Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mrs. Betty Jo Cook Williams of Texarkana, Texas, who peacefully passed away on May 12, 2024 with her family by her side.

Mrs. Williams was born on December 20, 1943, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. She spent most of her childhood on a small family farm in Henderson County, Texas, where she developed a passion for horticulture, conservation, and self-reliance. Mrs. Williams graduated with honors from East Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in art and a master's degree in education. It was during this time that she met her husband of 58 years, Doug. Afterwards, Mrs. Williams began her career as a schoolteacher at Texarkana Independent School District, where she taught for 33 years. She participated in professional development workshops and trained with the Hatton W. Sumner Institute to improve her understanding of individual freedom and civic responsibility. Throughout the years, Mrs. Williams was recognized as a distinguished educator who strived to make a difference in students' lives.

After retiring from TISD, Mrs. Williams stayed in touch with Highland Park Elementary School and volunteered to help train new teachers. She was a board member of the Bowie and Miller County Literacy Council and a treasurer for the Texas Classroom Teachers' Association. For her outstanding work, the TCTA selected Mrs. Williams as the ``Retired Teacher of the Year'' in 2003. She also served as an election judge for Bowie County for over twenty years and attended numerous GOP conventions statewide as a delegate. I am saddened to hear of Mrs. Williams' passing. Her legacy of dedication, public service, and family values will be remembered for many years to come.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor Mrs. Williams' wonderful life. She will be dearly missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Mr. Brian ``Mac'' William McCormick of Colleyville, Texas, who peacefully passed away on April 15, 2024.

Mr. McCormick was born on June 8, 1942, in Oneida, New York, to Aaron and Berniece McCormick. After graduating from Norwich High School, he attended Powelson Business School in Syracuse to study accounting. In 1966, Mr. McCormick was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Although he could have denied the draft due to his younger brother already having enlisted, he nevertheless heeded the call to serve his country. During basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas, Mr. McCormick was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division, which was known as the ``Old Reliables''. In Vietnam, he served as a forward observer on an armored personnel carrier and performed numerous search and destroy missions in the Mekong Delta. For his exemplary service, Mr. McCormick received several awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

After returning home in 1968, Mr. McCormick was waiting to be processed out in Fort Meade, Maryland, during the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. This led to riots and civil unrest across the country, and he was temporarily called back to service to patrol the streets of Washington, D.C. In civilian life, Mr. McCormick remained active with his American Legion Post and volunteered in his community. He also helped organize company reunions and spoke at these events, in which he was recognized for his outstanding work and community service. Mr. McCormick was a loving father whose selfless service and compassion will be remembered for many years to come.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor Mr. McCormick's extraordinary life and service to our Nation. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bryan McNeal of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Bryan has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Bryan was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up near White Rock Lake. His passion for sports and leading his team to victory inspired him to pursue an opportunity to serve our country. After attending college for one year, Bryan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1991. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, where he helped develop a program to track the status of military investigations and court martials. In recognition of his important work and efforts, Bryan was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal. Moreover, Bryan served as a volunteer firefighter in Hubert, North Carolina. During this time, he helped save a family from a house fire and assisted the North Carolina Forest Service in protecting a neighborhood from wildfire. As a result, Bryan became one of the first Marines to receive the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his dedication to service beyond the Marine Corps.

When he retired from the Marines as a Gunnery Sergeant, Bryan continued to be an active member of our community. He helped raised over $500,000 for veterans' causes to help disabled veterans purchase prosthetics. With his help, one disabled Marine was even able to complete a 5k run with a new pair of motorized legs. Additionally, Bryan served as the Toys for Tots Coordinator for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he led efforts to provide gifts to underprivileged children during the holiday season. I am proud of the work Bryan has accomplished, and I am certain he will continue to make a positive impact on our community for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Bryan with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Chris Dorward of Rockwall,

Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Chris has dedicated himself to faithfully serving and protecting our community and country.

From 2000 to 2004, Chris served in the United States Marine Corps as a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Specialist and deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Along with his unit, Chris received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action. Upon returning home, he joined the Dallas Police Department and served with its Narcotics Division as a detective. During the execution of a search warrant, Chris stepped into the line of fire to suppress an assailant and protect two fallen detectives until they could be extracted. For his outstanding actions, he was awarded the Medal of Valor, one of the highest awards a police officer can receive.

In 2016, Chris began a career in real estate with a focus on his clients and helping fellow agents succeed. In his first year, he was named the Keller Williams Rookie of the Year for his exceptional performance and has continued to be a Top Producer. In addition to his real estate career, Chris is passionate about helping fellow veterans with PTSD and undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries. He co-founded the Texas Valor Project, a nonprofit that works to fund treatments for veterans and first responders who are affected by TBI. In only two years, it raised over $500,000 to support the men and women who served our country. I am proud of the work Chris has accomplished, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on our community for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Chris with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Bob Amick of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Bob has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Bob was born on August 21, 1939, in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. He attended Gordon Military College and graduated from Marshall University with a BBA in banking and finance. Afterwards, Bob commissioned into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he served as the Commander of the Special Forces A Detachment and a company of Army Patrol Boats. He was also the Military Police Battalion Commander at Fort McClellan and held numerous leadership positions. For his outstanding service, Bob received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and two Gallantry Crosses with Palm from the former South Vietnamese government.

After he retired from the military in 1984, Bob served as the Director of Security, Director of Ethics, and Director of Plant Management for Raytheon for many years. In September 1999, Bob co- founded ComCept and served as its Vice President of Operations until his retirement in 2002. Along with his beloved wife Sandy, he co- founded Band of Brothers, Sisters, & Friends to support veterans and their families. The group currently has over 290 team members who are committed to uplifting the men and women who served our country. Bob credits much of his success and guidance in life to Sandy. Together, they raised two wonderful children and have one grandchild. I am proud to call Bob a good friend of mine, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on our community for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Bob with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Charles ``Jeff'' Skinner, Jr., of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Jeff has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Jeff was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1981. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1999, where he served as a Field Radio Operator during the Global War on Terrorism. Along with his unit, Jeff was involved in numerous successful combat missions. Most notably, he participated in the longest amphibious airfield seizure in Marine Corps history at Camp Rhino, Afghanistan, and was one of the first Marines to enter Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his service, Jeff received numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two bronze campaign stars, and Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze stars.

In September 2003, Jeff was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. He currently operates Black Level AV, a small business that specializes in delivering elite audio and visual technology for North Texans. Jeff is

also actively involved in our community and is passionate about youth mentorship. He currently serves as the Public Affairs Officer for the CWO2 James Randolph Marine Corps League and is the Public Relations Officer for the Lake Ray Hubbard Young Marines. Jeff also led the charge to bring Toys for Tots to Rockwall and is involved with the Youth Leadership Symposium. As such, the Marine Corps League has recognized him as Marine of the Year for his contributions to the League and our community. I am proud of the work Jeff has accomplished, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Jeff with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Russell Lee Green of Savoy, Texas, who peacefully passed away on March 30, 2024.

Mr. Green was born on November 18, 1941, to Norris J. Green and Fairy Faye Green. As a young man, he wanted to serve his country and contribute to a greater cause. Mr. Green joined the United States Navy, where he attended radar school and specialized in operating sophisticated electronic equipment. After serving in the Navy, he attended the University of North Texas, where he met his beloved wife, Denise. They married in 1966 after completing their freshman year. Together, they purchased land outside of Ector and built a house. For most of his professional career, Mr. Green worked in management positions for Texas Instruments in its Government Products Division and other electronic manufacturing companies in the Dallas area.

Mr. Green was a devoted man of faith. He attended the Church of Christ in Savoy, where he led many Bible studies and served as a lay preacher. In his free time, Mr. Green was passionate about conservative politics, raising honeybees, and taking care of his Limousin cattle. He was a gardener, and he worked with Denise to grow fruits and vegetables for his family and community. Moreover, Mr. Green enjoyed camping, travelling, and most importantly, fishing. He has requested his ashes to be scattered on his favorite fishing pond. I am saddened to hear of Mr. Green's passing, as his kindness and generosity truly made the world a brighter place.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to honor Mr. Green's wonderful life. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Quint Avenetti, of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Quint has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

Quint was born in Hayden, Arizona, in 1962. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1980 and participated in active service for nearly three decades. From providing security to several U.S. Embassies around the world to being deployed during the Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism, Quint served with distinction and merit. He specialized in Joint Targeting, Geodesy, Counterfire Radar, Artillery Operations, and Fire Support. As a result of his exceptional leadership and expertise, Quint achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5.

After retiring from the military in March 2008, Quint moved to Rockwall with his family. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Combat Systems Sector for Navmar Applied Science Corp. In this role, Quint works diligently to train the next generation of Marine Joint Fire Observers, enhance security at diplomatic locations for the State Department, and develop unmanned aircraft technology. In addition to his work in protecting our national security, he serves on the Advisory Board for Veterans Mortgage of America to help veterans succeed in home ownership. Quint is the Commandant of the CWO2 James Randolph Detachment of the Marine Corps League and is involved with many veterans' advocacy organizations. He also serves as a mentor to Eagle Scouts and was the previous Scoutmaster of Rockwall Troop 989. I am proud of Quint's contributions to our community, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Quint with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Mark Kipphut of McLendon-Chisholm, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Mark has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country.

After graduating from The Citadel with a political science degree in May 1979, Mark commissioned into the United States Air Force. He served as a Command Intelligence Officer during the Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism for many years. In his last assignment, Mark became the Director of Intelligence for the Pacific Air Forces at Hickam Air Force Base. He later received a master's degree in management from Embry- Riddle University.

When he retired from the military as a Colonel, Mark served as the Director of Strategy for Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona. In 2010, he and his family moved to Texas, where he became the Program Director of Tactical Intelligence Systems for Raytheon. In this role, Mark oversaw hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales and government contracting. He currently works as a Senior Advisor for BCE Consulting, in which he focuses on enhancing our operational capabilities to defend against cyber and unmanned threats. In addition to protecting our national security, Mark is passionate about giving back to his community and supporting our veterans. He is the Commander of the Rockwall Terry Fisher American Legion Post, where he created college scholarships for the children of veterans. Moreover, Mark organizes annual trips for students to attend the Youth Leadership Conferences. I am proud of Mark's contributions to our community, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Mark with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Shannan Sorrell of Highland Village, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Shannan served as my Chief of Staff, and she has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community.

Shannan was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and grew up in San Diego, California. She graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor's degree in public relations, where she played college volleyball. Shannan later earned her master's degree in public policy from San Diego State University. She began her professional career as a staff assistant for her local health and human services department and worked her way up to become the Chief of Staff for the County of San Diego. In July 1996, Shannan married the love of her life, Greg. Together, they raised two wonderful kids, Haley and Cade.

For over 25 years, Shannan worked in politics and helped fundraise for campaigns, elect candidates, and encourage community members to be more involved in the political process. She served as the Executive Director for the Denton County Republican Party while teaching American Government at North Central Texas College. From 2014 to 2021, Shannan served as my Chief of Staff during my tenure in the Texas House and Senate. I witnessed firsthand her hard work and commitment to serve all Texans. As such, I asked Shannan to continue her public service under my leadership when I was first elected to Congress. Thankfully, she accepted, and I couldn't have made a better decision. Shannan has been a fantastic leader who is passionate about civic engagement, community service, and delivering results for the people of Texas's 4th congressional district. In her free time, she enjoys long distance running and traveling to Cabo San Lucas and Catalina Island. I know Shannan will continue to make a positive impact on the world around us, and I wish her all the best.

It is an honor to bestow Shannan with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. LaTurner), my good friend, for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7525, the Special District Grant Accessibility Act, introduced by myself and my colleague, Representative Pettersen, from the Centennial State of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, special districts are a type of local government authorized by State law, which deliver specialized services to specific communities that would otherwise not be provided. In rural areas, for instance, special districts may provide fire protection, mosquito control, ambulatory services, et cetera. Special districts also occur in urban areas and can provide airport, road, and transit services.

According to the National Special Districts Coalition, as my colleague from Kansas (Mr. LaTurner) said, there are about 35,000 special districts in the country, and they are in every State.

In Texas, we have over 3,300 special districts providing all manner of government goods and services. Yet, as these lesser-known units of government, special districts have struggled to consistently access Federal financial assistance.

H.R. 7525 would remedy that and would emphasize that special districts are units of local government and are, therefore, eligible for Federal financial assistance by establishing a definition in law for special districts and requiring the Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to Federal agencies, as well as grant-issuing agencies.

This bill also requires an OMB report to Congress on the agency's implementation and conformity to the guidance.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Pettersen and the bipartisan coalition of Members who cosponsored this bill, and I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Frank ``Teddy'' Peinado of Aubrey, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Teddy is a true American patriot who has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community.

Since he was young, Teddy held a strong passion for military history. He attended Texas A&M University as a member of its prestigious Corps of Cadets. Teddy graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in construction science and later earned his master's degree in construction management. For over 30 years, he worked in the building industry and supervised the construction of over 11 million square feet of office space. In 2010, Teddy founded Peinado Construction, the largest industrial contractor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with offices in Houston, College Station, and San Antonio. Peinado Construction specializes in industrial, data center, and office construction projects to deliver stellar results for clients.

For his outstanding work and entrepreneurship, Teddy received Texas A&M's Aggie 100 award in 2017 and 2018. He was recognized as the 2017 Hispanic Businessman of the Year by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of the United States Hispanic Business Council. Additionally, Teddy is a passionate advocate for education. He established the Teddy Peinado Endowed Scholarship in Commercial Construction and the Peinado Industrial Tilt-Wall Construction Endowed Scholarship for Texas A&M students. As a strong supporter of our nation's veterans and first responders, Teddy actively works with Carry the Load, Helicopters for Heroes, 22 Kill, and Sons of the Flag. I am proud of the work he has accomplished for our community, and I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Teddy with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Gail Utter of Sherman, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Gail has over 30 years of experience in the investment industry and has dedicated herself to serving and uplifting our community.

Gail spent most of her childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University. She later received a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Texas and became certified as a Private Wealth Advisor and Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor. In 2001, Gail established the very successful Utter Wealth Management of Wells Fargo Advisors.

Over the years, she has provided stellar investment results for clients and earned numerous awards and recognitions for her work. Gail was named a Platinum Council Advisor Diamond level advisor, Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor, and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State. Additionally, she has been listed in Barron's Top 1200 State by State Advisor for eleven consecutive years, beginning in 2012.

On top of delivering for her clients, Gail serves in several leadership roles with the Austin College Board of Trustees, the Sherman Economic Development Corporation, SMU Perkins School of Theology, and many more. She is a frequent keynote speaker and supporter of beneficial community initiatives throughout North Texas. In her free time, Gail enjoys spending time with her family, taking care of her dogs, and strengthening her faith. I am proud of the outstanding work she has accomplished for our community. I wish her continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Gail with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Thomas Leiser of Dallas, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Thomas has dedicated himself to serving and uplifting our community.

In 1974, Thomas graduated from Indiana University and earned his Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law four years later. He began his career as a clerk and bailiff for Marion County Criminal Courts before being selected to serve as a Deputy Prosecutor. In 1982, Thomas stepped into the real estate industry and worked as an investment advisor for Leiser Real Estate Advisory in New York City. After a brief moment serving as an associate business law professor, he began working for the Trammell Crow Company in Dallas and rose up its ranks to become its Senior Managing Director. With plenty of experience in the commercial real estate market, Thomas co-founded Bandera Ventures in 2003. Since then, his agency has completed over a hundred real estate projects throughout the United States worth nearly $3 billion dollars. Currently, Thomas is working on a billion-dollar project to construct a data center.

Separately, Thomas has supported numerous humanitarian initiatives around the world. He worked closely with the Agape Manna nonprofit to develop a bakery to provide orphaned children in North Korea with food. Thomas also supported efforts to help North Koreans seek freedom from the Communist regime and begin a new chapter in life in South Korea. He is the co-founder of Crosswater Ministries, which supports Mission activities for the Highland Park Presbyterian Church to deliver food and medical supplies to Cuban families. I am proud of the outstanding work Thomas has accomplished for our community and those in need. I wish him continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Thomas with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to the people of North Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Esther Brumit of Denison, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Esther has dedicated herself to serving and uplifting our community.

Esther was born in Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 1952. She attended Oral Roberts University and the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she specialized in healthcare. After graduation, Esther worked as a physician assistant at Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City and cared for at-risk and underprivileged children. She later taught orchestra in private and public schools, where she always ended her concerts with ``God Bless America''. She is passionate about Israel and Judeo- Christian values, which spurred her to organize trips for students to travel to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. so they could learn more about their heritage.

Esther was later asked to serve as an election clerk and judge, which she gladly accepted. She attended her first national convention in New York as a volunteer for President George H.W. Bush's second term. From that moment on, Esther attended all state and national conventions as part of the Republican delegation. Her favorite part of the conventions were the national anthem opening and prayer services. Esther also served as a Precinct Chair and participated in door knocking and phone banking to mobilize Texans to participate in elections. Esther is a true American patriot, and I wish her continued success for many years to come.

It is an honor to bestow Esther with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.