Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor fifteen distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is Senior Master Sergeant Patrick Nugent of Allen, Texas.

Upon joining the U.S. Air Force, Pat Nugent, trained as a parachute rigger and was stationed at England Air Force Base prior to being transferred to RAF Mildenhall, England where he was assigned to an Aerial Port squadron supporting aerial delivery parachute systems throughout the European Theater. During this time, Nugent developed a lifelong passion for photography and was eventually assigned to cover the world-renowned Air Force Thunderbirds. Due to his training as a photojournalist at Syracuse University, Pat would have the opportunity to cover a variety of historical events including the Rhein-Mein Air Base bombing and the return of hostages, Father Martin Jenco and David Jacobson, as well as those kidnapped from the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro. Pat also covered Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Provide Hope, and the Panama invasion, and was involved in efforts to introduce digital photography to the Department of Defense.

During his 23 years of military service, Sergeant Nugent earned a multitude of awards including the National Defense Service Medal with 1 device, the Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 devices, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 6 devices, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 3 devices, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal to name just a few.

Following his retirement from the military, Nugent held government account management positions with Eastman Kodak and Nikon. As an active and lifetime member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, the Seidel Dallas Chapter of the Air Force Association, the USAF Combat Camera Association, and the Collin County Veterans Coalition, Pat can often be seen behind the lens capturing our veterans and military which earned him the Air Force Association's ``Medal of Freedom.''

Mr. Nugent is a tremendous example of using one's gift in service to their nation. Pat and his wife, Carol, look forward to celebrating fifty years of marriage this year and are the proud parents to two adult children, and five grandchildren.

Today a grateful Nation thanks Senior Master Sergeant Nugent for his exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to award him the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Plano Community Forum as they celebrate 40 years of outstanding service to the community. Founded on December 10, 1981 by Ken Chestnut, Fred Moses, Al Schexnayder, and Cecil Starks, the Forum

was created to support the involvement and achievements of African Americans in Plano.

For four decades, the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Plano Community Forum has provided a voice for the people of Plano and its members have become known as valued and respected leaders. The heart of the organization is community involvement which has created opportunities for people to connect with local food pantries and programs that assist with transitional living and homeless youth.

In recognition of scholarship recipients and to honor the service of local educators, business owners, and community leaders, the Forum hosts an Annual Gala and Awards Program. The proceeds from the event allow the organization to continue providing scholarships and other opportunities to support future generations. Since 1983, the non-profit organization has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships.

Further, through expression contests, bootcamps, and the sponsorship of events such as the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Weekend, the Plano Community Forum has supported cultural enrichment for the community.

Now as we recognize the Plano Community Forum on their milestone anniversary, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring their selfless acts of service and wish them great success in all their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Collin County's milestone 30th anniversary of service to the community and to the abused and neglected children of North Texas.

Since its establishment in 1991, CASA has served 100% of the abused and neglected children removed from their homes in Collin County. As the child's official voice in court, these guardian ad litems work tirelessly to champion the best interests of the children they serve so that they receive needed services while ensuring the child's case moves through the system as quickly as possible. The ultimate goal of CASA is for each child to be reunited with family if appropriate or to be placed in a safe, permanent, and loving home. It is a mission their trained advocates do not take lightly.

CASA's network of trained advocates are often recognized for providing consistent, strong, and clear voices for abused and neglected children as they navigate a complicated legal system. CASA often serves as the only stable, trusted adult in the lives of these children as they navigate the changing dynamics of the foster care system.

Since it's inception, CASA has advocated for more than 12,000 children. Further, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the dedicated volunteer advocates, exceptional staff, outstanding leadership, and committed Board of Directors and Advisory Board once again rose to meet the needs of those they serve by adapting their processes to provide even greater support through new and innovative ways.

Now as we reflect upon the thirty years of selfless service performed by CASA of Collin County, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the organization and their decades of fierce advocates for changing the lives of countless children in our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Pathfinder Day, a day in which to honor all those who have served in this elite group of soldiers. The Pathfinders hold a special place in the history and, more importantly, the successes of our Armed Forces. These brave volunteer soldiers were trailblazers who played a vital role in heightening our military's precision and capabilities.

The Army Pathfinders were first utilized at the height of our involvement in World War II as newly formed paratrooper units were being scattered during combat jumps as far as 60 miles from the target. Prior to their formation, a consistent tactical issue had been the inaccurate and widely scattered drop zones for our paratroopers. The correcting course our military found was to assemble volunteer units to drop in the prior night, undetected by the enemy, and set up marked drop zones for our parachuting soldiers and gliders--widely considered a suicide mission. However, these first Pathfinders' bravery and tenacity in the face of a seemingly impossible mission led to success.

Pathfinders have been employed in every major conflict, continuing to drop into unknown enemy territory with no larger force to rely on for retreat or reinforcement. They would continue to do all of this in the name of providing their brothers-in-arms with accurate information and other operational support. While modern technological advancements and the everchanging landscape by which we conduct warfare have shifted so that units such as the Pathfinders are no longer utilized, we would do well to remember the traits that these patriots exhibited--bravery, selflessness, and an undying need to complete what was requested of them. Now as the National Pathfinder Association gathers in fellowship to commemorate this September 13th Day of recognition, I ask my colleagues to join me in reflecting upon these giants of valor.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the life of Dr. Robert ``Bob'' Ward. Born on July 4, 1933 to Al and Lovera Ward in Huntington, California, Bob was one of six children. He would later graduate from Burbank High School, a school where he would develop his athleticism and deep faith, two traits that would become among his greatest attributes.

Bob would go on to Whitworth University, earning All-Conference honors in both football and track and field while furthering his academic pursuits. Bob would later serve his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps, during which time he was on active duty at Quantico and Camp Pendleton.

While in the service, Bob would many Joyce Ross, his lifelong partner. Following his time in the military, Bob would earn his master's degree at the University of Washington and would begin his impressive teaching and coaching career at both the high school and collegiate levels. Under his leadership, the Fullerton College track team would earn five conference titles and a state championship, leading to Ward's induction into the College's Coaching Hall of Fame.

Always the learner, Bob would seek out new and innovative techniques to push his athletes to the next level. His constant quest for knowledge would lead him to Indiana University, where he earned his Doctorate in Biomechanics. This drive would soon be noticed by the Dallas Cowboys, where over the next 14 years he would become one of the most respected and celebrated strength coaches in the NFL during the notable Landry years.

Continuing his lifelong love of athletic competition, Dr. Ward competed in various Masters Track and Field competitions well into his 80s, earning world records in the 70-74 age group in weightlifting and various pentathlon weight events in track. Bob would co-author several books on sports training and a book on his life journey, Building the Perfect Star.

While Bob's professional achievements include an awe-inspiring list of accolades, his greatest achievement was his family. Bob was blessed with two daughters, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, as well as a lifetime of partnership with his wife, Joyce.

Now as we recognize Dr. Bob Ward, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring his rich life and legacy.

Madam Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Collin County Soil & Water Conservation District (CCSWCD) on their 75th Anniversary.

The mission of the Texas State and Water Conservation Board is to work in conjunction with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in order to encourage the wise and productive use of natural resources, ensuring needs are met for future generations in a manner that promotes a clean, healthy environment, and strong economic growth. As such, on August 12, 1946, the Texas Secretary of State signed and sealed the Certificate of Organization for the Collin County Soil Conservation District No. 535.

The Collin County Soil & Water Conservation District, is a locally organized, self-governing body tasked with ``preserving natural resources, controlling floods, preventing impairments of dams and reservoirs, assisting in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors, and promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.''

In addition to the many functions and responsibilities of the CCSWCD, they also serve a valuable role by planning measures to prevent the flooding of thousands of acres of rich soil in Collin County, hosting local work group meetings to address natural resource conservation needs at a local level, and working with local landowners to develop water quality management plans to address non-point source pollution in the Lake Lavon watershed.

Now upon this milestone anniversary, I congratulate the Collin County Soil & Water Conservation District and wish them continued success as they meet the local needs of Collin County while ensuring the conservation of our most valuable resources.

Madam Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Railroad Commission of Texas on its 130th anniversary.

Established in 1891 by the Texas Constitution, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) was created for the purpose preventing discrimination in railroad charges and establishing reasonable tariffs. As the first regulatory agency created in the State of Texas, their primary responsibility included covering rates and operations of railroads, terminals, wharves and express companies.

In 1917, the Texas Legislature expanded the Commission's authority after declaring pipelines to be common carriers, thereby providing the agency the ability to administer conservation laws related to oil and gas. In March 1919, their jurisdiction would once again increase to include pipeline safety as well as the safety of alternative fuels, natural gas utilities, and the surface mining of coal and uranium.

In the decades which would follow, the RRC's authority evolved to meet the needs of our rapidly growing state. While its rail functions have since been transferred to the Texas Department of Transportation, the Commission's oversight has extended to include not only oil and gas exploration and production, but also pipeline transporters, the natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline industry, natural gas utilities, the LP-gas industry, and coal and uranium surface mining operations.

In recent years, the Commission has modernized technology for increased efficiency and has expanded transparency by providing the public with needed tools to access agency information. Further, the dedicated efforts of its professionals have contributed to the streamlining of operations while promoting increased innovation and energy independence.

For over 130 years the Railroad Commission of Texas has maintained a unified and focused mission of protecting the public, environment, and economy of Texas. As the oil and gas industry continues to be an essential component of Texas' success story, I congratulate the Railroad Commission of Texas and its employees on this milestone anniversary and wish them continued success as they continue to protect the state's natural resources, environment, and public safety.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida's 26th District for yielding.

On the heels of a global pandemic, which crippled small businesses and hurt workers, President Biden has offered a budget that doesn't address the problems that we so desperately confront as Americans.

There is not any additional funding for border security at a time right now when our border is in crisis, despite the fact that this budget has the highest sustained tax burden and is the largest budget ever in the history of this country. It is the largest budget to ever be before this body.

The prescription in that budget is exactly the opposite of where we need to be going. As our economy comes out of the fits and starts of recovering from COVID, this threatens to overheat even further our economy.

We know our economy is overheated. Let me give you a couple of examples.

Since May 2020, home prices have increased by almost 13 percent. Used car and truck prices are up over 20 percent. Lumber prices are up over 300 percent. Cold rolled steel has gone from $630 a ton to $1,450 a ton.

Our economy is overheated. The last thing we need is the massive $55 trillion of taxes and spending that is in the budget today in front of this body. You heard me correctly, Mr. Speaker, $55 trillion directly from the pockets of Americans who are already struggling to pay these higher gas prices and to pay for higher prices for groceries. This is all a result of President Biden's misguided fiscal policies.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my Democrat colleagues to please reconsider your support for Biden's broken budgeting methods. In the great State of Texas, small businesses and families live within their means. We must do the same.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to come before my colleagues today to recognize those young men and women from Texas' Third Congressional District who have accepted an appointment to one of our prestigious United States Service Academies. I am honored to have this opportunity to congratulate these young patriots and wish them success as they strive to fulfill their maximum potential in defending our nation.

The United States Services Academies have a long-standing tradition of offering its students the highest caliber education and officer military training in the world. Each of the individuals recognized today began their journey of service by applying through their Member of Congress or qualified source via a highly competitive process. However, only a select few are found to meet the necessary standards set forth by the Academies.

These outstanding students have proven they are the gold standard by demonstrating their excellence in academics, athletics, and commitment to their community both inside and outside of the classroom. I am confident these young men and women will achieve great success while further developing the qualities of leadership, honor, and self- sacrifice as they prepare to lead our Nation's Armed Forces.

As one who has worn the uniform, I thank these young patriots for their courage, conviction, and commitment to our Nation, and it is my privilege to congratulate these leaders as they embark on this new mission of service.

Class of 2025 Appointments

U.S. Air Force Academy

Tylan Hines, Plano Senior High School*

Arjun Kersten, Plano West Senior High School

Rushaan Mahajan, Plano East Senior High School

Christopher Park, Spring Creek Academy

Dylan Rogers, McKinney North High School

Chase Spencer, Plano West Senior High School

Autumn Thill, John Paul II High School

U.S. Naval Academy

Owen Archer, Liberty High School

Matteo Bianchi, McKinney Boyd High School*

Charles Flanigen III, Allen High School*

Jonah Johnson, Lebanon Trail High School*

Inaki Romero-Garza, John Paul II High School

Zeta Williamson, Allen High School*

U.S. Military Academy

Katherine Beeler, Plano West Senior High School

Quynh-Tien Kerri Do, Plano East Senior High School

Madeline Graham, Melissa High School*

Timothy Johnson, U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School

Aiden Kim, Independence High School

Cade Patton, Allen High School

Haden Ray, Plano Senior High School

Orion Rolater, Plano East Senior High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

William Boese, New Mexico Military Institute

Sheridan Harvey, Lone Star High School

Eric Jiang, Plano West Senior High School

Margaret Ripperger, McKinney Boyd High School

*Denotes acceptance to one of the academy preparatory

schools

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding.

I often brag to my congressional colleagues that I hope one day America could be like the Third District of Texas. It is a truly magnificent county, Collin County. One of the many factors that has led to the success of our community is the hardworking police officers who undoubtedly have played a significant role.

This National Police Week, we remember those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

I am proud to recognize the Collin County police officers who risk their own lives and well-being to make our

communities some of the very safest in the Nation. In fact, the cities of Frisco, McKinney, and Plano, all located in Collin County, were named three of the top 10 safest cities in America.

This is a true testament to how well members of our community, families, neighbors, small business owners, nonprofits, and local officials collaborate with police departments to ensure Collin County remains one of the very best places in America to live, work, and raise a family.

Let this National Police Week serve as a reminder that, in times of disaster or crisis, police officers are the ones who run toward the danger. Our brave officers go above and beyond to protect our communities, and I can never thank them enough.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2020-2021 Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) as the fifteenth year of the program draws to a close.

Over the past year, students from public, private, and home schools in grades 9th through 12th across Texas' Third Congressional District participated in my youth program as they learned more about our democracy, engaged in policy discussions, and offered innovative solutions to issues of the day. From student governments, athletics, fine arts, honor societies, and a multitude of community and civic organizations, these servant leaders proved to be engaged members of our community both inside and outside of the program.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, students assembled virtually during interactive sessions to discuss topics of importance to their generation in a constructive and thoughtful way. These young leaders also capitalized on their experience by completing various assignments and offering feedback on current events which corresponded with our meetings.

This year's students impressed me with their knowledge and willingness to engage in thoughtful dialogue, even when their opinions differed from one another. Now as we conclude this year's Congressional Youth Advisory Council, I am certain this next generation of leaders will work towards solutions to better our Nation.

I thank every member of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, for their commitment to this program even amidst the uncertainty of the world around us. It has been an honor to know them and serve them in Congress, and I look forward to seeing what each of them accomplishes as they go forward.

Hannah Abraham, Sahithi Alla, Ian Bensley, Carlos Betancourt, Kody Blackwood, Bishop Curry, David David, William Davidson, Krutin Devesh, Madilyn Eckenrode, Ariel Feldman, Karis Fulks, Stephanie Gallagher.

Rithvik Ganesh, Jai Gupta, Devon Jackson, Harrison Karicher, Mysha Khan, Isabelle Ma, Tanya Magesh, Connor McSorley, Campbell Morrow, Kaylie Mowell, Param Naik, Ryan Oltmann, Ethan Ong.

Ariana Palomo, Christian Pressler, Pranavraj Prithviraju, Sophia Rahim, Jacob Reed, Sean Reyes, Micah Sanchez, Rhea Sood, Ella Streber, Kevin Sun, Avery Van Scoy, Pranav Varanasi, Alexandra Vincent.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Dr. Kanika Bowen-Jallow, a respected pediatric surgeon at Cook Children's Pediatric Hospital in Prosper, Texas.

As a child, Kanika developed an early fascination for medicine, spending hours playing Operation and with her Playskool Doctor Kit. This desire to care for others would continue to grow, prompting her to diligently work towards her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and later spending an additional nine years training to become a pediatric surgeon. Dr. Bowen-Jallow credits her success to the support of her loving family who encouraged her to pursue her education and realize her dreams.

Recently, the American Pediatric Surgical Association recognized Dr. Bowen-Jallow as the ninth Black female pediatric surgeon in the U.S.

Dr. Bowen-Jallow's dedication to providing the highest quality of care is evidenced by her involvement in a variety of professional organizations, including the American Pediatric Surgical Association, as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a number of national committees that address the need for excellent, comprehensive pediatric surgical care. Further, her research in the area of childhood obesity has earned her multiple recognitions from respected publications. Additionally, Dr. Bowen-Jallow consistently works to increase and promote diversity in medicine, serving tirelessly as a mentor to young people in communities of color.

As a highly esteemed surgeon, educator, mother, and wife, Dr. Kanika Bowen-Jallow recognizes the trust and faith placed in her by patients and their families and serves as a shining example of service before self. I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Dr. Bowen-Jallow's many achievements in the area of medicine and wish her continued success as she serves as an inspiration to those around her.

Madam Speaker, as I walked through rows and rows of children who had just made a long and dangerous journey to Texas' southern border sitting on cots in a crowded room three times the size of the room that we are in right now, it has never been more clear to me than right there that illegal immigration benefits no one.

I have witnessed the heartbreaking conditions inside these emergency intake sites. In the words of one facility commander, the volunteers and staff that were working there tirelessly, they were operating under a crisis level of care. A crisis level of care. There is no doubt that we are facing a humanitarian crisis, a health crisis, and a national security crisis, all of great proportions.

We didn't get here overnight. The Biden-Harris administration made a reckless decision, choosing to overturn policies implemented by President Trump. But those policies were working, and the Biden-Harris administration had no replacement policy, no strategy, no plan to replace it.

During my visit to this facility in north Texas, I listened to the stories of cartels and coyotes advertising that they could get your children across the U.S. border on television. That is right. The cartels are advertising on television that they can get children smuggled across our southern border.

By stopping construction and the strategic importance of the border wall and rescinding the remain in Mexico policy, President Biden and Vice President Harris are sending a clear message: If you come to the United States, we will let you in.

Currently, as cartels are exploiting this administration's irresponsible open border policies, the cartels are raking in roughly $14 million a day. That is right, you heard me correctly. $14 million a day going straight into the hands of criminals because of the reckless policy decisions of the Biden administration.

If that statistic isn't enough on its own, DHS is projecting 117,000 children without their parents will arrive at the border this year alone. That is a 45 percent increase over the highest we have ever had.

Madam Speaker, this is a crisis, and this administration and Democrats in

Congress need to call it just that and fix it.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the life of Carroll Homer Maxwell, Jr.

Born to Virginia and Carroll Homer, Sr. on May 29, 1928, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Carroll would later relocate to Dallas where he would attend Highland Park High School. Mr. Maxwell would later attend Texas A&M University where he would foster a lifelong love of the Aggies.

Ever the entrepreneur, Carroll would establish several businesses including an apartment and home development in Richardson, Texas, a transistor radio factory, a local television station, and a Central Systems among others.

Mr. Maxwell was particularly known for his commitment to service as evidenced by his long-time membership and involvement with First United Methodist Church of McKinney. Additional efforts to serve those around him included membership in the McKinney Kiwanis Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Collin County Foster Friends, participation as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Collin County, and as an active figure in conservative politics.

Mr. Maxwell's impressive list of awards and accolades are a testament to the high esteem the community held him in. Carroll went home to our Lord on December 26, 2020 where he was reunited with a host of those he had loved in life most notably, his wife, Marilyn Maxwell.

While many in Collin County will miss his steadfast presence and servant leadership, those who knew him best celebrate a life well lived. Now as we recognize Mr. Carroll Maxwell, Jr., I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring his rich life and legacy.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Margaret Smith, on her twenty-four years of service as an employee of the United States Congress.

A native Texan, Maggie received her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Texas. Following graduation, she began her career with then-United States Senator, Phil Gramm, where she dutifully served as the State Administrator assisting in the management of seven regional offices across the

state. In addition to directing administrative support, she was responsible for managing an extensive casework portfolio and overseeing Senatorial United States Service Academy nominations,

In 2003, Ms. Smith would transition to the office of United States Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX-05), where she would assume the role of Senior Constituent Liaison. As part of her duties, Maggie maintained casework operations and fostered strategic relationships on behalf of the Congressman between federal agencies and community leaders. Maggie also managed a wide variety of programs and events while working alongside colleagues in both the Washington, D.C. and district offices.

Following Congressman Hensarling's retirement in 2018, Maggie served the people of Texas' Third Congressional District as a Senior Constituent Services Coordinator, where she would assist with casework and community outreach across Collin County. During her time working for Congress, Maggie has been recognized as a respected professional, esteemed for her past efforts across the state.

Now upon her retirement and as she begins a new season of life, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Ms. Margaret Smith for her longtime service and to wish her well on her future endeavors.