Troy E. Nehls

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 309, the National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act. I thank Chairman Westerman for his support and his work on this.

Congressman Panetta and more than 120 Members--120 of us--all came together in this bipartisan effort to support our law enforcement officers. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 309.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend, a true Texas legend, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and the heartbeat of ZZ Top for more than 50 years, Frank Beard.

Frank passed away on August 17, 2026, in Richmond, Texas, at his ranch,

surrounded by his family. He is now reunited with ZZ Top's base player, Dusty Hill.

As a teenager, Frank picked up the drums, and he never looked back. From 1966 to 1968, Frank played alongside Dusty Hill in the band American Blues before the two of them joined up with Billy Gibbons and formed the iconic band ZZ Top and made history.

In 1970, that classic trio, Billy, Dusty, and Frank, played their first show at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Beaumont, Texas. From that night on, the trio stayed together for over half a century, putting out hit after hit and entertaining millions of fans all over the world.

Frank's steady Texas backbeat was the foundation of that sound. He kept ZZ Top's rhythm locked in for more than 50 years.

Billy Gibbons said it best: ``The world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas.''

I know Frank is deeply missed by his wife, Debbie, his three children, the whole ZZ Top family, and fans all over the world.

Frank Beard will always be a staple of Texas and rock and roll history.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I will miss seeing my friend, Frank, on the golf course and riding around in his sports car in Pecan Grove. Rest in peace. May God bless him.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Milton Turner Wright, Jr., a former Texas Ranger and retired sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, who passed away on March 5, 2026.

Sheriff Wright was a true example of a public servant. From serving honorably in the United States Navy to dedicating his life to law enforcement, he always put others before himself. He served as sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, for four terms, 16 years, making him the longest serving sheriff in county history.

As sheriff, he revolutionized the office by embracing modern technologies, specialized divisions, and inmate support programs. Earlier this week, Fort Bend County rightfully renamed its detention center after Sheriff Wright, ensuring that his legacy will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in praying for his wife of 68 years, Marian; family, friends, and loved ones as they mourn the loss of such an honorable man.