Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an important upcoming date--October 10, 2012--which marks more than 100 years since the founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The United States and Taiwan share a common vision of democracy and liberty. It is important that we take a moment and recognize the successes of this great friend and ally. Often through struggle, Taiwan has used the last 101 years to bring peace and prosperity to its people. A beacon of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region, President Ma and the people of Taiwan should be commended for living in peace and for implementing pro-growth policies that have led to economic prosperity. They are a model for the region and the world. We are fortunate to call Taiwan a friend and ally.

I also would like to congratulate Ambassador Jason Yuan, Representative of the ROC (Taiwan) to the United States, on his new post as Secretary-General of the National Security Council of Taiwan. I cherish the friendship with Ambassador Yuan and wish Ambassador and Madame Yuan the very best.

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 Sheriff's 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, on a spring day, 55 men walked from a cobblestone street into the Pennsylvania state house. They had important business to discuss, and guards kept watch to keep any curious people at bay. The men, all respected, half university- educated, had an average age of 42 years old. The youngest was a mere 27. In their first order of business, they formally nominated one man to be their leader: General George Washington.

This was the scene 225 years ago when our Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia. The 13 colonies had declared and won independence from King George, and were operating under a ``league of friendship'' or the Articles of Confederation. They knew that the fledgling nation was tinkering on failure: it could not regulate commerce between the states, raise revenue, or support a national defense. A few months before, a man named Daniel Shays had led a group of farmers, who wore hats adorned with twigs, to rebel in Massachusetts. The new nation had some trouble spots of anarchy. Something had to be done.

Over the next few days, the men debated in secret. There was no transparency, no reporters and no visitors. Men from large states, like Edmund Randolph of Virginia, argued for a strong national government, while men from smaller states, like William Patterson of New Jersey, balked at this. Alexander Hamilton of New York tried to convince his colleagues to follow the British government--``the best in the world''--a mistake to a group of proud patriots who had just defeated King George III. Their differing ideas led to compromises and a new government. Largely influenced by James Madison, credited as the Father of the Constitution, a Constitution was written that established three separate branches of government on the federal level, a decentralized national government with enumerated powers and individual state governments empowered with

those powers not outlined. It was built on a system of federalism, a system of separation of powers between the states and the federal union.

The fact that 55 men showed up was something of a feat in and of itself. Seventy-four were appointed to attend, but 19 chose to skip the meeting. They were wise in their suspicions that the goal was to give the national government more power, but missed a tremendous opportunity to shape the nation that they all loved.

Sixteen men refused to sign the Document. One of them was firebrand orator Patrick Henry (my favorite of all of the Founders). He refused to sign the Document because it contained no ``Bill of Rights.'' Another, George Mason, declared that he ``would sooner chop off his right hand than put it to the Constitution as it now stands.'' Yet, the Document was signed by 39 men, and they left Philadelphia with the challenge of convincing the states to ratify it. Largely thanks to the efforts of James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, through the Federalist Papers, the required nine states had ratified and the Constitution took effect.

Two years later, James Madison introduced the Bill of Rights in the U.S. House of Representatives, outlining specific rights that each American should be guaranteed and limiting what government could do to the people. Without the Bill of Rights, we would not be the America that we are today. It guarantees that we can live in a country where we can speak our opinions without fearing punishment; where you can practice the religion of your choice in peace; where you have the right to share your ideas or complaints with the government; where you have certain inalienable rights--the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

On September 17, we celebrated Constitution Day, a national holiday that celebrates the one document that has made America what it is today: the land of the free and the home of the brave. In the 225 years since the signing of this great document, this nation has grown, adding territories and states, including Texas in 1845 (by 1 vote, I must say). What was in 1787 a new nation trying to get on its feet and find its way, is today a robust beacon of freedom and democracy. May we never forget what this nation stands for. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, from September 15 to October 15 America celebrates National Hispanic Heritage month to recognize citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. These individuals contribute to the amazing melting pot of unique identities that is the United States of America.

I would like to honor one particular Hispanic individual, a law enforcement officer from the Second Congressional District of Texas who lives his life under the lessons and values that his father and grandfathers instilled in him to serve our community.

Sgt. Jose Noe Diaz, Jr.--known as Noe--is a Texas Ranger in Houston. He is a fourth generation Mexican-American. Both of his grandfathers (still alive) proudly served in World War II as infantrymen. His father was a migrant worker who worked his way through college and later became a school teacher. They taught him respect for others, honesty and hard work as the formula for success. Sgt. Diaz is proud of his heritage and works tirelessly to ensure that his children understand the importance of public service and giving back to the country that they love.

It is evident that the values he inherited from his family have contributed to his success in his career and in life. Originally from South Texas, Sgt. Diaz has lived in the greater Houston area since 1987 when he began his career as a Texas Department of Criminal Justice Prison Guard. In 1996, he was accepted into the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Academy and assigned to the Texas Highway Patrol in Katy. In 2001, he was promoted into the Narcotic Division of DPS and assigned to the Harris County Organized Crime Task Force, DEA-Houston and the Houston Police Department's Targeted Narcotics Enforcement Team. In January 2008, he was appointed to the Texas Ranger Division and assigned to Company ``G'' Rio Grande City, Starr County. Later that same year, he transferred to Company ``A'' Houston where he is currently assigned. Sgt. Diaz's current duty assignment with the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Houston targets Public and Police Corruption.

Sgt. Diaz is happily married to his wife, Sheila, with whom he has two adult children Justin (a Senior at the University of Texas--Austin) and Stephanie (a Sophomore at Our Lady of the Lake University--San Antonio). Sgt. Diaz holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown and is pursuing a Masters in Criminology from Lamar University--Beaumont.

Sgt. Diaz is an admirable and dedicated leader to our community, and this Hispanic Heritage Month we recognize his accomplishments and his rich heritage that has contributed to his success. We value his role in our community and appreciate his hard work to make it a better place to live. Sgt. Diaz, thank you for your service and for being a role model to many.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize the important contributions that the Robert E. Lee High School Interact Club has made to the Baytown, Texas community. For over 50 years, the club has proudly served our community. This is quite an accomplishment in and of itself, but in the last year alone, the club has completed over 900 hours of community service.

Sponsored by the Baytown Rotary, the club's community service projects last year included the annual cancer fundraiser, Relay for Life; campus clean up events; hosting a Red Ribbon Week, and serving meals at the Baytown Thanksgiving community dinner. The club also held a Trick-or-Treat for Hunger event where it collected 1,587 canned goods to donate to our community.

With a motto of ``service above self'', the club's members are learning many important life lessons: how to be selfless; how to be a leader; how to be a person of integrity; how to respect others and how to help someone during a difficult time. The members may be young in age--only teenagers--but they are putting these life lessons into action and making important contributions to the Baytown community.

The Baytown community has been enriched by the members of the Robert E. Lee Interact Club and will continue to be as the students put service above self for the next 50 years. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard from many Texas business owners who built their own business without government help. Here's what Pam from Liberty, Texas, has to say:

We are college educated, taxpaying citizens who have a

lifetime of hard work under our belts. We have stayed up

nights trying to figure out how we were going to pay our

taxes, insurance, employees, and bank notes. We started from

scratch, owning convenience stores, car washes, mini storage

businesses, a clothing business, and also operated/owned two

small-town movie theaters that were built by my husband's

grandparents and parents. The latest is a real estate

business.

There's not much that anyone can tell us about the

sacrifices that have to be made when you start up your own

business. We have done it all, including working full-time

jobs for someone else to make ends meet. No government agency

has ever helped us with one thing, but the government

certainly has made our work harder and more expensive to run/

operate our businesses.

Mr. Speaker, people--not the government--make America's businesses successful.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, since its founding in 1909, Lamar State College--Port Arthur has undergone many changes, growing from a petrochemical industry training ground to a flourishing two-year college, offering degrees in numerous highly valued skills. But for 38 years, there has been one constant on campus and that's the leadership of President Dr. Sam Monroe, now recognized as the longest-serving president of a Texas higher education institution.

While Dr. Monroe was not born in Port Arthur, he got there as fast as he could. He moved from College Station at an early age and has remained in the Southeast Texas area ever since, keeping him tuned in to the needs of the surrounding community. Dr. Monroe's career began at the former Port Arthur College, serving as Executive Vice President before being elected President in 1974. Wasting no time making significant changes, he proposed a merger with Lamar University in nearby Beaumont a year later, forming Lamar University--Port Arthur.

Dr. Monroe has overseen a great expansion during his tenure. In 1999, they were granted admission into the Texas State University System then renamed Lamar State College--Port Arthur. A $5.9 million Performing Arts Center opened in 2004, and a 7,500 square foot Student Success Center was completed in 2011. Dr. Monroe was instrumental in founding and operating the Museum of the Gulf Coast, located in downtown Port Arthur, which tells the history of this special region. 2004 saw the Lamar State College--Port Arthur Seahawks begin play in Men's Basketball and Girl's Softball, helping to create an expanded athletic program and a full college experience.

Many honors and distinctions have been given to Dr. Monroe. The Port Arthur News named him its Citizen of the Year in 2004. He was the first male recipient of the Quota International of Southeast Texas Man of the Year Award in 2005, the first time in almost 60 years that the award was open to both males and females. Earlier this month, he was recognized by Governor Rick Perry as the education president with the longest service in Texas. And, his dedication to the community has expanded outside of campus as Dr. Monroe has volunteered his time on such varied organizations as the Port Arthur Public Library and the Port Arthur Housing Authority.

Thanks to Dr. Sam Monroe, Lamar State College--Port Arthur has transitioned from a small technical school to a sprawling, 40-acre campus home to over 3,000 students. I am proud to recognize his accomplishments. He has touched countless lives, and Southeast Texas is a better place for it.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Monica and Ivory Garrett from Beaumont, Texas are truly Angels--Angels in Adoption. Forty-three foster children have been blessed with the Garretts' love and care over the years; Forty-three lives have been changed because of the Garretts.

Mrs. Garrett began her involvement in the foster care system in 1997 as lead staff at a Buckner International group home for foster children. Through her work, she realized that this was God's calling for her, and a few years later, the Garretts were licensed as foster parents and began welcoming children into their own home. After caring for 25 children, the Garretts' felt that God was calling them to something even bigger.

The Garretts then opened a group home for children with therapeutic needs in 2009. They consider all of these children their own, providing a loving home and ensuring that they get the most out of life. Their children are all encouraged to explore their talents, participating in choir, sports, and various other activities. The Garretts are unsung heroes, a family with bountiful love, and truly Angels in Adoption.

I was honored to recently award the Garretts with their Angels in Adoption award. They are an incredible family that has dedicated their lives to help and change children's lives.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, America is about people. Who we are and what we are is because of the people who have come to America. We have always been and will always be a nation of immigrants. They are individuals who have lived and died and influenced the rest of us because of their tenacious spirit and determination.

Roy Benavidez was one of those Americans. He was born in South Texas in a small town called Cuero, August 5, 1935. He was the son of a sharecropper. He was an orphan and he had mixed blood of Yaqui Indian and Hispanic. He lost his family at a young age and dropped out of school in the 7th grade. He didn't see the need for an education at that time. He was a migrant farm worker. He worked all over Texas and as far as Colorado in the sugar beet fields and the cotton fields.

In 1955 decided to join the United States Army, and he joined in Houston, Texas. He was in love with his hometown sweetheart, Lala Coy. While he was away in Germany on active duty, he asked a local priest, his grandfather and his uncle if they would go to Lala's father and ask permission for Roy to marry her and he agreed. While he was in the Army, however, he was in a lot of trouble, even though he was a member of the Military Police.

So he finally joined the Special Forces training at Fort Bragg where he reached the rank of staff sergeant and went to Vietnam as a Green Beret. But on May 2, 1962, his life changed forever. It is a story that is almost unbelievable.

On the morning of May 2, 1968, a 12-man Special Forces team was inserted in Cambodia to observe a large-scale North Vietnamese troop movement, and they were discovered by the enemy. Most of the team members were close friends of Roy Benavidez, who was the forward operating officer in Loc Ninh, Vietnam. Three helicopters were sent to rescue this 12-man team, but they were unable to land because of the heavy enemy concentration. When a second attempt was made to reach the stranded team, Benavidez jumped onboard one of the helicopters, armed only with a Bowie knife. As the helicopters reached the landing zone, Benavidez realized the team members were likely too severely wounded to move to the helicopters. So he ran by himself through heavy small arms fire to the wounded soldiers. He was wounded in the leg, the face, and the head in the process. He reorganized the team and signaled the helicopters to land. But despite his injuries, Benavidez was able to carry off half of the wounded men to the helicopters.

He then collected the classified documents held by the now dead team leader. As he completed this task, he was wounded by an exploding grenade in the back and shot in the stomach. At that moment, the waiting helicopter's pilot was also mortally wounded, and that helicopter crashed. He ran to collect the stunned crash survivors and form a perimeter. He directed air support, ordered another extraction attempt and was wounded again when shot in the thigh. At this point he was losing so much blood from his face wounds that his vision became blocked.

Finally, another helicopter landed and as Benavidez carried a wounded friend to it, he was clubbed in the head with a rifle butt by an enemy soldier. That soldier bayonetted Benavidez twice.

Mr. Speaker, Benavidez was wounded in that one battle 37 times; Seven gunshot wounds, he had mortar shrapnel in his back, and two bayonet wounds. He was taken for dead and left for dead and zipped up in a body bag, but right before they zipped the bag up, he spit in the doctor's face, letting the doctor know he was yet alive.

He later recovered. He received the Distinguished Service Cross and then many years later Ronald Reagan presented him with the Congressional Medal of Honor. President Reagan stated that if this were a movie, no one would believe it because of the heroic deed of Roy Benavidez.

Mr. Speaker, after he retired from the military, Roy Benavidez went around America talking about the importance of an education, since he only went to the seventh grade. He talked to young gang members, he talked to youth, telling them to stay in school and get an education. He was a remarkable individual.

A Navy ship has been named after him, several elementary schools in Texas have been named after Roy Benavidez, and even a toy company has issued a Roy Benavidez GI Joe action figure.

As we prepare to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month, one of those great Hispanic Americans was Roy Benavidez, a Texas hero, an American hero, a war hero that loved America and, as he said, got to live the American Dream the way that he wanted.

And that's just the way it is.

Over the last week, we have watched as anti- American groups throughout the world have killed Americans, attacked our embassies, had protests, burned the American flag, and destroyed our property in many parts of the world. These events and events that have preceded them bring up that question again that these countries that we give aid to seem to be countries where there is violence against America. So I want to spend a few minutes talking about the aid Americans, when they write that check to the government, our government, spend all over the world.

This is a map of countries in the world that the United States of America taxpayers give assistance to worldwide. You'll see there are three colors. The red are colors that the United States gives foreign aid to. And you can see that's most of the countries in the world--and it is most of the countries. There are 191 countries in the world. Sometimes there are 193, depending on whether those last two are really countries or not. And American taxpayers give money to 158 of them. So you see those that are in the red. The green represents countries that we give military aid to. And the few little blue countries--a couple in Europe, a couple in Africa--those are countries we don't give any money to. By far, the minority. So you see the massive world as we know it, American money goes to most of it.

Now you notice over here there's a red block in this part of the world. And I'm sure, Mr. Speaker, you would recognize this massive country here. That's Russia. Yes, American aid goes to Russia. And did you know even though China controls so much of our debt, American money, yes, goes to China as well.

So maybe we need to rethink how we do this. With all the problems we've got in the United States, the taxpayers are writing checks for countries throughout the world. And here's how we vote on foreign aid. And I suspect the Senate does it the same way. We put all the countries in a list and in a bill and the State Department usually submits an amount of money they would like us to give to this country. And then this House votes ``up'' or ``down'' on all 158 countries.

Now maybe we ought to do business a little better. Maybe we should vote country by country. Some say, Oh, it'll take too long. Hey, we're talking about American money here. It wouldn't take very long at all. I think that if we voted ``up'' or ``down'' country per country, most of these countries are not going to get any aid from the United States in a bipartisan way. Of course, probably Israel would. And 80 percent of the money given to Israel is spent back in the United States. I

think most Members support Israel. Maybe one or two other countries.

Let's vote ``up'' or ``down'' country by country. And some of these countries that we've had unrest in in the last couple of weeks--like Libya, like Egypt--maybe we need to reevaluate the money we send to them. At the very least, what we ought to do in countries like Libya and Egypt, and in some of these other countries that are destroying American property as we speak, who have looted, pillaged, and destroyed our embassies, like in Egypt, the money that we're going to give them in aid, take a portion of it out to help rebuild the embassies that are in that country and pay for the property damage, and probably even take money out we've given to Libya and pay reparations to the four Americans that were killed in Libya.

Let's use some common sense when we're spending money overseas. And maybe we shouldn't be trying to go all over the world and play nice with people. We've had a foreign aid problem since before I was born. We continue to give money to countries in the hope that they will like us. Well, how's that working for you? Not too good, is the way that I see it.

Mr. Speaker, we don't need to continue to support countries like Pakistan. I'm astonished we will still give money to Pakistan. They harbored Osama bin Laden. They put in prison the informant that told us where he was hiding. I believe some of the money we give Pakistan ends up in the hands of the Taliban and corrupt military government. But yet we keep paying them.

This summer the House did vote to cut $625 million from Pakistan. But yet when the CR came through last week--the continuing resolution--that money is back in, going to Pakistan. Pakistan is just one of many examples, Mr. Speaker. We don't need to pay these countries to hate us. We don't need to pay them to betray us. They will do it for free.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Elizabeth from Houston wrote me this about her business:

My immigrant parents came to the United States legally.

They had to learn English. My dad worked very hard. He opened

several bars and restaurants, hired wait staff, cooks,

bartenders, and cleaning people. There was never a dime of

government assistance. Hard work, long hours, and sleepless

nights were the norm for all of us. I learned their work

ethic early, and I also have worked very hard for my family.

No welfare, no government handouts.

This is my country, and I love this country as much as my

parents did. But I do not respect the current President or

his administration. They want to be in charge of all of us,

from cradle to grave. That is not the American way. That is

exactly what my parents and grandparents fled from. Please

take us back to the right way.

Mr. Speaker, Elizabeth's family did it the right way--and without Big Government getting in the way. They built their American Dream all on their own.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, the United States granted Pakistan major non-NATO ally status to help us fight al Qaeda and the Taliban. This status gives special foreign aid and defense benefits such as an expedited arms sales process. But Pakistan has proved it's no friend to America.

Pakistan said ``no'' when we asked it to go after the terrorist havens. Pakistan twice tipped off terrorists making IEDs that kill Americans. Pakistan's intelligence arm, the ISI, helped the Haqqani network, a designated foreign terrorist organization, to attack our embassy. Pakistan arrested and convicted the doctor who helped us locate Osama bin Laden, the world's number one terrorist.

I believe some of the money that we have given them goes to the Taliban, but Pakistan has given us no reason to trust them. They are a disloyal ally, a Benedict Arnold friend.

I've introduced H.R. 6391 to strip Pakistan of its major non-NATO ally status. We don't need to pay Pakistan to betray us. They will do it for free.

Time for a divorce with Pakistan.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, since her days as a little girl in Argentina, Cristina Didone (Dee dough ne) dreamed of a new day owning a business.

Although she loved her homeland she looked thousands of miles away to the land of real opportunity--America.

Like millions before her she yearned and worked to come to America.

Even though her visa was denied three times she pursued her American dream and eventually a working visa was granted.

Once in the United States in 1990 she created a business involving her two passions: the Law and English.

So she started Kansas City Translations a firm specializing in training individuals in legal interpretations.

Finally in 1999 she got to Texas as fast as she could and created CD Language solutions--a Global legal translations company in Houston for oil, gas & technology firms.

Just recently Cristina was recognized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as Hispanic Female Entrepreneur of the Year.

As we get ready to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month I would like to recognize this successful and tenacious American businesswoman that believed in herself and America.

And that's just the way it is.

Mr. Speaker, Texans have been sharing with me their stories and lives about their businesses that they have built without the help of an out-of-control government. The responses were a testament to the tenacity of the American people.

Jeffrey, from League City, Texas, wrote me this:

I am the son of a single mother. I grew up watching my mom

work two and sometimes three jobs to support us. She never

took one penny of government assistance.

When I was 8 years old, I lied about my age and took three

paper routes that had morning/evening and Sunday delivery.

At the age of 11, I took a job as a short-order cook at a

24-hour diner working from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., went to school,

played sports, went home, grabbed a quick dinner, slept for a

few hours, and went back to work.

I did my homework while standing over a grill in the

kitchen.

In the summer months, I would squeeze in a second job

working in a service station.

I went into the Marine Corps upon high school graduation at

the age of 17. I spent 6\1/2\ years in the military.

Upon being honorably discharged, I entered the Houston

Police Academy. I have been an officer in Houston, Texas, for

the past 27\1/2\ years. I worked 17 years undercover in the

narcotics division, the rest has been in patrol.

My wife is an educator. We have two sons, a 19-year-old

Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps on his way to Afghanistan

and a 7-year-old. We live day to day, paycheck to paycheck,

and are on the verge of losing everything if our taxes go up

along with the cost of living.

Meanwhile, I see folks on government (giveaway programs)

with Smart phones, flat screen TVs and newer cars than I can

afford, cable TV, and Internet, and living in nicer

apartments than I could afford while I was trying to save 17

years for my first house.

Sir, my family and I have built this life. Don't tell me

that government built this life for me. That is a lie.

Mr. Speaker, Jeffrey is not alone. Contrary to the misinformed views of some, the American people are the backbone of this Nation, not government. Government is not the solution. It's the problem. Government encourages some Americans to live off the hard work of others. Government promotes a social philosophy that it will give away more free stuff to some while it takes and punishes people who work.

People, not government, take business risks. People work and make sacrifices in an effort to pursue the American Dream, and people, not government, suffer the loss if the business is not a success. But Big Government wants to take credit for what American workers have done.

Government doesn't make America, Mr. Speaker. People make America.

And that's just the way it is.

Madam Speaker, yesterday was the 11th anniversary of the attack on America from 9/11 in 2001 where Americans were killed, and it was an act of terrorism. Yesterday Americans were attacked again in two attacks, in Egypt and in Libya, apparently terrorists attacking us again on 9/11.

The Embassy in Egypt was stormed, the American flag was brought down,

and a black flag was raised by those that stormed the compound. In Libya, the consulate was attacked, set afire, and our Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, was murdered and apparently, according to the BBC, his body was carried through the streets of Benghazi.

Both of these places are U.S. sovereign soil, the consulate and the Embassy. The groups or individuals that committed these acts must be found. There's no evidence yet that there was any act by either one of these two governments but by individuals or even by groups.

In Libya, al Qaeda cousins, as I call them, the Ansar al-Sharia, claims responsibility for the murder of our U.S. Ambassador. It's no coincidence that these two attacks occurred nearly at the same time, and they both occurred on the anniversary of September 11.

Immediately, the attackers blamed a movie that was produced as the reason, an excuse and justification for murdering. It's never the fault of a movie; it's never the fault of the United States; it's never the fault of western culture that people are murdered in the name of religion. It's the responsibility and it's the fault, of individuals. The people that need to be held accountable are the ones who committed these specific acts of terror against the United States.

In the past, the United States has always held and went after those that were responsible for this type of conduct. In 1998, when the Kenyan Embassy was attacked and Americans were killed, we responded. Of course we responded in 9/11. We responded after the first World Trade Center bombing. In 1996, when 19 American soldiers were murdered in Saudi Arabia, we responded. In fact, President Bill Clinton said this:

The cowards who committed this murderous act must not go

unpunished. We will not rest in our efforts to find who is

responsible for this outrage, to pursue them and to punish

them.

After 9/11, President Bush made this comment:

The search is under way for those who are behind these evil

acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence

and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and

bring them to justice.

Madam Speaker, the United States must always respond to terrorists, and we must let them be reminded again and again we will respond in an appropriate manner as we did on 9/11. We must respond today, and we must respond tomorrow. I am encouraged that the President will soon address the Nation on what our response will be.

We must hold those responsible personally accountable because we must let people understand that they need to leave us alone. That is what that message needs to be. We must have justice in these terrorist attacks by these individuals against Americans because, Madam Speaker, justice is what we do in America.

And that's just the way it is.