Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride to give special recognition to the accomplishments and sacrifices made by an extraordinary woman from Houston--Ieshia Champs. After facing incredible challenges in her life, Ms. Champs has risen to not only empower herself, but other women facing similar difficulties. At the age of 33, this single mother of 5 just graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Despite dropping out of high school, getting laid off, being homeless, losing her children's father to cancer, losing her mom to cancer, and losing her home to a fire Ms. Champs did not quit. In 2009, she earned her GED and began to turn her life around. She gives all the credit to her children and her faith in God.

Last month, Ms. Champs found herself in the dead center of the media's attention. She posted a photo with her five children, wearing a cap and gown, while holding a chalk board sign that said, ``I did it!''

Her children held chalkboard signs stating ``We did it!'' and ``I helped''. The photo went viral, giving others hope.

Ms. Champs grew up in the foster care system and struggled with thoughts of killing herself. She found hope in God and strength in her children. Some people would say that she beat the odds, but I believe her passion, determination, and resilient attitude along with her faith in God ensured her the talent to finish law school. It wasn't easy. Her kids helped

her studies. They quizzed her with flash cards and even served as her mock jury. A family that practices law together, stays together.

We are all faced with challenges and choices, some more difficult than others, but the understanding that each person is responsible for their actions and their own pursuit of the American dream is the best building blocks we can give to our children.

On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I want to congratulate Ms. Champs for setting an example to her children and giving hope to other women who are facing similar challenges.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Representative Kennedy and I introduced the Sam Farr Peace Corps Enhancement Act to protect our Peace Corps volunteers, our angels abroad.

This bill builds on and extends protections for volunteers that became law as the result of the Kate Puzey Act which I introduced and finally became law in 2011. H.R. 2259 protects volunteers at every stage of their service with the Peace Corps: the onboarding process, their time in country, and when they return home.

Before they make a decision regarding where to serve, many potential volunteers are not fully aware of critical information like health risks and crime rates in various countries. This bill requires the Peace Corps to provide this information to volunteers upfront so that they can make an informed decision regarding where to serve.

While they are deployed in country, the bill requires that the Peace Corps ensures volunteers have access to qualified medical doctors. These doctors must consult with outside experts and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on best practices, particularly on mental health and malaria medications that can

have serious long-term side effects. We also added important provisions on protection from sexual assault and harassment recommended by the Office of Special Counsel report released earlier this year.

When volunteers return home from their service with debilitating injuries and illnesses, they should not have to spend months dealing with bureaucratic red tape at the Department of Labor before receiving care. This bill will ensure they immediately receive the care they need and deserve.

These common sense changes will make a big difference in ensuring the safety and security of our volunteers. But this bill is just a first step in protecting our volunteers.

I fought long and hard for a provision that unfortunately did not make it into the legislation that passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee today: to increase the disability payment provided to disabled returned volunteers so they can make ends meet. This important provision enjoyed broad support from Peace Corps volunteer groups, including Health Justice for Peace Corps and the National Peace Corps Association. I hope that this provision will one day become law. However, until then, the improvements in this bill are essential and valuable for our angels abroad.

A crucial provision that did make it in here was the extension of the authorization of the Sexual Assault Advisory Council for an additional 5 years. The Council was initially authorized by the Kate Puzey Act and serves to advise the Peace Corps on agency wide sexual assault policy. Without this important bill, the council's authority would lapse this year.

Peace Corps volunteers selflessly sacrifice years of their lives to help people they have never even met. Often in some of the most desolate, even dangerous, places of the world. They are the face of our country in places where America's shining beacon of hope and liberty may not always shine so bright. Their service to our country should not turn into a nightmare that ruins, or even ends their lives.

As a former judge, I can tell you that it is our duty to do everything within our power to protect our angels abroad. It's time to stand up and take action for our volunteers. They are some of the very best we have.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, American sugar is under attack on its home turf. Despite costing taxpayers absolutely nothing for 14 of the past 15 years, some want to dismantle this program, a program--I might add--that supports 140,000 jobs in 22 states.

Countries like Mexico flood and dump into our country cheap, low quality sugar, undercutting American producers. Meanwhile, Big Candy Corporations takes advantage of these low prices then argue that their foreign competitors pay less than they do, even though the data says otherwise. The reality is that sugar prices have stagnated over the last 30 years, stumbling behind the rate of inflation and forcing producers to work on razor-thin margins.

But Big Candy wants you to think they're being treated unfairly. In the 80's--back when my hair was blonde and my right hand held a gavel-- your average candy bar cost about 35-cents and contained a mere 2-cents worth of sugar.

In 2018, the average candy bar costs about a buck-fifty and still contains only 2-cents worth of sugar in. Big Candy's profits rise and they keep the little guy's cut.

That's why we need U.S. sugar policy, Mr. Speaker. In the last thirty years, half of the U.S.'s sugar operations have shut down. If Big Candy gets its way, the other half will soon follow.

I appreciate fellow Texan, Chairman Conaway's tireless efforts in crafting this vital legislation and preserving America's Ag industry for another five years. I oppose any action to put American sugar growers out of business.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Lupe Fraga is a living Houston legend. Lupe and his family are well-known in Houston. Lupe is the owner of one of the most successful businesses in Texas, Tejas Office Products located in the Houston Heights. When reflecting on his incredible career, Lupe says he was simply in the right place at the right time, but had the guiding hand of God. Mr. Speaker, he always made the most of his incredible God-given opportunities.

Lupe was born in Second Ward on the east side of Houston, the youngest of six. As a child, another Houston legend, ``Mama'' Ninfa Rodriguez Laurenzo, the namesake of the world famous Ninfa's Restaurant, was like a second mother to him. This immigrant community with a warm family atmosphere, deep rooted values, and cherished relationships, shaped Lupe's life and career.

He says when he was a kid, he was a ``little athletic'' so he got a chance to play baseball at St. Thomas High School. Lupe took that chance and turned it into a baseball scholarship to Texas A&M University where he was a member of A Athletics and the Corps of Cadets. He excelled at school and graduated with a degree in accounting. Upon graduation, he joined the Army, spent three years in France, earned the rank of First Lieutenant, and was honorably discharged. When he returned to Houston in the 1960s, Lupe befriended the office supply representative at his new job and at age 26 he decided to take him up on an offer to buy the office supply company. Tejas Office Products was born. Supplier diversity and Houston's inclusiveness helped Tejas grow. In the 1970's Lupe was given one account with Shell Oil Company. Never to pass on an extraordinary opportunity, Lupe grew to all nine Houston Shell locations and set the course for Tejas to become the largest independent office products company in the Houston area.

Lupe never lets anyone forget that Tejas Office Products is a family- run business. His three children have roles in the company. Lupe's son Stephen describes him as not only a loving father, but a trusted mentor who loves people and believes in giving back. He never forgot his east end roots. ``Dad always told us the community raises the child, he inspired me and my siblings to serve, he wanted all of us to help the community.''

Lupe took people under his wing and made sure to offer them opportunities like he had. He gladly introduced people into the community and helped them make connections. Because he believed so strongly in education, he took pride in helping Father T.J. Martinez make the connections he needed to start Cristo Rey Jesuit School. A quiet leader, Lupe would say, ``My mother always taught me, be nice to people, not expecting anything in return. Just be a good person and do it for the right reasons.''

Mr. Speaker, Stephen also told me, ``Dad taught me about relationships. He liked to get to know people and be good to people. He knew about the value of relationships and client satisfaction before there were any books on the subject.'' He was a pioneer in customer relationship building and believed that even with technology, people want to buy from people. Even with the emergence of big box retailers, Lupe found a way to innovate but stay independent, creating a partnership with a national office supply retailer to serve Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 clients.

Lupe has earned many accolades and achievements in his life including serving on the Texas A&M Board of Regents, Chairman of the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank Houston, Director and Executive Committee Member at the Greater Houston Partnership, and Chairman Emeritus of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He has been honored with many awards including Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M, 2015 Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, Mays Business School Outstanding Alumnus, Fathers of the Year award presented by Community Partners in Greater Houston, and the 2012 State of Texas Small Business Award.

Lupe and his wife Irene have three children and five grandchildren. He loves his Aggies and his Astros and spending time with his grandkids. Looking back on his success, Lupe has said, ``It's been an experience of people, it's not me, I've got to say that. It's about the people that have helped, the people who have encouraged, the people that have been there for you. That's what's done it. I take no credit.''

Well, today I rise in the House of Representatives to give Lupe the credit. Credit for his impact on business, his impact on Texas A&M, his impact on his community and his family.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, it is always a privilege to be able to recognize the achievements and hard work of outstanding students in my community. As the 2017-2018 school year is winding down, two students from Kingwood High School are just getting warmed up.

Emily Grantham and Leila Saklou, Kingwood High School eleventh graders, have earned two of the five spots on Team USA at the World Schools Debate Championships. Competing in debate tournaments at Cornell University, Harvard University, Los Angeles, Germany, Croatia, and Taiwan, Emily and Leila have traveled the world.

Debate creates leaders. I also commend Emily and Leila's debate team and their coaches at Kingwood High School. Young men and women of all backgrounds have

come together, working as a team, to accomplish a single goal. This teamwork serves as an example for all of us. Congress should take notice of this squad.

The World Schools Debate Championships will be held this summer in Croatia from July 17 to July 27. More than 50 countries compete at this 10 day global competition for high school debate teams each year, discussing 13 diverse topics such as politics, philosophy, technology, and law. This global event promotes excellence, creativity, and critical thinking. Emily and Leila's success in the world class event is inspiring.

As a past patron of the World Schools Debate Championships, Nelson Mandela, said, ``A winner is a dreamer who never gives up''. Emily and Leila are already winners in my book, and have demonstrated an exceptionally high standard of excellence and talent. These girls have earned the distinction of representing not only Texas, but the United States. I know they will represent us with pride and dignity. Congratulations to Emily and Leila for their outstanding achievements. My best wishes are with them this summer.

Go Team USA, and Kingwood Strong.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, what do a university teacher and a star hip-hop artist have in common? They both care deeply for a young girl named Bella.

Giving back to others comes naturally to Bernada Baker. As a faculty member at Texas Southern University, she shapes and molds her students, encouraging them to think ``outside the box'' not only about their academic work but also about their professional and personal lives. She is the founder of the Princess Within, a foundation dedicated to empowering young women and giving them the tools necessary to believe in themselves and achieve success as professionals, students, and friends.

But her latest act of generosity tops all of her previous charity.

The devastation of Hurricane Harvey rendered Bella, an innocent infant, and her father homeless after the terrible storm swept away the car that had been serving as their living space. Desperate for help, her father put out a plea on social media for aid in caring for his young daughter.

Baker happened to see his post and volunteered to help babysit the infant. She reached out to some of her friends and managed to raise a modest sum of money to purchase some clothes and crib for her. She was, as she said, ``just trying to help.''

Baker eventually took Bella into her home as her father began to search for employment. As the days passed by, Baker grew to love the young girl and eventually found that she wanted to adopt her to be her own daughter. Bella's father agreed--it was in his daughter's best interest for her to be under Baker's care and thus consented to transfer his parental rights.

The adoption process is long and expensive, and Baker found it difficult to raise the money required to officially bring Bella into her family.

Cue Paul Slayton, better known by his stage name Paul Wall as one of the most renowned hip-hop artists to come out of Houston. He heard about Baker and Bella, and he thought back to the kindness shown to him by his stepfather growing up, who decided to adopt him after his biological father rejected him. Thus, he decided to come to Baker and Bella's aid.

In conjunction with Cricket Wireless's foundation, Cricket Cares, he surprised Baker with several gifts for Bella and a check for $5,000 to help her pay to complete the adoption process.

Mr. Speaker, the largesse of Bernada Baker and Paul Wall is an exceptional demonstration of the Golden Rule, and their kindness and love for Bella help make America the great country that it is today.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, human trafficking is a plague on our city, town and nation. It is a menace to our society and must not be tolerated. Fortunately, we have outstanding organizations brave enough to bring awareness to this horrific crime.

Childproof America is a non-profit located in Houston, Texas and founded by Kelly Litvak. Although Kelly has always had a heart for helping at-risk youth, her calling to found Childproof America was inspired by her family's own experience with human trafficking and the resulting impact it had on their lives.

The Litvak's were what you would consider the stereotypical ``all- American'' family. They lived in an upscale suburban community in Houston, Texas, with top ranked schools. In 2007, Kelly released a faith-based book titled, ``Tools 4 Teens'', which focused on teen issues to help them navigate through some of the most challenging times in life. The book was translated into a classroom curriculum in 2008, and the nonprofit Tools 4 Life was formed. Countless juvenile's lives were transformed through a partnership formed with Harris County Juvenile Probation. The stories of misguided youth were often a story at the dinner table for the Litvaks. But Mr. Speaker, no family is immune to human trafficking.

Kelly's daughter, Courtney, was a popular student in Katy ISD. In 2016, Courtney was approached by a fellow peer who was a well-known basketball player. But, Mr. Speaker, it wasn't an innocent high school friendship. The student lured Courtney into a local sex trafficking ring. When the Litvaks realized what had happened to their daughter, they quickly took action, ushering her out of the state for a few months, trying to protect their daughter from her traffickers. When she returned home to Texas, Courtney turned 18, and ran away from home. To this day, the Litvaks are unaware of where their daughter is. Unfortunately, stories like this are all too common.

Childproof America promotes public awareness and educates the public on the realities of human trafficking. Offering a free online learning curriculum, Childproof America strives to educate and equip parents with the knowledge about the strategies traffickers use to exploit children. The Family Guides Program offers free services to the community, ranging from pinpointing online activity and locations, to intervention, extraction by law enforcement and survivor care. Regular community meetings are held to provide presentations about human trafficking to those willing to be advocates and start a conversation. Childproof America's passion, dedication, and support in educating folks about human trafficking makes our community a safer place.

Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world today. It is occurring in every city and state in the nation. Public awareness is extremely important. We must continue to work together to end human trafficking and provide aid to those that have been victimized by this scourge on humanity.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, for over 3,000 years, the official capital of Israel has been Jerusalem, no matter what the Palestinians say.

Yesterday, the United States officially moved its embassy to Jerusalem, but the terrorist group Hamas and Iran object to Jerusalem being designated as the capital of Israel. So do the arrogant French and a few other European and Middle Eastern countries.

But every nation decides for themselves where their capital should be, and wouldn't France be indignant if the world community demanded that Versailles be the capital of France rather than Paris?

The anti-Semitic capital uproar is just another example of how these nations do not believe Israel has the right to exist. Israel's government is located in Jerusalem. Our new embassy recognizes that fact.

Thanks to President Trump's bold leadership, the United States will no longer deny Israel's self-determined right to have Jerusalem as its political, cultural, and spiritual center of the Jewish state--whether the rest of the world likes it or not.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, not far from the beach in Rockport, Texas, lies the Gulf Pointe Plaza, a community providing care for the elderly.

Their serene world was overturned when Hurricane Harvey bore down on the southeastern coast of Texas. Mobilizing quickly, the care center successfully evacuated all of the 90-plus residents and transported them to sister facilities, out of harm's way, before the storm hit. The fire departments of both Rockport and Travis County played a significant role in their successful evacuation.

Since September, the residents of Park Manor in Bee Cave have graciously played host to their displaced visitors, heartily welcoming them into their communities while the future of the facilities in Rockport remained up in the air. Current residents doubled up in rooms, and the staff converted the physical therapy room into a makeshift dormitory that slept 14 people.

The Rockport crew received support from well-wishers outside of Texas. Residents of the South Shore Care Center in Worthington, Minnesota, gathered together and painted signs with messages of support, including ``Stay Strong Texas'' and ``God Bless You,'' that they mailed to Texas to bolster the spirits of the uprooted Gulf Coast residents.

Just recently, the Gulf Pointe Plaza residents and employees, who relocated with their patients, received the good news that renovations on their new facility have been completed and that they will soon return home. In addition to those returning from Bee Cave, the facility will also take in new residents once it is reopened.

To celebrate their return to their original home, the residents and staff at Park Manor threw their visitors a Texas-themed goodbye party, complete with food, drinks, and, naturally, country music. While the folks from Rockport will be glad to return home, their farewell to their hosts was bittersweet. Despite the stress of being displaced from their home, they take fond memories from their eight months spent in Bee Cave with them.

Mr. Speaker, the generosity, support, and helping hand provided by the Rockport and Travis County Fire Departments, the South Shore Care Center, and of course the Park Manor in Bee Cave are yet another example of the tremendous benevolence shown to the victims of Hurricane Harvey, and they represent everything that is good about America. This is truly a country whose citizens will provide for each other in a time of need, even if it does mean going without a fitness area for eight months.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, this summer will mark the end of Gary Broz's tenure as city manager of Liberty, Texas.

Gary has been a valuable asset for the city of Liberty since he took over as city manager in 2009. He revamped the city's infrastructure by authorizing the reconstruction of the city electrical grid and the replacement of the decades-old sewage plant and pipes system. He is responsible for the new, modern police station, upgraded parking meters, and the city's new municipal golf course and country club.

Above all, his leadership and poise helped the city navigate the challenges brought by Hurricanes Rita, Ike, and Harvey, as well as additional floods. The city's levy withstood Hurricane Harvey last fall, preventing millions of dollars of damage to the city and requiring only minimal repairs afterwards.

When Gary leaves his post in June, he will leave the city of Liberty better than he found it. The city's financial situation is promising, with deep reserves and a new fixed asset fund set aside for the purchase of new equipment. Liberty is also more recognizable as a city than it was in 2009 and has a stronger sense of community.

Gary's idea of a retirement? Taking on a new role as the city manager of Eagle Lake. Not that this comes as too much of a surprise, since hard work has always been a staple of Gary's life.

From working the Houston Rodeo to pay his way through college and his experience working as a farmer and rancher to his decades-long career in city governments across Texas, Gary has always met challenges in life head-on, leaning on an indefatigable work ethic and the uncanny ability to get even the toughest job done.

In his new post, Gary will be able to spend more time with his wife, Georgia, whom he married 39 years ago, as his office will only be a brief fifteen minutes away from his house in Columbus.

Mr. Speaker, it is individuals like Gary whose hard work done on behalf of our communities makes our country great.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, it's that time of year again, ballparks are back in swing. You will be hard pressed not to find a little league game being played just about any day of the week. Most kids know the thrill of lacing up their cleats, wearing a uniform, and being part of a team. My community desired that ALL kids have this chance. I am proud to announce that the Second District of Texas has a new ballpark in town--Insperity Adaptive Sports Complex.

Too often children with disabilities are forced to watch from the bench or sidelines. Playgrounds and sports fields are neither wheelchair nor walker friendly. Humble Independent School District and the YMCA partnered to provide children with disabilities and special needs a unique barrier free environment to play and participate in team sports. The facility exists because of companies like Insperity and folks like Joe Cleary, Mark Koenig, and Dr. Guy Sconzo; along with the executive directors, board members, private donors, and volunteers, who devoted countless hours and money to improving the lives of children with disabilities.

Insperity Adaptive Sports Complex is located near Summerwood between Groves Elementary and West Lake Middle School. It sits on 5 acres. It features two YMCA Miracle League fields. Both fields are wheelchair accessible with a synthetic surface that allows children of all abilities to take the field. The team dugouts accommodate wheelchairs and other special needs such as walkers. Kids of all abilities can now be a part of a team. They proudly wear their uniform and round the bases just like their friends. And they have fans. It is joy to witness parents getting to watch their disabled child be a part of a team for the very first time.

The new adaptive sports facility also has an innovative playground with ramps, special swings, and sensory stations. It even has a basketball court with modified basketball hoops. It feels like any other ball park with concessions and a pavilion. It is important for those with disabilities to stay active. Adaptive sports and recreational programs bring health, wellness and social benefits to the special needs child. It is challenging but also healing.

The unique partnership, between the school district and the YMCA, allows students in the district to use the facility during the school day and the YMCA uses the facility in the evenings and weekends. The community is welcome to enjoy the open playground outside of school times. A win win for the Lake Houston area.

So this weekend, grab your sunscreen, and head out to our newest park in town. Be ready to cheer on some remarkable Texans, who are happy to finally be a part of a team.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the skies of Houston, Texas were filled with ominous clouds on May 17, 2016. The school bell rang, dismissing students from John Marshall Middle School. Josue Flores usually would have headed home, but instead he stayed after hours, participating in a science club celebration. After all, Josue wanted to be a doctor, science was his passion. As the celebration wound down, Josue headed home, making the trek along the streets on the North side of Houston. Little did he know that it would be the last time he ever walked home. A criminal approached the young boy, stopping him in his tracks. The evil murderer proceeded to stab him over and over and over again--twenty times in all. Josue's senseless and brutal death shocked the entire community. The clouds pressed down heavier, the death of an innocent child weighing on everyone's mind. No child should be in danger by simply walking home from school.

In the weeks following Josue's death, his community took action--the senseless violence must end. Soon, the ``Safe Walk Home Northside'' program was organized by Stella Mireles-Walters. A group of 100 volunteers stepped forward, determined to keep our children safe. A Safe Walk Home Northside aims for every resident or person in the area to keep an eye out for the children as they walk to and from school. It is because of their dedication and effort, that parents, local store employees, and many others have started to assist in guarding the streets during school hours. As a former judge in Houston, I have always been impressed the way neighbors take care of neighbors in Houston. The Safe Walk Home program has already begun making an impact and changes are evident in the community. Recently, Houstonian Cecilia Ruiz, helped law enforcement stop a kidnapper, intent on kidnapping a young teenage girl. Ruiz witnessed the young girl being forced into a vehicle as she walked down the sidewalk to school. A mother herself, Ruiz's instincts kicked in. She sprang into action: Ruiz and her daughter didn't just call 911, they stopped the perpetrator, bringing the young girl safe into their arms.

Mr. Speaker, any good southerner knows that one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to underestimate a Texas woman. But apparently, the dastardly criminal hadn't quite learned his lesson yet. As the villain fled the scene of the crime, the mother-daughter duo made chase, tracking the vehicle through a high-speed pursuit and recording the license plates. It wasn't until the vehicle fell into a ditch and the police arrived, that she felt her good Samaritan duties were fulfilled. I repeat Mr. Speaker, never underestimate a Texas woman.

Today, there is one less missing person's face haunting the dreams of Houston Police Department's finest, all because Cecila Ruiz took action; one more perpetrator behind bars. Programs like a Safe Walk Home Northside are building our communities and ensuring that stories like Josue Flores never happen again.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, on May 14th, 1836, Texas officially became a free and independent nation.

After the decisive victory at San Jacinto a few weeks earlier, interim Texas president David G. Burnett met with the defeated Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in the town of Velasco.

Under the heat of the Texas sun, the two leaders signed treaties on behalf of their governments. Little known to the general public, two treaties were signed. The first would be released to the public, with the second secretive treaty only to be released once the first treaty was fulfilled.

The public treaty forced Santa Anna to withdraw his forces from Texas and forbade him from attacking Texas again. Additionally, he promised to restore confiscated property to Texans that had been taken by his forces during the campaign.

The second, secret agreement would literally go on to shape Texas as we know and love her today. The treaty held that the Rio Grande River would officially become the border between Texas and Mexico. Santa Anna also agreed to the arrangement of a treaty of commerce between his country and the new Republic of Texas as well as the establishment of diplomatic missions in both countries.

Mr. Speaker, this treaty represents an important moment in the history of Texas. Following the example of George Washington, who deferred to the judgement of the civilian government rather than dictating terms as commander-in-chief of the army, General Sam Houston refused to engage Santa Anna himself in talks about the treaty. Rather, he fulfilled his legal obligation and insisted that the Mexican leader speak only with the Texas government about the terms of the treaty.

By keeping his nerve, General Houston put the Texas Republic in a position to negotiate a meaningful and lasting peace with their Mexican adversaries. Sure enough, Texas got exactly what it wanted in the Treaty. The grand Republic of Texas sprung to life, as an independent, sovereign nation.

Mr. Speaker, as a resident and representative of some of the residents of the city named after the Founding Father of Texas, it brings me great pride to recognize the Treaties of Velasco not only as an important event for the state of Texas but also for the United States as a whole.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, ask any Texan, the name James Avery rings a bell. On April 30th, the founder of one of Texas' most beloved jewelry brands, died at the age of 96. This family owned company designs timeless jewelry pieces reflecting on the things that are important in life. Whether it's a first communion cross, a wedding band, or a commemorative charm, each piece has a story. When asked about the idea behind his design, James Avery once said ``I strive to keep designs from being contrived, cluttered, or cute. The challenge is to keep things simple.''

Despite the craftsmanship of his jewelry, James Avery was no simple man. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in Chicago, the first time he saw the beautiful Texas hill country was by way of the United States Army Air

Corps. Basic Trainee Avery was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas (Lackland Air Force Base was also where I did basic training in the United States Air Force). It was here that James Avery completed pilot training and commanded a B-26 Bomber, flying 44 dangerous and hostile missions over Germany in World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Illinois for Industrial Design, and then went on to teach at the University of Colorado. In 1954, while visiting his in-laws in Kerrville, Texas, James Avery decided to go into the jewelry making business. His business started with a two-car garage, a small workbench, a few hand tools, and some scraps of silver and copper.

James Avery Artisan Jewelry is now operating 80 stores in 5 states with the headquarters remaining in Kerrville, Texas. This original one- man operation has grown to over 3,500 employees. After running the business for over 50 years, James Avery handed the reins to his son in 2007.

James Avery was a bold, innovative, and generous man who touched the lives of many people during his lifetime through his work, his art, and his giving spirit. The 64-year success of James Avery Artisan Jewelry reflects as a testament to his early leadership. The company's mission statement is to ``celebrate life through the beauty of design,'' and the life of James Avery should be forever celebrated through his artistic legacy.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Rice University Student Body President Justin Onwenu was born in Detroit, grew up in Alabama and moved around a lot as a kid. He lived in rural, suburban, and urban Alabama with his mom. His moving around didn't bother him; in fact it was quite the opposite. He says it was instrumental in learning a sense of how to coexist and feel others' perspectives. He was a very successful high school student active in debate, basketball, and student government.

When he graduated, he knew exactly what he wanted: a small school in a big city. Rice University was the perfect fit. Justin had never been to Houston before his college visit to Rice, but once he saw the vibrant, diverse city, he knew it was the place for him--so much so, it was the only school to which he applied. Mr. Speaker, Justin just knew it was what he must do, he had no Plan B.

Justin chose Rice, in part, because of its research and extracurricular activities. Upon arrival, he knew he wanted to study medicine, policy, and international health. There was only one problem: Rice University didn't have that degree. Justin decided to create his own degree plan. He formulated the curriculum and the class requirements, submitted it to Rice, and created the Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Health and Policy at Rice University. Once again, Mr. Speaker, Justin knew it was the right thing for him to do, no Plan B. Justin told me, ``I think about what opportunity is out there that I want, then I go after it!''

In his sophomore year, Justin became involved in student government and was instrumental in the university's first-ever student survey to gauge sexual conduct on campus. Justin felt strongly that a dialogue was necessary for students to discuss their expectations with their peers, not just be pushed to know right from wrong. As a result of Justin's work, Rice University led the nation with the first Critical Thinking and Sexuality course required of entering freshmen. Other college campuses are now following Rice's lead and engaging in real talk about campus sexual conduct. Mr. Speaker, Justin recently shared his work with Congress when he testified at my ``Breaking the Silence: Responding to Sexual Assault on Campus'' Field Hearing. He says he knew from the beginning this was such an important topic, he just had to give a voice to it. He had no choice.

Then Hurricane Harvey hit. Mr. Speaker, every Houstonian struggled to know how to respond to this devastating crisis. Justin knew he had to be involved with the school's Crisis Management Team, so he said he invited himself to their meeting. It was the first time the student body president was involved in such a high level tactical plan. Justin told me that throughout the meetings his thoughts were on the future. ``How can we prepare for post-Harvey? We need to think about volunteering, not just making sure Rice is safe.'' Justin said he went ``full in'' with this idea and decided to ``launch it first, then figure out the details later.'' With this in mind, the student government partnered with the Doerr Institute and the Center for Civic Leadership to create the Rice Harvey Action Team. The R-HAT, made up of 1,700 students and faculty, worked with synagogues, churches, and local shelters on demolition and volunteer projects. ``There was no other option,'' Justin told me. ``We had to make it happen.'' There was no Plan B.

With finals and term papers now due, Justin has taken on a new civic engagement project: scholarship reform. Mr. Speaker, you may have seen Justin's op-ed piece in the New York Times late last year on this very subject. Financial aid recipients who receive private scholarships are required to report the amount to their college or university. The school may then evaluate the scholarship and decrease the recipient's financial aid by the same amount. Since his op-ed, students and student governments from across the nation have reached out to him asking advice and thanking him for giving this issue a voice. Justin visited Capitol Hill this year to tell lawmakers about scholarship displacement and to propose policy changes. Justin is committed to educating lawmakers on this issue; there is no other choice for him. Again, no Plan B.

Justin graduates this month. He looks back on his career at Rice and says he's proud that people who don't normally speak up, speak with him. He says people have told him he's their ``voice'' on issues they care about, but have never felt comfortable coming forward on. He says this has inspired him to continue to speak up and speak out for people and policy changes. He plans to attend law school in the fall.

When considering how to tackle a project or a problem, Justin told me, ``You have a moment of `freak out' trying to decide if you should do something. I've learned how to tell myself to `just go for it'! It's easier to get involved and speak out than people think. I tell people to get passionate about an issue and work for change.''

Mr. Speaker, Justin Onwenu works on his ``Plan As.'' And, he finds a way to make them work every time. Justin has never thought about a Plan B, in fact, in his 21 years it's never entered his mind that one should exist.

And that's just the way it is.