly diagnosed and treated. As of late last year, all 50 states are screening for SCID as part of their newborn screening program. This means children like David Vetter who are born with SCID will be diagnosed promptly after birth and be able to undergo a bone marrow transplant or even gene therapy to restore the immune system they lack. This is no small accomplishment--I know I speak for the Eighth District of Texas when I say thank you to IDF for their great work throughout the years.

For persons with less severe forms of PI, treatment involving immunoglobulin or Ig replacement therapy is vitally important. Ig can be administered intravenously (IVIG) or subcutaneously (SCIG), providing patients and their clinicians with treatment options.

Over the years, I have championed legislative efforts to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to immunoglobulin therapies in the comfort of their home. This includes the ongoing Medicare IVIG bundled payment demonstration that we are working to transition into a permanent benefit over the coming years as Medicare rolls out a larger home infusion services benefit.

IDF, a true leader of the PI community, continues to support these important access issues as well as other policies to advance care for persons with Pl. These priorities include reauthorizing the successful Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act and supporting medical research and public health programs focused on PI. It is particularly exciting that a number of SCID gene therapy clinical trials are ongoing, and I am most hopeful for and optimistic about continued progress in the field.

Madam Speaker, while I could not be in attendance, I am proud to recognize the IDF 2019 National Conference and I look forward to continuing to support the needs of the PI community, I thank them for all they do and I look forward to working with IDF on many more issues in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, if this unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the majority leader to immediately schedule the Born-Alive bill so we can stand up and protect the sanctity of human life, and I ask for all others to join in that request.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this bill represents what this body can accomplish when we work together across the aisle. It is true that no one gets everything they want, but we put in the effort, we did the hard work, and we talked to each other, and we came together to find solutions on common ground.

I am honored to have cosponsored the Taxpayer First Act with my friend from Georgia, Oversight Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis. This is the fifth time this bill will pass the House with strong bipartisan support, and I am proud of the House leadership--Democrats and Republicans together--initiated first by Mr. Lewis and Mr. Roskam of Illinois and Mr. Lewis and Ms. Jenkins of Kansas, and now Mr. Lewis and Mr. Kelly. This will be the fifth time this passes the House, which tells you the importance of this legislation, Mr. Speaker.

I want to especially thank Chairman Lewis for his commitment to taxpayers and for working with us on behalf of the American people.

The IRS should be a customer service agency that focuses on treating taxpayers with respect and dignity. Over the last several years, the Ways and Means Committee held a number of bipartisan hearings to discover what is working and what isn't at the IRS. As we crafted this legislation together to redesign the IRS for the first time in two decades, we focused on improving the relationship between the taxpayer and the agency.

We all agree the IRS should prioritize taxpayers' rights and they should be a resource--not a threat--to Americans. This bill achieves these goals.

After passage of the Taxpayer First Act, Americans will interact with an IRS that carries out customer service more like our businesses, because this bill will improve the support Americans receive online, in person, and on the phone.

This bill takes a number of steps to move the IRS into the 21st century. First, the IRS will have to come up with a customer service plan to better serve taxpayers because no American should fear contacting the IRS for help.

We also together rein in the abuses. We are overhauling the IRS' enforcement tools so families and small businesses don't have property unfairly seized. The Constitution guarantees Americans the right to due process and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. In hearings led by Chairman Lewis and others, we have heard stories from across the country of the IRS abusing these rights. Under this bill, that stops.

Third, the Taxpayer First Act recasts the IRS as our tax administrator rather than simply an enforcement agency. We will better protect taxpayers from enforcement abuses by creating an independent appeals office. This will give taxpayers a fair and impartial review of disputes they have with the IRS. The bill also ensures taxpayers have the same access to information as the IRS, putting our taxpayers on a level playing field.

We are revamping the IRS' ancient technology and better positioning the agency to combat identity theft and cyber threats. IRS employees, as hard as they work, are currently using technology that is severely outdated. Some of it dates back to the 1960s. This bill requires accountability by the IRS for the billions of dollars in funding it is given for IT each year. That accountability extends to ensuring taxpayer information is protected and is safe from cybercriminals looking to steal through taxpayer refunds. This bill also strengthens the IRS' partnership with States and the private sector to combat these threats.

Finally, this bill requires the IRS to bring back to Congress the complete restructuring of the agency focused on these principles of taxpayer first customer service, reining in those abuses, and protecting our private taxpayer information, making sure there is a fair appeals process in these disputes with the IRS.

Taken together, these reforms will greatly benefit Americans each year during tax season and throughout the year.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 3151, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

In closing, this bipartisan bill puts an emphasis on the IRS' better serving Americans and makes sure that it is customer focused. It reins in the abuses, requires the IRS to better protect our privacy, creates an independent appeals process, makes sure that taxpayers are put on the same level playing field as the agency, and requires them to bring back a complete restructuring plan to Congress.

I am so appreciative of the work of our Democrat colleagues and Chairman Lewis, especially, coming together again today to support these reforms to the IRS and showing our constituents that we put their interests ahead of Washington.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge support of H.R. 3151, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Steve and Becky Riggle's 50th wedding anniversary. Together, this couple has been a blessing to the Houston area. I am proud to call them my friends and recognize this significant milestone in their lives.

Now a seasoned pastor, Steve first became a licensed minister in 1969. Steve and Becky later joined Grace International Churches and Ministries, eventually starting a church in Livermore, California. For almost a decade they proudly served their church and grew the ministry into the largest Protestant church in the city--a truly incredible accomplishment.

After years of teaching others about God's mercy, Steve and Becky experienced it first hand. While ministering at a remote prison in the Philippines in 1978, they were attacked and held hostage by four prisoners. The situation escalated when Steve was stabbed seven times and Becky was shot and stabbed multiple times along her arms. Miraculously, through God's grace, the couple was able to leave the hospital and head back to California in just 18 days after the near fatal assault. Becky subsequently had five major surgeries, spent nine months in a body cast, and nine more learning how to walk again. As harrowing as this event was, Steve and Becky held steadfast in their faith, and have since praised God for his mercy for helping them survive and continue to serve.

Fortunately, for our community, the Riggle family made their way to the Lone Star State in 1983, where they started the Grace Community Church in Houston, Texas. After many years of growth, Grace Community Church now has four thriving campuses and is the church home to over 17,000 devoted individuals.

Steve currently holds the title of Founding Pastor at Grace, and serves as the Senior Pastor at the Grace Woodland's campus. Steve's service to our community does not stop at the pulpit. He also sits on the executive team of the Houston Area's Pastor Council, is a Board member of The King's University, and currently serves as the President of Grace International--a group of 3,500 churches with ministries in over 100 nations. Becky is also incredibly active in our community, and leads a local women's ministry and bible study. A gifted motivational speaker, she speaks at a variety of conferences for women, both across the country and internationally.

Steve and Becky's work has truly made our region a better place for the next generation. They have touched the hearts and lives of so many throughout the world. I believe--and I know Steve and Becky would agree--that their greatest accomplishment is their wonderful family, which includes two children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. I am proud to join their family, colleagues, and friends in congratulating them on their golden anniversary. I wish Steve and Becky all the best and here's to many more happy years together.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, for nearly 2 years, Republicans have been advocating for policies that help our families and Main Street businesses save more and save earlier for the future.

Following the historic rewrite of our Tax Code, Republicans knew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was only step one. We knew that we changed the trajectory of our economy with our reforms.

Today in America, we are growing 50 percent faster than the Obama administration projected. Wages are surging for blue-collar workers and low-income workers for the first time in a decade, and our job market continues to be the envy of the world.

These are all encouraging signs, and Republicans are committed to building on this success for years to come, which is why last year, we set out to change the culture in Washington, where we only do, it seems, tax reform once a generation.

In Tax Reform 2.0, we passed three bills that offered permanent tax relief for families and small businesses, sparked American innovation, and went further and enhanced retirement and savings vehicles for our workers and our local, mainstream businesses.

That effort, the Family Savings Act, was led by Representative Mike Kelly.

Those reforms passed on a bipartisan basis, and our retirement proposals passed the U.S. House of Representatives not once but twice.

Unfortunately, time ran out on the calendar before we were able to get these reforms to the President's desk. But I was greatly encouraged earlier this year when Chairman Neal reached out to say he was committed to getting retirement-focused legislation signed into law this year. This area, retirement savings, is one that Chairman Neal has worked on for much of his career.

Right away, he and I, and many members of our committee worked together to develop the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, the SECURE Act, we debate today.

The SECURE Act builds well on the work that Republicans have championed throughout this Congress and the last. Our bipartisan legislation makes it easier for Main Street businesses to offer retirement plans for their workers by making it simpler, easing administrative burdens, and cutting down on unnecessary and often costly paperwork.

We make it easier for them to join together to pool their resources to offer these plans. We offer local businesses the flexibility to tailor retirement plans to best fit their workers, not necessarily what Washington may need.

Additionally, our reforms help Americans not only save earlier in their careers, but it helps families save longer, as well.

We know for a fact that people are choosing to work longer today than in previous generations. Our Tax Code should reflect that, which is why we make smart, needed changes to reflect today's workforce.

First, the age limit for contributing to IRAs is removed, as it should be.

Second, we increase the minimum age for forcing people to spend their savings from 70\1/2\ to 72 years of age. My hope is, someday, we can we remove it completely. We want Americans to save throughout their lifetime and use those savings when they need it most, not when Washington needs it.

This legislation is prowork and, equally as important, our bill is also profamily.

For the first time, we allow what we call the new baby savings provision. We allow parents to access their own retirement accounts on a penalty-free basis to use when welcoming a new child into their homes, whether by birth or adoption. This works well for working parents and stay-at-home parents, as well. It is allowed to be used for the things you need, whether it is medical equipment, medical expenses, or if you need to spend time at home with your new child in those opening weeks. We know all that is so important.

The bill also expands 529 plans to make sure you can use, tax-free, your savings for apprenticeships or to pay down college debt.

Our legislation lowers taxes for Gold Star families, ensuring that children of our fallen heroes have the certainty they deserve. This provision was first made public in 2014 in a draft that was widely praised by Democrats and Republicans alike.

It was brought to us by the Joint Committee on Taxation to make it simpler for families to file their kids' taxes and also to close some tax loopholes for the wealthy. Unfortunately, over 5 years, with scrutiny by both parties, tax experts, and the Joint Committee on Taxation, we still did not see one unintended consequence.

In this bill, we worked together, Republicans and Democrats, to make sure we honor our Gold Star families.

The time is right for these reforms. Workers' paychecks are rising; inflation is low; and businesses are expanding. What better opportunity to help folks save for the future?

Chairman Neal deserves a great deal of credit. The bill we brought to the Rules Committee earlier this week cleared our committee nearly unanimously. Members of the Progressive Caucus, Freedom Caucus, New Democrats, Problem Solvers, and Republican Study Committee, we all voted ``yes'' on these reforms.

This is a rare occurrence in Washington, and it speaks to what a committee can accomplish when we work together on reforms to positively impact our families and economy.

I have to admit, it is incredibly troubling that special interests-- in this case, teachers unions--forced changes on our bipartisan bill for absolutely no good reason at the eleventh hour.

These special interest groups forced Democrats to block two provisions.

One allows parents to use their educational savings tax-free for the expenses of homeschooling. Nearly 2.5 million families use parent- centered, child-centered homeschooling as the best way for their children to reach their potential. It is all types of Americans and becoming more mainstream. It is Christians and Jews and Muslims. It is all races. It is parents whose kids are exceptionally bright and parents whose kids have learning disabilities and severe special needs. That is why that was in the bill.

The second provision that was blocked would allow families with kids in grades kindergarten through 12 to use savings for books, tutors, and educational therapies for students who may need it, such as those with learning disabilities. How many of us in this Chamber have kids with special needs and learning disabilities, some with mental and physical challenges? This would have allowed our parents to save tax-free and to help their kids with the special tools they need to reach their full potential.

I want to talk a little more about this in the future, but my bottom line is that backdoor deals made in the dead of night without bipartisan knowledge or support are not the way to do business.

Nonetheless, as we begin the debate on this bill, I am very encouraged by the underlying bill we have in front of us. It will greatly benefit our workers. It deserves strong support, and I am asking my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these reforms.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), who has helped lead many of these retirement reforms.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Holding), a key member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, who has been a champion for expanding education savings accounts for Americans.

Madam Speaker, I am very proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert), a key member of our committee who worked on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes), one of our new members of the Ways and Means Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg), who has worked on retirement and pension issues for many years.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner), a leader who has worked for working moms and our veterans.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize those who worked in a bipartisan way to address the Gold Star issue: Representatives Bacon, Diaz-Balart, Herrera Beutler, Holding, Marchant, Wagner, Waltz, and Wenstrup.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Waltz), a veteran, a Green Beret, and a new Member of Congress.

Madam Speaker, I am very proud to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the leader for Republicans of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

I reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds.

Madam Speaker, how sad it is that some are trying to make this a partisan, petty measure.

The truth is, in 2014, in an original draft of tax reform, this provision was included by the Joint Committee on Taxation to simplify the Tax Code and to stop tax loopholes. That draft was praised by my Democratic colleagues, by Mr. Neal, Mr. Kind, and Mr. Thompson.

In over 5 years, no one spotted this unintended consequence. When it surfaced, Republicans and Democrats came together immediately and resolved to not just fix it but to make it retroactive.

Why make this a petty, partisan issue? Our Gold Star parents deserve better.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am proud that, last session, Republicans and Democrats came together to pass a retirement security bill not once but twice because we knew how important this was. I was chairman, and I was proud to help lead that effort.

This year, I am the proudest leader of the Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee to work with Chairman Neal again to make it even better to try to help families save.

But I am disappointed in the process after it left the committee, through no fault of Chairman Neal's.

Just 2 months ago, we heard Democratic lawmakers sit in that seat and say they will work to restore the people's faith that government works in the public's interest. They said they will pass laws and make sure our government acts in the best interests of the American people, not entrenched special interests.

It is unfortunate that every word there was stomped on this week by special interest groups that forced our Democratic friends to make changes to a bill that would help children and parents with costs associated with schools.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allowed parents to save tax-free for schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, and these bipartisan reforms that were stripped from this bill would have allowed parents to use their education savings dollars for homeschooling and additional kindergarten through 12 expenses at public, private, and religious schools.

This is money the families could have used for books, online education material, tutoring, AP classes, university exams, and educational therapies for students, including for kids with disabilities.

Every parent blessed with a special needs child or one who struggles to keep up in school knows the constant search to find the right learning tools, the effective therapies, and the trained tutors to help their challenged children learn.

Apparently, for our teachers' union, that was wrong. They moved effectively to block the ability of parents to help their kids, whether they are gifted, whether they have learning disabilities, whether they need that tutor, or whether a child is severely challenged, mentally and physically, and needs that help.

What do we have to fear from parents who want to help their kids and use their own dollars for it?

What would our Nation be if denied the genius of Steven Spielberg who overcame dyslexia as a child or CNN anchor Anderson Cooper whose parents hired a special instructor to help him overcome his learning disabilities?

Where we would be without business leaders like Steve Jobs, Charles Schwab, Richard Branson, or Henry Ford, all with learning disabilities, all who have made amazing contributions to our country?

Blocking these provisions is not proeducation, and there is no way it is prochild.

It is beyond me how an education association can oppose parents using their own savings to help their child reach their highest potential. But I don't fault them. I fault the lawmakers who are beholden to them, who removed these provisions.

This bill deserves support, and I will strongly support it, but I am terribly disappointed.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted against this legislation. I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 217.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Barbara Thomason for her outstanding service and profound impact as President and CEO of the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce.

An accomplished Texas scholar, Barbara holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in Management from Houston Baptist University. She also holds a Chamber Management certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Organizational Management, and a certification in Professional Community and Economic Development.

Prior to her service at the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, Barbara had a diverse and impressive portfolio of professional experience. She served as the Dean of Corporate and Continuing Education at Lone Star College--North Harris, worked in training and development for the American General companies, and was a small- business owner of the Gymboree franchise.

She then went on to found the Northwest Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which provides scholarships and educational resources to local students. During her time with the Northwest Chamber, Barbara has proven to be a friend, leader and dedicated citizen of Houston. Throughout her years of public service, Barbara has been a model of exceptional civic duty, and has remained devoted to the advancement of Houston area businesses through grassroot level advocacy for local safety and economic development.

In 2015, Barbara was named as a Woman of Excellence by the Women's Business Forum. The following year, Leadership North Houston honored Barbara as the 2016 Distinguished Volunteer. By 2017, Barbara was selected for a position on the Executive Board on the Texas Chamber of Commerce. Each award is well-deserved, and recognizes her steadfast service to our community.

This year, Barbara is retiring following her 15 years of exceptional service to the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce. However, I know that Barbara will continue to be a leader and champion of family training and development during her next professional venture as a consultant. I am proud to join her family, friends, and colleagues in recognizing her many contributions to Northwest Houston. I thank her and I wish all the best on her next adventure.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise in recognition and celebration of the life of a fellow Texan and decorated WWII Veteran, Carl McGee, Jr. His commitment to his community, the Great State of Texas, and the United States of America represents the best of our country and I encourage all members to join me in honoring this American hero's life.

In December of 1941, as the world inched ever closer to the Second World War, 18-year-old Carl McGee, Jr. made the decision to enlist and serve his country. He began training at the Army Air Forces Technical School, at Chanute Field III, and was later appointed to the Air Corps Advanced Flying School in Lubbock, Texas.

Following his success in flight school, First Lieutenant McGee received his wings on January 14, 1943 and subsequently moved to California to join the 450th AAF Base Unit Squadron-A at Hammer Field. As a C-47 pilot, Lieutenant McGee operated in the Pacific Theater, including the Western Pacific, Southern Philippines, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago. By the remarkable young age of 20, Lieutenant McGee had participated in 50 flight missions where hostile contact was not only probable, but expected.

In recognition of his service and dedication, Lieutenant McGee was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross to commend his efforts in safely transporting troops and supplies through adverse weather, low altitudes, and dangerous mountain terrain. Upon receiving this award, he became the youngest member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Lieutenant McGee was also awarded the Air Medal, with three Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, with four bronze service stars, and the American Defense Service Medal. His many awards and recognitions serve as important reminders of the dedicated years he served our nation.

Lieutenant McGee then went on to begin his professional career as a pilot for Pioneer Airlines, which later became Continental Airlines. After many years of service to both our country and the aviation community, Lieutenant McGee began his well-deserved retirement on his 60th birthday in 1983. Lieutenant McGee passed away on April 8, 2019, surrounded by his friends and family, beloved by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Florence McGee, and his son, Patrick McGee. He is survived by his wife, Cinda McGee; and his wonderful children, Dennis McGee, Andrew McGee, and Michelle Ciancio.

Today, it is my honor to celebrate the long life of a decorated veteran, devoted father, and extraordinary Texan. He is a member of the Greatest Generation, and I know I speak for the entire Eighth District of Texas when I say: Thank you for all you have done for our Country, you will be deeply missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of April Blankenship, a longtime and outstanding staffer for the Committee on Ways and Means and my personal office, who passed away this morning.

April is a tireless, trusted colleague and a friend to so many. In her many years of service on Capitol Hill, she has been a key part of dozens of personal and committee offices, including both my personal office and the staff of the Committee on Ways and Means. She handled issues that involve sensitive personnel matters with grace, precision, confidentiality, and a deft personal touch. She dealt with numbers, but really what she managed was people--the people and committees that help run this place on behalf of taxpayers. And she did it all with a smile on her face and a joy for service. April is one of the true unsung heroes around these halls, and I am proud to call her a trusted colleague and friend.

Beyond her many professional skills and accomplishments, I know April is even more proud of her role as a mother. Whether helping her sons, Hunter, Dakota, and Tucker, sell Boy Scout candy to friends and colleagues or bragging on the boys' achievements in school or church groups, her smile told you all you needed to know--that she was an intensely proud mother, and rightfully so. She also invested her deep faith in her family, and I know that faith has helped maintain her through the years she has heroically battled her illness.

On behalf of the entire Committee on Ways and Means, I offer our sincerest condolences to Tim, Hunter, Dakota, Tucker and her entire family on April's passing. I thank them for sharing April with us for so many years of outstanding service to the Committee, its Members, and our great country.