John Carter

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Greg Schannep, USA, Retired. As a man of deep faith, he knows that scripture tells us, ``And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.'' Greg has brought these powerful words to life throughout his career as a servant of God, the Army, and his fellow man. Greg was born in El Segundo, California and first served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967. He was among the elite Special Forces at Fort Bragg before being honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Education was next on his agenda. While he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Northern Arizona University, Greg's lasting faith led him to pursue a Master's Degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Greg couldn't resist the call to serve and, after completing his education, returned to active duty in 1977 as an Army Chaplain. There are no closed doors to a chaplain in the military and Greg was as welcome among his fellow officers as he was among the enlisted. His life experience, Special Forces background, and pastoral skills made him a blessing to the Army family. He served as a Chaplain for twenty- nine years, retiring in 2004 at the rank of Colonel. Most would use the passing of one career as an opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Yet Greg's need to serve led him to, within days of his military retirement ceremony, start a new career as my liaison to Fort Hood. It's a role he is uniquely suited for as he understands both the importance of the mission at The Great Place and the unique culture that sustains our warriors there. He's been a steady, calming presence through times both good and bad for the thousands of brave warriors stationed at one of the world's largest military bases. Greg's genial nature is equaled only by his hard-earned wisdom from years of ministry. He knows there are two sides to every story and that everyone deserves to have their voice heard. This has proven invaluable as he's worked tirelessly on behalf of his beloved Fort Hood and the people of Central Texas. His patient and positive attitude remains a source of strength and inspiration for both friends and colleagues. Yet through it all, family remains the center of his life. He is married to the former Martha (Marty) E. Haley. Greg's six children know him has a devoted and loving dad to them and a proud grandfather to his seven grand children. Greg Schannep signs all his emails with the stirring words Pro Deo et Patria (``Still Serving God & Country''). All who've been blessed by his presence know that to him this isn't a meaningless expression but a deep and lasting creed that has been the guiding force of his life. Greg's been a trusted advisor, superb public servant, and vital part of Team Carter. I join my staff in wishing him a well-deserved retirement and nothing but the best in the years ahead.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Harker Heights Councilman Sam Murphy who will retire on May 12, 2015. Sam's extraordinary commitment to community service reflects the best values of Central Texas. Sam thrived in a 22-year career in the U.S. Army where he took on assignments in the United States, Europe, Korea, and Vietnam. During his prestigious military career, he graduated from Airborne and Ranger schools, had a teaching assignment in the Gunnery Department of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School, graduated from the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and had an assignment at the U.S Air Force Academy as the Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 29. He retired from the Army at Fort Hood, Texas on October 1, 1989. Sam continued his public service by joining the office of former Representative Chet Edwards. He proved to be a leader and voice of the people as he represented servicemen and veterans in then District 11. During his time as Rep. Edwards' liaison to military and veteran communities, Sam's personal military history proved to be an invaluable asset when serving those who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedoms. Sam retired on March 31, 2007 after working for U.S. Rep. Edwards for 16 years. With his established community service and his proven leadership skills, Sam successfully ran for Harker Heights City Council. He continued to serve and better his community every day. Throughout his time on the Council, Sam made a positive impact on his beloved hometown and for that we are forever grateful. Sam's service doesn't stop when the work day is over. He is active in local community affairs including serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Heart O' Texas Federal Credit Union, teaching federal and state government at Central Texas College's Fort Hood Campus, co- founding the Harker Heights Economic Development Corporation and co- founding the Leadership Belton program. His military background and experience prepared him for being president of the Central Texas--Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army. Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a career, but rather the beginning of a new adventure. I commend Sam Murphy for his hard work and dedication to his community. I wish Sam, his wife Peggy, and their children and grandchildren only the best in the years ahead.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Ray Schaaf, U.S. Army, Retired of Round Rock, Texas as he celebrates his 90th birthday on April 24, 2015. Even with nearly a century of living behind him, he remains a vibrant part of his growing central Texas community. Born in Colorado, LTC Schaaf entered the Army in June 1943. After rigorous training, he arrived in England the following year where he bravely flew combat missions with the 381st Bomb Wing over Europe. His post-war military career saw this brave aviator serve in Korea, China, Greenland, and numerous bases in the U.S. LTC Schaaf retired in 1970 and made his home in the Lone Star State. Following his retirement, the warrior became an artist. A skilled handyman, LTC Schaaf makes jewelry and restores saddles. He's an avid painter and is especially adept in the centuries-old craft of knife making. This determination to live life to its fullest is a reminder to us all to make the most of every day. Family remains at the center of his life. LTC Schaaf married his beloved Marge. They brought four children into the world and were united through feast and famine. Now a proud grandfather of nine, great-grandfather of fourteen, and great-great-grandfather of one, he has the pleasure of watching his beautiful family grow and prosper. All should marvel at the extraordinary times LTC Schaaf has witnessed. In his nine decades of living, he defended freedom on foreign shores, watched a humble midwesterner take mankind's first steps on another world, and marveled at technological advances beyond any of his dreams. He saw how America has been defined by extraordinary men and women who fought for a country brave enough to confront its past imperfections and hopeful enough to embrace a better tomorrow LTC Ray Schaaf's patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to service reflect the very best values of both the Greatest Generation and Central Texas. Let April 24 continue to be a celebration of one of our nation's heroes 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 90th birthday and all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my longtime friend Cindy Bourland, who was named by Texas Governor Rick Perry to fill a vacancy on the Third Court of Appeals. She's a perfect fit to handle this important responsibility. I've known Cindy since she was a young girl in my Sunday school class. She was an intelligent, kind, and motivated young lady who everyone knew had a very bright future. That she has achieved great things surprises no one. I was excited that she decided to pursue a career in the law. She later practiced before my court and showed herself to be a skilled attorney who understood both the letter and spirit of the law while never losing sight of its impact on people. As a former judge, I know firsthand the demands Cindy will face. Judges have the responsibility to, as scripture says, ``let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'' I know she's ready to meet this challenge. It's been a privilege to watch Cindy Bourland grow up, both in her life and career. I'm excited for her new responsibilities and honored to call her Judge. Most of all, I'm proud to call her my friend.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Does the gentlewoman have other speakers?

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I have had a lot of schoolteachers shake their fingers at me and tell me things. And most of the times, I have deserved it. I have been looked right at and told I was wrong before. Many of those times, I deserved it. But I want to make something really clear. This is not a debate on immigration. This is not a debate on whether or not we are going to fund the Department. We are funding the Department for the next 3 weeks, using the same manner that we funded this Department for years at a time when our colleagues on the other side of the aisle were in charge of this House. The CR was one of the most popular vehicles that they used in funding our country during the period of time they ran this place. So we are not using anything that we don't all use. It funds the Department. It keeps the Border Patrol okay and keeps them paid. But it also allows us to do something that--by the way, the gentleman is absolutely right. In what we would call recent history, going to conference was so rare--my mother used to say ``rare as hen's teeth''-- when they ran this place. So we are at least doing something that was designed to be done, and we are going to conference. When you go to conference and you have two sides of the story, you are supposed to go in there and discuss the two sides of the story. What they are asking to instruct here is to just take what the Senate sent us. Well, to some extent, I guess we should reward the Senate. This is about the first thing they have sent us in recent history where we have actually had a bipartisan vote. In fact, last year we just didn't have any votes at all. In fact, you wondered if they even knew how. And so here we are. We are going to conference and doing it the way it is supposed to be done. All parties will be able to participate, and maybe we will resolve our differences and maybe we won't, but the American people also ask us to try to work in a bipartisan manner. And here is our opportunity. The Homeland Security Department will be funded. They will have a paycheck. We will address this issue in conference, and hopefully we will come to a resolution the way we are designed to with bipartisan participation. This is not about immigration. And after having spent 4 years with some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and some of the colleagues over here working on immigration, I am not anti-immigration policy. This is anti-stepping on the feet of the Framers of the Constitution and walking all over that piece of paper. And that is why we are here to fight today. We are fighting for the rights of this legislative body as we address the Executive. And we are fighting to fund the Department. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have left.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would first like to say that I certainly hope that Mr. Hoyer, when he referred to his young friend from Texas, was talking about me. That makes me feel really good. I appreciate that. At this time, I yield 3 minutes to my young friend from Texas (Mr. Gohmert).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to instruct conferees. As the House and Senate come together to find a path forward on funding the Department of Homeland Security, we must reconcile our profound differences over how to handle the President's executive actions. But the minority should keep this in mind as we go to conference: the majority of American citizens oppose the President's actions on immigration, and they have asked us to fight those actions. The House has acted decisively to fulfill that mandate. Six weeks ago, when the House approved a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security until the end of the fiscal year, the House also by large margins approved six amendments to stop the President's far-reaching actions. The President himself has said--no fewer than 22 times--that he does not have the authority to change our immigration laws unilaterally. Now the courts have weighed in, saying that no law has given the President the power to make these sweeping changes to our immigration policies. The evidence is overwhelming on this side of the debate. Now, we can vote again, but the outcome will be the same. The American people have spoken. We must stand up against the administration's overreach on immigration. While it is clear the President will not fulfill or act within the bounds of the law, we in Congress are here to defend our Constitution, to provide those checks and balances that our Founding Fathers put into place to ensure the President does not act like a king. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this motion to instruct, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Jolly), my friend.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from the great State of Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), my friend.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. At this time, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Byrne).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Pittenger).

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall).

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, we need to go to conference in order to move the process forward. I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the motion. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule XXII, and by direction of the Committee on Appropriations, I move to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 240) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2015, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, disagree with the Senate amendment, and request a conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, history is something we ought to try to get right. So we have heard some versions of history here. But let's talk about exactly why we are here today. We are here today because, yes, the Appropriations Committee in a bipartisan effort put together a whole series of bills to fund this government, one of which is the Homeland Security bill. It is a good bill. I agree with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. It is a good bill. I am proud to have had a part in that. But there is a piece of history that is missing in this discussion. Right after the last election, the President--well, we don't want to talk about the President--the administration stepped forward and said, well, the legislature hasn't changed the immigration laws, so the administration is going to change the immigration laws. Without any action of the legislature, they are going to ignore laws that are on the books and in some cases have been on the books for generations, and they are going to do what they want to do for immigration reform, which includes the proposal that somewhere between 4 and 6 million people who are in this country illegally would be allowed to be in this country, with other benefits added to those. So that intervening cause is why all of a sudden the people of the United States said: Wait a minute, this is not following the Constitution. This is not the way our government is supposed to run. Madam Speaker, we fought a war with a guy named King George to not have a king in this country who would just do it without legislative process. We fought a war to make sure that we follow the legislative process. The people who are in charge of enforcing the law, the executive branch, should be enforcing the law. Madam Speaker, there became quite a tidal wave of people who were very concerned about the action. So in an effort to try to engage that fight, we came up with what has been referenced here as the CR/Omnibus, and we withheld the Homeland Security bill as the instrument to go fight forward on. Now, once again, I say it is a great bill. But the decision was made, and here we are. Now, we passed this bill with amendments that take on the actions of the executive and sent it to the Senate 3 weeks ago. Someone said once that is the greatest deliberative body on Earth. Well, it may be, but this spring here, this early spring, they haven't deliberated. In fact, they haven't taken action at all, because each time the Republican leadership in the Senate said, let's go have a discussion, let's go on the floor and have a debate, and we will accept amendments, let's go have a debate, the Democrat minority said, no, we won't have a debate. Four times they said no; under their rule, we won't have a debate. Madam Speaker, the Republicans didn't do what the Democrats did when they ran the Senate and just waive the rules that Thomas Jefferson wrote a couple hundred years ago. No, they followed the rules. So there was no discussion in the greatest deliberative body on Earth of this particular problem. Now, are we funded now in our Department? Yes, we are. We have heard cries from the other side, you are leaving this country in jeopardy because you are not--if we close the Department--which I do not want to do--if we close down the Department, you put us at risk from terrorists. Well, here we are. We are saying, you are right. Let's don't close down the Department. Three weeks ago we sent it to them. We are getting in a few minutes the results of their work product over there. Quite honestly, we have a dispute with them. What is the process? Now, I know there are many in this body who have never even seen a conference committee because since 2006, this has not been something we have done very regularly in this body. But, quite honestly, the way we do this, to resolve differences, is go to a conference committee. So what we are saying here, Madam Speaker, is help us keep the government open for 3 weeks--kind of the same 3 weeks they had to hang around and never go to work in the Senate--let us have 3 weeks and go to conference like we are supposed to and see if we cannot work out the differences we have between the two bodies. Now, how unreasonable is this? By the way, Madam Speaker, if you are worried about those terrorists attacks which are looming over the horizon, which very, very may well be, then you had better vote to continue this government today or otherwise a ``no'' vote on this particular resolution keeping the government open will shut the government, and when the government closes, all those terrible things are going to happen. So you don't want to have the responsibility of voting ``no'' to keep the government open and let the government close and then face the fact that the terrorists may be looming in the wings. Let's pass the CR. Do it like we are supposed to, go to conference, work it out in the 3 weeks that the Senate had, and see if we can't resolve this issue--an issue that was started by the executive branch in their November surprise.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional young man whose financial acumen just made his college expenses less of a burden. In the process of doing so, he's learned some valuable life skills. Round Rock High School freshman Adam Cearley was awarded a $20,000 scholarship after ranking sixth among 11,000 students nationwide in the H&R Block Budget Challenge. This innovative two-month, in-school simulation tasked students to manage money online based on a fictional profile. Students received a virtual salary, which they used to pay bills, invest in retirement, and manage loans to get points. Adam took to the challenging project early on, impressing both his peers and his teachers with his sound money management. Not only does the simulation serve as a fun activity to ease students into business lessons, it's important for teenagers to learn financial lessons early. The skills teens like Adam learn from this will serve them well throughout their lives. Young leaders like Adam Cearley show that the future for our nation is a bright one. I congratulate him on his great achievement and wish him nothing but the best in the years ahead.

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to attend votes the week of January 5, 2015. I would have supported final passage of the following bills: Roll Call #7 (H.R. 22: Hire More Heroes Act of 2015--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass) Roll Call #8 (H.R. 26: Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass) Roll Call #9 (H.R. 37: Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass) Roll Call #10 (H.R. 23: National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization--On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass) Roll Call #14 (H.R. 30: Save American Workers Act of 2015--On Passage) Roll Call #16 (H.R. 3: Keystone XL Pipeline Act--On Passage) Due to illness, I was also unable to attend votes the week of January 19, 2015. I would have supported final passage of the following bills: Roll Call #41 (H.R. 161: Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act-- On Passage) Roll Call #45 (H.R. 7: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2015--On Passage)

Mr. CARTER of Texas

Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the charter for Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. The Lone Star State's first institution of higher education and Texas' leading undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university, Southwestern has progressed from its early pioneering roots to become a vibrant and diverse center of growth and potential. By fostering a liberal arts community whose values and actions encourage contributions toward the well-being of humanity, Southwestern reflects the best values of Central Texas. Southwestern offers small classes and numerous collaborative undergraduate research opportunities. Over 1,500 students enjoy the warm, small-town feel of historic Georgetown as well as the close proximity of Austin with its vibrant, innovative, and creative culture. Outside the classroom, students are civically engaged and volunteer in the community at more than twice the national average. Half of all students study abroad and most take advantage of leadership, service, and activism opportunities in Southwestern's 90+ student organizations. Engaging minds remains at the forefront of the university's mission. Southwestern professors balance the highest level of scholarship with a serious dedication to teaching and collaboration with our students. The university has been recognized as a leading institution of higher learning. Both U.S. News & World Report and USA Today College rank Southwestern University the top national liberal arts colleges in Texas. Southwestern is consistently recognized as one of 40 colleges in the publication Colleges That Change Lives. I'm proud that Southwestern University calls my congressional district home. For 175 years, this great college has been transforming lives and preparing our nation's next generation of leaders for success. I wish Southwestern University only the best as it continues its proud mission of scholarly excellence.