Brian Babin

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of former Texas State Representative John Clifford Otto who passed away after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer on August 1, 2020. Representative Otto served the people of House District 18 with distinction for six terms in the Texas House of Representatives. John Otto was born on October 14, 1948 in Dayton, Texas to John Clifford Coffelt Otto and Susan Eugenia Forrest. John graduated from Dayton High School in 1966 where he was a pitcher on the baseball team, member of FFA, and was drum major for the DHS band. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Whitman, in 1969. In 1970, Otto graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration Accounting. While at Texas A&M, John Otto was a member of the Corps of Cadets; Ross Volunteer Honor Guard, official Honor Guard of the Governor of Texas; and the nationally famous Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. In his senior year at Texas A&M, he was head drum major of the Texas Aggie Band. On July 24, 2020, Texas A&M University announced that the Aggie Band will forever be led with the ``John C. Otto '70 Drum Major Baton.'' Following his graduation as a Distinguished Military Graduate, Otto received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army where he served as a finance officer at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Otto served in the Army for eight years on active duty and in the Army Reserves before being honorably discharged. After his military service, John and Nancy Otto returned to Texas. John worked for Peat, Marwick, Mitchell in Houston for five years, then returned to Dayton to open a private practice, as a Certified Public Accountant serving clients for 35 years. Prior to his service in the Texas Legislature, John was a member of the Dayton City Council, trustee of the Dayton Independent School District, board member of the Liberty County Central Appraisal District and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, and director of the Dayton Community Development Corporation. In November 2004, John Otto was elected to the Texas House of Representatives where he served House District 18 for six terms. During his service, Representative Otto represented the people of Liberty, San Jacinto, Walker, Polk, and Montgomery Counties. Representative Otto served on numerous committees in the Texas House, but the bulk of his time was spent on the Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees. Representative Otto served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, during his final legislative session he drafted and authored a bill that balanced the State Budget of more than 200 billion dollars. He loved serving in the Texas House and considered it a high honor and privilege to represent District 18. During his tenure in the Texas Legislature, Representative Otto received numerous awards and distinctions. During his first term Otto was named ``Freshman of the Year'' by the House Republican Caucus, ``Rookie of the Year'' by Texas Monthly Magazine, and ``Most Valuable Freshman'' by Capitol Inside. In 2008, he earned the ``Legislative Achievement Award'' from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association. He was also named ``One of the 10 Best Legislators in Texas'' by Texas Monthly in 2008 and 2015. Representative Otto additionally also received the ``Citizen of the Year'' award from the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, ``Fighter for Free Enterprise'' award from the Texas Association of Business and named to the Texas PTA Legislative Honor Role. On June 15, 2020, the Dayton City Council renamed a portion of State Highway 146 the John Otto Expressway in recognition of his service to the citizens of Dayton. John and Nancy were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Dayton, TX where they both sang in the choir and John served in many capacities including church treasurer for over 25 years.They recently transferred their membership to the A&M United Methodist Church. Following his retirement from the Texas Legislature and private sector, John and Nancy moved to Bryan, Texas. From 2017 until the time of his death, John served as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Local Government Relations for the Texas A&M University System. He considered this his dream job, working with former colleagues in the Legislature and advocating for his beloved Texas A&M University and other schools and agencies in the TAMU System. John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Whitman Otto; sons and daughters-in-law, Bryan and Lisa Otto, Jason and Brandee Otto; grandchildren, Brendon Olson, Maddie Olson, Hadley Otto, Bailee Otto, Emilee Otto, and Malloree Otto. Also surviving are his mother, Sue Otto Fendley; and siblings, Susan Harris and husband Wayne, Glenn Otto, Danita Otto Stovall and husband Bryan; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends Dr. Robert and Susan Seaberg. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the family of Representative John Clifford Otto for his lifetime of faithful service and devotion to his country, state, community, and university. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Graves and Chairman DeFazio. Mr. Speaker, Southeast Texas is the global leader in creating reliable, affordable energy that powers America and, quite frankly, much of the world. But we can't do that without modernizing and improving our water infrastructure, which it is my honor to have achieved in this bill for the people of the 36th Congressional District of Texas, and by extension, all American families. My district has four ports, including the main port terminal of the Port of Houston. The Houston Ship Channel is the busiest U.S. deep- draft waterway, and it is the top exporting port in the Nation. This bill turns years of advocacy to dredge, widen, and improve two- way traffic on the Houston Ship Channel into real results. This will allow for a more efficient, safe, and productive waterway for all. But I also recognize that there is still much work to be done. It is not an exaggeration to say that by spending $1 million today on hurricane and flood prevention infrastructure, we can save a billion dollars in damages down the road from another storm like Hurricane Harvey, which dumped 60 inches of rain on my district--a North American rainfall record, by the way. Thankfully, this bill contains numerous provisions for me and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that work to address these critical needs. It is a great honor to serve the people of Southeast Texas in Congress in producing legislation like this bipartisanly--one of the biggest reasons why. Mr. Speaker, I again thank the bipartisan work of the chairman, the ranking member, and also the staff and the subcommittee chair.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of William S. ``Bud'' Leonard. Mr. Leonard left this earth on Monday, June 29, 2020 at the age of 90 years. Mr. Leonard was born in Kingsville, Texas on July 9, 1929, the second child of William and Effie Leonard. His father was an Irish railroad man and his mother a first-generation U.S.-born child of Italian immigrants. In junior high, Bud met his first love--football, a love affair that would eventually take him through college at Lamar University. It was at Lamar where Mr. Leonard won the heart of the love of his life, his wife Charlene Matthews Leonard whom he married in 1953, embarking on 66-and-a half years of a blessed life together. Shortly after marriage, Mr. Leonard joined the United States Navy where he trained to become an airplane pilot and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Mr. Leonard earned his Wings of Gold in 1955 and served tours that took him from California to Hawaii, Guam, Japan, and the Philippines before being released from active duty in 1957. Following Mr. Leonard's active duty, he and his wife returned to Texas in 1958 and settled in Beaumont. Mr. Leonard began a successful career in advertising and remained close to Lamar University where he was instrumental in forming the Cardinal Club, Ex Letterman's Association and the Cardinal Hall of Honor. In 1974, he was called by Dr. John E. Gray to join the Administration at the University where he remained until his first retirement in 1994 as Vice Chancellor of Development. Following his retirement, he returned for one year to teach at Lamar and then started his own consulting/advertising company which he did until he retired for a second time at age 87. Lamar honored Mr. Leonard's contribution to the University on and off the field by naming the stadium playing field the W.S. ``Bud'' Leonard field in his honor. In addition to many other honors he was also named Distinguished Alumnus in 2000. Closely intertwined with his community, Mr. Leonard served in the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Neches River Festival and the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife were active members of their beloved Calder Baptist Church for over 60 years where he served as Deacon and a Sunday school teacher. He is survived by his loving wife Charlene, daughter Joni, son Will and his twin granddaughters, Anne and Claire who were the apples of his eye. A wordsmith and artist with a servant's heart, Mr. Leonard made the world a better place.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted: ``no'' on rollcall No. 120 (Veto message to accompany H.J. Res. 76-- Borrower Defense CRA); ``yes'' on rollcall No. 121 (MTR on H.R. 51-- Washington DC Admission Act); and ``no'' on rollcall No. 122 (Final Passage of H.R. 51--Washington DC Admission Act). personal explanation

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, on this 70th Anniversary of the Korean War, I rise today to honor a great soldier and patriot, Corporal Marion ``Mark'' Herbert Carlton, United States Army, for his service as a Combat Motion Picture Cameraman in the 71st Signal Corps, ``the eyes and ears to the U.S. Army'' during combat in the Korean War. After voluntarily enlisting in the Army on September 15, 1948, Private Carlton completed basic training at Fort Ord, California and later attended the Department of Army Signal School in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. After graduation in May 1949, he was immediately stationed in Tokyo, Japan, just prior to the outbreak of the Korean War. Corporal Carlton helped document the beachhead invasion on September 15, 1950 in Incheon, Korea, while carrying a colt 45, pistol on his side, grease gun and motion picture camera. He later went on to render the Department of Defense and the U.S. Airforce a great service in securing for the Department of Defense photographic material of enemy obtained while flying on the First B-29 Raid on the North Korean Peninsula with the Far East Air Forces. According to Corporal Carlton's Citation for the Bronze Star Medal, during the period of July 23-24, 1950, PFC Carlton rendered meritorious service as an official Signal Corps Motion Picture Cameraman covering combat operations in Korea. Private Carlton, acting on his own initiative, exposed thousands of feet of motion picture film, achieving technically superior and historically significant results. With little regard for his own safety, he photographed frontline combat action as he toured the forward area of the 1st Cavalry Division, the 24th Infantry Division, and frontal positions of various elements of the Army of the Republic of Korea. Through his exceptional initiative, technical skill and courage under enemy fire, Private Carlton materially assisted in providing a photographic record of the Korean Campaign that has proven of inestimable value for tactical and logistical purposes in subsequent operations, and for historical recordings and news services. His exemplary performance of duty under extremely hazardous conditions reflects great credit on himself and the military service. While accompanying a Marine Division north of the 38th parallel, Private Carlton was wounded by an incoming mortar, which tragically killed a Marine officer standing between him and the explosion. While sustaining shrapnel and percussive wounds to his legs and lower back, Carlton attributes his life to the nearby Marine officer whose body blocked most of the shrapnel and explosion. Carlton remains forever grateful for that officer's sacrifice. Private Carlton was immediately medivacked via helicopter to a Tokyo hospital and temporarily forced out of action. That Marine unit received decorations for their heroic achievement and gallantry. After a short stent in the hospital Corporal Carlton returned to the battlefield and accompanied a Marine Division beachhead landing at Wonsan, North Korea. Corporal Carlton continued to document and report enemy troop movements and hostilities north of 38th parallel for the duration of his tour. In many instances, Corporal Carlton was ordered to report to General Headquarters in Tokyo to personally narrate his films for Supreme Commander for Far East Command General Douglas MacArthur and other military leaders. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Mr. Carlton continued in the motion picture field and served as a reporter at WFAA- TV in Dallas, Texas. He later went on to shoot motion pictures of medical procedures for Baylor Medical School in Dallas. Following his venture into medical motion pictures, Mr. Carlton had various roles in the motion picture industry, which included being President of the Texas Oklahoma Photo Supply. He also owned and operated his own television production studio in Dallas. Several years later, Mr. Carlton finally found his true calling and went on to work for the University of Texas Health Science Center's UT-Health to develop their telemedicine program. One of Mr. Carlton's most distinguished roles there was creating and managing Texas legend Dr. James ``Red'' Duke's Texas Health Reports. This nationally syndicated television program educated millions of Americans on health and nutrition matters. Mr. Carlton finished his career as Executive Director of International Telemedicine at MD Anderson the world- renowned Cancer Research Hospital in Houston, where he made many technological breakthroughs in documenting medical procedures and helped pioneer techniques in the field of telemedicine. Mr. Carlton was married to the love of his life, Mrs. Patti Whitmire Carlton, for forty-years until her death in May 2020. They have 3 children: Dave, Brian, Craig. He has numerous grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. The Carlton/Whitmire family has a long history of career military and public service to our country spanning several generations. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Corporal Marion ``Mark'' Carlton for his selfless military service to this great nation.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 116 (PQ on H. Res. 1017); NO on Roll Call No. 117 (Adoption of the Combined Rule for H. Res. 1017); YES on Roll Call No. 118 (MTR on H.R. 7120--George Floyd Justice in Policing Act); and NO on Roll Call No. 119 (Final Passage of H.R. 7120--George Floyd Justice in Policing Act).

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a long-time Lone Star lawman and Marine Corps veteran, Lieutenant Thomas Edgar ``Tom'' Morgan of the Harris County Sheriffs Office Reserves who passed away Monday, April 20, 2020 at the age of ninety- nine. At age ninety-eight, Lt. Morgan was Texas' oldest licensed peace officer at the time of his retirement in 2018. Tom Morgan was born on September 20, 1920 to Claude Jefferson Morgan and Connie Kenington Morgan in Bossier City, Louisiana. Growing up poor during the Great Depression and having to work hard in order to survive developed a tremendous work ethic and sense of patriotism in young Tom Morgan. In 1942, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of twenty-one. During World War II, Tom saw action in the South Pacific during the invasions of Saipan, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa. In addition to surviving these invasions, Tom also survived the sinking of his transport ship and malaria during wartime. Tom remained on active duty in the Marine Corps until 1946 and later served for three months during the Korean War as a Reservist. Following his military service, while in college in Louisiana, Tom met his wife Pat during a visit to Houston. He transferred to the University of Houston to complete a degree in Mechanical Engineering and to be near Pat. They married in 1947 and raised their family of three children in Pasadena, Texas. Tom had a distinguished career as a pipeline engineer for Gulf State Engineering for many years and retired in 1982 at the age of 62. In 1992, five decades after joining the Marines and a decade after retirement, Tom decided to continue his service as a reserve deputy with the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). At age 72, Tom was the oldest rookie in the Academy. Deputy Morgan served in the HSCO Marine Division where he patrolled the waters of Lake Houston, the San Jacinto River, and the Houston Ship Channel. In 2013, our mutual friend, Representative Ted Poe, honored Lt. Morgan when he reached 20,000 hours of service with the Sheriff's Office. After serving as a Reserve Deputy for twenty-six years, Tom Morgan retired as a Lieutenant at the age of ninety-eight, earning the title of the Lone Star State's oldest lawman. Tom reflected God's love daily in his service to others and leaves quite a legacy. A committed Christian, he spent much of his life as an active member of First Baptist Church or United City Church in Humble. He also enjoyed playing dominoes, dancing, and spending time with friends at the Humble Senior Activity Center. Tom is preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Nana Lou ``Pat'' Morgan who passed away December 26, 2008. He is survived by his three children: Carol Green and husband Larry of Deer Park, Kathy Denton of Kingwood, and Tommy Morgan Jr. and wife Betty of Baytown, Texas. Tom had seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the family of Lieutenant Morgan for Tom's faithful service and devotion to his country and community. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Budd for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act introduced by my good friend from North Carolina, Representative Ted Budd. Since we are supposed to be a Nation of laws, this is a bill that really should not have even needed to have been written. But sadly, because of the recklessness and lunacy of sanctuary cities, States, and jurisdictions run by rogue local officials, we have to fight tooth and nail just to enforce our laws and to put the safety of our citizens first. The Democrats baselessly like to shout that the President is not above the law, yet they praise sanctuary jurisdictions for doing exactly what they claim to fight against. Apparently, being in direct opposition to the rule of law is okay as long as you are doing it under the name of sanctuary. Earlier this year, we witnessed a violent attack on a 92-year-old woman named Maria Fuertes, who was sexually assaulted and left to die on the sidewalk of New York. This woman's life was taken by a 21-year- old illegal criminal alien who ICE had issued a detainer for months earlier, an individual who had already been arrested for assaulting his father and for criminal possession of a weapon. This is who New York chose to protect under its sanctuary policies rather than Maria Fuertes. The worst part is that this tragedy could have been prevented. It is quite simple: If Governor Cuomo had allowed this monster to be deported, he wouldn't have been able to do this to Mrs. Fuertes. Frighteningly, this is not an isolated incident. This is happening every single day across America, and nobody is being held accountable for it. These policies not only pose a great risk to the safety and wellbeing of Americans but also to the sovereignty of our great Nation. Do my colleagues on the left not care that the drug cartels control those who illegally cross our borders and that they are abusing our laws for profit? Do they not care that these same cartels are allowing women and children to be violated and abused on their journey up to the United States? Do they not care that thousands of Americans have been assaulted, injured, raped, or--worse--killed by illegal aliens, all being preventable crimes? Facts are stubborn things, as President Reagan used to say. Unfortunately, Washington Democrats don't seem to care about the facts. They are happy to trade them for political advantage through emotion-- in violation of our Nation's laws. I stand with President Trump and my colleagues here today in the effort to end these criminal hotbeds. At the end of the day, this isn't about statistics; it is about people. It is time that we stood up for the American people who have suffered at the hands of those who shouldn't even be here in the first place.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Liberty County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Whitten, who succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound. On May 29, 2019, Deputy Whitten was off duty when he heard a ``shots fired'' call over the dispatch. Responding without hesitation, he drove to the scene. After a brief pursuit, Deputy Whitten was shot in the neck by the murder suspect, paralyzing him instantly. After visiting with him and his wife, Kami, in the hospital last July, he told me that he would do it all over again to protect his community and his citizens. On February 3, 2020, Deputy Whitten suffered a complication while undergoing physical therapy and passed away. He served with the Liberty County Sheriff's Office for 4 years, and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank a real hero, Deputy Richard Whitten, for his faithful service. Thank you.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for Performing Arts on its 40th anniversary. The 1,500 seat, world-class, non-profit performing arts center was opened by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation on February 7, 1980, with a sold-out performance by the great pianist Liberace! I am proud to say that this outstanding theater is located in the 36th Congressional District in the beautiful city of Orange, Texas. The Lutcher Theater is the largest Performing Arts Series from Houston to New Orleans, with annual attendance of approximately 30,000 adults and children. In its first 40 seasons, the theater has brought 1,026,285 patrons through their doors to experience a variety of events from Broadway to dance recitals, Willie Nelson to Blue Man Group, Riverdance to local reading and declamation contests. A recipient of multiple grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Lutcher Theater most recently received a grant to produce a professional theater event for secondary students from Southeast Texas. This event will allow students to experience the performing arts world and potentially discover a life-long love of theater. Students can see the literature from their classrooms in action, for a full `page to stage' experience, featuring professionally trained actors and actresses. The Lutcher Theater creates the opportunity to share the love of art and literature with the next generation. This theater is only one of four theaters in Texas having received with the Kennedy Center Partners in Education designation. The Kennedy Center Partnership was established in 2003 to bring nationally accredited teaching artists to work with local educators, training them how to integrate the arts into their classroom curriculum. Embracing their mission, Lutcher Theater is committed to providing professional entertainment for the enlightenment and cultural growth of residents living in Southeast Texas. For 40 seasons, the Lutcher Theater has enriched the region with invaluable resources and opportunities for the study and enjoyment of the performing arts. I thank them for their continued support and dedication to both the city of Orange and Southeast Texas.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Liberty County Sheriff's Deputy Richard Whitten, who succumbed to complications of a gunshot wound sustained on May 29, 2019, while responding to a crisis call in Cleveland, Texas. On May 29, Deputy Whitten was off-duty and en route to a law enforcement training class, when ``shots fired'' was dispatched over the radio. Deputy Whitten did not hesitate to put himself in harm's way, he responded instantly, arriving just as the suspect was fleeing the scene after murdering two people at a Cleveland business. After a brief pursuit, Deputy Whitten was shot in the neck by the murder suspect--paralyzing him instantly. The perpetrator subsequently committed suicide. Following this tragedy, Deputy Whitten remained hospitalized at TIRR Memorial Herman, a world-class rehabilitation hospital in the Houston Medical Center. On February 3, 2020, Deputy Whitten suffered a complication while undergoing physical therapy and tragically passed away. In July 2019, Deputy Whitten, his wife, Kami, and I had a lengthy conversation about his passion for law enforcement as well as his recovery process. He personally told me that he would do it all over again to protect his community. He served with the Liberty County Sheriff's Office for four years and will be greatly missed. Deputy Whitten selflessly paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Liberty County. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Deputy Richard Whitten, for his faithful service and devotion to his community. My prayers remain with his family and friends at this time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to provide for a motion to recommit on the Senate amendment to H.R. 550 so that minority voices can be heard on this critical issue of war.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer on receiving the prestigious Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence from the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. This award is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a strong and continual effort to support the business foundations of the Greater Bay Area Houston communities. Dr. Hellyer is highly educated, earning her master's degree in business administration and a doctorate in community college leadership from the University of Texas at Austin, where she received the Distinguished Graduate Award. She is also a certified public accountant. In 2009, Dr. Hellyer was named chancellor of San Jacinto College and has since transformed the school with major renovations and the development of many award-winning programs. Mr. Speaker, 1 minute is just simply not enough time to properly congratulate Dr. Hellyer, and I will submit an extension of my remarks for the Record.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an exceptional educator, San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, on receiving the prestigious Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence from the Bay Area Houston Partnership (BAHEP). BAHEP presents its renowned Quasar Award to an outstanding elected official or business leader who has demonstrated a strong and continual effort to support the business foundations of the greater Bay Area Houston communities. Dr. Hellyer grew up in Hays, Kansas, a small town of nearly 12,000 in the heart of wheat and cattle country. She is the second of four children--three girls and a boy. Her father was a truck driver for Rainbow Bread and later served as a custodian at the local elementary school. Her mother was a housewife until her youngest sister started school, and then began a career as a school cook and baker. Dr. Hellyer earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fort Hays State University, and both her master's degree in business administration and a doctorate in community college leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. She received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin in spring 2009. Dr. Hellyer is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in Texas. While in college, she received many scholarships that helped finance her education and credits her success to the generosity of University donors. Working for Fortune 500 companies in accounting and finance, eventually led Dr. Hellyer down to Houston where she met her husband, Rusty. Together, Rusty and Brenda worked with several small businesses they owned in the Deer Park and Pasadena communities. She strongly believes in serving the community, and her first involvement with San Jacinto College was as a volunteer with the San Jacinto College Foundation. Since 2009, Dr. Hellyer has served as Chancellor of San Jacinto College, a notable Houston institution with nearly 30,000 students, four primary campuses, and an annual budget of $252 million. Her involvement with the College began in 1996 as an inaugural director for the San Jacinto College Foundation. She later served in a number of executive positions at the college, including Executive Vice President for Resource Development, Vice Chancellor for Fiscal Affairs, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Vice Chancellor. After becoming Chancellor of San Jacinto College in May 2009, Dr. Hellyer led a rigorous strategic planning process to transform the image of the college. During her tenure, the college has made major infrastructure renovations and developed award-winning programs including its Maritime Training and Technology Center, Generation Park Campus, Aerospace Training facility, and the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology. These efforts have transformed San Jacinto College into a modern community college, offering students education in collaborative classrooms and hands on training with equipment they will encounter as they move into the workforce. Madam Speaker, I thank Dr. Hellyer for her dedication as Chancellor of San Jacinto College, and for her outstanding community engagement in the greater Bay Area.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank very, very much my friend and colleague from New Jersey, Chris Smith, for having this Special Order, which is so very important. There is no greater champion for life than our colleague Chris Smith. Mr. Speaker, I also thank every one of my colleagues who are surrounding me tonight or are here speaking for those who are voiceless. I rise solemnly today, Mr. Speaker, in memory of the Supreme Court's tragic decision in Roe v. Wade 47 years ago, this appalling decision. Since that time, more than 60 million innocent human beings have been killed in the name of abortion and convenience. Throughout our history, Americans have been the very first to protect the defenseless around the world repeatedly through the centuries, yet here at home, we have allowed our very most vulnerable to come under vicious attack. As the father of five children and the grandfather of 16 beautiful grandchildren, I have no more important duty personally than to protect the lives of all Americans. As Members of Congress, we have that same duty to protect all Americans, especially the ones who have no voice. I have been very proud to support the steps taken by President Trump and his administration, who is the most pro-life President in the history of this country, in his fight to save innocent lives from abortion. We are so very grateful for his bold executive efforts to protect the lives of the unborn, which have been so very, very effective. As thousands of Americans gather once again here in Washington, D.C., next week to stand up for life, let us be renewed in our purpose to end abortion.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the inauguration of Herbert Johnson, Sr. and Donnis Battise as Principal Chief and Second Chief, respectively, of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas on January 1, 2020. Herbert Johnson, Sr., a member of the Beaver Clan, served two terms on the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe Council, and held the position of Tribal Security Director for 21 years until his retirement in 2012. Mr. Johnson was vibrantly active in his community, serving on the Tribe's volunteer fire department and as the manager of the Tribal softball and basketball leagues for numerous years. He attended Jacksonville College, and later earned certification from Kilgore College and the Angelina Criminal Justice Center as an East Texas Police Academy reserve officer. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Indian Presbyterian Church, and has served nearly half a century on the Big Sandy Independent School District Board of Trustees. In all his endeavors, he enjoys the love and support of his wife, Deloris, and he takes great pride in their five children: Davie, Delbert, Retha, Herbert Jr., and Heather, and their five grandchildren: Jackson, Camille, Raegan, Aaliyah, and Stormi. Donnis Battise, a member of the Bear Clan, has served two terms on the Tribal Council and has been a member of the Tribe's volunteer fire department. During the Vietnam War, Mr. Battise served in the U.S. Army and is active today with the Tribal Veterans Association. Mr. Battise was employed in the lumber and paper industries for 33 years, and more recently retired from his position as a gaming attendant at Naskila Gaming. As a fervent follower of the Indian Presbyterian Church, Donnis serves both as an ordained elder and deacon of the church. He and his wife, Carol, are the guardians of Lilly Ann Alec. Herbert Johnson, Sr. and Donnis Battise have earned the high esteem of Tribal members through their many years of outstanding service, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor them on this special occasion. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Herbert Johnson, Sr. and Donnis Battise on their inauguration as Principal Chief and Second Chief of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and I ask that they may be extended sincere best wishes for the future.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, we are here today because House Democrats have spent upwards of $30 million in 3 years trying to overturn the 2016 election of President Trump and come up with nothing. Because of their radical leftwing, Democrats are willing to make all future Presidential elections invalid until judged worthy by the majority in the House of Representatives. The President of the United States does not serve at the pleasure of the House of Representatives. Perhaps the greatest denial of reality regarding President Trump is acknowledging that, under his policies, things are actually going much better than they have in decades for working Americans. We are a democratic constitutional Republic in which power flows from we the people to our President and elected officials. The Democrat majority thinks otherwise. They believe that they are entitled to rule us even if they have to change the rules to invalidate the will and the votes of the people of America. That is why the absence of a case does not matter in this charade of impeachment. I believe that the American people recognize and share my urgency about what is at stake here. Madam Speaker, you and your majority may decide today, but I have faith that the American people will decide otherwise next November.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank a great sailor, Chief Edwin ``Easy'' Thompson, United States Navy (Retired), for thirty years of service as an Engineman Chief Master Diver (Frogman) in the United States Navy. After enlisting in the Navy in 1944, Thompson served on the hospital ship USS Haven (AH-12) and evacuated wounded from the Marshall Islands, Guam, and other South Pacific Islands. During World War II, Mr. Thompson also served aboard a destroyer minesweeper in the Straits of Alaska. Thompson served on many ships during his career, but one of his greatest highlights was serving as a Marine Honor Guard when the Battleship Texas (BB-35) was turned over to the state of Texas in 1948. From 1948 to 1952, Edwin Thompson was stationed on the Battleship Missouri (BB-63). On the Missouri, he participated in the battles of Inchon and Hungnam during the Korean War. Mr. Thompson has also pointed out that he was on the USS Missouri both times she ran aground. In the 1950s, Easy joined the Underwater Demolition Team Two, Unit 22 and served alongside his friend, Michael Murphy who was killed in Vietnam during an underwater explosion. Michael Murphy's grandson, Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during SEAL Team One's Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. On January 17, 1966, a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber armed with hydrogen bombs collided mid-air with a tanker while refueling over the Mediterranean Sea near Palomares, Spain. One hundred tons of flaming wreckage was spread over 15 square miles with one of the bombs tumbling into the sea. Thankfully, the three other bombs hit the ground and did not explode. The Chief of Naval Operations created Task Force 65 consisting of 34 ships, 2,200 sailors, 130 frogmen (including Chief Edwin Thompson), and 4 miniature submarines to recover the warhead from the sea. Secretary of the Navy Paul Ignatius later described the successful recovery as ``the largest and most difficult deep-sea search ever conducted by any country in the world.'' Thompson's team of frogmen recovered the warhead under 2,162 feet of water just a few feet from edge of a 5,000-foot abyss. The recovered warheads were 75 times more powerful that the Atomic Bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Following his retirement from the Navy, Mr. Thompson continued diving and worked for Brown & Root for many years. He also served as a Reserve Deputy with the Harris County Precinct Three Constable's Office for twenty years. Thompson has served as Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 912 Commander and is a life-member of several other community organizations, including the American Legion and Fleet Reserve Association. He is also a member of the Shiners and Freemasons. Edwin Thompson was married to Mrs. Margaret Bell Griffin Thompson for forty-four years until her death in 1992. Together they have seven children: John, Tammy, Lorrie Anne, Mary Frances, Don Marie, Sue Ellen, and Margaret. He has 49 grandchildren, and many other great- grandchildren. The Thompson family has a long history of career military service to our country spanning several generations. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chief Edwin ``Easy'' Thompson, as well as his family, for their selfless service to this great nation.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Leland Calvin ``L.C.'' Butler, a 96 year old World War II veteran of the United States Marine Corps, for his service to our great nation. L.C. Butler was born in Temple, Texas on July 19, 1923 to Ann Patton Butler. His family moved to Houston in 1932. On August 19, 1942, Mr. Butler enlisted in the United States Marines Corps in San Antonio, Texas. He attended boot camp in San Diego, California for seven weeks, training one week at the firing range, and two months in Imperial Valley, California learning how to operate the ``big guns.'' A new anti-aircraft battalion was formed and L.C. became part of the 2nd Airdrome Battalion, which later became the 17th Defense Battalion. Butler's battalion's assignment was to provide anti-aircraft defense to airstrips secured by Allied Forces and to protect them after they were secured. As a result, he did not see as much fighting as many of his friends. Butler considers their assignment the luck of the draw. Butler's division was sent to the Nukufetau Atoll where he served until the summer of 1944. After Nukufetau, his battalion was sent to Kauai for a short rest. In late summer of 1944, Mr. Butler boarded a ship to Tinian. He remained on the ship for approximately 60 days until the island was secured. Once Tinian was taken Butler's battalion moved ashore and used their anti-aircraft guns to protect the air strips from further attacks. Toward the end of their deployment they discovered the Enola Gay was stationed on Tinian Island. This B-29 Superfortress became the first airplane to drop an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945 over Hiroshima, Japan. L.C. and his battalion were on a ship heading back to the United States when the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The dropping of both atomic bombs expedited the end of World War II. The Marines were sent to San Diego and quarantined for two weeks because First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt felt it necessary due to outbreaks of different ailments while they were stationed on various Pacific islands. L.C. said she wasn't very popular with the Marines at that time, but that they were treated well during the two weeks. L.C. Butler returned home to Houston, Texas the first week in September 1945 and married Dorothy Nell Corgey on September 7, 1945. Mr. and Mrs. Butler took one thousand dollars that L.C. won during a poker game on the ship back to the United States and stayed in a hotel in downtown Houston for a month for their honeymoon. Following their honeymoon, the Butlers went to Corpus Christi for about three weeks. There he was honorably discharged from the United States Marines Corps on October 25, 1945. From the age of nineteen, L.C.'s life motto, has been ``Once a Marine, Always a Marine.'' L.C. and Dorothy were married for 62 years until she passed away on April 11, 2008. They have two daughters, Lynn B. Lucas and Debra Westberry, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one great- great grandchild and another great grandchild on the way. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Butler for his selfless service to this great nation.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear colleague for having this. Since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941, every U.S. President has declared the week of Thanksgiving to be National Bible Week. Next week, we will, once again, celebrate this beloved book, which continues to mold the lives of millions and even billions around the world. It is fitting that we take time today to bring attention to the very book that was so influential in the founding of our Nation. The Holy Bible was perhaps the most accessible book to our Founding Fathers. Its principles gave them invaluable insights into human nature, civic virtue, political authority, and the rights of citizens. Personally, I consider it a huge and great privilege to speak on the House floor today about a book that has had such a profound influence on my life and on the life of our country, and it continues to do so daily. As a believer in Christ, the Bible has shaped the way that I have lived my 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 right here in the House of Representatives. I believe that the Bible is more than a book of inspiration and comfort or a compilation of moral teachings. I believe that it really is the Holy Word of God that contains the truth and teachings of His love for us and His plan for redemption through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son. In history's greatest love story, the Bible tells us that God sacrificed His Son to redeem us from depravity. In John 3:16, we read: ``For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.'' Centuries before, in one of my favorite passages, the Book of Job prophesied of Christ the Redeemer who is to come: For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the Earth; And after my skin is destroyed, 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. Whenever I read these words, I am reminded of my Lord's steadfast love for me and His promise to always be with and guide me through every chapter of my life. As we approach the 78th National Bible Week, I want to encourage my fellow Americans out there to take a moment to open the Bible and to read these profound words. No matter if it has been a while since you have read the Bible or you read it every single day, may each of us spend time reminding ourselves of the Word of God, especially during this season of thanks.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman so much for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to rise today in honor of Energy Secretary Rick Perry, a devoted statesman, a proud Texan, and a longtime friend of mine. In his early years, Governor Perry became an Eagle Scout and was taught what a strong work ethic looked like, and he has practiced it in every office he has held since, and those are numerous. I first met Rick Perry back when he was Agriculture Commissioner for Texas in the mid-1990s. In the 25 years since, he and I have worked together in various roles, including working together on the campaign trail. As a matter of fact, Governor Perry appointed me to the Lower Neches Valley Authority, where I served the State for many years. My son Leif, a Navy SEAL, is also friends with Governor Perry's Navy SEAL son-in-law. I had the privilege of working with Rick Perry when he served as the longest-serving Governor of Texas in history, where he successfully earned the reputation as one of the most successful Governors that our State has ever had. While serving as Governor of the great State of Texas, he oversaw incredible economic growth, low unemployment rates, low taxes, the creation of thousands of jobs, and commonsense reform that has brought tremendous success to our State. Texas has become a mecca for out-of- State Americans looking for jobs and prosperity. His tremendous leadership in Texas and his role in the expansion of America's energy sector helped carry him to the position of Secretary of Energy, which he leads now with character and strength, expanding our economy while protecting our environment. I was proud to work alongside him on energy reform, and I will continue to push strong energy policies that he has advocated for at the Department of Energy. Rick Perry has dedicated his life to the service of his State and this country while living as a devoted man to God and to his family. Mr. Speaker, I have the utmost respect for Governor Perry, for what he has accomplished and the way in which he has done so. May God bless him, his beautiful wife, Anita, and the rest of his family, and may God bless Texas and the United States of America.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, what began with a rallying cry of, ``We are going to impeach the `expletive deleted,' '' to a crowd of liberal activists and young children by my colleague from Michigan on the very first day of this new Congress is now the majority's flagship initiative. What a shame, and what a waste of time in the people's House. In my view, our President was doing his job, ensuring that if taxpayer dollars from my constituents and yours were going to the other side of the world, that it would be paired with a commitment to crack down on corruption at all levels, no matter who someone's daddy is or what their political ambitions are. I think we all know that this was inevitable. From the moment Donald J. Trump was elected, the ends of harassment and impeachment have just been waiting for the means, and they think that they have found them. They are wrong. There is, however, one small measure we can take as one House to bring a shred of dignity to these disgraceful proceedings. I can stand and be counted. We can stand and be counted, one by one, and announce our ``yea'' or ``nay'' with a vote by a call of the roll.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 569.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, for years America has been force-fed investigation after investigation of our duly elected President, and we have seen each of these sham investigations meet the same dead end because there is no evidence of any wrongdoing by Donald Trump. I have lost hope that these pointless probes will end. House Democrats are bent on wasting time and taxpayer dollars. If we are all forced to endure this charade, the least they could do is conduct a fair investigation. They say they have evidence to impeach the President yet refuse to share what that evidence is. They say this is an official impeachment inquiry, and yet we haven't voted to make it so. Where is the transparency? The only evidence that is crystal clear is that the Democrats despise the President so much that they will do anything to take him down. They hate that Donald Trump is blocking their agenda of a green, socialist, nanny state with open borders, so they are willing to mislead the public to get their way. There is no due process, just hatred. It is a dangerous precedent to our great Republic.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 559.