Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize the Most Reverend Curtis John Guillory, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont. Bishop Guillory was born in Mallet, Louisiana to a family of cotton sharecroppers as the oldest of sixteen children.

He graduated from St. Augustine Seminary in 1964 and was ordained to priesthood in 1972. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree and two Master's Degrees, one in Divinity and one in Christian Spirituality. He was ordained as auxiliary Bishop in 1988, and installed as the fifth Bishop of Beaumont in July of 2000. He is the first African-American to be Bishop of Beaumont, and the first African-American ordinary (Bishop with full jurisdiction) of any Diocese in Texas.

His first assignment was to St. Augustine Parish in New Orleans, Louisiana, which was the home parish of Mr. Plessy of Plessy vs. Ferguson--the case that decided, ``separate but equal'' was constitutional (later overturned by Brown vs. Board of Education).

The Bishop's Episcopal motto is Romans 8:28, which says, ``For those who love God, all things work together for good.'' His hobbies include reading, exercising, and traveling; the latter two came in handy when he carried the Olympic torch in 1996, as it traveled across the country!

As the Vicar of Christ in the Diocese of Beaumont, which includes St. Anthony Cathedral, one of only four Minor Basilicas in Texas, the Bishop carries out his threefold ministry as teacher of doctrine, a priest of sacred worship, and a minister of governance.

Bishop Guillory is known for his frequent visits to parishes and schools. He gives his time freely throughout the community and across the country, and has served on a host of boards, including the USCCB African American Catholics in Washington, DC; Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program in Beaumont, TX; IEA--Inspire, Encourage, Achieve; NCCB Committee on World Missions, Washington, DC; Apostleship of the Sea USA in Washington, DC; Gulf Coast Epilepsy Association; Houston Area Urban League; Housing Opportunities, Inc.; Downtown Houston YMCA; Mental Health Association of Greater Houston; Child Advocates, Inc.

He was also a 2006 recipient of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Catholic Education, from the National Catholic Educational Association for the successes of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Beaumont. This honor is awarded to those whose personal or professional philanthropy of volunteer service has impacted Catholic education in the U.S., and our country's youth in general.

I am proud to recognize the Most Reverend Bishop Curtis Guillory for his distinguished ministry and service. He has helped make our world a better place to live, and I applaud his unwavering compassion dedication to the community and all of humanity.

That's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, when the ``War to end all Wars''--World War I-- concluded on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, it was called Armistice Day. We now refer to it as Veterans Day to honor those that went to war and those of them that returned from war to the vast American landscape.

When the American doughboys landed in Europe in World War I to a deadlocked bloody trench war where millions had already died, their relentless spirit not only stunned our enemy but it revived and surprised our allies, France and England. The American soldier landed 90 years ago this year, singing George M. Cohan's ``Over There,'' and, as the lyrics say, ``They didn't come back till it was over, over there.''

America has gone to war many times since World War I, and America's youth has always answered the call to duty, honor, country.

This Sunday, on the 11th day of the 11th month, America should fly the flag, be proud of our glorious heritage and give praise to veterans who went to places they had never seen and fought for peoples they didn't know to spread the doctrine of liberty and freedom.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, it is the first duty of government, especially our government, to protect the people. That is why governments are formed throughout the world. That is why the United States was formed, to protect the people who live in this great country of ours.

This weekend, we honor the veterans that have served in our military throughout all of its wars. It started on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, which was called Armistice Day, to end the war to end all wars, World War I. We now call it Veterans Day, where we honor those who went to war and came home.

Now America is engaged in wars in lands far, far away. We are engaged in the war in Iraq, we are engaged in the war in Afghanistan, and Mr. Speaker, it is my opinion that the finest military that has ever existed in the history of the world is fighting for American values in Iraq and Afghanistan, the American warriors.

You know, they are fighting in the deserts of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan. But we are also engaged in a war closer to home, that for some reason many have missed it, and it's the border war that we have on our southern border.

You see, our people who live in the southern part of the United States, and I happen to be one of them, I'm from the State of Texas, they are concerned about a constant invasion into our homeland by people that come here without permission. These people are coming into this country and they are colonizing our Nation. I have been to the southern border of Texas and Mexico over a dozen times. I've been to the border in Arizona, the border in California with Mexico, and every time I go to the border, the situation is worse. It is, by any definition, a war zone.

In the American town of Laredo, across the river, in Nuevo Laredo, it is a hostile and violent place. In the year 2005, there were 147 murders in Nuevo Laredo, many of them peace officers, and not one case has been solved. There have been 400 kidnappings; 41 of those have been American citizens kidnapped in Mexico, and not one case, not one has been solved by law enforcement.

It is a violent place. We have the three drug cartels coming in from Mexico, bringing that cancer into our country, and they are violent because it's all about money. And now they're working with the human coyotes, and they smuggle drugs and people into our country, all because of the almighty dollar.

We have reports of the Mexican military that have come across our border in arrogance and defiance, coming here to apparently help the drug smugglers bring in the drugs. But be that as it may, Homeland Security seems to be blissfully silent about the problem on the southern border with Mexico. And I ask the question, why? Is it because of political reasons? What do we owe the nation of Mexico? Our government, Homeland Security, owes the American public public defense.

It is the first duty of government to protect the homeland, and that includes the invasion by people without permission from our southern border. Thousands of people a day come in here without our permission, and I'm here to say that it's our obligation as a Nation to protect the southern border.

There has been legislation, bipartisan, that has been introduced this week to move that direction; 8,000 more border agents, using the military surveillance; also, requiring that American departments such as Social Security, Homeland Security and the IRS work together to prevent people from fraudulently trying to become American citizens, and of course, requiring more immigration judges. And I think we personally should use the National Guard and put them on the southern border as well. Whatever it takes, by lawful means, to secure the Nation's homeland, we owe that to the Nation, we owe that to the veterans who fought all over the world, and we owe it to the veterans who are on the southern border with Mexico to make sure that we protect our country, the dignity and sovereignty of this Nation.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, America, as a Nation made up of many cultures, has always been one to embrace traditions of the past, while at the same time looking towards the future. Members of the India House organization follow this same time honored philosophy. Their mission to ``unite cultures, create bridges, and serve human needs,'' is a testament towards this group's significance. With over 120,000 Indian- American's residing in the Houston area alone, the importance for community interaction becomes increasingly apparent.

As the Indian population continues to grow throughout South East Texas, so does the need to raise awareness of their increasing footprint. India House has successfully stepped up to this challenge through diverse organizations provided for all Houstonians. Services ranging from legal advice and financial education to yoga and meditation are made available by the organization.

Yet, until recently the rendering of these positive benefits was somewhat difficult resulting from their dispersed locations. In order to better connect the needs of their increasing community India House recently broke ground on their new facility. At 100,000 square feet it will be the largest of its kind in the Nation, offering over 500 different activities to the community annually.

Phase one of the projects will work towards further educating and assisting Houstonians, allowing them to thrive. This building, most importantly, will work towards meeting both the health as well as financial needs of the Indian-American population. Senior activities areas are also a part of the master plan, hoping to increase their social interaction. Yet perhaps the most important aspect included in this segment, comes with the availability to further ones education. Various classes, such as English, will be provided for members so that they may better become part of society.

Showcasing and promoting Indian culture to the Houston community makes up much of the buildings second phase. The Cultural Arts Center is designed to house performances, relevant retail and craft shows, as well as food related events. By educating neighbors in Indian-American culture, this group takes positive strides towards becoming part of our Nation's future. While the initial construction concentrates on assisting members, this later development is particularly involved with celebrating tradition.

India House recognizes the need to work together as a community, and to discern how to meet the needs of their population. Contemporarily, they are one of the largest legal Asian immigrant groups, with the highest level of educational qualifications surpassing any other ethnic group in America. Their impact on the future of our society is thus undeniable. However, the strides to become a working part of our Nation's economy and society through groups like India House, is unquestionably commendable.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, today I am proud to recognize a community leader in southeast Texas. Mrs. Beverly Hatcher has worn many distinguished hats, including mother, wife, member of the Junior League of Beaumont; Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity of Delta Eta Chapter; Beaumont Rotary Club Member; Beaumont M.L. King, Jr. Parkway Commission; Texas PTA Honorary Life Member; Member of the National Association of Parliamentarians; Board Member of the 100 Club of Jefferson and Hardin Counties; Member of Leadership Texas, Leadership America and Leadership Southeast Texas; Vice President of Membership of the Three Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America; U.S. Small Business Administration District VI Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year; Port Arthur Weed and Seed Advisory Board; and '04-'06 Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's Business Leadership Summit.

Since 1990, Mrs. Hatcher has led the Golden Triangle Minority Business Council. As president of the GTMBC, Mrs. Hatcher helps

educate, promote, and develop minority and women owned businesses by providing a variety of programs, services and business opportunities.

Mrs. Hatcher and the GTMBC routinely bring corporate and public interests together for the benefit of southeast Texas by providing a unique partnership in economic and community development. By consolidating the interests and resources of industries through advertisers and mentors and making them available to minority owned businesses, the GTMBC enlightens and strengthens local communities by preparing business leaders for competition in a global market. Through Mrs. Hatcher's leadership, the GTMBC was one of only 29 applicants in 1999 to receive an award from the U.S. Small Business Administration as Small Disadvantaged Business Private Certifier.

I applaud Mrs. Hatcher and the Golden Triangle Minority Business Council for working tirelessly on behalf of minority and women owned businesses. The knowledge and support that she provides to local businesses ensures that the entrepreneurial spirit will be nurtured, and tomorrow's business leaders will be prepared for global economic growth.

I applaud Mrs. Beverly Hatcher on her outstanding achievements. She has helped make our world a better place to live, and I applaud her unwavering service and dedication to the community.

That's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1060 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, southeast Texas is proud of the military men that it's produced, men such as United States Air Force Major Andrew Stone of Beaumont, Texas, who recently received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor for his heroics while fighting in Afghanistan. Thus far, there have only been a handful of recipients of this second highest military award from the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars.

On October 30, 2006, Major Stone answered a distress call from a Special Forces Unit that was on the ground and was trapped and taking heavy rocket and machine gun fire. Alone against this enemy, Major Stone attacked in his A-10 aircraft with a barrage of 30mm cannon fire. With no regard for his own safety, and while exposing himself to horrific enemy ground fire, Major Stone continued to perform cover over this trapped Special Forces Unit until they reached complete safety. He would not leave any of them behind. It was his selfless courage and bravery that enabled this U.S. troop patrol to escape.

And as we approach Veterans Day, we honor our relentless warriors like Major Stone. And it's with great pride that I recognize this son of Texas and congratulate him on receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, today I have the distinct honor of recognizing a family in the Second Congressional District in Texas where Veterans Day is a daily family event. If you looked up the word ``patriot'' in the dictionary, you would most likely find a photograph of the 12 Ripkowski brothers in Dayton, Texas.

The lives of all 12 brothers form a company of heroes that served in our military in various branches spanning from World War II to the Korean War. Most of them served in a time of war, and all 12 of them returned home. They truly were a band of brothers who fought for America.

Their family story began in the small town of Dayton, Texas, in the 1930s. Their parents, Stash and Mattie Ripkowski, had 12 sons and four daughters. That's right, 16 all-American children. Their names are Felix, August, Raymond, Bernie, Alex, Leon, Bill, Herman, Franklin, John, Mike, Stanley, Catherine, Virginia, Pearline, and Anna Lee.

The Ripkowski family grew corn and cotton on their 200-acre farm. As World War II began, the brothers answered their country's call of duty to serve in the military one after the other.

Raymond served in the Air Force and was stationed in New Guinea. He was a radio operator and gunner. During his military service, he survived and recovered from an airplane crash. Bernie served in the Army and was stationed in Alaska during World War II. Felix served in the Army in Europe. August served in the Navy and was stationed in the Pacific. And Bill was also stationed in the Pacific, but he served in the United States Army. Stanley served in the Army during peacetime and then during the Korean War.

Today only 6 of the 12 Ripkowski brothers are still alive. Alex, the oldest of the surviving brothers, is 91. He served in the Army and was deployed in Europe during World War II. Mike joined the Air Force and served as a chief clerk for 2 years on the island of Okinawa. Herman served in the Army as an infantryman for 3 years, and he was a member of the 78th Lightning Division, which was the first division to cross the Rhine River in Germany towards the end of World War II in Europe. After crossing the river, German airplanes blew up the bridge, separating Herman and his division from the rest of the American troops. American troops quickly built a pontoon bridge in the former location of the blown-up bridge. At this point, Herman's division met up with Russian forces outside of Berlin shortly before the Germans surrendered. It was during this battle that Herman earned the Bronze Star for laying communications wire during enemy fire.

Leon served in the Army during World War II, and his tour of duty took him to Africa, Italy, and France, where he served in the infantry. By miraculous chance, he ran into his brother Felix in Tunisia, Africa during the Battle of El Guettar. Leon received five campaign stars while in the United States Army. Franklin served as a Merchant Marine during World War II dodging German submarines in the Atlantic. He crossed the Atlantic three times during his military service. Several years later Franklin was drafted again into the Army, and he served his country one more time, but this time during the Korean War.

John ``Buster'' Ripkowski served as a squad leader in the infantry division in the Army during the Korean War. He helped take care of ammunition for his entire infantry platoon.

All the brothers, except one, have spent the rest of their lives after the military in Dayton, Texas. Herman was the only one to move away from his family, and he moved to Liberty, Texas, which is 6 miles away.

What makes the Ripkowski brothers' story so remarkable is how humble and modest they are in describing their family's enormous military contribution to our great Nation. Their humility is best understood in their own words:

Mike said, ``We did it to serve our country. We're just hard-working country folk.''

``Thank God we are here and that all of us made it home,'' said Herman, when asked to describe his brothers and their service in the military.

``You had to serve your country,'' said John. ``I enjoyed going into the service and doing my job.''

This band of brothers believed that their service in the military was their duty as an American citizen. To them it was not for performing heroics or to gain medals but to answer the honorable call of duty for our country. ``Medals didn't interest us,'' said Franklin. ``Our minds were on doing our jobs and doing it better every day. Nowadays a lot of people don't care or put much of their heart into it. But the military trained you to put your heart into it. I wish every person in America would go into the military for 1 year. It would make a better person out of all of them.''

The Ripkowski brothers' patriotic legacy of military service is one of the best examples of our ``Greatest Generation'' doing their job for America during the great World War II. They are an eternal example of the service and sacrifice given to protect freedom for our Nation. They're a good example for all of us, especially our younger generation.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, several months after his 18th birthday, Donald Barrett joined the United States Marine Corps at a time when his country needed him most. When he enlisted, it was just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the beginning of World War II.

During his military career, Donald served the United States of America at Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Cape Gloucester and Peleliu.

For his exemplary performance during his more than 4 years of military service, Donald was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, the Purple Heart, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, two Presidential Unit Citations and four combat ribbons.

Donald married his wife Eleanor Regan in 1947. She too bravely served her country in WWII as a member of the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve.

Later, Donald graduated from the University of Baltimore in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton.

During his professional career, Donald retired from the Frigidaire Division of GM, from White Consolidated and from Don Barrett Associates, Consultants.

Today, Donald and Eleanor have six children, eight grand children and three great grandchildren.

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce has chosen to recognize both Donald and Eleanor for their dedication to the United States of America. Corporal Don Barrett and Sergeant Eleanor Reagan Barrett have been awarded the Chamber's ``Heart of Service Award'' for their distinguished military service.

I would like to recognize Donald and Eleanor for being members of the Greatest Generation, who selflessly served to protect our country in a time of war.

The upcoming Veterans Day is a time to honor all of the brave men and women who have so proudly worn the military uniform, especially those who served in the Great World War II. Donald and Eleanor deserve the thanks of all Americans because these individuals chose to protect freedom for the rest of us and made the United States of America the best country in the world.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the French president addressed a joint session of Congress today, and he, like General Lafayette before him, talked about the American soldier, the warrior's courage, determination, resilience and love of freedom more than life itself.

As we approach Veterans Day, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's words are appropriate to show how the world, that has benefited from the American GI, view our military.

He said this morning:

``The men and women of my generation heard their grandparents talk about how in 1917 America saved France at a time when it had reached the final limits of its strength.

``The men and women of my generation heard their parents talk about how in 1944 America returned to free Europe from the horrifying tyranny that threatened to enslave it.

``Fathers took their sons to see the vast cemeteries where, under thousands of white crosses so far from home, thousands of young American soldiers lay who had fallen not to defend their own freedom but the freedom of all others, not to defend their own families, their own homeland, but to defend humanity as a whole.''

Mr. Speaker, the world's freedom fighter has always been the American soldier.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, being a police officer means dedicating your life to defending and protecting the local community. Great deeds are regularly performed by these brave individuals, who mean the difference between the law and lawlessness. Despite this fact, our lawmen and women rarely ask for any commendation in return for their valor. At the annual Greenspoint-North Houston Chamber of Commerce Law Enforcement Awards, however, some of only the many police officers were applauded.

Recipients of the Distinguished Service award, Officers Genarrow Patton, and Rogolio Ramirez represent the true compassion of those who choose to ``protect and serve''. Perhaps the most significant evidence towards these lawmen's empathy is not found in highly publicized ``old western'' circumstances, but in situations where, without hesitation, an innocent life is saved.

When confronted at the Greenspoint Storefront by a frantic couple with an unconscious baby, on the night of February 12, 2007, the officers coordinated response is an example of true heroism. A real life nightmare for the distressed parents; their baby's complexion was purple resulting from its inability to breathe.

Without hesitation, Officer Ramirez immediately began administering CPR to the tiny innocent infant, while Officer Patton called for an ambulance. Because of these selfless individuals, the baby soon began breathing again. Although actions performed in the Greenspoint store front may not have involved detective work, stake outs, or the use of force, to this young child's parents Officers Ramirez and Patton represent true heroes.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, with all the discussion about protecting our vulnerable borders from illegal intrusion by smugglers, criminals and fortune hunters, Homeland Security is missing the obvious.

Legal ports of entry are as easy for illegals to cross as the remote areas of America's porous borders. Media sources report that the Government Accountability Office did a study that showed at least 10 percent of the illegals who try to unlawfully enter the U.S. at ports of entry are successful.

These failures to detect include drug and weapons smugglers and one individual who had an incurable type of TB who was allowed to illegally enter the United States 76 times. Homeland Security doesn't argue with the results of the GAO but simply makes excuses.

One solution, however, is to require all people entering the United States at ports of entry to have a valid passport where the U.S. can record who enters and who leaves our country. The 9/11 Commission recommended the passport, but politics and the governments of Mexico and Canada and the open borders crowd seem to keep this common sense idea from becoming a reality. The security of this Nation deserves better. We need to use passports.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 1044, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, there is a new immigration law in effect, and even Federal judges refused to stop it.

On November 1 it became a felony to knowingly harbor and hide illegals. It is against the law to give illegals driver's licenses or give them public benefits. Local police may now hold illegals

they arrest for felonies and detain them for Federal deportation. And employers must use the new Federal verification system to determine legal status of workers.

This, unfortunately, is not a new Federal law, but one passed recently by the Sooner State: Oklahoma. Apparently, Okies are frustrated with too few results from Federal enforcement folk so they passed their own State law on immigration.

And good for them. Hopefully, other States will follow.

Of course, noncitizen groups and the ``give America away'' crowd sued Oklahoma in Federal court. And they lost. Early results of the law indicate illegals are leaving Oklahoma, some even going back to their own country, as it ought to be. They are getting the message: come to America the legal way or don't come at all.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to congratulate President Nicolas Sarkozy on his election to the presidency of France, and also welcome him to Washington, DC, as he addresses a joint meeting of this Congress on Wednesday of this week. I look forward to hearing his remarks in this Chamber.

This past May, Mr. Speaker, Nicolas Sarkozy became the 23rd President of France. His election has ushered in a new and welcomed era in positive relations between France and the United States.

The history of friendship between these two countries, the United States and France, runs deep and it runs wide. Since the American Revolution, we have shared a deep commitment to freedom and independence; both of our countries have. Perhaps one of the best early demonstrations of France's commitment to our shared heritage of freedom is the example of General Marquis de Lafayette--General Lafayette, a young Frenchman who believed so passionately in the cause of freedom and liberty for all individuals that he left his homeland of France and came to join the American colonies in their fight for independence against Great Britain.

It was General Lafayette who persuaded the French to help Americans in their fight for freedom and independence from Great Britain. He served courageously under the command of General George Washington. George Washington's and Lafayette's portraits both hang in this hall tonight.

General Lafayette is the only non-American portrait in the entire Capitol building, and is the only other portrait besides General Washington in this House Chamber. There is a reason for that; both of them, General Washington and his friend Lafayette, were committed to liberty for all.

The American people will always be grateful to the commitment of General Lafayette and the people of France throughout our pursuit for freedom and democracy through the American Revolution. And the American Revolution was successful because of their help.

In the same way, Mr. Speaker, we are hopeful that the election of President Sarkozy will renew the ties of friendship that bind our two countries and our long heritage together.

On the eve of the election, President Sarkozy said that ``American friends can rely on France's friendship. France will always be next to them when they need us.'' We are hopeful, Mr. Speaker, that in the midst of many international crises, most notably, the threat of nuclear Iran and the global war on terrorism, that France will remain an ally committed to world peace and democracy for all and continue to pursue freedom for all peoples throughout the world.

I am pleased to be the sponsor of legislation H. Res. 379, which honors President Sarkozy and his appearance before Congress. I look forward to his continued friendship and an alliance between not only him and the United States, but the people of France and the United States.

And that's just the way it is.