Kevin Brady

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. I reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Holding), a key member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), who has helped lead many of these retirement reforms.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes), one of our new members of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, for nearly 2 years, Republicans have been advocating for policies that help our families and Main Street businesses save more and save earlier for the future. Following the historic rewrite of our Tax Code, Republicans knew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was only step one. We knew that we changed the trajectory of our economy with our reforms. Today in America, we are growing 50 percent faster than the Obama administration projected. Wages are surging for blue-collar workers and low-income workers for the first time in a decade, and our job market continues to be the envy of the world. These are all encouraging signs, and Republicans are committed to building on this success for years to come, which is why last year, we set out to change the culture in Washington, where we only do, it seems, tax reform once a generation. In Tax Reform 2.0, we passed three bills that offered permanent tax relief for families and small businesses, sparked American innovation, and went further and enhanced retirement and savings vehicles for our workers and our local, mainstream businesses. That effort, the Family Savings Act, was led by Representative Mike Kelly. Those reforms passed on a bipartisan basis, and our retirement proposals passed the U.S. House of Representatives not once but twice. Unfortunately, time ran out on the calendar before we were able to get these reforms to the President's desk. But I was greatly encouraged earlier this year when Chairman Neal reached out to say he was committed to getting retirement-focused legislation signed into law this year. This area, retirement savings, is one that Chairman Neal has worked on for much of his career. Right away, he and I, and many members of our committee worked together to develop the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, the SECURE Act, we debate today. The SECURE Act builds well on the work that Republicans have championed throughout this Congress and the last. Our bipartisan legislation makes it easier for Main Street businesses to offer retirement plans for their workers by making it simpler, easing administrative burdens, and cutting down on unnecessary and often costly paperwork. We make it easier for them to join together to pool their resources to offer these plans. We offer local businesses the flexibility to tailor retirement plans to best fit their workers, not necessarily what Washington may need. Additionally, our reforms help Americans not only save earlier in their careers, but it helps families save longer, as well. We know for a fact that people are choosing to work longer today than in previous generations. Our Tax Code should reflect that, which is why we make smart, needed changes to reflect today's workforce. First, the age limit for contributing to IRAs is removed, as it should be. Second, we increase the minimum age for forcing people to spend their savings from 70\1/2\ to 72 years of age. My hope is, someday, we can we remove it completely. We want Americans to save throughout their lifetime and use those savings when they need it most, not when Washington needs it. This legislation is prowork and, equally as important, our bill is also profamily. For the first time, we allow what we call the new baby savings provision. We allow parents to access their own retirement accounts on a penalty-free basis to use when welcoming a new child into their homes, whether by birth or adoption. This works well for working parents and stay-at-home parents, as well. It is allowed to be used for the things you need, whether it is medical equipment, medical expenses, or if you need to spend time at home with your new child in those opening weeks. We know all that is so important. The bill also expands 529 plans to make sure you can use, tax-free, your savings for apprenticeships or to pay down college debt. Our legislation lowers taxes for Gold Star families, ensuring that children of our fallen heroes have the certainty they deserve. This provision was first made public in 2014 in a draft that was widely praised by Democrats and Republicans alike. It was brought to us by the Joint Committee on Taxation to make it simpler for families to file their kids' taxes and also to close some tax loopholes for the wealthy. Unfortunately, over 5 years, with scrutiny by both parties, tax experts, and the Joint Committee on Taxation, we still did not see one unintended consequence. In this bill, we worked together, Republicans and Democrats, to make sure we honor our Gold Star families. The time is right for these reforms. Workers' paychecks are rising; inflation is low; and businesses are expanding. What better opportunity to help folks save for the future? Chairman Neal deserves a great deal of credit. The bill we brought to the Rules Committee earlier this week cleared our committee nearly unanimously. Members of the Progressive Caucus, Freedom Caucus, New Democrats, Problem Solvers, and Republican Study Committee, we all voted ``yes'' on these reforms. This is a rare occurrence in Washington, and it speaks to what a committee can accomplish when we work together on reforms to positively impact our families and economy. I have to admit, it is incredibly troubling that special interests-- in this case, teachers unions--forced changes on our bipartisan bill for absolutely no good reason at the eleventh hour. These special interest groups forced Democrats to block two provisions. One allows parents to use their educational savings tax-free for the expenses of homeschooling. Nearly 2.5 million families use parent- centered, child-centered homeschooling as the best way for their children to reach their potential. It is all types of Americans and becoming more mainstream. It is Christians and Jews and Muslims. It is all races. It is parents whose kids are exceptionally bright and parents whose kids have learning disabilities and severe special needs. That is why that was in the bill. The second provision that was blocked would allow families with kids in grades kindergarten through 12 to use savings for books, tutors, and educational therapies for students who may need it, such as those with learning disabilities. How many of us in this Chamber have kids with special needs and learning disabilities, some with mental and physical challenges? This would have allowed our parents to save tax-free and to help their kids with the special tools they need to reach their full potential. I want to talk a little more about this in the future, but my bottom line is that backdoor deals made in the dead of night without bipartisan knowledge or support are not the way to do business. Nonetheless, as we begin the debate on this bill, I am very encouraged by the underlying bill we have in front of us. It will greatly benefit our workers. It deserves strong support, and I am asking my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support these reforms. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith).

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds. Madam Speaker, how sad it is that some are trying to make this a partisan, petty measure. The truth is, in 2014, in an original draft of tax reform, this provision was included by the Joint Committee on Taxation to simplify the Tax Code and to stop tax loopholes. That draft was praised by my Democratic colleagues, by Mr. Neal, Mr. Kind, and Mr. Thompson. In over 5 years, no one spotted this unintended consequence. When it surfaced, Republicans and Democrats came together immediately and resolved to not just fix it but to make it retroactive. Why make this a petty, partisan issue? Our Gold Star parents deserve better. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I am proud that, last session, Republicans and Democrats came together to pass a retirement security bill not once but twice because we knew how important this was. I was chairman, and I was proud to help lead that effort. This year, I am the proudest leader of the Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee to work with Chairman Neal again to make it even better to try to help families save. But I am disappointed in the process after it left the committee, through no fault of Chairman Neal's. Just 2 months ago, we heard Democratic lawmakers sit in that seat and say they will work to restore the people's faith that government works in the public's interest. They said they will pass laws and make sure our government acts in the best interests of the American people, not entrenched special interests. It is unfortunate that every word there was stomped on this week by special interest groups that forced our Democratic friends to make changes to a bill that would help children and parents with costs associated with schools. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allowed parents to save tax-free for schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, and these bipartisan reforms that were stripped from this bill would have allowed parents to use their education savings dollars for homeschooling and additional kindergarten through 12 expenses at public, private, and religious schools. This is money the families could have used for books, online education material, tutoring, AP classes, university exams, and educational therapies for students, including for kids with disabilities. Every parent blessed with a special needs child or one who struggles to keep up in school knows the constant search to find the right learning tools, the effective therapies, and the trained tutors to help their challenged children learn. Apparently, for our teachers' union, that was wrong. They moved effectively to block the ability of parents to help their kids, whether they are gifted, whether they have learning disabilities, whether they need that tutor, or whether a child is severely challenged, mentally and physically, and needs that help. What do we have to fear from parents who want to help their kids and use their own dollars for it? What would our Nation be if denied the genius of Steven Spielberg who overcame dyslexia as a child or CNN anchor Anderson Cooper whose parents hired a special instructor to help him overcome his learning disabilities? Where we would be without business leaders like Steve Jobs, Charles Schwab, Richard Branson, or Henry Ford, all with learning disabilities, all who have made amazing contributions to our country? Blocking these provisions is not proeducation, and there is no way it is prochild. It is beyond me how an education association can oppose parents using their own savings to help their child reach their highest potential. But I don't fault them. I fault the lawmakers who are beholden to them, who removed these provisions. This bill deserves support, and I will strongly support it, but I am terribly disappointed. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted against this legislation. I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 217.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Barbara Thomason for her outstanding service and profound impact as President and CEO of the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce. An accomplished Texas scholar, Barbara holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in Management from Houston Baptist University. She also holds a Chamber Management certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Organizational Management, and a certification in Professional Community and Economic Development. Prior to her service at the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce, Barbara had a diverse and impressive portfolio of professional experience. She served as the Dean of Corporate and Continuing Education at Lone Star College--North Harris, worked in training and development for the American General companies, and was a small- business owner of the Gymboree franchise. She then went on to found the Northwest Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which provides scholarships and educational resources to local students. During her time with the Northwest Chamber, Barbara has proven to be a friend, leader and dedicated citizen of Houston. Throughout her years of public service, Barbara has been a model of exceptional civic duty, and has remained devoted to the advancement of Houston area businesses through grassroot level advocacy for local safety and economic development. In 2015, Barbara was named as a Woman of Excellence by the Women's Business Forum. The following year, Leadership North Houston honored Barbara as the 2016 Distinguished Volunteer. By 2017, Barbara was selected for a position on the Executive Board on the Texas Chamber of Commerce. Each award is well-deserved, and recognizes her steadfast service to our community. This year, Barbara is retiring following her 15 years of exceptional service to the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce. However, I know that Barbara will continue to be a leader and champion of family training and development during her next professional venture as a consultant. I am proud to join her family, friends, and colleagues in recognizing her many contributions to Northwest Houston. I thank her and I wish all the best on her next adventure.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in recognition and celebration of the life of a fellow Texan and decorated WWII Veteran, Carl McGee, Jr. His commitment to his community, the Great State of Texas, and the United States of America represents the best of our country and I encourage all members to join me in honoring this American hero's life. In December of 1941, as the world inched ever closer to the Second World War, 18-year-old Carl McGee, Jr. made the decision to enlist and serve his country. He began training at the Army Air Forces Technical School, at Chanute Field III, and was later appointed to the Air Corps Advanced Flying School in Lubbock, Texas. Following his success in flight school, First Lieutenant McGee received his wings on January 14, 1943 and subsequently moved to California to join the 450th AAF Base Unit Squadron-A at Hammer Field. As a C-47 pilot, Lieutenant McGee operated in the Pacific Theater, including the Western Pacific, Southern Philippines, New Guinea, and the Bismarck Archipelago. By the remarkable young age of 20, Lieutenant McGee had participated in 50 flight missions where hostile contact was not only probable, but expected. In recognition of his service and dedication, Lieutenant McGee was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross to commend his efforts in safely transporting troops and supplies through adverse weather, low altitudes, and dangerous mountain terrain. Upon receiving this award, he became the youngest member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Lieutenant McGee was also awarded the Air Medal, with three Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, with four bronze service stars, and the American Defense Service Medal. His many awards and recognitions serve as important reminders of the dedicated years he served our nation. Lieutenant McGee then went on to begin his professional career as a pilot for Pioneer Airlines, which later became Continental Airlines. After many years of service to both our country and the aviation community, Lieutenant McGee began his well-deserved retirement on his 60th birthday in 1983. Lieutenant McGee passed away on April 8, 2019, surrounded by his friends and family, beloved by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Florence McGee, and his son, Patrick McGee. He is survived by his wife, Cinda McGee; and his wonderful children, Dennis McGee, Andrew McGee, and Michelle Ciancio. Today, it is my honor to celebrate the long life of a decorated veteran, devoted father, and extraordinary Texan. He is a member of the Greatest Generation, and I know I speak for the entire Eighth District of Texas when I say: Thank you for all you have done for our Country, you will be deeply missed.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of April Blankenship, a longtime and outstanding staffer for the Committee on Ways and Means and my personal office, who passed away this morning. April is a tireless, trusted colleague and a friend to so many. In her many years of service on Capitol Hill, she has been a key part of dozens of personal and committee offices, including both my personal office and the staff of the Committee on Ways and Means. She handled issues that involve sensitive personnel matters with grace, precision, confidentiality, and a deft personal touch. She dealt with numbers, but really what she managed was people--the people and committees that help run this place on behalf of taxpayers. And she did it all with a smile on her face and a joy for service. April is one of the true unsung heroes around these halls, and I am proud to call her a trusted colleague and friend. Beyond her many professional skills and accomplishments, I know April is even more proud of her role as a mother. Whether helping her sons, Hunter, Dakota, and Tucker, sell Boy Scout candy to friends and colleagues or bragging on the boys' achievements in school or church groups, her smile told you all you needed to know--that she was an intensely proud mother, and rightfully so. She also invested her deep faith in her family, and I know that faith has helped maintain her through the years she has heroically battled her illness. On behalf of the entire Committee on Ways and Means, I offer our sincerest condolences to Tim, Hunter, Dakota, Tucker and her entire family on April's passing. I thank them for sharing April with us for so many years of outstanding service to the Committee, its Members, and our great country.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Dana Kervin and her 25 years of service to the Houston Association of Realtors. Over the past quarter of a century, Dana has spent countless hours serving and improving our community. Though not a native Texan, Dana made her way to Houston as soon as possible. Dana grew up in Rayville, Louisiana, and later attended University of Louisiana at Monroe, earning a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management. After graduation, Dana moved to Houston to embark on a career in public affairs. In the Harris County Attorney's Office, she served as the Executive Assistant to the late Mike Driscoll for 12 dedicated years. In 1994, Dana transitioned to a new career with the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), where she currently serves as the Chief Political Strategist. During her 25 years at the HAR, Dana has served the group in a variety of ways, holding diverse positions such as the Director of Products and Services and Government Affairs Director. In each position she held, Dana led HAR with bold forethought and keen leadership. As all who had the privilege of working with her can attest, her tenure at HAR has made the organization the best it can be. Outside her work with HAR, Dana has been a prominent figure in the Greater Houston community. She was the Founding Board Chair of the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce and also served as the President of the River Oaks Place Home Owners Association. As a Mayoral appointee, Dana currently serves as Director on the Houston Housing Finance Corporation, a position that combines her passion for public service and her deep knowledge of real estate finance. Dana was awarded the Governmental Affairs Outstanding Achievement Award in 2015 by the Texas Association of Realtors--an award that is truly well-deserved. Dana was also named one of the 50 most influential women in Houston in the Houston Woman Magazine, a title no doubt reflective of her years of professional success and personal public service. Dana's genuine love of her peers and dedication to making a difference has touched not only her colleagues, friends, and family, but our entire community. I thank you for your years of friendship and dedication to the Greater Houston area, and I wish you all the best as I have no doubt you will find new ways to be at service to the community.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Houston. For the last half-century, this group has contributed greatly to the construction and advancement of the Greater Houston Area and I thank them for their work in growing our community. Founded in 1969, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Greater Houston provides leadership development and craft training for both the commercial and industrial construction industries. The Greater Houston Chapter of ABC is comprised of over 450 locally owned construction and assembly firms, representing thousands of skilled professionals in the Greater Houston Area. The mission of ABC of Greater Houston is to defend and represent its members' right to work, as well as protecting free enterprise within the construction industry. ABC of Greater Houston is also committed to promoting safe work environments and occupational practices, and leads the country in members active in the Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) program--a unique initiative started in 1989 to dramatically improve safety performance in the construction industry. ABC of Greater Houston is committed to tackling our nation's workforce problem through the Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF). This exceptional foundation formulates partnerships between industrial leaders and contractors to tackle the shortage of skilled workers in the construction sector. Today, the American economy is booming, in no small part because of leadership from outstanding organizations like ABC of Greater Houston. Through their innovative programs that enhance industry partnerships and promote free enterprise, ABC has provided opportunities for economic and educational growth among members, workers, and industry professionals. This year marks 50 incredible years of industry advancement by ABC of Greater Houston. I am proud to join everyone in our community in celebrating their 50th Anniversary, and thanking them for the work they do for builders and contractors in the Houston area, across Texas, and throughout the country. I am sure their next 50 years will be even more successful.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The Woodlands Christian Academy. Established in 1993, The Woodlands Christian Academy (TWCA) is one of our community's most impressive academic institutions. A nondenominational college preparatory school located in The Woodlands, Texas, TWCA aims to integrate classroom learning with Biblical faith. TWCA provides programs for over 600 students PreK-12th grade, and pushes them to reach their highest spiritual, academic, and social potential. The caliber of their students is matched only by the quality of their faculty, whose dedicated commitment to teaching has shaped countless students and inspired thousands of young learners. TWCA has a strong history of preparing its students for success after graduation, with student ACT and SAT scores continuing to rise above the local, state, and national average. Students of TWCA often go on to receive prized competitive scholarships--with an average of $103,000 per student being awarded in merit-based college scholarships in 2017 alone. Students at TWCA are notable not only for their academic achievements, but also for their proven ability to be remarkable leaders in their respective industries and communities. Through service opportunities and educational experiences in and outside of the classroom, TWCA encourages its students to engage in responsible citizenship and critical thinking, and to develop a life- long appreciation for learning. TWCA understands the importance of investing in our students, and therefore investing in our future. TWCA would not be where it is today without their fearless leader, Julie Ambler. Julie has been a hardworking member of the faculty since 2006, and now serves as Head of School. Under her outstanding leadership and direction, TWCA was named the corporate Hometown Hero of The Woodlands by Interfaith in 2017--a well-deserved award for someone whose vision and guidance has impacted this community so much. This year, we celebrate TWCA's quarter-of-a-century mark. I thank them for the outstanding impact that the faculty and administration have made on young people of our community, and I am proud to join those across The Woodlands in celebration of their Anniversary. Congratulations on 25 years, I know that the next 25 will be just as successful.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Burgess for his leadership on healthcare in so many ways. Madam Speaker, embarrassingly designed and hastily written by our Democratic colleagues, the Affordable Care Act, from day one, has come under legal and public scrutiny, and for obvious reasons. This disastrous healthcare experiment, written behind closed doors and stuffed with special interest giveaways, has driven up healthcare costs for millions of working families so high that more Americans eligible for the Affordable Care Act have rejected it than have chosen it. Now, as ObamaCare's ever-increasing failures continue to find their way into our courts, Democrats are asking us to condemn the Justice Department's handling of this process. No matter how Democrats try to frame this stunt, the left is misleading the American people with this political and partisan move. The continuation, regrettably, of falsehoods that Democrats continue to elevate in order to protect this unconstitutional law is really a disservice to the Americans and the patients who hope to have affordable care. We can and must do better as we work to protect patients and lower healthcare costs. Madam Speaker, the truth is Republicans, creators of the children's healthcare program; creators of part D, the Medicare prescription drugs for seniors; creators of Medicare Advantage, are committed to improving our healthcare system. If the Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act, Republicans will act to protect those with preexisting conditions. We will work to make healthcare more affordable, guaranteeing that folks can see local doctors or go to their local hospitals, and we will preserve other important provisions, such as no lifetime limits and allowing kids to stay on their parents' plans till age 26. These are shared priorities that patients and families deserve to have secured. If our Democratic colleagues who drafted this flawed law want to join Republicans, why not start fresh, this time, both parties working together to pass a law that is truly constitutional, that actually lowers costs and that will actually protect patients? We welcome that conversation with open arms. So I am proud to join with my colleague, the Republican leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Greg Walden, to introduce a resolution that calls for this Congress to work together to do just that, because one thing is crystal clear: Republicans won't let the courts take away preexisting protections or let Democrats take away your health plan at work. I strongly urge all my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this political stunt so that we can actually start working together toward making our healthcare system more convenient and more affordable for families across this country.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Jeff Shellebarger on his retirement of 38 years of service with Chevron Corporation. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's and a master's in geology, Jeff Shellebarger began his Chevron career in 1980 as an exploration geologist in New Orleans. Throughout the 1980s, Jeff continued to earn assignments of increasing responsibility at Chevron. He established himself as a highly respected, effective leader, and by 1990 was named division geologist of Western Gulf of Mexico. Jeff's career continued to accelerate. Not only did his work in managerial and development roles take him to Houston, San Francisco, and Bakersfield, but also overseas to Angola and Indonesia. Regardless of location, Jeff earned the trust and respect of his colleagues and the surrounding community. In his last and most recent role, Jeff served as President of Chevron North America Exploration & Production Company. He worked to reshape and reposition the company, leading to record-setting production, increased revenue, and stronger, more competitive performance. Jeff's focus on the Permian Basin strengthened Chevron's North American portfolio, and as production continues to soar, will play a vital role in America's energy renaissance. Over his 38-year career, Jeff has led with ethics, integrity, and a commitment to community. During his tenure as President, Jeff worked to advance Houston's standing as a world-class city. He served as a Vice Chairman of the Houston Super Bowl LI host committee, Chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership, and Chairman of the 23rd World Petroleum Congress Houston Organizing Committee. Over the years he has also served on the American Petroleum Institute's Upstream Committee, the Board of the United Way of Greater Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Kinder Institute. In retirement, Jeff and his wife Sydney look forward to having more time to read, travel, attend University of Georgia sporting events, and of course, spend time with their grandchildren. I am proud to join Jeff's family, friends, and colleagues to congratulate Jeff on his retirement and thank him for his diligent service to our community. I wish him all the best that his well-earned retirement has to offer.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of JD Lambright, a larger-than-life Texan and dedicated leader in Montgomery County. He leaves behind a legacy of outstanding service to the great State of Texas and I know our entire community will miss his presence dearly. A product of the Texas Panhandle, JD was born and raised in the town of Pampa, Texas. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering at Texas Tech University, and remained a proud Raider for all his life. Law was another passion of his, and JD later went on to earn his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. JD made good use of his Master's and worked as a geophysicist and electrical engineer for Shell Oil Company and Shell E&P Technology Company in Houston. Following his successful career in the energy industry, he started his own private law practice in Conroe, where he focused on a variety of family, criminal, and civil law issues. First elected to the Montgomery County Attorney's office in 2012, JD later became the chief legal advisor for Montgomery County. He not only possessed a shrewd legal mind, but a warm and caring heart. Those who were lucky enough to work with him remember most his genuine affection for his co-workers, and he was twice awarded Montgomery County's ``Boss of the Year.'' JD was an inspirational leader who used his positions of power for the good of the entire community. During his time at the County Attorney's Office, he was responsible for the passage of the first Code of Ethics in Montgomery County. He worked tirelessly to make this public office more accessible to those who needed it most--the residents. Under his leadership, the office kept more cases in-house, saved hundreds of thousands of tax-payer dollars, and brought in a new normal of government transparency across the Montgomery County area. Though I could spend hours listing the many positions held by JD and professional honors he accumulated, I know he considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family. He married his high school sweetheart, Belinda Cates, herself a prominent figure in the Montgomery County area, and they were married for forty-two wonderful years. There is no doubt that JD left a positive professional impact on Montgomery County and the state of Texas, but what I will miss most about him is his old-fashioned friendship, his love for his community, and his infectioustly positive outlook on life. I join JD's family, friends, and the entire Eighth District of Texas in mourning. JD will be greatly missed.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Steve Sanders of The Woodlands, Texas in recognition of his dedication and service to our community and the State of Texas. This marks the 25th year that Steve has worked with The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce. In this capacity, Steve has labored tirelessly to promote the local businesses of The Woodlands and developed leadership projects within the community. In addition to his distinguished service to the Chamber of Commerce, Steve has dedicated his life to the well-being of others through his work as a healthcare professional. For 32 years, Steve worked with the Memorial Hermann Health System (MHHS) to strengthen the medical community's commitment to and treatment of patients. 20 of those years were spent serving as CEO of the Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, where he was recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots activity and was presented the Grassroots Champion Award for Texas. Steve has also served on several non-profit boards in our community and has spearheaded many successful charity events. In recognition of his efforts, Steve has been the recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award, the Martin Luther King Drum Major Award, the Home Town Hero of The Woodlands Award, and the Interfaith of The Woodlands Service of Excellence Award for Health--all prestigious and distinguished honors that demonstrate his commitment to his community. During his years spent in the medical field, Steve developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by cancer survivors--both in our community and across the nation. This inspired him to cultivate ``The Canopy'', the foremost cancer survivorship center in the Houston area. This development offers a wide variety of programs and services designed specifically for cancer survivors and their families to address their emotional, physical, and social needs. The Canopy is a revolutionary, innovative center that offers free services to those in need while educating the public on the signs of cancer and how to reduce its risks--all of this simply would not have been possible without Steve's passion, vision, and guidance. Steve Sanders is someone The Woodlands is incredibly proud to call one of our own. Though his career has been a long and successful one, what I most admire in Steve is his deep passion for helping others and empowering those in and around any community with whom he is associated. On behalf of the Eighth Congressional District of Texas, I want to thank Steve for all he does for our community and for our country.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the memory of Andrew and Ila Martinez of Huntsville, Texas. Andrew and Ila, beloved parents and lifelong Texans, spent their lives in service to others, and today, we remember all that they stood for. Andrew ``Andy'' Martinez was born in Galveston, Texas and later became a proud member of the Huntsville community. His multifaceted career path included time spent as a proud small business owner of Martinez Tire and Supply, a construction safety supervisor for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), and as an ordained minister. A faithful and steadfast Christian, Andy served as the interim pastor of Faith Memorial Baptist Church, and was an active member of several other churches in the Huntsville area. Andy's faithfulness, generosity, and love for those around him was not only evident on Sundays--it was visible every day of his life. Andy served the Huntsville community in a variety of public roles. He was an elected member of the Huntsville City Council, the Director for Trinity River Authority's Walker County Area, a member of the Board of Trustees for Huntsville lSD, and Chairman of the Republican Party of Walker County. Andy also acted as a Prison Ministry Volunteer in Huntsville--a position he held for over 30 remarkable years. Those who knew Andy will attest to his sincere selflessness. He always worked towards leaving the Huntsville community better than he found it. Ila Martinez was Andy's wonderful wife of over 63 years and was not only a devoted partner to him, but was a loving mother and active in the community as well. A leading member of the Republican Party of Walker County, Ila was involved in the Red Hat Ladies and the Calendar Girls, a group of friends from Conroe High School that would meet once a month at lunchtime. Ila had a great love for volunteering and was often working with the Walker County Republican women or at her church library. Ila was a doting grandmother and her greatest pleasure was teaching her beloved granddaughters how to sew and bake. Andy and Ila had two daughters, Andrea Scott and the late Debbie Martinez, and a son, Russell Martinez. Andy and Ila are survived by Andrea and her husband Wayne; their son, Russell; two beautiful grandchildren, Angela Stacks and husband Jared; Mika Spears and her husband Neal; and three great-grandchildren: Draper Stacks, Megan Anthony, and Trent Spears. The legacy of Andy and Ila will always be a part of the Huntsville community, kept alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved them. Both were selfless servants dedicated to bettering the lives of those around them, and they will be greatly missed.

Mr. BRADY

Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in recognition of an inspiring member of our community and graduate of Texas' first African American Women's College, Johnnie Mae Brooks-Dale Thompson. This Texas trailblazer was born in Houston on September 17, 1925, and graduated high school at the young age of 14. Johnnie Mae then enrolled in Mary Allen Jr. College--the first black women's college in the state of Texas. During her time at Mary Allen, Johnnie Mae was a strong academic student and her skills in mathematics allowed her to become a member of the prestigious Kappa Epsilon Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, Johnnie Mae was able to foster her love of music--which was developed early on in her childhood--by taking advantage of Mary Allen's music program and singing in the college choir. While working in the school library, Johnnie Mae discovered a deep passion for education that propelled her to earn her master's degree from Texas Southern University in 1951. Johnnie Mae was able to combine her passions of education and music as a fifth-grade music teacher in Navasota, Texas--a job that gave her ample opportunity to spread her love of music to new generations. It comes as no surprise to those who know her best that Johnnie Mae's professional career was defined by her commitment to living a service- oriented life. No matter what she was doing, be it teaching music to children, volunteering in her local church, or educating the future generations of Texans--Johnnie Mae did it with an infectious attitude of positivity and joy. Whether it's through her involvement in the church or her rigorous social schedule, Johnnie Mae continues to be a prominent figure in her community, even now at the age of 93. Johnnie Mae Brooks-Dale Thompson has led a life of selfless service and spiritual devotion--always embodying her adage: ``Before you do something that is nice or negative, think how you would feel if someone did this to you.'' Let us celebrate not only institutions like Mary Allen College, but also individuals like Johnnie Mae. I know I join her family, friends, and the entire Eighth District of Texas in honoring all she has accomplished thus far in her extraordinary life.