Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the Army National Guard's 236th Engineering Company. Located in Stephenville, Texas, they were the first on the ground in Houston to assist with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts on August 27. Over the course of a week, they rescued approximately 2,300 civilians and 380 animals from flooded areas.

Mr. Speaker, these men and women who serve our country are true heroes, and I am honored to represent them in the 25th Congressional District of Texas. I had the opportunity to meet with these soldiers a few weeks ago and personally shake their hands to thank them for a job well done.

They stepped up in a moment of absolute crisis and when the people of Texas needed them most. They put their lives on the line in order to save others. Without them, the number of deaths could have been significantly higher.

It is because of selfless people like these that America is able to remain the strongest country in the world. The Lone Star State cannot thank them enough for their swift and noble actions, and we will always remember their heroism.

Hurricane Harvey victims are still recovering, and all of America is behind them. We will rebuild together because we are all Texas strong.

God bless Texas, God bless the military, and God bless the United States of America.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th Birthday of Buddy Rich, and to celebrate his status as the world's greatest drummer, along with his patriotism and love of country. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Buddy Rich was known for his virtuoso technique, power, and speed. His legacy to the genre of jazz will live on forever

Madam Speaker, today, I would like to recognize and congratulate the Abbott High School baseball team on being this year's Division 1A State champions.

Located in Abbott, Texas, this small town high school has defied the odds. Since opening its doors in 1886, this is the first time the baseball program has earned the title of State champions.

Just last week, I visited the Panthers, as well as Principal Pustejovsky and Head Coach Crawford. It was an honor to meet them and these young Americans and be able to congratulate them on a hard-earned victory.

As a former baseball player myself, it is inspiring to watch a new wave of students become interested in America's favorite pastime. These boys are bright and eager to do their best by giving 110 percent at all times, and that is the kind of spirit we need in this country.

In a time when we are finally recovering from the last 8 years of turmoil, kids like these are exactly the driving force behind what will make this country great again.

Madam Speaker, as long as I am up here in Washington, I am committed to continuing to fight for our Nation's future generations.

I am proud to represent the black and gold in the 25th Congressional District of Texas, and I look forward to watching their baseball careers unfold.

And, remember, keep your head over the plate, swing as hard as you can, and always look fastball.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gregory Watson of Texas' 25th Congressional District, and to recognize the 25th Anniversary this year of the unconventional ratification of the 27th Amendment to the Constitution in 1992. And just days from now, September 17, 2017, will mark the 230th Anniversary of our Constitution's drafting in Philadelphia during the year 1787.

The 27th Amendment is brief and to the point: ``No law, varying the compensation for

the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.''

A decade prior to the irregular ratification of the 27th Amendment, one of my constituents, Gregory Watson, was a 19-year-old student at the University of Texas at Austin tasked with writing a term paper for a course in American Government. Through his research, Watson stumbled upon a still-pending proposed constitutional amendment that the First Congress had offered in 1789, pursuant to Article V, to the State legislatures for ratification pertaining to the compensation of Members of Congress. Despite the intriguing nature and depth of research of his paper, Watson earned a grade of ``C'' on it, and in the class overall. That grade stood for 35 years until May 2017 when the overall course grade was officially raised to an ``A'' by UT-Austin upon formal petition of Watson's former professor.

Unfazed at the time by the original low grade on his paper, Watson began in the Spring of 1982 reaching out to seek sponsorship of the proposed constitutional amendment in state capitols across the United States. In 1983, the Maine Legislature became Watson's first success story. After that, in 1984, Colorado's lawmakers gave their approval at Watson's urging. And from that point forward--with Watson pressing every step of the way--the proposal's momentum strengthened until it officially became the 27th Amendment to the Constitution on May 5, 1992, when the Alabama Legislature approved it, just over 10 years after Watson first learned of it. Later that month, both Houses of the 102nd Congress voted to accept the 27th Amendment's unorthodox path to final ratification.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would say that the story of a determined student should serve as a reminder of how much influence average citizens can have if they will step up and get involved in the political process.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize and honor Fort Hood on its 75th anniversary on Monday, September 18, 2017.

Representing Fort Hood--one of the largest military bases in the world--is the greatest honor I have as the Representative of Texas' 25th Congressional District. Known as The Great Place, it is the gold standard for the U.S. Army. It is composed of some of the bravest and most selfless people we have in this country. Located near Killeen, this 340-square-mile installation is invaluable to the local community.

Home to approximately 140,000 people, this post provides economic relief by fostering over 12,000 civilian jobs. In a time where our country is finally recovering from financial turmoil, job opportunities are essential for the growth of this Nation.

As a true treasure of Texas, this small but powerful area affects the entire State by contributing $35.4 billion to the Texas economy. Fort Hood is committed to those of us who are lucky enough to call it the Lone Star State, by providing the most employees on a single site in the State of Texas.

When it comes to our Nation's national security, Fort Hood does not shy away. Since 2003, this post deployed and redeployed more than 852,000 soldiers overseas. Fort Hood is made up of some of the finest soldiers I have ever had the opportunity to meet, and I would like to congratulate The Great Place on reaching its diamond anniversary--75 years.

Three-quarters of a century of being a fully operational, active military post is something we can and should be proud of. As I said before, Fort Hood is a special part of the 25th District, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to fight on behalf of these brave men and women each and every day in Washington.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Roll Call No. 407, 408 and 409. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 407, YEA on Roll Call No. 408, and YEA on Roll Call No. 409.

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau implemented their most recent arbitration rule. While this rule claims consumer protection, it does the very opposite. It will cost Americans more of their hard-earned money and time.

The CFPB is arguably the most powerful and yet unaccountable government agency in the history of this country. By intentional design, the CFPB is not accountable to Congress or the taxpayer.

According to the D.C. Circuit, the unelected CFPB Director, Richard Cordray, ``possesses more unilateral authority than any single commissioner or board member in any other independent agency in the U.S. Government.''

What does this mean exactly? Well, it means that no one is checking the Director's actions. The CFPB is able to evade all limits and restraints proposed by the government. Because of this, Director Cordray is only looking out for one person--that is himself.

The CFPB chose to ignore their own study because the results did not fit the narrative they were trying to impose on Americans. This study showed that the average consumer receives $5,400--we have heard this already--in cash relief when using arbitration, as opposed to an inadequate $32 through class action suits.

In addition, the study concluded that the use of arbitration produced a higher recovery rate and shorter timeline for the consumer, and that is good. Regardless of this study, Director Cordray has refused to acknowledge that taxpayers will feel the immediate damage that comes from limiting their options by being forced to pay more for less.

Bottom line, this is just another example of overregulation by the CFPB taking away the option of arbitration that will hurt all Americans.

As a small business owner, I have gone both ways. Arbitration wins every single time for those involved. It is called fairness.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Keith Rothfus for leading the way on this much-needed CRA. I encourage all my colleagues to join us in repealing this harmful rule and ensuring the Bureau is not able to issue any similar rule relating to arbitration.

In God We Trust.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for that nice introduction, I thank him for what he is doing, and I thank him for bringing rural America together tonight in the people's House.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize rural America and the impact it has on our Nation. Rural America makes up 72 percent of our country's land, and roughly 46.2 million Americans simply call it home.

Our country has been relying on rural America since the beginning. It is where our roots are, where our values are, and where our heritage began.

The 25th District of Texas, which I am honored to represent, has tens of thousands of hardworking men and women who are employed in the agricultural industry. These men and women make up a large driving force that help supply our Nation's families with products we would be unable to get otherwise.

But it is more than that. These folks instill values, such as hard work, ethics, taking days on and not taking days off, doing the right thing, and taking care of your neighbor. This is the fabric of our Nation that is passed on from generation to generation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight a few specific rural areas in my district that are truly making a difference.

Located in Stephenville, Texas, the Tarleton State University's Southwest Regional Dairy Center is a one-of-a-kind facility. This establishment is home to hundreds of cows that are used for teaching purposes, research for higher education, and directly contributes to the dairy industry in Texas and all of the Southwest. I am proud to represent this unique institution that not only provides goods to our Nation, but also serves as a learning institute, so we can train the dairy farmers of tomorrow.

I would also like to recognize the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, located in rural Glen Rose, Texas. This power plant has been providing reliable clean power to Texas' electric grid for almost 27 years. Taking up approximately 10,000 acres of land, this plant can power about 1.15 million homes. Their standard of quality is what has made Comanche Peak one of the best nuclear power plants in the Nation, and I am proud to represent it in our district.

It is because of rural places like these and the people that work there that our country is able to run dependably and efficiently. It is why America is the greatest country in the world. And we sometimes think Texas might be the best place in America.

I applaud their efforts, and I look forward to continuing to represent them here in the United States Congress. And I remind you that you need to go see the 25th District. You are going to like it.

But the people in the 25th District just ask several things. They just ask that we believe in the Constitution. They just ask that we have a conscience. They just ask that we listen to them. And they also just ask that we read the Bible. I am proud to represent the people in the 25th District.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to speak on behalf of H.R. 2910, Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act, and the potential impact it could have on our Nation.

Right now, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is the lead agency for coordinating required reviews and authorizations for interstate natural gas pipelines. In order to start a pipeline project, you need multiple permits from a variety of platforms as well as coordination from Federal, State, and local governments.

As history has shown us time and time again, a multistep approval process just does not work. Mixing three different levels of government has and always will be a recipe for total disaster. It makes for unnecessary delays that are caused by too many cooks in the kitchen.

I fully support my friend and colleague Representative Bill Flores' bill that will promote more timely and efficient reviews. We need to strengthen FERC's lead agency role that it was designed to create accountability and transparency.

Overall, this bill will encourage more timely and efficient reviews and keep energy prices affordable for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying bill.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address digital currency. This new financial platform is recreating the structures of international finance, and in part offers many exciting opportunities for our future.

However, our nation must ensure that the rise of digital currency, and its use within our borders, does not help aid the actions of terrorists, criminals, and others who want to hurt us.

In recent weeks, the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance of the House Financial Services Committee, led by its chairman, Congressman Steve Pearce, held a critical hearing entitled ``Virtual Currency: Financial Innovation and National Security Implications.''

Mr. Speaker, at this hearing, the serious national security implications of digital currency, and its use by terrorists was examined. Unless we in Congress develop rational and balanced policies, we may be enabling the very terrorists who wish to destroy us.

Of particular concern is that many of the leading digital currencies are not compliant with the ``Anti-Money Laundering'' and ``Know Your Customer'' requirements that we demand of our other financial institutions. This lack of compliance provides a widely opened door for forces of evil to finance their terrible endeavors.

The question, Mr. Speaker, is how we are able to balance our desire to protect our nation and innocents around the world from terror, while not losing our freedoms or economic opportunities.

At this time, virtually all the world's digital currencies are not compliant with the critical AML/KYC standards we expect of our other institutions. Some in the digital currency world argue that digital finance requires a relaxation of these standards. This is absolutely incorrect.

I encourage Congress to continue its efforts to study digital finance, and I am hopeful that, in the coming weeks, our focus will attend to the issue of AML/KYC compliance, highlighting those currencies that refuse to provide this safeguard, and examining and encouraging those who do.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Hensarling for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. Chair, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has cost American small businesses, American entrepreneurs, and the American taxpayers millions of dollars in regulatory costs since the inception.

I actually own a business. I am a small-business owner, and I can tell you it is horrible legislation. And although this rouge and unaccountable agency hides behind the false pretense that its actions protect consumers, there could be nothing further from the truth.

Take, for example, the ability to exempt small community financial institutions from any rule they impose. In fact, Dodd-Frank gives them explicit authority to do so. Yet because they lack congressional oversight, because they have a director who cannot be removed at will, they simply do absolutely nothing.

Mr. Chair, if my colleagues are looking for a reason to vote for this bill, they should look no further than the reforms that helped rein in the CFPB.

Specifically, I am happy to see the committee-incorporated provision I introduced last Congress which would apply the REINS Act to all financial agencies, including the CFPB.

Over the last 12 years, $55 billion in regulatory costs have been levied by our financial agencies, and this must end, and it must end now.

Again, the Financial CHOICE Act is a win for American taxpayers. It is purely a win for Americans who are sick and tired of the heavy hand of Washington.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this rule because it is time to, once and for all, end the harmful regulations caused by this disastrous law.

Mr. Speaker, let me take just a few moments to talk to you about the harmful effects Dodd-Frank has had on my home State of Texas. As of just a few months ago, in Texas alone, 358 State or federally chartered banks, credit unions, or thrifts have either closed or merged since 2010, when Dodd-Frank became law.

According to our Texas State Banking Commission, the last bank or credit union chartered in Texas was in 2009, in a State with one of the healthiest economies in the country. Mass consolidations and closures have left many Texans few options, something the previous administration promised.

While Dodd-Frank aimed at fixing our recovering financial system, one-size-fits-all regulations have only hurt one person: the consumer. Increased bank fees, less access to consumer credit products, 1,000- page rules, and billions of dollars in regulatory costs all have become the hallmark of our financial system over the last 7 years.

To my friends on the other side of the aisle, I will leave you with this: If you support crushing regulations that have hurt our community banks and our credit unions, if you support taxpayer bailouts, if you support an agency that is accountable to none, and if you support less accountability for both Washington and Wall Street, would you please vote against this rule and the underlying bill?

But if you support financial opportunity for all, taxpayer bailout for none, less regulations on small community financial institutions, and more accountability and transparency, then support this bill, support consumers, and support Main Street America.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize Military Appreciation Month.

This month allows us the opportunity to educate Americans regarding the impact our military has had throughout history.

This month allows us to honor the important men and women who have served and who are serving in uniform.

Mr. Speaker, this month allows us to celebrate over 90 million patriots who chose to put our country before themselves.

As a Representative of the 25th Congressional District of Texas, it is my

honor to represent Fort Hood Army Base. I am proud to speak on behalf of ``The Great Place.'' Located in Killeen, Texas, this 340-square-mile installation is the gold standard for the Army.

My visits to Fort Hood have given me a deeper appreciation for our military and their families. This appreciation is why I would like to recognize Memorial Day, which we will all celebrate on Monday, May 29.

This day reminds us of the brave men and women who gave up their todays so we could have our tomorrows. It gives us a chance to say thank you to a soldier, sailor, airman, coastguardsman, or a marine. Please join me in paying tribute to military members who have given our country the ultimate sacrifice.

May God bless our troops. God bless The Great Place, and God bless the United States of America.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of the two children who die every single day in the United States as a result of drowning.

I want to recognize the Young Men's Christian Association, the YMCA, for their efforts to empower youth with the imperative skills and knowledge to prevent these tragic accidents.

Drowning is the number two cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, second only to birth defects. In Texas alone, 107 children lost their lives due to drowning last year. In 2017, we have already lost 14.

Mr. Speaker, these statistics are absolutely unacceptable. Both in Texas and across the Nation, there is an opportunity and a need to save these young individuals.

The YMCA is example of an organization that is changing the statistics for kids across the country. It is bringing swimming safety and drowning prevention to communities that historically could not obtain them before. It partners with local schools to transport kids to the Y for year-round swimming lessons.

I am proud to say that the YMCA of Austin is one of many across the country implementing the Safety Around Water program. The program strives to reduce these incidences by going into overlooked communities to provide the necessary resources for kids who otherwise would not have access to these lifesaving skills.

I applaud the Austin YMCA on its tireless efforts to save the lives of our children.

In God we trust.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of law enforcement not only in my district, but around the Nation.

This week is National Police Week, and it marks an important time for our country. These men and women are an elite group worthy of our praise and recognition. They are true American patriots whose acts of courage must be honored and acknowledged.

Too many heroes lost their lives in the line of duty last year. Multiple of them were in my home State of Texas, as well as in my district.

Every single day, Federal, State, and local police officers around the country put their lives on the line to protect their fellow Americans. Mr. Speaker, I came up here to speak on behalf of all Americans and express our appreciation for our law enforcement. These are the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping the peace and carrying out justice.

Congress has worked and will continue to work hard to guarantee that these brave men and women are provided with the tools needed to do their jobs and maintain public safety. We will also remain persistent to ensure those who harm law enforcement officers are brought to justice.

I applaud those in law enforcement who have voluntarily put their lives on the line for all of us.

In God we trust.