Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the lengthy public service career of Choc Christopher.

For the last eighteen years, Choc has faithfully served the students, teachers, and administrators of the Celina Independent School District as a Trustee. He has dedicated his career to expanding and improving education access for students of all ages in Celina, Texas. Moreover, he served as President of the Celina School Board for five years and worked on the Alla Hubbard Educational Trust Board for eight years. Choc leaves behind a powerful legacy that encompasses an efficient school administration, updated facilities, and expanded access to education. Generations of students, teachers, and administrators will benefit from Choc's extraordinary contributions to the Celina ISD community.

Mr. Christopher was instrumental to Celina ISD's rapid growth, and through his leadership, the students of Celina experienced brand new, state-of-the-art educational facilities and sports complexes. Choc is also a twenty-one-year member of the Celina Quarterback Club and had the privilege of operating the clock for Celina High School and Celina Middle School football games--his favorite pastime.

I have requested a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Choc Christopher's lifelong contributions to the good people of Celina, Texas. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to personally commend Mr. Christopher for his years of dedication to Celina ISD. May God bless him in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the patriotic service of the men and women who have given their lives in defense of the United States. From the icy waters of General Washington's crossing of the Delaware River to the burning sands of the Middle East, our armed forces have continuously devoted themselves to the cause of freedom and liberty for all Americans and our allies.

Today, this great Nation takes a moment to honor those who have given the last full measure of devotion that we might continue to proclaim the United States as the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Our warriors have ensured with their very blood that all Americans might live in peace and security. Our warriors have fought in the trenches, on the beaches, in the streets, and on the seas. They have faced the most violent and evil foes in human history and have claimed victory.

From my very own district hailed one of the finest examples of American bravery, First Lieutenant Audie Murphy. He remains the most decorated American Soldier in our Nation's history having received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Star Medals, three Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, and many other citations. Lt. Murphy hailed from Kingston, Texas in Hunt County. While he is a shining example of American heroism, this same spirit lives on in all who have heeded the call to serve their Nation from the Fourth District. Others from the Texas' Fourth Congressional District who heeded the call of duty include the following heroes:

First Lieutenant Allen Arthur Brill served our nation during the Second World War as a Pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Born in Franklin County in 1916, Lt. Brill was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Air Medal, and Purple Heart.

Lieutenant Colonel Oren Calvin Atchley of Hunt County gave the last full measure of devotion for us in the mountains of the Korean Peninsula. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Daniel Lasaule Chappell of Camp County was KIA in the dense forests of South Vietnam defending the free world. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his selfless courage.

Staff Sergeant Ennis Murry Bankhead of Lamar County, Specialist Four Jose Sanchez Monetmayor of Fannin County, Lieutenant Warren Bacon Wisdom, Private First Class Darrel D. Council, and many other servicemembers of the Fourth District who have given their lives bearing the torch of freedom for all of us.

I have requested a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize our warriors and their families whose sacrifices have secured the blessings of freedom and liberty for generations. It is my hope that we never forget these individuals and may God rest their souls.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life and service of Private James William Brown. James honorably served in the United Stated Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He tragically has been missing in action since April 5, 1966. This Memorial Day, he is being remembered by his family, friends, and neighbors in his hometown of Maud, Texas. As the Congressman for that district, I would like to join them in commemorating Private Brown.

James was born on July 22, 1946, and was a resident of Maud, Texas where he lived with his parents William and Shirley. James was the oldest sibling and is now survived by his sister Becky Sorsby and brothers Mark Brown and Bill Embry, Jr.

Eight years into the Vietnam War, when more than half of the men eligible for the draft were deferred, exempted, or disqualified, 17- year-old James proactively answered the call to serve his country. Putting country over self, he decided to end his high school education and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 30, 1963.

A little over two and a half years later, James found himself as a rifleman for Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division in a hazy jungle of South Vietnam. While engaged in a combat mission against hostile forces, James was the lead scout towing a rope across the Rach La River in Vietnam's Mekong River Delta in an effort to secure safe passage for the rest of his unit. That is when the river's waters began to rise quickly, and he was overtaken by the duplicitous waters. After days of searching, he was declared missing in action. Private James William Brown paid the ultimate sacrifice and

56 years later, his body has yet to be recovered.

Private James William Brown posthumously received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal for his service and bravery.

This Memorial Day in Maud, Texas, the town where he enlisted and one in which I proudly represent in the United States Congress, there will be a memorial stone dedicated to the honor and sacrifice of Marine Private James William Brown. This event is sponsored by SPC Israel Garza of the American Legion, Post 161 and will be highly attended, as so deserved. I pray that the memory of this patriot will live on in all those who attend this memorial.

Madam Speaker, I have shared with the House today only a small portion of this great American's life. I have requested a United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Private James William Brown's patriotism and devotion to God, family, and country. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal condolences to the family of James for the loss of such an extraordinary man of service and duty. May God rest his soul.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chad Anderson for his patriotic service to the City of Celina, Texas. As a City Councilman in Place 6, Chad served the City of Celina for three terms. The City of Celina sits just North of Dallas and has been a focal point of growth in the North Texas region for several years. Since 2010 the population of Celina has tripled, out pacing any other North Texas city. As a Councilman, Chad managed this explosive growth and ensured that the City was ready to take on new community members and new businesses.

One of his key policy priorities was the development of Celina's infrastructure. New roads, bridges, proper drainage, and public safety structures all bear the mark of Chad's thoughtfulness as a City Councilman. During his time in office, he never forgot about the heroes among us--law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and all frontline workers. He ensured that the City kept its law enforcement funding when many cities throughout the country sought to defund. When firefighters needed modernized facilities and funding, Chad was their No. 1 ally.

In his 19 years in Celina, Chad has become a pillar of his community and, though he is no longer a City Councilman, will continue to be a servant leader who seeks to lift up everyone in his City. The foundation for all his service is, without a doubt, his wife Michele, and their two children, CJ and Molly.

Outside of his official work, Chad became the proprietor of his own insurance company in 2010 which gave him personal experience and insight into small business development and growth. He has also championed the Celina Cajun Fest, Oktoberfest and coached youth sports.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Chad Anderson's patriotism and devotion to God, Family, and Country. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I would like to personally commend Mr. Anderson for his service to the City of Celina as a Councilman and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I was called away due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 158, 159, 160, 161, 162; NAY on Roll Call No. 163; and YEA on Roll Call No. 164, 165, 166, and 167.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life and service of Kenneth Duncan Dickson. Ken strove each and every day of his extraordinary life to leave a better world for his children and grandchildren. He was received into the Arms of the Lord after a hard-fought battle against COVID-19 on August 19, 2021. This great American, and proud Texan, is survived by his loving wife of forty-four years, Judith Dion Dickson; his sons Kenneth Craig Dickson (wife Lynne) and Jason Keith Dickson (wife Lauren); and his grandchildren Abigail Peavey (husband Rafe), Macy Dickson, Cohen Dickson and Savannah Dickson; and many other family members and friends.

Ken was born on December 29, 1938, to Kenneth Taylor Dickson and Trixie Duncan Dickson. After graduating from W.W. Samuell High School in 1957, he went on to earn a degree in Business and Agriculture from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. As a man instilled with the virtue of patriotism, Ken served in the United States Army National Guard in the 49th Armored Division after graduation. He started his career in insurance and apparel manufacturing wherein he owned and operated a number of showrooms at the Dallas Apparel Mart. Subsequently, in the 1980s, Ken was introduced to the lively oil and gas industry into which he would pour his professional talents for the rest of his life. Even at the ripe age of eighty-two, one might have found Ken researching new technologies, making phone calls, and consulting greenhorns in the industry. Ken was also a gubernatorially appointed member of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

As a pillar of the Rockwall community, Ken led the charge for over forty years to protect the American Dream and the foundational values that make this country great. He was a founding member of the Rockwall County Republicans, served four years as a City Councilman, was a Republican Precinct Chair, Election Judge, and a Delegate to the Republican State Conventions. Moreover, among the greatest services he provided was to work with Congressman Ralph Hall during Mr. Hall's election campaigns. Ken received the Ralph M. Hall Chairman's Award for his lifetime of dedication to the cause of the Republican Party.

Madam Speaker, I have shared with the House today only a small portion of this great American's life. His accomplishments, the joy he has brought, the services he has wrought, and the extraordinary love that he had for his family and friends could fill volumes. I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Kenneth Duncan Dickson's patriotism and devotion to God, Family, and Country. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal condolences to the Dickson family for the loss of such an extraordinary man of service and duty. May God bless his soul.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life and service of Lynn Marie Hamstra. Lynn, with great courage and vigor, lived a full life of loving service to her family and her community. After four and a half years of fighting a fierce battle against an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, Lynn peacefully passed into the arms of the Lord on March 26, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. Lynn is survived by her husband, Daniel Hamstra; her daughter, Rachel Hamstra LeMier; her son-in-law, Ryan LeMier; her granddaughter, Olivia Lynn LeMier; her sons, Timothy Hamstra and Zachariah Hamstra; her mother, Adeline Coffey; her sisters, Laura (Coffey) Girgis and Lee Ellen (Coffey) Wilson; and her brothers, Larry and Tony Coffey.

Lynn was born in Chicago on April 19, 1961 to Lawrence Raymond Coffey, Jr., and Adeline Frances Coffey. She was the oldest of five children and excelled in her role as the big sister. During her high school years at Hinsdale Central, Lynn was a world class

cheerleader who not only found the time to cheer at her brother's games but also coach her sisters in cheer. After graduating from high school, she went on to attend Purdue University where she studied electrical engineering. During her collegiate years she met the love of her life Daniel Lee Hamstra who played baseball with her brother Larry at the University of Illinois. On the same night of their first meeting Dan pitched a no-hitter, the only one of his baseball career. Needless to say, it was a match made in heaven and just a few years later Dan and Lynn were married on July 26, 1986.

Lynn and Dan thrived together, and their marriage was a model of fidelity, love, and devotion to all they encountered. Even in the midst of their busy lives Lynn and Dan managed, for over ten years, to make it to ballroom dancing classes. During the course of their thirty-five years of marriage Lynn and Dan had three beautiful children: Rachel Marie Hamstra, Timothy Lee Hamstra, and Zachariah Andrew Hamstra. Each of Lynn's children are uniquely gifted and had their own precious relationship with their mom. Each of the kids have a little bit of their mother that they will carry on. From her boisterous laugh and keen intuition to her strong convictions and creative streak.

Lynn continued her education later in life and obtained a Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in Art History from the Southern Methodist University in 2017. One of the proudest accomplishments of her life was her development of the ``Focused Looking'' program which was designed to help doctors to increase observation skills by taking a deeper look at a single piece of art for one hour. Lynn's graduate work was influential in both the art and medical fields. She leaves behind a legacy from this work that has blessed many patients and doctors alike.

There is no doubt in my mind that this very special woman will be dearly missed. She lived a life full of joy in her marriage, her motherhood, professional and academic spheres. Lynn's husband, children, and family will carry all of her exemplary virtues as a little piece of Lynn lives on in each of their hearts.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Lynn Hamstra's well-lived and beautiful life. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal condolences to the Hamstra family for the loss of such an extraordinarily brave and loving woman. May God rest the soul of this great American.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life and service of Thomas Edwin Coppinger. Thomas honorably served in the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War and the United States Army during the Korean War. Today, he is survived by his brother Don Coppinger, his sisters Sandra Tate and Sharon Reilly, and many more nieces, nephews, and cousins. All of whom carry on the memory of this great American hero.

Thomas was born on March 22, 1922, in Greenville, TX to Thomas `Tom' Richard and Eula Belle Coppinger. He attended high school in Greenville and worked on his grandparents' farm and as a delivery man. Ultimately, in April of 1941 at the young age of nineteen, Thomas decided to enlist in the Marine Corps to serve his country in the Second World War. He saw combat during his missions in the Pacific theatre from early 1942 to 1944. Moreover, he served in Samoa, Hawaii, and the Gilbert Islands and was honorably discharged in December 1945. After returning home to Texas, Thomas again heeded the call for duty and reenlisted into the United States Army in 1948, where he valiantly served in the Second Armored Division to defend our Nation and allies. On September 1, 1950, Thomas tragically lost his life on a combat mission in Korea, and he posthumously received the Purple Heart for his service and bravery.

On July 27, 1951, Thomas Edwin Coppinger was laid to rest with full military honors in Wieland Cemetery, Greenville, TX. At the time of his death, Thomas was survived by his parents and 12 siblings. On March 22, 2022, we celebrate what would have been Thomas' 100th Birthday. I pray that the memory of this patriot will live on for yet another hundred years and beyond.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Thomas Coppinger's patriotism and devotion to God, Family, and Country. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal condolences to the Coppinger family for the loss of such an extraordinary man of service and duty. May God rest the soul of this great American.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, this January 15, 2022, tragedy struck a community in my home State of Texas. A terrorist held four people hostage at a Jewish synagogue for 11 hours. We are immensely grateful that each hostage ultimately escaped unharmed, though the psychological scars are real for the victims and lasting for the community.

This act of terrorism has no place in our society.

Today, my colleagues, in the strongest terms and means possible, firmly and fiercely condemn the terrorist's acts and condemn those who target any Americans, and in this instance our Jewish brothers and sisters.

Early in the morning on Saturday, January 15, 2022, the Congregation Beth Israel near Fort Worth, Texas, was targeted.

At this synagogue, worshipers welcomed the attacker inside. The rabbi even made him tea. The worshipers faced Jerusalem and began to pray. The attacker then pulled out his weapon, and an 11-hour standoff ensued.

That Saturday, America held its breath. We prayed for the safe return of loved ones and family members.

No one in America should ever face this kind of fear and terror and evil.

The worshipers at Congregation Beth Israel showed remarkable courage when faced with evil in their own house of worship.

And all Americans rose to the occasion when our sisters and brothers faced this kind of adversity. The four hostages, including the rabbi, battled their attacker. Later, the hostages were able to escape, and the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team secured the synagogue.

Americans, as one, rushed in to support Congregation Beth Israel. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Americans of all faiths and others prayed for the Texas community and for those victims this past January.

Our hearts go out to the families of this congregation that they had to endure such an unjust evil that this terrorist caused. Thank God they escaped.

Today, we support the community of Colleyville, Texas. Today, we support Congregation Beth Israel. And today, we support the brave survivors of this heinous attack.

We applaud the bravery of Congregation Beth Israel, the survivors, and our heroes in blue, Texas law enforcement.

As patriotic freedom-loving Americans, we condemn the evil and the darkness of anti-Semitism. And we will fight hate and bigotry and anti- Semitism.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Van Duyne).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I am closing with a simple statement.

We must end terrorism and anti-Semitism here in the United States.

The violence suffered in Colleyville could have happened anywhere in America.

Let's take a minute to review some Jewish history. It literally began in that fateful year of 1492 when Europeans arrived in the New World, and a number of Jews fought alongside George Washington in the American Revolution.

And the first Jewish man to give his life for this country was also ironically the first Jew to be elected to public office in the Colonies: Francis Salvador.

By 1840, the Jewish-American community was tiny, only 15,000 out of 17 million, but it was strong and it was stable and it was prosperous. And within a decade it had tripled. At the time of the Civil War, there were only 150,000 Jews in America, but nearly 10 percent fought in the Civil War.

During the 19th century, the repression and the old world of Jews in Europe just became too much for so many, and by 1924, two million European Jews had immigrated to the United States.

Jewish Americans have woven a rich tapestry into the history of our Nation.

Jonas Salk discovered the polio vaccine. How many lives did that one man save?

Richard Feynman was an American physicist and was integral in formulating quantum physics.

What is even more remarkable is the percentage of Jews that have won Nobel Prizes. Twenty-two percent of all Nobel Prize winners had Jewish heritage, and 36 percent of American winners had Jewish heritage. It is remarkable.

It is refreshing to be on the floor and have both sides agree, and there is power in that, and there is strength in that, and I urge this Congress and all Americans to join me in condemning these violent acts and the evil of anti-Semitism. We are a beautiful and wonderful country, and we have to act like it.

My heart goes out to the hostages and their families for undergoing this terrorist attack in the beautiful and wonderful community of Colleyville, Texas, who are fortunate enough to be represented by such a wonderful Member of Congress in Beth Van Duyne. Our prayers are with the victims and their families.

Mr. Speaker, it is great to be here on the floor with you today, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the work of Mr. Grant Dubois in his tenure as the President of the Rockwall County Republican Men's Club.

Mr. Dubois has served as the Rockwall County Republican Men's Club for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021 and was the youngest President in the club's history. As President, he facilitated a change in meeting venues from city park to a larger, more accommodating facility located in downtown Rockwall. The change in venue allowed for the club's growth.

Mr. Dubois also oversaw the two most successful fundraising golf tournaments the club has ever hosted. This golf tournament is named in honor of former member Ralph Hall. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment in his three years as the President of the Rockwall County Republican Men's Club is the record breaking growth in club membership. Despite the constraints of the pandemic, his tenure saw the club grow from 130 members to over 200.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize the devotion of Mr. Grant Dubois to the Rockwall County Republican Men's Club. May God bless him and the future of the Rockwall County Republican Men's Club.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life of Marion E. Wright. On January 5, 2022, Marion peacefully entered the gates of glory and is survived by his sister Ula Defenbaugh, his six children and their spouses, fifty-seven grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.

Marion was born on June 26, 1921 to Noel and Lorena Wright in Parsons, Kansas. While stationed in Sioux City, Iowa with the United States Army he was joined in marriage to his wife Marcella (Durgan) Wright on August 8, 1943. From July of 1942 to December of 1945, Marion faithfully and patriotically served his nation which was in the midst of the Second World War. Not only did he serve as a Military Policeman but, he was also deployed to Europe in 1945 where he was a Gunner on a halftrack and a Tank Operator. Marion would fondly recall meeting Jimmy Stewart who was training to fly B-52s in Sioux City. On his return home from deployment in Europe, Marion crossed the Atlantic on the famous troopship, The Queen Mary.

At home after the war, Marion could be found working the field, restoring antique furniture, or joyfully attending to the needs of his beautiful wife and children. Marion had a career at Kustom Electronics where he worked in the shipping department. As a member of the American Legion, he remained close to many of his brothers in arms in the years after the war.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Marion E. Wright's patriotism and devotion to God, Family, and Country. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal condolences to the Wright family for the loss of such an extraordinary man of service and duty. May God rest the soul of this great American.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James Neal McCoy of Dallas, Texas. A quick glance at James McCoy's life is enough for anyone to tell that he was a man of extraordinary character. Throughout his entire life, he has been a beacon of academic and professional excellence and has had a profound impact on those around him.

As a true entrepreneur, Mr. McCoy, after graduating Pennsylvania State University with a Master of Science, purchased a company dedicated to supplying instruments, technology, and training for optimizing the performance of oil, water, and gas wells. This company, Echometer, blossomed under his leadership and Mr. McCoy built an impressive record as a sound, reasonable and conscious business owner lending his innovations to the public for the benefit of all. Following his success, he established the James N. McCoy Foundation. Which, since its inception, has provided support and financial assistance to a wide variety of educational, healthcare, and crime prevention organizations.

James' life was changed forever as he married the love of his life, Vicki. Together the two began a family with their son, Mark, and daughter, Melinda. The tremendous impact that James and his family have had on their community cannot be understated and will not be forgotten. The fulfilling life that James led, and his legacy, will be remembered for generations by his grandchildren. James McCoy will live on as an inspiration for those that strive for excellence.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize James McCoy's devotion to his community. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal commendations to James McCoy and his family for all they have done in service of the 4th Congressional District of Texas. May God rest the soul of this great American.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the wonderful Mrs. Verna Elizabeth ``Ritchie'' Bertsche. Verna Elizabeth was born on December 28, 1921, in the era of the Great Depression, and during the presidency of Warren G. Harding. She grew up during the time of the roaring twenties and during prohibition.

Ritchie excelled in her academic studies, graduating from the University of Cincinnati, where she was also chosen to serve as president of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. She married a decorated officer, Carl I. Bertsche, who served in Europe during World War II, having known him since their kindergarten days. She enjoyed her time serving as a pre-school teacher, before her children came along, and then worked part-time in Carl's business, PESCO, where she made a hugely valuable contribution in both an official and unofficial capacity. Well-known in her community as a dedicated volunteer, she has selflessly given 20 years of service at the Good Samaritan Hospital.

In addition to her service to her community, she has been a generous, loving, and supportive mother to her two children, Patricia B. Deis- Gleeson (who shares Verna's birthday), and Carl I. Bertsche Jr, both of whom are proud to call her Mom. Greater still are her five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, to whom she is always showing a genuine and proud interest in their lives and achievements.

Verna's wonderful memories of Jeeme Hipad, a club consisting of Doie and Bob Stacy, Betty and Nick Weisgarber, Helen and Bob Dhonau, Verna and Carl Bertsche, and Dottie and Phil Spiess. The club's name derives from the letters of their middle names and all the ladies in the club are also members of Zeta Tau Alpha. The club began meeting just for fun but ended up meeting right through the remainder of many of their lives. Jeeme Hipad activities encompassed World War II, the growth of their families, adapting to empty nest syndrome, right through to the passing of their spouses. A truly unique and special group.

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Verna Elizabeth ``Ritchie'' Bertsche's devotion to all that is good and wholesome in this life. May God bless Verna on her 100th Birthday.

Mr. Speaker, if our friends across the aisle are concerned about paying our bills and they are alarmed by the debt, then I think we should all get together, all 435 Members, and talk about fiscal responsibility and pass a balanced budget amendment. That is the way forward and to avert this financial catastrophe that we are flirting with.

Let's be very candid, Mr. Speaker, about what we are doing here. Let's be candid with the American people about what we are doing here in this Chamber tonight.

This is about a debt ceiling limit increase to ram through more wasteful and reckless spending.

We are renovating our house in Texas, and I found an old political mailer, a 9-year-old mailer; and I was outraged about the fact that we had a $14 trillion debt. Today that is $29 trillion.

It is not about placing blame on Republicans or Democrats, it is about recognizing we have an issue that is going to destroy this country if we don't address it. And we continue to kick the can down the road and land that can on the backs of future generations like my 15-year-old son and my 12-year-old son.

There are failed states in this world. Here is a $100 trillion bill from the Nation of Zimbabwe. It is worth maybe 40 cents. It is essentially worthless. That could be what we end up with if we don't recognize the fact that at the local level cities can't spend more than they take in, counties can't, even States can't. So why does the Federal Government get to? Because we own a printing press down the street?

Let's be responsible. Let's work together. This Chamber 20-plus years ago passed a balanced budget amendment, if I am not mistaken, and it failed in the Senate. It is time to do the right thing, the courageous thing, the American thing, and pass a balanced budget amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Detective Manuel Christopher ``Chris'' Widner who passed away on August 22nd of 2021. Chris passed due to COVID-19 complications at the young age of 47. He leaves behind, in the safe keeping of God, his beautiful wife, son, and two stepdaughters.

Det. Widner lived a life dedicated to the service of his family and his community. After high school, Chris started his career as a servant to the people at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Holding on to his dream to be a police officer, after 15 years with TDCJ Chris found an opportunity to serve as a local police officer. For his last 11 years, Chris served as a sworn officer of the peace for the people of Paris, Texas. Not since 1985 has the Paris Police Department had an officer fall in the line of duty, he will be greatly missed. Chris loved the Lord and knew God as a friend in this life. I am sure, through faith, that Det. Widner has heard the words ``Well done thy good and faithful servant.''

I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Det. Widner's devotion to God, Country, family, and his community. Furthermore, Madam Speaker, I extend my personal condolences to the family and friends of Det. Widner.