Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, in Saudi Arabia, seven men abducted a 19-year- old woman and her male companion. The seven men then raped the woman. And how does Saudi Arabia treat this rape victim? By ordering lashes and imprisonment for her because they blamed her for being alone with this male companion because he wasn't her spouse.

A Saudi Arabian court originally, listen to this, sentenced her to 90 lashes because she was alone with this individual. As if further victimization wasn't enough, the court just increased the victim's sentence to 200 lashes and 6 months in prison.

The Saudi Arabian Government now seeks to quell international outrage over this sentence by saying the woman was married at the time of the rape but she was with a nonrelative male companion who wasn't her spouse.

No explanation or excuse can justify this punishment for the victim. This woman was victimized by her own nation.

The Saudi Arabian court also removed the lawyer from the case and revoked his license because he spoke to the media. The lawyer now faces permanent disbarment. So much for freedom of speech.

Human rights seem to be absent in Saudi Arabia, because rape victims should not be sent to jail, and even lawyers should have the right of freedom of speech.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court is considering Washington, DC's total handgun ban. It is illegal to buy, sell or own a handgun in this Nation's Capital of ours. Of course, DC has one of the highest homicide rates in the entire country.

The center of this debate is a question that has never really been clearly answered. What exactly does the second amendment to our Constitution mean? Did the Framers intend to protect an individual right or provide for State militias?

The second amendment states, ``A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.''

Our Founding Fathers risked their lives in the American revolution to create our Nation. They distrusted government, especially a government that wouldn't trust its own citizens.

Our Founding Fathers knew the importance of an armed citizenry from their experiences in the American War of Independence. They trusted an armed citizenry and a citizen militia as the best safeguard against the tyranny of government.

To truly understand the meaning and purpose of the second amendment, we need to understand the men that wrote the Constitution and what they said when it was ratified. The Founding Fathers were very concerned that a strong Federal Government would trample on individual freedom and individual rights because that's what happened to the colonists, and that's what governments historically do to their people, trample on individual rights.

So after the ratification of the Constitution, the Framers knew that a declaration of rights had to be added to protect basic individual rights, rights that are inalienable, created by our creator and not created by government.

So the Founders looked at the English common law, at the English declaration of rights of 1689, which specified the guaranteed right of the people to bear arms.

Those who claim there is no individual in the second amendment ignore the most basic feature of American rights: Rights in this nation belong to individuals.

The second amendment was included in the Bill of Rights to prevent the Federal Government from disarming the public like the British Army did to American citizens. The right of the free people to defend freedom and protect themselves was so important that it was placed second in the Bill of Rights.

Thomas Jefferson knew the importance of an armed citizenry. He said, ``No free man shall ever be debarred from the use of arms.''

Samuel Adams wrote that ``The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their arms.''

And of course James Madison, who helped write the Bill of Rights, once wrote that the Americans had ``the advantage of being armed,'' and that other nations governments were ``afraid to trust the people with such arms.''

So, Mr. Speaker, the second amendment is a personal right for individuals in this country, and the DC ban is a violation of the United States Constitution, specifically, the second amendment to that Constitution.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, once stated that ``Unless we are making progress in our nursing every year, every month, every week, take my word for it we are going back.'' Lamar University's JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing has taken this philosophy and ran with it. Their continued excellence has turned the nursing program into one of the most successful in the country.

Nursing education began at Lamar University in 1974. Since then, it has become the second most popular in the university, trailing only General Studies. From 2001 through 2005, the program saw a 30 percent increase in the number of students admitted to the program. Over the same period, the number of pre-nursing majors increased by 195 percent. The popularity stems from the success of both the program and the students. The faculty is staffed by a number of experts with many years of experience. Recently Department Chair Eileen Curl was elected president of the Texas Association of Deans and Directors of Professional Nursing Programs. May 2007 graduates of the Department's associate of applied science program achieved a 100 percent passing rate on the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses. The national passing rate is 87 percent. Success in the classroom has lead to success after graduation. The University states that 98 percent of senior nursing students have job offers before graduation, and a full 100 percent are employed within six months after graduation. The knowledge learned in the classroom benefits all Southeast Texans, as the University estimates that between 60 to 80 percent of Lamar's graduating classes are employed in local health care agencies. Southeast Texans can feel safe, knowing that they have qualified, competent, and professional nurses to assist them.

Lamar University's Dishman Department of Nursing had humble beginnings but quickly grew to become one of the most popular and distinguished majors. The faculty provides quality education relevant to today's ever-changing world. The students strive to be the best and showcase their values, work ethic and integrity. With an enrollment that grows by the year, the Dishman Department of Nursing will be turning out prominent medical professionals for years to come.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, thirteen years ago in Humble, Texas, 33-year- old Farah Fratta was murdered by a hit man, allegedly hired by her own husband, Robert Fratta. In 1994 Robert Fratta was sentenced to death row for his part in this murder-for-hire plan. Since their daughter's murder, Farah's parents, Lex and Betty Baquer have raised Farah's children. The Baquers recently learned that Robert Fratta was granted a new trial.

This second chance frustrates and shocks the Baquers. In the second district of Texas, the community of Humble is troubled to learn that the Baquers and their grandchildren will have to relive another trial. The murder of a loved one is an exceptionally difficult experience yet too often, the victim's families are left alone to fight the criminal justice system. The Baquers have found support and strength through God and in their grandchildren. I want the Baquers to know they are not alone in

their fight, we will continue to remember the legacy that Farah left behind.

So, I stand here today to pay tribute to Betty and Lex Baquer. As a parent of 4 children and 5 grandchildren, I can think of nothing worse than to lose a child. I commend the Baquers for their determination and commitment to justice. As a former judge and prosecutor, I have witnessed how victims as well as their families are treated in the justice system. It's shameful! The first duty of government must be to make sure criminals who commit crimes pay for their acts of violence.

Justice must be served.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, College Station, Texas is the home of Texas A & M University, also known as Aggieland. Texas A & M was founded in 1876, and was the first public institution of higher learning in the state of Texas. Although the education received at Texas A & M is of the highest caliber, it is not the only element that attracts prospective students to College Station for their college careers. It is the sense of belonging that is created at Texas A & M--the Spirit of Aggieland, that unique school spirit that sets Texas A & M apart from the rest.

The spirit of Aggieland, besides being the alma mater of Texas A & M University, refers to the ``spirit that can ne'er be told.'' Many people have described Texas A & M as having a unique school spirit that ``From the outside looking in, you can't understand it. And from the inside looking out you can't explain it.'' What has helped develop this sentiment is the time honored traditions that Aggies everywhere hold dear. Such traditions include Midnight Yell Practice, 12th Man, Yell Leaders, Reveille, Muster, Silver Taps, and Gig'Em. And one of the most notable traditions is Aggie Bonfire.

Bonfire is built every year and lit before the big football game against the University of Texas Longhorns, or ``t.u.'' as the Aggies call them. Bonfire is meant to symbolize the burning desire to beat the University of Texas in the annual football game. The first Bonfire built in 1909 was a heap of trash and debris. By 1969 the stack of logs set a record for the height of a bonfire at 109 feet, 10 inches. There have only been 2 years when bonfire did not burn as scheduled. The first was 1963, the year President Kennedy was assassinated. As a sign of respect, the students dismantled the stack. Head Yell Leader, Mike Marlow explained, ``It is the most we have and the least we can give.'' The other year was 1999, when at 2:42 am on November 18th the 40 ft high stack consisting of 5,000 logs collapsed killing 12 people and injuring 27 others.

It was in dealing with this tragedy that the true strength of Texas A & M emerged. Rescue workers were on the scene within minutes of the collapse. The entire Texas A & M football team and many members of the Corps of Cadets rushed to the site to assist in manually removing the logs. An official memorial service was held in Reed Arena less than 17 hours after the collapse. Over 16,000 mourners gathered to pay tribute to those who had died and those who spent all day trying to rescue the injured. At the end of the ceremony, the crowd spontaneously stood, linked arms, and started singing Amazing Grace.

Eric Opiela, Vice President of the Student Government of The University of Texas at Austin, attended the memorial service, and described the scene saying, ``Aggieland is a very special place, with special people. It is infinitely better equipped than us at dealing with a tragedy such as this for one simple reason. It is a family. It is a family that cares for its own, a family that reaches out, a family that is unified in the face of adversity; a family that moved this Longhorn to tears.''

It is this same sense of unity and family that has compelled current Aggies to continue their tradition of Bonfire. Though the event is now held off campus and not sponsored by the University the passion lives on. And so, on this 8th anniversary of the Texas A & M Bonfire collapse, we pay tribute to the Spirit of Aggieland. May it continue to mystify us, dazzle us, and thrive forever.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, the staff and students at Brill Elementary School, in Klein Independent School District, set a goal for their physical fitness program and worked hard to achieve it.

As a result of their perseverance and determination, Brill has been awarded the title of Physical Activity and Fitness Honor Roll School by President George Bush's Challenge Program.

Brill received this honor by serving as a national demonstration school in physical fitness and sports for the past three years. During this time, other schools looked to Brill as having the model physical fitness program.

I commend the students, faculty and staff of Brill Elementary for their dedication to physical fitness. I would especially like to recognize the efforts of physical education teachers Darlene Sentesi, Jack Hall and April Holbrook.

This elementary school is the only one in Texas to be considered a national demonstration school and to be awarded the honor roll distinction.

I am proud of the faculty at Brill Elementary for their commitment to the well-being and health of its students.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, a strong sense of patriotism is sweeping through the second district of Texas between to local football teams and spreading on to the gridiron. It is a short story, but it says volumes about the generosity and spirit of the people of Texas.

The varsity cheerleaders at Klein Forest High School and Westfield High School challenged each other to see who could raise the most money for troops returning home from Iraq.

The challenge would last two weeks and the money would be presented to members of the Family Readiness Group of Company B, 15th Brigade Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade during a homecoming football game.

The cheerleaders collected donations during and after school for the next two weeks. They asked local businesses to help support the troops returning home to Texas. During the homecoming football game, they passed around buckets throughout the stadium for additional donations from the fans.

The two cheerleading squads raised close to $4,000.00 for the Family Readiness Group to use in welcoming home the troops this holiday season.

I commend both squads for being generous and patriotic Americans. Thanks for showing the troops that we support and appreciate the sacrifices they are making for us, our families, and our future.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, A Tree, A Tree, but don't call it a Christmas Tree. Let me explain.

Since forever, Christmas trees have been called Christmas trees. Everyone in the world knows what a Christmas tree is and the traditions that accompany them.

It is almost that time of year for most homes throughout the fruited plain to have some type of tree in them. Even Charlie Brown has a Christmas tree. But Lowe's Home Improvement stores that sell trees won't call them Christmas trees, but now they call them ``family trees'' so as not, I suspect, to offend non-Christians. Of course, it is okay in our culture to offend Christians because they are just supposed to turn the other cheek. However, calling them family trees may offend single individuals who don't have families. So should the trees be called family-individual trees?

Where is this nonsense of political correctness going to end? Lowe's should change its policy. This is the same silliness that caused some retailers last year to refuse to put up signs saying ``Merry Christmas,'' but instead said ``Happy Holidays.''

It is tradition at the Poe house on Thanksgiving that we buy and decorate a Christmas tree. But we won't buy one at Lowe's because, you see, they don't sell Christmas trees.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a legal driver's license. Illegals, who aren't even supposed to be here, broke the law to get here, and they break it every day by staying here.

Some States pander to illegals and encourage them to stay. Seven States: Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah and Washington, issue legal driver's licenses to illegals. These illegals then can use the driver's license to travel to other States, set up credit, obtain free social services, and in some States that don't verify citizenship, use these licenses to vote. Thus, these States encourage illegals to stay here. This is an absurd policy that gives the same recognition status to illegals that should be reserved only to citizens and legal immigrants.

We need stricter requirements for driver's licenses, not more lax enforcement. The 9/11 terrorists used fake driver's licenses to ``move about the country freely.'' So States that promote violation of Federal immigration policy by issuing these driver's licenses to illegals should lose Federal transportation highway funds.

Millions for border security, not one cent to highways for illegals.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1100, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, in September of this year, corrections officer Susan Canfield was murdered just outside of Huntsville, Texas by two inmates who had escaped a Huntsville prison facility.

In what some might call ironic timing, a report by the Dallas Morning News came out the following month that said assaults on prison guards have doubled over the last five years. Over 36 staff member were assaulted this year, up from 18 in 2003. To further compound this problem, turnover of staff is at a

record high with one in four leaving the department last year alone.

Officials believe these problems have been caused by low wages, staff shortages, and a tougher breed of criminals entering the prison system. Salaries for prison guards in Texas begin at $23,040 and top out at $33,948. This is one of the lowest pay scales nationally for prison guards. As a result, people are leaving the field or not entering it at all. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice workforce was down almost 4,000 employees in August. This means facilities are more vulnerable and employees are at increased danger for attacks.

This is unacceptable. We need to make sure our prison system is secure so that our prison guards and staff can go to work without fear of being assaulted and we need to make working conditions better for these people who have some of the toughest jobs in society, to protect our communities from dangerous criminals.

The toughest beat in America is the one assigned to our prison guards who watch those who have committed crimes against our people. We owe these guards our greatest appreciation.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize NBA great Elvin Hayes. The basketball star known as the ``Big E'', from Rayville, Louisiana, was one of the most talented power forwards to play the game. His notorious turnaround jump shot, aggressive defense, and outspoken demeanor were legendary and earned him a place in the NBA record books.

He first picked up a basketball in the eighth grade when a teacher put him on the school basketball team. Although he initially showed no proclivity for sports, he was determined to improve. He spent his summers practicing and developing his skills. By the time he attended Eula Britton High School in Rayville; he averaged 35 points per game and led his team to 54 straight wins.

Basketball became an opportunity for a better life for Hayes. He was recruited by more than 100 colleges, and chose the University of Houston, where he became one of the first African-American athletes. In college, he debuted on the national basketball scene and was able to hone his game, and establish a style that would eventually make him a feared NBA player.

Hayes became a three-time All-American, leading the Houston Cougars to an 81-12 record and two Final Four appearances. Basketball fans across the country watched this nationally televised college game as he and his University of Houston teammates defeated UCLA and Lew Alcindor, later known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in ``the game of the century'' at the Astrodome. I was one of the 50,00 plus fans at the Astrodome watching the University of Houston defeat the #1 ranked and undefeated UCLA Bruins. In his college career, Hayes scored 2,884 points, 31 points per game, 1,602 rebounds, with 17 rebounds per game, and was named the 1968 college player of the year. Before retiring in 1984, he returned to the Houston Rockets for three seasons. Hayes' NBA accomplishments include leading the league in scoring in '69; All-NBA first team in '75, '77 & '79; All-NBA Defensive Team in '74 & '75; and twelve-time NBA All-Star from '69-80. He scored 27,313 points, averaging 21 points per game in 1,303 professional games; he grabbed 16,279 rebounds; played more minutes than any player in history; and ranked third all-time in games played and blocked shots. In 1990, he was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 1996, he was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, and was chosen as one of professional basketball's top five players during the NBA'S 50th anniversary celebration.

When I served on the bench as a Judge in Texas, I recruited Elvin Hayes to coach a team of probationers in a basketball match against a team from the Houston police department. He agreed to coach this goodwill game although the police department team won.

Life has definitely gone on after basketball for the ``BIG E.'' After his all-star college and NBA career, Hayes returned to the University of Houston to complete his college education, and became a successful businessman. Today, at age 60, he has set his sights on yet another challenge, one that fulfills a childhood dream. On October 16, he completed a nine-month peace officer training program and joined the Liberty County Texas Sheriff's Department as a reserve deputy sheriff. He admits that years ago, when he sat on one of my grand juries, the law enforcement seed was watered.

Legendary coach Al McGuire taught Hayes that a successful person is one who can do something great, go on to something else, and be successful in the next field too. That philosophy was branded in the ``Big E's'' mind. All of his college, NBA, and business accomplishments shaped and changed his life. Basketball taught him discipline, teamwork, and hard work, making him one of the NBA's 50 greatest basketball players. He took the lessons learned on the court to the business world when he opened a car dealership. From the business world, he learned a very important formula; integrity, commitment and a caring heart. He now uses that formula in law enforcement, where he is once again part of a team, where each member compliments the abilities of fellow law enforcement officers.

Hayes will be patrolling Liberty County as a reserve deputy sheriff, for 20 hours each month. Like everything else in his life, he is very committed to it. Accomplishing his childhood dream of becoming a police officer is one of the most gratifying and rewarding feelings he has ever had, even topping an NBA championship! The training process was more challenging than he expected. he had to learn countless codes, laws, and cases. You see, Texas has the highest standards of law enforcement than any other state, requiring 809 class work and physical training hours. In basketball, you have physical challenges, but training to be a peace officer was mentally and physically challenging. The ``Big E'' is a goal setter, and his goal now is to become one of the top law enforcement officers.

His first few weeks as a reserve deputy sheriff have been very quiet so far, but Hayes would never call it routine, since ``routine'' traffic stops in law enforcement can be some of the most dangerous. His 6'9" frame usually helps deter people from making bad decisions, but he knows that some people will feel threatened by his height and want to prove themselves. Law enforcement officers prefer to use verbal means to communicate, instead of physical means, but Hayes has been trained and is prepared for whatever situations may unfold.

Hayes will deal with those who invite him into his life by breaking the law, but he will also work with kids to help them set and achieve positive goals, so they can be productive citizens. He is a law enforcer, but is definitely willing to be a mentor to today's youth. He will visit schools and talk to kids to counter the messages they hear in today's rap music.

He hopes to convey that those who desire a family unit can obtain one through positive means. Since there is a shortage of police officers, he encourages young people to consider a career in law enforcement, which allows individuals to focus on making their communities a positive place to live. There are more prisons being built in our country than schools; and Hayes would like to do his part to see that change, by keeping kids out of the criminal justice system.

Hayes encourages young people to be themselves. ``Don't try to be like someone else, don't try to emulate what you hear in rap music; don't try to do what you see basketball players doing. Pick a goal and each and everyday, do something to try to accomplish that goal. Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are the formula for success!''

The extremely popular basketball star, businessman, and reserve deputy sheriff believes that in life you should ``continuously look for challenges.'' The reserve deputy position is another way for him to set a positive example for young people. Not everyone can be a professional athlete, a rapper, or actor, but everyone can give back to the community.

I am proud to recognize my friend, Elvin Hayes for his accomplishments on and off of the basketball court. He is a role model for us all, and a shining example of hard work, determination, and service to the community.

That's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Steven Shulz joined the United States Marine Corps after 9/11 and wanted, as he said, ``to strengthen the United States military.''

He did two tours of duty in Iraq, and in 2005 he was wounded by an IED in Fallujah. He had traumatic brain injury and was given up for dead.

Mr. Speaker, last rites were actually given for him. But Corporal Shulz refused to die, even though he has permanent brain injury, a weak left side, and is blind in one eye. No one ever expected Steven to even walk; but he continues to go through rehab, and his recovery is remarkable due to awesome medical personnel.

At a ceremony at the Baylor College of Medicine on Veterans Day, Corporal Shulz was presented with keys to a new home, especially designed and built for him, thanks to Houston area Rotary Clubs and benefactors in the Houston area.

It was a thrill for me and other Members of Congress to be present to see this young American hero. I was so impressed by his positive attitude and his love for America. He told me he would go back to Iraq and do it all over again if necessary.

Amazing men, these young guns of the United States Marine Corps.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Lief Erickson, of Houston, TX, was recently recognized by the NAACP when he was given the ALEX award or Award for Legal Excellence. The award was named after Congressman Alexander Green who was president of the Houston branch of the NAACP for 10 years.

The award is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the NAACP's Houston legal programs, people who have demonstrated a commitment to pro bono legal services within the community or to people whose legal contributions significantly impacted persons in the community served by the NAACP.

The path to being recognized with this prestigious award began a long time ago when Erickson was living in Houston in 1977 and working as a carpet layer. He met a young up-and-coming lawyer who recognized his potential and encouraged him to become a lawyer to make a difference in the community.

With only a 10th grade education and rugged determination, Erickson decided to become an attorney. After obtaining his high school equivalency diploma, he enrolled in the University of St. Thomas and earned a Bachelors Degree in psychology. He later entered and graduated from Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall Law School. I had the pleasure of swearing him in as an attorney marking this great accomplishment. It was a long journey in Erickson's life to go from high school dropout to attorney.

After completing law school, he worked for a private law firm for 2 years and then became a prosecutor for the Drug Task Force in Waller County, Texas. Two years later, Erickson realized that his heart and conscience were better suited for criminal defense to assist the downtrodden and disenfranchised. Since 2000, Erickson has defended more than 3,000 clients. He has also devoted his weekends over 13 months to give back to the community as a volunteer to help the NAACP with criminal defense cases in their pro bono legal redress clinic. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays he volunteers to assist walk-in clients with consultation and legal advice. By donating his weekends to serve others, he is a shining example of service above self.

It is for his generous volunteer efforts that the NAACP recognized Mr. Erickson with the ALEX Award. I salute Lief Erickson for his spirit of service and volunteerism.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, the safety and security of American communities is a vital ingredient in the preservation of liberties we as a nation hold dear. Nonetheless, individuals occasionally attempt to upset our sense of wellbeing. Holding these criminals accountable for their actions is thus of the utmost importance. Since 1981, Houston Crime Stoppers has tirelessly worked towards keeping our neighborhoods protected through helping law enforcement solve numerous cases.

Imported, from a similar program in Albuquerque, New Mexico, by members of the Exchange Club of Houston, the organization quickly grew into a world leader, assisting to solve felony offences. The success achieved by this group is made possible through the ease of reporting information to the Tip Line. As a result of assigning callers with code numbers, anonymity is easily maintained, while encouraging informants to continue to contact Crime Stoppers. If the information provided leads to an arrest, a financial reward is then given to the appropriate citizens. From 1981 to 2006 over 6.5 million dollars have been paid in cash rewards, a testament towards the large response to Crime Stoppers throughout the Houston community.

Prevention is also a key aspect of Houston Crime Stoppers mission. Serving over 200 area middle and high schools, the Safe School Program works to educate students and administrators about how to recognize dangers. Their focus in particular concerns gang activity, terrorist threats, and possession of dangerous weapons. Students can report serious crimes to officers, through the anonymous tip line before they escalate into perilous situations. These informed campuses are better protected as a result, illustrated alone by the 52 gun related arrests in just the past decade.

A similar initiative sponsored by Crime Stoppers is the Safe Apartment Program. Like preventative programs in area schools, the identifying crime is a major concentration. Complex managers and staff are taught how to recognize and report criminal activity. Residents also can inform officers of offenders in their community, through the Tip Line. This has proven to effectively reduce crime, making the affected neighborhoods increasingly safer.

Operating in partnership with citizens, media, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system, Houston Crime Stoppers is now the number one community based organization dedicated to deciphering and preventing serious crime. Since their 1981 inception, 26,593 cases have been closed as a result of these dedicated citizens. Of these many servings of justice, they solved 817 homicides, 832 murders, and apprehended 8917 felony fugitives. Still, these statistics make up only a portion of the many other transgressions resolved as a result of Houston Crime Stoppers.

And that's just the way it is.