Michael Cloud

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Joe Braman, a Refugio rancher, for his impressive accomplishments and dedication to the preservation of law and order. Joe Braman, the great-great-great grandson of Thomas O'Connor, an Irish farmer who moved to Refugio, Texas, in 1836, has received international recognition for his commitment to protecting endangered animals from poachers, as well as aiding law enforcement officers in protecting our border. In 2018, Mr. Braman worked to assist South African National Parks with the protection of black and white rhinos. Because of the keratin in their horns, poachers had been hunting these South African rhinos to the verge of extinction. Mr. Braman spent more than a year and a half training dogs to track the poachers and donated 20 free-running pack dogs to the Southern African Wildlife College. The trained dogs could track human scent several hours old and take down hunters more than 20 miles away. Thanks to meticulous training, Mr. Braman's dogs successfully assisted with 27 arrests and the recovery of 10 rifles in Kruger National Park, leading South African National Parks to recognize Mr. Braman's substantial contribution to their efforts. Mr. Braman received two letters of commendation, one from the Section Rangers at Kruger National Park, and the other from South African National Parks and Southern African Wildlife College. Mr. Braman's dogs have proved immensely valuable in Texas as well. His dogs often locate individuals with Alzheimer's and Dementia who have become lost. They have also successfully assisted local law enforcement in manhunts and border security. This past year, two of his dogs tracked a group of illegal immigrants after the group scattered into the brush. When the available technology tools failed to get the job done, Mr. Braman's dogs led law enforcement to the immigrants, at least one of whom admitted to being a gang member. The results speak for themselves. Mr. Braman and his dogs have a 98 percent success rate with locating and capturing targets, demonstrating their potential usefulness in future border security efforts. Joe Braman's unique and incredible ability to train dogs has made a positive difference not just in Texas but around the world, and I would like to extend to him my thanks and appreciation for his excellent work and devotion to justice.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez. My district is proud to claim as one of our own Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, a Medal of Honor recipient who is among the most distinguished heroes in American history. On the occasion of the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway Dedication, I would like to recognize once more a man who exemplified courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable determination. Sergeant Benavidez, of El Campo, Texas, was orphaned at a young age and dropped out of middle school to support his family before answering the call to service in Vietnam. He recovered from a land mine injury to become a Green Beret, and when a call for help came in, he voluntarily boarded a rescue helicopter and put his own life on the line to save his fellow soldiers. Sergeant Benavidez was shot in the head and the leg but continued working to load the wounded onto the helicopter. As the helicopter took off, the pilot was killed, and the helicopter crashed. Sergeant Benavidez heroically carried his wounded comrades off the helicopter and spent what he described as ``six hours in hell'' returning fire, calling in airstrikes, caring for the wounded, and even recovering classified documents. He was shot multiple times, bayoneted, clubbed, and hit by fragments from a grenade, before finally dragging the soldiers he came to rescue onto a second evacuation helicopter. He saved the lives of at least eight men. In 1981, Sergeant Benavidez received the Medal of Honor from President Reagan, who noted that ``if the story of his heroism were a movie script, you would not believe it.'' His Medal of Honor citation declared that his ``fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.'' But his challenges were not over. Two years later, he received notice that his disability benefits were to be cut off, despite shrapnel in his heart and constant pain. So he went before Congress on behalf of his fellow veterans, asking ``if they can do this to me, what will they do to all the others?'' Thanks to the efforts of Sergeant Benavidez, the President became personally involved in the situation, and the Department of Health and Human Services announced reforms to the review process. He devoted the rest of his life to service, speaking to students about the importance of education and inspiring American troops around the world. Sergeant Benavidez was a model of bravery and selfless sacrifice, and it is right and fitting to recognize his heroism by dedicating the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway in his honor. May this highway serve not only as a memorial to a great man but as an inspiration to his fellow Texans to live with the same spirit of courage and service.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez. On the occasion of the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial Highway dedication, my district is proud to claim this Medal of Honor recipient as our own. Sergeant Benavidez answered the call to serve his country in Vietnam. At one crucial time while overseas, he voluntarily boarded a rescue helicopter and put his own life on the line to save his fellow soldiers. During the rescue effort, he was shot multiple times, bayoneted, and hit by grenade fragments as he fought for 6 hours to protect his wounded comrades. He saved the lives of at least eight men. After returning home, he went before Congress to advocate for better veteran healthcare. He then devoted the rest of his life to service, speaking to students about the importance of education and inspiring American troops around the world. May this highway serve as a memorial to this brave and selfless American, Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dottie Collins, who recently received the 2018 El Campo Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Citizen of the Year Award. Ms. Collins began her educational career at Baylor University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in science physical education. She continued her studies and eventually obtained a Master's in Education from Sam Houston State University. Ms. Collins and her husband, Allen, married in December of 1964 and moved to El Campo. With a heart for teaching others, she dedicated her career to educating and serving the people of El Campo. Ms. Collins taught history and coached freshmen girls basketball, girls varsity track, and girls and boys cross country at El Campo High School for four years until moving to El Campo Middle School in 1989. At the middle school, she spent time outside of the classroom coordinating trips to Washington, D.C. for her students. Ms. Collins educated and encouraged students at El Campo Middle School until her retirement in 2004. However, her retirement was not the end of her contributions to our community. For years, she has served and participated in the Wharton County Retired Teachers Association, Blue Birds, and the Heritage Center. Additionally, she worked with children at El Campo's First Presbyterian Church, volunteering her time as a Sunday school teacher and the church's Youth Director. It is because of servant leaders like Ms. Collins that communities flourish, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dottie Collins for her devotion to the people of El Campo.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Woodsboro's Bella Coscetti, who recently set a high school national pole-vaulting record. On January 12, 2019, this exceptionally gifted Woodsboro High School freshman set the national record by clearing 12-feet, 10-inches at the Arkansas Invitational indoor meet. Ms. Coscetti's feat bested the previous high school record of 12- feet, 9-inches. What makes Ms. Coscetti's accomplishment especially impressive is that her record breaking leap resulted in her first win as a high school athlete. Ms. Coscetti's success is a clear testament to her diligence and perseverance, and I look forward to her future achievements.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Dennis L. Patillo. On January 16, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) board of directors elected Dennis L. Patillo, of Victoria, as chairman of the nine-member governing body. The GBRA was established in 1933, and serves as a steward of water resources for ten counties, including, Calhoun, DeWitt, Refugio, and Victoria counties. Mr. Patillo is the owner of the PumpHouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar in Victoria, Texas. In addition, he is the president of Stewart Title of the Coastal Bend Inc. and president of Evangelynn Hospitality LLC. The GBRA first appointed Mr. Patillo to the board of directors in 2011. Mr. Patillo's participation and service in the district is noteworthy. He is the past chairman of the Victoria Economic Development Corporation, the Texas Association of Realtors, and the Houston Association of Realtors. Mr. Patillo served on the Texas Tax Reform Commission, the University of Houston Commission on Downward Expansion, the DeTar Healthcare System, and the Victoria County Airport Commission. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Dennis L. Patillo on becoming chair of the GBRA, as well as my thanks for his years of dedication to the people of Victoria and the 27th District of Texas.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Norma Ehrig of Gonzales, Texas, for receiving the David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award. The 97th Annual Gonzales Chamber of Commerce banquet recognized Mrs. Ehrig for her exceptional community engagement. Her friends and colleagues vouched for her much deserved recognition. Mrs. Ehrig's involvement in the community has tremendously affected the lives of the youth. At Gonzales East Avenue Primary School, she counsels students and assists disadvantaged children. Mrs. Ehrig's commitment includes providing funds for these underprivileged kids to buy food and clothing when their families are not there to support them. And as Mrs. Ehrig is never one to seek recognition, her family was not even aware of her financial contributions to help those less fortunate. Her family embraced her selfless acts and appreciated the way in which she devoted herself to helping the community. Mrs. Ehrig has also assisted Gonzales' Child Protective Services; she helped raise funding for essential examination equipment to investigate severe child abuse. With her help, the city established the Gonzales Regional Child Advocacy Center. To honor her, the board members renamed the center as ``Norma's House'' in 2001 and recognized her as a permanent board member. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to Mrs. Ehrig and recognize her tremendous service in the Gonzales community.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Harvie Chisholm, who resides on Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas. Ms. Chisholm recently celebrated her 104th birthday, which makes her the oldest Islander. She accredits her spry longevity to a diet consisting of chocolate and bananas. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Harvie Chisholm and look forward to her soon celebrating her 105th.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Curtis Haven Kincaid, a Victoria resident and World War II Army veteran. Curtis Haven Kincaid, born on November 6, 1921, in Hudson, Michigan, passed away on January 29, 2019, at the age of 97. In December 1939, Mr. Kincaid enlisted in the U.S. Army. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Kincaid was assigned to the 38th Division 150th Infantry Force, also known as the ``Cyclone Division.'' His unit was the first U.S. Army combat forces deployed overseas after December 7. Mr. Kincaid was deployed to Europe in June 1944 and fought courageously in the Combat Infantry through France, Belgium, and into Germany, where he remained until Nazi Germany's defeat. He was honorably discharged in December 1945 with the rank of Sergeant. After his Army service, Mr. Kincaid left for Texas and served as the Victoria representative for the Snap-On Tool Corporation from 1954 to 1998. He received recognition for setting national sales records during his 44 years of hard work with Snap-On. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Kincaid family and express appreciation for his service to our community and sacrifices for our country.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Sheriff Leroy Moody for his dedication and commitment to protecting the people of San Patricio County. Sheriff Moody was first elected in 1989 and has devoted more than 54 years to keeping the residents of San Patricio County safe. Sheriff Moody plans on stepping down on March 31, 2019. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Sheriff Leroy Moody for his tremendous public service and devotion to the people of the 27th District of Texas.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Jessie Charles Maddix, a World War II veteran who dedicated his life to protect his community. Mr. Maddix was born on May 19, 1923, in Hudson, Michigan. He served along the coast of North Carolina in the U.S. Coast Guard. One of the more memorable moments during his time in the Coast Guard happened in 1944 during an Atlantic hurricane. He participated in a mission that involved a search and rescue of the liberty ship, George Ade. Prior to the storm, a German submarine had torpedoed George Ade off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. According to the survivors, the hurricane's winds reached beyond 100 miles per hour, and unfortunately, both ships disappeared amidst the colossal waves. Mr. Maddix was one of the survivors who withstood the storm after floating above the surfaces for more than 50 hours. Later in his life, Mr. Maddix researched his Native American heritage and became a Chippewa Elder. He traveled to the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Pow Wow several times in his 90s. Mr. Maddix's friends and family will remember him for his adventures and service to our nation in the Coast Guard. My heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones during this time.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Newhouse). Mr. Speaker, the Green New Deal is a bad deal for the people of America. Just days ago, we passed $22 trillion in debt for which we have no plan to begin paying off. The Green New Deal would only add trillions more while simultaneously destroying the American economy, which not only means families across our Nation would lose their ability to sustain themselves, but it would also shut down the innovation engine of the world. The 27th District of Texas, which I represent, has a better approach. We are home to a diverse energy portfolio, which includes wind, nuclear, LNG, oil production--not to mention our fair share of cows and airplanes. We are home to a safe, reliable nuclear power plant in Matagorda County that generates 2.7 gigawatts of power, and that is a power of nearly 2 million Texas homes and businesses. It would take 8.4 million solar panels to replace that kind of energy. Even President Obama's Secretary of Energy said, ``It's just impractical.'' We are also home to the leading export energy port in the Nation. We have been a great part in the success of what we have seen as a nation of going from an energy-dependent nation to an energy-dominant nation. And what that new American energy dominance means, it means global stability and peace in the world as our allies are able to buy energy from us rather than from countries who don't have our best intentions in mind. But as the world's need for energy grows, American companies are more likely to care about being good stewards of our creation compared with those from other energy-producing nations. The United States cut carbon emissions by 14 percent since 2005 while global emissions rose 26 percent over the same period. Of all the G20 countries, we have the best record recently on carbon emissions and reductions. In Texas our market-based approach to energy is leading the way even as our economy continues to boom. Furthermore, a thriving economy is absolutely essential to creating and deploying the innovative solutions we need to face the environmental challenges of the future. So when it comes to the Green New Deal, let's stop looking to socialism for answers and start looking to places like Texas. This Green New Deal would be devastating to American jobholders, harmful to our allies around the world, and it is also counterproductive to advancing protections to our environment. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to firmly oppose this outlandish and unrealistic idea.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, due to personal illness, I missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 76 and ``Yea'' on rollcall No. 77.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 840, the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act. In 2017, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that under similar legislation to what we are considering today, the VA each year would need to process about 665,000 claims for reimbursement of childcare each year. The VA has a history filled with delays and difficulty in processing claims for veterans. As my staff and I have worked with veterans in our Texas 27th District, we too often hear from veterans about the trouble they have encountered with the VA. From delays in processing benefit claims, to wait times in scheduling appointments; veterans have often waited months, sometimes years from hearing back from the VA on their request or receiving reimbursement for payments due them. Should this bill pass, the VA will have to process a considerable amount of childcare claims each year; therefore, we must ensure that there is oversight in the VA's progress in paying veterans and private care providers for childcare. My amendment would inject accountability into this program by requiring the VA to submit an annual report to Congress on how the processing of claims is going. Specifically, the report would include data on the number of childcare claims filed each year, the number of staffers required to process a claim, the average cost of each claim, and how long it takes the VA to process a claim. If there is a backlog of unprocessed claims, the VA must report on the backlog and how it is working to resolve the needs of the affected veterans. Finally, the VA must report on any improper or duplicative payments made for this program. Ultimately, my amendment would close the gap in this legislation by giving the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the VSOs important data they otherwise wouldn't have. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for his support. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. David P. Roe), the ranking member.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I urge the passage of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Judy Hawley, who devoted her life to serving the people of Corpus Christi, Texas. Ms. Hawley received the 2018 nomination for the Texas Transportation Hall of Honor, due in large part to her commitment and advocacy for transportation infrastructure investment and policy decisions. Some of Ms. Hawley's community involvement includes: eight years in the Texas House of Representatives, Commissioner for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority from 2004 to 2016 (serving as Chair during the last two years), chair of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation, chair of the Texas State Aquarium Board, and co-chair of the Chamber Infrastructure Committee. Furthermore, Ms. Hawley served as the former chair of the I-69 Advisory Committee. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in guiding the growth of essential trade corridors linking ports, waterways, trains, airports, and highways from the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend, creating opportunities for local jobs and commerce. If not for Judy Hawley, critical issues, such as the need for a rail master plan, an enduring replacement for the Harbor Bridge, and the development of Interstate 69 would not have received the kind of attention they warranted. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Judy Hawley for her incredible service and devotion to the people of Corpus Christi and the 27th District of Texas.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Joe D. Hermes, an Edna native who dedicated his life to public service and his community. Mayor Hermes first moved to Edna when he was six years old and has considered it his home ever since. His first public service role came as council member from 1979 to 1987. He was then elected Mayor in 1987. After forty devoted years of serving the people of Edna, Mayor Hermes has decided to retire. Since Mayor Hermes took office, Edna has built three parks and a swimming pool, purchased and restored property for the city, moved City Hall from the building that now accommodates the Edna Police Department, and navigated the community through difficult economic times. Mayor Hermes' service to Edna includes various board member and committee member positions on the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission, the Jackson County Industrial Foundation and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, among others. Mayor Hermes' retirement will afford him the opportunity to spend more time with some of his most important constituents, his three children and grandchildren, all of whom live within two hours of the city. Nevertheless, he will remain involved in the community. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mayor Joe D. Hermes for his tremendous public service and dedication to the people of Edna. He is a model of generosity and embodies the spirit of Edna, Texas.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jean Meadors, who dedicated her life to educating and serving her community. Jean Meadors' love of teaching and books motivated her to devote the last thirty years inspiring and educating children at the Owen R. Hopkins Public Library in Corpus Christi. As the Youth Librarian, Meadors was known for her popular story- telling series, ``Miss Jean's Story Time Kids,'' which has been a tradition at the public library for decades. Meadors started her ``Story Time Kids'' series to introduce children to an interactive book reading experience. Her selfless devotion to the children of Corpus Christi has made an impact on the community that spans generations. Individuals like Jean Meadors serve as an inspiring role model to all. I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to Jean Meadors for her gracious heart and contribution to developing the eager minds of Corpus Christi. Her stories will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on in the generations of book readers and story tellers she inspired.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Laddie Frank Janda, a Victoria native and World War II Army veteran who dedicated his life to serving his community. Laddie Frank Janda, born on March 13, 1925, in Shiner, Texas, passed away on December 9, 2018, at the age of 93. In April 1943, when he was 18 years old, Janda enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he received training as a medic. He was assigned to the 104th Medical Battalion, 116th Regimental Combat Team, 29th Infantry Division. His unit was selected as one of the lead units of D-Day. Barely an hour after the first wave of Allied troops landed on Omaha Beach, Janda started tending to the wounded. He continued treating the injured for an additional six weeks until he himself was seriously wounded by shrapnel on July 11th. The Army recognized his bravery and valor by bestowing on Janda the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and World War II Victory Medal. After his Army service, Janda enrolled at Baldwin Business College in Yoakum, where he studied bookkeeping. He moved to Victoria in the late 1940s and in 1951 began a 34-year career with Victoria Bank and Trust, retiring as vice-president in 1985. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Janda family and express appreciation for his service to our community and sacrifices for our country.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Pablo Narvaiz, Jr., a Victoria native and Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran who was active in serving his community. Pablo Narvaiz, Jr., born on October 27, 1948, in Beeville, Texas passed away on January 17, 2019, at the age of 70. Narvaiz, Jr., was an active member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1269 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4146. With a true servant's heart, he spread joy and happiness to many children throughout the years as Santa Claus at the Catholic War Veterans Annual Christmas Event. In his free time, Narvaiz Jr. loved playing bingo with his wife and family. He spent many days enjoying coffee with his friends and coworkers. Pablo Narvaiz Jr. is survived by his wife, Mary Narvaiz; stepmother, Ofelia Narvaiz; daughter, Lorraine Narvaiz; son, Paul (Dora) Narvaiz, Ill; sisters, Janie Atkinson, Dora, Linda, Patty, and Frances; brothers, Pilar (Linda) Narvaiz, Michael, and Javier; four grandchildren; several nieces and nephew. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Narvaiz family and express appreciation for his service to our community and sacrifices for our country.