Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, lately Houston has become synonymous with flooding, but seven years ago a devastating drought caused our beloved Memorial Park to lose nearly 80 percent of its thousands of trees.

Maybe you've never heard of Memorial Park. It is Houston's largest public space; its haven in the heart of Houston--and almost double the size of New York's Central Park. Daily commuters drive through winding, wooded roads, free of billboards and businesses, as they head to work. The park's 600-acre urban wilderness is one of the largest centrally located urban forests in the country. Memorial Park is also remarkable because it is home to Camp Logan, the only former World War I training camp site in the United States that is not completely developed.

The 2011 drought underscored the need to fast-track Memorial Park's Master Plan to create the best urban park in America. This month Houston's Kinder Foundation granted $70 million to this effort and energized the park's public and private partners to invest up to $205 million more. These efforts will take the Master Plan from proposal to reality in just 10 years and enhance and protect Memorial Park for today and for generations to come.

The restoration will be directed by the Memorial Park Conservancy, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and Uptown Development Authority. These partners have set new standards in green space planning and public-private funding partnerships.

Kinder Foundation's inspiring public-private partnerships have changed Houston's color palette from gray to green. Some of their landmark successes include Discovery Green, Buffalo Bayou Park, and Bayou Greenways 2020. Their legacy continues with Memorial Park. Kinder Foundation chairman Rich Kinder said Memorial Park will now reach its full potential and include a signature land bridge, a restored prairie ecology, natural storm drainage and retention systems, in addition to adding over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, running, and equestrian use.

Many joggers, runners and walkers hit the park's trail daily to make the nearly three-mile loop. I know this park well, Mr. Speaker. In my past life as a criminal court judge, I took to the gravel trail for my daily run, as later did my kids. I can't tell you how many miles I've run in Memorial Park, but I can tell you it's no overstatement to say the Kinder's grant along with the day-to-day work by its partners will save this cherished haven in Houston.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, this year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the First Republic of Georgia. Georgia first declared independence from Russia in 1918 and was free of Moscow's shackles till the Red Army invasion in 1921.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Georgia once again gained independence and has since been a beacon of hope in a region full of turmoil and corruption. Their faithful commitment to a strong democracy with free and fair elections serves as a shining example for other countries in Eastern Europe.

Georgia has become one of the most valued partners of the United States and the European community. Russia however does not respect Georgia's independence and has occupied large portions of its territory since 2008.

The hungry Russian Bear wants a return to its imperial days. The Kremlin will not stop until all former Soviet republics return to its orbit.

The United States must remain dedicated to upholding Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. So that in another hundred years, we will still be standing side-by-side with a democratic and prosperous Georgia.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, in the cold, damp, dark rain of morning, thousands of young American soldiers sailed across the treacherous English Channel. The day was June 6, 1944; their destination, Normandy, France; the mission, not conquest, but liberation of Europe.

Operation Overlord, or D-Day, called for a massive ally invasion of the continent during World War II. Securing the brutal Omaha and Utah beachheads inch by bloody inch, our boys finally declared victory, forcing Hitler to begin his long retreat into oblivion.

That victory did not come without cost, however. Today, 9,387 white crosses and Stars of David overlook the silent beaches of Normandy, marking

the final resting place of America's war dead.

The soldiers buried there were part of the Greatest Generation, young men from every State and territory in the United States.

We remember them, our warriors, those that were killed, those that returned, and those that returned with the wounds of war, because, Mr. Speaker, the worst casualty of war is to be forgotten.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, this past Friday, the girls from Atascocita High School Softball team earned a trip to State by beating top ranked Katy. They claimed the Region III 6A Championship and are headed to State for the second time in three years. Congratulations. It is an honor to recognize a talented group of ladies on the field and off the field. The girls are set to play this Friday, in Austin, at McCombs Field against Plano.

Atascocita High School softball team has six seniors on their team. Last November, three of them signed college scholarships to play at the next level: Lauren Bazan, Harding University; Kyla Snow, Texas Southern University; and, Lillie Grotenhuis, San Jacinto College. The name Grotenhuis is well known in my community. In 2014, Atascocita High School Head Softball coach, Jimbo Grotenhuis, unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack. One of his daughters, Lillie, is a talented senior on the team. She never got to play for her father at the high school level, but she has his passion and drive for the game.

Jimbo was a legend in the softball community, so much, that Humble ISD renamed the Atascocita High School softball field in his memory. Written in large black letters, on a red brick wall, behind home plate, it says ``Welcome to James ``Jimbo'' Grotenhuis Field''. The lessons Jimbo taught in the short time he coached at Atascocita High School were invaluable. It is said that the measure of a man is the influence that he has on the lives of others. I have no doubt, that the Atascocita High School Softball team will carry his spirit of hard work and dedication with them to State.

For the last four years, AHS Head Coach Ashley Boyd has stepped up to the plate and filled Jimbo's cleats. Her team's record is impressive. In an interview earlier this year, Coach Boyd said, ``These players are proud of where they come from. They're proud of this community, and they're happy to get to represent them. They've worked their tails off.'' Coach Boyd's passion along with Assistant Alyssa Romero's dedication will guide the Lady Eagles not only at State but far beyond game time. The leadership of a coach not only improves an athlete's performance but works to instill values of hard work and discipline.

So this weekend, grab the family, put on your red, white and blue, and head to Austin to cheer on our Lady Eagles.

Let's play ball.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, for the first time in Liberty High School history, the Lady Panthers Softball team is the Texas UIL State Class 4A Softball Champions. On Saturday afternoon, they defeated the Vernon Lady Lions in Austin with a score of 3-1. Congratulations to the Liberty High School Softball Team and the City of Liberty.

Liberty's rich history of rugged Texas pioneers who settled near the Trinity River spans more than 180 years. Today, Liberty continues to live up to its rich legacy and community spirit. Liberty is home to Liberty Independent School District which provides outstanding educational opportunities for students. But Liberty was missing one thing, a team State Champion. Jerry Michalsky, sports editor with local newspaper The Vindicator, has been a sports writer for over 24 years and never been able to cover a State Champion. His dream came true this past weekend.

Liberty County radio station KSHN 99.9 FM streamed the game live from Austin. The one and only, passionate, Bill Buchanan gave a play by play for fans who were unable to make the trek to Austin. My friend and past Liberty Church of Christ preacher, Jonathan Sanford (now announcer for the San Antonio Spurs), was the announcer at McCombs Field. He gave the play by play live on Saturday. Mary Anne Campbell, President of the Liberty Dayton Area Chamber, kept the fans back at home up to date with her Facebook postings. Folks in Liberty rallied behind a young team of girls who made championship history one game at a time.

For the last 13 years, Liberty High School Head Coach Karen Slack has dreamed of a State championship team. She genuinely cares for her players and wanted to see Liberty relevant when it came to softball. Her team's record is impressive. In an interview earlier this week, Coach Slack said, ``These girls have no fear in them at all and this stage never even bothered them.'' Coach Slacks' passion along with Assistant Joe Slack and Katherine McAdams will continue to guide the Lady Panthers far beyond a State title. The leadership of a coach not only improves an athlete's performance but works to instill values of hard work and discipline. The community is proud of Coach Slack for all her accomplishments as a coach and a leader.

Congrats to Liberty High School's State Championship team: Jo McGinnis, Mikaelah Burkland, Bailey Webb, Kennedy Evans, Kamryn Turner, Abbie Knepper, Molly Barnette, Jaylen Prichard, Karli Beam, Baylee Chandler, Sarah Lopez, Kara Cannon, Harley Davis, Abby Phillips, and Kaci West.

Saturday evening, hundreds of fans decked out in black and gold, waving flags and noise makers, welcomed the Lady Panthers home. The Lady Panthers were escorted to the Liberty County line from Austin by the Liberty County Sheriff's Office. Dayton Police Department picked up the team at the Dayton City limits then Liberty Police Department picked them up at the Dayton-Liberty City limits. They were escorted all the way to the pavilion behind City Hall in downtown Liberty. The outpouring of support from the City of Liberty and surrounding communities was in true fashion of Panther Pride.

Way to go Panthers.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, each Memorial Day, families all over the nation plan their weekend barbeques and look forward to enjoying a long weekend. But despite the festivities, many of these folks don't remember why we have the day off of work, and why we celebrate this national holiday.

But for the members of Rolling Thunder, in Houston, Texas, there is no question. Each year, they join together to help remind Americans across the nation of just why it is that we celebrate Memorial Day.

Rolling Thunder is a group of patriots who have made it their mission to honor our military heroes by bringing awareness through a motorcycle demonstration in Washington, D.C. While many members are veterans, not all are; some are just patriotic Americans who wish to do their part. They unite together to demand accountability for our POWs and MIAs to be identified and brought home.

In 1987, a group of Vietnam Veterans gathered together to discuss the thousands of reported sightings of Americans still living in captivity. They were disturbed by the neglect from our government. So, they decided to do something to force the government and media to acknowledge the horrific abandonment of our men and women overseas. After much brainstorming, the veterans came up with a unique idea. They began reaching out to family, friends, fellow veterans, and advocates to assemble a group of patriots willing to stand up for our soldiers.

In 1988, on Memorial Day, 2,500 men and women rode to our Nation's Capital on their motorcycles. Decked out in leather, wearing shades and bandanas, waving Old Glory, and riding 500 plus pounds of steel, they were a terrifying but inspiring bunch. The sound of over a thousand bikes riding in unison reminded many of the bombing campaign against North Vietnam dubbed Operation Rolling Thunder. Very powerful. Since then, that small group of veterans became known as Rolling Thunder. They are right thinking Americans with big hearts.

The number of riders has increased every year, and now nearly 900,000 members belong to the Rolling Thunder. There are currently 90 chapters throughout 32 states. Two of those chapters are back home in my great city--Houston, Texas. It's hard to find a more patriotic state than Texas. With 8 out of 10 Texans enlisting to serve our nation, it's not a surprise that Texans are joining the ``Ride for Freedom'' this year.

This year, like every year, on Memorial Day, Rolling Thunder chapters join together and ride to our Nation's Capital. These demonstrations are known as the ``Ride for Freedom''. This year, they celebrated the 31st Ride for Freedom. The ride begins at the Pentagon on Memorial Day. At noon the riders, all at once, start their motorcycles and begin the ride to The Wall to show their continued support for our missing and fallen soldiers. They pay their respects.

Although the group may have started to bring attention to our POWs/ MIAs from Vietnam, they want to make sure all soldiers are remembered. Today, the organization has branched out to include all wars and recognize that we still have an accumulated estimate of 86,788 unaccounted United States veterans.

Mr. Speaker, Rolling Thunder rides for our soldiers whose lives were given in pursuit of a great cause, American Freedom. I am proud to recognize these angels on bikes with hearts bigger than Texas. They make a difference and represent all that is right and good in America.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, on the rainy, dreary early morning of this past Sunday, at 1:56 a.m., June 3, a bright beam of hopeful light burst through the darkness. Her name is Emerson Ryan Foote.

June 3 is also the birth date of her mother, my former chief of staff, Gina. This new miracle of birth is the best birthday present a mother could have: a tiny baby girl.

Emmie, as she will be called, was born here in our Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C.

Parents Gina and Tucker Foote are proud of their new 7-pound, 2-ounce blessing from God.

Every time a new life is brought into the world, we are reminded of all that is good and right. Mr. Speaker, the miracle of birth is the happiest day of the year.

Emmie was born in the most marvelous and free country on Earth, America. I know her wonderful parents will instill a love of liberty, justice, and courage, for one day, her small little hands will shape our future.

Every time a child is born, God smiles and makes a bet on the future of all of us. So happy birthday, Emmie, and happy birthday, Gina.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, China is a rising power with interests that more often than not come into conflict with our own. As Secretary Mattis identified last year in the National Defense Strategy, we are in a new era of great power rivalry.

The People's Republic of China is one of the most capable and competitive global rivals we face. China still adheres to an authoritarian philosophy with the state at the center of power. At the center of the state is President Xi Jinping [Shee Jin-Ping], who has made himself ruler for life and has made clear he wants China to be a dominate world power that challenges the United States.

Under Xi [Shee], China is building up its military power to compete with the U.S. Soon China will possess a larger naval fleet in Asia than we do and has begun establishing military bases outside of its own region. These new Chinese outposts are positioned at strategic choke points to control international shipping lanes.

The PRC does not believe in freedom of the seas or fair iternational order, it only believes in having an upper hand. Much like the elites of the communist party have over their own people.

They are also stealing American innovation to surpass our technological edge both militarily and commercially. It is commonly known, that China has zero respect for intellectual property rights.

But Beijing has also recognized that it can seize enormous global influence without firing a shot. Simply by using its checkbook and offering massive loans, China can manipulate weaker states eager for investment to bend to Beijing's will.

At the center of its strategy to use economic power to gain widespread influence is China's One Belt One Road initiative. This plan envisions expanding Chinese exports and trade access through major infrastructure projects across Asia and into Europe. So far many central Asian states and Eastern Europe have signed on to participate. In their view, China's investment is an opportunity to stimulate their lagging economies.

But there is a catch. With massive Chinese investment, comes Chinese control. According to a Bloomberg study, over the past 10 years, China has bought or invested in assets amounting to at least $318 billion in Europe, which amounts to 45 percent more Chinese-related activity than the U.S. in the same period. This includes buying European ports, such as Greece's largest port, and high technology and manufacturing firms.

Meanwhile European companies still cannot gain much access to the Chinese market because of unfair business practices. This gives China an economic edge and growing market control that is under the thumb of the Chinese Communist Party.

Some of Beijing's investments are purely about making money but others are about gaining influence over countries' political decisions. So far we have seen countries with significant Chinese investment are hesitant to confront Chinese bad behavior on the international stage. Including watering-down condemnation of China's aggressive and illegal behavior in the South China Sea.

In developing countries, China has used predatory loans to force states to surrender sovereignty over critical infrastructure when they cannot repay. The same could occur in Europe.

Europe is a free and open market just like our own and should remain resistant to implementing protectionist trade policies. But with encroaching influence from Beijing, Europe--just like here--must be wary of Chinese motivations.

It is clear, China does not play fairly. It will do whatever it takes to gain strategic dominance.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, we must remember that Pakistan continues to be an unreliable partner in the fight against terrorism. For nearly two decades, we have hoped that Pakistan would clear the terrorist safe havens along the Afghanistan border and end its support for violent extremist groups. We have even paid them $13 billion to do this.

And yet, Pakistan still has not proven it is serious about combatting terrorism. Just earlier this month, the Pakistani Minister of Interior was shot by a man linked to an extremist political party in Pakistan. This political party believes Pakistan's blasphemy laws are not being strictly enforced to prosecute Christians or minority sects. The fact that Pakistan--a supposed ally of the United States--has a blasphemy law is troubling enough. Such intolerant laws only foster the extremism and hate that our terrorist foes thrive on.

But Pakistan's relationship with extremism is nothing new. Even when members of the Pakistan government become victims of the terrorism, they equivocate or blame someone else, like the U.S. or Afghanistan, while dismissing their own role in fueling such groups.

The evidence is clear, Pakistani sponsorship of terrorism can be traced to the Soviet-Afghan war and Pakistan's ongoing conflict with India. After 9/11, Osama bin Laden and his ilk fled to Pakistan for a clear reason: because they knew it was a safe place for extremists.

For too long, we have fooled ourselves into thinking Pakistan is a responsible nation. During the Cold War we made a mistake identifying an Islamist state like Pakistan as an ally. They do not share our values and have inflamed conflict across South Asia for a long time. We have poured billions of dollars into Pakistan hoping it will change. When will we accept that it will not? That violent extremism and anti- Americanism is too deeply rooted and that paying them only rewards bad behavior.

Currently, we authorize roughly $700 million every year in coalition support funds for Pakistan to fight terrorism and support our efforts in Afghanistan. We long suspected, however, they were only taking token steps to fool us. Starting in FY2016, to be eligible for half of the CSF money, Congress required the Secretary of Defense to certify that Pakistan is taking adequate steps to combat the Haqqani Network--one of the worst terrorist groups in the region. And to no surprise, the Pentagon has been unable to certify that Pakistan is meeting this requirement since it was put into law. Despite failing to meet this certification, $350 million of the CSF money still goes to Pakistan. If it is clear that Pakistan is permitting terrorist groups to operate on its territory, why are we giving them any money at all?

The time has come to end our delusion that Pakistan will fulfill its responsibility in the fight against terrorism. We should not be paying Pakistan to betray us. They will do it for free.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, protecting our children is one of the most important things that we can do for society. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25th as National Missing Children's Day. There are very few situations more difficult than when a family member, especially a young child, disappears.

As a former Judge and prosecutor, this is something that I saw first- hand. What do you say to a parent of a missing child? Words are hard to find. 30 years ago, a missing child was akin to a death sentence. A child could be abducted, taken across state lines, and never be seen again. Our best method of locating a missing child was to plaster their images on the sides of milk cartons, encouraging our communities to be on the lookout--a stark reminder of how far we have come.

Last year, in 2017, there were 464,324 children reported as missing in the United States. The statistics paint a grim picture. Of the nearly 25,00 runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in seven were likely victims of human trafficking.

As technology has evolved, so has the way in which we search for missing children. With today's technology, the likelihood of finding an abducted child has seen a sharp increase, mostly due to technological advances, social media, and the way in which searches are conducted.

Before the creation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there were little or no resources available to assist law enforcement with the cases of missing children. In fact, there was no way for police to enter information about missing children into the FBI's national crime computer. Today, thanks to the work of this outstanding organization's work, this is no longer the case. Many children owe their rescue to the center, and many parents are grateful for the return of their kids.

Mr. Speaker, as we observe National Missing Children's Day 2018, it is our duty to ensure that children of this country are protected from those who wish to do them harm.

As we celebrate the good work that the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children does, we pray for those children who have not returned home.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, recently, Officer Rogelio Santander of the Dallas, Texas, police department was responding to an ordinary call: a thief at a Home Depot. As Officer Santander and his colleagues attempted to arrest the outlaw, the crook pulled out a pistol and started blasting away at the officers.

All three officers responding to the call were critically wounded, the criminal's bullets hitting their mark as he cowardly ran away from his crimes. Police Officer Crystal Almeida and a civilian Home Depot employee were shot and are now recovering from their wounds.

At just 28 years of age, Officer Santander was murdered in the youth of his life. Another member of the thin blue line killed simply because he wore the badge to protect and serve the rest of us.

A man of many hats, the 3-year veteran of the force was a member of the rare breed, the American breed. His fellow officers, friends, and family members remember this Texas law man, Santander, as a person who always went the extra mile to protect and serve his community. Without fail, he encouraged his friends and family to be the best version of themselves during their life.

Peace officers like Santander are the last strand of wire in the fence between the law and the lawless. We mourn his sacrifice, but we thank the good Lord that a remarkable man such as he has ever lived.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, there's an old saying, ``In the South there are no strangers, just friends we haven't met yet.'' In Texas, we call that southern hospitality. It's rare to find a Texan who isn't ready to lend a hand to those in need. Hurricane Harvey brought out the best in Texans, and the goodwill shown by Anthony and Angela Hall of Humble, Texas truly shines as bright as the lone star.

The Halls, like many in their neighborhood, sustained damage to their home from Hurricane Harvey. But like most Texans, Anthony and Angela rushed to help their neighbors and volunteered at a local shelter. One day at the shelter, the couple met a woman and her children sitting off to the side. The storm had taken everything but the clothes off their backs.

Heartbroken and determined to help, Angela told the family that she would feed them. Sure enough, she began to prepare meals for the family at home, which she then brought with her when she went to the shelter.

As Angela continued her volunteer service, she recognized that many of her neighbors were also in need of assistance, and before long she was cooking meals for the neighborhood, delivering their sustenance door-to-door.

Angela and Anthony, along with their four daughters, prepared as many as 300 plates a day for their neighbors still reeling from the effects of the hurricane, waking up before the sunrise every day and spending thousands of dollars of their own money to keep the neighborhood from going hungry.

To this day, the Halls are still providing meals to anyone in need, and are even willing to travel to ensure that none of their neighbors go hungry.

Mr. Speaker, Anthony and Angela Hall are angels in the kitchen and are redefining the depth of Texas hospitality. It is people such as the Halls that ensure that no disaster of any magnitude will ever keep the American nation down.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, America's oil and gas industry is a force multiplier for U.S. influence around the world. For decades, many of the planet's great energy producers have been tyrannical regimes who leveraged their oil wealth to oppress their own people and pursue evil foreign policies. However, thanks to American ingenuity, the United States has unleashed its own energy potential--now becoming a major player in the global market.

In large part, America's revival as an energy superpower is a result of the shale revolution. Through the process of hydraulic fracturing, or ``fracking,'' we are now able to reach oil and gas deep within the earth, where they were previously unreachable. With this new technology the U.S. has gone from the world's largest oil importer, to one of the world's largest energy exporters. Just a decade ago, the U.S. was importing 12.5 million barrels per day of crude oil and fuel. Today, it's just 4 million barrels per day. Between 2010 and 2017, U.S. oil production rose from 5.5 million barrels per day to 10 million barrels per day-approaching a record last set in 1970. This has allowed for a dramatic reduction of our dependence on foreign oil which ultimately strengthens our national security.

In the nearly three years since Congress ended the restrictions on exporting crude oil, the U.S. has beat market expectations and surged its exports to a record 2.6 million barrels per day. By 2022 we will export more oil then we import. But the good news isn't limited to just our oil production. U.S. natural gas production has been setting new records almost every year since the year 2000.

Again, thanks to innovations in liquified natural gas--commonly known as LNG--we can ship this growing resource anywhere in the world. In the last year, we have become a net exporter of natural gas for the first time in 60 years. In the coming years it will only improve as the market of natural gas consumers grows and more exporting facilities come online.

America's comeback as an energy superpower has wide-ranging geopolitical implications. First, it is an obvious benefit for Americans and the U.S. economy, reducing our trade balance and creating new well-paying jobs. In turn, this generates more revenue making us an even stronger nation. Second, it means a lot less money is going to repressive regimes around the world who we were previously dependent on for oil. And since energy is more abundant, the price of oil is decreasing. Overall the result is less money for Putin's Russia, the Ayatollah's Iran, and Madura's Venezuela. With the low price of oil, international sanctions, and their own economic mismanagement, these regimes who could rely on their oil wealth to fund their evil activities are instead seeing their economies tank. Now their people are in the streets demanding accountability.

Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have long been important U.S. strategic partners because we needed their oil and their leverage in stabilizing global oil prices. But now we can redefine our relationship, making it less about maintaining oil access and more about other strategic US interests. With growing energy independence, we can pick our allies rather than have them picked for us by the necessity of access to oil. This does not mean we should become isolationists or abandon our traditional partners. Instead we should do the opposite. With our oil and gas advantage we are more empowered to argue that our allies must be more responsible, including improving their human rights records.

Our increased oil and gas competitiveness allows our friends abroad to be more secure and less dependent on bad actors. For far too long, our European allies have been vulnerable to energy blackmail from Russia--particularly through the supply of Russian natural gas. But with American LNG alternatives, European states can stand up to Putin's bad behavior without suffering retaliation through their gas supply.

Lastly, U.S. oil and gas exports reinforces the importance of free trade. This includes NAFTA. About 60 percent of U.S. gas exports now go to Mexico, providing a major boost to our trade balance. Canada has become a major importer of American refined fuels. Together, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada represent 20 percent of global oil and gas supply. Our integrated energy network makes North America a rock of stability and prosperity in the world.

Overall, the increased competitiveness of U.S. oil and gas production is good for America and good for the world.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, on May 16, 2017, as Turkish President Erdogan visited the Nation's Capital, his gestapo security forces unleashed a brutal assault on peaceful American demonstrators. Many of them were Armenian Americans who were exercising their constitutional right of free speech.

As Erdogan looked on, his thugs demonstrated their intolerance for free expression and contempt for America. This illegal behavior is absolutely intolerable by any security force, especially on U.S. soil against Americans.

Fifteen members of the Turkish security detail were originally charged for this unprovoked attack, but now there are only four. Why? It is clear from video recordings and witness accounts that more than four Turks participated on this assault on free speech.

I contacted the Justice Department and asked why charges were dropped against 11 guards, but they refused to give an explanation. The DOJ should not be complicit in Erdogan's assault on democracy. The DOJ must enforce American law. It must not make backroom deals with want-to-be dictators.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) of Humble High School in Humble, Texas have gone above and beyond, and our community is proud of their outstanding achievements.

The Humble High School JROTC has a history of success and are known for their commitment to giving back to our community. Under the direction of Sergeant Major Watkins, the cadets do much more than drill competitions and marching in parades. They serve their school and community, performing various service projects and duties throughout the year.

During National Police Week in May, the cadets show honor to police officers who were killed in the line of duty, by holding 10 foot avenue flag poles at my annual Police Memorial Ceremony. The cadets are always dressed in their best as they proudly display Old Glory. Survivors, police officers, and community leaders walk through this sea of red, white, and blue as they enter the Police Memorial Ceremony. The cadets do an admirable job representing Humble High School.

Every Veterans Day, the JROTC cadets pay tribute to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier through a reenactment. The ceremony is well known in the community and is appropriately called the Wildcat Salute to Veterans. As the sun peaks over the horizon, members of the Humble community, veterans, and students arrive at the high school, but instead of hallways adorned with Wildcat posters and traditional school spirit signs, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier display sits in front of visitors. The tribute begins with the traditional laying of a wreath and the Changing of the Guard ritual. The cadets are trained as Sentinels and guard the Tomb all day. Their service and patriotism to our nation sets them apart as role models to other students. The reenactment serves as a memorial to service members who have admirably fought and died for our country yet remain unknown. The tomb declares-- ``Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.''

There are countless other service projects they participate in throughout the year. They do not go unnoticed. I know that the residents of Humble are proud of Humble High School JROTC accomplishments. I applaud them for their tremendous achievements and commend them for giving back to our community. They make a difference and represent all that is right and good in America.

And that's just the way it is.