Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the small rural Texas town of Eastland is the home of Clifton A. Horn who was born there 92 years ago on October 24th. After graduating from high school in 1943, he worked in the shipyards building destroyer escorts for the U.S. Navy in Orange, Texas. In 1944, the Colonel, as he is known to all, was inducted into the Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet training to be a multiengine pilot. However, World War II ended before he was able to serve.

The Colonel returned to Texas to attend the University of Houston where he served as a judge on the Student Court, as president of his fraternity, and as a member of the student government. Colonel Horn worked to establish the ROTC program at the University of Houston and was in the first class of members who graduated from the program at the University of Houston. His portrait still hangs on the wall in the ROTC office.

While attending the University of Houston, Clifton was a volunteer that fought the fire caused by a fertilizer explosion on the S.S. Grandcamp, a French freighter. The explosion obliterated Texas City, killing nearly 600 people, and lifting ships directly out of the water. The Texas City Disaster of April 1947 was the largest non-nuclear explosion killing hundreds and destroying the docks.

After graduating from the University of Houston, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and called to active duty. The Colonel then served in the 7th Field Artillery of the Big Red One 1st Infantry, attended Basic Officers Course, and then served as a Company Commander in Korea's 142nd Quartermasters Battalion, then served as a Group Commander at Ft. Bragg. He served all over Germany, Europe, Japan and the United States. During this time, he also graduated from the United States Army War College.

Colonel Horn's decorated career continued as he served as an advisor to the Vietnamese Army during his first tour of Vietnam. During his second tour, he commanded a firebase as a battalion commander in the 1st Cavalry Division Airmobile. After his final tour in Vietnam, Colonel Horn was transferred to Washington, D.C. to serve in the Immediate Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. It was during this time that he was promoted to full Colonel.

In 1972, he was transferred to Germany as the Commander of the US Army Procurement Agency Europe. The Colonel retired in 1978 after honorably serving his nation for over 30 years. He can now be found most days on the golf course or playing gin or poker in the locker room of the Atascocita Country Club. Clifton's daughter-in-law, Tonia Horn, a United States Air Force Veteran, is a member of my Texas staff. For all of his world travels, the Colonel is happiest when surrounded by his wife of 62 years, three children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Happy golfing, Colonel Horn. Your bravery and courage has helped make our nation a safer place.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the Green Berets are a special type of soldier. You have to be the best of the best: smart, tough, and an almost supernatural strength of will. Their qualification and training process is the toughest in the business--not just anyone can be a Green Beret. Everything is tested, from your language ability to physical fitness to your most basic but most difficult task: survival. They push you to your max and when you are just about to break, they push you harder. The training is so hard because they know what you are going to face: impossible, top-secret missions that must be done. But when you get through it all you have a physical and mental toughness that can survive even the most extreme conditions. You are not just a soldier-- you are a true warrior.

That's what Sergeant First Class Calvin B. Harrison was: a true warrior. Harrison's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with numeral three, Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge and Parachutist Badge.

Born in the small town of Coldspring, Texas, on March 11, 1979, Calvin had a big heart from a young age. He was always looking out for other people, trying to do what was right to the best of his ability. The son of Jack Washington and Betty Harrison, he was the 4th of 6 kids. His siblings are Demetric, Diane, Debra, Stephanie, and Zacchaeus.

He was also a relentlessly hard-worker. When he was a child, he helped his grandfather do yard work around town. His grandfather even taught him to drive. He was close to his family and loved them very much. One day, when Calvin was working at Country Groceries, a customer walked in, looked him right in the eye and said ``You're never gonna be nothin.'' Calvin would remember that moment the rest of his life, even recalling to his dad the last time he was home.

In high school, Calvin turned his work ethic toward sports. He was an all-around athlete, playing basketball, football, and tennis. When he graduated in 1998, he followed in his grandfather's footsteps and signed up for the Army. He loved being a soldier, said his father, Jack Washington. He was a true patriot who wanted to serve his country.

In 2007, Sgt. Harrison became a Green Beret. His 7th Special Forces Group was very close. They had all gone through the same rigorous training and knew that when their lives depended on it, they could trust each other.

Each team member had a role. For Sgt. Harrison, this was Medical Sergeant. Special Forces Medical Sergeants are considered to be the finest first-response medical technicians in the world. When his fellow soldier went down, it was Sgt. Harrison that jumped to his rescue. His comrades knew at a very practical level that their lives were in his hands.

The Green Beret motto is ``De oppresso liber'' which means to liberate the oppressed. That is exactly what Sgt. Harrison was doing as a part of the Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Afghanistan. Sgt. Harrison couldn't talk too much about his top secret job, but he didn't mind. He was never one to talk about himself too much. He just did it. It wasn't special to him. He just did the best he could with everything he tried.

It was his second tour and mission that Sgt. Harrison would give his life for. He was killed by small arms fire on September 29, 2010 in Uruzgan province in Afghanistan.

``He died what he loved doing.'' said his father. ``I'm very proud of him, and I told him that all the time.'' Sgt. Harrison left behind two precious daughters, Azalia and Eleanna.

David Lloyd George, a former British Prime Minister, once said, ``The stern hand of fate has scourged us to an elevation where we can see the great everlasting things that matter for a nation; the great peaks of honor we had forgotten--duty and patriotism, clad in glittering white; the great pinnacle of sacrifice pointing like a rugged finger to heaven.'' Sgt. Harrison climbed up both of those peaks--honor and duty--and now we can look up to heaven with gratitude and thanks for his eternal reminder that freedom is not free. Texas is proud to have called him a soldier, a son, and a hero.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the 101st Airborne of the United States Army is otherwise known as the Band of Brothers. They were called the Screaming Eagles of World War II. They held off the Germans in the battle of the Bulge. Their legacy was continued, as the 101st remained on duty in the blistering heat of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Once again fighting the forces of tyranny and terrorism.

Twenty-three year old Kristian Menchaca was born May 29, 1983, in my hometown of Houston, Texas. He moved to Brownsville with his mother, Maria Guadalupe Vasquez, when he was a young boy. He attended Gary Job Corps center in San Marcos, TX, where he completed the correctional officers training program in six months and earned a certificate. Kristian Menchaca told his family Christmas Day, 2004 that he planned to enlist. They tried to talk him out of it, but Kristian Menchaca insisted, and his family came around.

He had the goal of using his military experience to become a Border Patrol agent. He scored so high on his entrance test that he was given the option to bypass the infantry. He chose not to do that. Instead, he signed up in March 2005 and wound up in the 101st Airborne. He married his wife, Christina, three weeks before he was deployed with the United States Army. The Army turned Kristian Menchaca's life around. It gave him a greater purpose, a higher calling.

In June of 2006, at an outpost near Baghdad, American volunteers of the 101st found themselves surrounded and attacked by the enemy. One soldier, Specialist David Babineau, was killed in the skirmish. Private First Class Kristian Menchaca and Private First Class Thomas Tucker were kidnapped, captured, and later, murdered.

He left behind a wife, a family, and a lot of grateful Americans.

This enemy we fought in the desert sands of Iraq and Afghanistan were evil villains who oppose our righteous and just cause to proclaim freedom throughout the world. These terrorists took no prisoners. They had no POW camps. News reports claimed the attackers of the outpost all wore masks to cover their faces.

Mr. Speaker, outlaws and bandits of the Old West wore masks to disguise who they were because they, like these terrorists, covered up their wicked intentions of destruction of everything that is good and right. But just like those outlaws, these criminals were hunted, tracked, and brought to a speedy end, because the 101st brought justice to the hot hills of Iraq.

Shakespeare said of the brothers in Henry V how they will be regarded. He said, ``From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remembered; we few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.''

Private First Class Kristian Menchaca was later awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and a Prisoner of War Medal.

We continue to honor Private First Class Kristian Menchaca and the Band of Brothers--the unyielding warriors that proved strongest against terror.

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.

One of those soldiers was Specialist 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.'' Those are the words from another of America's Gold Star Mothers.

I met Anna Valentine and many members of the Valentine family at the 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.

Specialist 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. Specialist Valentine was killed along with two other soldiers on September 18, 2007, in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an lED, an improvised explosive device, detonated near him.

Mr. Speaker, you understand the use of an lED 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.

Specialist Donald Valentine III's military roots run deep. His father, Donald II, is a Navy veteran. His brother Daniel, who was 19 at the time, wanted to enlist to be with his brother Donald in Iraq. America owes much to families like the Valentines. Being from a military family, he moved around a lot as a child. He lived in Florida most of his life and also 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.

Donald was married for one 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. Specialist Valentine told his family that, ``if he did not survive the war, they should stay strong.'' He was the 91st fallen service member with ties to the Houston area to have been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

A statement has been credited to one of Rome's centurions when he told his troops, ``How you yet live will echo throughout eternity.'' Specialist Valentine lived a short but faithful life to the things that were important to him: family and country. He was 21 when he was killed.

Mr. Speaker, General George Patton was right about such warriors. We should thank God that such men as Specialist Donald Valentine III ever lived.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month is devoted to raising awareness and educating folks about breast cancer and honoring the thousands of women across our nation who have been diagnosed, fighting, or have survived breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is the second deadliest cancer among American women. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, and it is estimated that this year more than 252,000 cases of invasive breast cancer is expected to be reported. In Texas, 17,566 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018.

In the Second District of Texas, I am proud of our local hospitals, school districts, and non-profits who promote breast cancer awareness and prevention during this month. Many are showing their support by replacing their outdoor light bulb with a pink bulb. I have noticed many front porch lights shining pink around our town. These pink bulbs help support a local nonprofit called Project Mammogram. Project Mammogram offers mammograms and other services free to patients in the Lake Houston area. Remember, not every woman can afford a mammogram. By providing free mammograms this organization has saved thousands of women.

Almost everyone we know has been touched by this disease. Unfortunately, this disease has hit close to home for one of our very own community leaders, Leslie Raffa. Leslie and her husband, Tony, own two restaurants in the Lake Houston area. They are well-loved and respected in the community. Leslie battled breast cancer for over two and a half years, her final treatment was in February 2017. During the course of her treatments, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy, breast reconstruction and chemotherapy. During her battle, Leslie lost her sister to breast cancer in the summer of 2016. Leslie continued to fight while mourning the death of her sister.

Leslie rang the monumental bell at MD Anderson in April of 2016. The bell signifies the end to treatment. Ringing the bell is a celebration. But Leslie soon realized that the end of treatment is not necessarily the end. She thought if she would just get to the end and cross the finish line it would all be over. But she soon discovered an emotional fall out occurs. Cancer is hard mentally. It takes months, years, to recover. She shares this piece of advice for those going through what she went through, ``it's ok to have a pity party, but don't unpack and stay there.'' Leslie exudes positive energy and happiness, even during the lowest moments. She beat the odds that come along with this disease and tries her best to educate those around her to get annual breast exams.

Now this is where I usually say: ``And that's just the way it is.'' But Leslie's story is not over. The same year she completed her last treatment, Hurricane Harvey devastated our area. Raffa's Waterfront Grill was destroyed. Friends and family gathered quickly around them to help rebuild the restaurant that took on 5 feet of water. Leslie didn't flounder in pity and give up; she put on her water boots and gloves (I am sure they are pink) and began the cleanup process. Raffa's will open this year, and our community cannot be any happier for Tony and Leslie. This month Leslie will speak in front of hundreds of folks at the annual In the Pink Luncheon to share her survival story. Stories like Leslie's are an inspiration and a reminder that we must keep up the fight until there is a cure.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the phrase ``Come and Take It'' is known and cherished by all Texans. You'll see it emblazoned on t- shirts, bumper stickers, and glassware, and some businesses and organizations have adapted it to fit into their mottos and slogans.

But these four words were not the creation of an advertising firm or a campaign communications shop. No, this phrase comes from a critical chapter in the history of Texas.

The year was 1835. Independence from Mexico was on the mind of Texans, and discussions had already begun to create a new nation free from the tyrannical government of Santa Anna in Mexico City. Santa Anna's government had begun to trample on the rights of Texans, who then became resolved to stand up to him.

An opportunity presented itself in October 1835 when a band of Mexican soldiers under the command of Fernando Castaneda were dispatched to Gonzales. The Mexican government had been informed that the settlers there were refusing to give up a cannon given to the town to defend the settlers from Indian attacks. The settlers responded to requests to return the cannon to the Mexican army with strong words that only a Texian would utter: ``come and take it.'' So Domingo de Ugartechea, military commander of Texas, believing the settlers words were bluster, ordered Castaneda and his men to retrieve it.

Well, Santa Anna never did learn the lessons of history. If he had, he might have remembered that things did not go well for King George when he tried to disarm the colonists in Massachusetts and he maybe would have thought twice about marching his henchman up to Texas.

When Castaneda arrived at Gonzales, he found his path blocked by a ford and eighteen determined militiamen. Attempting to trick his way past the guards, he declared that he had a message for Andrew Ponton, the local alcalde. The militiamen informed him that Ponton was not in Gonzales and would have to wait on the other side of the river until he returned. As the Mexican troops set up camp, the Texans scrambled to alert the surrounding area and bring more volunteers into the town to defend it from an impending Mexican attack.

The militiamen, who came to be known as the Old Eighteen, bought valuable time for the town and for Texas. Indeed, the presence of incoming volunteers forced Castaneda to abandon his campsite at the river and move seven miles to the west. Bolstered with reinforcements and a growing confidence, the Texans under the command of John Moore found the Mexican camp and attacked. Stunned and outgunned, Castaneda ordered a withdrawal to Bexar, thus marking the first victory won against Mexico in the fight for independence.

It was during this battle that the phrase ``Come and Take It'' took on its significance. During the battle, the Texans marched under a new flag that featured the Lone Star, a cannon representing the one under guard in Gonzales, and the words ''Come and Take It.'' Today, Texans take pride in this enduring symbol of the Texan spirit, and if you happen to walk past my office window in Washington, you will see this flag proudly displayed next to the Lone Star flag.

Mr. Speaker, in Texas, we have a long tradition of fighting against oppression and tyranny. So when our enemies come knocking on our doors again threatening our freedom, let them remember these words: Come and Take It.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Pakistan's Foreign Minister was here this week to urge the White House to renew assistance to his country and plead for our help in talks with India. While I do not oppose open engagement with Pakistan, our position must be clear: Pakistan will not receive a dime of U.S. support if terrorists continue to live safely on their soil. For too long the opposite has been the case. Fortunately, President Trump has disrupted the status quo and suspended most of the funding we give to Pakistan, specifically calling them out for their support to terrorism. But more should be done.

The continued violence in Afghanistan is directly the result of Pakistan's protection of the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and other murderous terrorists in the region. After 9/11, U.S. and allied forces had defeated the extremists in Afghanistan. But Pakistan opened its doors to Osama bin Laden, Mullah Omar, and the entire leadership of al-Qaeda and the Taliban. We know this because these terrorist thugs were found and killed in Pakistan. With Pakistani help, their terrorist networks were able to rebuild and launch an insurgency in Afghanistan that has killed thousands of Americans.

It is insulting that Pakistan's Foreign Minister comes to Washington and dares to lecture us for holding them to account. Just yesterday, another American was killed fighting extremists in Afghanistan. Our nation continues to sacrifice to bring peace to Afghanistan, while leaders of the Taliban enjoy the shelter of Pakistan. If the Foreign Minister was truly interested in restoring the relationship between our two countries, he would accept responsibility and acknowledge that countless terrorists still live inside Pakistan. His country has been the epicenter for extremism for decades, where extremists are still able to hold massive public rallies to incite young men to violence. This isn't conjecture, the evidence is well documented.

For example, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, the founder of the U.S. and U.N.- designated terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, operates freely in Pakistan. Despite his role in the 2008 Mumbai attack, he leads public rallies and can raise money for extremists causes. Yet, Pakistan, including its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, consistently defends Saeed and condemns U.S. counterterrorism efforts. Pakistan's Foreign Minister even claimed terrorist groups that target Pakistan have safe haven in Afghanistan under the U.S.'s watch. Yet it is Pakistani officials who somehow claim there is a ``good'' Taliban, while the U.S. makes no distinction. If the Foreign Minister wanted to earn our trust, his government could demonstrate good faith by taking action. This includes handing over Mr. Saeed, the leaders of the Taliban and Haqqani Network, and banning all extremist groups on its soil. But this is a fantasy. The hope that Pakistan would do the responsible thing ended a long time ago.

Now is the day of reckoning. All assistance to Pakistan must end, its Major Non-NATO Ally status must be terminated, and the State Department should immediately designate it as a state sponsor of terrorism. The glad-handing with Pakistani politicians cannot cover for the obvious misdeeds of their country. The Foreign Minister came to Washington empty-handed and should return to Pakistan empty-handed. Seventeen years of appeasing Pakistan has gotten us nowhere and a new course must be taken.

Turn out the lights--the party is over for Pakistan.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, Secretary of State Pompeo announced the U.S. was ending the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights with Iran. This justified decision comes after three decades of Iran blatantly violating its terms. No other state has defied international norms to such severity as Iran. The terrorist regime in Tehran has no respect for international law or multilateral agreements, and thus should not be shown the respect responsible nations are afforded.

Just earlier this week, a German court ruled that an Iranian diplomat violated his diplomatic immunity for participating in an attempted terrorist operation in France. Meanwhile, Iranian proxies fired rockets at U.S. diplomatic outposts in Iraq. But this was nothing new. Since the founding of the Islamic Republic, Iran has flouted all diplomatic protocol to pursue its murderous agenda. Its diplomats use their special status to facilitate terrorism, assassinate dissidents, and pursue sanctions busting schemes. For example, in the early 1990s Iranian diplomats in Argentina were deeply involved in the terrorist bombings of the Israeli embassy and AMIA Jewish center. This classic Iranian behavior continues around the globe today.

Despite these outrageous acts, Iran has the audacity to pursue legal action against the U.S. based on the 1955 treaty, claiming U.S. sanctions violate its terms. Yet, the Islamic Republic ignores the fact that it terminated the treaty the day it raided the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held U.S. diplomats hostage. That day in 1979 the mullahs in Iran replaced amity with hostility. Nevertheless, Iran's Foreign Minister blames the U.S., calling us an ``outlaw regime.'' Why any nation takes Iran's government seriously is beyond logical explanation.

By enabling Iran's duplicitous and evil behavior, organizations like the International Court of Justice undermine their own legitimacy. What justice are the Iranian people shown when they are beat and murdered by regime thugs in their own streets? What justice is shown to the victims of Iranian supported terrorism around the globe? The ICJ's decision is a joke where only the murderers in Tehran are laughing. It is time for our partners in the international community to grow a spine and stand up to the illegal behavior of the Iranian regime. No nation is safe so long as we allow the mullahs in Iran to mock justice rather than be held to it.

Mr. Speaker, Mayor Merle Aaron has faithfully served the folks of Humble since his election to Humble City Council in 2005 and his election to Mayor in 2015. My friend, Merle, is a well- respected businessman, devoted family man, and a passionate advocate for the citizens of Humble, Texas. His patriotic spirit, love for God, and love of the community make him a natural promoter of the Humble area.

Merle was the middle child in a family of five boys and four girls that grew up in Edinburg, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. He was the first in his family to graduate from Edinburg High School. He was working in construction when he met the love of his life and best friend, Linda. They moved their family up to Humble from the Lower Valley in the early 1960s, back when the Bush Intercontinental Airport was nothing but trees. Merle supervised the crew that poured the runways at

Bush between concourses A and B for the opening of what was then the Houston International Airport in 1969. Merle poured concrete all over Houston, including the original Interstate 10. He came across a job with the Marriott Corporation, where he really got to focus on his construction and maintenance certifications. He took computer classes at Lone Star College--Kingwood, eventually earning the top HVAC license. When Marriott wanted to promote Merle and send him to Cincinnati, his family had already considered Humble home. He then quickly put that mechanical education to use and decided to start his own company. In 1978, family-owned and operated Aaron Mechanical opened.

Aaron Mechanical had water bill and permitting issues with the City of Humble. Rather than battling with the city, Merle ran for Humble City Council to help come up with solutions. In 2005, he turned over Aaron Mechanical to the experienced hands of his son. This gave him the opportunity to run for Humble City Council and eventually, mayor for the City of Humble. As mayor, Merle has placed a significant importance in infrastructure. He focused efforts into public safety by improving roads and drainage.

Merle has many times been described as ``having a servant's heart'', and that held true during the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. He worked tirelessly trying to fulfill the needs of the people of Humble, opening up the Humble Civic Center as a shelter, talking with people who lost everything, hugging and crying with them. Merle worked aggressively to have contractors ready as quickly as possible to begin the debris removal process.

The Lake Houston Chamber of Commerce has been selecting a Citizen of the Year since 1969, recognizing those who show selfless public service and sacrifice. It was no question that Merle most deserved to win the Haden E. McKay, MD Citizen of the Year for 2017. But if you ask him, he would tell you, ``All the first responders and volunteers who went into the flooded areas of Humble to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey. These are our citizens of the year.''

The City of Humble is important to the Aaron Family. Merle and Linda have three children, eight grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren, who all have or are currently going through Humble ISD schools. For 55 years, their place of worship has been First Baptist Church of Humble. The Aaron family has deep roots in Humble, Texas. Always giving back to the place they call home.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, way out west, Texas that is, where one can always find a back road and porch with a rocking chair, are towns like Spring, Texas and Laredo, Texas. Here, one could always find Mr. Bill Carter telling stories about how he grew up, sharing past hunting adventures, and explaining how he started Carter's Country.

Ol' Bill in his starched jeans, crisp shirt, and worn boots was a fine businessman, hunter, husband, father, and devoted family man. He spent his entire life building his family business, enjoying the outdoors, and serving his community. Spring, Texas and the entire state of Texas lost a legend of a man on October 2, 2018.

Bill was born in 1934, in a small town in North Carolina. As a child, his love for firearms began at the age of eleven when he bought a used Winchester 22 pump. During this time, his love of the outdoors grew. And at an early age he began delivering papers, he was an entrepreneur in the making.

During high school years, Bill joined the North Carolina National Guard. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps. His lifelong passion for firearms deepened. He considered a career with the Marine Corps, but decided to leave in 1956 to continue his education.

After returning from the Korean War, Bill realized college was not for him. He became a seaman on a merchant ship. While sailing routes from Houston to New Jersey, he discovered a love for the Houston area. At the end of his shipping route, he met his future wife, Ellen, in New Jersey.

Bill and Ellen married and soon talked her into moving to Houston. He got a job as an ironworker, and Ellen worked in the emergency room as a registered nurse at Hermann Hospital. He soon started doing custom gun work in his garage for his ironworker friends. His wide-ranging knowledge of guns made him well known in the Houston area. Through Bill and Ellen's hard work and dedication, they purchased 15 acres of land and a gun club on Aldine Westfield near FM 1960.

In 1969, business was booming so they purchased a larger piece of property off Treaschwig in Spring, Texas. This location is currently Carter's Country headquarters. Ellen retired from nursing and helped with everyday business. They had two kids, Billy and Lori. Billy and Lori took over many Carter responsibilities and both play an important role in the Carter legacy.

Bill's love of outdoors and passion for hunting brought him to ranching. In the late 70s, he purchased Sombrerito Ranch in South Texas. He treasured managing a 100% native South Texas deer herd. His bucks have the famous 10-point genes. His 11,000 acre ranch was originally part of the Spanish land grant, and now it is known for producing some of the best trophy bucks in North America.

Today, the Carter's have four retail stores, a gun range, and elk and whitetail hunting ranches. It is my hope that Bill's legacy will be remembered and folks will see if a humble southern boy with modest beginnings can achieve his American dream, they can too. Of course-- with hard work, perseverance, passion and dedication. I consider it an honor to have known this true Texas cowboy and have him as a friend.

My thoughts are with the love of his life, Ellen, and their two children. They all share the same passion for the great Texas outdoors. His memory will live on, in the many lives he touched along the way. Texas will miss Ol' Bill, Happy Trails.

Semper Fi.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the Miller Outdoor Theatre is celebrating 95 years in Herman Park. The Miller Outdoor Theatre got its start in 1923, and continues to be one of Houston's most treasured venues. Located right in the heart of the City of Houston, it provides folks a place to enjoy the performing arts. And it is always free.

Miller is a unique treasure to Houstonians and it is dedicated to bringing the arts alive for audiences for over 95 years: classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, popular concert artists, films and more.

The theatre has boasted the Summer Symphony Series, Shakespeare Festival, Theatre Under the Stars ``Bells are Ringing'', and even presidential candidate Richard Nixon campaigned on stage.

The original theatre was an open amphitheater surrounded by twenty Corinthian-style limestone columns built on land that was given and sold by the Miller estate. Cotton broker and mining engineer, Jesse Wright Miller, originally left the land to the City in 1919. Mayor Oscar Holcombe and his council members should be commended for their vision towards this project.

In the 1960s, the City of Houston built a new theatre that consisted of three triangular plates of Corten steel and an air condition to cool the stage. Did I mention it is hot in Texas! The original 1920s columns were moved to the Mecom-Rockwell Colonnade Fountain between Fannin and San Jacinto at Hermann Drive.

The Miller received another face lift in the late 1990s. A 6 million dollar expansion and renovation planned and funded by the City of Houston and Friends of Hermann Park. A new roof, additional restrooms and office areas were added. They built a small stage at the east end of the facility. The refurbished theatre reopened in 1998.

The Miller's newest upgrades and additions occurred through the 2000s. New seating, lighting, and landscaping greatly enhance the educational and outreach capacities of the theatre. The Miller can accommodate about 6,200 spectators, with over 1,705 seats and over 4,500 on the grassy hill.

While so much has grown and changed over the years, I still remember my children visiting the Miller Outdoor Theatre on school field trips. It was very popular with the Poe kids. The day always included a musical production or play, a picnic lunch, and a roll down Miller's ``hill''. By the way, Miller's ``hill'' was created with dirt from Fannin Street excavations. In 2008, the iconic hill was regraded and raised.

There is a plaque that was erected at the theatre's dedication that read: ``To the Arts of Music, Poetry, Drama and Oratory, by which the striving spirit of man seeks to interpret the words of God. This theatre of the City of Houston is permanently dedicated.'' These words still ring true today.

Through its mission statement and commitment to the arts in Houston, the Miller Outdoor Theatre has proven to be a pillar to the citizens of Houston. I congratulate them on their 95th season and commend them for continuing to contribute to Houston's vibrant arts community.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, last year, Humble, Texas suffered a historic flood, one that devastated the entire town. At the height of the flood, the San Jacinto River Bridge was completely submerged, cutting off passage between Humble and Kingwood. To put it in perspective, 27 trillion gallons of rain fell over Texas. That is enough water to fill the Houston Astrodome 85,000 times. Folks had anywhere between 36 and 52 inches of rain. The Humble area recorded around 40 inches of rain. Humble was hammered by this flood.

On Friday, August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane. The Texas air just felt different that Friday, ominous. Those of you who have been through a hurricane will understand what I am saying. The air pressure dropped and a breeze out of nowhere appeared. In August we don't get a breeze! This was the first evident sign that the storm was headed our way.

As I left a meeting in downtown Houston, I decided I better call my staff and check in. I encouraged them to leave early, grab some supplies, and hunker down for the weekend. As I began my commute back to Humble, I called my friend, Merle Aaron. Mayor Aaron could tell me what I needed to hear about preparations in and around the city as the storm approaches. We talked a long time; he mentioned that the police and fire were prepared for extended weekend shifts. Little did we know about the nightmare that was coming for Humble later that weekend.

The rains and floods ravaged the city. By Sunday night, Humble's first responders were evacuating folks from their homes and transporting them to shelters. Roads were shut down due to high water and some homes were knocked off their foundations. First responders began search and rescue missions. They worked with other agencies in boats in the high water areas. They also maintained a presence in order to keep looters out of the flooded businesses. During the weeks following, there were no serious incidents from looters.

The first responders proved crucial during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. I cannot stress enough its role in providing a swift response during the immediate aftermath and a strong presence during the cleanup phases.

Later that week, I witnessed the devastation first hand as I rode with Mayor Aaron in his pickup truck through a neighborhood behind

Deerbrook Mall called Northshire. Over 300 homes were flooded with 4- 6ft of water. The roads were impassable and protected by Humble Police. First responders waved us through and immediately I could not be more proud of my city's response during the worst natural disasters to ever affect Texans. Among the piles of garbage, and stench of rot, folks had spray painted signs that said, ``We love Humble Police'' and ``Thank you first responders''. It was an overwhelming display of gratitude toward our first responders.

The City of Humble responders worked tirelessly around the clock for many days to protect its citizens. The stories following Hurricane Harvey give folks the determination to recover from the nightmare they endured that weekend.

Harvey will not defeat the City of Humble--they proved to be Texas Strong.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, my friend, Philip ``Duane'' Steen, has served Texans for nearly four decades in the Texas Department of Public Safety. He is a lifetime member of what is referred to in my part of Texas as the Poe-leece. It is an informal organization made up of my long-time friends in the Texas law enforcement community.

No stone in Texas has been left unturned during his decorated career. From the hills of San Antonio to the flat lands of Houston, he has helped Texans feel safe and secure by defending and upholding the law. His service to the state and to Houston will withstand time. It is an honor to pay tribute to him today as he retires from public service.

Duane graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science before beginning his valorous career with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). His career aspirations began when car trouble led to a ride-along with a DPS trooper as a student at A&M. The two got along like old friends, and you might say that was the straw that broke the camel's back. In 1981, Duane officially began his career serving the people of Texas. His first assignment was in Denton as a Highway Patrol Trooper.

During his nearly four decade tenure, Duane served the people of Texas through various positions in the DPS. He served as Narcotics Sergeant, Austin; Narcotics Lieutenant, Waco; Narcotics Captain, Garland and Austin, and Narcotics Assistant Commander, San Antonio and Austin. In the last decade of his career he served in Austin as Major, Criminal Investigations Division, later promoted to Deputy Assistant Director, and finally as Region 2 Commander, Houston.

From speeding tickets and drunk drivers to full scale narcotics operations, he was up against some of the roughest and toughest that Texas had to offer. Through it all, he never stopped trying to make the Lone Star state a safer place. He was the type of guy that you wanted on your side because he would not stop until the job was done right.

The impact he had on Texans, Houstonians, and the thin blue line will continue to be an example for generations to come. He may have handed in his badge, but his legacy lives on. His family can rest easy now knowing the most dangerous activity he will be doing is spending most days out on the water with his fishing pole.

Happy Trails to you, Duane. Thank you for a job well done and for all your hard work to make our Texas a safer place.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, one in four women will experience domestic violence during their life. Nearly three women are murdered by their spouses every day. This is violent America in our time. Violence in the family unit.

These crimes affect the spouse, the children, and the quality of life of our community.

The Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, has helped women throughout our Nation.

Lifesaving programs and resources have given victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence a chance for a better life.

My legislation to reauthorize the full funding of VAWA through 2019 will help victims of violence and support groups that work with battered families. But Congress has only extended VAWA for 3 months.

Women affected by domestic violence deserve better than more delay. Standing up for victims is not a partisan issue. Congress needs to fully fund and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act because domestic violence victims are people too.

And that is just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the State Department has released its annual country report on terrorism.

Terrorist attacks are down worldwide, but there are still frustrating details that we must expose. The biggest frustration is that Pakistan, a so-called major non-NATO ally, continues to harbor terrorist groups that target the United States and its allies.

The report says that the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, LeT, and JeM, all terrorist groups, they all still operate in safe havens in Pakistan. Some are able to raise money, recruit, and train in Pakistan.

For too long, I, as well as others, have come to this floor to point out Pakistan's duplicitous behavior. When will we stop appeasing Pakistan and sending billions in American money to these fake friends, money that ends up in the hands of terrorists who make war on America?

We must designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, then revoke their major non-NATO ally status. Then we must go after these terrorist groups.

And that is just the way it is.