Kevin Brady

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, you would think it would be a bipartisan thing to start saving early. We think starting to save early is a good thing. This amendment simplifies it for families. Right now, when you learn those magic words, ``We are pregnant,'' and you want to begin saving, we actually force families to set up an account for someone else and then later they transfer it to the child after birth. All this does is eliminate that extra step, reduces the paperwork, and makes savings for family and that new addition, whether it is by birth or by adoption, in our case, it makes it easier to do. The savings bill by Mr. Kelly for the first time allows families who welcome that new child to access their retirement if there are extra medical costs, or if your child has special needs and needs new equipment, or if you want to simply stay home sometime with your family. Maybe the business you work for can't afford to pay you. For the first time, millions of American families will have a Tax Code that works for their young family, not against them. Mr. Speaker, you would think that would be supported by both parties. I urge Members of Congress to set aside this silly partisanship and join together to help families save more.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Promoting Family Savings Act of 2018, and thank Congressman Kelly for leading this important bill that helps families save earlier and save more throughout their life, something each party should be in support of. Far too many have struggled to save for key life events such as for retirement, for education, or for unexpected emergencies. In fact, I know, back home, almost 40 percent of Americans say they wouldn't even be able to carry and cover a $400 emergency expense. The Promoting Family Savings Act will help more middle-class Americans and younger workers save for key life events by expanding access to new and existing savings vehicles. For example, the bill includes expanded education savings accounts, 529 accounts, as we use in our family, to give families the flexibility to use their education savings to pay for apprenticeship fees for those trade schools; to cover the costs of homeschooling; and to help pay off, for the first time, student debt with their own savings. It also includes new universal savings accounts, called USAs, which offer fully flexible savings tools that families can use any time for what is right for them. We think this is very important to millennials in entering the savings culture. This bill will also help families by allowing them to access their own retirement accounts on a penalty-free basis to use when welcoming a new child in the family, whether by birth or adoption, allowing them to replenish those retirement accounts in the future. It seems to me that we have heard two complaints today. One is that this small provision adds to the debt. But I ask you: Where were the Democrats when they and President Obama doubled America's national debt? They added $2 trillion to the debt in 1 year, but that was adding debt when they were spending your money. But now under tax reform, when we allow families and small businesses to keep more of what they earn, all of a sudden, they are concerned about the national debt. They are really not worried about tax cuts for the wealthy. They are worried about tax cuts for middle-class Americans, because if your earnings and your dreams come first, Democrats' dreams and Washington's dreams come second. So this is a small investment to help families, small businesses, and younger workers save. But it does more than that. The gentlewoman from California is confused. This bill is extremely family friendly, and one of the ways we do it is the education savings accounts, which we use for our two boys, is expanded. This amendment simply makes clear that families can set up a 529 account and designate an unborn child as a beneficiary. So the moment you know ``we are pregnant,'' you can begin saving.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor my good friend, Constable David Hill, for his fifty plus years of tireless service to the residents, businesses, and families of the Eighth Congressional District of Texas. As a sixth grade student in Palestine, Texas, David first set his sights on a job in law enforcement after a career day presentation by the Border Patrol at his local elementary school. In 1967, David fulfilled this goal when he began working in Huntsville, Texas at the Texas Department of Corrections as a correctional officer. Shortly thereafter, David decided to join the Department of Public Safety (DPS), eventually becoming the second Trooper ever assigned to Magnolia. At first, David only planned on staying in Magnolia for a year, but he quickly fell in love with the area and decided to make Magnolia home--beginning his fifty-year relationship with the community he loved so dearly. After some praying, in 1982 David made the life-changing decision to leave his position as a State Trooper to run for Constable of Precinct 5 in Montgomery County. Due to a policy by the DPS, David was required to resign from his current position to run for public office. However, David won the election for Constable--an office he has served in admirably since 1983. Through his job and his personal life, David has shaped the Magnolia community for the better. During his time as constable, David held himself to the highest of standards and always allowed his Christian principles to guide his actions. His selfless service and the positive impact he has made on the Magnolia community has certainly not gone unnoticed. The impact of David's time of service will be felt for years to come, and I know his presence as Constable will be greatly missed. David is excited to start his well-deserved, hard-earned retirement. He plans on traveling with his wife and visiting every state. The Magnolia community was blessed to have David for the past fifty years, and we are happy to see him begin this new chapter of his life. I am proud to join his colleagues, friends, and family members in thanking David for his years of public service and wishing him the best as he begins his retirement.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Children's Safe Harbor for their twenty years of service to the communities of Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Walker counties. The Montgomery County Children's Advocacy Center, Inc., also known as Children's Safe Harbor (CSH), was established over two decades ago to address child abuse. Specifically, CSH cares for children between the ages of two and seventeen who have suffered sexual abuse, physical abuse and trauma. Since this important organization opened its doors on August 31, 1998, it has provided a safe place for children where they can be heard, helped and healed. From the beginning, CSH's principle mission has been to provide a supportive, safe environment for children while enhancing the coordination between criminal investigations and the monitoring of child abuse cases. Instead of children unnecessarily accessing multiple law enforcement agencies and child protection systems to seek healing and justice, CSH utilizes a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented approach to successfully coordinate effective, efficient, and child-centered casework. This method allows CSH to offer victimized children the care they need while also ensuring that the evidence necessary for prosecution is gathered effectively and mental health resources for children and non-offending family members are coordinated through completion of care. First founded in Montgomery County, CSH has since expanded its operations and is now a multi-county resource for children and families. In its first few months, approximately 23 children were referred to the organization. Now, the average number of cases assisted by CSH totals over 200 a month. Though the increase in requests for help brought forth new challenges, CSH met them head-on. CSH's hard work and selfless service has helped 14,369 vulnerable children seeking the healing and justice they deserve--a truly incredible accomplishment. In 1993, I joined my fellow CSH board members and signed a charter application to initiate this life-changing nonprofit organization. It is amazing to see the miracles this organization has accomplished since its founding, and I am proud to recognize CSH for the crucial work it has done in our community over the past twenty years. To the staff, volunteers, and community leaders, such as my close friend Executive Director Victoria Constance, Ph.D., who have worked tirelessly to make CSH the life-changing organization it is today-- thank you. Without your dedication, CSH would not be able to change the lives of the thousands of children who have sought help from your organization. You are all champions of social justice, and it is my honor to congratulate you all on twenty years of devoted service.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 4318) to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senate amendments to H.R. 4318, the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act of 2018, which the House passed in January by a unanimous vote of 402-0, and passed the other body, the Senate, by unanimous consent in July. Through the MTB bill, we would temporarily suspend or reduce uncompetitive tariffs for certain products that aren't made in the United States. Requiring U.S. manufacturers to pay tariffs for products that are simply not made here runs up their manufacturing costs and puts them at a competitive disadvantage compared to manufacturers in other countries. This bill is bipartisan, and it will deliver much-needed temporary tariff relief to American manufacturers of all sizes, helping them reduce costs, create jobs, and compete globally. And the bill helps American consumers too by reducing prices and not forcing them to pay unnecessary taxes on products that aren't made here. The Senate amendments we are considering today made very few changes to the House-passed bill. Still, these changes are important to ensure that the bill, which has overwhelming support in both Chambers, remains noncontroversial. The changes we are considering today also reflect the spirit of the new and transparent process established by Congress, which was designed to ensure that no U.S. business is harmed and that any controversial provision is removed. Specifically, the amendments remove six provisions to address concerns about domestic production, as well as one provision that was simply a duplicate of another. In addition, the descriptions of three products were expanded and clarified to help distinguish between similar products not covered by the tariff reduction. Finally, the amendments made minor adjustments to the expiration date of the offset. I would like to, again, thank the U.S. International Trade Commission for its tremendous effort in successfully bringing this new MTB process to life. I would also like to thank the Commerce Department and Customs and Border Protection for their invaluable work. I want to thank the committee members on both sides of the aisle, and those off the committee who worked to put this new, transparent process in place that honors the House ban on earmarks: Ranking Member Richie Neal; Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert of Washington; Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member, my friend, Bill Pascrell of New Jersey; Representative Tom Reed of New York; Representative Renacci of Ohio; and Representative Paulsen of Minnesota. Then, off the committee, I am grateful for the leadership of Representative Mark Walker, Representative Tom McClintock, Representative Todd Rokita, and Representative Rod Blum. Today, Congress can deliver meaningful tariff relief to American manufacturers and take action that will help boost American productivity, American competitiveness, and American job creation. I urge my colleagues to join us in concurring with the Senate amendments to H.R. 4318. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4318, currently under consideration.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 4318 will deliver much-needed temporary tariff relief to American manufacturers of all sizes, helping them to grow and create jobs. The bill will also help American consumers by reducing prices and not forcing families to pay unnecessary taxes on products that aren't made here. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join here in a bipartisan way concurring with the Senate amendments to H.R. 4318. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor and recognize Vicky Rudy for her tireless service and unrelenting commitment to the residents, businesses, and families of the Eighth Congressional District of Texas. A graduate of Arkansas State University, Vicky began her career in city government over twenty years ago, serving as the first city administrator for the City of Montgomery and, subsequently, the City of Rollingwood, Texas. In March of 2010, Vicky was named the City Manager of Oak Ridge North--a position she has held for eight years. Under Vicky's leadership and supervision, this vibrant, tightly knit community has flourished and prospered, experiencing tremendous growth throughout the past decade. During her tenure as City Manager, Vicky spearheaded numerous projects to the benefit of the area--including important efforts to fully rehabilitate the city's residential sewer system and water plant. She also helped spur economic growth in the region by championing the development and growth of businesses across the city, almost doubling the occupancy of the retail sector in Oak Ridge North. One of the most respected city managers in Texas, Vicky has enacted positive change throughout her community. She has dedicated the entirety of her career to positively affecting those around her, and as each resident of Oak Ridge North would attest, she has certainly succeeded. After nearly two decades in public service, Vicky will begin her hard-earned and well-deserved retirement in August. She plans to spend quality time with family members, including her nine month old grandson, Ryan Rudy. While Vicky's career as a public servant has come to an end, the incredible impact she has made on her community will be felt for years to come. I am proud to join her daughter, Lydia, her son, Garman, her colleagues, and her friends in thanking Vicky for her years of public service and wishing her the best as she begins her retirement.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution constituting a question of the privileges of the House.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the memory and sacrifice of the nineteen heroes who gave their lives thirteen years ago in Operation Red Wings. On June 28, 2005, four members of Navy SEAL Team 10--Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, Marcus Luttrell, and Michael P. Murphy--were tasked with killing or capturing the high-ranking Taliban official, Ahmad Shah, in the Hindu-Kush Mountains of Afghanistan. Shortly after encountering a small group of Afghani goat herders, hostile Taliban forces discovered the SEALs' presence and began converging on their position. An intense firefight ensued, in which three of the four SEALs tragically lost their lives. Responding to the battle, an MH-47 Chinook helicopter and the 160th Special Operations Aviation's Regiment ``Nightstalkers'' were dispatched to rescue the team--only to be shot down by Taliban forces armed with an RPG. As a result, all sixteen men on board the Chinook-- Chris J. Scherkenbach, Corey J. Goodnature, Daniel R. Healy, Erik S. Kristensen, Jacques J. Fontan, James E. Suh, James W. Ponder III, Jeffery A. Lucas, Jeffrey S. Taylor, Kip A. Jacoby, Marcus V. Muralles, Michael L. Russell, Michael M. McGreevy, Jr., Shamus O. Goare, Shane E. Patton, Stephen C. Reich--were killed. The lone survivor of the mission, Marcus Luttrell, lives on to share the amazing story of the mission and the heroic actions that took place. Tragically, nineteen brave heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country during Operation Red Wings. They selflessly fulfilled their duty and defended our Nation in a time of war, and it is our responsibility to preserve the memory of their sacrifice. Their steadfast service, dedication to country, and the honorable sacrifices they made will never be forgotten. They stood where duty required them to stand, and we are forever grateful for their selflessness. These men continue to inspire their friends, families, loved ones, and the millions of people around the world who hear the story of their heroic actions. I am privileged to recognize and honor the service of these American heroes who laid down their lives for our great Nation.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, I was unable to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 304 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 305.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the rich, vibrant history and perseverant spirit of the people of the Tamina Community in the Eighth Congressional District of Texas. Tamina's roots can be traced back to 1871, when scores of freed slaves came to work on the railroads. Under the guidance of educator R.B. Niles and businessman John Nilor, a community began to grow-- marking the beginning of what would someday be known as one of the oldest and most historic communities in Texas. Acting as a hub for railroad workers and as a home to many of the earliest employees of Grogan's Mill, Tamina quickly grew into a community largely defined by its resilience, diversity, and resourcefulness. As the world around it changed, the Tamina community adapted and thrived, all while remaining true to its values and deep roots. Today, Tamina's heritage represents a wealth of big dreams, shared values, and common goals. A portion of this heritage, including the tombs of freed slaves, Native Americans, and the community's original settlers, has been preserved in the Tamina Sweet Rest Cemetery for over a century. Unfortunately, the rains and flooding of Hurricane Harvey and years of drainage issues have jeopardized the future of this symbol of Tamina's history. In the spirit of comradery and resolve, which this community has embodied for decades, the descendants of Tamina's founders and its community leaders have formed the Tamina Cemetery and Community Project CDC. This group is committed to raising awareness and the money needed to fully restore and preserve the cemetery so that current and future residents can remember their history and the legacies of their forefathers. It is my honor to represent this remarkable community in Congress, and I am proud to recognize the residents and community leaders organizing in support of the Tamina Sweet Rest Cemetery. I know that I am joined by the entire Eighth Congressional District of Texas in recognizing their tireless efforts and thanking them for their continued dedication to preserving the rich heritage of the Tamina Community for decades to come.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Walorski), a leader on the opioid crisis.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Roskam), the leader of the Health Subcommittee.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bishop), the leader of the STOP Act, which prevents illegal smuggling of fentanyl into the United States.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Holding).

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, the opioid crisis has impacted every community in America and robbed countless individuals of their potential. A recent poll found that more than 4 out of 10 Americans who are young, in their 20s and 30s, personally know someone who has dealt with opioid addiction. It is a staggering number, and it shows that this crisis touches a huge part of our society. All too often, we hear stories of loved ones exposed to opioids, and then quickly addicted, from routine surgeries that may not have required opioid treatment in the first place. This can be prevented. That is why I rise today in support of H.R. 6, known as the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This bill, which incorporates legislation recently approved by the Ways and Means Committee, addresses this crisis by putting in place many commonsense measures to reduce the unnecessary prescription of opioids and also to help those who have become addicted. One important policy within H.R. 6, which has been championed by Congressman Peter Roskam, who leads our Subcommittee on Health, will prevent abuse by making sure folks are not able to game the system by visiting multiple doctors' offices in order to receive an opioid. H.R. 6 ensures that patients have selected prescribers and selected pharmacies that will be best able to address their needs. Another important measure expands access to more forms of really broad, holistic treatments for addiction through the use of medication- assisted treatment. Americans who are struggling with addiction must be able to find treatment that works for them. While we still have a long way to go to solve this crisis, this bill, which is made up of many commonsense, Republican and Democrat proposals, takes meaningful strides to help millions of Americans recapture their lost hopes and dreams. I thank Representatives Mike Bishop, Dave Reichert, Carlos Curbelo, Peter Roskam, Erik Paulsen, and Jackie Walorski for their leadership on this important issue. And I thank all of our committee members, Republicans and Democrats, for their hard work on this important legislation. I look forward to working with the Senate to ensure that we send this important bill to the President's desk. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I agree with Mr. Neal. Republicans and Democrats have come together from the Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce to help millions of Americans through prevention of overprescribing, education for patients and prescribers, and access to treatment. This is a major step forward. Mr. Chair, I urge Congress to pass this bill. I look forward to getting it to the President's desk. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and service of Airman First Class Bradley G. Hale and recognize his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his country. Bradley was born on April 23, 1997, to Rodney and Charla Hale of Houston, Texas. Along with his sister and two brothers, Bradley grew up in Montgomery, Texas, where as a boy he loved to be outside and play baseball. As a young man, Bradley participated in a number of community service projects and was a member of various student organizations, including the Montgomery High School honor band. Born to a distinguished family of veterans and servicemen, Bradley dreamed of following in their footsteps and serving his country by joining the Armed Forces. In particular, Bradley dreamed of flying, so much so that his friends told him he should go work for NASA. In pursuit of his dream, in March of 2016, Bradley enlisted in the United States Air Force. From the start, it was clear that Bradley would excel in the military. During his enlistment, Bradley achieved a perfect score on his Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery. After completing basic training, Bradley was assigned to the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, where he served as an Electronic Warfare Journeyman at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana for one year. Friendly and caring, Bradley endeavored to use his talents to serve others. From his time at Montgomery High School to his service in the Air Force, Bradley always put others before himself. Bradley's father, Rodney said that ``Bradley was always friendly, had never been in a fight, he was very respectful, and would give the shirt off his back if you asked.'' His deep love for his family and his country were clearly shown as he used his talents to positively impact the lives of those with whom he served. On March 27, Bradley lost his life while deployed on the island of Guam in support of operations in Koreas. On April 10, 2018, he was laid to rest at the Houston National Cemetery. Bradley leaves behind his parents, Rodney and Amanda Hale, and Charla Hale and Gary Martin; his siblings, Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Hale, Shane Hale, and Erika Hale; his grandparents, Ronny and Kathy Hale, Mark and Rhonda Andricks, Bill and Bobbie Mercer, Billy and Clara Bland, Eugene Hamann, Lorna Hagen, and Wanda Martin; and his great grandfathers, Lester Bourgeois and Alvin Hamann. While we mourn with Bradley's family, we also celebrate with them his life, service, and legacy. I am proud to join his family, his friends, and the entire Eighth District of Texas in honoring his life and steadfast devotion and service to the United States of America.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of World Blood Donor Day and to celebrate and thank the 7 million Americans who choose to donate blood each year. Generosity saved the life of my dear friend and roommate, Congressman Steve Scalise, after a shooter attacked our fellow colleagues and teammates on the ball field during an early morning baseball practice a year ago. Blood can't be manufactured, so our entire national supply depends on the selfless generosity of our blood donors. Because donated blood is perishable, it has a limited shelf life and has to be continually replenished. Volunteer blood donations ensure that patients in need always have access to the lifesaving gift of blood. In the summer, we see a big drop in donations exactly at the time when people are out and about and need it the most. I encourage my colleagues to visit their local blood center and help promote awareness. Be there for someone else. Give blood and share life.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, there aren't many today who haven't been touched by the opioid crisis in America. This swift and devastating epidemic has hit every community in America and robbed countless individuals of their hopes and ambitions. Addiction is devastating to witness and, in some cases, it only takes 5 days for someone's son, daughter, or parent to become addicted. The sad truth is that, all too often, many become addicted after taking an opioid for a legitimate reason. This is an epidemic that has torn apart families and left in its path of destruction a generation of children without parents and parents faced with burying their kids. We have also seen more and more news stories of law enforcement agents having near-fatal encounters with just trace amounts of these synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. In one case, a small fleck almost killed a police officer in Ohio. This is a frightening reminder of how dangerous these substances truly are. The loss of so many Americans due to opioid addiction is unfathomable. In 2016 alone, more Americans died due to opioid overdoses than were lost over the entire Vietnam war. The scale of the crisis is immense. The loss of potential for so many is hard to comprehend, but House Republicans and Democrats are coming together in fighting with every tool in our arsenal to combat the opioid crisis. That is why today I rise in strong support of H.R. 5788, known as the STOP Act. This bipartisan bill addresses a serious problem that has helped fuel the opioid epidemic: cheap and illegal synthetic opioids shipped from foreign nations through the international mail. From our speakers today you have learned about the proven techniques to stop this drug smuggling. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the leaders who brought this solution to the floor. I thank Congressman Bishop of Michigan, the author of this bill, for his leadership; as well as Ranking Member Pascrell of New Jersey; chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, David Reichert of Washington; Congressman John Faso of New York; and Senator Portman from Ohio for their diligent work to deliver a hard-hitting solution to this very serious problem. I am confident that this bill, shaped by Republicans and Democrats working together, will make a difference in the opioid crisis and help protect many Americans. By passing this bill, we can take meaningful action to help stop the flow of the illegal smuggling of opioids into this Nation. I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this bill.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, I was unable to cast my votes on time. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 253, ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 254, ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 255, ``Nay'' on rollcall No. 256, and ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 257. personal explanation

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the service of my personal hero, my brother, Command Sergeant Major Matthew Thomas Brady. Over thirty-five years ago, Matt began his military career when he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. After completing his basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, Matt continued to expand his skill set with Combat Engineer Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Combat Medic Training at Fort Sam Houston in the great state of Texas. While serving in the National Guard, Matt earned his Bachelor's Degree, and upon his graduation, he began his active-duty military service in the U.S. Army. Always willing to go where there was a need, Matt's service has taken him across the United States and around the world, from postings in Colorado and Alaska to South Korea and Germany. Matt has served with valor and distinction in multiple conflicts, including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Matt's distinguished service has not gone unrecognized. He has earned countless awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star with an oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal with two Bronze Stars, and many others. Our mother, Nancy, inspired us to have faith, always be optimistic, and to give back. Matt turned this advice into a creed that he followed throughout his storied military career. From his time as a medic to his current role as Command Sergeant Major of the Regional Health Command-- Atlantic, Matt has spent most of his career managing healthcare systems to care for our wounded warriors and treat our active duty service members. After thirty-six years of military service, Matt will begin his hard- earned and well-deserved retirement on September 30, 2018. My brother represents the best of what this country has to offer. Matt; his wife, Christina; and their tWo children, Matthew and Caitlin, have given so much over the years, and I could not be prouder to pay tribute to my little brother--my hero--and honor his decades of selfless, dedicated service to our family and our country.