Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Rockwall High School's newest Ninth Grade Center. Located in Rockwall, Texas, Rockwall High School operates as part of Rockwall Independent School District and has continuously prepared North Texas students for success.

Rockwall ISD's first documented schools date back to the late 1840's near Heath, Texas. Its first high school was founded in 1925, and the first superintendent was J.A. Wilkerson, who also served as a math teacher and football coach. In 1935, Rockwall ISD purchased its first school bus and began transporting students from nearby county schools.

Under Superintendent Wilkerson's leadership, Rockwall ISD constructed its first football stadium, now known as the Hobart Wisdom Field. Over thirty years later, the new Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium was constructed in honor of Mr. Wilkerson and Harvey Sanders, a local businessman and longtime supporter.

Rockwall High School first opened in 1965 and has expanded its educational outreach over the years to local counties. The new Ninth Grade Center is expected to be completed by August 2024, and it will encompass state-of-the-art technology centers, lounge areas, and refreshing outdoor spaces to accommodate all students. I'm proud to represent such distinguished students, and I look forward to their continued growth and success.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize this historic expansion for the students, teachers, and staff of North Texas. Congratulations to Rockwall High School, and I wish all students an excellent school year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Rockwall-Heath High School's newest Ninth Grade Center. Located in Heath, Texas, Rockwall-Heath High School operates as part of Rockwall Independent School District and has continuously prepared North Texas students for success.

Rockwall ISD's first documented schools date back to the late 1840's near Heath, Texas. Its first high school was founded in 1925, and the first superintendent was J.A. Wilkerson, who also served as a math teacher and football coach. In 1935, Rockwall ISD purchased its first school bus and began transporting students from nearby county schools.

Under Superintendent Wilkerson's leadership, Rockwall ISD constructed its first football stadium, now known as the Hobart Wisdom Field. Over thirty years later, the new Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium was constructed in honor of Mr. Wilkerson and Harvey Sanders, a local businessman and longtime supporter.

Rockwall-Heath High School first opened in 2005 and has expanded its educational outreach over the years to local counties. The new Ninth Grade Center is expected to be completed by August 2024, and it will encompass state-of-the-art technology centers, lounge areas, and refreshing outdoor spaces to accommodate all students. I'm proud to represent such distinguished students, and I look forward to their continued growth and success.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize this historic expansion for the students, teachers, and staff of North Texas. Congratulations to Rockwall-Heath High School, and I wish all students an excellent school year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Deborah Dawn Csaszar of Blossom, Texas. Mrs. Csaszar was born on November 23, 1966, in Lima, Ohio to Reverend Raymond Rosebrough and Twila Huston Rosebrough. She is survived by her brother, Michael Rosebrough, and her parents.

In her early years, Mrs. Csaszar attended Angelo State University for her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and later became an accomplished paralegal in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. On October 10, 2020, she married the love of her life, John Csaszar.

Through her later work at the Lollypop Learning Center, Mrs. Csaszar was overjoyed to spend time with children, and loved teaching them to read and sing. She also had a passion for playing the piano and rescuing stray animals, once stopping at a parking lot to bring home an abandoned kitten. Moreover, Mrs. Csaszar was an adventurous spirit, and she was never afraid to execute plans on a whim. This spirit was embodied by the road trips through the countryside she would take with John, each with their own Harley-Davidson bikes.

Those who knew her can tell you she truly loved her country, family, and friends. She never met a stranger and was known for her kindness. The Csaszars were regular churchgoers at the Impact Church in Paris, Texas, and loved to open their home to the community. While they are no longer with us, their achievements and generous contributions will be remembered for many years to come.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mr. Joe Ward, Sr. of Iowa Park, Texas. Mr. Ward was born on May 2, 1933, in Douglass, Texas, to Richard Ward and Liddie Ward, and is one of five children.

In his early years, Mr. Ward lived in Rusk, Texas, and attended Rusk High School while working part time in a local radio shop. At the age of 17, Mr. Ward joined the Texas National Guard and continued to study and train until his graduation in 1951. Mr. Ward later transferred to the Louisiana National Guard and graduated in 1955 from Shreveport Trade School with a focus in Electronics.

Mr. Ward worked for the Shreveport Fire Department and simultaneously became an amateur radio operator. He was the youngest driver in the fire department and was quickly promoted due to his expertise, On December 24, 1958, Mr. Ward married Evelyn Douglas,

while continuing to serve in the National Guard.

Mr. Ward later worked as an electronics technician for the Federal Aviation Administration and relocated to Iowa Park, Texas, where he taught Sunday school and served on the board of Camp Chaparral, a nonprofit that organizes youth retreats. Additionally, Mr. Ward was elected to the Iowa Park City Council in 1996 and became mayor of Iowa Park in 2008 until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure as an elected official, he helped seniors alleviate hardships by delivering meals-on-wheels and hosting community events.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Mr. Ward's amazing life and service to our Nation. May God bless Joe on 90 years of life and joy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the grand opening of Delco Trailers' new 550,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Brookston, Texas. Delco Trailers specializes in the production of a wide range of trailers to accommodate all kinds of livestock, cargo, vehicle, and equipment needs.

Founded in 2006 by Chief Executive Officer John Dyck, Delco Trailers rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected names in the industry. With its $29 million venture into Lamar County, Delco Trailers will boost economic growth, create 300 new well-paying jobs, and construct new fleets of trailer equipment to serve North Texas' transportation needs.

Moreover, Delco Trailers has pledged to finance workforce development initiatives and give back to the community through future expansions. This will create additional job opportunities and strengthen the economic success of Lamar County. I'm proud to represent such distinguished business owners in my district.

I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize this historic investment for the people of District 4. Congratulations to Delco Trailers on their new launch, and I wish them the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. Harry H. Herndon of Royse City, Texas. Mr. Herndon was born on August 5, 1947, one of four sons of J.E. Burr and Irma Wyatt Herndon.

Mr. Herndon graduated from Royse City High School in 1965 where he was named class favorite, wittiest, and most popular. Additionally, he was a class officer and a star football player for the Bulldogs for four years. Mr. Herndon later attended East Texas State University. On May 29, 1966, he married the love of his life, Virginia Lee Cross, with whom he had one daughter, Tena Michelle.

On October 19, 1967, Mr. Herndon heeded the call to serve his nation in the Vietnam War as a Platoon Sergeant in the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, Company D. During his deployment to Chu Lai, Vietnam, he received several awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge.

Tragically, Mr. Herndon was mortally wounded in combat on October 18, 1968, while serving on a mission in Quang Tin, Vietnam. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his gallantry and wounds in combat. For his heroism and service to our country, Harry H. Herndon Elementary School in Fate, Texas, is dedicated in his honor.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Mr. Herndon's life, valor, and service defending our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Jeanne Ellen Patterson. Mrs. Patterson was born on April 5, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank Patterson and Dorothy Grace Patterson.

In her early years, she grew up on a farm in Virginia where she learned the value of a hard day's work and a quality education. Mrs. Patterson attended Brigham Young University for her undergraduate degree and continued her studies by pursuing postgraduate work at the University of Arizona, the University of California in Los Angeles, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Her passion was politics, and she worked as a consultant to two U.S. Senators, a Mexican Federal Senator, a U.S. Governor, and the President of the United States.

Even as Mrs. Patterson excelled in her career, her main priority was always her family, whom she loved very much. She enjoyed knitting sweaters, painting portraits, writing, and spending time with her children. Most importantly, she loved cooking for her family, who were very fond of her culinary talents.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the colonel for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I think it shouldn't be lost on anyone watching that the gentleman is talking about service and selflessness. We have a colonel who dedicated his life to this country both serving here on the House floor and also in the United States military.

One of the greater Americans that you will know, Mr. Speaker, from the 21st century is Steve Scalise, and then we have the coach, Coach Rollinson. We also have Coach Hopkins and Coach Higgins as well. They were great coaches, and they were also great men.

It has been said that football builds character. I disagree with that. Football reveals character. Having been a player, that Heisman Trophy was not mine. I didn't get any votes nor did I get invited to the combine, but it was a great experience.

My greatest football memory is not winning a national championship for the University of Notre Dame. It is a

game that we won in high school that we were supposed to lose by 40 points and we won by 31--literally. I had a Coach Mike Murgo. He had one eye distinctly bigger than the other. He talked like this. He said: I ain't cross-eyed. I just got one eye bigger than the other, boys.

The reason why we beat a team that should have beaten us by 40 was about belief. It was about belief.

Coach, what you have instilled in thousands of young men is belief.

People will say that you were a great coach. Again, I am going to take a little umbrage with that. You are a great teacher, a teacher of men.

Football is unique, as Congressman Gallagher said, because it is not a contact sport. Basketball is a contact sport. Soccer is a contact sport. Football is a collision sport, and it hurts. I had a couple of concussions in Notre Dame--in practice, full disclosure.

You remind me of Coach Holtz. You are cut from the same cloth. On our national championship rings it says: trust, love, commitment.

Football is unique because you have 11 men out on that field who have to trust each other because a collision could come your way. You have to trust. You have to love one another. I look up in the gallery and see so many people. You are not from Virginia or Maryland, so you couldn't drive here. So many people flew across this country to honor you and to honor what you have built. It is not the 300-plus wins and over a dozen championships State and national. It is the trust, love, and the commitment that you had for your family, for your community, and for those young men.

Mr. Speaker, we are in the presence of a Hall of Famer in greatness.

It was a wonderful day to see you operating with that team. What impressed me so much about those young men was not, by the way, only their height. I took a picture with the offensive lineman. I am 6 feet tall and 230 pounds, and I look like a hobbit. My son said: Daddy, are they going to have a second breakfast?

He was looking at my hairy feet.

Each one of those men when we went and the colonel shared some words and the then-whip now-majority leader shared some words were so impressive. They are the future of our country. That gives me solace.

What we are all here for and why we serve in this august Chamber is we want to ensure that America's best days have yet to be counted. That is what you have done for your entire life.

I always wonder--we are all going to have a tombstone one day--what is it going to say on yours?

It is not going to say that you had a big house or she drove a fast car or they had a pile of money. It is all about how we loved and whom we loved.

You have made a tremendous impact. You are a great American. The best compliment I can ever pay someone is that the world is a better place because you are in it.

Thank you, Coach, and God bless you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Shonda Rennae Magness of Telephone, Texas. Mrs. Magness was born on January 18, 1965. She graduated from Crane High School in 1983 and was a star basketball player at Odessa College. While at Odessa, she met her first husband, Tommy Stahl, and was married for 25 years. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Lauren Bennett and Lindsey Stahl.

For over 27 years, Mrs. Magness worked at law firm specializing in local government, where she made loyal friends all over the state and brought smiles to all who knew her. She became the County Purchasing Agent for Fannin County and was highly successful in government procurement. Mrs. Magness remarried, and wed the next great love of her life, Jerry Magness, on June 10, 2017. Since then, they have lived on their ranch in Telephone, Texas.

She was proud of being a ``rancher's wife'' and even learned how to work cattle herself. In her free time, she loved to coach and play volleyball. She was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Bonham, Texas. Mrs. Magness was a woman of faith whose cheer would bring joy to the lives of everyone she interacted with. She was affectionately referred to as ``Nana'' by her grandchildren.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, this is about common sense. For 2 years, our constituents have been calling our office and wondering why the IRS, the Social Security Administration, and the VA aren't answering their phones, why can't they get in-person meetings with Federal workers, why they have to talk to a robot on the phone for hours, or wait for months on end just for an email update on their case.

Well, today, Mr. Speaker, House Republicans are going to stop the lackadaisical policies of the Biden administration. The SHOW UP Act is a wonderful bill that I am proud to support. It is going to make an end to COVID an actual reality.

Federal workers should do the same thing that the private sector industry has done, which is they have gotten back to work for over 18 months, in large measure. It is time the Federal workers get back to work and start serving the American people to their full capacity.

This bill requires Federal agencies to return to the 2019 pre- pandemic telework levels within 30 days; reasonable, commonsense. The bill requires that Federal agencies show Congress how pandemic-era telework impacted their missions. Finally, the bill requires new oversight for agencies that seek to expand telework.

This oversight will help save money and create jobs outside the D.C. beltway. It is important to stress that this bill is not some radical notion. We are not ending all telework. We are just snapping back to 2019 pre-pandemic levels and ensuring a reasonable pathway for agencies to retain telework employees and, under the right conditions, allow for expansion of telework.

The bottom line is the pandemic is over. The American people need Federal Government to function. And in order to do that, we need our workers back. The IRS has failed to give Americans their refunds in a timely manner for 3 years running, and as late as last year, still had 12.4 million returns to process.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding additional time.

Mr. Speaker, the Veterans Affairs Administration has hundreds of thousands of backlogged claims. As for the Social Security Administration, The Washington Post states, ``More than 1 million disabled Americans, many of them poor and elderly, are waiting months or years to hear whether they will receive benefits. Processing times have doubled in some States and almost tripled in others.''

So long as the American people are not getting the services this government is mandated to provide, we are not operating a government for, by, and of the people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Richard Wade Carter of Sherman, Texas. Mr. Carter is survived by his wife Malinda, daughter Melanie Grammar and her husband Don, stepson Jack Hopper and his wife Merry, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard is preceded by his parents and his brother, Daniel Wayne Carter.

Mr. Carter was born to Roscoe Stanley Carter and Beatrice Jackson Carter in Dallas, Texas, on December 15, 1931. A native of Oak Cliff, Texas, he graduated from Dallas High School. Richard later joined the United States Army in June 1956. Richard was stationed in Korea and Japan during his military service, where his fondness for Asian art and culture grew.

On November 21, 1972, Richard married the love of his life, Malinda Ann Stewman, in Garland, Texas, where they resided for many years. Richard and Malinda enjoyed traveling together and exploring new restaurants, with Mexican cuisine being Richard's favorite. Moreover, he loved fishing, photography, and working with his hands. A lifelong Republican, Richard was a loving husband and father, and celebrated his 50th anniversary with Malinda in November 2022. Richard was a devout churchgoer and a frequent attendee of the Cliff Temple Baptist Church in Oak Cliff, Texas.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Mr. Carter's extraordinary life and devotion to his passions. Richard will be greatly missed by his friends, family, and colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the All Saints Catholic School of Dallas, Texas, for receiving its third Blue Ribbon award. All Saints Catholic is only one of 5 private schools in the great state of Texas to receive this prestigious award. We continue to extend our earnest congratulations to the students, educators, and families of All Saints Catholic.

Since 1982, the Department of Education has annually bestowed the Blue Ribbon Award to select public and private schools who have displayed outstanding academic progress and achievement. All Saints Catholic was one of the highest-performing schools in Texas and nationwide. Of the nearly 10,000 Blue Ribbons awarded over the past 4 decades, only 170 schools have had the honor of receiving 3 Blue Ribbons, putting All Saints Catholic in the top 1 percent of Blue Ribbon recipients.

All Saints Catholic's historic performances showcases the enduring work of its students, teachers, and staff to create a safe and welcoming school environment that focuses on success. I'm proud to represent such talented minds and I wish them the best of luck in their school year.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the hard-earned academic accomplishments of All Saints Catholic and their efforts to prepare our youth for success.

Offered By: Mr. Fallon

Amendment No. 5: Add to the end the following:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a co-sponsor of Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act.

China should not be the beneficiary of the Biden administration's foolhardy abuse of the SPR. It was at 695 million barrels, and it goes down to 371. That is halved, while the Chinese Communist Party has in reserve nearly a billion.

This is foolhardy. This is an excellent piece of legislation, and I urge swift passage. Let's put America first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Brian Clint Worley of Emory, Texas.

Emory is a small town in Rains County where great Americans reside. During my campaign in 2020, I befriended his parents, Fred and Sue Worley, who couldn't be more gentle, wonderful, loving souls.

Brian was born in Denton, Texas, on March 11, 1968. He graduated from Rains High School in Emory in 1987 where he was a star basketball, baseball, track, and football player. Brian received all-district honors for his athletic performances and was voted most courteous, best personality, and most prestigious at Rains High School.

In 1991, Brian graduated from Kilgore College Police Academy, and he began his law enforcement career at the Mount Pleasant Police Department. He received several commendations in his first 4 years as a police officer and once helped save an elderly citizen from choking. He saved a life. Moreover, his work in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program helped apprehend numerous drunk drivers, and again, saved countless lives.

Brian attended the Texas Department of Public Safety Training Academy in Austin, Texas, in 1995 and was stationed in Cooper, Texas, and later Sulphur Springs.

Some of Brian's many recognitions include District Commanders Award, the Texas Department of Public Safety Chief's Award, and Trooper of the Year in 1988.

Brian was a man of faith and dedicated his career to serving the people of Texas. He was a loving father who deeply cared about his family, his friends, and his pets. He will be closely and fondly remembered by many.

I have requested that a flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Brian's tremendous life and his extraordinary public service. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and colleagues.

Fred and Sue, his parents, are salt of the earth people. They love things that are greater than themselves, and that is so incredibly inspiring. They know that God is greater than they are; that this country is greater than they are; that Texas, their friends, their family, and their community is more important than they are. When you meet people like that and see the lives that they lead, it warms the heart and it warms the soul.

When you lose a spouse, they call you a ``widow.'' When you lose a parent, they call you an ``orphan.'' Fred and Sue have lost a child. When you lose a child, it is so God awful they don't even have a name for it.

What breaks my heart is not only the loss of Brian, but that his children, Caden and Emily, have lost their father. I know they are watching right now, and I want to make sure they understand that a grateful Nation grieves with them.

I think the greatest compliment you can pay a person is to say that the world is a better place with them in it. The world sheds a collective tear now that we have lost Brian.

Mr. Speaker, we should take inspiration from the Worley family, extend our deepest condolences, and promise them that we will follow in the footsteps of Brian and emulate his love of this country and of others.

We will be praying for Brian. We will see him soon. God bless Brian.