Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Corporal Bob Kerr with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Marine Corps exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Corporal Kerr is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Corporal Kerr served as a Squad Leader for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. He was a very skilled and qualified Rifle Expert and had obtained the highest score in the Depot. Due to his raw talent and impressive rifle skills, Corporal Kerr was promoted to Lance Corporal in less than a month. With his eventual promotion to Corporal, Corporal Kerr was a great resource for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Corporal Kerr also served overseas in Vietnam. His specific service in Dong Ha, Hue City, Chulai, Phu Bai, and Quangtri exemplifies his passion and dedication to supporting the Nation he loves. As Squad Leader, Corporal Kerr oversaw four squads per platoon and also served as an Ammunition Technician. Corporal Kerr's long list of medals, awards, and honors include one representing the ultimate sacrifice of service. While in Vietnam, Corporal Kerr earned a Purple Heart.

Today, Corporal Kerr serves the Sulfur Springs Community and those around him. He serves as a Judge Advocate with the Hopkins County Marine Corps League and rides in motorcycle events that honor fellow veterans. As a combat veteran from the Vietnam era, he attends various patriotic assemblies in both Franklin and Hopkins Counties.

I am beyond honored to have Corporal Kerr in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Major Michael Hogge with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Air Force exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Major Hogge is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Major Hogge served as a Captain Chief of Logistics for the Air Force where he contributed his expertise and knowledge as a maintenance manager for over ten years. With a brilliant mind in logistics, he contributed his skill set in fixed, tactical, and airborne systems.

Major Hogge has undergone extreme training in electronics, including the formal Air Force electronics systems training, accompanied by many years of experience as an electrician technician. Throughout his military deployment, Major Hogge was known as an effective manager which he applied to everyday life.

Major Hogge's life in service did not end with his retirement from the military. He continues to support various veteran community events in Hunt County and donates his time to local military fundraisers such as 1000 Miles Till Home.

As an avid leader in his community, Major Hogge is a true patriot to those around him. Whether it's using his repair skills through his church or building homes for the impoverished in Mexico, Major Hogge is defined by humbly dedicating his life to service.

I am beyond honored to have Major Hogge in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Sergeant John Herrington with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Army exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Sergeant Herrington is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Sergeant Herrington was called to serve as a volunteer. As a Tank Crewman in Vietnam, he was a much-needed asset for the United States. Sergeant Herrington served in the U.S. Army with great passion and dedication to serve and deliver a great sacrifice.

Sergeant Herrington was even willing to lose both of his legs in battle to support his country in the Vietnam war. A perfect example of a patriot who deserves one of the most decorated medals, a recipient of a Purple Heart.

Sergeant Herrington did not let his new challenge stop him from continuing to live a productive life. He has held several professions including truck driver and gunsmith. During his free time, he is involved in the community and VFW activities. He serves as a Commander of the local chapter of Patriot Guard in which he uses his love of motorcycles to honor veteran funerals.

Upon delivering Sergeant Herrington with congratulating him for receiving this prestigious award, I was informed by my staff that though Sergeant Herrington may have lost both legs in battle, he still managed to persevere and walk across the stage to acknowledge the message. It is the great people of Lamar county that amaze me the most.

The fact that Sergeant Herrington has never backed down from a challenge and continues to press on with no complaints as to why I feel so lucky to recognize his sacrifices.

I am beyond honored to have Sergeant Herrington in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his true American grit.

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Gunnery Sergeant Richard Hall, United States Marine Corps with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Marine Corps exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Gunnery Sergeant Hall is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

During his years of military service in the Marine Corps, Gunnery Sergeant Hall has served in a plethora of incredibly important positions such as a Marine rifle, infantry leader, communications, recruiting duty, a combat leader in Vietnam where he spent 23 continuous days in battle, as well as the Two Tours of Combat Duty. Not only is his dedication to his country shown through 23 straight days of warfare, but to serve one's Nation for twenty-one straight years is very admirable. Gunnery Sergeant Hall has also shown his adaptability by serving in many locations around the world such as San Diego Naval base, Camp Pendleton, Japan, Dallas, Vietnam, Texas Recruiting Center, and Pacific Command Hawaii with Weapons protection command. After serving for twenty-one years, Gunnery Sergeant Hall retired in 1975 with many awards including the Bronze Star Medal with combat ``V'' device; and was awarded two Purple Hearts for battle wounds.

I am beyond honored to have Gunnery Sergeant Hall in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Petty Officer Harold Scott with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Navy exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Petty Officer Scott is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Petty Officer Scott is a true American patriot whose sacrifices truly bettered the United States of America. As a volunteer, Petty Officer Scott was willing to risk his life to protect the freedoms he takes pride in.

Petty Officer Scott held multiple positions as a versatile serviceman. As a Fireman in the engine room, he maintained order and created an environment of order to ensure nothing would happen to the ship. During a time when the United States of America needed strong young men to step up, Petty Officer Scott certainly delivered during his time in the Korean War. Serving across various ports on the east coast, west coast, and along the Mediterranean sea, Petty Officer Scott sacrificed all he could with no complaint.

I am beyond honored to have Petty Officer Scott in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Chief Petty Officer Robert ``Bob'' Dunn with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Navy exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Chief Petty Officer Dunn is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Chief Petty Officer Dunn spent many years supporting the Navy with his decorated engineering knowledge and skill set. He was first ported in Hawaii on USS Tunny SSN-682 as a reactor operator and electronic technician. He relayed his experience to new servicemen through teaching at the Electronics Technician

Maintenance School in Hawaii. Chief Petty Officer Dunn was promoted aboard USS Los Angeles where he became a Chief Petty Officer in the Reactor Controls Division as well as a Reactor Operator and Engineering Watch Supervisor.

Chief Petty Officer Dunn served during the Cold War at a time in our nation's history when young minds in engineering and nuclear power helped propel America above the Soviet Union. Chief Petty Officer Dunn's time of service also included five Western Pacific deployments and an Eastern Pacific Deployment.

As a submarine sailor back in the 1980s, Chief Petty Officer Dunn worked long hours at the port, including 24-hour duty days. His submarine deployed for three to six months at a time which created challenges for his family. But above all, Chief Petty Officer Dunn persevered and demonstrated grit and passion to serve his country.

After retiring, Chief Petty Officer Dunn continued to embody a true American patriot through his involvement in the community as a Party Precinct President of the Royal Kunia area in Honolulu and a member of the Freemasons in Hawaii.

I am beyond honored to have Chief Petty Officer Dunn in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Commander Bryan Crittendon with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and State Guard exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Commander Crittendon is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Commander Crittendon served as a transport helicopter pilot during his time in the Marine Corps where he assumed the titles of Captain and Pilot. His service spanned the globe protecting American Sovereignty and the Constitution. His skill set and passion were practiced in service across: Beirut, Southern Europe, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and Afghanistan.

Commander Crittendon ministered to many servicemen and their families as a Military Chaplain. His original mission was to fly, his service in ministry began after the 9/11 attack to preach to Marines in combat. Commander Crittendon's work as a chaplain extended across multiple positions including: USMC Battalion Chaplain, USMC Wing Chaplain, U.S. Coast Guard Chaplain, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Command Chaplain, and Naval Air Station Pensacola Command Chaplain.

Commander Crittendon continues to commit his life to service even after his discharge. While supporting a local rural church, his desire to aid fellow veterans has led him to become a member of the Marine Corps League. Despite being 70 percent disabled, Commander Crittendon has become a certified Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainor.

I am beyond honored to have Commander Crittendon in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I am honored with the privilege of presenting Corporal Charles ``Charlie'' S. Cooper, U.S. Army/Air Force with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Throughout his life, Charlie was known for being a jack of all trades but remains humble and kind.

During his 3 years of military service, Corporal Cooper had some very important duties. Charlie's squadron was top secret, monitoring and decoding Japanese communication regarding the movements of the enemy and upcoming attacks on America and allied forces. Because his squadron was able to break up the codes and could relay the information within the strict timelines of the Japanese, the Air Force was able to eliminate incoming enemy attacks. While he served, Charlie was stationed in many different countries across the Pacific Theatre, including New Guinea, Dutch East Indies, the Philippines, and Tokyo where he was stationed when WWII ended.

Other than defending our nation, Charlie worked in the Aircraft manufacturing industry for 29 years, where he worked from maintenance all the way up to become a manufacturing foreman. He has many hobbies which consist of staying active in his church, where he sung in the choir until recently. One of the reasons Charlie resides in Rains County is because he wanted to enjoy his favorite past time, bass fishing, where he could do so on Lake Fork.

I commend Corporal Cooper for his undoubtedly brave service to this country and his community. He is a fitting recipient of a Congressional Veteran Commendation and I celebrate his service.

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Lieutenant Colonel Dewey Ray Collier II with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His service and sacrifice through the United States Army exemplify his national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country he loves. Lieutenant Colonel Collier is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Lieutenant Colonel Collier began his military duty as a Non- Commissioned Officer where he was assigned as a Platoon Sergeant. Leading twenty enlisted soldiers whose responsibility was to upkeep and operate twelve UH1H Helicopters, Lieutenant Colonel Collier played a crucial role in supporting combat and non-combat missions. With the promotion to Junior Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Collier was tasked with caring for neonatal infants and providing emotional support to families.

Lieutenant Colonel Collier began his medical responsibilities for the military as a Mid Level Officer. Using decorated medical knowledge and an impressive skill set, his involvement in life-saving surgery and non-combat surgical procedures included: open heart, vascular, neurology, and trauma nursing duties. Upon his promotion to Senior Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Collier continued challenging the lives of servicemen by coordinating all aspects of surgical services.

After the attack on the twin towers in 2001, Lieutenant Colonel Collier deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom, spending time in Kuwait as part of the 555th Forward Surgical Team. His unit extended its duties in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom where Lieutenant Colonel Collier's unit became the first unit to reach Baghdad.

Lieutenant Colonel Collier is a true American patriot who comes from a long line of veterans who have fought in every American war since the Revolutionary War. National pride is truly built into his DNA.

I am beyond honored to have Lieutenant Colonel Collier in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for his sacrifices.

Madam Speaker, I am honored and privileged to award Sergeant Katie Baillio with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Her service and sacrifice through the United States Army exemplify her national pride and embodiment as a role-model citizen to serve the country she loves. Sergeant Baillio is truly an ideal candidate to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation.

Sergeant Baillio served her country as a Maintenance Control Accounting Supervisor. Her vast knowledge in accounting was a tremendous gift to the U.S. Army as she saved over twenty million dollars through stock analysis and review procedures for various aviation assets.

Sergeant Baillio's expertise shined as she prepared data for the XVIII Airborne Corps Aviation readiness supply status and provided briefing books for VTC coordination with wholesale and CONUS assets. I am amazed at the brilliance that Sergeant Baillio demonstrated in maximizing the U.S. Army's portfolio of assets. Her work and service led her across the world as she made stops in Korea, Japan, and Iraq. Her time in Iraq was necessary for the United States during a time of instability in the middle east.

After her tenure in the military, Sergeant Baillio did not stop serving the fellow veterans she loves. Her continued work for the Texas Workforce Commission and the Bonham VA is much appreciated as I personally understand the true impact that the Bonham VA has on Texas' 4th District.

While currently working for the Texas Veterans Commission, she has won many awards at the local, regional, state, and national levels designating her as a distinguished patriot in aiding veterans. She also is a Post commander for the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars with various awards including being the first female to hold this position. To fully get an idea of why Sergeant Baillio is a true American patriot, she is a Department of Texas VFW Deputy State inspector as well as the District 13 American Legion Vice Commander.

I am beyond honored to have Sergeant Baillio in Texas' 4th Congressional district and am privileged to award such a distinguished citizen for her sacrifices.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend from West Texas for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, time and again, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have put our country in a financial choke hold.

Mr. Speaker, they believe that the only solution to fix any of our country's problems is to spend and to spend, and you know what, and spend even more.

Well, I have to ask: Where has that got us?

I will tell you where. On a road to financial oblivion.

Our Federal debt is approaching $31 trillion; that is 31,000 billions. Our annual deficit was nearly $3 trillion in FY21, and I expect a similar number at the end of FY22.

We are experiencing a 40-year high in inflation precisely because of this runaway, reckless, and highly irresponsible government spending.

We are seeing higher prices that are disproportionately harming the working poor and the middle class. And Americans are tired of spending over half their hard-earned paychecks just to pay for the basic necessities of life.

This body never has had a revenue problem. This body has a spending problem. It is an important distinction. And why?

You know, a school district can't spend more than it takes in. A city can't. A county can't. A State can't. But the Federal Government does because they have a printing press down the street.

So what can be done? Because to be frank, when you talk to people at home, they are starting to lose hope. Time is running out. And when you become addicted to deficit spending and, essentially, are enjoying a dollar's worth of goods and services and it is costing you 75 cents, it is hard to wean yourself off of that.

In effect, what Washington has done for far too long is mortgage our children's future for political expediency and benefit now, never considering what will become of our future generations.

So what is the answer?

Actually, it is pretty simple. We should only spend what we take in, period, end of story, full stop.

Mr. Speaker, 27 years ago this very legislation, a balanced budget amendment, passed out of this Chamber and exceeded the two-thirds threshold, believe it or not. It only failed in the Senate by one vote, and it would have then been sent to the States.

So we must tackle this issue, Mr. Speaker, here and now. It shouldn't be partisan. This is math. This isn't a Democratic solution, and this isn't a Republican solution. This is an American solution moving forward.

We can't tackle it tomorrow, and we can't tackle it next year. We can't kick the can down the road. We need to tackle it now, today, this very second.

Mr. Speaker, $31 trillion is a staggering debt that will eventually, and with absolute certainty, lead to American financial catastrophe. But we can stop it. We just need to work together and inject fiscal sanity into this debate. We owe it to our children, we owe it to our country, and we owe it to our future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Arrington for letting me share remarks.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonham, Texas. Since its founding on the third Sunday in August of 1872, it has continued to deliver exceptional worship services to the people of Bonham and Fannin County.

The great state of Texas was granted statehood only 27 years prior to the First Presbyterian Church's establishment. Since then, it has served as a safe place of worship and focal point of the community. Its members have organized many charitable events including food drives and back-to-school initiatives.

I have no doubt that every man, woman, and child of First Presbyterian are upstanding citizens who wish to preserve the word of Christ. First Presbyterian exemplifies our Nation's resolve and has helped countless individuals through difficult times. I am honored to recognize their anniversary and devotion to God on the floor of the House of Representatives.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the First Presbyterian Church's contributions to the Bonham community, and I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring them today. I thank them, and God Bless.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Mae Lois Tudman White of Mount Pleasant, Texas. Mrs. White has dedicated her life to service in her community, through both teaching as well as volunteering at her church, Maranatha Church of God in Christ. Mrs. White is a true woman of God, distinguished longtime educator, and a shining example of the good in this world. At age 72, Mrs. White's passion for educating the youth of her community is still going strong, achieving the incredible milestone of 50 years of teaching.

Mae Lois Tudman White was born on June 21, 1950, in Pittsburg, Texas, and moved to Mount Pleasant when she was one year old. She graduated as valedictorian from Booker T. Washington High School. Mrs. White received a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Sociology from East Texas State University in 1972. Mrs. White began teaching that same year at E.C. Brice Elementary School, and later transferred to Vivian Fowler Elementary School, where she has taught since 1978. Her impact was immediately felt, and she has been recognized as ``Teacher of the Year'' numerous times.

Mrs. White has shown great initiative and commitment to the many organizations she has served. For 27 years, she has held the position of District Supervisor for the Women of the Progressive and Faith Temple District. As a member of the Maranatha Church of God in Christ, she serves on the finance committee, and is an assistant to the secretary, a missionary, and a bible study teacher. Thankfully for us, Mrs. White has no plan to retire anytime soon, and she will continue to be a mentor to Mount Pleasant's students. We should all look to live our lives in a manner that follows her footsteps, and I believe she will inspire a younger generation of students to become educators.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Mae Lois Tudman White's extensive contributions to the Mount Pleasant community. May God bless Mother Mae in the new school year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life and service of Elmer Lee Davidson who lived 99 extraordinary years before his passing on June 9, 2022. Mr. Davidson was born February 4, 1923 to G. Edgar and Minnie Bass Davidson. Shortly after the outbreak of WWII, Mr. Davidson and five of his high school buddies literally climbed out of a school window to enlist in the U.S. Army. At the age of 17, these brave young men lied about their age to answer the call to fight against the Nazis. Throughout their time in Europe, each of Mr. Davidson's five high school best friends lost their lives fighting in support of the Allies.

Elmer's first taste of battle was near Bizerte, Tunisia on October 18, 1943, against the infamous German Field Marshal Johannes Rommel. After their triumph the 933rd departed Tunisia for Naples, Italy. Shortly thereafter, the 933rd Field Artillery Battalion was merged into the 940th Field Artillery Battalion.

For almost 2 years in direct combat, Elmer served as a radio dispatcher/radio technician, Technical Sergeant in the 940th Field Artillery Battalion, under the command of General George Patton and later General Omar Bradley. Elmer was on the front lines in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. He participated in numerous historic battles including the breakthrough of the Gustav Line at Monte Cassino, one of the bloodiest, costliest, and coldest sieges in WWII. For his contributions, Elmer was awarded the French Croix de Guerre Silver Star. Then, the battalion shifted direction-to support the Rome Amo Campaign for the liberation of Rome, Siena, and Florence.

Once secured, the 940th moved to Sarreguemines, France in support of the campaign to breach the Siegfried Line and cross

the Rhine River into Germany. Shortly after entering Germany, he was witness to the shocking tragedies of the Mannheim-Sandhofen concentration camp. He would also support the 45th Infantry Division's liberation efforts at the Dachau concentration camp in April 1945. After the surrender of Nazi Germany, Elmer arrived home in Dallas on August 15, 1945.

Once retired from the U.S. Army, Mr. Davidson worked at A.H. Belo Corporation newspaper company for over 43 years, later becoming its publisher. Mr. Davidson fully retired in 1988 to enjoy life with his beautiful wife Frankie. He also received multiple civic awards including Citizen of the Year from the City of Grand Prairie. Without a doubt, Mr. Davidson lived a life of dedicated service to his community and country.

Madam Speaker, I have shared with the House today only a small portion of this hero's life. I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Elmer Lee Davidson, a member of the greatest generation. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal condolences to the Davidson family for the loss of such an extraordinarily brave and loving man. May God rest the soul of this great American.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding 26- year career of Officer Robert Pemberton and congratulate him on his retirement from the City of Greenville Police Department. Officer Pemberton is a remarkable example of the highest caliber of law enforcement professional and has demonstrated unwavering devotion to the department and community for over a quarter of a century.

For most of his career, Officer Pemberton did not serve alone, as he was a K-9 officer. Impressively, the K-9 partners he worked alongside were just as exceptional. Officer Pemberton's first K-9 partner was a German Shepherd named Ceiko. His next police-dog partner was the Belgian Malinois named Rex. And his third and final K-9 partner was the Dutch Shepherd named Trap, with whom he retired alongside. Officer Pemberton and these world class canines were repeatedly recognized for outstanding performance in the detection and prevention of crime.

Together, these duos worked tirelessly to protect and serve their community. Throughout his career, Officer Pemberton with his K-9 partners seized of over $2,000,000 in cash, with their largest single seizure being $480,000. They were also responsible for recovering a myriad of drugs with a street value worth millions of dollars. The City of Greenville, Hunt County, and the North Texas area were undoubtedly safer with every shift Officer Pemberton worked.

On behalf of the great people of Texas' Fourth Congressional District, I thank Officer Pemberton for all he has done for our community.