Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as we approach President Ronald Reagan's birthday, I remember very well 22 years ago when he thought our country was threatened by Russia and the future of our children and their children was in danger of being imperiled. He stood at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany, shook his fist at Russia and said, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.''

We honor in a few days in my Fourth Congressional District and all across the land the man who said, Tear down this wall. Today I say to the leader of another country, our country, Mr. Obama, your health bill and your 34 czars: Tear down that wall that separates you from the American people. Pull down your health bill and start over. The people have spoken. We need jobs, not bribes and broken promises. Pull down that bill. Pull down that bill. Pull down that bill. Pull down that broken health bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mary Madeleine Segal Hall, a remarkable woman and personal friend who passed away on October 6, 2009 at the age of 85.

Mary was born on July 18, 1924 in Jefferson, Texas to Margaret Manning and Maurice Segal. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1940 and went on to attend the College of Marshall, now East Texas Baptist University, where she met her future husband of 48 years, the late Sam B. Hall, Jr., a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and my good friend.

Throughout her 85 years, Mary was a dedicated member of the community. Her civic commitment was evidenced by the many community organizations in which she was involved. She was a charter member of Marshall Symphony League, served on the Boards of Marshall Symphony Society and the Starr

Home, active in Belle Maison, Club 25 and on the advisory board of Historical Commission Advisory Council. During her husband's Congressional years, she was active in the Congressional Wives Club, Texas Breakfast Club, and Texas State Society. She loved her life in Washington where she would give tours of the White House on a regular basis. In 1977, she and her husband were named the first recipients of the J. Wesley Smith Award given annually by East Texas Baptist University for outstanding achievements.

Mary was a devoted Christian and served as a member of Eastern Hills Church of Christ in Marshall. She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Becky and W.F. Palmer, Amanda and Tom Wynn, and Sandra and Don Bodenhamer; five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was a very loving, wonderful mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother; she was someone you wanted to emulate. Mary was a wonderful wife to her husband and wherever he was, she loved being there.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to honor the life, accomplishments, and memory of Mrs. Mary Madeleine Segal Hall. Her contributions will be greatly missed but her kindness and service will not be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Robert Paxton, a veteran, civic servant, and personal friend who passed away August 2, 2009 at the age of 86.

``Jim Bob,'' as he was known to his friends and family, was born September 15, 1923. The youngest child of Eugene Stratton Paxton and Ella Clark Paxton, ``Jim Bob'' grew up in Elkhart, Texas before attending Baylor University. Deciding to put his education on hold, ``Jim Bob'' enlisted in the United States Navy as an officer where he taught airplane recognition in World War II. His service in the U.S. Navy took him many places, including his arrival on the Japanese island of Nagasaki to help liberate American and Allied prisoners the day after the atom bomb was dropped.

After World War II, ``Jim Bob'' returned to Baylor University to complete his undergraduate degree before attending law school at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Paxton then served two terms in the Texas Legislature, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Doris, whom he married in 1954. The couple moved to Palestine where they lived and raised their family, and where Mr. Paxton practiced law for more than fifty years. Among his many outstanding achievements, ``Jim Bob'' was appointed by Governor Dolph Brisco to serve on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission.

As evident through his military and civic service, Mr. Paxton was not only a leader in his home as a loving husband and father, but a leader in his community and country. He was known as a man of faith, who lived his life in devotion to God, and he will be missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Doris Lee Hall Paxton, their five daughters, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Madam Speaker, I ask those here today to join me in remembrance of this great American, James Robert Paxton.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Jack Gaines Thaxton who passed away August 7, 2009 at the age of 90. A lifelong Texan, Mr. Thaxton was born April 23, 1919 in Kaufman, Texas to Estelle Gaines Thaxton and John W. Thaxton. He spent his childhood and adolescent years in Rockwall, Texas, graduating from high school in 1937. Even in his early years, he demonstrated character qualities which would be associated with his name throughout his life. He dedicated himself to many activities in school including football, which he excelled in, baseball, and tennis, also taking pride in his perfect attendance record.

Upon graduating, Mr. Thaxton worked for three years as assistant manager for the Boyer Drug Company in Rockwall before volunteering for service in the Texas National Guard, later serving with the 112th Calvary. During World War II, he campaigned in the Pacific Theater and in the liberation of the Southern Philippines and Luzon. After contracting malaria and hepatitis, Mr. Thaxton spent several months recovering in an Army hospital before being released in 1945. Mr. Thaxton received several decorations, including five bronze stars for meritorious service-valor.

After he returned to Texas, Mr. Thaxton enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration in 1949. Shortly after graduating, he married Marguerite Ruth Davis and the couple moved to Corpus Christi where he worked for H.E.B Grocery Company for thirty years. Marguerite passed away after twenty-two years of marriage, and Mr. Thaxton later remarried to Marjorie N. Thaxton.

Mr. Thaxton decided to combine his passion for sports and education when he established a golf scholarship at his alma mater, Rockwall High School, the proceeds of which help students further their academic goals.

He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church, a Mason, and later a member of the Al Amin Shrine Temple. He is survived by his son, James Eric Thaxton and his wife Carol Arnold Thaxton, along with three grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask those present today to join me in honoring the life of this American veteran and dedicated American citizen, Mr. Jack Gaines Thaxton.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Edward Allen Pope of Amarillo and life-long resident of Dallas, who died at the age of 85 on October 29, 2009.

Ed was born October 31, 1923 to Gertrude Milam and Edward G. Pope. After graduating from Crozier Tech High School in 1942, he joined the U.S. Navy and earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He served during World War II and the Korean Conflict as a naval aviator. He received The China Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Naval Reserve Medal. After Naval retirement, he became an electrician for Ling, Oliver and O'Dwyer, working there until his retirement in 1989.

In December 1947, he married Virginia Shelly, and they would have celebrated 62 years together this year as man and wife. He was a great ``in-law'', loving Virginia's family as his own. Ed was a family man--a great father of strong faith and conviction. He was a faithful member of Christ Church in Dallas, serving on their Vestry as Junior Warden for 35 years. He loved unconditionally and he loved a good time. His rule in life was ``the more the merrier'' and he was the leader and planner for hunting, skiing and boating excursions and many family outings. He was an inquisitive, generous, tender-hearted, gentle man loved by all who knew him.

Ed is survived by his wife, Virginia; a brother, Norman Pope of Austin; a daughter, Janace Pope Ponder of Amarillo and her husband, David; his daughter in-law Debby Pope; his grandchildren, Paige Garmon, Abby Mitchell, Carmen Juckett and Courtney Pope; and great grandchildren, Michael Clouse, Peyton Garmon, Madison Garmon, Shelby Garmon, Kaylee Mitchell and Jacob Juckett; as well as nieces, nephews and many close friends and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Joseph Pope. Madam Speaker, I ask those present today to join me in honoring the life of this great American, Edward Allen Pope.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Mr. Eddie Brooks, a loving husband and father, veteran of the Korean War, and an American hero, who passed away August 18, 2009 at the age of 90.

Hailing from Hope, Arkansas, Mr. Brooks committed twenty years of his life in service to the United States Army, serving with the Army Medical Service, Medical Detachment, and 555th Field Artillery Battalion in the Korean War. Mr. Brooks was sent into combat in Korea with no training, but rose to the occasion, demonstrating bravery in how he handled himself and defended his comrades.

Early on in his deployment, his unit was trapped in a river bed where they were exposed to extensive shooting and grenades. Mr. Brooks was injured when one grenade got under his feet, seriously wounding one leg. Corporal Eddie M. Brooks refused evacuation, continuing to treat other wounded soldiers and assisting in their removal from the area. The United States Army Headquarters 25th Infantry Division stated, ``When the unit began displacement because of increased hostile action, he drove a 2\1/2\ ton truck loaded with critical supplies to safety. Corporal Brooks' gallant and selfless devotion to duty reflects the greatest credit upon himself and the Army Medical Service.'' When asked about his received honors, Mr. Brooks always expressed his feeling that he was undeserving but appreciative, believing that others had sacrificed more than him.

For his military service, Mr. Brooks was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Germany Occupation Medal, United Nations Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Korean Service Medal.

At home, Mr. Brooks was the devoted husband to his wife of 58 years, Joyce, and the father of four daughters, Brenda, who passed away in 2005 due to illness, Debra, Charlotte, and Angela. Held in high esteem by all who knew him, he left behind a legacy of honor, service, and love. Madam Speaker, I ask those here today to join me in paying tribute to this great American hero, Mr. Eddie M. Brooks.

Madam Speaker, the Boy Scouts of America, which will celebrate its 100th Anniversary on February 8, 2010, has contributed to our communities through their leadership and dedication over the past 100 years, creating a better environment for our families to live, work and play. I rise today to pay tribute to one individual in particular, Mr. Don Lindsey, who began his scouting career in 1957. As an Eagle Scout, Mr. Lindsey took over a newly formed group as a Scoutmaster, a position he held for 31 years, and was directly involved in the making of 144 Eagle Scouts from this troop. He has served as a Boy Scout Chairman twice, and is directly responsible for $4.4 million in facility renovations and new additions to Clements Scout Ranch over the last four years, with another $6 million slotted for use.

Along with his service to the Boy Scouts of America over the past 52 years, Mr. Lindsey has been involved in service to his community and country in many other forms. He served as mayor of Terrell, Texas for ten years, County Fire Marshall for eight years, and retired from 35 years of military service as an Army Command Sergeant Major. In his church, Mr. Lindsey has served as an elder, deacon, and board member. He currently serves as a Council Committee Member and Summer Camp Director for Circle Ten Council.

His contributions to his community have been recognized through the many awards and decorations he has received, including the Whitney Young Award; God and Service Award; Citizen of the Year for Terrell, Texas; Silver Beaver; and the George Meany Award.

Mr. Lindsey is a man who lives by example through his service to God, country, and through his role as a Scout, which has garnered him respect by all those who come in contact with him. Madam Speaker, I ask those present today to join me in recognizing a true servant to our country, Mr. Don Lindsey.

Mr. Speaker, in the last few weeks there has been some very disturbing correspondence that's surfaced and presents a real dilemma for the scientific community and an even greater dilemma for this Congress as the United Nations Climate Change Conference begins in Copenhagen.

As ranking member of the Science Committee, I'm concerned about these revelations dubbed by the press as ``Climate-gate'' and their implication for the scientific community, Congress, and the American people. Allegations of manipulation of scientific data would be troublesome under any circumstance. The fact that the scientific data in question here is to be used as the basis for global agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions or changes to the regulatory regime of the United States makes these allegations that much more disturbing.

I've introduced a resolution which highlights concerns about moving forward with greenhouse gas emissions regulations or an agreement in Copenhagen on the basis of scientific data which email exchanges indicate has been manipulated, enhanced, or deleted in order to advance a political agenda. Forcing Americans to meet carbon emission reductions may worsen our high unemployment rate and slow our economy while other nations advance their own growth at our expense.

Considering the loss of confidence in the scientific process, it's even more troubling that policymakers are pushing forward with a scheme that could irrevocably alter our economy and our prosperity.

In the past few weeks, through the disclosure of more than a thousand emails, there is extensive evidence that many researchers across the globe discussed the destruction, alteration, and suppression of data that did not support global warming claims. These exchanges include a leading climate scientist encouraging other scientists to alter data that is the basis of climate modeling across the globe by using the ``trick of adding in the real temps to each series . . . to hide the decline [in temperature].''

The U.S. National Science and Technology Council defines research misconduct as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.

All of this would be troubling enough on the basis that much of this research is taxpayer funded. However, it is even more troubling when one considers that this data is held up as the reason to implement new regulations and laws and potentially enter into global agreements, all in the name of reducing emissions. Policymakers are asking citizens to agree to alter the economic structure of our country and possibly sacrifice jobs in the name of preserving this warming planet, even as these scientists fail to follow accepted scientific practices and seek to stifle contrary points of view.

Federal policy for addressing research misconduct requires a full inquiry and investigation of the misconduct, as well as a correction of the research record, and potential referral to the Department of Justice. I have sent a letter to the chairman of the Science Committee asking there be an investigation into these matters.

Even more troubling is that these exchanges describe attempts to silence academic journals that publish research skeptical of significant manmade global warming and refer to efforts to exclude contrary views from publication in the scientific journals. Some scientists even encouraged the deletion of data and emails to avoid disclosure in the event of a Freedom of Information request.

All of this presents a troubling pattern of attempts not only to misrepresent the data on global warming to meet expectations contained in the theories, but also to silence any dissenters and cover up inappropriate data manipulation.

The emails show that raw data not meeting the expectations of the scientists or showing a pattern of warm

were altered and the raw data in question was destroyed so as to ensure no further examination. When accepted scientific practices are not followed, there can be implications well beyond the scope of the narrowly focused project. I believe that this is the situation we have before us.

These documents reveal actions that may constitute a serious breach of scientific ethics and violation of the public trust. Certain actions appear to qualify under the definition of U.S. Federal policy on research misconduct.

While this investigation is an important step, the resolution states that the United States should not consider limitations on emissions until sufficient scientific protocols and a robust oversight mechanism have been established to preclude future infringements of public trust by scientific falsification and fraud.

In addition to the economic and regulatory concerns about international climate agreements, Congress should not allow any agreement with any other country nor agree to legislation or regulatory action that will irrevocably alter our economy until we can be assured that this data which forms the basis for these laws and agreements is based on sound science obtained and maintained using traditionally accepted scientific principles. Signing an internal protocol in Copenhagen, especially one based on questionable science, is un- American and will kill jobs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Hopkins County Memorial Hospital, which just celebrated its 60th

Anniversary on September 3, 2009. Hopkins County Memorial Hospital holds a rich history of service and dedication to the citizens of Hopkins County, providing excellence in medical care through its state- of-the-art technology and professionally trained, capable staff.

Original proposals for a hospital bond date back to the 1920's, but it wasn't until 1945 that public sentiment supported community members' proposal. Voters approved funds for a county hospital by a 3-1 majority, and plans for an accessible, competitive hospital were underway. With federal funding approved by 1948, the job was awarded to W.R. McKinney and Sons of Greenville, Texas, and construction began November 1, 1948. By June of the next year, Hopkins County Memorial Hospital was stocked with equipment that would make it one of the most modern in the region--a modern operating table, Heidbrink gas machines for anesthesia, a battery-operated emergency light for backup power during surgery, as well as a staff of about 30 skilled professionals. The hospital held its open house on September 4, and opened the next day. The hospital's most recent renovation includes a new emergency department, lobby, and conversion of all rooms to private rooms.

In January of 2009, the Advanced Heart Care at Memorial cardiac catheterization lab opened. The latest renovations include 27,959 new square feet, 39,098 renovated square feet, a new emergency department, a new front lobby and front desk area, a new and expanded Johnnie Masters Gift Shop, and conversion of all rooms into private rooms.

Hopkins County Memorial Hospital is a testament to the community's ability to band together in pursuit of the common good. Without the collaboration of thought, energy, and hard work by so many people, Hopkins County Memorial Hospital would not have become the success it is today. Madam Speaker, I ask those present today to join me in celebrating Hopkins County Memorial Hospital in its service and success over the past 60 years, and in wishing it many blessings in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Judge Floyd A. Shumpert, a public servant and fellow veteran, who passed away on July 17, 2009 at the age of 92. Judge Shumpert was born on March 21, 1917 to A.T. and Edna Shumpert in Kaufman County, Texas.

During World War II, Mr. Shumpert served his country in the 8th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion of the United States Army, where, in the Hurtgen Forest in Germany, he suffered a severe injury when he stepped on a land mine. This injury required the amputation of his lower leg. For his courage and dedication to the U.S. Army, Mr. Shumpert was awarded both the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

In 1945 Mr. Shumpert retired as a Major from the U.S. Army and returned to his home in Kaufman County, serving as County Clerk for four years. Upon earning his law degree from Baylor University, Judge Shumpert next served as County Judge for eight years before transitioning into private law practice in Kaufman County, and moving to Terrell in 1978. In 1983, Judge Shumpert became the second Judge to ever serve from Kaufman County as an Associate Justice on the Texas Court of Appeals from the Fifth Judicial District in Dallas, Texas. On August 30, 1983, Judge Shumpert was presented with The Key to the City of Terrell, and in 1999, both he and his wife were honored with the Community Service Award.

Along with his service to his country and community, Judge Shumpert served in his church as an Elder, both at Kaufman and Terrell Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Katherine Shumpert, their four children, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will be remembered fondly as a loving husband and devoted father, a patriot and public servant. Madam Speaker, I ask those here today to join me in honoring the life of this great American, Judge Floyd A. Shumpert.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of United States Marine Sergeant Jay Michael Hoskins of Paris, TX, who died August 6, 2009 at the age of 24 in Farah Province, Afghanistan, due to complications from wounds received when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

Born January 26, 1985 in Paris, Texas to Michelle Sparks-Hoskins and Danny Hoskins, Jay Hoskins attended Aaron Parker Elementary, graduating from North Lamar High School in 2003. Throughout his youth, Sergeant Hoskins was active in baseball and football, and was an active member at Gospel Lighthouse in Powderly, Texas.

Following his graduation from North Lamar High School, Mr. Hoskins joined the United States Marine Corps, graduating from boot camp in San Diego, CA, as a Private 1st Class. In 2004, Sgt. Hoskins was deployed to Iraq where he fought in the Battle of Fallujah with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. In 2005, he served seven months in the Tora Bora area in the Afghanistan mountains, for which he received the first of his Afghanistan Campaign medals. From 2005 to 2008, Sgt. Hoskins served as a member of a training cadre in infantry tactics for Marine Officers at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA, where he was able to employ his background as a martial arts black belt instructor. In 2009, Sgt. Hoskins was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment III Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, HI. He was deployed to Afghanistan in May, along with 1,000 other Marines to Helmand and Farah Provinces.

Sergeant Hoskins received many awards during his service as a United States Marine, including three combat ribbons, three sea service deployment ribbons, an Iraqi Campaign Medal, a Navy Marine Corps Achievement medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terror Service medal, a Good Conduct medal, and a Purple Heart, along with other pending medals, as well as rifle and pistol expert badges.

Known as an unwavering Christian devoted to his wife, his children, his family, and his country, Sergeant Hoskins lived his life with strong moral character, a strong faith, and a strong sense of service. He was loved and respected by those that knew him, and he will not be forgotten.

Sergeant Hoskins is survived by his wife Chandler McRae Hoskins of Paris, Texas, their son Tristen, and a second child due in January; his mother, Michelle Sparks Widner and step-father, Chris Widner; his father, Danny Hoskins; two sisters, Amber Young and Chelsie Hoskins; a brother, Cameron Widner; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Let us all continue to support our troops, and remember that freedom does come at a price. Madam Speaker, I ask those here today to join me in paying tribute to this American patriot, United States Marine Sergeant Jay Michael Hoskins.

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

I rise in support of H.R. 3029, to establish a research, development, and technology demonstration program to improve the efficiency of gas turbines used in combined-cycle power generation systems. The bill we're considering on the floor today is a slightly different version than the bill that was passed out of the Committee on Science and Technology on July 29 of this year.

Two changes were made between committee and floor consideration. The first is the addition of simple-cycle gas turbine efficiency to the combined-cycle gas turbine efficiency already called for in the bill. This addition allows for increased competition as well as beneficial efficiencies across the spectrum of gas turbines. The second change increases the annual authorization level from $65 million to $85 million for fiscal years 2011 through 2014. That will expand eligible participants in the R&D program.

Prior to committee consideration of H.R. 3029, the text as introduced on June 24, 2009, was included in H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, which passed the House 2 days later. In the event that this version before us here today passes the House, we would prefer that this language be substituted in place of the language that was included in H.R. 2454, should that bill go to conference with the Senate.

Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel and is a highly efficient form of energy. It has fewer impurities and its combustion generally results in less pollution and has therefore become a very popular choice for electricity generation. While we currently have an abundant supply of natural gas in our country, we should always strive to use our resources in the most efficient way. This bill will help us do that with this precious domestic resource.

Mr. Speaker, we have no more speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise in support of H.R. 3598, the Energy and Water Research Integration Act, and I agree with Mr. Tonko, the gentleman from New York. As with H.R. 3029, the bill we are considering on the floor today has been amended since it was passed out of the Committee on Science and Technology on October 7 of this year.

I supported the intent of the bill, as introduced, which is to ensure consideration of water intensity in the Department of Energy's research, development, and demonstration programs, and through the process of regular order, H.R. 3598 improved. For example, two amendments which were agreed to during the full committee markup clarified that the language of the bill should not be the basis for any new Federal regulations regarding State, local, or tribal water use and should not trigger any increased financial burden on State, local, or tribal governments. However, a few fundamental concerns remained, and during the markup, Chairman Gordon graciously offered to work with our side of the aisle to make changes and improvements to the committee- passed version. What we're considering today is a result of negotiations to draft a good bill acceptable to all.

This amended version of H.R. 3598 requires the Secretary of Energy to assess the energy research, development, and demonstration programs and projects of the Department of Energy and identify those where it's appropriate to integrate water considerations. The Secretary shall then develop a strategic plan outlining the RD&D needs for the programs and projects identified under the assessment. After this plan is developed, the Secretary would have the authority to apply the strategic plan to those appropriate projects identified as the most energy and water intensive and with the most potential to minimize freshwater withdrawal and consumption, increase water use efficiency, and utilize nontraditional water sources, among other considerations.

The amended bill also requires interagency nonduplication and coordination. In addition, the amended bill establishes, in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, an energy-water architecture council that will promote and enable improved energy and water resource data collection, reporting, and technological innovation.

Ensuring adequate water supply for municipal and agricultural use and also energy production should be a primary area of focus for our country. Almost all of our energy sources, including renewable energy, require water to be productive, and, conversely, most water processes require energy to be useful. This bill is timely and needed in order to ensure that we use both resources efficiently and responsibly.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself about 2 minutes to close.

Before we end debate today, I want to take a moment to say thank you to a policy adviser of mine that will be going on maternity leave shortly after and likely will not be returning to the Hill for a while.

Elizabeth Kowal Chapel has been on my staff since September 1994 helping me to serve the people of the Fourth Congressional District of Texas. She is originally from my hometown of Rockwall, Texas, and I was happy to hire her way back then as an intern from the University of Texas.

I told her back then that she could be my intern for 3 months, and then we would see where we went from there. At the end of those 3 months, she came to me and asked if she had to leave. I told her, ``Baby Doll, you can stay as long as you like.'' She must have liked it, because over 15 years later, she is leaving me not for another job on the Hill but for the only job better than helping the folks in Texas--that's motherhood. Elizabeth and her husband, Christopher, are expecting a baby boy at the end of January, and I look forward to meeting him, and I hope that he'll be my intern during the year 2020.

Elizabeth has served in my personal office and as my senior energy policy adviser on the Committee on Science and Technology and the Committee on Energy and Commerce, two committees with some very complex issues. She has done a stellar job with a very heavy workload that she has carried with style and grace. Elizabeth has been a real asset to my staff. She has been a real friend, and she is going to be missed. Her cheerful disposition and commitment to her work have added a great deal to my work on both committees.

I want to take the opportunity to say thank you and wish her the best of luck as a mother. I'm sure she will be just as successful at that job.

I thank the Chair, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge, of course, a ``no'' vote on the Democratic health care proposal.

I have five grandchildren, and already they will spend their entire lives paying the debts that we are accumulating. They will be in their late sixties before they are even paid. This bill is a generation killer, and the targets are your grandchildren and mine. My Fourth District of Texas is 100-1 against this bill, and I believe it's a good composite of other districts around the country.

I urge you all to please listen and to vote with your constituents, and I say to Members on both sides of this aisle: remember who sent you here, and vote their wishes. The American people have memories that will survive the actions of today's vote. They will not forget. I ask you to vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, we're the people's House. The other body is called the House of Lords, but we are here to represent the people who sent us here.

I quote a great speech from Governor John Connally of Texas when he was first elected Governor back in 1963. I served in the Texas Senate. I was in the crowd as he was speaking to a group of school board trustees, telling them to run their own schools, to make their own decisions, not the Nation, not the State, but they should make the decisions. They're there just like you're here.

He told a story about ancient mariners that were adrift, shipwrecked off the coast of South America. Unknown to them, their raft had drifted into the fresh waters of the mouth of the Amazon River. They prayed for help.

Ship ahoy, rang out their cry. There came a voice from the waters far, Drop your buckets where you are.

Don't vote to dim the lives of future generations, of future taxpayers. This bill is a generation killer; the victims are our grandchildren.