Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, when Bianca Ramirez left her Massachusetts home one Sunday morning for a jog, she had no idea it would be the worst morning of her life. Shortly after she began running, she was blindsided by a strange man in broad daylight. He choked her into unconsciousness and dragged her into the bushes, brutally beating her.

When she came to nearly 30 minutes later, she realized the horror that had happened to her. With the help of counseling and other victim resources, Bianca is a survivor, and the criminal went to prison.

Mr. Speaker, this is National Crime Victims' Rights Week. During this week, we remember the evil that victims like Bianca have endured. Victims like Bianca are the reason that Congressman Jim Costa and I formed the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, with the goal of ending modern-day slavery and giving victims a voice on the national level.

In honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, I ask Members to join me to honor and be a voice for victims of crime in America.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, national security is border security. Recently, I visited my friend Congressman Cuellar's hometown of Laredo, Texas, on the Texas-Mexico border.

Being from Texas, I have been to the border about 20 times since I have been elected to Congress. The border is actually the middle of the Rio Grande River, not the shoreline.

I toured the river with our Border Patrol, Texas State law enforcement officers, and the National Guard. It is a long border. From El Paso to Brownsville, Texas, it is about 900 miles--a river border. Laredo is right in the southern border of Texas.

Standing on the United States side of the border near Laredo, I looked across straight into Mexico. A seemingly innocent stark-white water plant peeked out over the thick brush. Looking closer, a figure appeared, having a radio and binoculars in his hand. Why? He was waiting for the Border Patrol to pass; ready to send a ``go'' signal to another group of illegals waiting to rush across the Rio Grande River.

The drug cartels, Mr. Speaker, control border crossings, whether they are smuggling drugs, people, or criminals. The cartels have an advanced system in place, a sophisticated criminal network. They have scouts on both sides of the border with cell phones and surveillance equipment. They have stash houses on both sides of the border where they hide drugs and people so they can move them closer inland to America.

Everyone pays to cross. In the Laredo sector, the violent Los Zetas cartel is in control. No one crosses into the United States without their permission. The cartels, the Zetas, for example, hide in the bushes, ready to stop anyone who tries to cross without their permission and without paying the money. How much it costs depends on where the person is from. But everyone pays, whether a person is from Central America, China, or Mexico.

Make no mistake about it: the cartels are the ones that make money off of illegals crossing into the United States.

President Trump has authorized State Governors to use the National Guard to help secure and protect the borders. Our Border Patrol agents do the best they can to apprehend illegal crossers, but they are outmanned, outgunned, and outfinanced. Technology helps, but there is far too little of it.

The cameras operating in the Laredo sector are from the 1990s. A cell phone camera is better than the cameras that they have. We need to have high-tech cameras along the entire border. Cameras help spot illegals as they slip over the river and through the tangled brush on both sides of the river.

The National Guard will take over monitoring these cameras, monitoring

sensor activations, conducting surveillance on skyboxes or other observation posts, and operating vehicles. This will free up law enforcement resources to patrol the border and make arrests.

We must have a mix of both physical and virtual barriers on the Texas-Mexico border. For example, Laredo needs about 30 more camera towers to actually secure the border. Border Patrol needs to see the illegals and adjust manpower needed for the threat.

The United States needs to prevent people from crossing into the United States in the first place by having boats in the Rio Grande River. Remember, the center of the river is the international border, not the shoreline in the United States. Once a person crosses and they are on the shore, they are in the United States. They are not on the border. Boats from Customs and Border Patrol, the State of Texas, and the Coast Guard should patrol the border.

I have traveled the Rio Grande River with Texas law enforcement, and where there is a boat present, illegals do not cross. Our longtime policy was to let people cross into the United States, then apprehend as many as we could and send a few back to their native country. That philosophy needs to change by keeping illegals, drugs, and gangs from crossing in the first place.

Patrol the river.

Also, we must use more aerostats. Those are small blimps that have cameras that look 20 miles in each direction. We must further use the new high-tech fiberoptic lines that run under the shoreline that detect any movement crossing that line, whether it is human, whether it is an animal, whether it is an airplane, whether it is a tunnel beneath or even a bullet.

Our Border Patrol agents are on the front lines and the number of agents is dwindling. There are more officers in the city of New York than there are in the entire Border Patrol. There is no doubt the National Guard deployment will be a welcome relief for our Border Patrol agents.

The greatest country on Earth, Mr. Speaker, must have the moral will to stop illegal entry into the United States. We must address America's border security because it is a national security issue. Secure America first.

And that is just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, at 15 years old, Jane was pregnant, alone, out on the streets, and ready to end her life. When Marcus and Robin Thompson found her, Jane thought she was saved. But instead of taking her to safety, the criminals forced the girl on a terrifying 6- week trek across the United States.

The outlaws photographed Jane in suggestive photos and sold her on the marketplace of sex slavery--human trafficking. Truck stops and sleazy hotel rooms became her life, sold to any pervert with the money and desire to buy sex from a child.

After multiple beatings, Jane sought help at a hospital, where nurses identified her as a sex-trafficked victim. The Thompsons are now locked up in prison for the crime they committed--modern day slavery.

Madam Speaker, human trafficking is a scourge. We must remain vigilant like the nurses in this case and rescue victims and send traffickers to the jailhouse where they belong. No more selling our children on the marketplace of slavery.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, down in Houston, Texas, you can find several remarkable individuals celebrating huge milestones this year. Clarewood House Senior Community is home to 11 centenarians. Mr. Speaker, centenarians, simply put, are people who live to see over 100 years of age. Combined between the 11 residents, that totals over 1,000 years of life. In fact, the Clarewood House is believed to have the most people, 100 years and older, living at one address. These incredible folks have survived and seen everything, from the Great Depression to last year's horrific hurricane.

These centenarians come from all walks of life. They include a World War II veteran, retired teachers, and women who supported their families and businesses all throughout their lives.

Recently, Clarewood House threw a huge celebration in honor of the residents who are marking their 100th birthday. It was an opportunity to honor their lives and celebrate a milestone not many are able to see through. Mr. Speaker, here are the names of the living legends turning 100 years or older this year at Clarewood House: Margaret Kilty, Helen Brown, Byrom Wehner, Charles Omar Logan, Lena Brenner, George McMahan, Margaret Shearer, Inez Heggie, Laura ``Wini'' Robertson, Bettye Drisdale, and Virginia Harrell.

It is an honor to recognize these extraordinary Texans today. Whether it's just good genes or working out and eating healthy, reaching 100 years old is a truly remarkable feat. I hope they continue to see many more years of life and want to wish each and every one of them a happy birthday.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, every day, Kanze Kahindi leaves her small village in southeast Kenya on a mission. Her mission? Find water.

She walks 13 miles one way to fetch water from the closest resource: a muddy pond polluted with animal and human waste. Then she walks home.

Mr. Speaker, that is 26 miles a day--a marathon.

Kanze has been doing this almost every day for 40 years. She walks thousands of miles for something Americans take for granted. We can simply turn on our faucets and out comes clean, drinkable water. But not for Kanze, and not for 1 billion people around the world who don't have access to running water.

That is why the Water for the World Act Representative Blumenauer and I authored is now the law. This legislation requires a comprehensive plan for the U.S. to aid other countries in securing clean water.

We have it in our power to help people like Kanze. No one on this Earth should be denied access to this basic resource needed for survival--because water is life.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the sound of beautiful music filled the air at the Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. The orchestra playing? None other than the Klein High School Orchestra. The kids who make up the orchestra are some of the best in the nation and we are proud to say they hail from Houston, Texas.

The Klein High Orchestra was in New York City to compete in a nationally recognized competition, rightly named the National Orchestra Championships. The orchestra, comprised of 35 students, took home the grand prize, earning the title of the 2018 National Orchestra Cup Grand Champions. This was the first time Klein High participated at this competition and more impressively, the first for the entire school district.

The orchestra was competing against seven other schools and several of the groups were from high achieving, performance arts magnet schools. This is a remarkable feat for a talented group of young adults. The Grammy Foundation has also recognized the Music Department twice as a Grammy Signature School and all of the orchestras have earned UIL sweepstakes awards. The Klein High Orchestras have performed in the San Antonio Showcase, South Coast Music Festival, Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago Invitation at Carnegie Hall, the Circle of Honor series in Chicago at Symphony Hall and have been named Grand Champions several times at the Festival Disney Honors.

Perhaps most impressive, is the dedication and time each student poured into practice, rehearsing song after song, to ensure each note was tuned to perfection. In order to achieve perfect harmony, genuine connections need to be strung between each musician and it's evident that was achieved seamlessly.

Of course, in order to lead a great group of students, you must have a remarkable leader. Orchestra Director, Creston Herron, is to be applauded for his work and contribution to producing an extraordinary group of students.

The Klein High Orchestra has achieved incredible accolades throughout the years, but being named the champion at the National Orchestra Championships could be their crowning jewel. We are honored to represent Klein High School in Washington, D.C. and we are even more proud to say they are from the Lone Star State.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, on any beautiful day down in Houston, Texas, you can find Shaun Linsey driving perfectly hit golf balls down the range. His father, Mark, is Shaun's biggest fan and competitor. Mark and Shaun have competitions between the two from time to time, but it's always in good fun.

At age three, Shaun's parents were told he was autistic and that he wouldn't ever be able to speak. Shaun has defied the odds, and with the help of his mom, Linda, Shaun is able to both speak and compete in the sport he loves.

Shaun has since picked up the game of golf and has become wildly successful. Even though his golf skills were impeccable, Shaun found he wasn't accepted in regular competitions. That's when he and his family turned toward the Special Olympics. The great program gave the young golfer a chance to compete and win. Shaun has done more than just compete in golf competitions. He and his dad have won area, state, and even placed in national competitions.

Shaun is one of the best golfers around, and that's a true testament to his determination in continually striving to better himself. Becoming a great golfer takes a lot of hard work and it is evident Shaun has put in many hours on the golf course to get to where he is today.

I am honored to be able to speak of Shaun's accomplishments in his life. I am also honored to say Shaun hails from our beloved Houston. His tenacity and passion for life is incredible and he truly exemplifies what it means to be a Special Olympian.

Keep golfing Shaun. We can't wait to see what else he accomplishes down the road.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great regret that we learned of the death on March 12, 2018 of a true advocate for crime victims and survivors. For most of her professional career, Joye Frost served crime victims through her efforts at the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), our nation's premiere agency dedicated to serving and advocating on behalf of victims of all types of crimes.

Joye Frost began her career as a Child Protective Services caseworker in South Texas and has worked in the victim assistance, healthcare, and disability advocacy fields for more than 30 years in the U.S. and Europe, including several years working at the community and headquarters levels for the Department of Army.

In January 2009, Joye was designated Acting Director of OVC and made the permanent Director in 2013. She was a strong and consistent advocate for the Crime Victims Fund, and developed a very close working relationship with state VOCA assistance and crime victim compensation program managers.

Perhaps her most profound and long-lasting legacy will be her inspiration and leadership encompassed by her landmark achievement: the development and implementation of Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services. Joye's nationwide initiative successfully sought to expand the reach and impact of the victim assistance field; recognize the role of victims in the nation's response to crime and delinquency; identify emerging and enduring challenges in the victims' field; and address the need to build the capacity of victim service providers to meet those challenges. Today and in the future, Vision 21 remains the ``blueprint'' for comprehensive, quality victim/survivor services nationwide.

She began her working on special projects at OVC in 1997 and, since 2001, directed OVC's annual observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, including its National Service Awards and the NCVRW Community Awareness Projects. As the Principal Associate Director for OVC, she developed national scope training, technical assistance and other resources to help crime victims, including the development of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) training and technical assistance project, as well as projects to help crime victims with disabilities. She also implemented grant programs to support comprehensive services for victims of human trafficking.

The U.S. Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, founded by Representative Jim Costa (CA) and me, recognizes that with Joye Frost's passing, crime victims have lost a strong and outspoken advocate. We have worked closely with Joye to improve the lives of victims for many years, and know that her positive and profound impact on the profession of crime victim/survivor services will endure far into the future.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and women of the Spring Fire Department. For 65 years, Spring firefighters have run in where we run out.

On April 29, 1953, seven people bound together with donated fire apparatus to form the Spring Volunteer Fire Department approximately 22 miles north of downtown Houston. Local residents and businesses made donations to fund the department for its first three decades.

As the department celebrated its 30th anniversary, the volunteers worked to form the Harris County Rural Fire Prevention District No. 1 (HCRFPD). For the first time, the Spring Volunteer Fire Department began receiving tax dollars to help build fire stations, buy equipment and train volunteers.

On Texas Independence Day in 1985, the Spring Fire Department suffered its only line-of-duty loss. District Chief Michael F. West died battling a 2-Alarm fire near Old Town Spring. His sacrifice is immortalized in bronze in front of the Spring Fire Department Administration building.

As the population grew, the Spring Fire Department continued to evolve. During the 1990's, as Emergency Services Districts (ESD) began forming to provide stable funding for emergency services in the unincorporated areas of Texas counties, Harris County ESD No. 7 replaced the outdated HCRFPD No. 1.

In 1997, the Spring Volunteer Fire Department hired its first part- time firefighters to staff an apparatus during business hours. Widely known as the duty crew, they responded to calls during the day when most volunteers were at work. As the population and staffing needs continued to grow, the department further evolved.

In 2013, the department's first fulltime firefighters joined the Spring fire family. With a combination of fulltime, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, the decision was made to change the name to the Spring Fire Department (SFD).

Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, today the Spring Fire Department is one of the largest combination departments in the state of Texas.

SFD covers 62 square miles of northern Harris County serving an estimated population of 152,000 people. SFD's nine fire stations house a fleet of 25 pieces of fire and rescue apparatus along with 15 support vehicles. The Spring Fire Department is under the leadership of Fire Chief Scott Seifert and today we celebrate their 65 years of dedicated service to the Spring community.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Matt Weiser loves nothing more than lacing up his cleats and hitting the soccer field. Matt is a skilled player and is lightning on his feet, but a few years ago, you wouldn't think that could have been possible.

When Matt was in the second grade, he started experiencing epileptic seizures. The seizures started to become so severe his parents and doctors decided it was time to perform surgery. The operation required removing part of his brain, which rendered Matt speechless and paralyzed. After many rounds of therapy and the love and care of his family, Matt performed the unimaginable. He learned how to speak and walk again. Walking turned to running, and running eventually took him back to his first love, soccer.

Matt started playing soccer when he was five. He competed in events all the way up until his surgery. After Matt learned how to walk again, he got right back on the field. His passion for soccer led to competing in the Special Olympics, which led to competing on the national stage. The Special Olympics has allowed Matt to pursue his dream of playing soccer and has been an invaluable resource to him and his family.

As soon as Matt steps onto the soccer field, his exuberance and passion for life shines through. The dedication he has shown, just to get to where he is today, is exceptional. Being able to bounce back after a life altering surgery is a true testament to Matt's determination to better himself. Of course, it wouldn't have been possible without the help of his family and his parents, John and Rebecca. Sometimes life throws you a curve ball, but how you react to it and handle it, makes all the difference.

I am honored to be able to spread Matt's inspiring story today. I am also proud to say Matt is a native of the great city of Houston, Texas. As Texans and Houstonians, we pride ourselves in hard work and Matt exemplifies that very quality. I have no doubt Matt will continue to dominate in the sport he loves and we will all be there cheering him on.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, today we honor the life and memory of longtime Texas lawmaker and my friend, Jack Ogg of Houston, Texas who recently passed away at the age of 84.

Jack Ogg was a political icon who had a 52-year career in Texas politics and law. He represented the Houston area for 16 years, first as a State Representative and then as a State Senator. His love for the State of Texas and the law prompted him to further serve with a run for Texas Attorney General. After an unsuccessful race, Jack returned to his renowned law practice in Houston.

When I was a criminal court judge in Houston, Senator Ogg practiced in my court.

Jack was also the father of Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. Kim worked alongside her father at the Ogg Law Firm and remembers her father not only as a great statesman, but a wonderful father who kept his family as his top priority. Kim said her father, ``was my closest confidante.'' Mr. Speaker, when I saw Jack recently at the funeral of our friend, the late Texas Governor Mark White, you could tell he was beaming with pride for Kim and how she was carrying on the Ogg tradition of public service.

Those who served in the legislature alongside Jack said he did what he thought was best for his district and worked inside the rules of the legislature instead of concerning himself with partisan fights. He did what was right and stuck to his principles.

Jack told friends he was proud of authoring the bilingual education act in Texas; the bill to create Metro in Harris County; and a measure re-instating the death penalty in the state. Jack's friend Houston attorney Robert Pelton described Ogg as, ``one of the finest human beings I've ever met in my life'' who did many good things for the state of Texas.

I admired Jack's adventurous spirit and determination. He suffered from congestive heart failure for many years, but that didn't stop him from being active not only in Houston, but across the globe. Just a few months ago, Mr. Speaker, he took a cruise to Spain and Italy. His family said he was born with an explorer's heart and he traveled to more than 225 countries and islands, and visited all seven continents.

Senator Ogg was born in 1933 during the Depression. His family moved to Houston in the 1950s. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas then worked his way through the University of Houston, where he was twice elected class president. He went to law school at night at South Texas College of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1962. He lost his beloved wife of more than 50 years, philanthropist Connie Harner Ogg, to cancer in 2010.

Mr. Speaker, those who worked with Jack in the State Legislature and at his law practice

agree he was larger than life with a sharp mind and keen craft. Today, I salute Senator Ogg's many contributions to our state and the city of Houston. My prayers are with District Attorney Ogg, her brother Jon Ogg, their spouses, Jack's three grandchildren, as well as his brothers Larry and Jim Ogg.

We will dearly miss Senator Jack Ogg. They don't make 'em like Jack Ogg anymore.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the mullahs in Tehran are among the world's worst human rights abusers. This year we have witnessed their brutality again on display as they mercilessly crushed political dissent from their own people. International attention has faded but the Iranian people are still in the streets demanding their rights, whether they be economic opportunity, access to water, religious freedom, or gender equality. The United States must support these dissidents fighting for freedom and basic human rights.

In response, the regime has murdered dozens and locked-up thousands as it has done so many times before without punishment from the outside world. In perhaps one of the most egregious cases, in 1988 the Iranian regime initiated a systematic massacre of thousands of political dissidents. The barbaric mass executions by hanging and firing squad included teenagers and pregnant women who refused to renounce their political affiliations, including many from the MEK--today's leading Iranian dissident group.

It's important to remember and emphasize who exactly were the victims of this bloody massacre. Iranian security officials would ask detainees ``What is your political affiliation?'' Those who said ``MEK'' would be immediately placed on execution lists. So horrific was the act that the deputy to Ayatollah Khomeini at the time called it ``the greatest crime committed during the Islamic Republic, for which history will condemn us.''

Their day of reckoning is fast approaching. It has taken 30 years to condemn and investigate this horrific massacre. The United States must act swiftly to ensure that the Mullahs in Tehran are finally held accountable. Our government must work with international partners to also investigate other major human rights abuses such as the dozens more killed during protests in 1999, 2009, and 2017. In all cases, the families of those murdered by the regime were never told what happened to their loved ones' remains. The United States government and our allies must make it a priority to pressure the Iranian regime to disclose where the final resting place of the missing is so that their families may have a small bit of peace.

Another horrific violation of human rights and decency is taking place today on the shores of Libya. In 2011, our government self- righteously intervened in Libya to topple the regime of Muammar al- Gadhafi and then turned its back on that country. It is now a full- blown failed state where human trafficking is taking place.

Human trafficking is modern day slavery. We are seeing thousands of desperate refugees attempting to cross the war-torn country to the freedom and opportunity of Europe only to end up being exploited by slave traders. Estimates indicate there are about 500,000 to a million migrants bottled up in Libya that could be fodder for this despicable slave trade. Evil men, whether they be criminal opportunists or terrorists, are subjugating those in the most need for their own profit. You cannot put a price on human life.

The fact remains that we simply do not know enough about what exactly is going on in Libya today. The U.S. government and Congress should further investigate this tragic development of human slavery in Libya so we can get to the bottom of what is actually going on.

We must know who is exploiting migrants for profit, where the money is going, and compel Libyan authorities and the international community to respond decisively. It is our moral duty to fight for the voiceless who are being sold as chattel on the shores of Libya.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the whir of skate gliding across the ice transfixes spectators at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games. Competing on the ice is Olympic speed skater, Texan, and Houston native, Jonathan Garcia.

Jonathan has been speed skating since he was 7 years old. His love for skating began when he witnessed Dan Jansen win the speed skating gold medal at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway. Ever since that time, Jonathan has passionately competed in speed skating and has enjoyed years of success.

Jonathan did not immediately begin speed skating at the ripe old age of 7, as one would assume. He first competed in roller speed skating for 14 years, before switching to speed skating in 2007. His goal was to compete in the Winter Olympic Games, and that wouldn't be possible as a roller speed skater. Jonathan, being the determined and motivated person he is, quickly took up speed skating and began competing in major competitions throughout the country.

Jonathan's first major achievement came during the 2011 to 2012 Short Track U.S. Time Trials where he earned the gold medal in the 1000 meters. After that, Jonathan's career absolutely skyrocketed. He has competed in the World Championships consistently for the past 7 years, even placing in every event he skated in.

Perhaps most impressively, Jonathan has qualified for and competed in the past two Winter Olympics. He placed 28th overall in the 1000 meters at the 2014 So chi Olympic Winter Games.

In this year's 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, Jonathan finished 23rd in the 500 meters. He was also second among the three U.S. entries to compete in the speed skating competition.

We are beyond thrilled to have a hometown hero representing Team USA and his town of Katy, Texas. Jonathan's determination to succeed and his passion for speed skating will no doubt inspire a younger generation to compete and achieve their wildest dreams.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, special Olympian and native of Houston, Christi Roberts, knows a thing or two about competition. In her own words she says, ``Don't mess with me, because I'm bringing the Texas heat.'' And Texas heat is what she brings.

Christi was born with a rare heart condition that required surgery when she was just two years old. She had to get her index fingers corrected and constantly has to check her blood pressure. None of that brought Christi down, but only pushed her to become a better athlete and pursue her passions in life.

Christi loves to run. As a Special Olympics athlete, she has competed in multiple events, but track is by far her favorite. And who would doubt it? Christi smokes the competition. During races she surprised all of her coaches, teammates and onlookers as she blazed down the track at lightning speed. Christi is not to be messed with, because she has one goal: winning. Her motto is, ``I win, but I don't like losing.''

When you can't find her beating the competition on the track, you can find her at the Houston Police Barn, sponsoring a horse by the name of Smash. She spends her extra time feeding, brushing and loving on her horse. Spending time with Smash is one of her favorite past times, and the Houston Police Barn is grateful for her time and dedication to sponsoring one of their beloved horses.

Christi's positive attitude and passion for life is infectious and she radiates happiness every single day. Her dedication to competing in the Special Olympics and continuing to crush the competition is one to be admired.

Christi is the definition of what it means to be a Special Olympian and Houstonian, and I'm proud to honor her and spread her inspirational story.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, every individual finds their refuge and sanctuary in different places. Meg Norman finds hers in the swimming pool. Rightfully so, as Meg is a fierce swimming competitor and an even fiercer lover of life.

At the age of two, Meg appeared on the autism spectrum. Her mom, Joan, said being doted on by her older siblings helped boost her confidence. And boost her confidence it did. Meg has no hesitation jumping into a pool to compete in races. Her competitors don't even stand a chance when she pushes off that pool wall. Her recipe for success? Practicing hard, having a lot of fun and always smiling. Meg is determined to succeed every time she jumps into the pool and that's aided by focusing on winning and keeping a positive attitude.

Meg is a competitor in the Special Olympics and as you can imagine, has been very successful. The Special Olympics has given her an outlet to compete in a sport she loves and she has thrived during every moment. Meg's competitive spirit has driven her motivation to succeed and also helped her to win several titles and medals throughout her life.

When you can't find Meg at the pool swimming laps, you can find her working in the Special Olympics office. At the office, she devotes her time to helping staff with various projects, which comes as a huge help.

Meg's ``can-do'' attitude and joyful spirit is one to be admired. Her success in and out of the pool can be attributed to hard work and her own sense of determination. Nothing can get Meg down. That is why the pool is her sanctuary.

I am honored to say Meg is a Special Olympian from Houston, Texas. As Texans and Houstonians, we pride ourselves in our hard work and determination to do something great with our lives. Meg has certainly lived up to both of those qualities, and I'm proud to be able to spread her story today. Just keep swimming, Meg.

And that's just the way it is.