Floor Statements

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 cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the majority leader to immediately schedule the Born-Alive bill.

Madam Speaker, I am rising also to join my coworkers in advocating for fiscal responsibility as Congress seeks to craft a budget.

The RSC budget is bold, and I am pleased to see it include such proposals as requiring the Congressional Budget Office to account for debt servicing in the cost estimates they prepare for Congress. My bill, H.R. 638, the Cost Estimates Improvement Act, would do that very thing.

Before legislation passes either the House or the Senate, lawmakers should know how much it will actually cost. This would seem to go without saying, but lawmakers consistently overlook one key cost, the new interest payments their spending will create. Folks back home understand how important this is, that we should be honest about the true cost of spending.

If you were budgeting for monthly car payments and only considered the list price of the car itself and didn't factor in the extra cost of interest payments, you would later discover that the total cost is more than you could afford. Unfortunately, this is exactly what Congress does when considering new spending.

Congress relies on the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation to estimate the cost of legislation. But Congress does not require either of them to include the cost of servicing the additional debt that is created by authorizing or reauthorizing spending. This results in an incomplete picture of the total actual cost.

Servicing national debt is becoming a substantial part of Federal spending. Within just a few years, our Nation will be spending more on interest payments than on the entire Department of Defense. This should alarm all of us, as this will increasingly crowd out other spending priorities.

I introduced H.R. 638, the Cost Estimates Improvement Act, to address these problems by requiring the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation to add the cost of servicing the debt to the cost estimates of any future legislation.

In essence, Congress is not considering the comprehensive budgetary impact of spending and tax proposals. This distorts congressional decisionmaking in favor of more spending and debt accumulation.

Congress routinely ignores the true costs and overstates the benefits of new spending. The American people have to account for the cost of debt in their family budgets, and providing Congress with accurate cost estimates that include the cost of debt servicing is a commonsense reform that would hold Congress to the same standard, forcing lawmakers to reckon with the actual cost of raising our national debt.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Hubert Paul Adams, a World War II veteran who friends and family will miss dearly.

Mr. Adams was born on April 26, 1921, in Robstown, Texas. When World War II began, he proudly defended our nation in the U.S. Army.

When he returned home, he began his career at Questor Drilling. People in the community knew Mr. Adams for his dedication to his profession, and after 42 years, he ended his career having attained the position of Drilling Superintendent.

Mr. Adams leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Ruth, along with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His loved ones will remember him for his sense of humor and his Texas pride as a Dallas Cowboys fan.

During this time of mourning, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to her and the rest of their loved ones.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Claudia Jackson, a Corpus Christi native, for her commitment to serving Del Mar College and promoting education in the community.

Claudia Jackson started her career at Del Mar College nearly 42 years ago, and in 1977, became the Director of Public Information. By 2013, thanks to her work ethic and perseverance, she rose to become Executive Director of Strategic Communication and Government Relations.

During her tenure, the College Relations Office staff received roughly 100 marketing and advertising awards, including a Gold Medallion of Excellence from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations.

Ms. Jackson's leadership was felt throughout Del Mar College, as she served as a member of the President's Executive Team and was responsible for interacting with local, state, and national elected officials to discuss and promote the college's various needs and initiatives. Additionally, she represented the College on the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Mayor's Interagency Group.

Time and again, Claudia Jackson demonstrated her passion for education, and commitment to the city of Corpus Christi. Ms. Jackson was named Corpus Christi YWCA Woman of the Year in Communications in 1993. She received a Distinguished Achievement Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District IV in 1997.

Claudia Jackson represents the very best of the 27th District of Texas, and I would like to extend to her my thanks and appreciation for her excellent service and devotion to education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Joe Braman, a Refugio rancher who is recognized internationally for his commitment to protecting endangered animals from poachers, as well as aiding law enforcement officers in protecting our border.

Thanks to meticulous training, Mr. Braman's free-running pack dogs assisted with protecting South Africa's endangered black and white rhinos, ultimately leading to the arrest of 27 poachers and also beginning the recovery of the species.

His dogs can track human scent several hours old and take down hunters more than 20 miles away. They have proved immensely valuable in Texas as well. They have assisted local law enforcement in manhunts and border security.

Their 98 percent success rate with locating and capturing targets demonstrates their potential usefulness in future border security efforts.

Joe Braman's unique and incredible ability to train dogs has made a positive difference, not just in Texas, but around the world, and I would like to extend to him our district's appreciation for his excellent work and devotion to justice.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Joe Braman, a Refugio rancher, for his impressive accomplishments and dedication to the preservation of law and order.

Joe Braman, the great-great-great grandson of Thomas O'Connor, an Irish farmer who moved to Refugio, Texas, in 1836, has received international recognition for his commitment to protecting endangered animals from poachers, as well as aiding law enforcement officers in protecting our border.

In 2018, Mr. Braman worked to assist South African National Parks with the protection of black and white rhinos. Because of the keratin in their horns, poachers had been hunting these South African rhinos to the verge of extinction.

Mr. Braman spent more than a year and a half training dogs to track the poachers and donated 20 free-running pack dogs to the Southern African Wildlife College. The trained dogs could track human scent several hours old and take down hunters more than 20 miles away.

Thanks to meticulous training, Mr. Braman's dogs successfully assisted with 27 arrests and the recovery of 10 rifles in Kruger National Park, leading South African National Parks to recognize Mr. Braman's substantial contribution to their efforts. Mr. Braman received two letters of commendation, one from the Section Rangers at Kruger National Park, and the other from South African National Parks and Southern African Wildlife College.

Mr. Braman's dogs have proved immensely valuable in Texas as well. His dogs often locate individuals with Alzheimer's and Dementia who have become lost.

They have also successfully assisted local law enforcement in manhunts and border security. This past year, two of his dogs tracked a group of illegal immigrants after the group scattered into the brush. When the available technology tools failed to get the job done, Mr. Braman's dogs led law enforcement to the immigrants, at least one of whom admitted to being a gang member. The results speak for themselves. Mr. Braman and his dogs have a 98 percent success rate with locating and capturing targets, demonstrating their potential usefulness in future border security efforts.

Joe Braman's unique and incredible ability to train dogs has made a positive difference not just in Texas but around the world, and I would like to extend to him my thanks and appreciation for his excellent work and devotion to justice.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez.

My district is proud to claim as one of our own Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, a Medal of Honor recipient who is among the most distinguished heroes in American history. On the occasion of the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway Dedication, I would like to recognize once more a man who exemplified courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable determination.

Sergeant Benavidez, of El Campo, Texas, was orphaned at a young age and dropped

out of middle school to support his family before answering the call to service in Vietnam. He recovered from a land mine injury to become a Green Beret, and when a call for help came in, he voluntarily boarded a rescue helicopter and put his own life on the line to save his fellow soldiers.

Sergeant Benavidez was shot in the head and the leg but continued working to load the wounded onto the helicopter. As the helicopter took off, the pilot was killed, and the helicopter crashed. Sergeant Benavidez heroically carried his wounded comrades off the helicopter and spent what he described as ``six hours in hell'' returning fire, calling in airstrikes, caring for the wounded, and even recovering classified documents. He was shot multiple times, bayoneted, clubbed, and hit by fragments from a grenade, before finally dragging the soldiers he came to rescue onto a second evacuation helicopter. He saved the lives of at least eight men.

In 1981, Sergeant Benavidez received the Medal of Honor from President Reagan, who noted that ``if the story of his heroism were a movie script, you would not believe it.'' His Medal of Honor citation declared that his ``fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.''

But his challenges were not over. Two years later, he received notice that his disability benefits were to be cut off, despite shrapnel in his heart and constant pain. So he went before Congress on behalf of his fellow veterans, asking ``if they can do this to me, what will they do to all the others?'' Thanks to the efforts of Sergeant Benavidez, the President became personally involved in the situation, and the Department of Health and Human Services announced reforms to the review process.

He devoted the rest of his life to service, speaking to students about the importance of education and inspiring American troops around the world.

Sergeant Benavidez was a model of bravery and selfless sacrifice, and it is right and fitting to recognize his heroism by dedicating the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway in his honor. May this highway serve not only as a memorial to a great man but as an inspiration to his fellow Texans to live with the same spirit of courage and service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez. On the occasion of the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway dedication, my district is proud to claim this Medal of Honor recipient as our own.

Sergeant Benavidez answered the call to serve his country in Vietnam. At one crucial time while overseas, he voluntarily boarded a rescue helicopter and put his own life on the line to save his fellow soldiers.

During the rescue effort, he was shot multiple times, bayoneted, and hit by grenade fragments as he fought for 6 hours to protect his wounded comrades. He saved the lives of at least eight men.

After returning home, he went before Congress to advocate for better veteran healthcare. He then devoted the rest of his life to service, speaking to students about the importance of education and inspiring American troops around the world.

May this highway serve as a memorial to this brave and selfless American, Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dottie Collins, who recently received the 2018 El Campo Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Citizen of the Year Award.

Ms. Collins began her educational career at Baylor University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in science physical education. She continued her studies and eventually obtained a Master's in Education from Sam Houston State University.

Ms. Collins and her husband, Allen, married in December of 1964 and moved to El Campo. With a heart for teaching others, she dedicated her career to educating and serving the people of El Campo.

Ms. Collins taught history and coached freshmen girls basketball, girls varsity track, and girls and boys cross country at El Campo High School for four years until moving to El Campo Middle School in 1989. At the middle school, she spent time outside of the classroom coordinating trips to Washington, D.C. for her students.

Ms. Collins educated and encouraged students at El Campo Middle School until her retirement in 2004. However, her retirement was not the end of her contributions to our community.

For years, she has served and participated in the Wharton County Retired Teachers Association, Blue Birds, and the Heritage Center.

Additionally, she worked with children at El Campo's First Presbyterian Church, volunteering her time as a Sunday school teacher and the church's Youth Director.

It is because of servant leaders like Ms. Collins that communities flourish, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dottie Collins for her devotion to the people of El Campo.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Woodsboro's Bella Coscetti, who recently set a high school national pole-vaulting record.

On January 12, 2019, this exceptionally gifted Woodsboro High School freshman set the national record by clearing 12-feet, 10-inches at the Arkansas Invitational indoor meet.

Ms. Coscetti's feat bested the previous high school record of 12- feet, 9-inches.

What makes Ms. Coscetti's accomplishment especially impressive is that her record breaking leap resulted in her first win as a high school athlete.

Ms. Coscetti's success is a clear testament to her diligence and perseverance, and I look forward to her future achievements.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Dennis L. Patillo.

On January 16, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) board of directors elected Dennis L. Patillo, of Victoria, as chairman of the nine-member governing body. The GBRA was established in 1933, and serves as a steward of water resources for ten counties, including, Calhoun, DeWitt, Refugio, and Victoria counties.

Mr. Patillo is the owner of the PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar in Victoria, Texas. In addition, he is the president of Stewart Title of the Coastal Bend Inc. and president of Evangelynn Hospitality

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Norma Ehrig of Gonzales, Texas, for receiving the David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 97th Annual Gonzales Chamber of Commerce banquet recognized Mrs. Ehrig for her exceptional community engagement. Her friends and colleagues vouched for her much deserved recognition.

Mrs. Ehrig's involvement in the community has tremendously affected the lives of the youth. At Gonzales East Avenue Primary School, she counsels students and assists disadvantaged children.

Mrs. Ehrig's commitment includes providing funds for these underprivileged kids to buy food and clothing when their families are not there to support them. And as Mrs. Ehrig is never one to seek recognition, her family was not even aware of her financial contributions to help those less fortunate. Her family embraced her selfless acts and appreciated the way in which she devoted herself to helping the community.

Mrs. Ehrig has also assisted Gonzales' Child Protective Services; she helped raise funding for essential examination equipment to investigate severe child abuse. With her help, the city established the Gonzales Regional Child Advocacy Center.

To honor her, the board members renamed the center as ``Norma's House'' in 2001 and recognized her as a permanent board member.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Mrs. Ehrig and recognize her tremendous service in the Gonzales community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Harvie Chisholm, who resides on Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Ms. Chisholm recently celebrated her 104th birthday, which makes her the oldest Islander. She accredits her spry longevity to a diet consisting of chocolate and bananas.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Harvie Chisholm and look forward to her soon celebrating her 105th.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Curtis Haven Kincaid, a Victoria resident and World War II Army veteran.

Curtis Haven Kincaid, born on November 6, 1921, in Hudson, Michigan, passed away on January 29, 2019, at the age of 97.

In December 1939, Mr. Kincaid enlisted in the U.S. Army. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Kincaid was assigned to the 38th Division 150th Infantry Force, also known as the ``Cyclone Division.'' His unit was the first U.S. Army combat forces deployed overseas after December 7.

Mr. Kincaid was deployed to Europe in June 1944 and fought courageously in the Combat Infantry through France, Belgium, and into Germany, where he remained until Nazi Germany's defeat. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 with the rank of Sergeant.

After his Army service, Mr. Kincaid left for Texas and served as the Victoria representative for the Snap-On Tool Corporation from 1954 to 1998. He received recognition for setting national sales records during his 44 years of hard work with Snap-On.

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Kincaid family and express appreciation for his service to our community and sacrifices for our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Sheriff Leroy Moody for his dedication and commitment to protecting the people of San Patricio County.

Sheriff Moody was first elected in 1989 and has devoted more than 54 years to keeping the residents of San Patricio County safe. Sheriff Moody plans on stepping down on March 31, 2019.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Sheriff Leroy Moody for his tremendous public service and devotion to the people of the 27th District of Texas.