John Carter

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my support for the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, 2020, as it is included in H.R. 1865. The bill includes a total of $11.315 billion for military construction projects and military family housing. This is $1.05 billion above the FY19 enacted level and includes $1.045 billion in funding for the Services' unfunded priority projects. At the Subcommittee's first hearing for the FY20 appropriations cycle in February 2019, we heard from the Senior Enlisted leader in each Service. Each of them testified about the need to ensure clean, safe and quality housing and childcare facilities for Servicemembers and their families. I'm pleased this bill maintains the additional $141 million included in the House-passed bill to help the Services improve oversight of privatized military housing, as well as the additional $33 million for the Services to speed up planning and design for childcare centers where they are most urgently needed. The bill includes a total of $233 million for the Energy Conservation and Infrastructure Resilience Initiative. With this funding, the bill funds 7 projects on the Services' unfunded priority list. The bill also includes nearly $400 million in the Base Closure account to clean up former military installations. Some of these installations have PFOS/ PFOA contamination in their drinking water supplies. The bill provides an additional $60 million for cleanup efforts. I am thrilled to mention that the bill provides a total of $67 million for urgent projects at Fort Hood. This includes $32 million for a new barracks; $18.5 million for a vehicle bridge; and $16.5 million for the Central Energy Plant. This is good news for the home of the Army's premier heavy armor units and good news for the surrounding communities. We have a lot to do to reinvest in Fort Hood and its soldiers, civilians and families. I am already looking forward to continuing this effort next year. For the Department of Veterans Affairs, the bill provides a total of $92 million for Veterans programs. Recognizing the scourge of Veteran suicides, the bill includes $9.4 billion, an increase of $20 million above the budget request, for mental health and suicide prevention programs. It also includes $800 million for medical and prosthetic research, an increase of $21 million above FY19, and for the first time carves out a specific amount of funding ($585 million) for women Veterans' health care. The bill provides a total of $15.3 billion to fully fund implementation of the MISSION Act (Medical Community Care) and includes funding to provide for Veterans now eligible for benefits and care under the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. The bill provides $1.5 billion for VA to continue to develop an interoperable electronic health record system and maintains the strong reporting and oversight guidelines to ensure the efforts stays on track and on budget. It also includes a new provision that limits VA's research that uses canines, felines, and non-human primates. The bill includes funding for four agencies that provide a unique and important service to the Nation's Veterans. They are the American Battle Monuments Commission, the Army's National Military Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. While the allocation would not permit significant funding increases for these agencies, the Subcommittee does continue to support their unique missions. It is fair to say the Subcommittee strongly support Arlington National Cemetery and its Southern Expansion. We firmly believe the Cemetery must remain available into the 2050 timeframe to serve Veterans. Importantly, the bill provides more than $6.22 billion in emergency funding to repair damage from earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes that affected military installations in 2018 and 2019. China Lake Naval Weapons Station, Camp Lejeune, and Tyndall and Offutt Air Force Bases sustained significant damage in these storms. Without this funding, our national security will suffer as these installations are struggling to fully execute their missions. In closing, I would like to thank the Subcommittee's Chairwoman for her commitment to our bill and her willingness to work across party and regional lines. I also extend my great appreciation to the Subcommittee's majority staff, Matt Washington, Sarah Young, Jenny Hollrah, Nicole Cohen, and Keihysha Cenord, as well as the Subcommittee's minority staff, Betsy Bina and Kiya Batmanglidj, for their expertise, generosity, and support for America's Servicemen and women and our Nation's Veterans. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I'm honored to recognize the incredible life and achievements of Alice Sefcik Sulak of Temple, Texas. Her contributions to the region, as well as her commitment to maintaining the proud traditions of her Czech ancestry, have made her a beloved member of the Central Texas community. Renowned for both her singing voice as well as her abilities to play multiple instruments, Alice was one of Texas' pioneering Czech vocalists who distinguished herself as an accomplished and respected musician with a distinctive and recognizable style. Throughout her life, she both mentored young musicians and helped popularize Czech music throughout Texas. Alice remains a vital member of the Temple community. In 1923, her parents built Tom Sefcik Hall, a classic Texas dance hall. Alice grew up working at the hall, and in 1970 she took over the operation, which she continues to run today. Sefcik Hall is a community gathering place and the site of countless first dates, weddings, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, and family reunions. While the number of dance halls across Texas are dwindling, the lights remain on at Sefcik Hall, where new memories are made every day. Recognizing her invaluable contributions, the City of Temple has proclaimed November 17, 2019 as ``Alice Sefcik Sulak Day.'' She is truly a local treasure and a fitting recipient of our recognition and appreciation. Her commitment to investing her gifts, talents, and abilities to improve her community is a deeply held creed that speaks to the generosity of a true and devoted citizen. Alice Sefcik Sulak's life is the story of a woman unafraid to chase her passions and devote her time to make good communities great. I join all Temple residents in celebrating her on this special day.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and work of Marlene DiLillo, the former Executive Director of the Greater Killeen Community Clinic, as she retires after years of incredible public service. With her ``can-do'' spirit and high-minded vision, she's a model citizen and trusted community leader. During Marlene's nearly two decades as manager of a medical clinic, she has always shown great respect and support for both staff and colleagues as well as a willingness to make tough decisions. As the Executive Director, she worked tirelessly to nurture relationships with other community organizations, by convening and collaborating around community needs, and actively participating with government agencies, nonprofits, businesses and community leaders, and elected officials. Marlene signs all her emails with the stirring words ``Our job is not to climb the ladder of success, but to descend the ladder of servanthood.'' All who've been blessed by her presence know that to her this isn't a meaningless expression but a deep and lasting creed that has been the guiding force of the life of a true and devoted public servant. Marlene DiLillo's retirement is the richly-deserved beginning of an exciting journey. I join her colleagues, family, and friends in honoring her career, commending her commitment to public service, and wishing my friend nothing but the best in the years ahead.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4378, the continuing resolution. I wish we were here to pass FY20 appropriations bills, but the fact of the matter is we are delayed. We need to pass this bill to ensure the government continues to operate. This is especially important for the critical functions of our government, such as national defense, homeland security, and serving our veterans. It will also ensure the men and women serving the Nation, including my soldiers at Fort Hood, are paid on time. This is imperative and by itself is enough reason to support this bill. Passage of this bill will give us time to finalize our FY20 appropriations process. I look forward to working with my friend from Florida, the chairwoman of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, to finish our bill. I am ready to go to work. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this continuing resolution.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Edna Rehbein, Assistant Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Texas State University, as she retires after 21 years of incredible public service. With her ``can-do'' spirit and high-minded vision, she's a model citizen and trusted community leader. Renown for her expertise in Spanish and Spanish-American Literature, Edna has distinguished herself as a gifted educator and natural-born leader who has made a lasting impact on both her beloved university and the greater Round Rock, TX community. She's always shown tremendous respect and support for both students and colleagues while working tirelessly to make Texas State University Round Rock a world-class educational institution. She was the first director of the campus and started it from a program with just 5 classes that met at a local high school, to the program it is today with over 2,000 students and three state-of-the art buildings on 101 acres in northeast Round Rock. Outside of teaching, Edna contributes her expertise to various civic organizations in Central Texas. She represents Texas State University on community boards and organizations, including the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board, Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Board, and was a founding member of the Round Rock Arts Council. She is also on the Board of Trustees of her alma mater, Randolph (Macon Woman's) College, in Lynchburg, VA, and is active at King of King's Lutheran Church. Her work to contribute her considerable energies to these worthy causes represent the best of Texas' generous spirit. Dr. Edna Rehbein's retirement is the richly-deserved beginning of an exciting journey. I join her former students, colleagues, family, and friends in honoring her career, commending her commitment to education, and wishing my friend nothing but the best in the years ahead.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Gohmert, for yielding. I rise today to honor my dear friend, Congressman Richard Hudson of North Carolina. Congressman Hudson served as my chief of staff from 2006 to 2008 and is now forging his own path right here on Capitol Hill. Some time ago, Congressman Hudson gave me a hard time about other Members being recognized as ``Honorary Texans'' by Governor Abbott. Well, after speaking with the Governor, we have gone one step further with our recognition here today, and I am pleased to swear in Admiral Richard L. Hudson to the Texas Navy. I will now read the certificate granting his commission: ``In the name and by the authority of The State of Texas to all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings. Know ye, that Richard Hudson is hereby commissioned an honorary Admiral in the Texas Navy with all rights and privileges appertaining thereto and with the duty of assisting in the preservation of the history, boundaries, water resources, and defense of the State. ``In testimony whereof, I have signed my name and caused the Seal of the State of Texas to be affixed at the City of Austin, this the 10th day of May, 2019.'' Signed: Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas. I am now going to read the oath that Mr. Hudson will take as he takes this commission: ``I, Richard Hudson, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of Texas against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States, the Governor of Texas, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. And I will remember the Alamo. So help me God.''

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Hudson.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I'm honored that Dell Technologies, one of the world's leading technology companies, has called Round Rock, TX home for the last quarter century. The impacts they've made on the region and state are rivaled only by the extraordinary innovations they've made in the demanding world of cutting-edge high technology. Knowing that Central Texas was the ideal place to plant roots and grow, Dell Computer Corporation broke ground on a new campus in Round Rock, Texas on August 2, 1994. Since then, the company has exploded to the global scale, employing 145,000 people worldwide and making enormous contributions to the technology revolution that has defined our changing times. Dell Technologies has brought prosperity and growth to the Texas city it calls horne. A once-small Texas town now has more than 125,000 residents and is regularly ranked in the highest tier of the nation's safest and most family-friendly cities. Dell Technologies fully embodies the Texas spirit of generosity, annually donating $13 million to local charities, and its employees dedicate more than 200,000 volunteer hours. Through its work providing technology support to Round Rock businesses, government, and schools to hosting the Round Rock Express AAA minor league baseball team at Dell Diamond Stadium, Dell Technologies has made lasting and positive impacts. What has benefitted Round Rock benefits the rest of Texas. Dell Technologies supports more than 70,000 jobs statewide with wages nearly ninety percent higher than the state average. This commitment to excellent pay reaps dividends as every $100 in Dell Technologies employee wages drives about $200 of additional wages across the state. All this leads to a staggering economic contribution to Texas of around $10 billion. I salute Dell Technologies' success, am glad we share the same home town, and wish this vital pillar of the Texas economy the brightest of futures. I join all Central Texans as we look forward to years of transformation and prosperity as Dell Technologies continues growing a global business in the wonderful city of Round Rock.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I'm honored to recognize the fifteenth Sergeant Major of the Army, Sergeant Major Daniel A. Dailey, for his extraordinary service to our Nation. Sergeant Major of the Army Dailey will soon relinquish his responsibilities as the United States Army's Senior Enlisted Leader and will then retire from the Army after a long and distinguished career. A native of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, SMA Dailey enlisted in the Army in 1989 and attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training as an Infantryman at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his career, SMA Dailey has held every enlisted leadership position within mechanized infantry branch, ranging from Bradley Fighting Vehicle Commander to his current role. SMA Dailey was sworn in as the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army on January 30, 2015. In this demanding role , Sergeant Major Dailey is the Army Chief of Staff's adviser on all matters affecting the enlisted force. He tirelessly devotes much of his time traveling throughout the Army to observe training and talk with Soldiers and their Families. He represents the U.S. Army on a variety of councils and boards that make decisions affecting enlisted Soldiers and their Families. Known for understanding the ground truth at the Soldier level he is routinely invited to testify before Congress to provide his unique perspective. SMA Dailey is the public face of the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, representing the Corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements. Sergeant Major of the Army Dailey is a shining example of Army Values and embodies the Noncommissioned Officer's Creed. Competence is indeed Sergeant Major Dailey's watchword, and his commitment to doing what good NCOs do, accomplishing the mission taking care of his teammates, is unparalleled. It has been a pleasure to know and serve with Sergeant Major Dailey during his time as the Sergeant Major of the Army. On behalf of a grateful Nation, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of Sergeant Major of the Army Dailey and his family. I wish him the very best as he begins this new chapter of his life.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, I thank my friend for yielding. Madam Chair, today I rise in strong support of the Ruppersberger- Carter amendment to help secure the energy infrastructure. Now is the time to address electrical grid security. Grid attacks are a powerful weapon in the cyber toolkit of really bad actors. As the two previous speakers said, a cyberattack in Ukraine wiped out their power grid, and over 225,000 people were without power. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence in their 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment makes numerous mentions of our adversaries' mapping out grid systems, identifying our weaknesses, and developing the very real and deadly capacity to attack our grid system. A targeted attack on our Nation could be devastating. Securing our energy infrastructure is especially critical in Texas which maintains an independent electric grid.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas is located in Taylor, Texas, which is about 19 miles from my house, and it manages 90 percent of my home State's electrical load. Understanding where our system's weak spots are will enhance ERCOT's work to ensure that we have the most stable and secure energy network in the world. Our amendment addresses the serious topic of electrical grid security by leveraging the unique aspects of national laboratories to establish solutions to defend the United States energy grid from attacks and to ensure the resiliency of operation during and after an event. It establishes a 2-year pilot program to study and identify new classes of security vulnerabilities, and research and test technologies that could be used to isolate the most critical systems from cyberattacks. It creates working groups to develop a national cyber-informed strategy to protect our energy grids. This amendment is a commonsense approach to solving grid security. I am proud to work across the aisle with my good friend and colleague, Dutch Ruppersberger, on this important issue. Madam Chair, I urge support of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on the occasion of the passing of a great American hero, a gentle giant, a man who spoke his mind when he needed to and stood for what was right. Now I am convinced, knowing his faith, he is among the angels. Ross Perot was a man who cared about Americans. He was a great American, and a great Texan with a heart as big as Texas. And the things that Ms. Granger said were absolutely the truth and a great story about Ross Perot. But an untold story, because he pretty much kept it untold, is how many times Ross Perot would hear about and help a wounded soldier, or an unfortunate American wherever they may be, who had problems with healthcare, or problems with medical bills. In my district, there was a wounded soldier who was totally incapacitated and had no way to get around except in a wheelchair, and Ross Perot, without any public acknowledgment, looking for no fame for his good, kind heart, provided for his needs. He would pay the hospital bills. In the case of that young man, a young soldier in Round Rock, he provided him with a van which was wheelchair accessible without disclosing who gave the gift, other than: ``I want to make sure this young man can get around.'' Those stories go on and on in every State in this Union. Mr. Perot was a man who cared about the American citizens and our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen, wherever they may be. If they were in need of his help, he was there for them. So, today, we have lost an American hero, a great human being. He will be missed by many, and he will be missed by me. He left a legacy of a wonderful family who has the same kind of strong, productive heart that makes things happen in this world, and cares about America. Many of us wonder if what we did in our life would really matter. Ross Perot didn't have to worry about that. Everything he did mattered, not only to our country, but to a lot of individuals who were in need. We were blessed by the life of Ross Perot, and he will be missed.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes. It could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I proudly salute Colonel David R. Gibson as he retires after 33 years of honorable service. Throughout his extraordinary military career, COL Gibson embodied the duty, honor, and loyalty that makes the U.S. Army the world's premier fighting force. COL Gibson's commitment to investing his gifts, talents, and abilities in service of his nation is a deeply held creed that speaks to the generosity and activism of a true and devoted patriot. Throughout his career, he earned numerous academic and military accolades that garnered the respect and admiration of his peers. His resume tells the story of a man unafraid to embrace the challenges that forge the leaders our nation needs. Retirement is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but the beginning of a new adventure. I thank Colonel David R. Gibson for his service and dedication to our great nation. I proudly join his family, friends, and colleagues in wishing him nothing but the best for his richly-deserved retirement.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, I rise in support of the en bloc amendment. Let me thank the chairwoman of my subcommittee, my good friend from Florida, for her efforts to put this bipartisan amendment together. It improves and strengthens the bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the minority leader of the United States House.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, I yield 45 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Hice).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Johnson).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Abraham).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Steil).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill), who will be batting cleanup.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chairwoman, may I ask how much time is remaining.