Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago, when the President and the Democratic-controlled House and Senate forced ObamaCare into law without a single Republican vote, my constituents wrote and called my office, telling me they didn't want a government takeover of health care. They expressed many concerns, including losing a health care plan they liked, higher costs, overbearing regulations that would prevent businesses and their owners' ability to hire workers, and the government making health care decisions for citizens, just to name a few.

My constituents' concerns proved true. The ObamaCare Web site has been up for 2 weeks or more, and for those who were able to get the Web site to work, the reports have proved disappointing and anything but affordable: rate hikes of 260 percent, $12,600 deductibles, copays up to 40 percent, and zero competition. Perhaps that is why, according to the Daily Mail, on October 11, in the first week, only 51,000 people completed ObamaCare applications.

My constituents continue to write me about their concerns with this bad law, and today, I would like to read a letter from one of my constituents, Lee Stanley. Mr. Stanley is a small business owner from Atlanta, Texas, who is facing difficult decisions due to ObamaCare. Mr. Stanley wrote to my office as follows:

Dear Congressman Hall, I don't know if you are getting any

input from small business owners like us regarding ObamaCare.

We are really in a dilemma here at Guard-Line.

We found that there are items that we can manufacture here

at the same cost as we currently import from Mexico, China,

and Pakistan. We would like to bring these jobs back here,

but looming in the background is ObamaCare. We employ 85

people in our Atlanta facility. We compete in a world market

with distributors or importers that maybe have 15 to 30

employees, and they fall below the 50 employees and,

therefore, do not have to pay the $2,000 penalty for not

providing health insurance.

Our industry business model does not provide for employee

benefits as it is mostly a minimum-wage industry with profit

margins very low.

The situation we are in is that we would have to pay

$170,000 in penalties under ObamaCare. This is another

example of the government picking the winners and the losers,

and we begin to show up here totally as the losers. There is

no way I can be competitive if I have to raise my prices to

cover the $170,000.

Here are my options:

One, don't pay the penalty;

Two, raise my prices and go out of business--85 people lose

their jobs;

Three, lay off 15 to 35 employees to get under 50 in order

to not pay the penalty, and move more production out of this

country;

Four, reduce 35 jobs to part-time, under 30 hours a week,

and move more production out of this country.

As you can see from the above options, there is really not

a good one. We are having to run our business in a way that

does not make very much business sense as we have to always

keep in mind the effects of ObamaCare. We are in a position

that we can add more jobs here in the USA, and are being

penalized for doing that. This country will never be able to

completely recover with restrictions on business like that. I

am sure we are not the only employer in this situation. I

don't know what we can do except express our concerns to our

representatives.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I will continue to fight to defund as much of this bad law as possible. ObamaCare remains widely, completely unpopular across the country for good reason--it is hurting jobs, hurting pocketbooks of already struggling Americans, and preventing people from making their own health care decisions.

The American people deserve better. Responsible health care reform should do better, that offers true health, job, financial, and personal security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Taiwan on its 102nd National Day on October 10, 2013.

Taiwan is a model of success in Asia. Through hard work and ingenuity, Taiwan has become one of the strongest economies in the Pacific Rim. Taiwan also has strong democratic institutions that foster the values of freedom, diligence, and transparency. The accomplishments of Taiwan, whether economic or political, are impressive.

On the occasion of Republic of China's Centennial National Day, I wish for continued trade cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. I also look forward to furthering the common economic interests of the United States and Taiwan, and I would like to encourage my colleagues in our efforts to preserve and strengthen the friendship between our two countries. Taiwan has much to offer the rest of the world, and its innovation and expertise will continue to create new, mutually-beneficial trade avenues.

Congratulations to the Republic of China and I look forward to continuing our partnership with Taiwan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an esteemed American, R. Daniel McMichael, who passed away recently at the age of 87, having dedicated his life to the advancement of sound, conservative policies and principles.

I knew Dan for many years as a fellow member of the Free Congress Foundation Board, where his expertise and advice were invaluable. An Air Force veteran of World War II, Dan became an expert on international strategic issues and was particularly sought after for his knowledge and guidance about ballistic missile defense. He was a member of the advisory board of the National Strategy Information Center, the International Security Studies Program of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, the Institute for Strategic and International Studies of Lisbon, Portugal, the Center for Strategic & International Studies at Georgetown University, the National Defense University Foundation, and the East-West Center.

Dan served for six years as vice-chairman of the National Strategic Materials and Minerals Program Advisory Committee of the Department of the Interior and in 1980 was named chairman of President Reagan's Strategic Minerals Task Force, which completed its work during the transition. For the next decade, he served as an advisor to both the Administration and Congress on strategic resources and continued, until his passing, to provide strategic advice and strategy to numerous organizations as an independent consultant and defense and security analyst.

Dan played a pivotal role for many years as Secretary and advisor for both the Sarah Scaife Foundation and the Carthage Foundation, foundations that support conservative organizations and public policy programs. Groups supported by these foundations include the Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, Center for Security Policy, Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, and the Hoover Institution, among many others. Dan also served as director and past president of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburg, which recognized his efforts to further international understanding and education.

Dan leaves a distinguished legacy of service and commitment to conservative values that will be long remembered, and his influence will be felt for many years to come. I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to this great American and patriot, R. Daniel McMichael.

I thank you for those compliments. You read them out just exactly like I wrote them for you.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you, too, and I thank you for being here when most everyone else has gone.

ObamaCare was forced through the Congress without a single Republican vote. Just think about that for a second--not one Republican vote. I don't know if that has ever been done. I think Charles Krauthammer says it best in an article from yesterday's Washington Post.

He said:

From Social Security, to civil rights, to Medicaid, to

Medicare, never in the modern history of the country has

major social legislation been enacted on a straight party-

line vote--never. In every case, there was significant

reaching across the aisle, enhancing the law's legitimacy and

endurance. Yet ObamaCare, which revolutionizes one-sixth of

the economy, regulates every aspect of medical practice and

intimately affects just about every citizen, passed without a

single GOP vote.

Mr. Krauthammer is not alone in being concerned about this country. We are concerned about, not the Members of this House or of the Senate, but of everyone who has children or who cares about children.

Let's talk about jobs. There are no jobs now whether you are educated or not educated. They don't look to a job. By the time this President exits, they're not going to find any employers. That's how serious it is. This is a real problem, Mr. Speaker, and I'm afraid it's going to bankrupt the families and bankrupt the businesses in the Fourth Congressional District, which was the third largest user of manufacturers in the entire United States Congress--House or Senate--in 2011. I have not seen the words for 2012.

We are forcing people to buy insurance that they can't afford; and if they opt out, we fine them. Then they can't even afford the fine. What a train wreck. Go ahead and go to the Web site and sign up. There are reports from all over the country of glitches and of the confusion and frustration from those who have tried. Now we're hearing that the Federal Government will be shutting down the Web site for repairs. You would think, after 3 years of planning, it would at least be able to sign people up. This is clearly not the case, and they are clearly not ready for prime time. I think this is a sign of things to come under ObamaCare, Mr. Speaker.

I am also concerned about data security in this system. Given the government's track record, I am worried that people's personal information could get out. All of us have good and honest relationships with our doctors. We trust each other. We do not need the government to get in the middle of that relationship. The push for ObamaCare was to cover all Americans; and now, according to the Congressional Budget Office, 30 million people will still not be covered in the year 2022. So what's going on here? This is just one giant tax on the American people. If you don't sign up, you get taxed. If you do sign up, your rates will go up, and some reports are saying it will be by as much as 400 percent.

In closing, I'll just say another push for ObamaCare was to bring down the cost of health care. According to the American Action Forum, health insurance rates for people between the ages of 18 and 35 will go up substantially. Premiums for this group before ObamaCare averaged about $62 a month, and now the premiums for these youngsters will be on the average of $187 a month. That's triple the cost. How is this helping? My constituents are opposed to this bad health care law. My mail is 100 to 1 against it, and I am opposed to it.

The folks on the other side of the aisle should listen to the majority of Americans and repeal, defund, or delay ObamaCare. The Senate had four chances to prevent this shutdown. They selected none of them, and we shut down.

Mr. Speaker, as the oldest Member in the history of this body, I rise with more concern today for our country than ever before.

Mr. Speaker, I was a Member when we had the last shutdown. It spawned a balanced budget. Today, unfortunately, we have a President and a Senate who so far are unwilling to negotiate on a budget that will accomplish these same goals.

We need to rein in Federal Government, cut wasteful spending, fix the Tax Code, protect and strengthen Medicare and our national defense, balance the budget, and address the harmful ObamaCare. And now people tell me to continue to object to ObamaCare and don't let up.

The President needs to give the American people the same privileges he's given to big business and small business--a 1-year delay and a mandate on ObamaCare.

The Senate rejected all four negotiation attempts proposed by the House. The result of their refusal? A shutdown of the government. They, with this President, shut this government down.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the President and Senator Reid to work with us on a responsible budget. We should all work toward the same goal: protect the best possible opportunity for Americans to prosper, the greatest good for the greatest number, our children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an invaluable group of selfless women, the Rockwall Women's League, for their 40 years of charitable service in the Rockwall community.

This non-profit organization was chartered in Rockwall, Texas, on November 27, 1973, with a group of 50 women volunteers. The bold vision of these women now is being cultivated with over 125 active and associate members.

The Rockwall Women's League is committed to unite and promote the Rockwall area through community service and through the initiation and support of civic, educational, and social events. Funds for these service projects are raised largely through an annual Charity Ball, which has to-date raised almost 3 million dollars and has become a gala fundraiser due to generous community support.

The League contributes greatly to educational initiatives through its monthly programs, including serving over 35 charitable organizations and awarding scholarships to graduating seniors at all three Rockwall County high schools. Bolstering civic and social life, the Rockwall Women's League has graciously supported and initiated programs such as the Helping Hands Children's Clinic for low income children, arts in the Rockwall school system, and the annual tree lighting event, co-hosted with the city of Rockwall. These women also provide hands-on service in a myriad of ways from providing hot meals for senior citizens and volunteering in nursing homes, to selling pumpkins in the local pumpkin patch.

The work of this league has not only strengthened the community of Rockwall for the past 40 years, but has also developed enduring friendships among its members. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Rockwall Women's League for their dedicated service to their community and ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these remarkable women on the occasion of their 40th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, our top priority in Congress should be to promote job creation and a healthy economy. Too many Americans are struggling. The unemployment rate remains too high, the labor force participation rate continues to drop, and the national debt still is nearly $17 trillion. This is due to the administration's failed economic and overreaching regulatory policies. Wasteful government spending and higher taxes are not the answers the American people are looking for. America needs real solutions for economic recovery.

In order for all Americans to thrive, we need jobs. Over 60 percent of new jobs are generated by small businesses,

which have always been the backbone of our economy. Many small business owners are holding off hiring new workers because they're uncertain of higher taxes, more government red tape, more regulations.

We must remove unnecessary regulations. We need to promote real solutions that heal our economy and create new jobs. Americans share the same goal: a healthy economy and positive future. We need to keep the American Dream alive for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Christian Thornton Bryan, who graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA on May 20, 2013.

Christian graduated with a degree in International Relations. He also participated in the ROTC program where he was selected to join the Lehigh Valley Steel Battalion. As a member of this Battalion, he competed in the 2nd Army ROTC Brigade's Ranger Challenge Competition and helped his team place third. He will now serve as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army and is assigned to Joint Base Lewis- McChord in Washington as an Infantry Platoon Leader.

Christian follows in the footsteps of his father, who serves as a Major in the U.S. Army Infantry. I am proud of this young man's decision to serve his country, and I know he will go above and beyond to uphold this duty.

I wish him the best of luck in the Army and in all his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I ask those present today to join me in honoring Christian Thornton Bryan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrew Reid Bryan, who will be graduating from Patriot High School in Nokesville, VA on June 13, 2013.

Andrew is a member of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America, a two-time Varsity Boy's Lacrosse team captain, and has earned All District Athletic Honors as well as All District Academic Honors. Andrew also made the academic honor roll for both his junior and senior years. He plans to continue his education at Stevenson University in Baltimore, Maryland, where

he will study Business Administration and play for the Men's Lacrosse team.

Andrew's achievements set a wonderful example for his peers around him, and I am confident he will have continued success. I wish him the best of luck in all his endeavors, both on and off the field. Mr. Speaker, I ask those present today to join me in honoring Andrew Reid Bryan.

Mr. Speaker, we will be voting on the House floor for the Working Families Flexibility Act. This legislation will allow private sector employers to empower their workforce by allowing them to choose compensation in the form of paid time off or in cash wages.

Now let me tell you a story about Karen and her family.

Karen works hour after hour to meet the family needs, to make ends meet, and to provide for her two children. Sometimes there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day. When school starts up, she can never have enough hours with Matt and Sarah to support them in their extracurricular activities. Instead of being able to use her overtime for time instead of wages, she has to take time off without pay. Federal law mandates that Karen take money when what she really values is time with the family.

Folks, the key word when discussing this bill is ``choice.'' This is not a mandate on our job creators. Let me repeat that: this is not a mandate. This is a step toward letting hardworking Americans decide what is best for them and getting government out of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the establishment of Ft. Sherman Township, a community of about 200 people, and to applaud the efforts of Titus County Historical Preservation Society, Titus County Historical Commission, Bob Sandlin State Park, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in working together to protect and preserve the location and rich history of Ft. Sherman.

Established in 1838, Ft. Sherman was the first community in southwest Titus County. It was built by Captain William Stout and members of the Red River Mounted Rangers, who are now considered to be Early Texas Rangers. Ft. Sherman was named in honor of Colonel Sidney Sherman, the Commander of the Left Wing of the Republic of Texas Army at the Battle of San Jacinto. Ft. Sherman's namesake famously originated the Battle Cry, ``Remember the Alamo!''

The Fort served many purposes during its early years, functioning as a refuge for families against Indian attacks and a resting place for early Texas Ranger units from 1838-1841, a voting place for several elections between 1842 and 1846, and a military waypoint during the War with Mexico in 1846.

Today, I am pleased to join the Titus County Historical Preservation Society and Titus County Historical Commission in honoring the early Texas families and military units for their self-reliance, independence, and role in Ft. Sherman's history. Yesterday, these organizations' efforts to have the Titus Commissioners Court approve a resolution were rewarded, and Saturday, June 8, 2013 has been declared ``Fort Sherman Day.''

I join my constituents of Titus County in celebrating Historic Ft. Sherman and its founding nearly 175 years ago, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Titus County's historical preservation efforts of Ft. Sherman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Eugene S. ``Gene'' Cuny Jr., who passed away on February 13, 2013. Gene was a very dear friend of mine, and he was blessed with an exciting life that allowed him to work a variety of fascinating jobs with interesting people. I know he will be missed by all who knew him.

Gene was born in Houston, TX. From an early age, he demonstrated leadership and a strong work ethic. As a youth, Gene achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After high school, he attended the University of Houston, where he received a bachelor's degree and graduated with Honors. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to Colorado State University where he studied theater.

He married his beautiful wife, Charlotte Walser, and they moved to New York City where Gene performed in the Broadway production of ``The Pirate,'' featuring actress Lynn Fontanne, in 1942. He also worked as the stage manager at Radio City Music Hall, and studied drama at Yale University as a Rockefeller Foundation fellow. He then went on to teach speech and English at New Haven Junior College in Connecticut.

Following his education and career in theater, Gene returned to Houston, where he worked for an advertisement agency writing copy for radio commercials and soap operas. Cuny went on to work as a general manager for radio stations in Louisiana, and after moving to Dallas in 1951, worked for KRLD-TV (now KDFW). He held the responsibilities of program director, national sales manager, and director of community affairs before he retired after 35 years. He also produced the Dallas press club's Gridiron Show, a spoof on news events, for many years.

In addition to his successful career, Gene was also an active leader in his community. He was a press club board member, leader of the Dallas Advertising League, and president of the downtown Dallas Exchange Club. He was also a 32nd degree Knight Commander of Court of Honour Mason, a Dallas leader of the Scottish Rite, and a Rotarian, volunteering as a court-appointed special advocate for neglected or abused children. Gene also helped deliver Meals on Wheels all the way into his 90's.

Gene is also preceded in death by his son Fred, who lost his life when he became deeply involved in international relief work. Fred was the leader of one of the most successful refuge assistance programs in recent decades, working abroad to help literally millions of refugees, whether in Africa, Southeast Asia, Kurdistan, Bosnia, or in Chechnya. Many think Fred was murdered during his effort to support Chechens in their resistance to a Russian attack. His body was never found. Gene is also survived by his wife Charlotte; their sons Chris, Phillip, and Eugene III; as well as eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Gene's verve for life and compassion for others are qualities we should all strive toward. I ask those here today to join me in honoring Eugene S. ``Gene'' Cuny.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ruby Moore, who passed away on April 10, 2013. Ruby was a wonderful, kind woman, and a very dear friend of mine. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and by all those who knew her.

Ruby Thomas was born on February 21, 1920 in Bonham, TX. She was married to Choice Moore on December 27, 1950. Ruby worked for 20 plus years as a dental assistant for the Sam Rayburn Medical Veterans Center, and also served on the Fannin Bank Board, on which her husband was a founding member. For 28 years while Choice served as Fannin County Judge, Ruby served as the first lady of Fannin County. She was also a member of the Texas Society of County Judges

Wives, and a member of the Windom Book Club and the First Baptist Church of Windom.

I served as County Judge of Rockwall County when Choice served as such in Fannin County. Our wives were friends--both beautiful, kind, and supportive--and as first ladies of our counties they graced the many meetings of the Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association held throughout the 254 counties in Texas. During the time we served, our Congressman, Speaker Sam Rayburn, befriended us and our counties. I have never known a finer judge, and will always remember his mate, the beautiful Ruby Thomas Moore.

Ruby is preceded in her death by her husband, her parents, and three brothers and a sister. Her absence will be felt throughout the community, but her service will not be forgotten. As we adjourn today, let us do so in honor of the life of Ruby Moore.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. McCarthy for reintroducing this bill to redesignate NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, which is co-located with Edwards Air Force Base in California, as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center. This bill, H.R. 667, would also rename the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.

Neil Armstrong, everybody will say--and it's so true, he needs absolutely no introduction--people know who Neil Armstrong is. He covered the country. He has given of his time. He's an American hero, and he is one who never took personal credit for his accomplishments. Anytime he was speaking about the success of the Apollo 11 mission, he always gave recognition to the teams of engineers, technicians, and scientists at NASA and the industry. He was quiet, thoughtful, and deliberate, choosing his words carefully, whether testifying before a congressional committee, giving a speech, or sharing a moment with a friend.

Last May of this year, I was honored to have Neil, along with General Tom Stafford and Gene Cernan, visit Rockwall, Texas, my hometown in Texas, and address graduating high school seniors from the area's public schools and private schools. Neil spoke to a packed auditorium of seniors and their families and then generously took time for photos with all the graduating classes. This was such a magnanimous gesture on his side and yet typical of his commitment to inspiring other generations of students to pursue fields in science, space, and technology. These Rockwall County students and their families will remember his visit forever, and this was made even more meaningful when Neil passed away just a few months later and when I received a letter from him 3 days after he died.

Naming the Dryden Flight Center after Neil is very appropriate. After graduating from college, he joined NASA's predecessor agency, the National Advisory Council on Aeronautics, and soon found himself at NASA's High-Speed Flight Station located at Edwards, which would in time become the Dryden Flight Research Center. They were both great friends. He spent 7 years there flying a variety of new-design and high-performance aircraft, including the seven flights at the control of the X-15.

Naming the Western Aeronautical Test Range after Dr. Hugh L. Dryden is also appropriate. Dr. Dryden, as a close friend of Neil's, held the position of Director of the National Advisory Council of Aeronautics from 1947 until it was renamed NASA in 1958, then served as Deputy Director of NASA until his death in 1965. He pioneered research of airfoils near the speed of sound and the problems of airflow and turbulence. He greatly contributed to the designs of wings for aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang and other World War II aircraft.

H.R. 667 honors the life and legacy of two great Americans: Neil Armstrong and Dr. Hugh Dryden.

With that, I urge Members to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague. I do rise, as others, today for a great American and a very dear friend, Sam Johnson. It's been said over and over again about Operation Homecoming, but that's one of the great days that I remember. And I'm sure it's in Sam's mind and heart and that he appreciates all of us here getting to say a few words about him.

He served, as you know, for 29 years in the United States Air Force flying combat missions in both Korea and Vietnam, captured by enemy forces, going to spend 7 years in captivity as a prisoner of war, including 42 months of solitary confinement. Despite that confinement, Sam never lost his faith in God. He continued to show leadership and courage, helping to teach other prisoners how to survive. Through those 7 years, Sam remained committed to staying strong and helping other fellow soldiers doing the same thing.

Finally, on February 12, 1973, he returned to U.S. soil with other fellow American servicemen in what was known as Operation Homecoming. Once home, he was united with his wife, Shirley, who faithfully waited and prayed for Sam's safe return.

It's a fact about Sam's fighting for our country. He also suffered for our country. This isn't the prime reason his constituents vote for him, though it would be enough; but Sam is completely aware of the rules of the House of Representatives and one of the Speaker's leading whips. When Sam speaks, we listen.

Sam and Shirley suffered the loss of a son the last week of February. I hope they felt the love and grief we shared with them and the family. We know that grief is addressed in the Bible. Love spawns grief, and without love there's little grief. There is much love in the Johnson family for their neighbors and friends. For the approximately 7 years Sam and the others suffered in the Hanoi Hilton, a 4-letter word was always on their mind: home.

In closing, let me just say that Sam continues to fight on behalf of our veterans and members of the armed services. After 40 years, he continues to serve the American people with the same strength and resolve that he demonstrated in Vietnam. I'm truly honored to have the opportunity to serve with such an exemplary American and to call him a friend. Sam's commitment to his country, faith, and family are values that every American should live by. I ask all my colleagues, of course, to vote ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a great American and a dear friend of mine, Sam Johnson, in honor of the 40th Anniversary of ``Operation Homecoming.'' On February 12, 1973, 591 American prisoners of war, including Sam Johnson, returned from Vietnam after being held as prisoners for seven years. Sam is the epitome of a true American hero. His unwavering dedication to freedom and to serving his country exemplifies what it means to be a patriot.

Sam served for 29 years in the United States Air Force, flying combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1966, during one of his missions, Sam's plane was shot down over North Vietnam. He was captured by enemy forces and would go on to spend seven years in captivity as a Prisoner of War, including 42 months of solitary confinement.

``After his capture, Sam was sent with 10 other POWs to a special facility where they were kept in solitary confinement from 1967-1969. Self-named the ``Alcatraz Gang,'' they were sent there for their strong resistance against their captors. They were shackled in legcuffs every night and endured continued torture. Sam never lost hope, and remained unbreakable against his torturers. Sam, along with the other members of the ``Alcatraz Gang,'' was moved back to the infamous Hanoi Hilton where he served out the remainder of his time in Vietnam.

Despite his confinement, Sam never lost his faith in God. He continued to show leadership and courage, helping to teach other prisoners

how to survive. Throughout those seven years, Sam remained committed to staying strong and helping other fellow soldiers to do the same.

Finally on February 12, 1973, Sam returned to U.S. soil with other fellow American servicemen in what was known as ``Operation Homecoming.'' Once home, he was reunited with his wife Shirley, who faithfully waited and prayed for Sam's safe return.

Sam and I shared Collin County for many years in the U.S. Congress and we would often speak to constituents together. I always dreaded to compare my war service as a fighter pilot with the Navy with Sam's service. His record, every phase, was so much more admirable and dangerous than my several years, that I felt like I had run off to Canada.

As a fact, about Sam's fighting for our country, he also suffered for our country. This isn't the prime reason his constituents vote for him, though it would be enough. Sam is completely aware of the rules of the House of Representatives and is one of the Speaker's leading Whips. When Sam speaks, we listen.

Sam and Shirley suffered the loss of a son the last week of February, and I hope they felt the love and grief we shared with them and the family. We know that grief is addressed in the Bible. Love spawns grief, and without love, there is little grief. There is much love in the Johnson family, and their neighbors and friends.

For the approximately seven years Sam and the others suffered in the Hanoi Hilton, a four-letter word was always on their mind: HOME.

My dad was in WWI, and he went overseas with the same soldiers, and returned back to the USA with many of those he fought with. To show how much they loved home and the sight of the Statue of Liberty, as they entered the New York Harbor, one of my dad's friends said to the Statue of Liberty, ``Old lady, if you ever see me again, you are going to have to turn around.'' That's what going home meant to most Veterans of the various wars.

Sam continues to fight on behalf of our veterans and members of the Armed Services. After 40 years, he continues to serve the American people with the same strength and resolve that he demonstrated in Vietnam. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve with such an exemplary American, and to call him ``friend.'' Sam's commitment to his country, faith, and family, are values that every American should live by. I ask all my colleagues present today to join me in honoring such an outstanding American hero, Sam Johnson.