Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the service of Frisco Police Chief John Bruce, who completed his last days as acting chief in May.

Chief Bruce has been with the Frisco Police Department for more than 23 years. After accepting the position as police chief in 2013, he has been responsible for ensuring the safety of more than 185,000 residents.

The Frisco community appreciates Chief Bruce's willingness to serve those around him. His dedication to protecting his community has not gone unnoticed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Chief Bruce for his service and wishing him the best of luck in his journey ahead.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate the Prosper High School Men's Lacrosse team on bringing home their first state championship title by defeating the Smithson Valley Rangers 11 to 5.

This team proved their ability to stay composed while overcoming obstacles under pressure. Winning is not just about talent, skill, or the type of cleats you wear; winning is about character on and off the fleld alongside hard work and commitment to one's team.

The Prosper Eagles showed their dedication to these values from the very beginning.

I know I speak on behalf of our entire community when I say, the city of Prosper is beaming with pride.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Prosper High School Men's Lacrosse team on their successful season.

2019 Prosper Men's Lacrosse Team

Parker Haven

Mikey Nader

Jack Delano

Zane Williams

Luke Teigen

Garrett Elliott

Lee Rowden

Sam Osborne

Tucker Faircloth

Nolan DaRosa

Cabe Parham

Christian Acosta

Connor Hill

Cole Garvin

Broc Tullis

Carson Fearin

Zach Eckstein

Brandon Pierce

Cole Schmitt

Landon Silerio

Bryce Murrin

Tyler Trampas

Michael Vandershuit

Justin Endicott

Aeden Fenley

Ryan Myers

Hunter Sheffield

Peyton Marshall

Hayden Stout

Will Honeycutt

Nathan Typrin

Cole Spurr

Coach Corey Caputo

Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Prosper High School men's lacrosse team for bringing home their first State championship title by defeating the Smithson Valley Rangers 11-5.

The team proved their ability to stay composed while overcoming obstacles under pressure. Winning is not just about talent, skill, or the type of cleats you wear. Winning is about character, on and off the field, alongside hard work and dedication to one's team. The Prosper Eagles showed their commitment to these values from the very beginning.

I know I speak on behalf of the entire community when I say the city of Prosper is beaming with pride.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Prosper High School men's lacrosse team on their successful season.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate twenty four young women from high schools across Plano, Texas who were presented with the Gold Award by the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas for their dedication to our community.

The most prestigious accolade to earn, the Gold Award requires each young woman work tirelessly on a community project of their choice for up to eighty hours.

I want to thank each of these Girl Scouts for their exemplary service within Collin County and for demonstrating that age should never deter one from leading within their community.

It is with great pleasure I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these young ladies on their success.

2019 Plano Texas Gold Award Recipients

Mary Julienne Ragasajo, Mahnoor Muhammad, Sarah Cawthon, Katherine Xiong, Tahirah Jones, Vennela Challagondla, Neha Jayarajan, Jiarong Joygce He, Madeline Osborne, Gauri Nukala, Sydney DeWolf, Madeline Polimerou's, Olivia King, Elizabeth Kokal, Regina Romero-Garza, Bianca Weimer, Carley Nelson, Kate Ohman, Joceyln Gillis, Rani Kumar Sarah Newman, Riya Danait, Kennedy Easter

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate 24 young women from high schools across Plano, Texas, who were presented with the Gold Award by the Girls Scouts of Northeast Texas for their dedication to our community.

The most prestigious accolade to earn, the Gold Award requires each young woman to work tirelessly on a community project of their choice for up to 80 hours.

I want to thank each of these Girl Scouts for their exemplary service within Collin County and for demonstrating that age should never deter one from leading within their community.

It is with pleasure I ask my colleagues to congratulate these young ladies on their success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Peter Vargas for his twenty years of dedicated service to the City of Allen, Texas.

Mr. Vargas earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Education from the University of North Colorado in 1972, and a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver, in 1978. Following his graduation, Paul began his career in municipal management in the City of Arvada where he swiftly rose from serving as an Administrative Assistant to Assistant to the City Manager. He would later hold the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Englewood, Colorado, and eventually be selected as the City Manager in Laredo, Texas.

Mr. Vargas would later serve as the Executive Director of the City of Dallas' Trinity River Corridor Project, prior to joining the City of Allen in 1999 as City Manager. As Allen's long-time City Manager, Peter has worked tirelessly to improve the City's financial stability, raise the bond rating, and improve and increase the City's capital infrastructure program. Such efforts to create a high-quality, sustainable community have led to Allen's national recognition as a ``Community of the Year'' and ``20 Best Places to Live in America.'' Peter is also known for championing the development of regional economic development programs with area governments in our fast-growing region.

Peter is often lauded throughout North Texas for his efforts to build sustaining relationships with partners in both the public and private sectors. His unique ability to work in tandem with Allen's citizens and City employees to ensure that expectations are exceeded has earned him the respect of his colleagues and all those in the community.

While the list of professional associations and accolades for Mr. Peter Vargas is impressive, perhaps his proudest achievement is serving as husband to Cheryl Dyer Vargas, and the father to his daughter, Jenna.

The Allen community and all those who have had the honor of working with Peter over the years have been witness to the tremendous growth and success of the region due in part to his vision. Today, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Peter for his dedicated and tireless efforts to make Allen a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We wish Peter well as he begins this next chapter in his life.

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.

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 and commitment to our Nation. It is my privilege to congratulate these leaders as they embark on a new mission of service to America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of House passage of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution--prohibiting the government from denying the right to vote to citizens on the basis of sex.

In the year of 1893, the first attempt to organize the Women's Suffrage Movement in the state of Texas took place in Dallas, with the formation of The Texas Equal Rights Association.

Twenty-six years later Texas became the first state in the south to ratify the 19th amendment. From raising families, to organizing political movements, to fighting over seas, our country could not thrive without the influence of so many strong and determined women.

It is with great admiration that I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the pioneering efforts of women 100 years ago that are still shaping our nation today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2480, the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which includes my provision asking for a study of forced child marriages in the United States.

It is shocking to think that the Tahirih Justice Center estimates that, between 2000 and 2015, more than 207,000 children were married in this country. In Texas alone, 40,000 minors were married between 2000 and 2014.

I hope we can all agree that marriage should be between consenting individuals and that children should not be married without their consent.

I was proud, on a bipartisan basis in Texas, to end forced child marriages in Texas. I know that States, red and blue, have addressed this problem and solved it. But we need to work harder here in the United States Congress.

I am grateful to my colleague from Washington for accepting this amendment to work on studying forced child marriage in the 43 States that have not adjusted their laws to end what I would consider to be a barbaric practice.

I look forward to supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the House passage of the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution, prohibiting the government from denying the right to vote to citizens on the basis of sex.

In the year 1893, the first attempt to organize the women's suffrage movement in the State of Texas took place in Dallas with the formation of the Texas Equal Rights Association. Twenty-six years later, Texas became the first State in the South to ratify the 19th Amendment.

From raising families to organizing political movements to fighting overseas, our country could not thrive without the influence of so many strong and determined women. It is with great admiration that I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the pioneering efforts of women 100 years ago that are still shaping our Nation today.

Madam Speaker, in October 1968, the ``Boys Club of McKinney'' under the leadership of Mr. Henry L. Shoap, was created to assist young men in developing the skills, attitudes, and aptitudes to make successful decisions in life. In April 1969, after receiving incorporation from the national organization, the Club would officially open its doors on the historic McKinney Square.

A decade later, girls would be admitted to the organization. However, it would take another seven years for the Club to officially change its name to the Boys & Girls Clubs of McKinney. In time, the Club came to be a popular destination for kids from around Collin County to assemble in a safe and fun learning environment.

In 1988, in order to expand their area of service, the Club would officially change its name one final time to Boys & Girls Club of Collin County. Similar to its inception fifty years ago, the mission remains largely the same: To enable all young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible individuals.

The Boys & Girls Club of Collin County provides a valuable service-- and sometimes the only option--to those children needing a place to go after school. Today, over 10,000 Collin County children and teens are regularly served by locations in McKinney, Plano, and Frisco. Kids who attend the Club are afforded a variety of programs and activities that assist in allowing them to meet key areas of development while gaining independence and learning tools to become productive members of their community.

For this reason, I am proud to congratulate Boys & Girls Club of Collin County on their 50th anniversary of service to a grateful community. Under the leadership of so many selfless individuals, including current CEO E. Michael Simpson, your dedicated team of leaders has worked to ensure that those who would most benefit from the services provided by your organization are allowed to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.

Madam Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this tremendous organization for improving the lives of countless children over the past five decades while growing our next generation of community leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the McKinney Independent School District school resource officer program that was recently named a model agency by the National Association of School Resource Officers.

Every day, these officers go above and beyond their job description to educate and protect the youth of McKinney ISD. School resource officers are a vital part of our education system. For some students, this program provides a positive first interaction with law enforcement.

We could not ask for better role models or protectors.

I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in thanking the school resource officers of McKinney ISD as they continue to make a positive difference in the lives of students across Collin County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Collin College Student Government Association for winning the 2019 Event of the Year award at the Texas Junior College Student Government Association convention.

The event which earned the organization this prestigious recognition, ``Love Does Not Hurt: An Oath Against Domestic Violence,'' provided resources for victims of domestic violence and featured speakers who inspired all in attendance.

I was honored to attend the event and witness firsthand the incredible difference these student leaders are making, both on and off campus.

I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me today in thanking the Student Government Association of Collin College for their dedication and commitment to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bruce Glasscock for his twenty-nine years of dedicated service to the City of Plano and our north Texas community.

As a veteran of the United States Air Force, Bruce Glasscock earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice management from Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado, and later received a master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Denver.

Bruce began his career with the City of Plano in 1990 when he was selected as the Police Chief of the Plano Police Department. During this time, Mr. Glasscock was elected to the Board of Officers of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and would later be inaugurated as the President of the organization.

In 1998, the City of Plano provided Bruce with additional responsibilities as the Deputy City Manager. He would hold these dual roles until assuming the full-time position of Deputy City Manager in 2001. In 2011, he would once again be promoted to his current role as City Manager. As an executive level leader, Mr. Glasscock has been responsible for overseeing a city with $2.5 billion in assets, and over 2,300 municipal employees.

Under Bruce's steadfast leadership, Plano has earned numerous accolades as one of the best cities in which to live and raise a family. Due to his keen foresight, he has also been instrumental in the city's economic development and unprecedented growth.

Bruce has held numerous civic positions including playing a pivotal role in the founding of the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center. As a recognized servant leader, he was chosen by his peers as President in the Plano Rotary Club and received recognition from the Plano Independent School District Council of Parent Teacher Associations (PTA). Additionally, as a longtime and active member of the nationally recognized Plano Chamber of Commerce, he was awarded the coveted Business Executive of the Year.

On a personal level, Bruce and his wife, Memrie, are the proud parents of two sons, and three grandchildren with whom he looks forward to enjoying his retirement with.

It has been an honor to know and work with Bruce Glasscock. As Bruce begins this next season of his life, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing him for his combined forty-nine year career in municipal government, and to wish him well in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, each year, the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in conjunction with the Texas Association of Secondary Schools Principals designate the coveted title of ``Texas School to Watch'' to a select groups of schools that have consistently moved to fully meet the nationally endorsed criteria for high-performing middle schools.

These schools have demonstrated marked progress in meeting all required criteria, including measurable gains in the academic achievement of their student population, paired with a continual commitment to improvement.

Today, I proudly ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Schimelpfenig Middle School of Plano, Texas as one of thirty named ``Texas Schools to Watch.'' Our state leaders selected Schimelpfenig based on its academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structure and processes. Coupled with their strong leadership, Schimelpfenig Middle School is renowned for its teachers who consistently collaborate to improve programs while creating a positive learning environment.

To Principal Dr. Brant Perry, the staff, students, parents, and the Plano Independent School District under the leadership of Superintendent Sara Bonser, I congratulate them on being named a Texas School to Watch. I am confident they will continue their dedicated efforts to meet the needs of our students by providing a high-quality education while fostering

a caring environment focused on future success.