Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Deputy Sheriff Gilmer Hernandez is one of three deputies in Edwards County, Texas. This county is the size of Delaware.

While on duty at night recently in Rocksprings, Texas, an SUV ran a red light. Hernandez pulled the vehicle over. The vehicle sped off and then tried to run down Deputy Hernandez. He shot out the two tires in self-defense. It turned out the vehicle was smuggling nine illegals. One illegal was injured by a ricochet bullet. The Sheriff's Department and the Texas Rangers investigated the shooting and cleared Hernandez. But the Mexican Government demanded prosecution by the U.S. Justice Department, and over a year later the U.S. Attorney's office prosecuted Hernandez for alleged civil rights violations. The nine illegals and the human smuggler were allowed to stay in the United States. Hernandez was convicted and sent to prison. But yesterday he was released from prison and returned home to Rocksprings, Texas as a hero. The community sided with Deputy Hernandez and resents the U.S. Government freeing the human smuggler and the illegals and prosecuting Hernandez for just doing his job. Yet another example of how it seems the U.S. government is on the wrong side of the border war and seems to be the puppet and whims of the Mexican Government.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Liberty, Texas, is one of the oldest towns in Texas. It was founded in 1831 and named Liberty before Texas was an independent nation in 1836. This town has sent many young men off to war.

Today the town of Liberty laid to rest one of its favorite sons. The streets of this small town were lined with American flags. People came outside their homes and businesses to pay honor and tribute to a hometown hero. Some people stood erect with their hands over their hearts or saluting as the funeral procession went by. As the process passed Liberty High School and the middle school, students from both schools lined the streets with flags, tears and signs that said ``Thank You.''

Hundreds of citizens in this community turned out to honor 22-year- old Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris of the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Speaker, this is what people in southeast Texas do when one of their own is killed in combat.

Jeremy was killed on October 8, 2007, while conducting combat operations in al-Anbar Province in Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Marine Expeditionary Force from Camp Pendleton, California.

I've talked to Jeremy's proud father, Brent Burris. He said his son was driving a military vehicle when it was accompanied by two other Marines when the vehicle hit an IED, that's an improvised explosive device, hidden in the road.

Lance Corporal Burris survived the initial blast and helped the other two wounded Marines from the vehicle. Then Jeremy returned to the vehicle to retrieve sensitive equipment when a second bomb detonated and Lance Corporal Burris was killed.

Mr. Speaker, it's not uncommon that our enemy sets a second delayed bomb explosion because they know Marines will always return for their wounded or dead or sensitive equipment from their damaged vehicles. This is how these cowards of the desert conduct war against our troops. They do so remotely. They won't come out in the open and fight because they fear the Marines and the Marine reputation.

General Black Jack Pershing, United States Army, and Commander of the United States forces in World War I, said of the Marines, ``The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine with a rifle.'' He was correct. Marines are a rare breed with dogged determination and put fear in the souls of our enemy.

Burris was a proud Marine. He was an unapologetic person of faith, and he attended the nondenominational church, Cornerstone Church, where he led worship and praise sessions for youth groups.

He loved Texas. His church pastor said today at the funeral, ``No one had better say anything negative about his home State of Texas.'' And on Jeremy's Myspace page he wrote, ``Born and raised in Texas and proud of it.''

Lance Corporal Burris believed totally in his mission in Iraq. He said he was not afraid to die, and he joined the Marines a year and a half ago knowing he would go off to war. He told his youth minister ``he would rather die young while he was able to give 100 percent than grow old and not be able to give that 100 percent.'' Amazing man, this young gun of the United States Marine Corps.

In a letter to Jeremy's father, Sergeant Drabicki, Jeremy's section leader in the Marines in Iraq said this about him: ``Your son is a hero to all of us, especially me. He touched my heart and my soul in ways that I could never forget. Your son was the most loyal, hard-working, dedicated and selfless Marine that I had in my section, and his loss is felt by all of us. He never complained. He never faltered. He never quit, and it was my honor to lead your son in combat.''

Mr. Speaker, I want to say this about the United States Marine Corps. They are the very best at what they do. They always have been. Army Major General Frank Lowe said in the Korean war, ``The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. Lord, how they can fight.''

Marine Lance Corporal Burris was one of those types of fighting men. They go where others fear to tread. They fight where the timid are nowhere to be found.

Mr. Speaker, this is a photograph of Lance Corporal Burris right before he was killed. And so the bugler has played taps for the final time for this lance corporal of the United States Marine Corps. And as his flag-draped coffin was laid to rest today in the small town of Liberty, Texas, red, white and blue balloons filled the air, a 21-gun salute was fired, and white doves flew into the heavens.

Ronald Reagan said this about the United States Marines: ``Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines, they don't have that problem.''

Mr. Speaker, Jeremy Burris was one of those Marines. So semper fi, Lance Corporal Jeremy Burris. Semper fi.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, on January 10, 1901, the world changed. It was on this cold day in Jefferson County, Texas, the Gladys City Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing Company discovered the largest oil reserve the world had ever seen. Since that day the modern petroleum age has been upon us and Jefferson County, Texas, has been a leader in the oil and gas industry, fueling our Nation's economy. With Motiva Enterprises recently announced expansion of their Port Arthur Refinery, this tradition of leadership will continue into the future.

Motiva Enterprises will be expanding their 104-year-old Port Arthur Refinery, becoming the largest refinery in the Nation. When construction is complete, it will produce 600,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This project will generate an economic boost to southeast Texas by bringing in 5,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs.

Motiva is more that just an oil company; it is an active corporate citizen concerned about all aspects of the community where it resides. By putting together a community Citizens Action Committee composed of representatives from across the community, Motiva has helped address the community's concerns about health, jobs, environment, education, and children. Through the work of this committee and Motiva, the Motiva Youth Training Academy was opened. This academy partners with local businesses to provide juniors and seniors at local high schools with training to help them transition from high school into a professional career or to higher education.

Motiva is to be commended on its corporate citizenship and giving back to communities not only in southeast Texas but across the Nation.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, Linda Shafer Mehrmann, of Kingwood, Texas, has recently returned from Iraq not as a member of our armed forces but as a civilian contractor. She has spent much of her previous working career in fine jewelry sales. Instead of being in an air-conditioned building, surrounded by diamonds and jewels, two years ago she decided to go to a land of sand and rocks in order to support our troops.

In 2004, she was attending a job expo with her brother who was trying to get a job as a truck driver in Iraq. While she was waiting for him, a job recruiter struck up a conversation with Mehrmann and described a unique company position that she might be interested in because of her outgoing personality.

After discussing the position further and thinking about it for a week, she decided to become a Morale Welfare and Recreation Coordinator in Iraq. Even though she was a civilian, she worked alongside our troops in Balad, Iraq working 12 hour days 7 days a week. Her duties included operating a recreation center and a workout area for the troops.

She wanted to go to Iraq during Christmas because she felt that this would be a difficult time for the troops that were away from their families. While the troops defended our Nation's freedom in war, Mehrmann's job was to lift their spirits and be an inspirational force in their lives in Iraq.

She boosted morale by writing what she called, ``love notes'' to the soldiers which were small pieces of hot pink paper with inspirational quotes typed on them from a quote book. The notes were placed in an aluminum coffee can for anyone to reach in and take. At first, the macho soldiers were reluctant to accept the love notes from the 54- year-old grandmother of four, but after the first person took one the popularity of the notes quickly took off.

Her quotes became a commodity on the base and were sought by many from privates up to generals. The quotes became so popular that other areas of the base created their own quote cans and quotes even started to appear on the menu board of the mess hall.

She also distributed stickers and match box cars to the troops which they greatly appreciated and sent to their children in the U.S. The small gifts made a huge impact in brightening the day of the troops and their children were glad to receive a gift from their faraway parent. Some of her other activities on the base included hosting pool tournaments, talent shows and Texas Hold'em tournaments at the recreation center.

When she returned to the U.S. after two years, Mehrmann decided to create a support group for those that have returned from Iraq and for those that have friends and family overseas. The group Combat Zone Here and There meets once a month in a local church in Kingwood so that servicemembers and their families can discuss their Iraq War experiences at home and abroad. When Mehrmann describes the activities that other civilians like her do to boost morale with the troops, she said it helps put the friends and family of our servicemembers at ease.

Her job as a civilian support member brought colorful life to troops living in a land of brown sand and rocks. She turned a gym for the troops into a comfortable home away from home. Mehrmann said that she didn't go to Iraq for political reasons, but to share random acts of kindness with the troops.

I salute Linda Shafer Mehrmann for her bravery and willingness to assist our Nation abroad during a time of war. Her courage and support of our troops is an inspiration to us all. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, good news. That which has been removed has been returned. That which has been censored is censored no more. Let me explain.

The Architect of the Capitol took it upon himself to remove references of God from the official certificates that accompany flags that are flown over the Capitol. These flags and certificates are given to schools, citizens, and the military. Some Members of Congress, for example, request the words ``God'' and ``Country'' to be incorporated into the certificate. However, the word ``God'' was unilaterally stricken and censored from the document by the Architect. But those days are over. The Architect will now allow the word ``God'' on such certificates.

The national motto is ``In God We Trust.'' We pledge allegiance saying ``one Nation under God.'' Our history is based upon a belief in the Supreme Being. And much of this Capitol has references to the Almighty.

Mr. Speaker, many Americans are tired of paranoia government censorship of God, and consider attempts to remove God from America a violation of their constitutional rights. Thank God.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, ``The soldier is the Army, and wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. While we mourn those men who die, we should thank God such men ever lived.'' These are the words of General George Patton in World War II.

Mr. Speaker, one of those soldiers was Corporal Donald E. Valentine III of the United States Army. He was born in Houston, Texas, on March 5, 1986. Donald Valentine joined the United States Army because of the 9/11 attack on this country.

His mother Anna said, ``My husband and I were behind Donald 100 percent. I was so proud of him no matter what he ever did. He made me very proud to be his mother.'' Words from another of America's Gold Star Mothers.

I met Anna Valentine and many members of the Valentine family recently at Veterans National Cemetery in Houston, where mothers like Anna who had children killed in Iraq and Afghanistan were being honored. We call those noble women Gold Star Mothers. Anna Valentine's son is buried on that hallowed ground of the fallen in Houston, Texas.

Corporal Valentine was killed along with two other soldiers on September 18 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an IED, an improvised explosive device, detonated near him.

Mr. Speaker, you understand the use of an IED by America's enemy is a coward's way of fighting the war. These enemies rant and rave and preach hate in the name of religion, but they cover their faces with masks and hide in caves and dark, dusty ditches. They are afraid to come out in the open and face the American soldier, so our enemy detonates remote-controlled bombs.

Corporal Donald Valentine III comes from a military family. His father, Donald II, is a Navy veteran. His brother Daniel wanted to enlist to be with his brother Donald in Iraq, and Daniel, 19, still intends to join the military. Mr. Speaker, America owes much to families like the Valentines.

Donald was married 1 year to Lucia, who said Donald had all the qualities any girl would want. She had talked to Donald on their first anniversary, 3 days before his death in Iraq. Corporal Valentine told his family that, if he did not survive the war, they should stay strong. He is the 91st fallen servicemember with ties to the Houston area to have been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Corporal Donald Valentine was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Lewis, Washington.

Being from a military family, he moved around a lot as a child. He lived in Florida most of his life and in Idaho, but wanted to be buried in ``Big H,'' as he called Houston, Texas, because of many reasons. One of those reasons was because he spent so much time growing up with his grandparents who live in Houston. Mr. Speaker, Donald's grandparents, Thomas and Lupe Cortez, and his other grandmother Geneva Fernandez, survive their grandson.

As a grandfather of five with two more grandkids on the way, I think it would be a most difficult task to bury a grandson in the vigor of their youth.

In the official statement on Donald's death, the family said, ``Donald touched the lives of so many with his big heart. We will cherish the beautiful memories we shared with you. You made us so very proud. Now heaven has another hero. And, continue to watch over us as an angel in heaven.''

On September 28, 2007, taps played for the last time as 21 guns saluted this American soldier. This is a photograph of Donald Valentine

Madam Speaker, on September 13, 2007 the first hurricane to make landfall in the United States since 2005 hit Southeast Texas. Hurricane Humberto took only 16 hours to form, making it the fastest growing storm on record and leaving area residents and businesses little time to prepare. Entergy Texas, our local electricity provider was ready and quickly took action

Hurricane Humberto left 118,000 without electricity as they waited for the water to rescind to begin cleaning up debris left in the storms wake, Thursday morning. While local residents were busy taking care of their family and property Joe Domino, President and CEO of Entergy Texas, and his employees began ``turning the lights on'' across our area. The utility company, which serves parts of Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, brought in around 3,000 employees and additional contractors, to relieve their customers from the smoldering Texas heat that is very much a part of our Septembers. The streets of Jefferson County were bustling with Entergy trucks throughout the weekend as workers effectively traveled from project to project. Though the initial estimates warned that power would not be restored for six days, dedicated employees working into the night and through the weekend were able to restore all 118,000 consumers in just four days.

I would like to commend all Entergy Texas employees for their hard work and dedication during the aftermath of Hurricane Humberto. Companies like Entergy Texas that care about the community they serve make Southeast Texas such a special place.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, southeast Texas has a rich and proud tradition when it comes to football. There have been numerous State championships won from the neighboring high school teams who play to capacity crowds on Friday night. The area has produced superstars that have gone on to Hall of Fame careers in both the college and professional game. But for all the championships and awards, the greatest victory a southeast Texan has achieved might be against a doctor's prognosis

Kevin Everett was an All State tight end at Port Arthur's Thomas Jefferson High School. He moved on to Kilgore Junior College, where he twice received first-team All-Southwest Conference honors. Due to his exceptional speed and size, he was rated the second-best junior college player in the Nation. He then transferred to college football national powerhouse the University of Miami. After 2 solid years as a Hurricane, he was selected 86th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.

Despite being so far away from home, Kevin Everett had a mountain of support from his hometown fans. He never could have imagined how much he would need that support until September 9 of this year. Kevin's Bills were playing in week 1 when he went to make a tackle and went down with a severe spinal injury. Doctors originally believed that Kevin would sustain permanent neurological damage and used words like ``bleak'' and ``dismal'' to describe his chances of walking again. Then, only 2 short days later, Kevin was voluntarily moving his arms and legs. Over the next few weeks, Kevin made vast improvements in his physical condition, leading doctors to believe that he will eventually walk again and possibly make a full recovery.

Kevin is now home in Houston with his family, beginning a long rehabilitation period. The grim prognosis once given to him is now but a distant memory. Thanks to his positive attitude, mental toughness, and motivation to work hard, Kevin has shown that anything is possible. He has earned his place amongst other southeast Texas football greats and always be remembered as a champion of the human spirit.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, last Monday, 38-year old Deputy Constable Jason Norling was killed while writing a traffic ticket in Houston, Texas. Norling, a motorcycle officer, was ticketing a speeder when another vehicle swerved off the shoulder and hit Norling, killing him.

Norling was a former chef and artist and previously worked for the Hempstead, Texas Police Department before becoming a member of the Precinct 5 Constables Unit. Norling's mother said, ``God's purpose for Jason was to be in law enforcement.''

Norling was married, and when he was hit by a driver who, ironically, had just been involved in another accident when his vehicle was rear- ended.

And so as the bagpipes played Amazing Grace at the Spring Baptist Church last week, they mourned the loss of another peace officer who wore the badge to protect and serve.

And by the way, Mr. Speaker, the driver who swerved and hit Officer Norling was apparently distracted because he was talking on his cell phone.

Our prayers are with the Norling family and his fellow Texas lawmen.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I come tonight to talk to you, the House, about the murder of two girls. In 1993, two teenage girls were walking home, making sure they got there in time for the curfew. Their names were Jennifer Ertman and Elizabeth Pena.

As they were headed home, they took a shortcut through the woods, and that mistake cost them their lives. They came in contact with a person by the name of Jose Medellin, who was the gang leader of a group called the Black and Whites. He, along with his fellow gangsters, kidnapped these two girls and brutalized them, sexually assaulted them, tortured them, and then, when they were through having their way after gang raping them, they murdered them, these two teenage girls, Jennifer Ertman, Elizabeth Pena.

The Houston Police Department finally caught up with Jose Medellin and his gangsters. They were all tried lawfully in Texas courts. Jose Medellin received the death penalty, along with one other individual who's already been executed. A third individual's on death row waiting to be executed, and two more are serving life sentences in Texas penitentiaries.

Jose Medellin, when he was captured, he had in his possession, Mr. Speaker, a watch. It was a Mickey Mouse watch that Jennifer Ertman wore. And he was proud to carry this token of his murder. He bragged about the murder. He confessed to the murder, and a jury of 12 Texans convicted him and gave him the death penalty, which he earned and which he deserved.

His case was appealed. It worked its way all the way to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction based upon a complaint about the confession.

But during all of this process, 10 years after the conviction, in 2003, the Mexican Government filed a lawsuit against the United States in the World Court. You see, Medellin was illegally in the United States from Mexico. And the Mexican Government claimed that he should have been told by the arresting police officers that he had the right to talk to the Mexican Consulate.

Now, the Houston police officers didn't tell him he had the right. They certainly wouldn't have prevented him from having permission to talk to the Mexican Consulate, and he never, at the trial, objected to not being able to talk to the Mexican Consulate. He waited some 10 years until he got to the World Court before his government complained.

The World Court ruled in favor of Mexico, and here's where all of the irony begins. After the World Court ruled that the Texas court, or the Texas peace officers should have told him that he had the right to talk to the Mexican Consulate, the President of the United States intervened in this case and told the Texas courts they ought to review this matter; they ought to uphold the ruling of the World Court. And last year, the Texas courts, in all due respect to the administration, told the President he didn't have any authority to tell Texas courts what to do about anything, and they upheld this conviction and ordered him to be executed, this defendant.

Tomorrow the Supreme Court of the United States is going to hear this case. They're going to hear this case and have to decide this issue. Does the World Court, when it issues an opinion about a trial that takes place in the State of Texas, or any other State, have authority to tell a court of law in this country that they must overturn a conviction or not?

This is a big deal, Mr. Speaker, because, you see, Texas courts, like most

courts in the United States, all courts in the United States, are beholden to the United States Constitution as the supreme law of the land. The supreme law of the land is not the World Court in the Hague. So that's the first decision the Supreme Court's going to have to make; whether or not this is a lawful order by the World Court or whether the Constitution is to be held supreme.

Second, they're going to have to decide, does the President of the United States have the authority to order any court to review any case?

I hope they rule that he does not because as Ted Cruz said, the lawyer representing the State of Texas tomorrow in this death penalty case, it is not the providence of the President to say what the law is or is not. If this President's assertion of authority is upheld in this case, it opens the door for enormous mischief from Presidents of either party. What might these Presidents be inclined to do if they had the power to flick State laws off the books?

It's a big deal. Separation of powers. The judicial branch is independent of the administration, of the executive branch. The executive branch has no authority over the judicial branch.

And the third issue, and most importantly, is should this case be reversed because the defendant, according to the World Court, should have had the ability to talk to his consulate or not?

Texas courts, and even Federal courts have found that he gave up that right if he had a right by not ever objecting at the trial.

Meanwhile, this defendant has been on death row longer than these two girls were alive. Justice must be provided for the victims of this crime, and this horrible case should be upheld by the Supreme Court.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, this week the House passed a resolution commending the Wings Over Houston Airshow for its contribution to the appreciation and understanding of the United States Armed Forces. I am pleased to show my support as a cosponsor of this resolution.

The Wings Over Houston Airshow has been educating and entertaining men, women, and children for the last 23 years. With 50,000-100,000 visitors each day, the air show is rated as one of the top five events of its kind in the county.

This weekend Wings Over Houston will hold its 23rd annual air show at Ellington Field. Spectators will have the opportunity to tour dozens of military and civilian aircraft on display at the field, including trainer planes, fighter planes, and bombers used in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. In addition, during the two-day event decorated war-heroes, flying aces, and veterans will be on site inspiring the youth of our country with their war stories of bravery and heroism.

In my former life, as a Houston, Texas felony court judge, I ordered probationers to do litter patrol after the air show. Cleaning up the airfields and infield was part of their community service.

I believe in the sense of patriotism that Wings Over Houston creates for our communities. I believe in the way it honors our veterans who have served this country faithfully and wish them the best this weekend as they celebrate 23 years of educating Americans on the history of the United States Armed Forces.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, ``I will do my duty to God and my country.'' This is part of the Boy Scout oath. When a Boy Scout becomes an Eagle Scout, some Members of Congress have an official flag flown over the Capitol and these words are requested to be in the official certificate which is given to the Scout, along with the flag.

But the Architect of the Capitol, who is in charge of such matters, censors the word ``God'' in these certificates and only puts the word ``country'' in them.

The word ``God,'' according to the Architect, violates his rules against religious references. The Architect is the caretaker of the Capitol. We have numerous references to God in these hallowed Halls. Our history is based upon a belief in God, whether the Architect likes it or not.

Maybe the Architect hasn't even seen the phrase ``In God We Trust'' above the flag here in the House of Representatives.

What's next? Is he going to sneak over here in the darkness of the night and chisel off the word ``God'' because he doesn't want that word ``God'' in the Capitol?

The first amendment right to express religious freedoms is being violated by the censor of the Capitol.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, the best examples of effective community leaders are those individuals that work diligently in the background, not seeking attention or glory for themselves, but those who consider positive results more important than personal recognition.

Mrs. Carolyn McCarty of Kingwood, TX, is an example of such an individual. She is a silent oak of strength and volunteer service in her community. She is the daughter of Albert and Lorena Wilson and was born in Batesville, AR where she grew up on a small farm. She graduated from Arkansas College with a master's degree in history and a minor in speech.

She has lived in Kingwood for more than 30 years and has been an active community volunteer in many organizations including the Kingwood FFA Booster program, served as a member of the Humble Citizens Police Academy and is currently a member of the Humble Citizens Police Academy Alumni.

Her community involvement over the years has earned her several prestigious recognitions including the Yellow Rose of Texas award from then-Governor George W. Bush and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from former President George H.W. Bush.

February 20, 1997 was recognized as Carolyn McCarty Day by the city of Humble, TX. She was also one of the 1998 Women of the Year in Human Services issued by Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center.

Mrs. McCarty has been employed in the Humble area for many years. During the 4 years that she worked at North East Medical Center Hospital, she started the Northeast 55+ activity program for seniors. Since then, she has worked for the Humble Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 12\1/2\ years and is currently the committee coordinator.

Even though she has been recognized with many awards, she would probably tell anyone that her greatest accomplishment is her family. She has been married to her husband Rush McCarty for 44 years; has three children, Kevin, Shannon, and Tom; and eight grandchildren. Her list of volunteer efforts would not be complete without including her active involvement in the lives of her three children throughout their elementary, middle and high school activities.

I am honored to recognize Mrs. Carolyn McCarty today for her contributions to her family, her community and her country. She is a shining example of servant leadership and her humble spirit is an inspiration to us all.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the Military Order of the Purple Heart, San Jacinto Chapter 782, an organization made up of patriots serving the second district of Texas. Members in this organization share one common bond, each member is a recipient of the Purple Heart. They may not have served in the same branch or war but they are all combat veterans who have fought bravely to protect our freedoms.

San Jacinto Chapter 782 pledges to preserve and promote patriotism. They vow to never forget the sacrifices of our Armed Forces. They continue to remind us of the courageous service of the men and women in our military who fight to maintain our freedom and security.

San Jacinto Chapter 782 provides every family of a fallen soldier in my district a memorial plaque. This memorial plaque honors the memory of their loved ones brave service while defending our country. This plaque reminds us that the price of freedom is never free.

San Jacinto Chapter 782 works with schools and other organizations around our district to boost patriotism. They distribute flags, enter parades, and erect monuments. They continue to search for opportunities to remind us of the sacrifices of veterans throughout history.

We are proud and appreciative of the courage and the bravery of these patriots, who volunteer their time, championing those in the Armed Forces who have shed their blood for freedom and peace.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, high-tech bounty hunting is now occurring in the United States. The Internet allows law enforcement to track down known sex offenders in the United States. States can find convicted sex offenders that must register under the new Adam Walsh Child Safety Act. Failure of a child molester to register is a Federal crime.

So these convicted sex offenders who do not register with local authorities are now being arrested using LexisNexis Internet tracking.

Florida police were hunting for a known sex offender. They traced him to Illinois, but Illinois officials claimed the offender was dead. The Internet search tools tracked the child molester to Indiana, where he was arrested for absconding and for failure to register as a known sex offender.

Studies show that convicted sex offenders often remain dangerous and become recidivists once released from prison. Sex offenders are now being held accountable for failing to register; law enforcement is informed of known sex offenders' whereabouts; future recidivism is prevented; and, meanwhile, children are safer because of high-tech bounty hunting.

And that's just the way it is.