Brian Babin

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment has bipartisan support, the support of my colleagues from Louisiana, who have also been hit hard by hurricanes, Mr. Richmond and Mr. Graves, and I am from Texas. Your word is your bond in the State of Texas, and I would hope that everyone here in Congress or across this great country would want to say the same thing about their own State. Credibility, trust, and keeping your promise is always important, but especially in times of disaster and crisis. And when Federal agencies like FEMA are called in to help communities ravaged by a natural disaster, we should expect nothing less. Anyone who has ever experienced a federally declared disaster knows that after ensuring the immediate health and safety needs of those who are affected, the top priority is to get the hazardous and dangerous storm damage cleaned up. As long as tree limbs, trash, and other debris remain in the streets, things cannot get back to normal, and they are a health and safety hazard. Kids cannot go back to schools, restaurants and shops can't open for business, the economy is at a standstill. And so when a FEMA employee, like a technical assistance contractor, or TAC, lays out a path for a mayor, a county judge, a county commissioner, or any other State or local official to get the federally funded debris removal process under way, they can and should be counted on to honor their commitment and their responsibility. My amendment will ensure that that will be the case by holding FEMA accountable to the promises made and the contracts authorized by its own employees. Under my amendment, if a local government entity can show and the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General can certify that a local government was acting at the direction and the consultation of a FEMA technical assistance contractor regarding disaster relief efforts, government bureaucrats here in Washington cannot simply change their minds a few years down the road and decide to foot the locals with the bill. So while this amendment is certainly about fairness, equity, and certainty for local governments, it is also about accountability for Federal officials. FEMA officials will know that the advice and the recommendations that they offer actually matter. Local officials will rest assured knowing that the contracts and work that they are doing is valid and reimbursable. This means getting disaster-damaged municipalities up and running sooner, shortening the timeframe that their citizens and businesses need Federal assistance, and save taxpayer money. I urge all of my colleagues to help ensure that our government can be trusted to do what they say it will by supporting this bipartisan amendment and the underlying bill. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in favor of H.R. 2809, the American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act. The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act is a commonsense bipartisan bill that streamlines the regulatory processes, limits burdensome government intrusion, promotes American innovation and investment, protects national security, and satisfies our international obligations. One of the fundamental drivers for this legislation has been that innovative American companies are pushing the boundaries. And when the Senate ratified the Outer Space Treaty 50 years ago, free enterprise in outer space was an idea but was not reality. Today, not only does U.S. free enterprise exist in outer space, but it is innovating at an unprecedented pace. From astroid mining to private Moon missions, to satellite servicing, to remote sensing constellations, there is great promise that American enterprise will soon unlock new wealth and scientific benefits. But this promise is threatened; threatened by expansive, unchecked regulatory authority, cumbersome non-transparent regulatory processes, and misperceptions about the United States' Outer Space Treaty obligations. For several years, we have heard concerns from stakeholders that they need greater regulatory certainty to attract investment and to succeed. Stakeholders also reported that while they want to stay in America, due to regulatory burdens and uncertainty, they might need to go overseas. The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act addresses these concerns without compromising our cherished principles of liberty and freedom. It provides for presumptions of approval and requires the government to take affirmative steps before conditioning or denying proposed space or remote sensing operations. It places the burden of demonstrating inconsistency with Outer Space Treaty obligations and national security requirements of the United States with the government and not the applicant. It curtails vague, overreaching regulatory authority and prevents tolling of statutory adjudication timelines. It ensures U.S. industry receives a timely and transparent determination on applications. The bill recognizes legitimate national security equities and provides for the condition or denial of authorized space activities with remote sensing systems that are a significant threat to U.S. national security in certain circumstances. But it protects against abuses of interagency discretion by requiring an explanation and evidence of the threat before conditions or denial can be made. In order to ensure the Office of Space Commerce is empowered to represent the interests of our citizens and the private sector, the director of the office is elevated to be the new assistant secretary for Space Commerce. The act also advances important public policy interests. The bill establishes a mandatory safety consultation between private and Federal Government operators. The goal of this consultation is for the affected parties to reach a voluntary agreement to mitigate safety risks. For parties subject to U.S. jurisdiction, the act provides for Federal district court jurisdiction for any civil action resulting from certified or permitted space operations. To protect against foreign harmful interference, the act directs the President to protect against acts of foreign aggression and foreign harmful interference. The act also addresses concerns of harmful contamination of the Earth or celestial bodies. Pursuant to our international obligations under the Outer Space Treaty, operations may be conditioned or denied by the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with appropriate agencies such as NASA to address harmful contamination. The bill posits longstanding U.S. policy, confirmed by both Department of State and NASA, that COSPAR planetary protection guidelines are not international obligations of the United States. This was done to allow all stakeholders, including the scientific community and industry, to work together as activities expand beyond scientific exploration and to address mutual interests, not by proscribing COSPAR guidelines as binding international law, but by allowing the Outer Space Treaty to guide our activities. I am grateful to have worked with Chairman Smith and Representative Bridenstine, recently confirmed as NASA administrator, in the development of this bill. I am also very glad that this is a bipartisan bill, with the support of Representatives Perlmutter and Kilmer and Bera. I strongly support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same. Again, my op-ed is a very, very telltale reason and shows exactly why this is a great bill to put this under the Department of Commerce and take it out from under the Department of Transportation. For many reasons, I hope that this would be a source of debate and where we will get the reasons for what we are doing with this.

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record an op-ed that I wrote in January called ``A one-stop-shop for private space exploration.'' [Jan. 22, 2018] A One-Stop-Shop for Private Space Exploration (By U.S. Rep. Brian Babin) In the inaugural meeting of the reconstituted National Space Council, Vice President Mike Pence called for an overhaul of how the U.S. regulates commercial space activities. The potential of a robust economy in space will ``unlock new opportunities, new technologies, and new sources of prosperity,'' Pence said. The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act (H.R. 2809), recently passed by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, accomplishes the vice president's goals. This bill places authority over private sector space activities in the agency best equipped to foster economic growth, the Commerce Department. The bipartisan legislation streamlines regulatory processes, limits government intrusion, promotes American innovation and investment, protects national security and satisfies our Outer Space Treaty obligations. As chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee's space subcommittee, and as a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have the unique perspective of overseeing both of these agencies. Because of this perspective, I believe placing this responsibility at the Commerce Department is a good long-term decision for the United States and the space industry. The Obama administration proposed giving the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), housed within the Department of Transportation (DOT), responsibility for managing a broad interagency review of all private sector space activity proposals through an opaque process without defined approval timelines, regardless of how benign those activities may be. My committee held numerous hearings on this idea to hear directly from experts and stakeholders. We found that FAA accomplishes its current mission--managing launches and re- entry--very well. However, the agency is challenged to meet its existing obligations to regulate launch and reentry, and should not be burdened with the additional responsibility of authorizing and supervising private activities in space. Moreover, current law actually prohibits DOT from regulating activities in space. It only has the ability to deny a launch if no other agency has licensed the activity. Congress did not intend or design this authority to create regulatory authority for on-orbit activities, or authorization or supervision process for Outer Space Treaty compliance. In contrast, the Commerce Department's mission is to ``create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity,'' and that mission runs deep through the culture. As the space economy develops, in-space activities will focus more on commerce, less on transportation logistics. Mining, habitation modules, and satellite servicing are only a few of the novel ideas that American innovators are proposing. These activities are not related to transportation, and DOT has no experience in this field. The Commerce Department, however, is familiar with the issues that future stakeholders will need to consider, including international trade and technology. The bill also streamlines the federal space bureaucracy within the Commerce Department itself. It merges the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) responsibilities over space-based remote sensing into the already-existing Office of Space Commerce within the Commerce Department. NOAA is itself housed within the Commerce Department, so having two separate offices handling the same responsibilities makes no sense. Reforming this splintered regulatory process minimizes the burden on other agencies and makes the Commerce Department a one-stop shop for Outer Space Treaty compliance. Giving DOT authority, as proposed by the previous administration, would split the regulatory system, requiring remote-sensing satellite operators to seek regulatory approval for their operations from both DOT and the Commerce Department. Indeed, placing this authority at the Commerce Department is a continuation of long-standing law and national policy. Since 1984, Commerce has been the only federal agency with the legal authority to authorize and supervise space activities. While the Federal Communications Commission regulates spectrum and DOT regulates launch and re-entry, neither has the authority to authorize and supervise space activities generally to assure compliance with the Outer Space Treaty. Some stakeholders have questioned whether the Office of Space Commerce can handle remote-sensing licensing and supervising general space activities. The answer is yes. The Commerce Department already has expertise authorizing and supervising remote-sensing systems, and the bill's streamlined review process is more transparent, quicker, and less burdensome on staff. Importantly, Commerce also has expertise in balancing national security with commercial interests, working with American industry internationally and in regulating space dual-use technologies through the Export Administration Regulations. The American Space Commerce Free Enterprise Act declares that America is open for business in outer space. The only agency with the long-standing experience and culture to regulate and foster the budding space economy is the Commerce Department. With this innovative legislation, which builds on that culture of transparency and clarity, we position the American space industry as a leader in growing a robust and lawful economy in space.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the constitutional balanced budget amendment. My constituents sent me to Washington to lower taxes, strengthen our economy, and to cut Federal spending. We have made some progress on the first two, but we have a lot of work to do on the third. We have passed historic tax cut legislation, which is stimulating job creation and economic growth, raising wages, and allowing the American people to keep more of what is in their paycheck. The unemployment rate has remained low, and over 200,000 new manufacturing jobs have been created in the past 15 months. That is all good news for America's future. Unfortunately, Washington has an addiction to spending money that it doesn't have, accumulating a national debt of now more than $20 trillion. That is four times more debt than in 1995 when Washington fell one vote short of passing a balanced budget amendment. Politicians in Washington told the American people that Congress could balance the budget on their own and they didn't need a constitutional amendment. That was flat out wrong. Unless Washington is forced to rein in spending through the discipline of a constitutional amendment, it will never balance the budget. If there is any doubt, simply look at last month's omnibus spending bill, which I voted against. That bill is exhibit A in the case for a balanced budget amendment. Our national debt undermines our economy and our national security. Washington has a moral obligation to balance its budget. Our amendment gives Washington the discipline that it lacks by ensuring that Congress cannot spend more money than it takes in. This resolution asks Congress to make the same tough questions and decisions about its budget that the American households and small businesses make every single day. We owe it to our children and our grandchildren, so let's pass this resolution as a first step toward financial discipline.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Tyler County Dogwood Festival. Since 1940, Tyler Countians have paid tribute to the glories of spring and the lovely dogwood tree by creating each year a growing and more beautiful Dogwood Festival. In 1938, Judge James E. Wheat, founding father of the Dogwood Festival, called a meeting of the state's leading officials near the Polk and Tyler County line in hopes of enlisting help in promoting the completion of U.S. Highway 190. The men and women that attended the meeting were so impressed with the beauty of East Texas that Judge Wheat came upon the idea of creating an annual event that would focus attention on the area and bring people to see it. The first festival was held on April 6, 1940 with nearly 300 people in attendance. The second festival, held in 1941, was first to introduce a pageant with a historical theme. Each pageant is still given a theme to this day. There were no festivals during the years of World War II, 1942 through 1945. The third festival was held in 1946 and they have continued to be held on the first Saturday in April. Over the decades, the Dogwood Festival has grown and expanded bringing several thousand visitors from across Texas and out of state to help East Texans celebrate springtime. Due to the increasing number of horseback riders who were coming to the county seat of Woodville, TX to join in the Dogwood parade, it was decided they would have a weekend of their own. The first Tyler County Dogwood Festival Western Weekend was held on March 23, 1968. Thousands of trail riders travel to Woodville on horseback and wagon to participate in Western Weekend and strive to preserve the heritage of the East Texas cowboy. Eventually, Western Weekend expanded to include a rodeo and western dance. The Dogwood Festival has been a proud tradition for Tyler County for over half a century. The focus has always been on preserving the history and heritage of Tyler County while paying tribute to the natural beauty East Texas has to offer. I am proud to call this county my home and am excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Tyler County Dogwood Festival with its 2018 festival, ``Diamonds and Dogwoods--75 Years of Memories''.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Baptist Christian Academy (FBCA) of Pasadena, Texas on its 25th anniversary. Through the vision of Dr. Charles Redmond and the members of First Baptist Church, FBCA opened its doors to 45 Pre-K through second grade students and five teachers in August of 1993. FBCA's first graduating class received its diplomas in May of 2003. Currently, FBCA hosts 600 students and offers a variety of award-winning extracurricular activities including academics, athletics, and fine arts. FBCA's dedication to its students is exemplified by a 99 percent graduation rate for all senior classes with approximately 97 percent of all graduates attending a college or university upon graduation. I commend the students, families, faculty, staff, and First Baptist Church for keeping God at the center of FBCA's beliefs, values, and teachings. An ``unapologetically Christian'' and ``academically excellent'' education creates a foundation that is crucial, as FBCA students go out to make a difference in the world. FBCA is educating our future doctors, lawyers, legislators, factory workers, and educators, among other professions. If there is one thing the world could use more of, it is young Christian men and women who are engaged in serving and leading their communities. 25 years is quite an accomplishment and as someone who helped establish a Christian school in my hometown, I know it takes dedication from those behind the scenes. I commend the parents of FBCA students for the sacrifices they make to ensure their children receive a quality Christian education. To the faculty and staff, I commend you for imparting Christian wisdom and serving as a role model to your students. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize First Baptist Christian Academy on this important anniversary. May God continue to bless and grow FBCA and the community it serves.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I seek to recognize the Deer Park Art Park Players on the occasion of the Texas Non-Profit Theatre Annual Conference. The City of Deer Park Parks and Recreation Department, The Art Park Players, and The Friends of the Art Park Players are hosting the conference on Thursday, March 15th. Theatre companies from across the State of Texas will be in attendance. In early 1979, a small group of Deer Park residents, led by Jeff Smith and Jean Riggs, met at the Deer Park Community Center to form a script-reading club. Later that year, they staged their very first production, Once Upon a Mattress, at Deer Park High School's Gaines Mason Auditorium. The City of Deer Park recognized the community's love of theatrical arts and hired Sue Fenley Meyers as the full-time Artistic Managing Director of the ``Not-Yet-Named-Theatre Company.'' The theatre officially became The Art Park Players in 1980. In December 1986, the current theater facility was opened by the city. Longtime theatre performer, Junior Art Park Player director, and volunteer, Susan Mele, was named director in April 2004 following Meyer's retirement. After nearly four decades, The Art Park Players have grown in number and spirit. Their success relies heavily on their staff, families, and more than one hundred volunteers. With four mainstage productions, concerts, and youth productions, The Art Park Players engage over 12,000 patrons each season, enriching the Deer Park community artistically and financially. The Art Park Players hold the distinction of being the only year-round dinner theatre in the Greater Houston area and is truly one-of-a-kind in the State of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize the Deer Park Art Park Players.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Paul Mitchell for this opportunity to talk about our historic tax cut legislation and the great benefits that are flowing to small businesses and the tens of millions of Americans who work for them. This is especially true in the great State of Texas and the nine counties that I represent from Houston to the Louisiana State line, which has more petrochemical refining facilities than any district in the entire United States, and their employees benefitting from lower taxes. But the gains and the headlines that we have seen say so much more than that. The gains extend far beyond just employees benefitting from lower taxes. I am also hearing from hundreds of individuals and families about how their tax bills are being cut and what they plan to do with their larger paychecks. ExxonMobil has announced a $50 billion investment in its U.S. operations and employees over the next 5 years. Walmart has already boosted hourly wages and provided employees with a bonus. Boeing, Incorporated, has announced $300 million in employee-related investments and charitable giving. Let's break this down even further to the stories that aren't making the headlines of major papers but which are improving lives and growing businesses all across southeast Texas. Juan and Leigh both owned small businesses in Houston and were able to hire additional employees with the money that they are saving from their tax cuts. That is putting Americans to work immediately. Amy in Polk County shared with me that she was able to purchase new equipment to run her business much more efficiently. Helen in Tyler County took her tax savings and plowed it back into her business to help it grow. Julie in Orange shared that she will save enough from the tax cuts to purchase a larger inventory for her business. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I am hearing story after story just like this about small businesses growing and hiring our friends and our neighbors. The individual tax rate cuts are making a huge difference for east Texans as over 90 percent of Americans are getting a tax cut. Robert from Highlands wrote to tell me that he is using his tax savings to help his daughter get a college degree. Alan in Houston has decided to put his tax cut into savings for his retirement. Ms. Drake is now able to buy a new stove, while Justin from Harris County is paying down credit card debt. Scott is using his savings to help him buy a brand new home. Mr. Woods told me that with his tax savings, he is spending it on his wife. He may be the smartest of us all. The tax cuts are even helping in Hurricane Harvey recovery. Judy from Orange County shared with me how the tax cuts have enabled her to replace household items destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, and Jason from Baytown is able to now repair his home. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is making a real difference in the lives of our friends and our neighbors in southeast Texas and all across this Nation. These decisions add up to tens of billions of dollars of investments in our economy, in small businesses, in education, and in the improvement of our lives. Tens of millions of Americans are seeing lower payroll deductions resulting in bigger paychecks, more retirement savings, bigger family budgets, and relief at every level. This tax cut bill is benefiting families, job creators, and our economy. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Michigan, Mr. Paul Mitchell, for giving us this opportunity to speak about this wonderful historic tax package.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Memorial Baptist Church, located in the city of Baytown in East Harris County. This area was mainly a farming and ranching community known as Goose Creek, until oil was found there in 1907 and it quickly became a rowdy and untidy camp. In 1918, Reverend J. W. Anderson felt that God was calling him to organize a church in Goose Creek. At this time a group of Christian women held a prayer meeting in their homes and the First Baptist Church of Goose Creek was organized with eight members. Reverend Anderson was named the pastor and the first building was built. In 1927, the church had grown to 614 members and Reverend J. D. Fuller became the new pastor. Due to their increased size, the congregation needed a larger building. This building cost $50,000 and they had a hard time making payments during the depression. On December 7, 1945, the cities of Pelly annexed Goose Creek and Baytown. At this time, the church changed its name to Memorial Baptist Church and built a new sanctuary on Sterling Street. In 2008 Memorial Church and Trinity Baptist Church voted to donate their church buildings on Highway 146 to Memorial. This new area became the North Campus of Memorial Baptist Church and Reverend Andrew McDaniel was named pastor. On 25 August 2017, Hurricane Harvey came ashore in Texas. It flooded Baytown and other areas along the coast. Memorial Baptist Church's gym was used as a shelter for over 180 people. A deacon of the church named Robby Davis along with a team of other church members helped to clean out homes to be repaired. They moved furniture, cabinets, flooring and sheet rock. Some people did day labor, furnished food, washed clothes and provided places for victims of the storm to stay. Memorial North Campus was also flooded and on November 4, 2017, they were able to worship at that location again. On 25 February 2018, this church will celebrate being a century old. God has used Memorial Baptist Church as an amazing witness for 100 years and I am privileged to have such a place of worship in my district.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of World War II veteran and dear friend, Dr. Billy Joe Westbrook of Channelview, Texas. Dr. Westbrook went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2018 at the age of 91. He was born on November 8, 1926 in a house three miles west of Electra, Texas. His parents were caring and hardworking people who instilled those same qualities in their sons. His long life was defined by determination and honor and like his parents, he worked hard and gave much. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a medic, which led him to dentistry. He graduated from Midwestern University with a B.S. in Chemistry then earned a D.D.S from the University of Texas, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class. During the Korean War he entered the Air Force as a dental officer. After serving honorably, B.J. opened a dental practice in Columbus, Texas then moved to the Northeast area of Houston where he became heavily involved in its civic, political, medical and educational communities. In 1958, he and a group of local businessmen founded the Rotary Club of North Shore, Houston, Texas. Their signature event, the Rotary Club Catfish Crawfish Boil currently raises over $300,000 annually. B.J. was passionate about serving people above himself. He served on many state and collegiate boards and was president of the Harris County Fresh Water District 51 for fifty years. In recognition of his many contributions Westbrook Street, located in East Houston, was named after him. Though an avid hunter, fisherman, scuba diver and pilot, his first love was people. His vision, philanthropy and laughter made him an icon and hero to all who knew him. B.J. was married to Rosalie Westbrook for sixty years until she passed away in 2007. Their middle daughter, Marcie, died in 2015. He is survived by his two daughters Renee and Mickie, two brothers Ken and Floyd Westbrook, and host of adoring nephews, nieces and friends. My prayers are with the family and friends of Dr. Westbrook. He had a full life and will be missed

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. There is no question that the rule of law should require medical practitioners to treat babies born alive after a failed abortion with the same care they would treat any baby born at that same gestational age. Everyone in this body should agree that it is inhumane to willingly kill a baby who has been born alive. It's time to end this repugnant practice. Unfortunately, the left spread the lie that pro-life Republicans only care about life when it's in the womb and not once it's born--However, the bill before us is about protecting the born and alive and nearly all of its support comes from Republicans. No human being should be treated with such violence. Let's pass this bill and end this horrendous and unthinkable act.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember World War II veteran and American Fighter Ace, Lieutenant Commander Charles Edward ``Billy'' Watts, of Baytown who passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018. Mr. Watts was born November 14, 1921 in Ben Wheeler, Texas and grew up on the family farm. Billy attended Van public schools and attended East Texas State University in Commerce for two years. At the age of twenty, Mr. Watts enlisted in the United States Navy Air Corps. Watts flew an aircraft carrier-based fighter, the F6F Hellcat, as a member of fighter squadrons VF-17 and VF-18 in two major operations in the Pacific Theater. With 8\3/4\ confirmed kills, Lt. Cdr. Watts earned the designation as an American Fighter Ace. Of the more than sixty thousand American fighter pilots who have served since World War I, less than 1,500 have achieved the elite status of Fighter Ace. In 1947, Mr. Watts graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and began work in the Production Department for Humble Oil Company (later Exxon). He lived in and around the Houston area until transferring to Baytown in 1963. Billy finished his career in the Houston Office in 1982. Mr. Watts served as an active member and treasurer of both Grace United Methodist Church and later Cedar Bayou Grace United Methodist Church. He was a faithful church member and took numerous camping trips with the Methodist Camping Group. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Watts met his future wife Wanda Lee Dodson of Van, Texas and celebrated their seventy-second wedding anniversary on December 2, 2017. Billy is survived by his wife Wanda, three children, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Lt. Cdr. Watts was proud of his Naval service and was active with the American Fighter Aces Association and was one of four aces invited to the White House for the signing of The American Fighter Aces Congressional Gold Medal Act. A year later, Mr. Watts returned to the United States Capitol and received his Congressional Gold Medal. As his Congressman, and fellow veteran, it was a tremendous honor and privilege to meet Lt. Cdr. Watts and participate in the presentation of his Congressional Gold Medal. Lt. Cdr. Watts' many military decorations include: the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross with two Gold Stars, Purple Heart, the Air Medal with seven Gold Stars, and two Presidential citations for serving on the USS Bunker Hill and USS Hornet aircraft carriers. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Lieutenant Commander Charles Edward ``Billy'' Watts for his bravery, sacrifice, and service to our great nation. May God bless Mr. Watts, all of our World War II veterans, and all of those who have served or are currently serving.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, some folks in Washington are upset because we just passed the largest tax cut in American history. They think that this money is Washington's money and that politicians and bureaucrats should decide how to spend it. I couldn't disagree more. You and I know that this money belongs to the American people. It came out of their wallets. Under our new law, we put hardworking families first by helping them cope with the costs of raising children by doubling the child tax credit. We also help small businesses by cutting their taxes so that they can compete with foreign companies and create jobs right here in America. For those folks who don't think that they need an average extra $1,500 or more a year to spend, or who think that politicians and bureaucrats can spend their money better, I have a good solution: go ahead and drop your new refund check in the mail. Send it to the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS will be glad to take your money.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, some folks in Washington are upset because we just passed the largest tax cut in American history. They think this money is Washington's money and that politicians and bureaucrats should decide how to spend it. I could not disagree more. You and I know that this money belongs to the American people, came right out of their wallets. Under our new law, we put hardworking families first by helping them cope with the cost of raising children by doubling the child tax credit. We also help small businesses by cutting their taxes so that they can compete with foreign companies and create jobs right here in America. Well, for those folks who don't think they need an extra $1,500 or so, or who think politicians and bureaucrats can spend their money better, I have a solution: go ahead and drop your new refund check in the mail. Send it to the IRS. They will be glad to take your money.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Bettie J. Broussard Curtis, a distinguished educator and woman of profound spiritual convictions. Mrs. Curtis was born and raised in Orange, Texas to her parents Shelton and Ophelia Broussard. Coming from a family of thirteen, Mrs. Curtis learned a strong work ethic and faith in God from her parents which no doubt led to her success. Mrs. Curtis married her husband James Ilenton Curtis in 1963 and was married for 31 years before his demise. Mrs. Curtis received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education from Wiley College and a Master of Education Degree in Business from Texas Southern University in Houston. While pursuing her advanced studies she taught at both Texas Southern and Lamar University. Mrs. Curtis is best known for her 56 years as a business education teacher for West Orange-Cove CISD where she inspired her students with her beautiful smile, gracious demeanor, and the skills necessary for success in the global workplace. The school district honored her by naming the new elementary school library the Bettie J. Curtis Library. Mrs. Curtis has always shown a strong commitment to civic and political organizations throughout her community--she was named the first African American to serve as President of District V Texas State Teachers Association as well as involvement in National Education Association, Texas Business and Technology Educators Association, National Business Education Association, NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Top Ladies of Distinction. Mrs. Curtis has also received countless awards including Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Educator and Woman of the Year at Mount Olive Baptist Church just to name a few. On Saturday, January 13, 2018 Mrs. Curtis will be presented with the Blossoming Minds MLK Gala Legend Award, and for this I congratulate her. This award is a testament to her passionate service to others and unwavering commitment to her community and faith in God. It is my privilege to honor her for this special achievement and incredible career.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank a great woman for her military service and to recognize her unprecedented accomplishments, Senior Airman Katie Mae Cogbill of the United States Air Force. Airman Cogbill was born on November 26, 1989 in Big Spring, Texas to Vickie Scales and Wayne Dial. Airman Cogbill exemplifies all that is right with our young people of today and is an example of the great accomplishments one can achieve with determination and dedication. After graduating from Bridge City High School, Katie married her husband, Daniel and on July 29, 2010 their son Barrett was born. That is when the course of Airman Cogbill's life changed and little did she know her destiny defined. Barrett was diagnosed with Autism and Katie's fight for resources to help her son began. While fighting financial stress and a lack of resources, Katie's strength and hope never wavered. Her love, tenacity and dedication to her family led her to join the United States Air Force in 2014. In addition to financial stability, Katie receives therapy benefits for Barrett and was shown that the Air Force fulfills its promise to take care of its people. Barrett now exceeds expectations and thrives. Today, Katie is known as Senior Airman Katie Cogbill, 19th Medical Operations Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base where she works as an Aerospace Medical Services Technician and is responsible for the patients of the Women's Health Clinic. Katie's Air Force career is impressive and she has received several awards and recognition for her work ethic and dedication to her patients. Her most impressive and recent award was the 2017 Air Force Medical Service Aerospace Medical Technician of the Year for Air Medical Command, coined by 19th, MDG Commander, Col. Dawn Brooks. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Airman Cogbill for this prestigious award and thank her for her selfless service to our great nation and the United States Air Force.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, millions of American truck drivers helped elect President Trump last November, and I am calling on him to step in and give them a hand. President Obama left office back in January, but a $2 billion regulation that he wrote in 2015 to require electronic tracking devices be put in every truck in America is still scheduled to go into effect this Monday. Yes, an Obama regulation that shamefully seems to remain on the books is going into effect this Monday under a Republican Congress and White House. The Department of Transportation can give a 90-day waiver for all truckers from this mandate, giving several waivers for specific industries, including one just this week. Instead of offering fairness and relief, they are picking winners and losers. Millions of American truckers are pleading 24/7 for relief from this mandate using the hashtag #eldorme, but it has fallen on deaf ears at the Department of Transportation. Mr. President, you call the shots in this administration. Please issue an executive order today and instruct the Department of Transportation to give all truckers relief from this mandate for 3 months. Don't implement this colossal Obama mandate a week before Christmas.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Baytown Sun for its designation as an official Texas State Historical Marker. The Baytown Sun can trace its roots to the weekly newspaper The Goose Creek Gasser, established by Frank Boyer in 1919, two months before construction began on the Humble Oil & Refining Company's Baytown Refinery. The Gasser was created to serve the rapidly growing tri-cities of Goose Creek, Pelly, and Baytown, which evolved from oil boom towns to a permeant community. In 1924, new ownership the paper's name to the semi-weekly tribune, and again in 1929 to the daily tribune, when it's circulation was around 4,500. The financial strain of the great depression led the owners of Goose Creek's Tribune, The Pelly Telegram, and Baytown's Tri-Cities News- Herald to merge into a single paper, the Tri-Cities Sun, operating out of the Tribune's building. First published on July 19, 1931, it was renamed The Daily Sun two years later. Goose Creek, Pelly and Baytown consolidated in 1948, and the paper, renamed The Baytown Sun, became the sole daily newspaper in the old tri-cities area. In 1949, the facility was greatly expanded, including a new press and, for the first time an air conditioned work space. That year, The Sun surpassed a circulation of 8,000 and employed forty individuals. In 1965 the sun moved to its current location. The first papers printed at the new location went out to more than 12,700 subscribers. Longtime Publishers and editors of the Sun included William Pendergraft, Robert Matherne, Fred Hartman, and Preston Pendergrass. Janie Gray has served as Publisher since 2010. Since 1919, The Baytown Sun and its predecessors have primarily focused on the area's local news and history, while providing readers with matters of state, national and international importance. Today, The Baytown Sun covers Southeast Harris County, Chambers County, and Southeast Liberty County. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize The Baytown Sun on its designation as a Texas State Historical Marker.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of the NASA Johnson Space Center. Since opening in 1992, Space Center Houston has welcomed nearly twenty million visitors and currently hosts nearly one million visitors annually in its 250,000 square-foot educational complex. The Manned Space Flight Foundation, a private entity separate from NASA, funds Space Center Houston, its educational programs and the preservation of artifacts in its space science museum. Educational emphasis is placed on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a fun and engaging way At Space Center Houston you can see the history and future of human spaceflight under one roof and it is the only Smithsonian Affiliate museum in Houston. The Visitor's Center is home to a one-of-a-kind exhibit displaying the world's only shuttle replica (Independence) mounted on an original Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (NASA 905). For the first time, only at Space Center Houston, you can see the spacecraft from the first and last lunar landings under the same roof. Currently, Space Center Houston is partnering with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to display both the Apollo 11 and Apollo 17 command modules to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of our nation's extraordinary achievement of man's first step on the Moon in 1969. Through Space Center Houston, the foundation can teach future generations how far we've come with the space program and emphasize how far we have to go to touch the rest of our universe. Mr. Speaker, as the Congressman who represents Space Center Houston, and as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space, it is my distinct honor to recognize Space Center Houston on this milestone occasion.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Our bill allows law-abiding citizens who are qualified to carry concealed firearms in one State to also carry in other States that allow residents to do so. Constitutional rights do not end at State lines, and this must include an individual's ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights. A recent survey shows that 73 percent of Americans agree and support concealed carry reciprocity. The current system is simply too confusing and, unfortunately, results in some concealed carry permit holders to unknowingly break the law and suffer arrest while preventing others from carrying across State lines at all. Our bill corrects this infringement on Americans' Second Amendment rights and allows concealed carry permit holders the ability to travel freely between the States, just like a driver's license. As a lifelong gun owner and fervent supporter of the Second Amendment, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill and empower law-abiding citizens with the ability to exercise their constitutional rights as they travel across State lines.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of World War II veteran Broughton ``Brodie'' Hand who passed away on October 27, 2017 at 97 years of age. Brodie was born in 1920 to Baptist minister, Rev. and Mrs. L. J. Hand. Brodie, the middle son out of 5 boys and 1 girl, came to Anahuac, TX in 1924. He attended Anahuac High School where he was voted Best All Around his senior year in 1939. After graduation, Brodie enrolled in Marshall College which is now East Texas Baptist University. When World War II began, Brodie felt the call to serve his country and left college to enlist in the United States Army on October 15, 1942. He volunteered for the paratroopers and went to jump training at Ft. Blanding, FL. After jump school he was assigned to the 508th Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division with C Company. He was shipped to Belfast, Ireland for more training and then to Nottingham, England where they were stationed at the foot of Nottingham Castle. Since the company was short on demolition sergeants, Brodie was trained for the job before he was shipped to France. On the night of June 5, 1944, Broughton Hand prepared to go to war. The mission given to the 82nd Airborne when they landed in France was to seal off the bridges on the Douve and Merderet Rivers. Problems started early when the planes ran into a fog bank that nearly made them run into each other. After veering from their planned flight pattern to avoid collision, the 82nd Airborne had to jump in an area far from the one they had prepared for. Brodie jumped from about 600 feet up and as soon as his chute opened he was landing in the tops of the trees. He managed to cut his chute loose and met up with other men in his company headed northeast. They came across Douve River where they attempted to blow the bridge, but could not due to increased German activity in the area. Brodie and his men were able to take three German's as prisoners, which would prove to save their lives. On June 9th, Brodie and his squad went back to blow the bridge, but instead ran into a German tank on the way. After running out of ammunition, Brodie's Lieutenant got one of their German prisoners to call out ``we surrender'' in German. Brodie spent the next 11 months as a Prisoner of War. He worked, as a POW, cleaning up bombed cities and working in coal mines. He was finally able to send a pre-typed postcard to his parents informing them that he was a POW over 70 days after his capture. On April 22, 1945, Brodie was at a hospital in Nuremberg, Germany recovering from a leg injury when General Patton's troops swept through the area returning him to American hands. Broughton returned to Anahuac, after the end of the war, and married Lillian, his wife of 66 years. Together they had three children, Phoebe, Myra and Lynn. Throughout his life, he worked as a salesman for different companies. Brodie upheld his civic duty proudly and stayed active in his community and church until his death last month. He was past Commander of the Texas Golden Triangle Chapter of EX-POWs, past Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the order of the Purple Heart, and past Commander of the Freeman Spath Post 104 of the American Legion with continuous membership of over 70 years. He served on the Governor's Prisoner of War Advisory Committee, and was the Chambers County Veterans Service Officer for 13 years. Broughton Hand lived a full honorable life devoted to his family, country and God. It is a privilege to have been able to represent such a person in my District. I want to extend my thanks to him and his family for their selfless service and will keep them in my prayers.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, today is a good day for hardworking Americans. We are considering legislation that let's taxpayers keep more of their paycheck to save, spend, and invest as they see fit. Our bill--the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act--will overhaul our broken tax code and finally put the American taxpayer first. Because we can all agree that hardworking taxpayers are the losers under the current system. Right now, our tax code rewards lawyers, lobbyists and loopholes--while leaving hardworking families and job creators behind. The bill we are considering today will change all of that. To me, there is only one special interest group that matters--and that is the American people. That's why we simplify the tax code and cut taxes for all Americans to ensure hardworking Americans--like the people I represent in Southeast Texas--can keep more of their hard-earned money. It has been more than 30 years since the last time we overhauled our tax code. And since then it has grown to more than 70,000 pages. I like to put it this way . . . our current tax code is now longer than the Bible with none of the good news. Over the past 30 years, Washington has piled up all these carveouts and loopholes for special interests--making things far too complicated and far too expensive for hardworking families. This needs to end--and today the House will take a historic step to fix that and deliver long overdue tax relief to the American people. Here are the details: First, we get rid of loopholes. Then we use that money to lower taxes. And then, we simplify the code altogether. Now, instead of seven confusing tax brackets and carveouts, there will be just four--making things so simple that you can file your taxes on a postcard. Importantly, we also double the standard deduction, increase the child tax credit, eliminate the Death Tax, and preserve the home mortgage interest deduction. In addition--to help create more good jobs right here in America--we lower the tax rate on job creators from 35 percent down to 20 percent. Today, many of America's biggest job producers face the highest tax rate in the world--which makes America less competitive and forces jobs overseas. We fix that in our bill--because we want companies to invest, grow and produce jobs right here in America. We also reduce the tax rate on the income earned by small businesses to no more than 25 percent--the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II. Folks, let's not forget. When we reformed the tax system over 30 years ago, it led to an explosion in jobs and economic growth. With the passage of this bill, we will be on the verge of achieving such greatness again. This is an exciting time--and the American people deserve some good news. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly follow our lead and get a bill passed so we can deliver a tax relief bill to the American people before Christmas. For more details on our bill, please visit www.FairAndSimple.GOP. Thank you--and God bless.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday was the International Day of the Bible, and this week we are celebrating the National Bible Week across the United States. It is very fitting that we take time today on the floor of the People's House to draw our nation's attention to the Bible. In his book Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers, Dr. Daniel Dreisbach reminds us of the influential role the Bible served in the lives, thoughts and ideas of our nation's Founding Fathers. The Bible was the most accessible book to our Founding Fathers and gave them insights on human nature, civic virtue, political authority, and the rights and duties of citizens that informed them as they formulated established the structures of government. On a more personal level, I believe that the Bible is not simply an inspirational book or a comforting book--although it is that. But, I believe the Bible to be the holy word of God. It tells us the story of God's love for us. It is a story of redemption for those who would put their faith and trust in Christ alone. 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.'' For me, as a follower of Jesus Christ, this is not only comforting and inspiring but it is True and the Bible is a guide for my life. Each day--and the older I get--I am reminded of the comforting Truth in Job Chapter 19. Written centuries before the birth, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, we were told of our redeemer. The one who would save us. 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! Job 19:25-27 This promise reminds me of the Lord's love for me--no matter what the circumstances of life. Maybe it's been a while since you poured over the pages of the Bible. Maybe it's been collecting dust on a shelf. Take it down and read once again the truthful and comforting words of God preserved for us and given to us as a gift. I thank my colleagues for reserving this time for me to join you in sharing what the Bible means to me and hundreds of millions of others across the world.

Mr. BABIN

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.