Michael Cloud

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to speak on S. 3105, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 456 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the Richard G. Lugar Post Office. Senator Lugar left the United States Senate as the longest serving Member of Congress in Indiana history. During his time in the Senate, he was internationally recognized. Senator Lugar was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her Majesty the Queen of England even bestowed on him the rank of honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in honor of his work to make the world more secure from weapons of mass destruction. This House already passed the House version of this bill, H.R. 3152, last October. I thank Senator Braun for sponsoring this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Comer for yielding. Mr. Speaker, you will never hear me complain about having to come to Washington to vote. After all, it is an honor to serve the people of this great Nation and our constitutional obligation to be here present to vote on the issues facing America. So the question today is: Are there issues that need to be addressed in the United States Postal Service? There certainly are. We all know that there are. After all, the USPS has been on the Government Accountability's High Risk List since the beginning of the Obama-Biden administration. The systemic issues are not new. They did not creep up all of a sudden in the last few weeks since the new Postmaster has been in office. They have been here for awhile. So, if we are really trying to address the issues, there is room for discussion. The late Chairman Elijah Cummings and the now White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows have a bill that has some serious effort put into it. Tomorrow we will be having a hearing with the Postmaster to discuss the bill we are arguing today and voting on. The White House has offered a $10 billion package, which the Speaker has rejected. So there are options if we want to address the real issues, but today is not about a serious effort. Today's effort is yet another smokescreen, another conspiracy theory forced upon the American people to distract us from the real problems facing the American people; to distract from the Speaker's unwillingness to work with the White House to protect schools, hospitals, and small businesses; to extend PPP to mom-and-pop businesses that are on the brink and the families connected to them; to address the heartbreaking violence and destruction in our cities and streets. The American people are tired of this, tired of lurching from one manufactured crisis to another, tired of leadership by fear-mongering, tired of this House preferring to campaign on issues rather than to fix them. The bill offered today will not save the USPS or provide for long- term sustainability. Today's effort is another attempt to mask the fact that this House under this leadership is doing very little for the American people.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, born in Lavaca County, Texas, Arthur Etzler is a native of the 27th Congressional District of Texas. July 2, 2020, is his 100th birthday, but that is not the only thing remarkable about Arthur. On September 22, 1942, Mr. Etzler pledged his service to the Army's 88th Division, 149th Infantry Regiment, Company H, otherwise known as the Blue Devils, to fight in World War II. Arthur's service took him across the world. He defended freedom in Morocco, North Africa, Rome. He completed his tour in Germany, where he shared a brief and joyful reunion with his brother, Hubert. Private Etzler's service did not go unnoticed. His courageous fight in the Po River Valley earned him three Bronze Stars. General George C. Marshall once stated that Mr. Etzler's first division ``fought like wildcats.'' After his service, Arthur returned stateside to Hallettsville, Texas. There, he found the love of his life, Rosemary, his sweetheart of now nearly 73 years. Together, they built their home in Hallettsville and raised six children. Arthur's service to others never ceased. His life is marked with decency and strength. Mr. and Mrs. Etzler remain active members of their church and community, where they are known for their dedication and kindheartedness. Arthur has lived a life that reflects the spirit of this Nation, and for that, we thank him. Happy birthday, Arthur. God bless.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew).

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Marie Jordan Speer, who passed away at 98 years of age in Corpus Christi, Texas, on October 19, 2019. Marie's kindness and compassion touched the lives of those around her, and through her various achievements, she served her community well. In 1942, she married Mr. Edward Jordan, but 2 years later, he was drafted to fight in World War II and heroically, but tragically, died in combat. Marie ultimately used her suffering and loss to help others. She founded the Gold Star Wives of America in order to comfort and create a community for other widows who had lost their husbands in the war. The first meeting she organized was a lunch with other military widows from town. This lunch morphed into a small volunteer group, which, in time, grew into a national organization that today has 35 chapters throughout the United States. The Gold Star Wives not only provide comfort and support for families who have lost loved ones; on Capitol Hill, they fight to secure victories for the spouses and children of fallen soldiers. We owe these families a debt that we cannot repay. Their husbands and fathers have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect our country. Today, and every day, we pray for God's peace for these families. Marie continued to work on behalf of the Gold Star Wives, eventually settling in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she started three local newspapers and became heavily involved in the Coastal Bend community. South Texas is a better place because of Marie. Her life truly is a testament to the power of sacrificial love, determination, and compassion. Mr. Speaker, I thank Marie's family for sharing Marie with our Nation. We are sorry for their loss.

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate Mrs. Stacie Konvicka, who was this year's recipient of the Educator of the Year Award from the Wharton County Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. This award is given to a teacher who exemplifies professionalism, dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm. Mrs. Konvicka is a fourth grade math and science teacher at Wharton Elementary School. Having been a teacher for 22 years, she has learned the value of going above and beyond for her students in the classroom. Wharton Elementary School is a title I campus, which means over 90 percent of the students come from economically disadvantaged homes. Mrs. Konvicka invests so much into her students. At the end of the day, she wants to ensure that they feel cared for. Many have benefited from her high-quality instruction as they are pushed to do their best. American ragtime composer Scott Hayden once said: ``Teachers have three loves: the love of learning, the love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.'' Mrs. Stacie Konvicka has these three loves, and we, as south Texans, are thankful for her service in lovingly shaping the minds of future generations. Remembering Marie Jordan Speer

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish Caldwell County resident Bill Meuth a happy 100th birthday. Mr. Meuth served as an Army medic in World War II. He stormed the beaches at Normandy on D-day, fighting with the Allies in the name of freedom. Prior to the war, he had quit school at an early age to help care for his father who was sick, representing the ethos of a generation who understood that commitment to family and country sometimes comes at a personal cost. After the war, he worked in the oil fields instilling a strong work ethic in his family. In 1943, Mr. Meuth married his sweetheart, Lucy, and they remained married for 72 years until Miss Lucy passed away in 2015. Together they had four children, 14 grandchildren, 15 great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. We in south Texas are incredibly thankful for his sacrifice at such a critical time in our history and for the cause of freedom. Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to Mr. Meuth, and may God bless him. Congratulating Nathan Tudor

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nathan Tudor for receiving the Texas Hospital Association Pioneer Award. Each year this award is given to rural hospital administrators or a CEO who demonstrates creative and innovative leadership within the organization and community. This year the award was given to one of El Campo's very own. Mr. Tudor came on board as the CEO of El Campo Memorial Hospital in January of 2017. Since Mr. Tudor has been on the team, the emergency department has expanded by 11 beds, three new campus-care clinics have been opened within the community, five walk-in clinics have been added, and new physicians have been recruited. El Campo has directly benefited from the expansion of services but so have the surrounding communities. We are thankful for Mr. Tudor and those working with him at the El Campo Hospital for their efforts in improving and expanding healthcare services for the El Campo area.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for his work and leadership on this task force. It has been a worthwhile project, to say the least. Madam Speaker, with over $23 trillion in national debt and annual deficits at $1 trillion, it is obvious that Washington has a spending problem. We must do something to rein in this problem that we are leaving for our children, and we must do it soon. Every day, taxpayer dollars are wasted on unnecessary expenses. For example, as part of the ``use it or lose it'' last-minute spending sprees of 2018, Federal agencies spent over $4 million on lobster tails and crabs, $673,000 on golf carts, $308,000 on alcohol, and $53,000 on china tableware. Another example is that, despite the efforts to address the issue, the Federal Government makes over $800 million in payments to people who are no longer on this Earth. And, finally, right now, there are duplicative programs, including 91 Federal programs that train healthcare workers and more than 40 workforce development programs. Some of these may be good, but consolidating them might be a great idea. We owe it to the American people to do better with their hard-earned tax dollars, and we owe it to future generations not to borrow against their future. On the Government Efficiency, Accountability, and Reform Task Force, our aim is to make Washington take real steps toward returning the government to its proper constitutional boundaries. The recommendations compiled today are not flashy. They won't lead in the nightly news; they won't dominate your social media feeds; but they are important, and it is incumbent upon us to look past the 15-second sound bites and get serious about the business of governing. Here are just a handful of solutions: We could sell unused Federal office space; We can consolidate duplicative programs and agencies; We can identify programs that are not working and eliminate them. The President's budget has an entire chapter on highlighting our government's wasteful spending and some of the efforts his administration is making to eliminate it. All of America understands that we need to balance our budget, but no administration, Republican or Democrat, can do it without that commitment from Congress. We are elected and given very specific authority under the Constitution to control how taxpayer dollars are spent. We must roll up our sleeves and do everything we can to rein in this Washington spending machine.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor and to mourn the loss of one of Corpus Christi Police Department's finest, Officer Alan McCollum, who was tragically killed in the line of duty. President Ronald Reagan once said: ``There can be no more noble vocation than the protection of one's fellow citizens.'' Officer McCollum was a compassionate, devoted, and admired public servant who dutifully worked to keep south Texas safe. Before serving as a police officer, Officer McCollum served 21 years in the U.S. Army, earning the Bronze Star and numerous other accolades. Following the Army, his service to others continued by joining the Corpus Christi Police Department in 2013, where he was a valued member of the Honor Guard and SWAT team. Last year, he once again demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice his own safety for others by helping push an overturned car back on its wheels after it had caught fire, saving the life of the driver. On Saturday, Officer McCollum paid the ultimate price, sacrificing himself, while upholding the rule of law. Scripture tells us that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit. Right now, so many of us, in Texas, the Corpus Christi Police Department, and the family of Officer McCollum, are brokenhearted. Our prayers are that his family and friends touched by this tragedy, and especially his wife of 12 years, Michelle, and his three daughters, Hannah, Carissa, and Liliana, would feel the Lord near them during this difficult time. I extend my deepest condolences to them during this extremely difficult time. Honoring the Service of Officer Michael Love

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, this week, I had the opportunity to visit Corpus Christi Police Officer Michael Love in the hospital as he recovers from injuries he sustained in the line of duty. Over the weekend, he was conducting a routine traffic stop when his patrol vehicle was struck, pinning him down. I had heard from many of his fellow officers of his optimistic and indomitable spirit, which I had the opportunity to witness firsthand when I visited him and his wife, Lauren, in the hospital. He told me that, despite everything he is going through, even knowing the months of recovery that lie ahead, he would still sign up to serve our community as a Corpus Christi police officer. We cannot express our gratitude enough for his sacrifice and his bravery. We must continue to pray for the safety of all our first responders, and support them as they protect us, as well as their families, who they hug a little bit tighter every day as they face the dangers that lie ahead. We are thankful for the loving, brave, and patriotic man that is Officer Michael Love, and for those who serve with him.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, today, I pay tribute to Mr. Jim Lehrer who passed away at the age of 85 last week. Mr. Lehrer is dear to Texas' 27th district because he graduated from Victoria College, right in my hometown of Victoria, Texas, in 1956. As a student, he wrote for the college paper, the Jolly Roger, and worked as a ticket agent at the Continental Trailways station downtown. Today a plaque near the bus station he worked at 65 years ago honors his accomplishments. After college, he sacrificially served our country for three years with the United States Marines. He then went on to the Dallas Morning News, reporting on local politics before making the change to television. He never forgot his Texas roots, despite the fact that he went on to have a distinguished career as a world-renowned journalist. Over the span of his lifetime, he moderated twelve presidential debates, cofounded and hosted PBS NewsHour for 36 years, and authored numerous books. Through much hard work and determination, he achieved great success as a journalist, and we are proud that he called Victoria home for a little while. He is survived by his wife of six decades, Kate, three daughters, Jamie, Lucy, and Amanda, and six grandchildren.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Conster Davis and to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. Ms. Davis is a citizen of south Texas whose life has been characterized by a servant-hearted desire to help others and to work hard. During World War II, she drove rivets into airplane wings, playing her part, along with countless other American women, in the war effort. Today, at 100 years old, she spends her time supporting the students and staff at Galvan Elementary School in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she is affectionately known as Granny Davis. She mentors the pre-K students and helps teachers with clerical work. She also served as a Senior Corps Foster Grandparent for 25 years, mentoring young people and pouring into them during some of the most formative years of their lives. Ms. Davis loves caring for young people and shows it by investing much of her time and energy into the children of Corpus Christi. It is difficult to imagine the tremendous impact Ms. Conster Davis has had in living a life of service that continues today to impact generation after generation. On behalf of the people of the 27th Congressional District of Texas, I am proud to honor her life and service.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate middle- schooler Ashrith Reddy for the achievement of winning first place in the 2019 U.S. Geography Olympiad National Championship. Ashrith is a student at Marvin Baker Middle School in Corpus Christi. At the national competition in Chicago, though, he represented all of south Texas. To earn first place, Ashrith had to compete against students in his age group from across the country. He was quizzed on the historical, cultural, urban, and economic facets of geography, completing both a written and buzzer test. His skills are impressive, and he is only getting better. Ashrith won fourth place in 2018, so he persevered, studied hard, and finally took home the first-place win in 2019. Ashrith credits his parents, teachers, and school for supporting him in his passion for geography. I think it is safe to say that, with such determination and a hard work ethic, Ashrith has a successful future ahead of him. I congratulate Ashrith on this accomplishment. He has made Corpus Christi and all of South Texas very proud.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Refugio High School Bobcats football team for winning their fifth State championship. The Bobcats had a 16-0 record this year on the way to the Class 2A Division 1 championship game, where they won 28-7. What makes this win extra special is that Refugio was one of the hardest hit communities by Hurricane Harvey. Initially, the vast majority of students was homeless, and football games were delayed as the school and stadium were repaired. While the damage to homes, schools, and businesses in that community were devastating, the spirit of Refugio remained strong. Head coach Jason Herring consistently gives all the credit to the kids who put in the hours and showed up to get their work done. He has played a big role in helping these students fulfill their potential. All in all, it was an awesome year for the team. In Refugio, winning football games is part of the legacy that goes to building that strong community, and I look forward to seeing what the team does next year. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the players, coaches, families, and the entire Refugio community on this achievement.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, January 22 marks the 47th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade. On that day, in a historic moment of judicial overreach and without legislative action, the Supreme Court declared abortion legal in our country. Since then 61 million babies have been robbed of their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today we know much more than we did when Roe v. Wade was handed down. Decades of scientific advancements have revealed much about the development and vitality of the unborn child. We know, for example, beyond any shadow of a doubt that unborn babies feel and react to pain at just 20 weeks, which means, yes, they do feel the pain of an abortion. Fetal heart rate monitors and 3D ultrasounds are commonly used by expectant mothers today. The use of this technology was very limited in 1973, but now we know that the sounds of heartbeats and images of a moving baby reveal one thing to us, and that is life. Continued scientific discovery and the technological advancements have only strengthened the case that the life of a child yet to be born is precious. I do believe that everyone has a right to life and equal protection under the law. Thomas Jefferson once said: ``Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.'' I pray for God's mercy on this Nation. And I pray that we in this Chamber and those across our Nation will continue to work together to end this injustice.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, as I sat in the basement of this Capitol listening to deposition after deposition, it was very clear that this impeachment shenanigan was never about a real search for truth. House leadership wanted us to believe, the American people to believe, that this impeachment process began as a result of a July phone call when, in reality, Speaker Pelosi said that this began 2\1/2\ years ago. They wanted us to believe that the evidence was irrefutable, when the truth is they polled to figure out, to see what to charge the President with. The way this is supposed to work in an investigation is that there is a crime that produces evidence that leads to a verdict. When this started with the verdict, it was a search for evidence that was never found, and yet we are sending impeachment articles to the Senate. This is crazy. And, of course, it has taken over 4 weeks to get what was urgent--the Speaker said this was urgent. She said this is urgent, so we will be bringing the articles. It has been 4 weeks to get the articles from here across to the Senate. This is a straight line. You go straight through this door, walk about 90 seconds and you will be in the Senate; yet, it has taken 4 weeks. This is crazy and should not happen. Senator Feinstein said the longer it goes on, the less urgent it becomes. So, if it is serious and urgent, send them over; if it isn't, don't send them over. I will be voting appropriately on this and the fact that it is not urgent and we haven't sent them over. Let's get back to the work we were elected to do: keeping this Republic and ensuring the blessings of liberty for future generations.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, it has been very clear from the beginning that this impeachment proceeding has never been about an honest search for the truth. If it were, our Democratic friends would not have polled to see what to charge the President with. Calling an opinion a fact does not make it so, and repeating it over and over does not make it more true. When one produces a committee report with fabricated findings based on no fact witnesses and then quotes from it like it is authoritative, it is no more valid than having a campaign pay for a foreign entity to create a private dossier and then selling it to a FISA court in order to spy on a campaign. This has always been a verdict in search of a crime, an impeachment birthed at a resistance movement. It is time to end this charade and get back to doing the work we were elected to do.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 3530, the Improving Confidence in Veterans' Care Act. This bill is presented in the spirit of those who have come before us, from George Washington, one of our Nation's first veterans advocates, to those who have worked through generations to ensure the men and women who serve in uniform are not forgotten. A report released in February outlines several cases of doctors and healthcare workers who were treating veterans at VA facilities despite having had their medical licenses suspended or completely terminated. These cases ranged from those needing to complete educational courses to very serious instances of malpractice and patient neglect. A similar problem was found with the Drug Enforcement Administration's registrations. Some doctors were prescribing drugs without being legally registered by the DEA to do so. One of the reasons the VA seemingly overlooked this problem was because they did not know about the resources available to check the status of these licenses. Had the VA checked with State licensing boards or online records, they could have discovered that these doctors were unqualified, before allowing them to treat our veterans. This legislation ensures that the VA hires only licensed doctors to provide care for our veterans and that the VA regularly checks licenses to make sure care providers do not fall out of compliance. Regular audits are common practice in medical facilities across this country, and our veterans deserve nothing less. Finally, to ensure accountability, this legislation would require the VA to report their progress to Congress. In the last few years, we turned a corner in improving care for our veterans, but there is still so much work to be done. The liberty we enjoy in the United States is not without cost. Our Nation's servicemembers paid for it, many with their lives and many more with the scars brought back from war. Our Nation owes it to our veterans to deliver on the promises we have made to them. I thank Chairman Takano, Ranking Member Roe, and their staffs for their work to strengthen this bill and ensure that veterans receive a high standard of care from qualified workers.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish Mr. George Hyak, of Victoria, Texas, a heartfelt happy 100th birthday and thank him for his service to our country. George is an example of a life well-lived. He and his precious bride Sarah met at church as young teens. They kept in touch with handwritten notes while he was deployed a few short years later. Their love has lasted for decades--February marked 71 years of marriage and brought them two children, six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. George also co-founded Dicks Food Stores in 1938, which his family still operates to this day in my hometown of Victoria. His family recalls that from a young age as one of six children, he worked to help provide for his family. Throughout his life, George has worked with diligence and integrity and in service to others. George was drafted in 1942 into the Army VIII Corps under General Troy Middleton. Two years into his service, June 6, 1944, became a day that not only shaped George's life but the course of our entire nation and indeed the world. George joined more than 160,000 troops on D-Day as the Allies launched the largest seaborne invasion in history. In the words of Winston Churchill, the operation was ``undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever occurred.'' Starting as an infantryman, George landed on the beaches of Normandy with the second wave of troops and took on enemy fire. Mr. Hyak risked his life to help turn the tide of the war in Europe, which ultimately led to its liberation. What's more, he also bravely fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was one of the first in the group to invade Ohrdruf, a German concentration camp. As the war in Europe was coming to a close, George was in Frankfurt, Germany, awaiting orders to deploy for the invasion of Japan. I can imagine the emotions they must have felt when they heard the war was finally over--and instead they'd be headed home. When George returned home, he continued to operate Dick's Food Stores. The longevity of the establishment earned it the Texas Historical Commission's Texas Treasure Business Award. It's an honor bestowed on businesses for providing employment opportunities and boosting the state's economy for at least 50 years. George continues to bless the lives of those who've come to know him, whether a fellow soldier or friend. As we look to celebrate Thanksgiving, we as a nation have a lot to be thankful for. George is one of them. May Mr. Hyak's life serve as a reminder of the price that he and others like him paid for our freedom. God has always had a plan for Mr. Hyak, and for us today George Hyak's life paints a picture of sacrifice and duty that we can all learn from. I join his friends and family in celebrating 100 years and thanking him for his service to our nation. Happy 100th Birthday, George.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise to today to wish Mr. George Hyak of Victoria, Texas, a heartfelt happy 100th birthday and to thank him for his service to our country. George is an example of a life well lived. He and his precious bride, Sarah, have been married for 71 years, and their family has flourished. George served our Nation heroically during World War II, storming the beaches of Normandy on D-day, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, and liberating a Nazi concentration camp. After the war, he returned home and continued operating the Dick's Food Stores in Victoria, which he cofounded. The longevity of the store earned it the Texas Treasure Business Award. As we look to celebrate Thanksgiving, we as a nation do have a lot to be thankful for, including veterans like George. May Mr. Hyak's life serve as a reminder of the price that he and others like him paid for our freedom.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Jim and Tamara Graff for their over 30 years of serving Faith Family Church. Faith Family Church began with humble origins as a home Bible Study. In 1989--after favor and growth from the Lord--Faith Family Church called Pastor Jim and Tamara Graff to the Pastorate with a vision to build a Luke 14 church where people could find help, hope, and a family. On Easter Sunday 1998, Faith Family Church dedicated a new sanctuary and ministry campus with a vision to be: ``A Church with a heart for all people'' that would ``Not see through people but help see people through.'' Faith Family Church has provided Christ-centered education to equip people for a better life through Faith Academy, Destiny Bible Institute, Celebrate Recovery and hundreds of classes, workshops, and community small groups weekly. Their vision to encourage, empower, and equip overlooked churches in overlooked places has led to the development of the Significant Church Network. Their heart to further the reach of the Gospel led them to open campuses in Hallettsville and Gonzales, Texas. The people of Faith Family provide help and assistance to the surrounding community through efforts including: Passion Week projects, Backpack outreach, Toys for Tots, Sidewalk Sunday School, Adopt-a- block, and Prison Ministry. Faith Family served as a temporary shelter in 2005 for those fleeing Hurricane Katrina and, in 2017, was a central point to coordinate relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey. Their commitment to underserved and unreached populations across the world has built 19 Bible Schools, planted 526 churches, supported orphanages in Guatemala, and delivered aid to other parts of the world. Constructed in India, The House of Psalms 1 & 2 rescues girls from sex- trafficking, giving them an education and a new way of life. President George Washington acknowledged that ``religion and morality are indispensable supports'' of our nation. For 30 years, Pastor Jim has committed himself to the study and sharing of Scripture, the building up of believers, and the leadership, guidance, and ministry to the staff and people of Faith Family Church. The fruit of his labor has strengthened the moral fabric here in our community and in communities around the world. I would like to personally congratulate Pastors Jim and Tamara Graff and the people of Faith Family Church for 30 years of faithful ministry together sharing the love of Christ with their community, our nation, and the world.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), like the DAR Corpus Christi Chapter I represent, we pause every year from September 17 to September 23 to celebrate Constitution Week. In 1765, James Wilson stated, ``Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.'' The Constitution enshrined the timeless yet precious principles of limited government and protection of God-given liberties. It not only established a nation, but it became the foundation of a self-governing, free-people. The United States Constitution remains as a testament and beacon of hope to those that do not share our freedom. One hundred and sixteen congresses and forty-five presidents later--through many challenges, our Constitution has withstood the test of time. We must continue to guard these blessings earnestly and never take them for granted. This is precisely the mission of the DAR Corpus Christi Chapter. Since its conception in 1927, the DAR Corpus Christi Chapter has promoted citizen education and the preservation of American history. They have worked to connect the past with the present by digitizing genealogical records and helping others identify their patriot ancestors for the betterment and education for our children. I know our community joins me in thanking DAR Corpus Christi Chapter, for their volunteer efforts to preserve American history, promote patriotism, and secure the values of our Constitution. I ask my colleagues to join me, and the Corpus Christi Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter, in observing Constitution Week, and the God-given, blessings of liberty it established.

Mr. CLOUD

Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Chair, I was at the White House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 403, ''nay'' on rollcall No. 404, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 405, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 406. personal explanation