Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I am proud that the Energy and Commerce Committee is championing nuclear energy, a clean, safe, and reliable energy source for which America should be paving the way.

Going forward, it must be a significant component of America's energy profile, and to make that happen, we need to cut the red tape at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, expediting environmental reviews for nuclear reactors.

Time and time again, the environmental review process takes entirely way too long. My bill, the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act, is a part of this Atomic Energy Advancement Act. It will reduce duplicative efforts and speed up the review process for nuclear reactor applications.

Madam Speaker, let me reiterate: Nuclear is clean and safe and plays a critical role in putting reliable as well as dispatchable energy onto our grid.

I am proud to see that Diana DeGette and Frank Pallone and their staff are working with us. It is encouraging that we are working across the aisle. I urge my colleagues to support this critical bill to advance nuclear energy in the United States of America.

I thank the chairman for his leadership on this important issue along with Representative Pfluger's.

This is extremely important in my district on Texas' Gulf Coast. Every time American energy is on the upswing, this administration seems dead set on knocking it down, all in the name of climate change, and now they are banning LNG export permits.

In my district, Freeport LNG, the second largest LNG exporter in the United States, has seen this impact on our community. They had been creating jobs, investing back into the local economy, and improving U.S. foreign trade.

This reckless decision by the Biden administration doesn't just impact Freeport LNG, it also directly impacts the two other LNG plants in my district, Golden Pass LNG and Port Arthur LNG. They have followed the rigorous and, might I add, burdensome permitting process and were close to turning their lights on and producing and exporting LNG, and now those projects are in limbo killing thousands of jobs and hurting local, State, and our Nation's economy.

The U.S. produces energy cleaner and more reliable than any other Nation.

As Ted Cruz said: What the President did is a giant middle finger to the State of Texas. I would add it is a giant middle finger to my district in southeast Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to passing the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act to reverse this heinous ban and block this crazy administration from playing politics with our energy security and our district.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am going to start with what it means when we talk about being pro- life.

Mr. Speaker, let this sink in: 65,464,760 precious babies have been killed in abortions since Roe v. Wade in 1973.

Mr. Speaker, I have three children, eight grandchildren, and even a great-granddaughter.

As a Christian and as a father of those three children and a grandfather of those eight, the issue of abortion is extremely personal to me. Every single unborn child is a human life wonderfully made and worth protecting.

I can tell you from experience, Mr. Speaker, that the joy that children bring into the world is unparalleled. They are a gift from God that He gives to all of us. We need to look no further than Jeremiah 1:5 to know God's love for each child: ``Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart.''

In Deuteronomy 30:19, we are called to choose life. Moses is laying out for the Israelites the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience.

He says in Deuteronomy 30:19 that we are called to choose life.

``I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: Therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may live.''

Mr. Speaker, when we are choosing the death of an unborn child by abortion, then our unborn seed is not living.

Our great Nation has carried this belief in and respect for life from the very moment of our founding. Our forefathers noted that we are endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are granted to each of us, assuming we have the chance to begin living that life, yet, our society seems to struggle with that simple proposition.

Life allows for liberty and liberty allows for the pursuit of happiness. Without the fundamental right to life, our society begins to look vastly different. Without the fundamental right to life, we have neither liberty nor happiness.

Then on June 24, 2022, after almost 50 years of living--many of us would say dying--under the tragically unconstitutional Roe v. Wade decision, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. What a victory. The voiceless, once again, finally have a voice.

As thousands prepare to stand for life in our Nation's Capital, my Republican colleagues and I continue our fight for life by voting for the Pregnant Students' Rights Act and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act.

I will always, always, Mr. Speaker, stand up and protect life.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman is exactly correct. In Texas, the border is important to us.

Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely no secret that the Biden administration has purposefully and willfully destroyed over 100 years of immigration policy, resulting in 8-million-plus illegal crossings since Joe Biden took office.

Mr. Speaker, I have been visiting the Texas border since my time in the Texas State House back in 2009. I was vice chair of the border committee my second term there. I got back from the border earlier this month, and I am heading back to the border soon.

What we are witnessing now is the worst I have ever seen. It is the worst that the Border Patrol agents and the Texas law enforcement officers have ever seen. They told us that in person.

Mr. Speaker, Joe Biden is responsible for creating the policies that are encouraging illegal immigration and he will not work in good faith with Republicans to fix the problem he created.

Mr. Speaker, we passed a border bill, H.R. 2, strong legislation to secure the American border. We passed that over 6 months ago. Just in the Border Patrol's Del Rio sector, we are seeing folks come across from countries like Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and China just to name a few, and over 300 documented cases of smuggling since October.

How many terrorists on 9/11 took down the World Trade Center? Nineteen.

Now we can identify a whole lot more terrorists coming in--300 documented cases of smuggling, as I said, since October. The weekly revenue for illicit human smuggling--let this sink in--$30 million a week. That is $120 million a month in the Del Rio sector alone, Mr. Speaker.

These are the people that Joe Biden is encouraging and enticing to come into our communities. We don't even know their background. Therefore, I can't say with confidence that we trust the Biden administration to perform due process, as he calls it, in processing illegal aliens before releasing them into our communities, into our States, and into our Nation.

This administration has a deliberate strategy to keep the border open and to continue the chaos, but Texas has had enough. Americans have had enough. Republicans are united to do whatever it takes to secure our southern border.

It is so simple, Mr. Speaker. All that the Biden administration needs to do to deter illegals and stop this crisis is to actually enforce laws already on the books.

Unfortunately, it has become painfully clear that President Biden prefers, instead, for 8 million or more illegal aliens to resettle in all 50 States and play a cynically partisan role in the future of American life by trying to make Democrats a permanent majority, or so they think.

They refuse to acknowledge what we understand so clearly, Mr. Speaker: it is simply that Americans of all stripes, all walks, all persuasions want a secure border.

The American people want these four things: End catch and release, Mr. President; build the wall, Mr. President; cease abuse of parole authority; reinstate remain in Mexico, Mr. President. It is just that simple. Secure the border, President Joe Biden.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I rise to celebrate the extraordinary life of our friend, our Texan, our true public servant, and as has been pointed out here, a trailblazer, the much respected and much loved Eddie Bernice Johnson, or EBJ, as my friend from Texas pointed out.

I had the honor of serving with her in the Texas delegation and on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where she served as the chairwoman. Before then, we went over to Europe on a T&I codel with her and her son, Kirk. I got to know her quite well.

Let me tell you, when you spend time, you eat and drink, you laugh and cry, and you see other places, you get to know people really quickly. It was an absolute pleasure to know her and her son, Kirk, an absolute pleasure, with the southern charm and the intellect that she had.

There was nothing that she loved more than her family, and she let that show.

Mr. Speaker, we lost one heck of a lady, a wonderful lady. My prayers are with her and her family, especially her son, Kirk. We are forever grateful to the trailblazer that she was--quite frankly, the trailblazer that she is and will be for a long time, never forgotten. We are grateful for her service to the United States and grateful for her service to the 30th District in Texas.

Eddie Bernice, you will be missed but not forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, the reason we study the Bible is because it is the history of God's creation of Earth starting in the Book of Genesis and in the creation of man and his fall in Genesis chapter 3.

Mr. Speaker, if you study the Bible, you will note that in Genesis 3:15, God promises to Adam and Eve that He will send someone to atone for their sin. You might further note that God promises that the one whom He will send will be wounded in the heel but that the atonement or what I call the ``at one ment,'' which is to be one with God which is Jesus, will crush the serpent or Satan's head.

Also note, Mr. Speaker, that He promises that the woman, or Eve's, seed, will crush the head of Satan. This is the only time I know of in God's Holy Word that the woman's offspring is referred to as the seed because the term is usually for the offspring of men and not for women.

Understand the virgin birth: there was no man's seed involved with the woman's pregnancy. It was the Holy Spirit of the living God. In this way God was stating way back in the first book of the Bible that Jesus was coming to atone for our sin.

Thousands of years later, Jesus shows up as prophesied by Isaiah in Isaiah chapter 7 where under the influence of the Holy Spirit Isaiah writes: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel, which is being interpreted as God with us.

This is the one in the New Testament whom John the Baptist pointed to and said: Yes, this is the one.

Jesus did live a sinless life, and He did go to the cross to pay for our sins. For me, he saved me on July 2, 1973, at 5:30 in the afternoon in Pearland, Texas.

Jesus is the Holy One of Israel and the anointed one whom God uses to save people from their sins.

That is why we study the Bible, Mr. Speaker. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It is important to study the Bible. Merry Christmas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the extraordinary life of one Allison Getz, who was a friend, a public servant, and a true Texan who has left a tremendous mark on southeast Texas.

Allison's public service wasn't just a job, Mr. Speaker. It was a calling. From chairing events like the Spindletop Ball to leading organizations such as the Symphony League, Temple Emanuel, and the Fire Museum of Texas, she demonstrated a deep commitment to the betterment of our community.

For the last 9 years, she served as Jefferson County tax assessor- collector. Her innovation and modernization efforts as tax assessor earned her the prestigious title of Tax Assessor of the Year for the entire State of Texas in 2021, and that is no easy task.

I speak for southeast Texas, Mr. Speaker. We are forever indebted to Allison's tireless devotion and dedication. Allison had always said three things when she talked with anyone. She said, ``How can I help? Is there anything you need?'' and she always finished with, ``I appreciate you.''

She was known for her huge heart, her love for her husband, Mike, her parents, children, grandchildren, and, most of all, southeast Texas.

Brenda and I were deeply saddened to learn about her passing on October 10, 2023. Our prayers are with her family during this very difficult time.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable public servant, let's remember Allison Julia Getz with a great deal of gratitude. May her legacy continue to inspire us to continue the work of service and compassion she so fervently championed.

We are grateful for Allison's dedication to community. We will miss her. She will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Joseph ``Joe'' Ruta

Mr. Speaker, I also rise to honor the life and legacy of one Joseph ``Joe'' Ruta, who passed away on October 14, 2023, at the age of 96.

Joe Ruta was born on February 25, 1927. He was one of the dwindling members of the Greatest Generation. Like so many others of his time, he actually lied about his age to join the Army during World War II. Joe served in Germany as an ambulance driver at Dachau concentration camp, where he saw firsthand the horrors of the Holocaust.

Upon returning home, he married Victoria Damico and became a truck driver. Vicky and Joe were married for 75 years, Mr. Speaker, having two children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. One of those grandchildren is my chief of staff, Jeanette Whitener. She is a jewel.

Joe was an avid card player, enjoyed doing puzzles, and especially enjoyed time spent with his family. He was an amazing husband and an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He served this country and his family with pride, generosity, and devotion.

Joe will be missed by his family and everyone who knew him. Another from the Greatest Generation is now gone.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of William ``Bill'' Biggs

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of William ``Bill'' Ambrose Biggs III, who passed away on November 16, 2023.

Bill Biggs was born in Abilene, Texas, on February 19, 1937. At the age of 11, he and his family, Mr. Speaker, moved to Austin, Texas, where his local adventures would make Tom Sawyer green with envy.

Bill graduated from Austin High School in 1955 and went directly to the University of Texas, where he graduated with a degree in chemistry in the year 1959. He also earned his MBA from Texas in 1961.

Following graduation, Bill went on Active Duty in the United States Army in 1962. During his military career, he earned his Ranger Tab, graduated from the Army War College, and rose to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve before retiring in 1988. His final commendation was the Legion of Merit.

Perpetually in motion, after the Army and retiring from his successful business in Pennsylvania, Bill returned to school, earned his J.D., juris doctor, from the St. Mary's School of Law in San Antonio, and graduated in 2020.

He was a tremendous husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, entrepreneur, citizen, soldier, and devoted Texas Longhorn. Bill will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.

Bidding Farewell to Bob Harvey

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bid farewell to a true titan of Texas, a man whose dedication has left an indelible mark on the landscape of the greater Houston region, Bob Harvey, the president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership.

Bob is retiring at the end of 2023. Over the past decade, under his steadfast leadership, the Houston metro area has witnessed unprecedented growth and prosperity.

A lifelong Houstonian, Bob dedicated each waking day to championing the city's expansion, working hand in hand with the business community to foster opportunities for every single Houstonian.

The Greater Houston Partnership is so much more than the Chamber of Commerce for one of America's great cities. Under Bob's guidance, the partnership became a beacon for economic development, advocating for policies that sustain the thriving business environment while enhancing the overall quality of life for all its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating my friend, Bob Harvey, on a well-deserved retirement.

I thank Bob for his service to our dynamic region and our beloved State of Texas. Blessings to him and his lovely wife, Vicki, and three great kids, Michael, Tom--who worked for us--and Mary, as he embarks on the next chapter of a life well lived.

Honoring the Incredible Life of John Paul Spees, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the incredible life of one Mr. John Paul Spees, Sr., a man whose journey from Gary, Indiana, through Lake Charles, Louisiana, to the great State of Texas left an indelible mark on our community.

Born in 1936, he went to be with Jesus on December 1, 2023.

Paul was a proud Navy veteran. Paul served 2 years on the USS Randolph. His dedication to our great country was surpassed only by his devotion to his family.

In 1958, he married his beautiful wife, the former Sheila Sarver, and together they were blessed with four children, of which we get the privilege of knowing Kelly and her great husband, Paul; four children; fourteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to God, family, and country, Paul loved skeet shooting-- at the world championship level, I might add--tinkering with cars, and sharing his musical talents on the piano and accordion. Now, we know where Kelly gets it from.

Mr. Speaker, though, we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well- lived with Kelly and Paul and all their family. We commend Paul Spees' legacy of love, laughter, and service.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Robert Moody

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a businessman and philanthropist, Robert Moody, who was known to many of us as Bobby.

Bobby's journey was one of resilience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to family and community in the city he cherished, which I am privileged to represent, Galveston, Texas.

Bobby's legacy is etched in the successes of businesses he shepherded for over six decades. His leadership transformed National Western Life Insurance Company and American National Insurance Company into industry leaders, providing financial security for millions.

Yet, Bobby's heart beat the strongest for our Galveston community, with a passion that is reflected in the creation of Moody Gardens and the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute, both testaments to his philanthropic vision.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bobby's devotion to his family was unparalleled. As a loving father, grandfather, and a great- grandfather, he effortlessly blended business acumen with the warmth of family life.

As we bid farewell to such a stalwart leader, a compassionate patriarch, and a beacon of generosity, let us hope, pray, and carry forward Bobby's legacy of resilience, empathy, as well as community stewardship. The island city of Galveston and the Moody family have lost a guiding light, Mr. Speaker, but Bobby's spirit lives on in the institutions he built and in the countless lives that he touched.

Celebrating 125 Years of Port Arthur, Texas

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 125 years of Port Arthur, Texas, a community with a storied history, located in the 14th Congressional District of the great State of Texas.

The city of Port Arthur began as a dream, quite frankly, of a railroad man named Arthur Stilwell, who envisioned it as a trade and tourism center and a port town that eventually wound up bearing his name.

From tankers navigating the waves to an oil boom that echoed with promises of prosperity, Port Arthur has been a beacon on the Gulf Coast. Refineries proudly claiming, ``we oil the world,'' the allure of Pleasure Island, a Cajun influx adding spice to our culture--I know that is true because my bride grew up in Italy. She can cook that Cajun food--and a museum on the Gulf Coast honoring our famous folk, Port Arthur is a tapestry of history as rich as the soil beneath our feet.

Earlier on, Port Arthur became the heartbeat of the petrochemical industry. In 1901, following the game-changing gusher of Spindletop, Gulf Oil Corporation set up shop, followed by Texaco in 1902.

This marked the dawn of a new era.

By 1957, we had become the center of the world's prosperous oil refining facilities, fueling not just our city, not just our State, but the world.

Today, Port Arthur is home to over 55,000 hardworking, salt-of-the- Earth folks. It is truly something special.

May I add that as your Representative of Port Arthur, I am grateful every day to stand before you as the voice of Port Arthur here in the hallowed Halls of Congress. Representing a community with such a rich history, where resilience and progress echo from every corner, is an honor beyond measure.

Here is to 125 years of Port Arthur's pride, their progress, and that enduring southeast Texas spirit that defines us. Happy anniversary, Port Arthur.

Congratulations to Norman Reynolds, Jr., on His Retirement

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Groves City Marshal, Mr. Norman Reynolds, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement.

This is the end of an era for the Groves Police Department. Norman Reynolds, Jr.'s, journey into law enforcement is a tale deeply intertwined with his family's legacy. A third-generation police officer, Norman joined the ranks through the encouragement and wise counsel of his father, Norman Reynolds, Sr.

With over 41 years of dedicated service, Mr. Speaker, Reynolds has not only become the longest serving law man in southeast Texas, but also a steadfast pillar in the Groves Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Marshal Reynolds for his unwavering service, his commitment to keeping our community safe, and for leading the Groves Police Department with dignity, as well as honor.

On behalf of a grateful community, it is my absolute honor and privilege to honor City Marshal Norman Reynolds. I join his wife, Becky, and his family and friends and colleagues in extending him best wishes in his retirement.

Crisis at the Border

Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about the border for just a second.

Joe Biden and company have allowed this situation at our southern border to escalate from a crisis to a full-blown catastrophe. It was announced just this past Tuesday, CBP saw more than 12,000 encounters with illegal immigrants along the border.

Let that sink in. Twelve thousand in one day crossed the border-- those are the ones they know about--that American taxpayers are having to pay for, I want to add. It is unconscionable.

Under this administration's failed policies, every town is a border town, Mr. Speaker, and the rest of the country is beginning to feel the strain that my home State of Texas has felt for so long under a constant stream of illegal migrants encouraged by President Biden's wide-open border.

That is why I introduced H.R. 6477, a bill that would effectively reimplement the remain in Mexico protocols established by and under President Trump.

It would crack down on the rampant abuse of the asylum system that has enabled so much of this problem. My bill would also hold the administration responsible for knowing the whereabouts and the status of illegal migrants throughout the parole process,

and I urge my colleagues to cosponsor it.

Congratulations to Alvin Community College for Educating Generations

from Texas

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievement of Alvin Community College.

Let me hasten to add that it is where I met my beautiful bride of 47 years 49 years ago in the cafeteria there at Alvin Junior College, or what was called Alvin Junior College.

Alvin Community College, once again, for the seventh time, ACC has been recognized by their prestigious Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in America.

The Aspen Institute's recognition, citing ACC's achievements in teaching, degree completion, workforce success, and equitable outcomes underscores the college's commitment to student success. Don't I know it.

As an ACC alum, I can personally attest to the transformative power of this institution. It laid the academic groundwork for my future and even, more importantly, became the serendipitous backdrop where I met my beautiful bride. Did I mention that, Mr. Speaker? I think I did.

Mr. Speaker, let me just say that I thank Alvin Community College for not only educating generations of folks from Texas 14th Congressional District and the neighboring communities, but I congratulate them for continuing to shine as one of the best in the Nation. ACC rocks.

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

Mr. Speaker, this crazy push to make EVs the only choice for U.S. car buyers without first building out our domestic supply chains for critical minerals is a recipe for dependence on China and, by extension, defaulting to China's filthy environmental practices.

Aren't we already too beholden to China? It really stinks, but, yes, we are.

Moreover, China's EV companies have announced significant investments to manufacture EVs in Mexico, presumably to gain access to the North American car market.

Why is the Biden White House hellbent on shoving their EV mandates down Americans' throats?

China is not our friend, Mr. Speaker, and unlike China's treatment of their very own citizens, we should not be dictating to Americans what they can or cannot drive. In America, we let consumers choose the cars they drive. It is that simple. Even one of our speakers over there said that she chose to drive an EV.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, due to a family health issue that required prompt attention, I missed two suspension votes last night regarding our greatest ally, Israel. Had I been present, I would have voted yes--without reservation--for both measures: I unequivocally reaffirm Israel's right to exist, and I support the immediate release of all hostages taken by the jihadist terrorist organization Hamas. I am thankful that my colleagues in Congress voted overwhelmingly in favor of these measures. Anyone familiar with my voting record knows that I have always stood foursquare in support of Israel and will continue to do so. Hamas must be eradicated, all prisoners must be released, and we must continue to remove any shred of doubt about Israel's right to exist.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one remarkable leader, Sheriff E.J. ``Joe'' King, whose life and legacy I hold with unwavering great respect.

He was and is an absolute legend in Brazoria County and will be missed by not only Brazoria County, but by many, many more. Brazoria County has lost an outstanding public servant whose contributions to our community are immeasurable.

Sheriff King's journey of public service began with 2 years in the United States Army, followed by a 12-year tenure as a trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety. He then went on to serve as a lieutenant with the Brazoria Police Department for 2 years before being elected as sheriff in 1980. For an impressive 24 years, he led with dedication as the Brazoria County sheriff until December of 2004.

Even after his tenure as sheriff, he answered the call to serve yet again once more becoming Brazoria County's judge in 2007 until his retirement in 2014.

Throughout his distinguished career, Sheriff King exemplified the true essence of a law enforcement officer. His courage, integrity, and relentless pursuit of justice set a standard for others to follow.

Under his leadership, the sheriff's office underwent significant reforms and embraced progressive initiatives, ensuring the safety and security of all its citizens.

Beyond his official duties, Joe King was deeply involved in the community. He actively supported charitable causes and community-driven initiatives, understanding the importance of connecting with residents and developing trust and cooperation. As county judge, he bridged the gap between government and the people, tirelessly addressing the needs of Brazoria County's population.

Sheriff King cherished his family most. His wife of 32 years, Jackie, his son, his daughter, and four grandsons were the center of his retirement years. He took immense pride in being a loving grandpa and a cattle rancher.

As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader, we take comfort in knowing that Joe King's legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the positive changes he made in Brazoria County.

It is now our responsibility as a community to honor his memory by carrying on his work, cherishing the values he embodied, and nurturing the spirit of service that he instilled in us all.

Mr. Speaker, let us all come together to remember and celebrate Sheriff King's remarkable life. Sheriff King may no longer be with us, but his legacy will continue to inspire us to build a brighter future for Brazoria County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Constable Christopher Bates, Sr., of Jefferson County Precinct 2, for being named the 2023 United States Constable of the Year by the National Constables and Marshals Association.

Constable Bates is a mainstay in the Jefferson County community, a leader in his precinct and in his church. He is truly an amazing example of the best from Texas 14.

I could not be prouder representing Constable Bates, as he not only represents Jefferson County, but the entire United States. With this accomplishment behind him, I am very excited to see what Constable Bates' future will hold for him and our community.

Please join me in recognizing the extraordinary service of Constable Christopher Bates, Sr. We are extremely proud of him.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize the president and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, a fighter for small businesses, an advocate for our youth, and a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Gina Spagnola.

I am very proud to stand here on the House floor and celebrate the remarkable Gina Spagnola for her 20 years of unwavering service to the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. Under her guidance, the chamber has thrived.

For over 178 years, the Galveston Regional Chamber's mission has been to foster business and community development, and Gina's leadership has elevated this historic institution to unprecedented heights.

Gina has not only embraced this mission, she has embodied it. Her unwavering commitment to Galveston Island and the broader Texas Gulf Coast region has been a driving force behind the chamber's success.

I could go on about the great work and things Gina has accomplished, but we could be here for hours. Instead, Madam Speaker, I will highlight a few things to give you a little picture of how lucky Galveston is to have her advocacy and passion for the businesses in our community.

One of Gina's proudest accomplishments has been the inauguration of this very Galveston Women's Conference she started 16 years ago. After

years of surprising and celebrating the amazing women in Galveston, we get to surprise her by celebrating her. Surprise, Gina.

Gina's ability to build effective relationships with elected officials has facilitated numerous achievements.

She championed the creation of Lemonade Day to help today's youth become the business leaders, the social advocates, the community volunteers, and the forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow.

In times of adversity, Gina's resilience and commitment shine through. Just 2 months after Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on Galveston Island, she spearheaded a successful recovery expo that enabled local businesses to reopen their doors. This initiative garnered State and national recognition, showcasing Gina's effectiveness in driving impactful initiatives. Gina's compassion extends beyond our District 14 and its borders.

Gina's remarkable leadership has been widely acknowledged. In December 2022, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce received a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the highest rating in the industry. Out of the 7,000 chambers in the Nation, only 142 hold this prestigious distinction, with the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce being just 1 of 27 in Texas and the only one in Galveston County, not to mention all of the awards and recognition she has received and all the boards she sits on and has sat on.

As I said, I could go on and on.

Madam Speaker, we thank Gina for two decades of remarkable service, but let us also celebrate the values of dedication, leadership, and community that she embodies.

Gina's legacy is one of inspiration, and we are grateful for her tireless efforts to make Galveston a better place. Congratulations on her outstanding achievements. May her journey ahead be as bright and rewarding as the path she has for our community.

I thank Gina for her unwavering commitment to Galveston and the Texas Gulf Coast. We are very blessed to have her in our lives, and I can't wait to cheer her on as she continues leading this chamber to greatness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a century of excellence at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.

For 100 years, this institution has been a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and progress in the great State of Texas.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving hub of education and research, Lamar University has transformed countless lives and shaped our community.

I commend the dedicated faculty, the staff, and the students who have contributed to this remarkable legacy.

Here is to 100 more years of empowering minds, fostering creativity, and making Texas and our Nation stronger. Happy centennial, Lamar University.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1338 promotes U.S. leadership in the commercial satellite communications industry by creating a regulatory environment that encourages innovation and investment in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I will tell you something. The Energy and Commerce Committee is all about encouraging innovation and investment in the United States.

This bill helps us to beat China. China is actively working to undermine U.S. leadership in the satellite communications marketplace and provide service to other allies so that they can gather intelligence.

This bill streamlines the process for modifications to existing satellite communications systems. The bill would ensure that modifications to existing satellite communications are not held up unnecessarily by new applications that may be more complex.

The bill also creates a regulatory fast lane for minor modifications that do not change the spectrum interference landscape in a meaningful way.

It incentivizes satellite communications systems to be good stewards of spectrum. By establishing a quantifiable level of protection that defines how each satellite communications system licensed by the FCC may use spectrum, the bill ensures a balance between competition and innovation.

It enhances FCC transparency and efficiency of processing NGSO satellite applications, for example, SpaceX.

The bill would provide direction to the FCC on how their satellite communications licensing rules should be designed.

By creating objective, measurable, and technology-neutral performance objectives, satellite operators will have flexibility to design their systems without government overregulation.

Mr. Speaker, we need H.R. 1338.

Mr. Chair, would that the other side of the aisle cared as much about unborn babies and worried about their safety as well.

Mr. Chair, let's get this right. First, the Biden administration decides to come after the cars that Americans drive, then it is how Americans heat their homes, and now they want to determine how Americans cook their food? For what?

All in the name of climate change? Oh, this ought to help, making sure that Americans can only use stoves that they think they ought to use.

Mr. Chair, I am not sure what dimension--or might I say dementia-- that the Biden administration is living in, but the American people do not want out-of-touch bureaucrats to control what stoves they use in their houses.

I might add that folks in my great State of Texas have a slogan, ``Don't Mess with Texas.'' My message to the Biden administration is, don't mess with our gas stoves.

House Republicans, Mr. Chair, are tired of the blatant overreach, and that is why I am proud to cosponsor the Save Our Gas Stoves Act, and I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Once we get this bill passed, then we can say, now we are cooking with gas.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Bruce Spitzengel and GrantWorks:

Whereas, 48 years ago, Mr. Bruce Spitzengel started working as a city planner for Texas City and a year later became the assistant planning director for Pasadena, Texas; these positions led to the founding of a company in 1979 that would eventually become GrantWorks, benefiting State, county, and city governments with services to facilitate resilient infrastructure facilities, economic development, and single- family and multifamily affordable housing; and

Whereas, GrantWorks provides the knowledge of both State and Federal programs to address the primary needs of local governmental localities to serve their constituents with facilities and housing components to create a more resilient future for their communities; and

Whereas, Mr. Spitzengel and his lovely bride, Jody, utilized the principles learned through years of experience to expand vital services not offered by other companies assisting more than 450 cities and counties across the State and recognizing the need to expand services to address disaster recovery assistance beginning with Hurricane Rita and continuing with Hurricanes Dolly, Ike, and Harvey, as well as other Federally declared disasters to this day; and

Whereas, GrantWorks' record of service continues by assisting with the acquisition and management of financial awards for resilient infrastructure, having managed over $8 billion of assistance for local government and provided administration services for over 5,000 single- family units for low- and moderate-income houses; and

Whereas, recognizing the needs of others, Bruce and the GrantWorks' culture of service to those they serve, the company matched 100 percent employee contribution for many years supporting food pantries, and has assisted thousands of households with relief for medical debt; and

Whereas, GrantWorks created an ongoing scholarship program in recognition of a valued employee in her name, Betty Collier, upon her passing, to the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, a professional organization dedicated to serving the demands of excellence in Texas' local government; and

Whereas, since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Rockport, Texas, on August 25 of 2017, GrantWorks contributed an executive staff member to assist the county for over 1 year with emergency management support at no cost; and

Whereas, GrantWorks to this day ranks number one in serving more Texas cities and counties with the widest range of program offerings than any other company in Texas.

Now, therefore, I, Randy Weber, Representative of Texas' 14th District, do hereby proclaim an official recognition of Bruce Spitzengel and GrantWorks, Incorporated, for tremendous work serving the needs of Texas families and local government.

Proclamation to Honor Steve Mataro, Servant Builders, and DSW Homes

Mr. Speaker, I also rise to honor Steve Mataro:

Whereas, just over 35 years ago, Mr. Mataro founded Servant Builders as a recovery mission geared toward helping young men with addiction learn a trade in construction while rebuilding relationships with families and communities; and

Whereas, Servant Builders provided job training and placement assistance for over 200 men, enabling a better future for their entire families; and

Whereas, Mr. Mataro utilized the same principles learned through Servant Builders in launching DSW Homes in southeast Texas in 2009 to assist rebuilding homes following Hurricane Rita, often providing job training and assistance to the very men whose homes were being rebuilt; and

Whereas, lessons learned via Servant Builders are displayed in often accommodating low-income and elderly homeowners, driving clients to construction appointments, and even temporarily paying their rents; and

Whereas, now operating in four states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DSW Homes currently completes an average of 1,000 homes annually in disaster-hit regions with a record of 15 days from demolition to completion for a total of 12,000 homes; and

Whereas, since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Rockport, Texas, on August 25, 2017, DSW Homes has rebuilt homes for over 3,000 families throughout five recovery zones.

Now, therefore, I, Randy Weber, as the Representative of Texas' 14th District, and Michael Cloud, Representative of Texas' 27th District, on June 7 of 2023, do hereby proclaim an official recognition of Steve Mataro for tremendous work with Servant Builders and DSW Homes.