Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2431) to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 2431, the bill now under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2431, a bill to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System.

I want to thank Chairman Smith for his good work in bringing this bill to the House floor and for his bipartisan support. I also want to thank the gentleman and Representative Ben Lujan of New Mexico for joining me as an original sponsor. In 1998, Congress passed the National Drought Policy Act, establishing a Commission to provide recommendations on Federal drought policies.

The concept of creating a national drought monitoring and information system was proposed by the Commission in its 2000 report and promoted by various stakeholders, including the Western Governors' Association and in the 2004 report, ``Creating a Drought Early Warning System for the 21st Century.''

I was pleased to become involved in this effort with former Congressman and now-Senator Mark Udall and to introduce the NIDIS Act of 2006, which Congress passed and became public law.

NIDIS is administered within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NIDIS established the U.S. Drought Portal, which has become a very valuable resource for decisionmakers at the Federal, State, and local levels, and for farmers, businessmen, and individuals.

This Web site provides current data for weather observations, early warnings about droughts, and support services for managing droughts. The Web site includes the U.S. Drought Monitor map, another valuable feature that is updated weekly. For example, according to the most recent Drought Monitor map, about 21 percent of the U.S. is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. More than 56 percent of the country has abnormally dry to exceptional drought conditions.

Madam Speaker, NIDIS is an example of a program that is working effectively and that has broad support. Rather than creating a new government bureaucracy, NIDIS represents a collaborative framework between Federal, states, and academic partners.

The NIDIS reauthorization will improve interagency coordination, early warnings, critical data sharing, and decision services related to drought. The bill encourages further research, monitoring, and forecasting, along with further development of regional early warning systems.

Madam Speaker, reauthorizing NIDIS will strengthen this important program and will help our State, it will help the local, and it will help the Federal officials, farmers, and water managers better prepare for and respond to drought.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the full committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert).

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a gifted educator and beloved member of the Rockwall community, Kimberly Suzanne Rather, who passed away on November 29, 2013 at the age of 45. Born and raised in Rockwall, Kimberly graduated from Rockwall High School and earned a scholarship to Tyler Junior College where she was selected to be a member of the renowned Apache Belles dance team. She then continued her education at Stephen F. Austin where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in education. She began her teaching career in the Hurst Euless Bedford School District and later taught in the Garland School District. She then became an Educational Consultant with the Cheryl Cox Consulting Firm, an organization which provides teachers with educational materials to assist their students with required state testing. In 2000, Kimberly retired to stay home with her three children.

We join Kimberly's family--husband Chris and children CJ, Abby and Jacob, parents Ron and Gale, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins--in remembering her radiant smile and warm heart. Kimberly Rather was a lovely and intelligent young lady and successful at every crossroads she met all of her life. I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to close today's session in honor and remembrance of this talented and loved young lady.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a wonderful man and close friend, Meredith Earl Roberts, Jr., of Longview, TX, who passed away on January 2, 2014, at the age of 77 following a brief battle with cancer. Earl was one of the most influential leaders in Longview for many years and leaves an extraordinary legacy of service.

Born and raised in Longview, Earl earned a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University and a law degree from The University of Texas. He was an esteemed attorney in Longview for more than 50 years, serving as President of the Gregg County Bar Association. He also served as an advisor to the City Council and was an attorney for the Sabine River Authority of Texas for 35 years, during which time he helped to acquire land for the Lake Fork Reservoir.

Earl's parents impressed upon him the value of community service, and he devoted a lifetime to many worthy causes. From 2000 to 2003, Earl served as Mayor of Longview. As Mayor, Earl established public transportation in Longview, developed water resources, and reduced the City's debt, among other accomplishments. Earl also served on the Board of Directors of many not-for-profit organizations, including the Longview YMCA, the Longview Chamber of Commerce, the Longview Economic Development Foundation, LeTourneau University, and the Highway 80 Rescue Mission. Additionally, he served as Chairman of Deacons at First Baptist Church of Longview where he taught Sunday School for many years.

Earl was an avid runner who could be found on the streets in the early morning with his fellow group of runners affectionately known as ``The Pack of Fools.'' In addition to numerous local races, he participated in more than 40 marathons, including five times in the Boston Marathon.

Earl was an outstanding American, a leader in his hometown, and beloved by all who knew him. I am proud to have known him as a personal friend. He was always loyal to his family and will be remembered fondly by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Hull ``Betty'' Roberts; his two children Murray and David, along with David's wife Amanda; his siblings Claire and James; his five grandchildren; and other family members and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this great American, Earl Roberts, Jr. Longview has lost one of its favorites sons.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding American and veteran of the Second World War, Harold Payne of Caddo Mills, TX, who passed away December 8, 2013 at the age of 92.

Harold was an extraordinary man in many ways. Born and raised in Caddo Mills, Harold was voted class president of Caddo Mills High School where he also captained several athletic teams. Harold attended college at East Texas State University and then served his country as a pilot, flying B-17 bombing missions over France and Czechoslovakia. He later became a founding member of the 390th Bomb Group Memorial Museum in Tucson, Arizona.

Harold was a successful businessman, owning and operating his own business, Payne's Famous Furniture Village, in Caddo Mills for 35 years. He was active in his community, serving on the board of the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum, the hospital board, the school board, Hunt County Fair Board, and bank board. He also served on the City Council for many years. He was a founding member of the Faith Bible Church, where he served on the board of elders.

Harold is a true American hero whose outstanding service to his country and community will be long remembered. I am proud to have known him as a personal friend, and he will be missed by his family and many friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this great American, Harold Payne.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Mount Vernon Optic Herald, a valuable resource to the constituents of the 4th District of Texas that was recently and fittingly named a ``Texas Treasure Business'' by the Texas Historical Commission.

The Mount Vernon Optic Herald, which celebrates its 140th year in 2014, is the oldest continuously operating business in Mount Vernon. Not only does the Herald hold a distinguished history within the community, but it is a family business. Members of the Bass family have owned the newspaper for more than 60 years, when Jim and Tish Bass purchased the newspaper in 1952. Their daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Bob Wright, ran the business from 1980 until 2005 when Susan Reeves, granddaughter to the Basses, and her husband John took up the mantel.

The Mount Vernon Optic Herald is the best representation of freedom of speech in service to its local citizens. But more than that, it is also a testament to family values and hard work that define the American dream.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate the Mount Vernon Optic Herald on 140 years of achievement that have culminated in attaining the ``Texas Treasure Business Award.'' I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the Herald, the readers in the Mount Vernon community, and the Bass family many more years of continued success.

Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues, I want to bring to your attention a most unfortunate incident that has taken place in my home district across one of the most vital and important transportation corridors not only to Texas but to the Nation. Interstate Highway 30 begins in Aledo, Texas, west of Fort Worth and ends in North Little Rock, Arkansas. While not the nation's longest highway, Interstate 30 has some of the heaviest truck and trade traffic in the nation and is essential to national security. Because of our nation's growing population--especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex-- transportation systems, planned over fifty years ago, are being strained and are over capacity. Because of this, our transportation facilities cannot always accommodate the needs of our constituents. This affects not only transportation commerce and mobility but also hinders the first responders and law enforcement from arriving at the scene of the accident in a timely manner.

Early this morning, on Friday January 10, 2014 a major multi-truck accident took place including as many as fifteen vehicles, including semi-trucks on a section of IH-30 that spans Lake Ray Hubbard. The accident has closed all eight lanes of the bridge, headed east and west. After seven hours, the facility remains closed and as there are no frontage roads across the Lake, commuters and drivers are facing multi-hour delays and the national supply chain is being adversely affected.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those that were injured in this unfortunate accident. And to all those hundreds of thousands who were inconvenienced.

This is a prime example as to why Interstate 30, and our national transportation system, needs renewed attention at the local, state, and federal level. This is not the first time this has happened and this will certainly not be the last. In 2006, I was pleased to be of assistance in causing IH-30 to be designated a Congressional High Priority Corridor on the

National Highway System so that this vital corridor would be eligible to receive the attention it needs.

I now call on the U.S. Department of Transportation to work with the Texas Department of Transportation and Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department to immediately address these issues of safety and mobility along Interstate 30. I call for an expedited review of IH- 30 from Dallas-Fort Worth to Texarkana all the way to North Little Rock that will involve not only the DOTs but city and county stakeholders, including the TEX-21 IH-30 Corridor Task Force. I call for recommendations to come forth within 90 days to provide long and short term solutions. When a facility like this is shut down, the economy is affected because as we all know, our transportation system is the backbone of the economy.

It is of utmost importance that those of us from the Texas side work with those from the Arkansas side to implement the proper maintenance and expansion that is needed to handle the demands placed upon the facility by the population increase. We are calling for six lane divided with continuous frontage roads along the corridor so when an accident such as this one occurs we have the necessary infrastructure to keep people and goods moving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bobby and Leta Ayers who celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. Their commitment to each other and their family is an inspiration and a wonderful reminder of the importance of family, particularly during the holiday season.

Bobby and Leta were wed on July 3, 1953, at First Christian Church, Caddo Mills, by Dr. James S. Riley. Over the past six decades, Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have been blessed with one son, Dean, and his wife Gerry Ayers and one daughter, Diane, and her husband David Lindsey, as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The Ayers have lived their lives in Caddo Mills, Texas. Bobby worked for TXU Energy for 40 years and is now retired. Leta gave private piano lessons and was a church secretary for 10 years at their church, First Baptist, Caddo Mills.

Bobby and Leta Ayers are blessed to have had so many happy years together, and I wish them many more. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebration of the Ayer's 60th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sam and Dorothy Young who just celebrated their 50th Anniversary. Their commitment to each other and their family is an inspiration and a wonderful reminder of the importance of family, particularly during the holiday season.

Sam and Dorothy, high school sweethearts at Lockett High School, were wed on August 4, 1963 at Lockett Baptist Church shortly after Sam joined the Navy. Over the past five decades, Mr. and Mrs. Young have been blessed with three children--Trent, Christi, and Todd--and seven grandchildren--Dane, Zachary, Teressa, Sammi, Jacque, Gracie, and Aubrey.

The Youngs moved to Mount Vernon, Texas in the early 1980's when Sam was transferred with AO Smith Harvestore Silos. The family later owned and operated Donuts Etc. in Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon, Pittsburg, and Winnsboro. Sam and Dorothy continue to actively participate in the community, and since 2002, Sam has served Franklin County as Commissioner for Precinct 4.

Sam and Dorothy Young are blessed to have had so many happy years together, and I wish them many more happy years in the future. Mister Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebration of the Young's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the floor on a subject that Republicans and Democrats agree upon. Several of the other previous speakers have done so, and that is the idea of freedom for this country.

But I also rise today to pay special attention and give tribute to one of our Nation's greatest World War II war heroes, Audie Murphy. Major Murphy, who hailed from the Fourth District of Texas--my district--was an extraordinary man in many ways. Initially turned away by several branches of the United States armed services due to his young age and his slight build, Audie Murphy's patriotism led him to misrepresent his age in order to serve and defend his country.

This patriotism and his unusual courage in battle led him to distinction as the most decorated combat soldier of World War II, earning every U.S. military combat award for valor available from the United States Army, including the Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts, and the Distinguished Service Cross. It is, therefore, fitting, though belated, that Major Murphy was awarded Texas' highest military honor, the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor, on October 29, 2013.

Major Murphy earned his first Medal of Honor on January 26, 1945, in France. Six tanks and waves of Nazi infantry attacked his Company B, but Second Lieutenant Murphy remained at his command post throughout the fierce fighting. Although he suffered a leg wound, he continued to fight for more than an hour until his ammunition was exhausted and the enemy was in retreat.

Audie Murphy did not stop where most men would on the battlefield, in fighting for his own life, or in fighting for his country. In fact, he lived out the remainder of his years after the war as an accredited writer, actor, and songwriter.

Mr. Speaker, despite this prestige, it should be noted that he was also a man of deep modesty who considered himself ``just another man.'' He fought not because he loved war, but because he loved the values and freedoms we enjoy in America. He felt compelled to do his duty to his country. Audie Murphy represents some of the greatest qualities of a hero, including an unfailing sense of duty, a strong sense of patriotism, and a degree of modesty that recognizes the humble roots of this great country.

We remember Audie Murphy because of his outstanding feats but also because he remains perhaps one of the truest examples of what it means to be American. I was proud to ride in many veterans parades with Audie Murphy and was pleased to know him as a personal friend. I also met his sisters. He was always loyal to his family and found time for them.

As a Representative of the Fourth District of Texas, I am proud to call Audie Murphy's home my home as well. The folks in the Fourth District are pleased that the great State of Texas has given Major Murphy due recognition for his outstanding service to our country by awarding him the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering this great American, this great hero, and to thank him and his family for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of our nation's greatest war heroes, Audie Murphy. Major Murphy, who hailed from the Fourth District of Texas, was an extraordinary man in many ways. Initially turned away by several branches of the United States Armed Services due to his young age and slight build, Audie Murphy's patriotism led him to lie about his age in order to serve and defend his country. This patriotism and his unusual valor in combat led him to distinction as the most decorated hero of World War II, earning every U.S. military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, including the Medal of Honor, two Silver Stars, three Purple Hearts, and the Distinguished Service Cross. It is therefore fitting, though belated, that Major Murphy was posthumously awarded Texas' highest military honor--the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor--on October 29, 2013.

Major Murphy earned his first Medal of Honor for his valor on January 26, 1945 near Holtzwihr, France. Six tanks and waves of Nazi infantry attacked his Company B, but Second Lieutenant Murphy remained at his command post throughout the fierce fighting. Although he suffered a leg wound, he continued to fight for more than an hour until his ammunition was exhausted and the enemy was in retreat.

Audie Murphy did not stop where most men would on the battlefield or in life. In fact, he lived out the remainder of his years after the war as an accredited writer, actor, and songwriter. His book, To Hell and Back, became a national best seller, and the movie made from his book was Universal Studio's biggest hit in its 43-year history, where it stood as their highest-grossing movie for twenty years. He was, by all accounts, an outstanding American and legend in his own time.

That being said, it should be noted that he was also a man of deep modesty who considered himself ``just another man.'' He fought not because he loved war--in fact, he wrote of ``a war where hell is six feet deep''--but because he loved the values and freedoms we enjoy in America, and he felt compelled to do his duty for his country. He represents some of the greatest qualities of a hero including: an unfailing sense of duty, a strong sense of patriotism, and a degree of modesty that recognizes the humble roots of this great country.

We remember Audie Murphy because of his outstanding feats, but also because he remains perhaps one of the truest examples of what it means to be American. He rose to greatness not only because he was remarkable, himself--though he wouldn't admit it--but because of the remarkable respect and love he held for his fellow Americans at home.

I was proud to ride in many veterans parades with Audie and was pleased to know him as a personal friend. I also met his sisters--he was always loyal to his family and found time for them.

As the representative for the Fourth District of Texas, I know we are proud to call Audie Murphy's home our home as well, and we are pleased the Great State of Texas has given Major Murphy due recognition for his outstanding service to our country by awarding

him the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering this great American hero and thanking his family for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Thomas S. Wilmeth whose work ethic, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and commitment to education are a tribute to what makes this country great. Mr. Wilmeth, who celebrated his 100th birthday this year, lives in Daingerfield, Texas and describes himself as ``someone who always wanted to do something.'' He most certainly has.

Thomas Wilmeth was born October 2nd, 1913 in Indianapolis. While his father served in World War I in the U.S. Army, his grandmother and mother--both math teachers--began teaching him at an early age. Mr. Wilmeth attributes this early education to much of his success--it was through their tutelage that he was able to skip ahead three grades and graduate from Broad Ripple High School at age 15. At age 16, Mr. Wilmeth enrolled at Purdue University. While there, he was a member of Alpha Chi Rho, Tau Beta Pi, and Eta Kappa Nu. In 1935, at age 21, Mr. Wilmeth graduated magna cum laude with a degree in electrical engineering. In May of 2013, Purdue University awarded Mr. Wilmeth with an honorary doctorate for engineering information literacy.

In addition to a keen mathematical and analytical mind, from an early age Mr. Wilmeth also demonstrated particular business savvy. At age 10, he sold hot-roasted peanuts; at age 12, he sold strawberries; and at 15, he opened his own radio repair business. During his senior year at Purdue University, Mr. Wilmeth worked as business manager of the Purdue Yearbook, Debris, earning $1,100 in profit.

In 1949, Mr. Wilmeth combined his education and entrepreneurial ambitions and started Scot Industries, Inc. with his brother, Harvey. After exploring a number of different businesses and products, Scot Industries established itself as a metal honing business focused on increased efficiency, productivity, and affordability. Nearly 45 years later, their business has 10 locations nationwide, and Mr. Wilmeth continues to assist with the management and operation of Scot Industries.

Mr. Wilmeth has stated that his philosophy is ``to develop the ability to train and teach oneself to learn.'' His philosophy is lived out daily through his work ethic, and it is extended through charitable giving. He continues to donate to his alma mater, Purdue University, as well as the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Wilmeth was himself a Boy Scout who earned the rank of Eagle at the age of 15.

The hard work, dedication, and generosity Mr. Wilmeth lives by are an inspiration and should encourage all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Wilmeth a Happy 100th Birthday. I thank him for his entrepreneurial spirit that helps make our country great, and wish him continued health and happiness.

Madam Speaker, in 1776, with only 1,458 words, our Founding Fathers declared our Nation's independence from an overreaching government that had limited individual freedom. A year later, in 1787, with 4,543 words, our Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution that established our representative democracy, protecting individual rights, and set in places roles for states' rights and a limited Federal Government based on enumerated powers.

Fast-forward to 2010, from 1776 to 2010, and the President and Democratic-controlled House and Senate established ObamaCare without a single Republican vote. This government takeover of health care is so overreaching. The law contains 381,517 words. That is over 83 times as many words as the Constitution, which only had 4,543 words.

In addition to the law, the administration has published 109 regulations to implement the law, regulations not voted on by the Congress, which contain a massive 11,588,500 words, according to ENSnews.com. According to Forbes, the average adult reads about 300 words a minute. That means it would take the average person 38,628 minutes just to read the regulations. If someone read 8 hours a day, it would take them 80 days to read all of the regulations, let alone understand them.

We are just beginning to see the negative consequences of this Federal outreach in all Americans' health care decisions. My constituents remain adamantly opposed to ObamaCare. They continue to write and call my offices, asking me to destroy as much of this law as possible because it is raising premiums, copays, and deductibles. Many small business owners also tell me they have stopped hiring workers and are in the difficult position of cutting hours or employees due to the uncertainty with the law and its regulations.

In closing, let me just say that we will continue to see the negative impacts of ObamaCare as more of this law is implemented in the coming months. The President needs to recognize how harmful the health care law is and help us craft better and more responsible health care reform.

Mr. Speaker, I too rise in support of H.R. 185, as has been stated, a bill designating the United States courthouse located at 101 East Pecan Street in Sherman, Texas, as the Paul Brown United States Courthouse.

Judge Brown was an outstanding Federal judge who passed away on November 26, 2012, after 21 years of very distinguished service. Judge Brown was my good friend, a respected judge, and beloved member of the Sherman, Texas, community.

Judge Brown represented the finest qualities of jurisprudence. Hanging on his wall in the Sherman Federal Courthouse were Socrates' four qualities for a good judge: to hear courteously; to answer wisely; to consider soberly; and to decide impartially. Judge Brown embodied all of these qualities, and he dispensed justice accordingly. He was highly regarded, well-respected, and was a role model for many.

Judge Brown was the youngest of a family of six raised on a farm in Pottsboro, Texas. He graduated from Denison High School and, although underage, he was able to get his parents' consent to join the United States Navy when World War II broke out. He served on a minesweeper in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters and as a part of the occupation forces in Japan. He was discharged as an electrician's mate 2nd class in June 1946.

He returned to his studies and received a law degree in 1950 from the University of Texas before being recalled to Active Duty in the Korean war. He saw combat aboard a minesweeper which was sunk by mines. He received an honorable discharge in December 1951.

Judge Brown worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in Texarkana under U.S. attorney William Steger, who would become his mentor, good friend, and eventually fellow colleague on the bench. He served as assistant U.S. attorney from 1953 to 1959, and then followed in Judge Steger's footsteps as U.S. district attorney from 1959 to 1961.

While in Texarkana, he met and married Frances Morehead, and the two returned home to Sherman, where he practiced law for a number of years. In 1985, Senator Phil Gramm recommended him to President Reagan for a new judge's position created by the Eastern District of Texas, and he was confirmed that year. He held court in Beaumont, Paris, Sherman, and Texarkana, and as the caseload grew, he eventually presided over the Sherman courthouse exclusively.

Premier cases over the years included intellectual property, patent cases, and criminal cases precipitated by the bank and savings and loan failures of the 1980s and 1990s. In recent years, he noted the increase in drug cases and expressed his regret that in spite of all the efforts that have been made to prosecute drug dealers, the Nation is not making much progress in curtailing the use of drugs. No matter what type of cases came before him, Judge Brown always enjoyed the work and ran an efficient and orderly courtroom. His personal ethics and judicial integrity were remarkable, and his reputation for punctuality is legendary.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of a great American, outstanding public servant, and respected jurist. This bill has the support of the Federal judges in the Eastern District, and I ask for your support of H.R. 185, to designate the United States courthouse in Sherman, Texas, the Paul Brown United States Courthouse.

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 25th year that United States District Judge Richard A. Schell has served with distinction on the Federal bench of the Eastern District of Texas. It is a privilege to recognize and pay tribute to him, along with members of the Eastern District of Texas Bar Association who will honor him at their 17th Annual Eastern District Bench Bar Conference October 30, November 1 in Plano, Texas.

Judge Schell was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on April 13, 1988, to a seat vacated by the late Judge William M. Steger. He was confirmed by the Senate on May 27, 1988, and received his commission on June 6, 1988. Judge Schell served as Chief Judge of the Eastern District from 1994 2001 and also served on the U.S. Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules as well as the Board of the Federal Judges Association. During his tenure as Chief Judge he also supported the effort to create the Eastern District of Texas Bar Association, which today is recognized as one of the preeminent Federal bar associations in the United States.

A native Texan, Judge Schell was raised in a family whose community involvement in Plano, Texas, stretches back over 130 years. His maternal great-grandfather served as mayor of Plano, and his paternal grandfather was the longest serving mayor in the City's history, serving more than 16 years. His father was the longest appointed official in Piano's history, serving as its representative on the North Texas Municipal Water District for 45 years.

Judge Schell received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Methodist University in 1972 and his Juris Doctorate from SMU's School of Law in 1975. He served as an instructor at the Law School from 1975- 1976, then became Assistant District Attorney for Collin County in 1976. He practiced law in the private sector in McKinney from 1977- 1982, then returned to public service as Judge, Collin County Court-at- Law, from 1982-1986. From 1986-1988 he presided as Judge of Collin County's 219th District Court before assuming the bench as U.S. District Judge. Since 2010 he also has served as a Visiting Professor at SMU's Dedman School of Law, which awarded him the Distinguished Alumni Award for Judicial Service in 2005. His law clerks and staff have established a programmatic endowment at the law school in his honor.

During his tenure on the bench, Judge Schell presided over the Norplant MDL, several complex civil matters and a number of environmental issues. He is currently responsible for the continued oversight and enforcement of a consent decree that resolved a class action between the State of Texas and children who receive Medicaid benefits. As Resident Judge in Plano with a higher-than-average docket, Judge Schell spent 683 hours in the courtroom in the past year alone. This is 247 percent above the circuit median and 243 percent above the circuit average. Judge Schell is universally recognized for his excellent judicial temperament, work ethic, integrity, and fairness.

Judge Schell has the support of a wonderful family--his wife, Janice, and sons Christopher and Ben. Christopher serves as the Legislative Director in my Washington, DC office, while attending law school in the evening at American University. Ben previously worked on the Space Subcommittee of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology during my tenure as Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, our Nation is fortunate to have a Judge with as much integrity and commitment to justice as Judge Schell possesses. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this outstanding American and esteemed United States District Judge, Richard A. Schell, for his 25 years of distinguished service on behalf of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a dear friend of mine, Lorie Grinnan, on her retirement as the County Commissioner of Precinct 2 in Rockwall County. Lorie has served as Commissioner for eight years, and was the first woman to be re-elected to that position. During that time, she has been dedicated to serving the community of Rockwall, TX.

I have known Lorie for many years, and her commitment to implementing sound policies that benefit the citizens of Rockwall County is unparalleled. She has served in public office for 17 years, and during that time has undertaken many projects from transportation to emergency services.

Besides serving as County Commissioner, Lorie was also a member of the Rockwall Independent School District Board for nine years, and served as a member of the Juvenile Services Board as Commissioner and school board member. She also currently presides as the president of the Emergency Services Board. In addition to her roles as a public servant, she is a member of many community organizations including the Rockwall Noon Rotary, First United Methodist Church, Chamber of Congress, and city councils of Rockwall, Heath, Rowlett, and McLendon- Chisolm.

Some of her active projects as County Commissioner include a $100 million road bond, infrastructure improvements to various roads in the area, and work to maintain quick ambulance response time despite construction.

Among one of her greatest undertakings was spearheading the Veterans Advisory Committee to help oversee the construction of the Veterans Memorial. Over 2,000 citizens attended the opening ceremony which was held on November 11, 2011.

Commissioner Grinnan, as well as her husband Jeff, and their two children Nicholas and Kimberley, all attended Texas A&M University. Kimberley is also seeking a law degree from Texas Tech University.

Upon her retirement, Lorie will leave behind a distinguished legacy and her influence will be felt throughout Rockwall County for many years to come. I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Lorie Grinnan, and wishing her the best of luck on her future opportunities.