Brian Babin

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, at the direction of the narrow Democrat majority, we are here today standing in judgment over a newly elected colleague of ours for things said as a private citizen that have since been retracted. Meanwhile, some colleagues have engaged in anti-American, anti- Semitic tropes and commentary before and after their elections to Congress. Other colleagues have incited and called for violence across the country the day Donald Trump became President, and still encourage violence against him and those who support the Republican Party, not to mention other dangerous words that have been harmful to the security of our Nation. But, Mr. Speaker, none of those are in question. Those Members never saw any condemnation and, in this Democrat majority, they never will. I went to the Rules Committee yesterday, strongly opposing to this course of action, with a suggestion to correct this blatant double standard, should it move forward. I was told by the chairman that, ``We don't share the same values,'' because I was demanding that we prioritize accountability for members of his party and their comments and dangerous rhetoric carried out while in office before we address Representative Greene's commentary made before she was elected. Perhaps the chairman is right. My values are that anyone who blatantly calls for violence against Conservatives; praises deadly antifa riots; endangers Americans; encourages the destruction of our ally Israel; and, perhaps worst of all, dismisses the significance of 9/11 has no business serving in the House of Representatives. In closing, Mr. Speaker, no one in Congress should be more grateful than the Democrat majority that eliminated our motion to recommit last month and the Democrat members who have made these inflammatory remarks over the years, because I have no doubt that a motion by Republicans to oust those Representatives would have succeeded with very strong bipartisan support. By shattering this precedent today, perhaps this majority has set in motion a future majority's obligation to do so. If my Democrat colleagues are attempting to take the speck out of our eye, I encourage them to also take the log out of their own eyes.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Washington State--and a classmate--for having this. It is good to be here. Madam Speaker, I stand here today as a proud representative of Houston, Texas, the epicenter of American energy and the catalyst for this country's pursuit of energy independence. But, unfortunately, our economic bedrock of oil and gas is under attack, severe attack, by an administration that is eliminating millions of jobs and leaving our national security wide open to threats from adversaries. An oil and gas moratorium on Federal lands is projected to cost America 1 million jobs. Revoking the Keystone XL pipeline permit will cost us 11,000 jobs in 2021 alone and account for the loss of $1.6 billion in gross wages. Rejoining the Paris climate accord, which was originally poorly negotiated by President Obama, is projected to cost us 400,000 jobs and is simply a bad deal for the American people and very good deal for the world's biggest polluter, Communist China. What happened to this new administration's promise to stand up for all Americans? From gas and electric bills, to new highways and bridges, to taxes, to putting food on the table, what happens to the oil and gas industry affects all Americans, and killing these jobs will have a ripple effect that will be felt in every home in the Nation. Additionally, if we destroy oil and natural gas production here by canceling these pipelines and forcing adherence to widely burdensome red tape, we will then have to import oil and natural gas from overseas and burn much fuel to get it here. And that means that we will be paying more for energy that was processed not using the same, stringent clean environmental regulations that we have here in America. No, if we want to stand here and talk about cleaner energy solutions, we have to acknowledge the fact that pipelines are by far the safest and most environmentally friendly way to transport energy. In fact, pipelines have a 99.9 percent safety record. When we kill energy jobs here in the United States, we are in turn killing clean energy jobs globally.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, we really appreciate Representative Smith. Madam Speaker, I rise today in solemn memory of the 62 million innocent lives who have been aborted since the tragic ruling on Roe v. Wade. Tellingly, earlier this week, as my wife of 48 years and I welcomed our 17th grandchild into the world, I was reminded of just how precious life really is. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has already shown a blatant disregard for the unborn of our Nation. The President has promoted abortion at home and abroad by reversing the Mexico City policy and by taking the first steps in rescinding a protect life rule known as Hyde. Although the fight for life will be an uphill battle under this particular administration, we will never give up. Life is just too important. In our Declaration of Independence, it is written that we have the right to life. That is the first of the inalienable rights that we are granted, the right to life. And although the fight for life will be tough this administration, we will resolve ourselves to continue this battle. At a time when Americans are so deeply divided in our Nation, I pray to our good Lord above that we unite in the belief that life is precious and it should be defended at all costs. May we be the generation that will see Roe v. Wade overturned.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend Dr. Charles Eugene Cowles, Jr. of Houston, Texas. Dr. Cowles went to be with the Lord on December 26, 2020 following a motor vehicle accident. Charles was born on April 19, 1968, to Charles Eugene Cowles, Sr. and Carol Janice Wood Cowles in Houston, Texas, at Hermann Hospital. He grew up in the Houston area with varied interests and developed lifelong friendships in the process. Charles suffered a personal tragedy as a young adult when his father died unexpectedly. In 1986, Charles completed an associate's degree and became a paramedic and firefighter with the Beaumont Fire Department. He pursued degrees in sports medicine and nursing and completed studies to become a registered nurse (RN) in 1998 and also worked in area trauma centers in the ER as a nurse. He continued as a paramedic supervisor until 1995, when he began teaching EMS courses at San Jacinto College. Charles also had the opportunity to assist in the creation of curricula for medical training of NASA astronauts serving aboard the International Space Station and personally instructed several classes of Astronauts and Cosmonauts in emergency medical response at the Johnson Space Center in Houston from 1995 to 2006. Charles obtained his bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from the University of Houston in 1998. He later earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2013. Charles took the next step in his professional career when he began medical school at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center-- Houston. He graduated in 2004 and accepted an anesthesiology residency at UT Houston, training in the same hospital where he was born. Upon completing his residency, he joined the faculty in the Anesthesia division at the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, working as a neuro-anesthesiologist, and rose to the rank of Professor before his untimely death. Dr. Cowles used the knowledge and wisdom he gained as a first responder throughout his medical and professional career. He served on multiple institutional safety committees and was ultimately named the chief safety officer for the Anesthesiology Division in 2016. Charles was an international expert in operating room fire safety and traveled worldwide teaching from his unique experience as both a firefighter and anesthesiologist. He served on multiple committees for local, state, and national medical societies. Not wanting to limit his contributions solely to anesthesia, Dr. Cowles also served as the Tactical Medical Director of the Pasadena Police Department and as the Local Health Authority for the City of Pasadena, Texas. Additionally, Dr. Cowles advised my staff, and I, on health care policy matters. Inside and outside of work, his family, and faith were essential to Charles. Dr. Cowles was highly involved at First Baptist Church of Pasadena, where he served as a deacon and director of the church's medical committee. Charles was also a Board Member of First Baptist Christian Academy where his three sons attended elementary and middle school. He also served on the board of Youth Reach Houston, a home for troubled boys. Dr. Cowles was a man of many personal and professional achievements, but more than all he was a family man. He and his loving wife Jennifer Kendrick Cowles met when she attended one of Charles' paramedic courses in 1995. Charles and Jennifer married on May 19, 2000 and celebrated twenty years of marriage earlier in 2020. Together they have three sons Christopher, Caleb and Jacob. Dr. Charles Eugene Cowles, Jr. lived a full life focused on being a husband, father, man of faith, physician, first responder, teacher, medical leader, a connoisseur of barbeque, and grand storyteller. For all these things, he will be missed by many--myself included. I will continue to keep his family, medical family, and his friends in my prayers.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the objection.

Mr. BABIN. It is with great pride and a profound sense of responsibility that I object to the 2020 election in the State of Pennsylvania. I am very proud to stand alongside fellow patriots who have pushed back against a fraudulent and criminal election process--a process that was the antithesis to the very rule of law that governs these United States. At the same time, standing here tonight is surreal because this is a critical juncture that will undoubtedly determine the survivability of this great Republic. Our free and fair election process--and by extension, the people's trust in its legitimacy--is what has separated us as a nation. A process that we have shared with the world, its moral force. A process that now, sadly, has been bastardized by those more interested in the maintenance of power than they are in the free and open voice of the American people. If I remember correctly, Democrats were calling for transparency in 2000 and 2004, when George W. Bush was elected; and again in 2016, when President Trump took office. Where are you now? I ask this, Madam Speaker: What do you have to lose by having a thorough investigation to determine the validity of these votes? Why not encourage an investigation to relieve the concerns of half of the people in this country? If you are so convinced that Biden was elected legitimately, what do you have to fear? If there was no fraud, simply show us the proof. Investigate it. Validate it. This isn't about one candidate versus another. This is about upholding the principles that are indispensable to the existence of the democratic Republic that we are so fortunate to call home. I have no doubt that there was widespread election fraud this past November, and I am not alone. I stand here today speaking for 75 million Americans whose voice was unconstitutionally silenced. To you, the silenced, I say this: I will continue to fight for you. You have been heard. For more than 240 years, tyranny has sought to extinguish the light of freedom. As Ronald Reagan said before: Freedom is a fragile thing, and it is never more than one generation away from extinction. The Constitution and the Bible on which it stands is stronger than the cheap tyrannical tactics of those who seek to destroy it. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Budd).

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in my opposition to the Democrats' Rules Package for the 117th Congress. In the November 2020 House elections, many of the moderate voices in the Democratic Caucus were ousted in favor of Conservative values. Now free of moderate or reasonable voices, the shrill progressives seized the opportunity to make their party even more radical--this Rules package is proof. They're attacking the First Amendment by changing our use of gender specific pronouns--even ending prayers with ``Amen and Awomen''. They're eliminating the minority's ability to amend legislation-- something Congress has allowed for more than 100 years--because they're embarrassed when their own members publicly join Republicans to rein in their laughable, tone-deaf policies. These changes are not about fairness or good governance. They're about saving their own members from tough votes and accountability. I urge my colleagues to reject this.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1694, the One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act. As an original cosponsor of the House companion bill, H.R. 3766, I certainly appreciate the importance of respecting the historic significance of the Apollo missions. Mr. Speaker, I represent Johnson Space Center, or JSC, the home of NASA's Mission Control and the men and women who made the Apollo missions possible. JSC has a long history of developing spacecraft and conducting missions in space. From the very earliest Mercury missions that put the first Americans in space through Gemini and Apollo missions, as well as the space shuttle and International Space Station era, Houston has been the anchor of our Nation's human spaceflight program. As NASA develops the next generation of human spaceflight capabilities, Houston and JSC will remain America's tether to deep space. But while it is important to recognize and respect the accomplishments of the past, we should not simply rest on our laurels. We have a lot more to do. Mr. Speaker, America does not look longingly in the rearview mirror of history. We stand on the shoulders of giants and carry the torch lit by those before us farther into the unknown. The bill before us correctly balances these two competing interests: respecting the past and enabling the future. The Outer Space Treaty, drafted at the dawn of the space age, lays out important principles for all spacefaring nations. It calls for establishing the Principle of Due Regard, which respects the activities of actors in space and creates a process for signatories to the treaty to undertake appropriate consultations before any action that would potentially cause harmful interference with another party to the treaty. More importantly, the treaty establishes, in its opening article, the overarching principle that outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, shall be free for exploration and use by all states without discrimination of any kind on the basis of equality and in accordance with international law, and there shall be free access to all areas of celestial bodies. This bill directs NASA to continue developing recommendations and best practices that protect this freedom while also respecting the Principle of Due Regard and informing the practice of consultation ahead of potentially harmful interference with the Apollo landing artifacts. The bill also calls on NASA to include these recommendations in all contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and partnerships. The bill does not create any additional regulatory authority. Instead, the bill offers a carrot rather than a stick. If the private sector wants to leverage the vast experience and resources that NASA offers, they simply must abide by NASA's own internal policies. NASA is not a regulatory agency, and this bill does not grant any other agency any new power or mechanism to influence commercial space activities. This will allow our Nation's emerging and vibrant commercial space sector to continue to innovate, while also respecting the rich archaeological, anthropological, historical, scientific, and engineering accomplishments of the Apollo program. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Lucas, Senator Peters, Senator Cruz, and Chairwoman Johnson for working with me to get this bill across the finish line. I also thank Chairwoman Kendra Horn for her leadership over the last 2 years. Her tenure as chairwoman for the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics was marked by significant change and accomplishments for our Nation's space program. Her steady and fair treatment for all Members' interests should serve as a shining example to this distinguished body. She will be missed, and I wish her the very, very best in the future. Mr. Speaker, I recommend swift passage of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dan Mohon who passed away on December 6, 2020, just four days shy of his 81st birthday. Dan filled his days with hard work and loyal service to his faith, family, friends, and community. Dan F. Mohon was born in Vernon, Texas, on December 10, 1939, to his parents Walter and Flora Pauline Beach Mohon. Just before his 13th birthday, Dan, as the eldest child, took on the responsibility of caring for his mother and younger siblings, Nanene and Gary, following his father's death. In order to care for his family, Dan worked 32 hours a week while continuing his education. After Dan graduated from Quanah High School in 1958, he attended Texas Tech University where he graduated with a degree in real estate and insurance. While at Texas Tech, he met the love of his life, Shirley Manon Hacker of Oklahoma, whom he married on December 22, 1962. The Mohons moved to Orange, Texas in 1974 along with their two young sons, Monty and Marcus. They didn't have many material possessions upon arriving in Orange, but what they lacked in worldly goods they made up for in determination, loyalty, and love for one another. Dan was a man who loved deeply and extravagantly, and that devotion sprang from his faith. His love of God was showered on his wife, sons, grandchildren, family, church, and community. He adored people and spent his life showing others what it meant to live joyfully. As a leader of his community, Dan had the distinction of serving as mayor of two Texas cities--Orange and Pinehurst. In addition to his civic involvement, Dan also served as treasurer of First Baptist Church and as a board member of the Lutcher Stark Theater for 25 years. He also served in various community organizations such as the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, Lamar State College Foundation, American Red Cross, City of Orange Planning and Zoning Commission, Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission, Orange Rotary Club, and his favorite, the Orange Lions Club, where he served as president and carnival chairman. Dan was also the proud recipient of the Melvin Jones award, the highest form of recognition for a Lions Club member. A devoted advocate, Dan had perfect attendance at club meetings for more than 47 years. Along with God, his family, community service, and his many friendships, two other real passions Dan enjoyed were golf and ice cream, both of which he often shared with others. Dan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Manon; two sons, Monty and Marcus; and ten grandchildren: Joshua, Annabeth, Katharine, Joseph, Isabelle, Jack, Mason, Gray, Reed, and Bliss. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Dan Mohon for his unwavering dedication and service to his community. I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Lamborn from Colorado, for having this Special Order Hour. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 79th annual National Bible Week. Since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, every President has set aside a time of reflection and a time of gratitude for the Good Book in acknowledgment of its profound influence on humankind. The Bible was perhaps the most accessible book to our Founding Fathers, and its principles gave them valuable insights about human nature, civic virtue, political authority, and the rights of our citizens. Many of our founding documents contained references to the great truths found in Scripture. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, ``That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' Mr. Speaker, much like the early days of this great country, we are at a critical time in our history in America. The decisions we make now will set our course for years to come. It is my fervent prayer that we, as Americans, turn to the Scriptures for healing and for direction. Its principles are timeless, and its wisdom is trustworthy. The Bible has been my comfort in sorrow, my counsel in decisionmaking, my companion in day-to-day life. Whether conducting my business as a dentist in Woodville, Texas, raising my family, or serving the good people of the 36th District of Texas here in Congress, the Good Book continually shapes the way that I try to live my life. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Bible is more than a book of inspiration and comfort or simply a compilation of moral teachings. I believe it is the Holy Word of God that contains the truth of his love for us and his plan of redemption through faith in Jesus Christ alone. One of the most well-known verses in the Bible, John 3:16, tells us that: God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. There, in the pages of Scripture, God describes His great love for us, a love that was exhibited through the gift of His only Son sent to redeem us. And we are about to celebrate His birth. Mr. Speaker, I will leave you with a passage of Scripture from the Book of Job in the Old Testament that has been an encouragement for me with its promise of eternal life. I hope that it will be for you as well: For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the Earth; and after my skin is decayed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, ``I have felt fear at some of the things I have seen here. I have seen amazing things and I have seen sad things, but being in Iraq makes me realize what a great country we have.'' These are the words of Navy SEAL Marc Lee in his last letter home before making the ultimate sacrifice for our country in Ramadi, Iraq. My son, Leif, served with Marc on SEAL Team 3 and was with him during his final act of honor. By all accounts, faith, courage, and determination were Marc's guiding principles. They carried him throughout his valiant career. Thanks to Marc and many men like him, good continues to triumph over evil. In their violent wake, they leave behind humility, love, and selflessness, reminding me of John 3:13: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, if southeast Texas is going to continue as the global leader in creating reliable, affordable energy, we must modernize and improve our water infrastructure. My district has four ports, including the main terminal of the Port of Houston, as well as the Houston Ship Channel, which is the busiest U.S. deep-draft waterway and the top exporting port in the Nation. The provisions of 2020's WRDA to dredge, widen, and improve two-way traffic on the Houston Ship Channel is a product of hard work and collaboration over the last several years. This major accomplishment is the cornerstone for a more efficient, safe, and productive waterway for everyone. However, I recognize that there is still more work to be done. It is not an exaggeration to say that by spending a million dollars today on hurricane and flood prevention infrastructure, we are saving a billion dollars in damages down the road from another storm like Hurricane Harvey. Thankfully, this bill contains numerous provisions for me and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that address these critical needs. I wish to thank Ranking Member Graves as well as Chairman DeFazio, Mr. Westerman, and Mrs. Napolitano. Passing legislation like this one today will bring great benefit to southeast Texas and the entire country.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Jessie Wolf, former Sheriff of Tyler County, professional football player, and servant of his community. Jessie was born on March 4, 1952, to John and Annie Mae Wolf in Warren, Texas. He was a long-time resident of Tyler County and graduated from Warren High School in 1970. For nearly three decades, Jessie ensured the safety of more than 21,000 residents of Tyler County serving as a law enforcement officer. He is remembered by many for his infectious personality and was loved deeply by the community of which he worked tirelessly to keep safe after an impressive career playing professional football. Jessie played college football and was a weight thrower for the track and field team at Prairie View A&M University. Following his college graduation, he was recruited by the World Football League where he played for the Birmingham Vulcans. A year later, he was drafted into the National Football League (NFL) by the Miami Dolphins and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl championship in 1974. After his time with the Dolphins, he went on to play for two other NFL teams, the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Colts. In 2014, Jessie was inducted into his alma mater's Sport's Hall of Fame. Following his departure from the NFL, Jessie moved back to Tyler County and began his career in law enforcement. After many years of service, he assumed the position of Chief Deputy in the early 2000s and stepped in as acting Sheriff for Tyler County in 2005. Jessie made history as the first African American sheriff of Tyler County and held that position until his retirement. He married the love of his life, Mary Cravens Wolf, in 2007, and they spent many wonderful years together. Throughout his time in law enforcement, Jessie made sure that the safety and wellbeing of the community he swore to protect remained top priority. In addition to his love of football and police service, Jessie enjoyed spending time with his family and his beloved six grandchildren. Jessie is preceded in death by his parents, John Wolf Sr. and Annie Mae Deason Wolf; sister Maggie Lena Wolf Foster; and two brothers, James and Joe Wolf. He is survived by his wife, Margie Wolf; two daughters, Denise Wright and Shannon Dugas; brother Elray Wolf; two sisters, Beatrice Williams and Verdie Wolf; and six grandchildren, DeAndre Bell, Kayla Bell, Derrick Wright, Erik Wright, Isaiah Wright, and Rashaad Young. Madam Speaker, I thank Jessie Wolf for his faithful service to our community and county; and my heartfelt prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a community leader and friend, John Joseph Hebert, Sr. of Liberty, Texas, who passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020, at the age of 82. John was a friend of many, myself included, and was a pillar of the community in Liberty. John was born on January 15, 1938, in Houston, Texas, to parents Horace Hebert and Marguerite Egan Hebert. He grew up in the Heights and attended St. Thomas High School. After a short stint as a salesman, John worked at a Gulf service station and made assistant manager before he was drafted into the Army at age 23. After completing Basic Training in Colorado, he went on to serve in the Army in Anchorage, Alaska. John was a loving and devoted grandfather, father, husband, brother, and friend. On June 29, 1957, John married the love of his life, the late Constance Catherine ``Connie'' Hebert. They went on to have many adventures and raise three children together. John and Connie were devoted Christians and lifetime members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Liberty, Texas. In 1972, John and Connie moved to Liberty, where he established his own company, John J. Hebert Distribution. He worked in petroleum marketing for over 60 years, and was awarded numerous sales achievements and national customer service awards. He was a humble man who didn't like to speak of his accomplishments, though there were many--including, but not limited to: Former President of the Liberty Dayton Area Chamber, Liberty Dayton Chamber Citizen of the Year in 1983, East Texas Man of the Year in 1989, Masonic Lodge Community Builder Award, Volunteer of the Year for the Texas Council of Child Welfare, Liberty Rotary Club Community Service Award in 1980, Member of Liberty Lions Club since 1972, Lion of the Year in 1980, Past President Liberty Lions Club, Melvin Jones Fellow in 1992, Texas Lions Foundation Fellow, Past Grand Knight-- Knights of Columbus, Commissioner Port of Liberty, Texas Workforce Commission Gulfcoast Workforce Development Board, HGAC Aerco Board, Liberty County CPS Treasurer, Bridgehaven Children's Advocacy Center Board of Directors, and Friends of Scouting Boy Scouts of America. John was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 57 years, Connie Hebert; sister Rosemary McKeon; brother, Horace William ``Bill'' Hebert; and sister Primrose Kitchen. He is survived by his loving daughter, Donna Catherine Ramirez and husband Danny; son, John Hebert, Jr. and wife, Amy; son, Stephen Hebert and wife, Julie; grandsons, Josh Burk and wife, Kristin, Jeremy Burk, Daniel Hebert, David Hebert, Ryan Hebert, Christopher Hebert; granddaughters, Emily Hebert, Megan Salazar and husband Daniel; great-grandsons, Chandler Sanders and Preston Yawn. In addition, he leaves behind numerous other loving family members and friends. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my friend John Hebert, Sr. for his many years of faithful service to our community. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of the Deer Park Early Settlers Texas State Historical Marker in Deer Park, Harris County, Texas. The text of marker reads as follows: In 1928, Shell Oil Company purchased land in Deer Park, Texas for a new petrochemical refinery. Surveyors discovered a marble headstone broken into four pieces. Shell reassembled the headstone and maintained the area as an actual gravesite. In 1976, Shell was given permission from the Texas Historical Commission, as well as the Harris County attorney and Harris County judge to relocate the marker and disinter any remains. In March of 1977, the marble headstone and a small cement casket, from the original site, were moved to Dow Park in the City of Deer Park. The inscription on the headstone gave the name of two siblings, Mary W. Jackson and William Wilson. These early settlers died in 1834. William Wilson purchased land in the early 1830's and built a cabin on the bank of the Buffalo Bayou with his wife and children. This was adjacent to what became the site of the Battle of San Jacinto that secured Texas' independence from Mexico in 1836. William Wilson also owned land near the settlement of Crosby. Humphrey Jackson, one of the ``Old 300'' settlers, owned land near the Wilson property in Crosby. It was presumed that Mary W. Jackson was somehow associated with Humphrey, based on a judgement recorded in Harris County records in 1852. This could explain why Mary Wilson became Mary W. Jackson. The 186-year-old headstone is one of the oldest marked headstones in Harris County and Deer Park's oldest artifact. The historical marker reflects the history of Deer Park, as well as the history of Texas. The historical marker presents a glimpse of ordinary people in Texas in the 1830's and commemorates these early Deer Park settlers. As a former member of the Texas Historical Commission, I know that this is a great honor for the community. I wish all of my friends in Deer Park well as they celebrate the dedication on October 20th.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 8265 to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to keep millions of employees on the payroll of America's small businesses.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 212, P.Q. for H. Res. 1161, and NAY on Roll Call No. 213, Adoption of H. Res. 1161

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand here today and recognize a handful of remarkable individuals from my congressional district for their exceptional contributions to the health and safety of communities across southeast Texas since the outbreak of the COVID- 19 virus. I have seen people come together like never before to help and support each other throughout this unprecedented time. People from all walks of life and from different backgrounds and ideologies have put their own needs aside to respond to the crisis at hand without hesitation. Today I wish to personally honor and say thank you to our frontline healthcare workers. You have selflessly put yourselves in the path of the virus in order to protect the rest of us, and you are true American heroes. To the doctors, nurses, technicians, EMTs, pharmacists, home health aides, and everyone else who supports patient care, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have gone above and beyond. Your dedication, courage, and strength deserve our most profound admiration and gratitude. Your service to your community has impacted and saved countless lives. It would take days for me to appropriately honor each and every person who deserves special recognition. Unfortunately, I have limited time today, so I want to highlight just a few of these heroes. From my neck of the woods in Tyler County, Texas, I want to thank Carrie Holland Evans, a registered nurse who was infected with COVID-19 in the line of duty. Since her recovery, Carrie has participated in virology studies and has donated convalescent plasma to save lives. I want to recognize Dr. Qamar Arfeen, who delivers home health and hospice care across southeast Texas and is the head of the COVID-19 unit at Baptist Hospital, for all of his work with convalescent plasma. From Houston Methodist in Baytown, I want to mention four brave and resilient registered nurses: Jennifer Vera, LaDuska James, Dorothy Terry, and Jon Ann Watson. Your contributions to the hospital and dedication to patient care were simply awe inspiring. Also, from Houston Methodist in Baytown, I want to thank Gina Cotter, who collaborated across disciplines to educate and upskill nurses to provide respiratory care, while also serving as a frontline respiratory therapist. From Houston Methodist in Clear Lake, I want to thank Dr. Omar Acres, Dr. Nina Zatikyan, and Dr. Arthur Lim, who all cared for many infected patients. I also want to recognize three registered nurses--Stephanie Dockter, Diana Freyberger, and Nicole Herrick--who all volunteered to care exclusively for COVID-19 patients so their other staff members would not have to. I want to acknowledge the largest hospital system in southeast Texas, Memorial Hermann Health System, which has been on the front lines of the region's response to the pandemic. Memorial Hermann's more than 6,000 physicians, 8,000 nurses, and hundreds of case managers and social workers have been caring for patients and their families in one of the country's most significant hot spots. They risk their lives every day to care for our community and have worked tirelessly to slow the spread of this disease. And, finally, I want to mention a handful of heroes from CHI St. Luke's. Thank you to Dr. Lou Hamer, a pulmonologist who closed his outpatient practice and instead fully dedicated his services to supporting the needs of COVID patients. Thank you Dr. Monte Orahood for working day and night since the pandemic started and for your clinical oversight, which has undoubtedly resulted in successful patient outcomes. Dr. George Rodriguez, thank you for providing clinical guidance and leadership on patient care and protocol development. And I thank Dr. Zaher Shebib, who has consulted on every single COVID-19 patient case for St. Luke's. Also from St. Luke's, allow me to highlight lab director, Charlie Combs, who is described by his colleagues as an unsung hero, as well as Chelsea Pavlowich, Christina Andrews, Sarah Hill, Candace Fernandez, Jason Case, Nidia Johnson, Cole Morse, Cassie Fire, and Lisa Agler, who are all superhero nurses and whose commitment to patients supersedes any fear of this dangerous virus. And to the thousands of healthcare workers who, due to time constraints were not mentioned today, please know this: You are the heroes of this unprecedented time. This country and your Congressman will forever be grateful. May God bless each and every one of you, and may we see an end to this global pandemic very soon. God bless you.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, like many of my Republican colleagues, I had what I believed to be an essential amendment ruled out of order. Simply put, my amendment ensured that fossil fuel power generation systems were not left behind as we try to navigate a clean energy future. From schools to hospitals, too much of our critical infrastructure is currently dependent on the systems that we already have in place. No matter which side of the aisle you are on, you cannot argue against the fact that fossil fuels are the status quo right now and some of the very cheapest. But we don't get the chance. We will not have the chance to express that support today. Instead, we will get this Democrat dream sheet forcefully passed, only to then die with no Senate interest. We are missing a golden opportunity for bipartisan solutions. Rather than turn off the light switch and force our economy into a blackout-ridden future of renewable sources, we need to utilize what is still readily available to us. That is why I am supportive of carbon capture, utilization, and storage. I believe that, when developed, these technologies stand to only improve our fossil fuel power generation and even hold the potential to make it a clean energy source. But, as written, the legislation before us lacks a focus on critical basic research that will advance these technologies. Areas like advanced computing, manufacturing, and materials research will maximize our Nation's fossil fuel resources. Simply building more demonstration projects similar to those already in existence, like Petra Nova in Texas or the National Carbon Capture Center in Alabama, will not develop next-generation membranes for direct air capture or novel solvents for energy-efficient gas separation. Additionally, this bill makes outrageous funding increases to the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy. Currently funded at $750 million for fiscal year 2020, this bill increases the office's budget to a whopping $3 billion in fiscal year 2025 and spends $15 billion over the next 5 years. I am intrigued that some of my Democrat colleagues who have stated their goal to completely phase out fossil fuels in the next 10 years would support such a massive increase. At the same time, however, I am encouraged to see more folks on the other side of the aisle acknowledge the long-term necessity of fossil fuels in our clean energy future. I am unquestionably a staunch supporter of fossil fuels and, specifically, the DOE Office of Fossil Energy, but we must act in a fiscally responsible manner. We cannot undertake this massive funding increase of 300 percent while simultaneously increasing applied energy programs like wind and solar. This is a disservice to the already strapped American taxpayer, and I urge its rejection. I want to thank Ranking Member Lucas, my friend from Oklahoma, for his leadership on the Science Committee.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Billie Frances Polk, a lifelong native of Woodville, Texas who passed away recently at the age of ninety. Mrs. Polk was a retired Director of the Woodville Housing Authority. Billie was born on December 24, 1929 to Oscar and Lilla Chambless Fortenberry in Woodville, Texas. She spent her life growing up and working in Tyler County. Billie was the recipient of the James E. Wheat Award which recognizes truly exceptional leaders. She unselfishly gave of her time and talents to the Tyler County Dogwood Festival, a festival that celebrates the traditions and beauty of East Texas. Mrs. Polk was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She frequently reminded her loved ones of what her father often said, ``All we have is what we give away.'' She lived her life in this way, continuously giving to others, without any strings attached. Billie is remembered by her friends and family as a great example of Southern grace and hospitality. Whether it was enjoying her family or gathering with her friends for bridge, she wanted to recognize others. Her delight came from opening her home to friends and strangers alike. In facing life's obstacles, Mrs. Polk would remind others, ``All we need in times like these is just a closer walk with Thee.'' Billie gave of all she had, and because of that she was very rich. Indeed, she had a closer ``walk with Thee.'' Billie was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Lilla Fortenberry; husband, Alford Lee Polk; sister, Bobbie Jean Swinney; and brother, Lloyd C. Fortenberry. Mrs. Polk is survived by her daughters, Cindy Green and husband, Greg of Woodville, Jennifer Balbuena and husband, Arturo of Houston and Nancy McNally and husband, Billy of Woodville; brother, Cecil Fortenberry and wife, Margie of Woodville; sister, Jayne Best and husband, Bertis of Woodville; grandchildren, Jill Nichols and husband Reece, Josh McClure and wife Christa, Jinger Fowler and husband Kris, Holly Douglas and husband Josh, Melissa Howe and husband Matt, Will McNally and wife Kelli and Cheryl Marshall and husband Derek and 16 great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Mrs. Billie Polk, for her many years of faithful service to her community. My thoughts and prayers remain with her family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I can't thank Dr. Roe enough for this initiative and his leadership. And so many people have gotten up at the mike and said he was their mentor. He actually was my mentor, and I really appreciate him very much. Mr. Speaker, as a healthcare professional for nearly 40 years and a member of the House Doctor's Caucus, I am very pleased to report on the Trump administration's groundbreaking, unprecedented initiative to develop a safe and effective vaccine and treatment for COVID-19, called Operation Warp Speed. I remember well as a boy back in the 1950s, and several of my schoolmates were stricken with polio. And I remember well standing in line at our elementary school to take the new vaccine, which virtually has eliminated polio in the United States of America. Well, our Nation's best scientists and researchers, doctors, and manufacturers are now collaborating and working around the clock to research, test, approve, and manufacture a vaccine in record time. This is the very key to restoring our way of life and rebuilding our economy to get back to those normal summers that we were talking about a while ago. The President has capitalized on the ingenuity and the drive of the private sector and the scientific community, putting the United States at a better position than any other country in the world to develop a vaccine that the entire world can then benefit from. The goal of Operation Warp Speed is to deliver 300 million doses of a safe and effective vaccine by January 2021. And by removing all unnecessary red tape and barriers, the President is on track to meet this goal. The administration is cutting the development time to a matter of months by allowing development steps to occur simultaneously. Despite what the media may incorrectly report, the testing standards for this are the same as any other vaccine developed here in the United States of America. No safety shortcuts are being taken. The health and safety of the public remains the number one priority of this administration, and we have every reason to be hopeful. The advances that the scientific community has made since the beginning of this pandemic are nothing short of remarkable and are directly responsible for a 40 percent decrease in the mortality rate from COVID-19 that we have seen. Our knowledge about this novel virus grows every single day. And with our Nation's leaders and brightest minds working together, we will defeat this disease with unprecedented speed. As a practicing dentist for nearly four decades, I believe that prevention is the best treatment, and that is exactly what this vaccine will do. While finding treatments and the therapeutics to fight this disease and its symptoms are a very worthwhile cause, actually blocking the virus from infecting us in the first place is the very strongest defensive strategy that we can have. President Trump and his administration are bravely blazing a trail forward and leading our country out of this challenging time of global pandemic. So thanks to Operation Warp Speed, the world is only months away from a safe and reliable vaccine.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jimmy E. Miller, a lifelong native of Jasper, Texas and faithful servant to his community. Jimmy was born on November 3, 1964, to Will and Dianne Miller in Jasper, Texas. Growing up, Jimmy worked at his father's family owned store, ``Miller's Grocery Bait and Tackle.'' It was at his father's bait and tackle shop that he learned the value of community as well as his desire to help others and exhibit the compassionate love of God. Later in his adult life, Jimmy served the residents of Jasper's precinct 2 for 20 years as a member of the Road and Bridge crew. He worked for three different commissioners during his tenure and went about his job with dignity and kindness, just as he lived his life. He worked on dump trucks, front end loaders, and on maintainers fixing roads--always building relationships with those he encountered. On April 3, 1993, Jimmy married the love of his life, Druscilla Rogers. For the last 27 years, they shared a wonderful life together, packed full of cherished memories and more love than one could imagine. The couple had and raised one child, Will Miller of Jasper. Druscilla and Jimmy both possessed a compassionate love for helping others, and that was felt by all whom they encountered. In 2018, Jimmy was elected Justice of the Peace (JP) for precinct 2 of Jasper County. While serving as JP, Jimmy found his greatest and final podium to do the Lord's work. From praying with bereaved family members at an inquest to having long talks with community members sitting across the desk from him, Jimmy was so proud to serve and assist his community. On many occasions he could be heard to say, ``I have the best job ever. I get to help people and tell them about Jesus.'' Jimmy was also committed to serving the young people of his community. He and his wife, Druscilla, founded the Jasper County 4-H shooting sports program and used the roping pen behind their house as the county's own practice arena. The pair devoted countless hours to the growth and development of multiple Jasper County 4-H programs, where Jimmy served as the chairman of the goat-show and on the buyers committee for the Jasper County Junior Livestock Association. He also faithfully organized and oversaw the mutton bustin portion of the Jasper Lions Club Rodeo for the last 10 years. As a compassionate follower of Christ, Jimmy was one of the founding members of the Jasper County Cowboy Church and served as trustee, team leader, and arena director for the worship center. Jimmy felt that it was his calling to serve God in whatever capacity He allowed, and spent innumerable hours witnessing to those he met at church, at his father's bait and tackle shop, during rodeos and 4-H meetings, and most recently, to the nurses at the hospital where he spent his final days. Jimmy was considered by many as a gentle giant who never met a stranger and exuded a sense of compassion, understanding, and pure love to all. Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Will Miller. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Dianne and Bobby Glover of Jasper; wife, Druscilla Miller of Jasper; one son, Will Miller and Kayla Tierney of Lufkin; two sisters, Delores Warner and husband Gary of Jasper and Amie Smith and husband Trey of Orangefield and mother-in-law, Ann Rogers of Jasper. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Jimmy E. Miller, for his many years of faithful service to his community. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Michael ``Mike'' M. Paddie a long-time resident of Warren, Texas, faithful educator, and servant of his community. Mike was born on December 24, 1957 to Maurice and Lillian Paddie in Washington, D.C. Mr. Paddie was a long-time resident of Warren, Texas and spent over 40 years working for Warren Independent School District. Throughout the years he served the district in many capacities, as a teacher, coach, and counselor and most recently, as Assistant to the Superintendent. Mike oversaw at least a thousand students each year but was known for making each and every student feel valued and respected. He was loved by his former students, and many thought of him not only as a teacher and coach, but as a mentor, father figure, and dear friend. Mike was also known as the ``the voice of the Warren Warriors'', where he served as the announcer at the Warrior football games. In 2012, Warren ISD named the baseball and softball fields' press boxes after him in honor of his many years of service. The school district also has a scholarship named in Mr. Paddie's honor and hosts the annual Mike Paddie Scholarship Rag Ball tournament to raise money for the scholarship. Mr. Paddie also served his community in various capacities. He was a volunteer for numerous local causes and was elected the Republican Chairman of Tyler County and held that position for many years. He also served as a Rotarian in the Woodville Rotary Club, where he was the Director-at-Large. Several friends and colleagues of his often noted his kindness, generosity, and good humor in his work for the good of others. Mike embodied the Rotary motto, ``Service above Self' in everything he did. Mr. Paddie is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Lillian Paddie. He is survived by his sister, Kimberly ``Kim'' Work of Nome; niece, Sarah Thompson and husband, Johnathan of Nome; nephew, J. Tyler Work of Nome; friends, Nick Foret, Natalee Fore, Garrett Amadore, Andrew Gordon, Ginger Dixon, Colton Sonnier, Kacy Debney, Chuck Debney, and many more. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Michael ``Mike'' M. Paddie, for his faithful service to his community and school district. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family, and friends, during this difficult time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Beaumont Police Officer Sheena Dae Yarbrough-Powell, who tragically perished in the line of duty on August 9, 2020. Sheena Dae Yarbrough-Powell was born on November 22, 1996, in Nederland, Texas to Mark and Shelia Yarbrough. She was the fifth of six girls and remained very close to her family. Highlights of family time included: Sunday lunches, yearly vacations, sleepovers with sisters, competing with family and friends in board games, and, of course, ``lots of Blue Bell Ice Cream.'' According to family and friends, Sheena never met a stranger, was a social butterfly, and would tire herself trying to make everyone feel included. Sheena graduated from Lumberton High School in 2015. Sheena's faith and family were her top priorities. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she developed many life-long friends. Her love of Jesus was evident in how she lived her life and treated others. After becoming involved with Calvary's Renewal Bible study, she met the love of her life, Tyler Powell. From their first date in June of 2018, until her untimely death, Sheena and Tyler were inseparable. The two were married on October 4, 2019, in Beaumont, Texas. In their 10 months of marriage, Sheena was a faithful and loving wife who provided Tyler with a lifetime of great memories. In 2018, after graduating from Lamar University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Sheena entered the LIT Police Academy. She was hired by the Beaumont Police Department as a Cadet on August 13, 2018 and was sworn in as a Beaumont Police Officer on December 20, 2018. Her family, friends, and fellow officers lovingly referred to her as ``Officer Hopps.'' As an officer, Sheena was passionate about preventing sex crimes and helping victims of human trafficking. Becoming a police officer gave Sheena the ability to make a difference in her community and touch the lives of every individual she met. Officer Yarbrough-Powell is survived by her husband, Tyler; her parents, Mark and Shelia Yarbrough; her sisters, Jennifer Rae, Jessica Mae, Samantha Fae, Sarah Kae, and Madison Jae; her grandmother, Dorothy Yarbrough; and parents in-law, Rick and Deidre Powell, along with many friends and family whom she loved dearly. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Beaumont Police Officer Sheena Dae Yarbrough-Powell for her faithful service to her community. My thoughts and prayers remain with her family, friends, and her law enforcement family during this difficult time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vietnam War veteran Charles Battise ``C.B.'' Celestine, who passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at the age of 84. Mr. Celestine was a long-time affiliate of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and proudly served as a councilman. C.B. Celestine was born on May 5, 1935, to Gus and Flanche Boatman Celestine in Livingston, Texas. As a young adult, he admirably joined the U.S. Army and fought bravely in the Vietnam War. Following his military service, C.B. worked for Triple S Construction in Texas, and after many years of service, retired as a Boilermaker Supervisor from the company. He spent much of his life in Livingston but had lived in Kountze, Texas, for the past nine years, married to his lovely wife Hazel and father to his four children. Mr. Celestine was a proud member of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, a native speaker, and was known for his extensive traditional knowledge of the Tribe. C.B. was also the eldest member of the Beaver Clan. While growing up in the Tribe, he was in a singing quintet with a few of his tribal brothers called the Woody Woodrome quintet, and they produced an album together titled the Excitement of the Gospel. He spent much time of his adult life singing, playing gospel music, and celebrating the life of Christ with his family and friends. C.B. reflected God's love daily in his service to his Tribe and others and leaves behind quite a legacy. A committed Christian, he spent much of his life as an active member of Indian Baptist Church in Polk County, Texas. In his spare time, he also enjoyed working on race cars with his son Jimmy, hunting, and spending time with his four wonderful grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Gus and Flanche Celestine; son, Timmy Celestine; daughter, Tania Honeycutt; brothers, Gus Celestine, Jr., Milton Warren Celestine, and Wesley Celestine; sisters, Florence Robinson and Claire Breaux. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Hazel Celestine of Kountze; sons, Jimmy Celestine and Charles Celestine of Kountze; grandchildren, Maegan Drake, Morgan Celestine, Jordan Honeycutt, and Maddie Honeycutt. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the family of Mr. Celestine for C.B.'s faithful service and devotion to his country, Tribe, and community. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends.