Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mary Ann Gossett Moore of Tyler, Texas. Mary Ann was born on March 26, 1926, in Troup, Texas and was later baptized and joined Big Springs Baptist Church in Blackjack, Texas. From an early age, Mary Ann had a quest for education and graduated from Troup High School, in Troup, Texas, and later was the second of her ten siblings to pursue a higher education degree.

Mary Ann would go on to spend two years at Texas College in Tyler, Texas, where she majored in Home Economics. Prior to college, Mary Ann worked alongside her siblings and parents in the cotton fields, where her grandfather owned several hundred acres of farmland.

Mary Ann would go on to marry Robert Moore Jr. for 50 years and have two children, Edward Don, and Della Marie. Mary Ann and her husband lived in North Tyler and were active members of True Light Missionary Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas, where she served as president of the senior choir and the deaconess auxiliary, and was a trusted member of the Pastor's Aide Committee for over 35 years. She also dutifully worked for Trane Technologies (formerly General Electric) for 26 years, where she later retired.

As the Matriarch of the Moore family, Mary Ann, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She served her family with a steadfast commitment to her deep-rooted values of respect, hard work, and kindness. Mary Ann was also an avid baker and had a deep love for her church, serving as Church Mother until she departed this life.

I extend my prayers to all Mary Ann's loved ones during this time. May her memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge the passage of the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act.

The Medal of Honor is our Nation's highest military decoration that is awarded to U.S. servicemembers who have distinguished themselves with extraordinary acts of valor and sacrifice that far exceed the call of duty.

Texas, my home State, is home to over 70 valiant Medal of Honor recipients, and we also have over 1 million veterans and Active Duty military that call the Lone Star State their home. That is why I teamed up with the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Moore), my good friend, again to lead the passage of this Act.

Last year, we had the opportunity to work on a designation for a National Medal of Honor Museum being built in Arlington, Texas, that was in my district at the time. This amazing bill will authorize a monument right here in Washington, D.C., for Medal of Honor recipients, their families, their friends, loved ones and people who want to learn more about the history of the Medal of Honor to be able to come to D.C. and see why it is important that we create this lasting impact to the recipients of this highest award.

Today's bill, the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, is a continuation of the efforts that we worked on last year and will position this monument where it rightfully belongs, near the Lincoln Memorial, honoring President Lincoln, who was awarded one of the first Medals of Honor in 1863.

I end today by thanking Congressman Moore for continuing to work with me on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to support this new bill that commemorates the bravery, service, and sacrifice of more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients that have lived across our communities here in the USA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Texas Rangers on their historic first World Series championship. They brought the trophy home to Arlington, Texas, and the Rangers managed to overcome a 6-year playoff drought and two prior World Series losses to bring the trophy home.

They have a great front office, a great manager, and a great owner that put together the winning combination that allowed them to be able to hoist the Commissioner's Trophy this week and also set records of the most RBI's and doubles in a single post-season game.

They had to overcome a lot. They had injuries, they lost their last regular season game, and they had a commentator in the booth that seemed to be rooting against them. Nonetheless, they stayed focused, and it helped the Rangers cement the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area as one of the few regions in the United States where all four major sports franchises have won a championship.

From their humble beginnings through heartbreak and defeat to the World Series champions, the Rangers have brought joy to everyone in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area.

Congratulations again to the Texas Rangers, 2023 World Series champions.

Madam Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 491.

Amendment No. 70 Offered by Mr. Roy

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 396.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of a good friend and brilliant attorney and someone who is a staunch advocate for voting rights all across our great land in the State of Texas, Gerry Hebert.

Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Gerry earned his law degree from Suffolk University. Upon graduating, he began his career as an attorney practicing voting rights.

From 1973 to 1994, Gerry served in the Department of Justice, where he worked as lead attorney in numerous voting rights and redistricting lawsuits. He also served as a chief trial counsel in over 100 voting rights cases. In his 20-year tenure at the DOJ, he received numerous commendations, including an award for his work in connection with the Boston school desegregation case in 1975, which received much national attention.

I had the privilege of knowing Gerry very well through his times as cocounsel with the Legal Defense Fund, the Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP firm, where he partnered to successfully challenge racially discriminatory voting ID laws in Texas.

I will always remember Gerry's hard work, his dedication. Gerry was someone that just understood the Constitution and the laws of our land so well and could have chosen a different career in law that would have earned him millions and millions of dollars, but Gerry truly wanted to help the people, especially people that were disenfranchised and had been wronged, particularly people that had been historically wronged.

Gerry will always be remembered as a great guy. Gerry leaves behind a wonderful family, some of whom I have gotten to know. I express condolences from the bottom of my heart. We will all miss Gerry, in particular, the people and the communities that Gerry defended to make sure that they had equal rights in this country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of Fort Worth native Joseph Garnett Scott, otherwise affectionately known by many as ``Coach Scott'' by many in the community.

Joe was a pillar of our community and was well-known around Fort Worth as 1 of the most dapper and well-dressed men in the city. Joe was born in 1953 and was a member of New Mt. Carmel Baptist Church for many years. Joe got his education in the Fort Worth Independent School District and graduated from Polytechnic High School, where he was an all-district athlete in football and track. He would go on to earn his bachelor's degree at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas; there, he continued a successful football career as a 3-year starter. He obtained his master's degree at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.

Joe spent many years serving our community as a teacher. He started his career in the Fort Worth Independent School District as a Physical Education teacher assistant and track coach at William James Middle School, where his team was successful and won many awards on the track. He then became a Physical Education teacher and head football, track, and soccer coach at Wedgwood Middle School, where his teams were both dominant on the field and track. He would later transition to high school as a ninth-grade English teacher and football and track coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. He was known by many for having a gift for forming positive relationships with his students and athletes.

Joe's first administrative position as an Assistant Principal at Handley Middle School, where he consistently supported leadership, students, faculty, and staff. Joe then progressed to an Assistant Principal at Dunbar High School. As a high school assistant principal, his days were filled with working with students and faculty, along with attending many games and activities throughout the school year. Joe's first principalship was at Dunbar 6th Grade Center. Joe thought it was most important that the building reflected a safe, welcoming, and attractive learning environment at all times. For the next 10 years, he was fortunate enough to become principal of his alma mater, Polytechnic High School. His years as the instructional leader of the Poly Parrot Community brought years of hard work. determination, and accomplishments. After this, for the next several years, his love for fashion and style led him to work in the retail industry. Soon after, he felt a strong desire to return to the world of education as a substitute teacher and administrator, where he continued to touch many lives throughout the district.

Joe was also a family man who was a loving husband and father. He was always the life of the party, cracking jokes and enjoying whatever food had been prepared. He was also known for being a ``Master'' Gardener. He spent endless hours planting flowers and consistently maintaining a manicured yard. He put just as much thought into planning his daily coordinated ``outfits''. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Patricia Scott, his children, Tracy Carter, Kena Nicole Knox Brown, Evin Scott, and Whitney Scott; grandchildren Maxine, Connor, and London, Aunt, Willie B Jones, Great-Aunt Macie Bonner and a host of relatives and friends. May his memory live on forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the great tenure of Reverend Ralph W. Emerson, Jr., who will be conducting his last sermon at Rising Star Baptist Church on Miller Avenue and Avenue M in Fort Worth this August before he kicks off his retirement.

Reverend Emerson, better known as Pastor Ralph, was first called to preach in 1978 and was ordained that very year in December. He became the assistant pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church in 1989 and after 1 year he was called to be the senior pastor in 1990. During his illustrious tenure at Rising Star he has really served the community well. He made sure that kids know how to read, that souls are fed, and he has done a tremendous job.

Reverend Emerson has worked dutifully in several different capacities and several cities, including Compton, Houston, and Fort Worth. Prior to coming to Rising Star, he was an active member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles and Faith Baptist in Houston.

Reverend Emerson is involved in so many different endeavors in the community: JPS, our public hospital, Aids Outreach, different food banks, and again, he does a tremendous reading program for kids in the summer.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Reverend Emerson on his retirement and the community thanks him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of Ruth Alvia Munchus Baker, a pillar of our Fort Worth community.

Ruth Alvia Munchus Baker was born June 16, 1931, in Fort Worth and completed her education at historic I.M. Terrell High School. In 1948, she began a devoted marriage and partnership with Herbert Baker and later became the proud mother of five daughters.

Mrs. Baker began working outside her home as her children entered school. She was employed in her family business at Baker Funeral Home for more than sixty years, serving in many roles, including receptionist, musician, lady attendant, beautician and cosmetologist, board member, and co-owner. Mrs. Baker was revered as a friendly and knowledgeable employee who knew how to do nearly every task associated with funeral services. Blessed with a long life, Mrs. Baker continued working for her family business well into her ninety-second year.

Mrs. Baker was also a woman of faith. Ruth began her journey starting at a young age at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church on Baptist Hill. She later would become a founding member of the Beth-Eden Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Later, she united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a Trustee, Sunday School teacher, member of the Choir, Brownettes and General Mission.

In 2019, she united with Baker Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Walter McDonald. There, Mrs. Baker was a Class Leader, member of the Church School, Prayer, and Daily Devotion ministries, while also participating in the monthly food give-away and in the Lay Organization.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved Mrs. Baker, particularly her extensive, loving family. May her memory last forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor the life of Ms. Norma Valles, a vocalist, businesswoman, advocate, and loving wife and mother from North Texas

Norma Valles was born in 1969 in Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1987, to then go on to pursue career and family. She married her husband Alfonso in 1989 and had 3 amazing children. Her family was the center of her life--she was an amazing mother that did whatever she could to be there for her children and husband at every moment of their lives.

Aside from being an amazing mother and wife, Valles was also an accomplished vocalist. Known as the ``The Queen of Mariachi Music,'' she captured the attention of countless North Texas Fans, from singing National Anthem at a Mavericks or Texas Rangers game to singing at local weddings. Her amazing voice led her to showcase her skills in various productions. She was cast in leading roles in ``The King and I,'' as well as in independent productions like ``Fiestas de Mi Tierra'' and Spanish movies such as ``Yo Soy El Hijo del Michoacano.'' Her vocal skills also landed her numerous opportunities to record voice-overs and jingles for TV and Radio. She additionally hosted Channel 44's ``Happy Sunday's Variety Show'' and ``Salud Para Usted y Su Familia.''

Valles gave back to the community in numerous other ways. Norma's vocals left such a deep impact that David Albert wanted to become her mentor. From that day on, they were a team that just kept on giving. David brought her into the studio, and they went on to record nine albums plus Si Se Puede CDS to help the Spanish community to learn English. He asked her to manage Casita Tex-Mex Bar & Grill, which she later became the owner of and is still standing today. Casita Tex-Mex Bar & Grill had a love for veterans--from welcoming the troops at DFW to now honoring veterans every First Tuesday of the month at Casita Tex-Mex. Valles also had worked at the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce and spent her life involved in various organizations, ranging from the Irving Hispanic Chamber, H100, North Dallas of Commerce, HWNT, Dallas St. Patrick's Day parade, Dia De Los Muertos and so many more. She also remodeled and fixed up homes across North Texas, later starting her own business and becoming General Contractor for her business NV Contractors

Valles will be forever missed by loved ones. She blessed the lives of many and will continue to bless us with her music and businesses.

Mr. Speaker, in February 1994, Caliph Barrett III, Elliott Martin, and Brian McCullough lost their lives to senseless gun violence in Fort Worth, Texas, in the Lake Como community. The people back then said that that was the saddest day in Como history.

A crazed individual with a gun who should have never had one caused other acts of violence throughout the city during this time.

Now, almost 30 years later, people are saying that what happened on the evening of July 3, 2023, is perhaps the saddest day in Como history. Over the Fourth of July holiday in Fort Worth, two separate acts of gun violence, the one in Como that I just mentioned and one in Polytechnic Heights, two of the most loved-filled and caring communities in Fort Worth, had to deal with these tragedies.

In Como, Cynthia Santos, Paul Willis, and Gabriella Navarrete were the names of the three young people who were murdered when people got together at Como Fest the day before the big Fourth of July celebration to barbecue, celebrate independence, celebrate freedom, and just have a good time, but, instead, they lost their lives to senseless gun violence.

I join with the Como and Polytechnic communities in mourning those who were lost and injured over the Fourth of July weekend.

These shootings especially hurt because Como is the community that I grew up in. That is where my mom and all of her siblings went when the schools were segregated, Como High School, the Como Lions. That is the neighborhood that a lot of my family still lives in.

We need to get together, Mr. Speaker. We need to do something.

I don't know much about the two gunmen who were arrested the other day for what happened on July 3 in Como, but I bet you, Mr. Speaker, they are just as bad as the person who was responsible for so many of those murders during that 1994 era. I guarantee that people like that should never ever get their hands on any firearm.

It is our duty as Members of the United States House of Representatives, both Republicans and Democrats, to protect us from people who are deranged criminals, people who are dealing with mental illness issues that most of us should be blessed we don't have, and people who are extremely violent and terroristic in nature.

It should be easy to pass bills like background checks and raising the age limits for AR-15s to make sure that people like the ones I just described don't ever get their hands on a firearm in their lives. That should be easy.

It doesn't have anything to do with people who are law-abiding citizens. I am talking about people who are sick and people who have caused destruction and misery in communities, in families, and in people's lives.

We have to do better as Democrats and Republicans.

I have introduced a resolution condemning these tragedies, but we need action now. We can't wait any longer. I don't want 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 years later for people to say that this is the saddest day in Como history again because we sat on our hands, didn't do anything, and pretended that people's Second Amendment rights were being abridged when all we are trying to do is stop really awful, terrible, and bad people like I just talked about from ever owning a firearm.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor the life of Mr. James Earl Brown, a true servant for North Texas. Mr. Brown was born to Mr. Jim Brown and Ms. Pearlie Mae Evans on January 18, 1942 and was raised the youngest of three siblings in Clarksville, Texas.

For over 40 years, Mr. Brown served students across North Texas and completed his career as an Adjunct Professor at Tarrant County College. In 1959, he began his academic career by graduating from Carter G. Woodson High School in Haynesville, Louisiana. Mr. Brown then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Grambling State University. In 1979, he would go on to acquire a Master of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and received his teacher certification only a year later.

Mr. Brown held many titles over the years from a teacher of art, technology facilitator, computer applications, and even assistant principal. One of his greatest recognitions came in 1985 when Fort Worth Independent School District named him ``Teacher of the Year''.

In his community, Mr. Brown was known for making meaningful, long- lasting connections full of exploration and beloved memories. He was loved by so many Green B. Trimble Tech High ``bulldogs'' of all graduating classes and backgrounds--who flocked to social media to express condolences and love upon his recent passing. Mr. Brown continued to champion conservation efforts throughout his educational career, and thanks to him, his legacy and impact on young Texas lives will remain past his time. James submitted his last assignment on May 30, 2023.

He is preceded and reunited with his Father and Mother; Jim Brown and Pearlie Mae Evans, Brothers, Charles Brown, Sr. and Joseph Brown, Sr.; as well as his sisters, Velma Jean Johnson and Doris Jean White. He will fondly be remembered by a host of family, friends, and colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the legacy of Jesse Tafalla, Jr., a pillar in the north Texas community who was a steadfast champion for equality, justice, and inclusion.

Jesse lived to serve his community. After high school, Jesse worked for IBM and, for the past 10 years, DART. He was an active member in many organizations in Dallas, including Rainbow LULAC, Stonewall Democrats, Dallas County Democratic Party, and the MLK Jr. Community Center board.

He was a champion of so many different social causes and issues, and he worked tirelessly to try to bridge the gaps and create understanding between communities. He was a very special person.

He greeted everyone with the line, ``Hey, don't I owe you a drink?'' This was his way of saying that he cared. After that, he would listen to people, and he advocated for communities and people who he felt were genuinely left behind.

Jesse was an embodiment of service and kindness, and his legacy will be carried on through the countless lives he touched. His love for family, friends, and strangers was unconditional.

I extend my deepest condolences to all of his family, his friends, and everyone in the community who loved him and called him a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the amazing accomplishments, once again, from the Fort Worth Independent School District. I will start off talking about Kalani Lawson, who is a sophomore at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Fort Worth.

Kalani recently broke a 27-year-old State record at the UIL State track meet in Austin this year. Kalani finished the Class 4A 100-meter hurdles in 13.98 seconds, breaking the previous record of 14.04 seconds, earning the accomplishment of having the first sub-14-second time in the event's history.

In amazing Texas sportsmanship fashion, the record holder who owned the record from 1998 in Groesbeck went on Facebook and congratulated her for breaking her record.

By finishing in this time, Kalani also broke Dunbar's record for the girls' 100-meter hurdles by beating the previous record set by her track coach, Leah Matthews.

Madam Speaker, I want to highlight Kalani's dedication to track and field, and her achievements as a young student athlete. This is an incredible family. They have a long history in Fort Worth in the business community and teaching endeavors, and lots of amazing athletes have come out of this family, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to Kalani's junior and senior seasons at Dunbar High School as she continues to do amazing things.

Recognizing Malik Franklin

Mr. Speaker, I commend another Fort Worth ISD athlete, an accomplished young student athlete by the name of Malik Franklin, at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School in Fort Worth.

Malik is a junior and a two-time All-American track and field athlete. He is the captain of the varsity football team, and he is carrying a 4.1 GPA.

Malik competed in the 2023 track meet in Austin, and he brought home the top prize for the boys' 5A 400-meter sprint event, winning in 47.58 seconds, almost a full second ahead of any of his competitors. To qualify for the event, he had to race across all four regions in Texas. That is 254 counties. This young man is going places.

Malik is following in his father's footsteps. In 1998, Michael Franklin was a part of the winning O.D. Wyatt track team that set a national high school record in the 4x100 relay, a record that still stands to this day.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate these amazing student athletes on their future and what they are doing on the field today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the legacy of Lee Williams, a legendary track and field coach at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School in Fort Worth who died at the age of 71.

Mr. Williams began his track and field career as a Poly Parrot and then went on to TCU, where he set the school record for the 400-meter run and mile relay and was a member of the first two relay teams to qualify for the NCAA championship. For these accomplishments, Williams was inducted into the 54th class of the Athletics Hall of Fame for TCU just last year.

Williams went on to begin a legendary career as a track and field coach at Oscar Dean Wyatt. One of his greatest achievements as a coach came in 1998 when his 4-by-100-meter relay team set the national high school record of 39.76, a record that still stands to this day.

Throughout his coaching career, Williams coached 15 all-Americans and won 15 district championships, four regional championships, and two State championships. He was selected to the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association back in 2019.

I will end by highlighting Williams' dedication to the success and mentorship of his students on and off the track. He will always be known as a legend.

I am praying for his wife, Carolyn, his two daughters, and his grandchildren.