Brian Babin

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, during my time this evening, my colleagues and I will be shedding light on the Democrats' illegal attempt to include mass amnesty in their multi-trillion-dollar spending package, their so-called Build Back Better bill. Frankly, this entire bill is a disaster. It will permanently cause labor shortages, crush small businesses, raise taxes, lower wages, and expand the very worst parts of our government. As one of the chairs of the House Border Security Caucus, a Texan, and simply as an American, I am stunned that in the middle of the worst border security crisis we have ever faced, Senate Democrats are using the reconciliation process to try and grant mass amnesty to millions and millions of illegal aliens. We are up against more crises than any American has ever seen, too many to even keep track of anymore. But, folks, this is the worst one of all. Our open borders and the President's dereliction of duty to secure our southern border will unquestionably affect every single American in this country, every single State, for generations to come. Let that sink in. My friends, this isn't a talking point. It is a fact. History has shown us that amnesty erodes the integrity of our immigration system, and it breeds contempt for the law on all sides. We are seeing this happening and unfolding before our eyes in living color. If we look back to 1986, which was the last time mass amnesty was granted, we have a clear view of what will happen if Biden and the Democrats push this plan through. Millions of jobs will be put at risk. We will see massive waves of new illegal immigration. It is happening as we speak. Our enemies will use this avenue to enter the United States and embed themselves into our society. Listen closely: Our society, our country, our neighbors, us--America is at stake. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. McClintock).

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McClintock. That is so, so true. Arrests by Border Patrol are at the highest levels since 1986. Ask yourself, what happened in 1986, folks? Mass amnesty. This isn't coincidental. This is cause and effect. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate my good friend from Pennsylvania and thank him so much. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Good).

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Posey).

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, we are not against immigration. Most of us are the children of immigrants. My own daughter-in-law is a naturalized citizen. But we have to do it the right way, and that is exactly what we are here to do. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Tiffany).

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, House Democrats actually rejected the Republican efforts to block amnesty for illegal aliens who are gang members or have gun charges or are sex offenders, as Mr. Tiffany just said, or who have multiple DUI offenses. That is lunacy. All you can say is it is lunacy. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller).

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Van Drew. I appreciate it. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs), my friend, and also fellow cochair of the House Border Security Caucus.

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Buddy Carter.

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for his input. I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern).

Mr. BABIN. Well said. Thank you very much, Mr. Hern. I appreciated that. I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller).

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Miller. We really appreciate that. For those of you who don't know, one of the leaders of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing was legalized through the 1986 amnesty by falsely claiming that he was a seasonal worker. After receiving amnesty, he traveled back and forth to Afghanistan and Pakistan to receive terrorist training. There is no reason to believe that terrorists would not once again take full advantage of amnesty to hurt us. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman), the highest ranking military officer to serve in the House of Representatives. MR. BERGMAN: Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for yielding and for leading tonight's Special Order. How do you apply an adequate objective to the shocking, clueless attempt to jam amnesty for eight million illegal immigrants into this Democrat-owned, Democrat-grown, Democrat-processed multitrillion-dollar reconciliation bill? Again, it is a complete sham. I think it is clear to most Americans why illegal immigration is illegal--it kind of sounds like I am repeating words here, but it is still illegal--and why any nation and our Nation needs borders. People aren't trying to break out of the United States of America. Let's be clear why we are the greatest country in the world. Because we built it. Nobody else did. The Democrats running our country today, however, are defying logic and the rule of law. They are hosting an open border policy on the front end while simultaneously proposing a mass legalization policy on the back end. The amnesty policy before us is the opposite of a solution. We need real solutions, like when we had a wall being built and border security policies that worked. I am here tonight because we need to stop this illegal activity on the southern border and make sure it is not rewarded by this shameful sham bill.

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate what the gentleman said. While the exact number of the millions of illegal aliens potentially eligible for amnesty is very fluid, data shows that historically each immigrant to the United States sponsors an average of 3.45 additional family members for green cards. So theoretically, if the estimated 13 million illegal aliens currently here in the United States were given lawful status and sponsored green cards for three or four family members, 43 million--let me repeat that, 43 million--new immigrants would be coming in. This is astounding data. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, (Mr. Grothman). So true. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. McClain), my colleague.

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman, (Mrs. McClain). I really appreciate it. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Donalds), my friend.

Mr. BABIN. I thank my good friend from Arizona. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have left?

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman (Mr. Donalds). I appreciate that very much. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Fitzgerald), my friend.

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends for bringing attention to this unbelievably important issue. Every one of us, as well as my colleagues who couldn't be here tonight, could talk about this crisis for days. Since our time is limited, I want to close with this. Our very existence as a democratic republic, as a nation, hangs in the balance. The overwhelming majority of Americans reject the idea of mass amnesty. The border crisis, including the abuse, assault, drug trafficking, abduction, danger, murder, fraud, and death that comes along with it will only get worse. We cannot afford to risk the lives of migrants or Americans by granting a mass amnesty. We will continue to fight against this for as long as we need to. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Franklin Chang- Diaz for being selected as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2021 at Goldman Sachs's Builders + Innovators Summit in Healdsburg, California. Selected as one of 100 entrepreneurs from a diverse range of groundbreaking industries. Dr. Chang-Diaz currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Rocket Company in Webster, TX. He spent 25 years as a decorated NASA astronaut, flying seven missions into space. When he retired from NASA in 2005, he founded the Ad Astra Rocket Company to continue the development of his invention, the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) engine. The VASlMR engine is an advanced plasma space propulsion system that will revolutionize space travel. With VASIMR, a sustainable, efficient, and high-powered engine, we can stay longer and travel further in space. Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz and his company. Ad Astra, are transforming the trajectory of our space industry. Using plasma physics to bring the advanced rocket technology to life, Ad Astra plans to commercialize the VASIMR engine by 2025 for the emerging in-space transportation market. The VASIMR engine's capabilities will vastly change how we think about space travel. Transit to Mars will be shorter by several months, enabling more robust human missions to the Red Planet and beyond. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz for his extraordinary achievements and leadership in the field of space transportation.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and sacrifice of Sergeant Kaila Sullivan, a 16-year veteran of the Nassau Bay Police Department. On December 10, 2019, Sergeant Kaila Sullivan was killed in the line of duty while assisting an arrest in the Clear Lake area. Her tragic death is a grim reminder that the job of a police officer protecting our streets can be dangerous and deadly, even on the most routine of days, and that our law enforcement officers deserve our gratitude and respect. Her friends and colleagues remember Kaila as the ``rock'' of her police force, a hero, and a ``peace officer's peace officer.'' She was an enthusiastic advocate for victims of domestic violence and a natural leader revered by her community. She always strived to excel at her job as a police officer, and her long list of roles within the force reflects that; Sullivan served as a bike patrol instructor, a mental health officer, a field training officer, crime prevention specialist, and Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) instructor in addition to her duties as Sergeant. But Kaila was not just a police officer. She was a devoted mother and loving wife, a friend to all, and quite the entertainer with ``the voice of an angel.'' She enjoyed playing the guitar, riding horses, and was often seen around town in her overhauled, monster truck-like pickup. She loved hiking, being outdoors, and spending time with her family, but most of all, people remember her being totally dedicated to the community she served. Sergeant Kaila Sullivan was Nassau Bay Police Department's first death in the line of duty. Her loss continues to reverberate in the Nassau Bay community, as it will for many years. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Sergeant Kaila Sullivan and her family for her service. God bless Texas, Nassau Bay, and Sergeant Kaila Sullivan.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and neighbor for yielding. I rise today in fierce opposition to H.R. 3755, the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021. The goal of this bill is not to protect the health of women, but rather, to remove all barriers standing in the way of murdering millions of innocent babies. This deceptively-named legislation would be more accurately entitled the abortion on demand until birth act. Once again, the Democrat Party has pathetically caved to the demands of the far left. This bill will not only legalize abortion on demand for any reason, it will make it available at any time during the pregnancy. By nullifying State regulations, this radical bill will eliminate any prohibitions on sex-selection abortions, late-term abortions, and abortions based on Down syndrome or another genetic diagnosis. The Democrats know that their pro-abortion agenda does not align with the views of most Americans. They know that when given a choice, more than 75 percent of Americans support some limitations on abortion. Knowing this, it is too risky for them to leave the choice to the people and to the State legislatures that represent them. Instead, Democrats vote to impose their will at all costs. We cannot, and I will not, remain silent while Democrats play abhorrent political games with the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. I will never stop fighting to protect the unborn and stand firm in my opposition to this heinous legislation.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Tommy Weaver, a lifelong native of East Texas, who passed away recently at the age of 70. On April 26, 1951, Tommy was born to Charlie ``CC'' Chester and Winnie Bell Weaver in Jasper, Texas. His father worked at Keller Industries, and his mother worked in the food service department at Woodville ISD. Tommy was truly blessed to have one of the best cooks in Southeast Texas as his mother, and his meals were southern-style home-cooking for the whole family. Tommy loved the holidays, as it was a time when his family came together to enjoy his mother's meals and each other's company at the old home place. While attending Kirby High School, Tommy was actively involved in sports, As a teenager, he developed a love of hunting. Tommy felt blessed to have been raised in East Texas, surrounded by nature and wildlife. On any given day, you could find him fishing in ``Dam B'', swimming in Wolf Creek lake, or chasing squirrels. Being the baby of the family, there was a never a dull moment and always plenty to do. In 1973, Tommy graduated from Lamar University with a bachelor's in accounting. Shortly after, Tommy married the love of his life, Kathy Harriett Tolar. They started their lives together in Beaumont, TX, where he worked with Edgar and Kiker, CPAs. After a few years, Tommy and Kathy returned home to Woodville, where Tommy established his accounting firm, Weaver and Smith, CPAs. In 1987, he began working at Woodville ISD as the Assistant Superintendent of Finance, where he would spend the next 23 years before his retirement. After he was retired, Tommy continued to do what he liked best: hunting, golfing, and watching his grandchildren play. He also enjoyed utilizing his financial expertise volunteering with numerous organizations such as First Baptist Church, Jacob's Ladder Learning Center, the Lions Club, and Allan Shivers Library. Additionally, Tommy served on the board of Tyler County Hospital and ultimately became Chairman. Tommy made life-long friends over his 43 years of membership in the Woodville Lions Club, including honors such as: the Outstanding Lion of the Year, Long Time Service, Lifetime Membership in Texas Lions Camp, and the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Tommy recently received a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding commitment and dedication to service, which was presented to his sons on his behalf. Early in life, Tommy's mother instilled in him the love of his Lord and Savior, and as a young boy he attended Ebenezer Baptist Church. Tommy later led his family to become members of the First Baptist Church of Woodville, where he served as trustee and a deacon. Tommy thoroughly enjoyed his men's Sunday school class and occasionally filled in as the teacher, using his passion and thoughtfulness to deliver the weekly lesson. Tommy's primary devotion throughout life was the growth and support of his family. He spent many years coaching his three boys in various sports. While not on the sports field, they could usually be found out enjoying nature with their father. Nothing brought Tommy more pleasure than taking his boys hunting and ``bringing home the meat.'' The time spent together in sports and outdoors is where Tommy instilled in his boys the same values and faith that guided him throughout his life. Tommy and Kathy were both blessed to have the privilege of watching their three boys grow to be leaders within their communities. Tommy and Kathy both enjoyed traveling. One of their most memorable trips was to Athens, Greece, where they visited the Areopagus (Mars Hill) where Paul the Apostle gave his most famous message. Tommy especially enjoyed reading the books of the Bible written by Paul. Tommy's greatest love was his family and seven grandchildren, who lovingly called him ``Pops.'' The beloved family dog, Toto, always knew when Pops was home and frequently landed in his lap for a cuddle. Tommy is remembered by his family as ``an oak tree . . . strong, mighty, and courageous.'' He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie ``CC'' and Winnie Bell Weaver, and his sister Virginia Carruth. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Kathy Tolar Weaver of Doucette; sons, Travis and wife Jamie of Doucette, Ryan and wife Amanda of Lumberton, Lane and wife Amber of Kingwood; grandchildren, Reed, Laural, Tyler, Karson, Lathan, Lucas, and Blake; brothers, Charley and wife Diana of San Antonio, Kenneth and wife Charlotte of Woodville; sister, Barbara Wilson of Woodville, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor my friend Tommy Weaver 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 of L.D. ``Jack'' Griffin, who passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the age of 94. On April 11, 1927, Jack was born in Monroe, Louisiana, to Sam and Alma Lee Mullican Griffin. He married Myra Collier, and they spent 68 years together. Jack and Myra were blessed with two children, Ky and Leeza. Jack patriotically served our country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a longtime resident of Tyler County and continued to faithfully serve his community as a member of the First Baptist Church of Woodville. Jack was also a part of the Magnolia Masonic Lodge No. 495 in Woodville. As a Mason, he attained the 32nd Degree, an honor bestowed for his outstanding service. He was also a member of the El Mina Shrine in Galveston, Texas. Jack traveled the world as a pipeliner. His specialty was in water crossings. Jack skillfully engineered and constructed pipelines in Straits of Mackinac, the Puget Sound, the Straits of Gibraltar, and many places in between. Jack retired as Director of Field Services with Williams Companies based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jack is remembered as one who loved his family and looked forward to being amused and entertained at their regular gatherings. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, he went confidently in the direction of his dreams, living a life more than he imagined. Even though he worked all over the world, he said of his beloved Woodville, ``It may not have been where I intended to go, but I think I ended up where I needed to be.'' Jack is survived by his wife, Myra Griffin of Woodville; son, Ky D. Griffin and wife Rhonda of Jasper; daughter, Leeza Blanchette and husband Jacques of Woodville; grandchildren, Blake Blanchette and wife Helen of Sinton, Megan Parmer and husband Randy of The Woodlands, Brent Blanchette of Woodville, Blaire Rogers and husband Dwight of North Palm Beach, Florida and Collier Griffin of Chicago, Illinois; great- grandchildren, Caroline, Libby, and Ellie Blanchette, Emerson Parmer, and Sutton, Quint, and Griffin Rogers; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Collier of Goldsboro, North Carolina and Judy Sheffield of Houston; nieces, Kim Nagypal and husband Bela of Woodville, Tammy Bohannon of Allen, and Cristi Connor and husband Paul of Houston. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Alma Griffin, and his brother-in-law Malcolm Collier. Madam Speaker, I honor my friend Jack Griffin as one of the last members of the Greatest Generation. His faithful service to our country and his community will not be forgotten, 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 James ``Jim'' Wiley Gainey, Jr., who passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021, at the age of 85. Jim was a longtime resident of Tyler County, and deeply respected by all who knew him. Jim was born on July 19, 1936, in Houston, Texas to Evelyn and James Gainey. He was a U.S. Air Force serviceman stationed at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston when he and Lynette married. In 1964, they moved to Woodville and Jim went to work for his father-in-law, Leroy Davis, at Western Auto. Lynette and Jim were blessed with two daughters, Laura and Susan. Jim served on numerous boards including but not limited to: serving as Past President of the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce; Past President of The Woodville Rotary Club; and a member of the Board of Trustees of The Woodville Independent School District. Jim was the recipient of the James E. Wheat Award which recognizes truly exceptional leaders. He unselfishly gave of his time and talents to the Tyler County Dogwood Festival, a festival that celebrates the traditions and beauty of East Texas. In 1978, Jim pursued a new vocation, steadfastly serving as an R.N. He worked in both nursing and administration at the Tyler County Hospital. Jim also worked part-time at Woodville Health and Rehab which he felt was one of the most rewarding jobs he had ever had the privilege to perform. In 2020, he and Lynette moved to Beaumont to be closer to family. Jim Gainey is remembered by his friends and family as ``A devoted husband, loving father, and perfect Papa. He will be remembered for his faithfulness to the Lord, his impassioned love for people, his selfless generosity, and fierce commitment to his family.'' Jim is survived by his wife, Lynette Davis Gainey, two daughters and their husbands, Laura and Byron Young of Beaumont, and Susan and Mike Ferguson of Austin, grandchildren Mark Young and wife Katie, Emily Valerio and husband Isaac, William Young, Leah Goertz and husband Ryne, Nathan Watts, and Benjamin Watts, great grandchildren James, Claire, Ellis, Abraham, and Charlotte. He is also survived by two brothers, Hugh Gainey and his wife Elaine Rogers, A.R. and Paul Gainey of Houston, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents James Wiley Gainey and Evelyn Gerrard Gainey, and his sister, Allison Gainey Stephens. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor my friend, Jim Gainey, for his service to our country and for his many years of faithful service to our community. My thoughts and 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 the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas' Principal Chief, Herbert G. Johnson, Sr., who passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021, at the age of 79. He served honorably as the Tribe's Mikko Choba Skalaaba since January 1, 2020. Chief Johnson was born on April 3, 1942, on the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Indian Reservation, located just outside of Livingston, Texas. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Jacksonville College in Jacksonville, Texas, where he demonstrated his skills on the basketball court. In 1963, Mr. Johnson was selected as an All-American after setting the then all-time national record of scoring 67 points in a single game. Last year, Jacksonville College recognized him as a Distinguished Alumnus. A member of the Beaver Clan, Chief Johnson served his community in various capacities over the years, including being twice elected to the Tribal Council and working as the Tribal Security Director for more than 21 years. On October 5, 2013, he was elected as the Tribe's Second Chief and remained in that position until being installed as Principal Chief following the passing of Chief Clem Sylestine, Mikko Colabe III, in 2019. In addition to his dedicated service to his tribe, Mr. Johnson sat on the Big Sandy ISD School Board for 48 years and was a faithful member of the Indian Presbyterian Church, serving as a devoted deacon and elder for many years. Madam Speaker, today we remember the life and legacy of Herbert G. Johnson, Sr., and express our deep appreciation for his leadership as a proud member and Principal Chief of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. My heartfelt prayers remain with his family and tribe members during this difficult time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of World War II veteran, Eugene S. Kolupski, who was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery today, July 26, 2021. Eugene was born on August 23, 1924, and passed away peacefully at his home in Encino, California, at the age of 94 on July 5, 2019. During the Second World War, Eugene was a part of the 885th Heavy Bombardment Squadron of the United States Army Air Forces. He served in eight campaigns, including Northern France, Southern France, North Apennines, Po Valley, Balkans, Rome-Arno, Naples-Foggia, and the Rhineland. For his valiant military service, Eugene was awarded one Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, and a Presidential Distinguished Unit Emblem with an Oak Leaf Cluster, among other medals. Before he passed, he was also presented the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French Government, France's highest honor. The 885th Heavy Bombardment Squadron, despite its name, never dropped a single bomb during the war. While under the command of the 15th Air Force, its missions were often top secret. They were often tasked with dropping Office of Strategic Service agents behind enemy territory and dispersing weapons and supplies to the French and Italian resistance. In preparation for the D-Day landings, the squadron placed agents behind enemy lines to obtain information on German installations and scout glider landing areas. They flew modified B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators that were painted black to better blend in during night missions. Since all of their operations were flown at unusually low altitudes, the 885th suffered some of the heaviest losses during the war. Eugene is survived by his wife Delores (Taroni), his children, Thomas and his wife, Tamara, of Seabrook, Texas; Corinne Ginett and her husband, James, of Sodus Point, New York; Joseph of Encino, California; Ann Marie Porretta of Webster, New York, his seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Madam Speaker, I honor Eugene S. Kolupski as one of the last members of the Greatest Generation. His faithful service to our country will not be forgotten, and my heartfelt prayers remain with his family and friends.