Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, since President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan assumed office one year ago, she has continued to bolster the robust and beneficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan.

President Tsai has repeatedly stated over the past year her commitment to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. To help Taiwan support this goal, we must ensure that its legitimate defense requirements are adequately addressed. This is an ironclad commitment that is unequivocally articulated in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. In fact, in March of this year, two of our upgraded Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates were delivered to Taiwan, highlighting our existing strong military and security ties.

Looking forward, we are confident that the U.S. and Taiwan will build on our already solid foundation and continue to foster our bilateral relations across a wide ranging number of fields. I look forward to hearing the Trump Administration's plans for deepening this relationship in the years ahead.

I congratulate President Tsai on her first anniversary as the President of Taiwan, and look forward to even closer U.S.-Taiwan cooperation under her leadership in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Police Week and the courageous law enforcement officers who protect the great State of Tennessee.

This week, we have thousands of police from across the country here in Washington, D.C., to honor the valiant men and women in blue.

Among the 145 heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2016, six hail from the Volunteer State. I would like to recognize Special Agent Frazier with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Sergeant Allred with the Livingston Police Department, Deputy Sheriff Larnerd with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Officer Moats with the Maryville Police Department, Sergeant Smith with the Memphis Police Department, and Deputy Sheriff Sturgill with the Humphrey County Police Department. I stand today to recognize their service and extreme sacrifice.

Tennessee law enforcement officers often risk their own lives to protect the safety of others. I honor and respect these brave men and women, and I pray for them and their families.

Mr. Speaker, during National Police Week, and throughout the year, let us all remember to ``Back the Badge.''

Mr. Speaker, Monday, April 10th marks the 38th anniversary of the 1979 enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA).

The United States and Taiwan are bound by shared values, and the TRA commits the U.S. to providing Taiwan with the arms needed for its defense, while advocating a peaceful resolution to the contentious issues separating Beijing and Taipei. The people of Taiwan may rest assured that regardless of changes in administrations or the partisan composition of Congress, the TRA endures. Taiwan's freedom, democracy, and security will remain one of the highest interests of the United States, and our relationship will continue to grow and strengthen in the years and decades to come.

In 1982, three years after the TRA's enactment, President Ronald Reagan issued the Six Assurances, another important component in strengthening this relationship. Together, the TRA and the Six Assurances have been instrumental in providing Taiwan with the security and space necessary for its people to build one of the most vibrant democracies and societies of the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr. Speaker, I was gratified to hear that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the TRA and the Six Assurances in his confirmation hearing earlier this year. I know many of my colleagues will join me in seconding this commitment.

I also noticed that Chinese President Xi is visiting the United States this week. It is our hope that the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting is constructive as U.S. engagement of the PRC is important to the peace and stability of the region. It is also our hope and insistence that US-Taiwan relations and Taiwan's security and interests are not in any way compromised.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration in moving forward on the issues that are of mutual interest between our two countries, and I offer my best wishes to the people of Taiwan on the occasion of this 38th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Major General Gus Hargett, a staunch advocate for the National Guard and one of the most widely respected Tennesseans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

After more than 6 years as president of the National Guard Association for the United States, Gus will be stepping down next month. In all, he has more than 47 years of military service.

He enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1962 as an infantry soldier and served in a variety of staff and leadership positions in his home State, in the Pentagon, and overseas. During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, he was chief of operations and exercises at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia.

Prior to his retirement from the military, Hargett served as the Tennessee Adjutant General. Since his appointment to association president in 2010, Gus has led the association's day-to-day operations in Washington, D.C., and has worked tirelessly on behalf of guardsmen across the globe by advocating for and spearheading groundbreaking legislative achievements.

Among his most memorable and significant accomplishments was his work adding the National Guard Bureau Chief to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Throughout his career, he has committed himself to promoting the National Guard and improving the overall quality of life for our Nation's soldiers in harm's way.

I want to take this moment to thank Major General Gus Hargett for his years of service to our country and for his tireless work on behalf of our Nation's guardsmen and their families.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor Colonel Byron Deel, Chief of the Joint Staff, Tennessee National Guard. After 32 years of dedicated service to our state and country, Colonel Deel has announced his retirement, effective February 5, 2017.

Over the course of his career, Byron has held numerous leadership roles with a wide range of responsibilities. Whether it be his time as Company Commander of the 173rd Personnel Support Company, his command of the Joint Counterdrug Task Force or his current position as Chief of the Joint Staff, Byron has exemplified a work ethic and regard for others that is second-to-none. As such, he has more than earned the utmost admiration and respect that his colleagues and peers hold for him.

Colonel Deel's career includes two deployments: In 2001 to Bosnia, where he was responsible for supporting the State Department as military liaison and intelligence officer. In 2005, he deployed to Afghanistan as an Embedded Team Trainer as part of the 196th Field Artillery Brigade. There he served as a mentor in Intelligence and Operations to the Afghan National Army.

Byron's exemplary service to our nation is reflected in the numerous commendations and military decorations he has received, including: The Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Tennessee National Guard Distinguished Service Medal, among a long list of many others.

It is also important to mention that his wife, Mary Deel, whom Byron introduces as ``the Better Deal'', also serves in the National Guard as the Education Services Officer.

On a personal note, Byron has been an invaluable resource for me and my staff on issues impacting our guardsmen. While I am sorry that Tennessee is losing an officer of such high caliber, on behalf of the grateful citizens of Tennessee's Fourth District, I extend a heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service to this great country and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Colonel Byron Deel, Chief of the Joint Staff, Tennessee National Guard, who will be retiring this week after 32 years of dedicated service.

Throughout his career, Byron has held numerous leadership roles with a wide range of responsibilities. Whether it be his command of the Joint Counterdrug Task Force or his current position as Chief of the Joint Staff, Byron has exemplified a work ethic and a regard for others that is second to none.

Colonel Deel's career includes two deployments: in 2001 to Bosnia and in 2005 to Afghanistan. His exemplary service is reflected in the numerous commendations he has received, including the Bronze Star and the Tennessee National Guard Distinguished Service Medal, among a long list of many others. It is also important to mention that his wife, Mary Deel, whom Byron introduces as the ``better deal,'' serves in the National Guard as the Education Services Officer.

On a personal note, Byron has been an invaluable resource for me and my staff on issues that impact our guardsmen. While I am sorry that Tennessee is losing an officer of such high caliber, I extend a heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor the life and service of Private First Class (PFC) Forrest Wells upon his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal.

PFC Wells landed on the shores of Normandy in June of 1944, as a member of the 113th Field Artillery of the 30th Infantry Division, nicknamed ``Old Hickory.''

During their deployment to Europe, the 30th Infantry Division assisted in the liberation of Saint-Lo, fought off the German counter- attack at Mortain, was the first infantry division to enter Belgium and the Netherlands, and was instrumental in halting the German offensive near Malmedy during the ``Battle of the Bulge.''

On July 29, 1944, while serving as a member of a gun section outside of Hebecrevon, France, PFC Wells' battery was subjected to a heavy aerial attack. During this bombardment, the gunpowder surrounding one of the units 155 mm howitzers was set ablaze. Without hesitation, PFC Wells left his sheltered position and rushed over to extinguish the flames, thereby eliminating the danger it posed to his fellow soldiers and saving valuable materials from destruction.

In recognition of his service, Brigadier General James M Lewis, Commanding Officer 30th Infantry Division, awarded PFC Wells with a certificate of merit in the days following the incident.

More than 70 years later, the United States Army, by order of the Secretary of the Army, announced that PFC Forrest Wells would posthumously receive the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in active ground combat.

Long overdue, this recognition is certainly well-deserved and is a testament to the heroism and dedication to duty that marked PFC Wells' exemplary service during World War II.

I wish to extend to the Wells family my sincere congratulations upon receiving this award, as well as my heartfelt thanks for Private Wells' outstanding service to our great country.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Sergeant Lecil Nolan, USA (Ret.), who was recently awarded the 29th Palmer Veterans Appreciation Award, an honor presented annually on Veterans Day by the City of Palmer, Tennessee.

Following his graduation from Grundy County High School in 1969, Lecil enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division and was deployed to Vietnam from January to December of 1971.

After returning home, Sgt. Nolan went to work for the United States Postal Service, where he spent the next 29 years and 10 months serving his local community.

Sgt. Nolan's outstanding service is reflected in the numerous commendations and military decorations he has received, including: the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal with Numeral 1, Bronze Star, Marksman (Rifle), and 1st Class Gunner (MGM-60).

Mr. Speaker, this recognition is certainly well-deserved and is a testament to our community's appreciation for Sgt. Nolan's service in the United States Army.

I, along with the grateful citizens of Tennessee's Fourth District, extend a heartfelt thanks to Sgt. Lecil Nolan, as well as to all of our veterans, for their sacrifices made and service rendered to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students, faculty and staff of the McFadden School of Excellence in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for the leadership they have shown in promoting recycling and environmental stewardship.

In acknowledgment of their hard work, the McFadden School was selected as a winner of the 2014 Good Sports Always Recycle Award sponsored by Eastman Chemical Company, the University of Tennessee, Waste Connections, and Food City. This selection, made by the nation's largest stadium recycling program, recognizes ten schools annually as having the best recycling programs throughout Tennessee.

As Tennesseans, we are truly blessed to live in a beautiful state with an abundance of natural resources. Therefore, I commend the McFadden School for their efforts in protecting our natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

On behalf of the people of Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District, I congratulate the students, faculty and staff of the McFadden School of Excellence for their leadership in promoting environmental stewardship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alexis Hardrick of Girl Scout Cadette Troop #1677, who recently earned the Girl Scout's prestigious Silver Award.

The Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette can earn and was presented to

Alexis for her project on raising awareness about Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Additionally, Alexis also earned the Girl Scout Journey Award and completed over 50 hours of work and planning devoted to this cause.

In the spring of 2013, Alexis began to research CF, a disease her sister has been diagnosed with. Shortly thereafter, she compiled a learning board exhibit which detailed the effects caused by CF.

Over the next several months, Miss Hardrick traveled to various events around Lewisburg, Tennessee, discussing her learning board and arranging activities to promote a greater understanding of CF. Moreover, during the fall of 2013, Alexis enlisted the help of her Girl Scout Troop to host CF Awareness Day and from all accounts was a great success.

On behalf of the people of Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District, I want to congratulate Alexis on receiving the Silver Award and thank her for her dedication and hard work in raising awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.

Mr. Speaker, Friday, October 3, is National Manufacturing Day. In honor of this day, I rise to recognize the important role held by the employees and businesses of the manufacturing community. Back home in Tennessee, the manufacturing industry accounts for nearly 15 percent of the state's total output and employs approximately 12 percent of its workforce.

Over the last several years, I have had the opportunity to meet and visit with a variety of manufacturers across Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District, and I always leave with an admiration for their commitment to providing high-quality products and services. Although the term ``manufacturing'' refers to a broad range of operations, one commonplace characteristic held by industry members is a sincere dedication not only to their occupations, but to the communities in which they work.

This unique trait is exemplified across the Fourth Congressional District, especially in Bradley County, where businesses such as McKee Foods, Whirlpool, Duracell and many others, not only provide a major boost to our State's economy, but also volunteer countless hours and resources to support an untold number of civic and charitable endeavors.

In light of all the contributions made, the manufacturing industry and its members are more than deserving of recognition on National Manufacturing Day.

I applaud the hard-working individuals and businesses who comprise the manufacturing industry and who continue to make the great state of Tennessee proud.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 103rd national day of the Republic of China (ROC), which is known by most Americans as Taiwan.

Double Ten Day, which as the name implies falls on October 10, commemorates the Wuchang Uprising, an event that triggered a revolution leading to the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the ROC on January 1, 1912.

The United States has since stood by the ROC as we faced common enemies over the course of World War II and through the Cold War. With the creation and enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, Congress guaranteed the continuing importance of the special U.S.- Taiwan relationship. Through the hard work and determination of its people, Taiwan has built a democracy that has witnessed direct presidential elections every four years since 1966 and has twice seen the peaceful passage of power from one political party to another.

Taiwan is a shining example to other countries who aspire to democracy both in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. It is a regional and global economic and cultural force as a major innovator in high-technology and contributor to art and fashion. Through our shared security partnership, Taiwan also contributes to the security of the Asia-Pacific region.

With the rise of tensions over the Diaoyutai/Senkaku Islands and other areas of the East China Sea two years ago--tensions that remain prevalent today--Taiwan under the leadership of President Ma Ying-jeou proposed an East China Sea peace initiative. It calls for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions among the claimants to promote mutual benefit from the natural-bounties of the disputed waters. This kind of vision is sorely needed in these types of global disputes, and it should be given due consideration by the international community.

At a House Foreign Affairs hearing this past March, the State Department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs responded positively to President Ma's proposal. I hope my colleagues will study it and consider its proposals. And in appreciation of Taiwan's many

contributions to the global community, I hope that they will join me in wishing the people of Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.

Mr. Speaker, on July 30, 2014, I was unable to cast a vote on rollcall No. 468 due to a personal health matter.

Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of rollcall No. 468, H. Res. 676, to provide for the authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the hard work and dedication of students in Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District who participate in Franklin County High School's National Defense Cadet Corps in Winchester.

Once again, these students were Senior National Finalists in the 34th Annual National Energy Education Development Project's Youth Awards.

They were presented the award in Washington, DC. on June 23, 2014. The cadets were recognized for their excellence in environmental education. This year's projects included studying the feasibility of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternate energy source. The Elk River Public Utility District contributed by providing benefits and a demonstration including test driving of their CNG vehicles. The students increased their knowledge on solar power production by visiting the Duck River Electric Municipal Cooperative solar farm.

One of their most unique recycling efforts not only saved 22 trees but promoted literacy among elementary school children. The cadets sponsored a community wide book drive called ``Ride for Reading.'' This is a national effort to deliver free books to Title I schools. The Cadet Corps delivered 1,472 books to Cowan Elementary School by bicycle. Every elementary student received five free books. The cadets once again recycled cooking oil that was turned into biodiesel by Winchester Utilities for city equipment. The cadets were recognized on the field during a University of Tennessee home football game and awarded a $1,000 grant for their recycling efforts as part of the Good Sports Always Recycle program.

These are just some of the projects these energetic students undertook to make an impact on their community and promote environmental education this school year. It is always a pleasure to see our young people are civically engaged. Each student's individual drive has led them to great accomplishments. I want to thank them for their dedication and wish them the best as they continue in their educational pursuits. I am proud to represent these fine young people and their friends and families in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor a courageous American and proud son of Tennessee, U.S. Navy medic Bill Allen.

On June 7, 1944, during the Allied invasion of German occupied France, Bill Allen was a Navy medic aboard Coast Guard LST 523. His unit was tasked with ferrying dead and wounded American soldiers from the beaches of Normandy back to England, under heavy enemy fire in turbulent waters. 19-year-old Allen was assigned to the unimaginable job of ``death detail.''

On their 4th trip back into the fray, the ship hit a submerged mine which split the boat in half. As the boat sank beneath him, Mr. Allen narrowly made the leap to a life raft where he helped rescue other soldiers from certain death. Only 28 of the 145-member crew survived.

After the War, Mr. Allen moved back to Murfreesboro, Tennessee and worked at the Murfreesboro Electric Department for 32 years. He resides in Murfreesboro today, with his wife of 58 years, and continues to serve the local community as a funeral assistant at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.

I would like to recognize Mr. Allen on behalf of Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District. We are grateful for your service.