Member of Congress

John Carter

Role
Current Representative
State
TX
Party
Republican

Speeches

HONORING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ROOSEVELT HUGGINS, U.S. ARMY, RETIRED2015-10-21

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Command Sergeant Major Roosevelt Huggins, U.S. Army, Retired. It brings me great pride to highlight the life of this great American. CSM Huggins' service to his beloved nation began July 19, 1961, where he entered the Army at Ft. Hood, Texas. Upon his promotion to Sergeant in Okinawa, Japan, CSM Huggins was shipped out to Vietnam in 1965, where he would serve two tours. On November 6, 1966 while participating in Operation ``Eagle Shot Cow'' his battery was overrun by a Vietnamese Battalion. For his valiant efforts in Vietnam, CSM Huggins was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Award with Valor. After Vietnam CSM Huggins was called to lead and teach in a variety of roles. From 1975-1981 CSM Huggins was assigned to Ft. Carlson, Colorado where he attended a boxing camp. There, he learned the skills that would bring Army Boxing back to Ft. Hood Texas. CSM Huggins retired August 1, 1991 after more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Army that spanned five countries, war-time conflicts, and multiple states that called him to learn, lead, and teach his fellow soldiers the discipline and skills necessary to defend a nation. CSM Huggins continued his proud tradition of service to his fellow man after his retirement. In 1997 CSM Huggins organized the first Back to School--Stay in School program designed to promote both youth and adult education. CSM Huggins has served as a role model for youth and adults alike. I am proud to have such a man residing right here in Texas so dedicated to the uplifting and betterment of the community in which he lives, works, and serves. May we all remember and honor this fine example of humility and service. I join CSM Huggins' wife Charmaine, their two sons, three granddaughters, family, and friends in wishing him nothing but the best in the years ahead.

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HONORING SERGEANT MAJOR GUADALUPE LOPEZ, U.S. ARMY, RETIRED2015-10-21

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished service in both the military and civilian life of Sergeant Major Guadalupe Lopez, U.S. Army, Retired. SGM Lopez has served with distinction as a guardian of this great nation for over 26 years. Today SGM Lopez continues his service to the country he loves in many capacities in the Killeen--Fort Hood community. SGM Lopez entered the U.S. Army in September 1954. While he served in a multitude of capacities, his fondest memories are of the tour he served in Vietnam. SGM Lopez spent most of his time planning tactical operations against the enemy on the front lines. While in Vietnam, SGM Lopez was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions on Nov 20, 1969 when his helicopter came under heavy fire. SGM Lopez retired in March of 1980. While the days of a regimented life in uniform have passed, he still finds ways to serve his fellow soldiers. SGM Lopez served as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of America Post Commander for four years. Today SGM Lopez serves as a member of the Ft. Hood Retiree Council, a position assumed in 2008. SGM Lopez is also well known for his work as the co-chairman of the Killeen Veteran's Day Parade and the Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Central Texas Veteran's Cemetery since 2007. While the long list of accomplishments and service rendered to his fellow soldiers is too lengthy to be enumerated here, I will use SGM Lopez' own words to convey the sense of dedication he has to his friends and veterans: ``We are soldiers for life; we hung up only the suit, we're still connected.'' I commend SGM Lopez for his selfless service to his nation and to the United States Army. His leadership has positively impacted soldiers and families that he has served. May we all strive to live a life full of service such as his.

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HONORING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ALBERT L. CAMPBELL, U.S. ARMY, RETIRED2015-10-21

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Command Sergeant Major Albert L. Campbell, U.S. Army, Retired of Round Rock, Texas, as a recipient of the Texas 31st District Congressional Veteran Commendation. CSM Campbell answered the call to defend our great nation for over 30 years in the United States Army. Today he lives in Round Rock, Texas where he continues his service to his fellow countrymen as a vibrant part of this growing central Texas community. Born in Greenwood, SC CSM Campbell left the 11th grade and entered the Army in 1950. After rigorous training at Ft. Benning, GA, he was assigned to K Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team and stationed in Japan. CSM Campbell earned the Combat Infantrymen's Badge and Bronze Star for heroism fighting in Korea. Following his assignment in Japan and Korea, CSM Albert L. Campbell served as the Platoon Sergeant for the 2nd Platoon, Company C, 508th of the 82nd Airborne, where he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. CSM Campbell would continue his leadership ascension as an instructor at West Point preparatory School at Ft. Belvoir, VA, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and Howard University in Washington, DC. CSM Campbell rounded out his military service in Ft. Hood, Texas where he retired in 1980. CSM Campbell's service and sense of duty did not end with his military service. CSM Campbell traded his guns for crosses as a Deacon at the One Way Baptist Church, in Round Rock, Texas. Family and Service to God and Country remain at the center of his life. CSM Campbell continues his longstanding commitment to helping those in need whether physically as a caregiver or emotionally at Round Rock Independent School District's Opportunity Center, where he helps troubled children participate in the mainstream educational process. I am stirred with the strongest sense of pride and honor as an American that I should have the opportunity to highlight the life of a true servant of the people. All should marvel and stand proud of an American who so strongly answered the call to serve. CSM Campbell's patriotism and commitment to service reflect the very best values of both our beloved military servicemen and Central Texas. Let today be a celebration of one of our nation's heroes, one who devoted his life to keeping us free and making America a beacon of hope in the world. Along with his friends, family, and loved ones, I wish him both a happy, prosperous, and healthy life in the years ahead.

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TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JOHN M. McHUGH2015-10-01

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, Congressman Ruppersberger, and the House Army Caucus, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable John M. McHugh, former Member of the House, colleague, and friend, on the eve of his departure as one of the longest serving Secretaries of the Army in U.S. history. After over 42 years of public service, Secretary McHugh leaves our Army and our Nation safer and more secure. His tireless advocacy and bold leadership for our Soldiers, Civilians, and their Family Members is legendary. From improvements in family and mental health programs to unprecedented strides to combat sexual assault and suicide, John has truly earned the reputation as ``The Soldier's Secretary.'' Having served as the House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, Congressman McHugh's thoughtful, determined, and visionary leadership ensured the security of our Nation. As a Representative from New York's 24th and later the 23rd Districts, John ensured that cutting-edge facilities, upgrades, and programs directly supported our Warfighters. Fort Drum is but one example; it is truly the ``House that McHugh Built.'' He ensured the 10th Mountain Division had all the tools required to be at the tip of the spear for our Nation's defense. John made unprecedented strides as the Co-Chair of the Army Caucus for over 15 years and served as a critical member of the West Point Board of Visitors. He was a dynamic leader in this House, a trusted Representative of his constituents, and an amazing advocate for our Soldiers and our country's national security. During his tenure as the second-longest serving Secretary in history, John was at the forefront of national and international strategy, military policy, and Soldier programs. His expert leadership, bold initiatives, and pragmatic management ensured that our Army remained the finest fighting force the world has ever known. John presided over some of the toughest missions the Army has ever faced. He oversaw the largest retrograde in military history as our troops departed Iraq, held the Army together as it was hit by sequestration, and worked tirelessly to reorganize, revamp, and restructure our force. Secretary McHugh led these efforts with distinction as our Soldiers conducted simultaneous combat operations around the world. Secretary McHugh's determination, devotion, and love of our Service Members also ensured that our most sacred and hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery, overcame years of neglect to become the epitome of a well-run and well-led resting place for our Nation's heroes. In fact, it is now the gold standard for cemetery administration because of his personal and unwavering commitment and leadership. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is safe and secure because of the drive, determination, and leadership of Secretary John M. McHugh. Today, we join with all Americans in our profound admiration and deep respect for this true Patriot. We thank Secretary McHugh for his dedication and sacrifice and wish him the fullest measure of peace and happiness as he enters the next phase of his life.

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PROTECT THE SANCTITY OF LIFE2015-09-17

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the two pieces of legislation aimed at fighting evil and protecting the sanctity of life. I have seen the horrendous videos showing the grotesque practice of harvesting and selling preborn baby body parts that Planned Parenthood executives now condone and encourage. This evil practice must stop. Taxpayers should not be responsible for funding an organization that aborts babies, negotiates deals to sell body parts, and lets babies that have survived abortion be left to die on the operating table. As a former judge, I have dealt with countless murder cases, and this is murder in my book. Planned Parenthood received 40 percent of their total revenue from taxpayers. How much longer are we going to permit Planned Parenthood to murder on the taxpayer dime? Rest assured, the House is conducting an investigation on Planned Parenthood. We will do everything in our power to hold these criminals accountable for their actions. I implore my colleagues to support these two bills and protect the sanctity of life before and after birth.

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CELEBRATING NANCY BOSTON2015-09-16

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the vision, leadership, and quarter century of political activism of Nancy Boston of Bell County, TX. Her dedication to both her nation and her Party are no small part of the reason the Lone Star State is friendly territory for Republicans. Political parties thrive off the efforts of dedicated volunteers and individuals who take time from their busy lives to devote themselves to a larger cause. It's rarely glamorous work. Party soldiers stuff envelopes, walk door-to- door for candidates, and devote long hours in the most elemental parts of the electoral process. Through the years, Nancy has never shied away from this hard work and was always ready to help. Like many Republicans, Nancy's political fires we're ignited during Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign. But it was during the aftermath of Watergate that Nancy took her committed activism to a new level by becoming a part of the Central Texas Republican Women's Club where she wore many hats and became an indispensible part of that critical organization. Over the years, she's provided excellent service in a variety of elected and appointed positions. Elected Chair of the Bell County Republican Party in 1990, Nancy has shepherded that organization into a position of prominence in both Texas and the Nation. Nancy has been a mentor and role model to other activists and leads the Party with dedication, honesty, and integrity. Her wisdom and experience have been relied upon countless times and she's always been a source of sound guidance and leadership. Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world; Nancy Boston doesn't have that problem. I join her family, friends, and colleagues in saluting her great work and wish her nothing but the best in the years ahead.

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IN MEMORY OF ELANOR BENSON2015-09-10

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. I thank my friend from Arizona for recognizing me. Mr. Speaker, we have been having a really great conversation here, and I hope that everyone who has the responsibility of casting a vote on this so-called deal that the President has brought us has been listening very closely. Mr. Speaker, the President wants Congress to approve what I would call an absurd deal that eases the path for an avowed enemy of the United States of America's and our allies to unleash a nightmare on the world. I want us to take a look--and I ask the supporters of this deal to take a look--at what Iran has done to merit our trust. We first saw these guys way back in the Carter administration when they stormed our American Embassy and took our people hostage and held those people for, I believe it was, 42 days. They abused them in every way they could think of. Quite honestly, they finally released them after pressure was placed on them. Since that time, I cannot think of a single instance where dealing with Iran has been a positive thing. In fact, let's look at the public face they put on. They still chant ``death to America.'' I heard them chant ``death to America'' last night on television and ``death to Israel,'' one of our allies. They still support terror groups, and we just heard from the chairman of the committee of all of the terror groups that they will be able to support after this deal is done. They are still governed by cabal fanatics who are hellbent on spreading their perverted view of their faith. Now, is this a nation we should choose to strike a deal with--to make a nuclear deal? To those people who say they support this, I would like you to make sure you have confidence in the people we are making a deal with. I don't know what the rest of the world calls a deal, but, generally, when you are making a deal, both sides have some kind of benefit. I can see all kinds of things that we are giving to these folks, to Iran, including a big bucketful of money--billions of dollars. Basically, we have given them everything that they desired as far as going forward. Our inspections are questionable. My question is: What is the United States of America getting out of this deal? We are getting a promise from a regime that has a long history-- almost 50 years--of lying whenever it serves their purpose. We are taking their word that they are going to do certain things, and we are getting nothing else from this bill but their word. Think about the cost if this is not the right deal. Those of you who are really thinking about America, think about the cost. To make a mistake on this vote is, quite honestly, catastrophic. Then there is the horror that would come to pass if they actually were to detonate a nuclear device if, for some reason, our failure to do the right thing caused them to get on the fast track to get their hands on it. The blood will be on the hands of those who didn't take the time to decide: Are these trustworthy people for us to be dealing with? I would argue, they have no track record by which to argue that they are trustworthy. Tomorrow's vote is probably as important a vote as anyone in this Chamber will ever take because it is a vote that could unleash nuclear war in the Middle East as a result of our failure to cut a real deal. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to think about this--to stand with America, to stand with Israel, to stand with those who oppose state sponsors of terrorism, and to oppose President Obama's irresponsible and dangerous Iran agreement.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2015-07-31

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to attend votes from July 20-31, 2015. I would have supported final passage of the following bills: Roll Call #489 (H.R. 1994: VA Accountability Act of 2015--On Passage) Roll Call #486 (H.R. 3236: Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015--On Passage) Roll Call #482 (H.R. 427: Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2015--On Passage) Roll Call #472 (H.R. 675: Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2015--On Passage) Roll Call #466 (H.R. 3009: Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act-- On Passage) Roll Call #458 (H.R. 1734: Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015--On Passage) Roll Call #449 (H.R. 2256: Veterans Information Modernization Act--On Motion to Suspend the Rule and Pass, as Amended)

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TRIBUTE TO DONALD J. TRACY2015-07-29

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Donald J. Tracy of Cedar Park, TX. A pillar of this bustling community nestled in the heart of my congressional district, Donald recently resigned from the Cedar Park City Council to start a challenging doctoral program at Texas State University. Daily life in Cedar Park rests upon the shoulders of dedicated public servants like Donald Tracy. First elected to the City Council in 2010, Donald served as mayor pro tem and as a critical member of several city committees. Widely admired and respected for his leadership, Donald has been a public servant both his colleagues and constituents could rely upon. Donald's dedication to service extends to his professional endeavors as well. For over 15 years, he has worked in Central Texas as a human resource management and workforce education professional, where he has led community- and state-wide skills development initiatives focused on training workers in high-growth, high-opportunity industry clusters. He currently works for Austin Community College, where he serves as Director of Business Operations and Marketing in the Continuing Education Division. Donald's doctoral work will directly support his critical efforts to develop certification programs for adults who want to transition into new jobs. Donald Tracy's extraordinary commitment to service reflects the best values of Central Texas. There's no doubt that Cedar Park is a better place because of him. I heartily salute his work and wish him the best of luck in all his new endeavors.

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TRIBUTE TO JACOB "JAY" BOJORQUEZ2015-07-23

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Jacob ``Jay'' Bojorquez. A resident of Temple, Texas, Jay became an angel on July 13, 2015. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Jay was a native son of Monticello, New Mexico. His was a life of service and devotion to causes bigger than himself. Growing up in the rugged Land of Enchantment instilled in Jay a desire to protect our environment and, as a young man, he volunteered to fight forest fires in the scenic Black Range Mountains. As a Korean War veteran, Jay experienced firsthand the sacrifices our men and women of the armed forces make for the cause of freedom. Blessed with a fierce intellect and aptitude with numbers, Jay graduated from Western New Mexico University with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He applied his talents as a financial auditor for El Paso's Thomason General Hospital. Committed to public service, Jay played an active part in making any community he resided in a great place to live and work. Jay served as an elected member of the Horizon Regional Municipal Utilities District Board of Directors, Commander of the American Legion Post, President of the Lion's Club, President of the Horizon Communities Improvement Association, Treasurer of the Horizon Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of the Troop Committee for Boy Scout Troop 55 (Yucca Council). He also served on the City of Temple's Tax Increment Finance Reinvestment Zone Board. Jay was married to Betty, the love of his life, 47 years. During their joyous life together, they lived, loved, and prospered as one. Proud parents of seven children, grandparents of eighteen, and great- grandparents of fourteen, Jay and Betty kept family at the center of their lives. While we mourn Jay Bojorquez's passing, his presence was a blessing for all who knew him. The positive impacts he had on the lives of others will live on and remain in our hearts forever.

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MILITARY REDUCTIONS SEND THE WORST POSSIBLE MESSAGE TO OUR ADVERSARIES2015-07-10

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I have long opposed reductions in our military, and I continue to believe that our Nation should maintain a robust land force. The announcement to reduce the Army by 40,000 troops sends the worst possible message to our Nation's adversaries. Cuts that extend into heavy armored combat units go even further to weaken our national defense and put us at risk. I am especially disappointed about the Army's plan to cut so heavily from Fort Hood and the State of Texas. The Army's decision to implement a roughly 9 percent reduction at the Great Place is outrageous. I have serious concerns about the logic and analysis that went into this decision to reduce so many troops from Texas. Perhaps the most sickening part of the whole matter, however, is the damage these cuts will do to the soldiers and their families who will be asked to leave the Army after decades of sacrifice in time of war. In the coming days, I will be pressing the Army for clarification on their analysis and justification for their decisions. This Nation can do better.

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HONORING TEMPLE, TX POLICE CHIEF GARY SMITH2015-06-25

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Temple, TX Police Chief Gary Smith. With his retirement approaching, he will soon close out 37 years of incredible service to his community and begin the next chapter of his life. A native son of Temple, Smith joined the force right out of high school and quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his leadership and expertise at every step along the way. Recognition of his excellence included his being named Rookie of the Year and twice receiving the prestigious Officer of the Year award. Community leaders took notice of his great work and Smith was honored by the Temple City Council on three separate occasions for his stellar leadership and commitment to duty. Chief Smith led his department with dedication, honesty, and integrity. Over the decades, Smith has seen his beloved police department grow from a small town force into a skilled and mobile law enforcement agency capable of providing safety to this rapidly growing city. Due in large part to his leadership, Temple is now one of the safest cities in the country. Locals could always sleep well knowing their safety was Smith's first priority. As a former judge, I know firsthand the essential role police officers play in maintaining law and order and the risks they face every time they report for duty. These brave men and women awake each day uncertain of what dangers await. Yet they carry on, strengthened by their resolve to protect and serve. Police officers, be they big city beat cops or small town sheriffs, help preserve our way of life and are the shields that guard us from those lost souls who wish harm to others. Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a difference in the world; Chief Gary Smith doesn't have that problem. I salute his extraordinary career and join the grateful citizens of Temple, TX in wishing him only the best in the years ahead.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2015-06-24

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on June 23, 2015, I was unable to be present for all votes due to multiple flight delays. If present, I would have voted accordingly on the following votes: H.R. 1190, Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act--Aye. H.R. 805, Domain Openness Through Continued Oversight Matters (DOTCOM) Act--Aye. H.R. 2576, TSCA Modernization Act--Aye.

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HONORING GENERAL RAYMOND T. ODIERNO2015-06-15

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor General Raymond T. Odierno, the 38th Chief of Staff of the United States Army, for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. After 39 years of distinguished service, General Odierno will retire from active military duty in September 2015, leaving behind a legacy that will live on for generations to come. As co-chairs of the House Army Caucus, Representative Ruppersberger and I had the honor of working with General Odierno as he led our Army while the Nation fought two wars and deployed or maintained a presence in more than 150 locations around the world. All the while, General Odierno remained the consummate professional, exemplifying the qualities exhibited by all great, transformational leaders: a strong sense of duty, honor, courage, character, and commitment to this great country. General Odierno was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1976. He commanded units at every echelon, from platoon to theater. He deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, commanded the 4th Infantry Division during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and served as the Commanding General of Multi-National Corps-Iraq and Multi-National Force-Iraq between 2006 and 2010. During his tenure in Iraq, General Odierno was the architect of the troop surge that turned the tide of the war; he implemented the transition plan to an Iraqi-civilian run effort; and he oversaw the largest retrograde operation since the Vietnam War. His success in all of these endeavors led to his appointment as the 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army in 2011. Since then, General Odierno's leadership and commitment to his Soldiers, the Army, and the Nation ensured that the U.S. Army remained the most highly trained and professional land force the world has ever known. General Odierno is an American patriot of the highest caliber. He has dedicated his entire life to the security of our Nation, but most importantly, he is a man of character. His tireless commitment to Soldiers and their Families has never wavered. In his wake stands an impeccable organization, full of leaders capable of confronting the complex global challenges we face today. With profound admiration and deep respect, we pay tribute to him for all he has done for our Nation. We thank General Odierno, his wife, Linda, and his three children, Tony, Katie, and Mike for their dedication and sacrifice. And we wish them all the fullest measure of peace and happiness in retirement.

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SECURING THE RULE OF LAW2015-06-03

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 26 States, including my home State of Texas, for stopping an imperial White House dead in its tracks. For far too long, this President has forced his will on the American people with his pen and his phone. Well, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has said enough is enough. Last week, the Court of Appeals upheld an injunction to stop the President's unilateral actions that would have granted 5 million illegal aliens work permits and eroded the foundation of our system of government. Mr. Speaker, I am not anti-immigration. The Constitution of the United States is clear: immigration and naturalization are issues for Congress and the American people to decide, not a self-declared king sitting in the White House. Lawlessness breeds lawlessness. Last week, Texas and the Fifth Circuit secured the rule of law, and I thank them for it.

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COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 20162015-06-02

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. If the gentleman will yield, those numbers could be accurate. I cannot contest those numbers. However, it has been made absolutely clear, both by target shooters and by hunters, that suppressors make for a more accurate weapon, less damage on the shooter, less damage on the people and animals around the shooter, a better ability to be safe with your fellow hunters.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. CARTER of Texas. This is the amendment that requires an additional approval by a law enforcement officers for purchases of certain either weapons or suppressors.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Because an application was made doesn't necessarily mean that the law enforcement people dealt with it and approved that application. Now, if you are telling me these are 90,000 approved applications, I understand your argument. One of the issues seems to be finding a law enforcement agency in the modern society we live in that actually has some knowledge of the individual that is making the request and is willing to process it.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Chair, I only claim time to say that I serve on this subcommittee with both these honorable gentlemen. I want to commend them for a great bill. The chairman has asked for time. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. CARTER of Texas. I would be happy to.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. To finish, I am honored to serve on this subcommittee with these two fine gentlemen. They have made a great work product here, and I am very glad that we were able to all work together. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. I rise with an amendment to limit unnecessary burdens on firearm owners and law enforcement officers. The Second Amendment's intent is clear: firearm ownership ``shall not be infringed.'' However, the ATF has proposed a rule requiring an additional layer of approval from local law enforcement officers to purchase suppressors and other firearms regulated by the National Firearms Act. This rule broadly expands existing requirements and further burdens local law enforcement officers who are already overworked and understaffed. The ATF knows full well that there are cities and jurisdictions that refuse to give approval for political reasons. Action films are fun to watch, but they are wrong about suppressors. Suppressors dampen the sound of a firearm, but do not make guns silent. They simply are a form of hearing protection for the shooter, for other human beings, and for any hunting dogs that are around. Suppressors increase safety while shooting, allow people to easily hear and react to range safety instructions and to other sportsmen. My amendment ensures Americans' rights are protected and does not eliminate background checks. It will protect suppressor suppliers; manufacturers; tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue; thousands of jobs nationwide; and, more importantly, the Second Amendment rights of a law-abiding gunowner. I urge support for this commonsense provision, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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