Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, William from Humble, Texas, wrote me this about tax increases and how they will affect him and his family. He says:

It seems to me that too many of us are going to be hit with

a big tax increase next year. I can't afford to pay any more

taxes. My family lives paycheck to paycheck. We stand to lose

everything we've worked for. Stop taxes from going up.

With ObamaCare and tax increases, I feel my family stands

no chance to get ahead. Tell me, is there any chance for my

grandchildren to have a good life? I don't see it. I cannot

sleep at nights worrying about the condition of this country

and what condition it is in, and there is no end in sight.

Help hardworking people.

Mr. Speaker, Washington has a taxing problem and not a spending problem, because the power to tax is the power to destroy.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, what do @HSMPress, @Alqassam Brigade, and @almanarnews all have in common? Here's a hint: HASHTAG:

I thank the chairman for yielding. Thank you for sponsoring this Special Order where we can, as a body, recognize our friend and fellow Texan, Chairman Ralph Hall.

Mr. Speaker, we Texans are proud of our State, we're proud of our heritage, and we're proud of the people that have been in our State. Texans have a long history of remarkable Texans in our history, men and women with, I shall call it, personality, uniqueness, all the way back to General Sam Houston--and there are many others. But on that list will be, and is, Chairman Ralph Hall. He is a person of personality and character--and quite a character.

He has not always been a Republican. At one time he sat over here. He was a Democrat. He switched, got religion, and came over and became a Republican. But his principles have never changed; they have always been the same. Whether he sat over here or whether he sat over here, he has always been a man of remarkable character and always voted his principles.

He is a World War II veteran. We have a special place in this country for veterans like him that served in the great World War II. My dad served in World War II. He was on the other side of the world while Ralph was flying off of aircraft carriers in the Pacific.

There is a special something about World War II veterans. They understand American history. They understand the importance of our military and how it's important for us as a Nation to always do two things--have a strong military, and then support our veterans when they return home, whether they return home as wounded warriors or whether they return home with the scars of war, and some that return home in those caskets. Ralph Hall makes sure that we remember our veterans.

He was a business owner. He ran for office because his wife wanted him to run for office. Mary Ellen was responsible for him spending many years on the campaign trail running for office. As the chairman of the Science Committee, he has been a special fan of NASA. We in Texas, we love NASA. When he learned--rumor has it--that the space shuttle was going to New York City instead of Houston, Texas, rumor is that he was trying to get a posse to go up to New York and bring that shuttle back to Houston where it belongs. I don't know if that's true or not.

Ralph Hall loves America, he loves this body, he loves Texas, but most of all he loves the American people. It's a great honor to recognize you, a statesman and favorite son of Texas, Chairman Ralph Hall.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize a unique event in the state of Texas that attracts more than 85,000 people from Houston and around the globe. The Wings Over Houston Airshow showcases the best of American aerial military might in a thrilling display of everything from vintage World War II aircraft to the marvels of modern aviation.

A non-profit event produced by a collaborative volunteer effort of the Gulf Coast Wing and West Houston Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force, this year's Wings Over Houston Airshow dazzled the crowds with several new additions, including the U.S. Air Force's newest fighter aircraft, the F-22 Raptor, the U.S. Marine Corp MV-22 Osprey demonstration and the Air National Guard Flash Fire Jet Truck. The biggest feature this year was the Navy's Blue Angels, which is the second oldest flying aerobatic team. They impressed bystanders with their daring and impressive routines, at one point even flying only 18 inches from each other during their four-jet Diamond Formation.

For 28 years, Wings Over Houston has benefited a variety of nonprofit organizations and charities. This year's air show benefitted the Wings Over Houston Airshow Scholarship Program, Aviation Career Education Academy, Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Westchase Rotary Club and the Commemorative Air Force aircraft restoration and flying historical programs.

As a spectacular aerial show and an impressive charitable community effort, the Wings Over Houston Airshow inspires both charity and patriotism in Houstonians and all Americans. It's a significant part of Texas history, as the event conserves a little piece of our military's aviation history and ensures that it'll be around for years to come.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, sirens wailed the warning as over 300 rockets from Hamas in Gaza rained down on Israel this week. Israelis were

injured--and at least one was killed. But ensuring its absolute right of self-defense, Israel responded to defend its people. Prime Minister Netanyahu said it best:

The terrorists are committing a double-war crime. They fire

at Israeli citizens and they hide behind Palestinian

civilians.

But the new Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt, which was backed by the administration, has condemned Israel, not Hamas. The terrorist group Hamas doesn't want peace with Israel. It wants war. Hamas is the aggressor here. It kills Israeli citizens and then hides behind the skirts of Palestinian women. The world should condemn Hamas, not Israel. Israel has the moral right and legal duty to defend itself from the attacks by the barbarians Hamas. The United States should be bold in its total support of Israel, our ally. The United States should be bold in its condemnation of Hamas. And the United States should be bold in denouncing this continuing war by terrorists like Hamas on civilized nations.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, JC Burnham of Liberty, Texas. A fine businessman, rancher, husband, father, friend and devoted family man, who spent his entire life serving his community while striving to make others happy. The City of Liberty and, indeed, the entire state of Texas lost a dedicated community leader, as well as friend, on October 30, 2012.

JC was born December 15, 1937, in Houston, Texas. He was truly a remarkable Texan who achieved extraordinary things in his career and for his community. Hard work and love of his community earned him enduring respect amongst the many touched by his deeds. It is an honor to recognize the great contributions that JC made to the city of Liberty, Liberty County, and the great State of Texas.

As a child, JC began his working life at Stubbs Grocery Store. In high school he was both a good student and athlete. He went on to attend College at my alma mater, the University of Houston. After graduation, JC got his foot in the door in the auto industry by working in the mailroom at General Motors. Through JC's hard work and dedication he held eleven different positions within General Motors, eventually owning his own dealership.

In 1973, he purchased Mearns Chevrolet in Liberty, Texas, a close- knit city near Houston. For over 30 years, his family owned business, thrived. He even added an Oldsmobile-Cadillac and a Buick-Pontiac-GMC store. JC was a man of true character and a Liberty resident for over 39 years, his Texas spirit and love of the community made him a natural promoter of Liberty, Texas.

Not only was JC a dedicated businessman, he also had a long career in public service. Throughout the years, he assisted and was recognized by numerous boards and organizations. He was a past board member of the Magnolia Ridge Country Club, Texas 4H Youth Development Foundation, Liberty Dayton Hospital, Liberty County Central Appraisal District and the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency.

Always understanding the importance of education and our nation's youth, JC was a life time supporter of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Trinity Valley Exposition and 4H Alumni Association. He served and supported the Liberty-Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Liberty Rotary Club, 100 Club, Liberty Elks Club, Liberty County Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Thoroughbred Association and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association. He started the Burnham Classic Golf Tournament which donated over $450,000 for South Liberty State Center/Tri-County Services. The list of this model citizen's accomplishments will have lasting effects on the city of Liberty and surrounding areas. It is my hope that he will be remembered as a true visionary and strong community supporter, and that others will follow his lead.

My thoughts are with the love of JC's life, Kathleen--his wife of 21 years. They shared the same passion for their community, their farm and their love of slow race horses. Last spring, I visited JC at St. Luke's in Houston and I observed Kathleen in the caretaker role as she poured out her love, spirit and fight for JC. The passing of JC has left a son and daughter in mourning of their father--Bruce Burnham and Cyrese Jezek. His memory will live on, in the many lives he touched along the way.

On the evening of November 4, 2012, hundreds of Liberty, Texas residents waited in line at the First United Methodist Church of Liberty to pay their respects to the family of this honorable man. JC was a loyal friend to me, and although I am saddened by his loss, I feel very fortunate for the time and friendship we shared. He will be remembered by many as a devoted community leader, a genuine friend and a great Texan.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, every morning, at the crack of dawn, there's a nostalgic aroma of warm donuts, fresh out of the oven, coming from a local Shipley Donuts. The smell takes me back through memories from when I was a boy, walking around the corner to a Shipley's in Houston, Texas, reaching into my pockets for some spare change to buy a donut. It was such a treat. I can still remember when there were only a few Shipley's in town. Only a few on each side of the city. And today, the evolution of this once small donut shop continues to amaze me.

The donut chain, now with more than 200 stores across the southern region of the United States, originated in Houston. In 1936, near the end of the Great Depression, Lawrence Shipley, Sr. stirred up some special ingredients and came up with his very own recipe for donuts. He cut them by hand and served them warm every day. There was no other way for him to serve the donuts but hot and fresh. It was his secret to loyal customers that would later grow his business.

Mr. Shipley became Houston's go-to man for donuts. People couldn't get enough; his donuts were such a hot commodity around the city that they began to sell in the retail markets in the 1940s. Through Mr. Shipley's strong vision of becoming a place for families to gather and enjoy a warm donut over a good conversation, that is what Shipley Donuts became.

When customers walked into the store, their eyes instantly traveled to the trays of fresh glazed, chocolate, strawberry, and golden glazed twist donuts behind the glass counters. The sweet smell of the round pieces of bread filled the air in the mornings and brought people in the shop. It was a well-known smell that people couldn't resist. When Mr. Shipley, Sr. passed away, his special recipe lived on through his son, Lawrence Shipley, Jr. He grew his family's business from just one store to several in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, with 86 in the Houston area alone.

Together with his son, Lawrence W. Shipley, III, Shipley Jr. perfected the donut and branched out to making kolaches, now one of their signature products. Shipley, III, is currently president of the Shipley Donuts company and strives to maintain the same gourmet donut products his grandfather worked hard to perfect for many years. And it wasn't something that happened overnight.

Shipley Donut means more than just a warm, glazed donut that slowly and sweetly dissolves in my mouth after every bite. This fine company represents community, a strong business, and quality service. Of course, the irresistible, sweet smell of the donuts baking inside is what brings people inside, but customers are also always greeted with a warm smile behind the counter of donuts upon entering. And although it is a true Texas tradition, it is a model for businesses in the Houston area and states across the southern line of the country.

Shipley products are not only a Texas tradition but are also a personal tradition for me.

When I drive down North Park Drive and pass a local store, the smell tempts me every time. I reflect on my childhood and can't help the urge to pull into what is now a Shipley Donuts drive thru. A trip to the donut shop is a personal tradition that I've passed onto my family, too. When my grandchildren tug away at my sleeve, begging me for a sweet treat, I tell them I know exactly the place to go.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, as waves crashed across the east coast a few weeks ago, taxpayer dollars were still being funneled as foreign aid around the globe. And while families watched as superstorm Sandy washed away their homes and the livelihoods they had built for many years, over 158 countries were still busy cashing checks from America.

Mr. Speaker, out of all the countries we give aid to, I understand Israel was the only country to send a lifeboat in the wind and rain and flood to help our victims in America. Israel took the initiative to help the victims during this natural disaster. The Israel Flying Aid organization has been giving gas to hospitals and batteries, food, and generators to superstorm Sandy victims.

We've been there for many countries in the world. We send them our money, but it's no secret that many of them hate us. They betray us, and yet we still write them checks. While the United States needs to reevaluate giving foreign aid to nations that hate us, thanks should be given to our faithful ally Israel.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 808.

Mr. Speaker, Elm from Houston, Texas, wrote me this:

My grandparents immigrated to the United States from the

Philippines in the sixties. They spoke no English, had very

little money and virtually no contacts, yet they were able to

create a legacy. They legally became American citizens. They

built a strong life and worked hard. Our family became

successful through self-dedication, self-worth, self-drive,

and self-perseverance--similar to many immigrants before

them. We did this without the help and having to rely on

government handouts or legislative attempts to redistribute

wealth through mass programs. In return, our family gave back

to this great country. Since then, we have had four

generations of military service in the United States Navy or

the United States Army. We worked hard. We beat adversity. We

gave back and we served this country.

Mr. Speaker, Elm and Elm's family worked hard for their American Dream. This is an immigrant success story in spite of and without the help of big, oppressive government.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, it's been 2 months since four Americans were murdered by terrorists in Benghazi, Libya. For 2 weeks the administration claimed this was a spontaneous protest in response to a movie, but now we know that was all a charade.

The administration knew within 2 hours that the terror group Ansar al-Sharia was claiming responsibility for this well-planned ambush and assassination. Allegedly, the administration also watched the attack occur in the White House's Situation Room, and that's when a request for military help was made and denied.

CIA operatives were twice told to stand down instead of helping the Ambassador. Why did the Ambassador's calls for help go unanswered? The American people need to know this: What happened? Why didn't the U.S. help the Ambassador when he was under attack? And what individuals killed the Ambassador? And what has the United States done to track these outlaws down, hold them accountable for this--yet another attack on 9/11?

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Army Sergeant Curtis Davis returned to America from his last deployment in a wheelchair. He thought he would never be able to walk again. However, he was welcomed back with open arms by his family and friends who told him that wasn't so. Sergeant Davis did not immediately have the physical ability to get back into the active father role of running around with his kids or participating in physical activities that our military men and women dream of doing when they return from serving overseas.

Today, Sergeant Davis is back up on his feet thanks to Horses for Heroes, a program located northwest of Georgetown, Texas, dedicated to improving the lives of injured veterans. Prior to becoming involved with Horses for Heroes, Sergeant Davis could not balance on his own two legs and was unable to walk without a cane or crutches. And after several rides on a horse, his life has improved. He can now walk. He has also learned peace and a therapeutic connection to a horse.

Just like Sergeant Davis, there are several service men and women who were injured in Iraq or Afghanistan. Some of them were physically injured, others were emotionally injured. Horses for Heroes has helped heal these men and women who risked their lives for our freedom. The organization has created a special environment where our injured veterans have gone for support, recovery, and inspiration, all on a horse with a veteran at their side. Improved balance, motor skills, speech, morale, and well being are only a few of the benefits of Horses for Heroes treatments.

Post-war life is a difficult adjustment. It is great to see a local Texas organization investing in the physical and emotional lives of our American heroes.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago this week then President George H.W. Bush signed the FREEDOM Support Act into law. This law gave money to the countries of the former Soviet Union to help them build democracies from the rubble of failed communism.

That is, except one. Wrapped up in this big bill was a tiny provision, called ``Section 907,'' that forbid any money from going to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is a strong partner of the United States. After 9/11, Azerbaijan allowed our planes to fly in its airspace and contributed troops to Afghanistan. With 7 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, it will be an important player in increasing Europe's energy security. The country is also a predominantly Muslim country that is a friend of Israel and the free market system, unlike its tyrannical neighbor Iran. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama recognized the importance of our alliance with Azerbaijan and waived Section 907 via Executive Order every year since 2001.

In fact, from Secretary Albright to Secretary Powell, Secretaries of State from both Republican and Democrat administrations over the last 20 years have supported the repeal of Section 907. Congress should do away with this archaic and obsolete relic of the past and repeal Section 907. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, there are thousands of individuals who make it their life's work to make communities safer while holding criminals accountable for their actions. One of the best is Judge Michael T. McSpadden. I have known Judge McSpadden for what seems like forever. We served in the district attorney's office as prosecutors together. Judge McSpadden prosecuted criminals for 8 years in the Harris County district attorney's office under the leadership of District Attorney Carol Vance.

In 1982, Judge McSpadden became a Criminal District Court Judge in Harris County, Texas. He tried felony cases. Judges in Texas are elected on a partisan ballot and Judge McSpadden has been elected 8 consecutive times to the bench of the 209th Criminal District Court. We served as judges together and I witnessed his remarkable dedication to the law and justice. As a community, we are truly privileged to have such an extraordinary man answer the call to public service and as an individual, I am grateful to call Judge McSpadden a friend.

Judge McSpadden has served the citizens of Harris County, Texas for over 35 years. A graduate from the University of Oklahoma (though we don't hold it against him), he has worked diligently to rise through the ranks in Texas courts. He started his legal career in the Harris County District Attorney's office as an Assistant District Attorney, and then he became the Chief Prosecutor of the 209th District Court.

In 1982, Judge McSpadden was elected as a judge for the same court and, for the last 30 years, he has continued to preside over the 209th. His extensive knowledge of the justice system and his incredible work ethic have gained the respect of many in the law profession. Over his career, he has earned the respect and admiration among lawyers and judges within the legal community: he is always among the highest rated judges by members of the Houston Bar Association and was the highest rated judge in Harris County in the 2011 Houston Bar Association Judicial Qualification Poll. Our community has benefited greatly from the many, many years of service that he has dedicated. In addition, Judge McSpadden has been recognized by the Houston Police Officer's Association and Harris County Deputy Sheriffs Association. He has also been honored and named Champion of Crime Stoppers by the Bay Area Crime Stoppers. These organizations recognized that he has not only dedicated his professional time to helping others, but he has dedicated his personal time to helping the next generation as well. In 1994, Child Advocates honored him for his efforts to help children. He has been also honored by the Samaritan Center and the Assistance League of Houston for his work with inner city youth. Judge McSpadden is a positive mentor to young males at risk. In 2002, he was the first recipient of the Chuck Norris Team Spirit Award for his work with Kick Drugs Out of America. He continues to serve on the advisory boards of many non-profit organizations. By giving his time and lending his hands, Judge McSpadden has changed many lives, and I want you to know that our Nation is a better place because of his commitment to helping our communities become safer.

Prior to his three decades of public service in the courtroom, Judge McSpadden also served his country as a United States Marine. While enlisted, he even found time to win the Marine Corps Tennis Champion title. He is a 3-time Big 8 Conference Tennis Singles Champion and still enjoys playing at River Oaks Country Club.

The impact of Judge McSpadden's work is far reaching. He truly is an unsung hero whose efforts are felt in communities, neighborhoods and homes across Texas each and every day.

Judge McSpadden's achievements at the 209th and in the community far surpass these recognitions. His innovation, determination and compassion for serving others make him one of the best judges in the Nation. Judge McSpadden is a close personal friend, excellent lawyer, tremendous judge, and amazing public servant for Texas.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, in this day and age when most people think of things in terms of me and mine, there are still a few rare individuals who put others first. Regina Rogers is one of those rare individuals. At an early age, a very important question was engrained into Ms. Rogers' memory, and that question has been the motivation for much of

what she does. The question was, ``What did you do for someone else today?''

I think it is safe to say that Regina has spent every day of her life doing extraordinary things for others. She is an active participant in community affairs and is the founder of several nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to the underserved communities of southeast Texas. In 1988, she founded and serves as Executive Director of the Ben Rogers/Lamar University/Beaumont Public Schools: ``I Have A Dream'' program. The organization has made available mentoring and guidance, along with $4,000 scholarships to nearly 400 academically talented students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college.

Ms. Rogers is a Member of the Board of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the Harris County Hospital District Foundation, the Pauline Sterne Wolff Memorial Foundation. She serves on the boards of the Children's Defense Fund Texas Advisory Board, the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation, and the Holocaust Museum of Houston. She is also President of the Joe Louis International Sports Foundation, established in 1972 by her late father, Ben Rogers. She was the first female regent of Lamar University. For six years, she served as a member of the Texas College and University System Coordinating Board, where she was Chair of the Educational Opportunity Planning Committee for Minority Education in Texas, helping implement programs to increase admissions and retention of minority students and the hiring of minority faculty in colleges and universities throughout Texas.

Ms. Rogers established and serves as chair of the Julie Rogers ``Gift of Life'' program, which annually makes available more than 1,800 free mammograms (more than 18,000 since inception) and 500 prostate cancer screenings (more than 6,000 since 2000) for the medically underserved population of southeast Texas. In addition, the ``Gift of Life'' offers education that focuses on breast, ovarian, and other gynecological cancers, prostate, testicular, and lung cancer at 80 or more outreach programs a year, impacting nearly 17,000 people annually, as well as smoking prevention programming through its ``Don't Smoke Your Life Away'' campaign.

While Chair of the Southwest Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League in 1994, Rogers helped found the Coalition for Mutual Respect, a group of religious and lay leaders whose annual programming includes pulpit exchanges that promote positive intergroup relations by encouraging understanding and respect among Houston's diverse population.

In 1997, Ms. Rogers established Inspire, Encourage, and Achieve, a program designed to perpetuate her father's legacy of helping young people achieve dignity and respect through knowledge, compassion, understanding, and love. IEA emphasizes rehabilitation for youth in detention and/or on probation, annually impacting more than four hundred juveniles in the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center and through its Ben's Kids outreach activities.

Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Ms. Rogers co-founded the Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund (SETERF) that provided several million dollars in assistance to thousands of people after the storms, including gift cards to social service agencies, grants to faith-based organizations to assist with home repairs; and loans to small businesses affected by the storms. Regina also helped individuals who suffered losses from Hurricane Ike. She also served on the Bush- Clinton Coastal Recovery Fund and the Texas Governor's Disaster Recovery and Renewal Commission.

Ms. Rogers excellence has been recognized by others throughout the years. She was selected as a Distinguished Alumna of the University of Houston in 1994, and was named a Distinguished Woman of Northwood University. She was named a Child Advocate of the Year by CASA of southeast Texas; a Pacesetter of the Year by the Cancer League; a Woman of Distinction by KTRK/Channel 3 in Houston; and was a recipient of the Cherish our Children Award from the Child Abuse Prevention Network in Houston. She received the Press Club's 2002 Southeast Texas Newsmaker of the Year award; was a recipient of the 2003 Humanitarian Award from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Beaumont, Inc.; named a 2005 Citizen of the Year by the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission; and was a recipient of the Cris Quinn Community Service Award in 2009 by the Jefferson County Bar Association.

Regina Rogers learned the importance of public service from her parents. She has carried on her parents' legacy by being a tireless advocate for those in need. She is an incredible woman with an abundance of energy, and a heart as big as Texas. Through her personal involvement in, and financial contributions to numerous organizations, she has left an indelible mark on southeast Texas. Our community is better because of her compassion and generosity. Regina Rogers is the epitome of charity, and a perfect example of what we should all aspire to. In the words of Ms. Rogers' late father, Ben Rogers, I ask you, ``What have you done for someone else today?''

And that's just the way it is.