Pat Fallon

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chair, you talk about being an environmentalist, which I honestly think all 435 Members of Congress are, and not throwing partisan bombs, which haven't been thrown right now, but you hear about them in these Halls, unfortunately. Think about what the United States has done in the last 20-plus years. We have reduced our carbon emissions by, now, nearly 25 percent, more than any other Nation in history. What has China done? They have increased their carbon footprint by 300 percent in that same time. Why don't we see some of our leftist activists, mostly young people, protesting outside the Chinese Embassy or the consulates. The United States, as great a country as we are, we are not a planet, and, as an environmentalist, we should be wanting the United States to fulfill the needs of the world. Again, fact: 100 million barrels a day. How is the wind and solar industry going to be developed? Well, largely based on the energy that oil and gas produce. In the United States, we have an independent judiciary. We are a rule-of-law nation. We have strong environmental laws. We have an expertise in oil and gas that has been perfected over more than a century. The fact of the matter is we have to produce oil and gas, and I would rather have the United States do it, rather than Venezuela or a China or a Saudi Arabia, for that matter. I trust our abilities more. As an environmentalist and someone who wants to protect this Nation and the planet for future generations, my 17- and 14-year-old sons, and, hopefully, their children someday, this is the best path forward. It is the realistic path forward, and nobody says, because we drill and produce oil and gas in this country, that clean energy can't be developed synchronously. Of course it can, and it has been, but the free markets have to come into play as well to benefit this country and humankind. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chairman, I think this is a really good amendment. It is common sense, and I believe that every Member of Congress that votes for it will feel better about themselves. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment that prohibits the use of Federal funds for community-scale ambient air monitoring. In simple terms, ambient air monitoring is the long-term assessment of pollutant levels by measuring the surrounding outdoor air. Now, on the surface, that doesn't sound like that much of a big deal at face value. However, the EPA already monitors this. The EPA has extensive systems and sensors in place that monitor air quality and emissions, regulated primarily by the Clean Air Act. Now, that is at the Federal level. Let's think about this, too. Having served at the State and local level, they can also monitor their air quality, and, in fact, they do. When I was on city council in Frisco, Texas, we had a battery recycling plant in the middle of the city. The city had kind of grown around it. We took local action. We didn't ask the Federal Government to do squat. We paid $45 million to buy that plant. We closed it down. That is at the local level. I trust folks at the local and State level far more than I will ever trust the Federal Government. The Federal Government has a role in roads, military, and other things, but these kinds of things, I really do trust the local entities. What is this program doing, if not to be redundant, because this is already happening at the Federal level with the EPA? Simply put, it is another attempt by some on the left to push a Green New Deal and push their narrative that pollution is somehow racist. I have been in these Halls for 3 years, and I learned crazy things. People claimed that COVID was racist, that the weather is racist. Now, maybe pollution is, too. They are pushing funding for this program so they can send untrained individuals who they choose with unknown equipment to cities they choose to further a narrative that pollution is somehow skewed towards someone's pigmentation. As I said, I support science. However, there are insufficient guidelines surrounding third-party individuals or groups that would be conducting the air monitoring, the equipment they will use, or even the data matrix that they will utilize, so we would have these untrained individuals doing this monitoring. It is kind of seeming to me like putting your thumb on the scale and having a predetermined outcome before the testing even takes place. Democrats want to allow for these untrained individuals to operate this equipment. The Biden administration continues to push nonsense and their radical agenda and fund them with taxpayer dollars, and this isn't acceptable. At a time when our country is trillions of dollars in debt, I refuse to stand idly by while this administration continues to waste money in this fashion, and there is no justification for allowing Federal dollars for a program like this. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment and to stop the mismanagement of even more taxpayer dollars. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chair, to my good friend from Maine, I was raised in New England, and Maine is a lovely State. Again, Mr. Chair, this is already going on. The EPA already does air quality monitoring, and this is an additional program that is simply unnecessary. I do trust the great people of the great State of Maine. If they want to monitor their air quality at the State level, they are certainly welcome to do so, as well as at the local level, as we did in Texas, and as we took a proactive approach to an issue that was very important to the citizens in the city that I now represent in Congress that I used to represent on the city council. I, again, have yet a second amendment that, if Members vote for it, they will feel really good about themselves, as my good friend, Matt Gaetz, just told me. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I had to leave for a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on rollcall No. 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553; YEA on rollcall No. 554, 555, 556; NAY on rollcall No. 557; and YEA on rollcall No. 558.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.

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

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment that prohibits funding for the Department of Energy's new rule on gas furnaces. It is a regulation that would drastically impact consumers in a negative way, unfortunately. Under this rule, manufacturers would only be allowed to sell furnaces that convert at least 95 percent of fuel into heat, within 6 years. The Department of Energy is forcing consumers to choose between an electric heat pump or expensive home renovations. Once again, unelected bureaucrats are gaslighting--yes, pun intended--Congress and the American people about what they can do under the law. Under the guise of improving energy efficiency, as prescribed by the Environmental Policy and Conservation Act, or EPCA, this administration has attacked every single affordable appliance on the market. This gas furnace rule is just the latest salvo. We have been having hearings in the Oversight Committee about just this kind of thing: Are we going to have gas stoves, things like that. EPCA states that any standard must result in significant energy conservation and be ``technologically feasible'' and ``economically justifiable.'' We have the authority to question the extent of these proposed standards to determine whether they can be construed as both technologically feasible and economically justifiable. Like many of the home appliances standards rammed through by this administration, this rule falls short of these criteria. The National Propane Gas Association estimates that this rule would impact at least 40 percent of gas-furnaced homes and would remove up to 60 percent of current residential furnaces off the market. Additionally, the Department of Energy estimates affected homes will have to pay $2,300 for renovations plus thousands of additional dollars for actual furnaces. Propane customers in Texas have already faced a 37 percent increase over the last 3 years, and this administration, quite frankly, should focus on lowering costs and not increasing them. Agency actions that remove consumer choice operate on the assumption that the Federal Government knows what is best for its citizens, even more so than the citizens themselves. That is why I have always been a big, limited-government person. I trust you, Mr. Chair, more so than I would trust the Federal Government to know what kind of stove or gas furnace you want to heat your home. News flash: You know and the bureaucrats don't. If we want to have something that severe, it should be legislated. There are 435 of us here for a reason. When we come here, if we want to change the law or create laws, there is a process for that. It shouldn't be unelected, nameless, faceless bureaucrats with that kind of power. This amendment is a check on arrogant bureaucrats who think that they know best for you, Mr. Chair, many of our constituents, and everyday Americans across the country. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Chair, I will not be able to say everything I want to, but I do want to thank my colleague for correcting me. It is not unelected bureaucrats. They are trained unelected bureaucrats. I wanted to thank her for that. The Department of Energy relies upon modeling techniques within the technical support document, or TSD, that overstate the calculated climate benefits of reduced emissions in order to justify more stringent energy efficiency standards. They did the same thing, the same rule, with the gas stoves. The gentlewoman said it is not on some whim, Mr. Chairman. In the rulemaking, the Department of Energy uses random assignment modeling-- that sounds like close to a whim to me--to guess consumer decisions and ignores economic considerations consumers use to make decisions. The rule states that EPCA is not fuel neutral. This isn't the case. I have a lot more to say, Mr. Chairman, but we are on a 5-minute limit time, and it is late at night. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Mr. Henry Lewis Chester of Fort Worth, Texas, who passed away on August 12, 2023. Mr. Chester was born on April 9, 1948, in Los Angeles, California to Henry Lewis Chester, Sr. and Robbie Lenora Chester. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Army Band during the Vietnam War. After returning home, Mr. Chester attended California State University, Dominguez Hills and later received two master's degrees in special education and rehabilitation counseling. In 2007, Mr. Chester moved to the Lone Star State and worked as a counselor for the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center in Dallas, Texas. He married his wife Darlene, and together, they raised four amazing children and have many more grandchildren. Mr. Chester was very passionate about music, and he often worked as a substitute teacher in the music department at H.F. Stevens Middle School in Crowley, Texas. He also helped supervise band competitions and participated in numerous city bands in the Fort Worth metroplex during his free time. Furthermore, Mr. Chester was a devoted man of faith. He regularly attended the Greater Saint Stephen First Church and was also a member of the Carter Metropolitan CME Church in Fort Worth. In these churches, Mr. Chester sang as part of a mass choir. He also frequently volunteered at his local food pantries to assist those in need. Those who knew Mr. Chester can attest to his care for family and community, and his loved ones truly cherished every moment with him. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Mr. Chester's remarkable life and service to our Nation. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. FALLON. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to reduce the salary of Ms. Kelisa Wing to $1. Until recently, Ms. Wing was with the Department of Defense Education Activity, better known as DoDEA. She was the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. As a self-proclaimed woke administrator, she used her authority to promote racist, divisive, and quite frankly, hateful ideology. In a tweet from September 23, 2020, Ms. Wing said: ``I'm so exhausted at these White folx in these PD [professional development] sessions. This lady actually had the CAUdacity to say that Black people can be racist too . . . I had to stop the session and give Karen the business. . . . '' If you replace the word ``White'' with any other race or minority group, we would have people from both sides of the aisle clamoring for her immediate removal. Instead, she continued to serve unfettered for an unbelievable 3 additional years. Moreover, the mission of DoDEA is to provide a high- quality education to the children of servicemembers. This is a position of great trust. Ms. Wing broke the trust of the American people, our servicemembers, and their children. We should be focused on providing these young minds with a world-class education, not indoctrinating them with divisive, radical, and again, hateful ideology. Madam Chair, let me take a moment right now to speak directly to the children of DoDEA, and quite frankly, the children across this country, to remind them of a few things. What you are isn't important. Who you are is everything. Pigmentation is immaterial. It is what is in your heart and what is on your mind that matters. Further, to be American, it is not an ethnicity, it is an ideal. You want to live your dreams in this country? Work smart, work hard, stay focused, persevere, delay gratification, and constantly improve. In 2023 America, you might just get there, because the secret to your future is hidden in your daily routine. It is not, and nor does it have anything to do with what you are. Thankfully, I believe Ms. Wing saw the writing on the wall and recently resigned from her position within DoDEA. It is my earnest hope that this amendment sends a message to the American people that racism will not be tolerated. Madam Chair, I served in the military 30 years ago, and the idea was you would advance on merit and merit alone. It was a meritocracy. We didn't have any tolerance for any kind of isms. I wish we could get back to that and not be promoting Democratic generals or Republican generals, but rather American generals. In the very building where we work and stand today, the Statue of Freedom, right underneath it are three words: E pluribus unum. Out of many one. That is a focus that DoDEA should be promoting instead of this awful and, quite frankly, toxic poison. Madam Chair, I withdraw my amendment, and I urge support for the underlying bill. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the remarkable history of the Jefferson Highway that runs through Bonham, Texas. This route was America's first north-south intercontinental roadway and was inspired by the east-west Lincoln Highway that connected Times Square in New York City, New York, to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, California. The Jefferson Highway was first laid in the 1910s as part of the National Auto Trail system and was named for President Thomas Jefferson. Its southern terminus was in New Orleans, Louisiana, and ran through several North Texas cities, including Bonham, before finally coming to a stop in Winnipeg, Canada. It was aptly known as the ``Pine to Palm Highway'' for the types of trees that drivers could find at either end of the route. In its early years, Bonham residents were fierce advocates for the Jefferson Highway to run through their town to improve automobile access across state lines. In fact, in the Jefferson Highway Declaration in January of 1918, the citizens of Bonham famously declared: ``May Bonham live a thousand years less a day, for Bonham would not care to be on the map should the Jefferson Highway go some other way.'' Over a hundred years ago, millions of Americans took the same highway, drove on the same roads, and pushed the boundaries of innovation to lay the foundations of the civilization that we know today. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize the importance of the Jefferson Highway to Bonham and the Lone Star State. As the City of Bonham celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, we should always look to the past every now and then to protect and preserve our Nation's history for future generations to admire.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mrs. Ethelyn Szad Bell of Bonham, Texas. Mrs. Bell served in the United States Army Nurse Corps in the Second World War and will turn 100 years old on October 4, 2023. Mrs. Bell was born in Wallingford, Connecticut on October 4, 1923, to Charles and Gertrude Szad. As the Second World War raged on, Mrs. Bell heard President Franklin D. Roosevelt's appeal to the Nation for additional hospital staff, so she enlisted in the United States Army on March 26, 1945. She completed basic training for Army nurses at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and set sail to the Philippines with the Army Nurse Corps on the hospital ship USAHS Charles A. Stafford. During this time, Mrs. Bell provided care for wounded soldiers in a tent city within the Philippine jungles. She later transferred to Nagoya, Japan, and tended to American GIs in a converted hospital. For her service and efforts, Second Lieutenant Bell was awarded a citation from President Harry S. Truman, and she was honorably discharged on June 19, 1946. After the Army, Mrs. Bell worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in McKinney, Texas. In 1947, she met her husband, fellow Army veteran Charles Bell, on a blind date. They married a year later on October 16, 1948, and moved to Prosper, Texas. Together, they raised 2 children, Tom and Cindy. Mrs. Bell later worked as a school nurse at the North Ward and West Ward Elementary Schools in McKinney until her retirement in 1978. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and visiting casinos. I am honored to commemorate Mrs. Bell today on reaching her centennial. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Mrs. Bell's remarkable journey and service to our Nation. May God bless Mrs. Bell as we celebrate 100 years of life and joy.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I have heard a lot of claims, some of them very hyperbolic and some of which I would classify as drivel from some of the prior speakers. It is one thing to disagree, but we should at least be truthful. Let's look at the amendment itself, section 716, lines 9 through 14: The Department of Defense may not use any funds for abortions except where the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in a case where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Let's be truthful, Mr. Speaker. At least we are making some progress. Some of the Members, our friends across the aisle, have actually used the term ``woman'' instead of ``birthing person.'' That is something that has, I think at least for me, given me some hope. The question before us is a simple one: Are we a rule of law nation or not? Secretary Austin's decision to pay servicemembers to pursue abortions is a clear violation of current law, the Hyde amendment. We are hearing ``necessary healthcare.'' Is it necessary healthcare, or is it an elective abortion? Necessary healthcare in the case of, let's say, rape is already covered under the Hyde amendment. Don't paint us with some wide brush to say that we want to take that right away. I would submit that many Republicans want to protect women that have been impregnated because of rape. That is absurd, and it really is very unfair. Is the DOD complying with Federal law right now or not? This policy does it by prohibiting funding. The NDAA is simply ensuring we maintain the protections that are already enshrined in current law. Again, it is one thing to disagree, but to make these hyperbolic, untrue claims doesn't serve the purposes of a spirited exchange of ideas or an honest debate. Secretary Austin, if you want to be honest, is playing politics. If he would simply follow the law, 300 general and flag officers would get the promotions that they are due. The only people who are jeopardizing readiness right now are Secretary Austin and President Biden and his administration. Our bill puts an end to this nonsense once and for all. I support the amendment.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions to Rockwall County by Mrs. Sharon Sparkman Henson. Mrs. Henson currently serves as the County Chair of the Rockwall County Republican Party and the Vice President of Legislature for the Rockwall County Republican Women's (RCRW) club. Mrs. Henson was born in Longview, Texas. She attended the University of North Texas where she earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations. Shortly after graduation, Mrs. Henson began her career as a Marketing Manager for the John Deere company in Louisiana before moving back to the Lone Star State to serve as the Public lnformation officer for the City of Farmers Branch, Texas. While working on the marketing team at a medical sales company, she met and married the love of her life, Richard. Together, they have been happily married for over 27 years and raised 2 sons, Jace and Joshua. During college, Mrs. Henson phone banked for the Ronald Reagan campaign, which sparked her interest in politics. This interest led to her continued involvement in grassroot political campaigns. She would go on to serve as the Publicity Chair for the Rockwall County GOP before becoming County Chair in 2021. Furthermore, Mrs. Henson is a devoted woman of faith, and regularly attends Lakeshore Church with her family. She credits her strong faith to her ultimate triumph over breast cancer, in which she is almost 8 years cancer-free. Without question, her resilience and tireless efforts have greatly strengthened the conservative movement and the Republican Party of Texas. For her prominent work, Mrs. Henson has been recognized as the RCRW Woman of Influence. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our nation's Capitol to recognize Mrs. Henson's lifetime of service to the good people of North Texas. May God bless her.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Garza of Plano, Texas, who passed away on April 10, 2023. Mr. Garza was born on July 5, 1940, in San Marcos, Texas, to Antonio and Hortencia Garza. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended Southwest Texas State University before joining the United States Marine Corps. During his time in the Marines, Mr. Garza trained as an electrician and served overseas in Japan. He was an expert marksman and was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal. Mr. Garza later returned to the U.S. and completed his degree in Mathematics. Mr. Garza later worked as a teacher and a computer programmer for the United Services Automobile Association. He eventually settled in Plano, Texas, where he served as the Vice President and Database Administrator for Bank of America. He married his wife Sherri, and together, they have 5 children and many more grandchildren. Mr. Garza retired in 2012 after 33 years working with the bank. Those who knew Mr. Garza can tell you that he truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, who loved him dearly. He was very passionate about sports, traveling, music, and restoring classic cars. Moreover, Mr. Garza was a devoted man of faith and frequently attended the Memorial Presbyterian Church. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Mr. Garza's life and service to our Nation. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr. Royce Tasker of Sherman, Texas. Mr. Tasker faithfully served the United States Army Air Corps in the Second World War and turned 100 years old on August 8, 2023. Royce Tasker was born on August 8, 1923, in Abilene, Texas. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Army in the hopes of pursuing an aviation path. His hard work paid off, as he passed his aviation cadet exam and obtained the rank of First Lieutenant. Mr. Tasker later attended advanced flight school in San Antonio, Texas, and was assigned as a bomber pilot to perform combat duty in the Pacific Theater. He was given orders to attack Clark Field, an American air base in the Philippines captured by enemy forces during the early stages of the Pacific war. During his mission, 1 of his B-24 Liberator's engines was struck by enemy fire, forcing Mr. Tasker and his crew to crash land in a rice paddy. Tragically, 1 of his gunners was killed, and several more crew members were severely burned. Thankfully, a group of Filipino civilians rescued them and provided shelter and aid long enough for the United States Navy to send a boat to pick them up. For his injuries sustained in combat, First Lt. Tasker received the Purple Heart. In recognition of his remarkable achievements, the city of Sherman has named Royce Tasker as a Texoma Hero and proclaimed July 28, 2023, as 1st Lieutenant Royce Tasker Day. I am proud to recognize Mr. Tasker's honor, courage, and steadfast patriotism here today, and I wish him good health for many more years to come. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Mr. Tasker's amazing life and service to our Nation. May God bless Mr. Tasker on 100 years of life and joy.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions to the city of Paris, Texas by Mr. Bob Hundley. For over 45 years, Mr. Hundley served in the Paris Police Department. From a young age, Mr. Hundley had his mind set on pursuing a career in law enforcement and positively impacting his community. He first began working for the Tyler Police Department as a patrol officer in January of 1975. Shortly after, he relocated to the Paris Police Department and made it his life's mission to help his community through the best and worst of times. From assisting children in appalling situations to rescuing individuals in natural disasters, Mr. Hundley's commitment to selfless service has remained steadfast throughout the years. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the early 1990s and also served as the emergency management coordinator. Beginning in 2004, Mr. Hundley served as the assistant police chief and was later promoted to Chief of Police in 2009. For the next 11 years, he led the charge to protect and serve North Texas during which he established a robust training program for future law enforcement officers. Moreover, Mr. Hundley created a Citizen's Police Academy to improve law enforcement outreach efforts to the public. Under his leadership, the Paris Police Department received 2 Recognized Law Enforcement Agency awards. At the time, only 66 out of Texas' 2,800 police departments had received such an award. Many people who know Mr. Hundley would agree that his humble contributions to Paris have been invaluable, and his retirement on July 3, 2023, was well deserved after a lifetime of public service. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Mr. Hundley's lifetime of public service to the good people of North Texas. I wish him good health and the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Kenneth Webb of Paris, Texas, for being recognized as a Homegrown Hero by the St. Paul Baptist Church. Mr. Webb has continued to stand out as an exemplary leader for North Texas through his acts of selfless service and generosity. Mr. Webb graduated from Paris Junior College in 1983, where he received dual honors from Phi Theta Kappa, an international 2-year college honor society. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in 1988 and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. After graduation, he returned to Paris Junior College to serve as the Director for Student Services, a position he holds to this day. Under his tenure, thousands of students stepped foot on campus and went on to achieve remarkable academic success and fulfill their potential. In 2018, he was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Texas Hall of Honor for College Administrators and was recognized as a Distinguished College Administrator. I am privileged to commend Mr. Webb today for his unmatched dedication to student success. A devoted man of faith, Mr. Webb also serves as a deacon at Oak Hill Baptist Church in Arthur City. Furthermore, Mr. Webb serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club, where he was admitted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame in 2018 for his passion for youth community service. In 2019, he was awarded the Clintgate Friend of the Youth Award, which is bestowed to distinguished individuals who have dedicated numerous community service hours to benefit the children of Lamar County. Without question, Mr. Webb's commitment has had tremendous impact and made a notable difference in the lives of so many individuals. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, barbecuing, baseball, and spending time with his family. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Mr. Webb's lifetime of service to the North Texas community. May God Bless him.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mr. Daniel Rudolph Inman, a seventh generation Grayson County native, who passed away on August 8, 2023. Mr. Inman was born on July 17, 1989, in Sherman, Texas, to Timothy Rudolph Inman and Cheryl Dianne Patrick Inman. Mr. Inman graduated from Sherman High School in 2008, where he was a star varsity football player and officer in Future Farmers of America. Livestock and animals were his passion, and his hand-raised heifer won first place at the Houston Livestock Show. He attended East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, on a full ride football scholarship. Mr. Inman's love for football dates back to his childhood, in which he accompanied his great uncle, Sam Johnson, to football games at Notre Dame. One of his fondest memories was seeing the Notre Dame locker room and touching the ``Play Like a Champion Today'' sign before walking onto the field. Mr. Inman later worked for Emerald Custom Pools in Saginaw, Texas, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a manager. Thanks to his hard work and effort, Emerald Custom Pools was listed as 1 of the Top 50 Builders nationwide. Those who knew Daniel will tell you that he was a kind soul that was loved by everyone, especially his nieces and nephew. Mr. Inman was a devoted man of faith and was always willing to lend a hand to assist those in need. His empathy also extended to local animals and drove him to volunteer at the Friends of Lancaster animal shelter in Fort Worth. Without question, Mr. Inman's friends and family truly cherished each moment with him. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Mr. Inman's vibrant and uplifting life. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend George Fisher, Jr. of Paris, Texas, for being recognized as a Homegrown Hero by the St. Paul Baptist Church. Reverend Fisher joins a select group of exceptional leaders who have dedicated a lifetime of service to the people of Lamar County. Reverend Fisher attended Paris Junior College and later received an Associate of Science in Biblical Studies from the Southern Bible Institute & College in Dallas, Texas. After graduation, Reverend Fisher worked for the Kimberly Clark Corporation before being elected to serve on the Paris City Council and as the Mayor of Paris. During this time, Reverend Fisher served both as the President of the Texas Conference of Black Mayors and as a member of the steering committee for the Boys and Girls Club. In this role, he spearheaded efforts to improve youth outreach and community service initiatives by the city of Paris. In 2003, Reverend Fisher was elected to the Paris Independent School District board. As the School Board President, he worked diligently to improve parental involvement in the educational process. His longtime investments in Paris ISD schools have helped ensure the future success of thousands of students. Moreover, Reverend Fisher is a steadfast man of faith, and he currently serves as the Senior Pastor of New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Grant, Oklahoma. His tireless efforts to inspire and empower the youth of his community have not gone unnoticed. Reverend Fisher has served as a beacon of support and enriched the lives of so many. I'm pleased to give recognition for his outstanding service to students, parents, and worshippers. In his personal time, he is fond of traveling, volunteering, spending time with his family, and visiting new restaurants. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Reverend Fisher's unparalleled commitment to benefit the people of North Texas. May God Bless him.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Mr. Thomas ``Tom'' Roy Birkenstock of Burlington, Iowa, who passed away on August 15, 2023. Mr. Birkenstock was born on July 16, 1944, in Burlington, Iowa to Roy George and Marjorie Maude Holsteen Birkenstock. A lifelong farmer, he graduated from Iowa State University in 1966 with a degree in Animal Science. Mr. Birkenstock also served 6 years in the National Guard. He married Sue Ellen Maupin on February 26, 1966, and together, they have 3 children and many more grandchildren. Those who knew Mr. Birkenstock will tell you that he was always generous and kind. He never knew a stranger, and happily engaged every individual he met. Mr. Birkenstock always put family first and committed much of his time to his grandchildren. In his free time, Mr. Birkenstock was passionate about golfing, woodworking, hunting, fishing, and sports; he was a loud and proud supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. A devoted man of faith, Mr. Birkenstock was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus fraternal organization and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dodgeville, where he served on the church council and taught Sunday School. His generosity and contributions towards his local community were unmatched and will be remembered for many years to come. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capitol to recognize Mr. Birkenstock's life and service to our Nation. He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

Mr. FALLON

Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Mrs. Mildred McMillan Garrett. Mrs. Garrett enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in the Second World War as a cook. A native of Emory, Texas, Mrs. Garrett was born on September 5, 1923, and was 1 of 7 children in a military family. Despite the challenges posed by segregated schooling and living through the hardships of the Great Depression, she excelled in her studies at the historic Rosenwald Schools at Sand Flat and Richland. Her lengthy public service career began as a soldier in the Women's Army Corps. She was 1 of only 2 women from Rains County to join. After the war, Mrs. Garrett attended Texas College and received a certificate in cosmetology. She married David Garrett on December 24, 1945, and raised many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Garrett was a longtime member of the Prairie Grove Baptist Church, where she often cooked for attendees and assisted in fundraising events. She was appointed to the Hope Well Cemetery Committee and served on the Board of Directors for the A.C. McMillan African American Museum. Furthermore, Mrs. Garrett was the first black woman to serve in numerous leadership positions across Rains County as a city councilmember and mayor pro tempore. Under her management, Emory experienced increased infrastructure development. At the same time, she continued to participate in volunteering and outreach efforts in her community. For her work and service, the Mildred McMillan Garrett Memorial Bridge is dedicated in her honor. Her passion and love of God, family, and country will always be remembered. I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's Capital to recognize Mrs. Garrett's extraordinary life and service to our Nation.