Blake Farenthold

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Madam Speaker, I join with the gentleman from Louisiana and the gentleman from Missouri in urging all of my colleagues and House Members to support the passage of H.R. 3412, renaming and creating the Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire Post Office. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my neighbor from the east, from the great State of Louisiana (Mr. Boustany).

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 3412, introduced by the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany), would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1421 Veterans Memorial Drive in Abbeville, Louisiana, as the Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire Post Office Building. This bill was introduced on November 14, 2011, and was reported from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on February 7. Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire was born on October 20, 1944, in Louisiana and served in the United States Marine Corps. Sergeant Abshire was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on May 2, 1968. Sergeant Abshire's unit and a sister company launched a coordinated attack against a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force occupying the village of Dinh To, Quang Tri Province. By his superb leadership, courageous fighting and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Abshire inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Sergeant Abshire died on May 2, 1968. Madam Speaker, Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire is a very worthy designee of this postal facility naming. I urge all Members to join me in support of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3412) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1421 Veterans Memorial Drive in Abbeville, Louisiana, as the ``Sergeant Richard Franklin Abshire Post Office Building''.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate President Ma Ying-jeou on his second presidential inauguration. The United States of America is proud of its relationship with Taiwan, originally created by the Taiwan Relations Act, which gives the United States an important legal commitment to their country's vibrant democracy. Taiwan has made remarkable progress in so many ways. It is now one of the world's 20 freest economies. Their strong commitment to structural reform and openness to global commerce have enabled it to become a global leader in economic freedom. Democracy is hard to come by as witnessed by the turmoil in the Middle East. To maintain a democracy in these troubled times is no mere accomplishment. Taiwan, led by President Ma Ying-jeou, has achieved a democracy unrivaled. His efforts to bring peace to the region have been both courageous and meaningful. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating President Ma Ying- jeou and I wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment because I'm seeing what I consider to be an alarming trend in government right now. We have Eric Holder in Fast and Furious, the Justice Department failing to cooperate with multiple committees of this Congress. Right now, as we speak, there's a hearing going on in the Oversight and Government Reform Committee with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, with the TSA potentially having misled Congress over the waste and abuse of dollars warehousing security equipment in Dallas, Texas. We're standing here today while whistleblowers who are trying to do what's right for this government are being retaliated against. We're standing here today while families like those of Agent Brian Terry, who was a victim of the Fast and Furious scandal, Agent Jaime Zapata, a constituent of mine who was killed in the line of duty in Mexico, and the families of many Mexican citizens who were killed as a result of these gun-running operations with these weapons. This is an alarming trend in government that we have got to put a stop to. We do not need to be financing government agencies. Our employees, the people's employees, we do not need to be paying them to stall, to lie, to mislead. It is absolutely unacceptable. In the private sector, when an employee acts this way, we have a real quick solution. We quit paying them and we fire them. Unfortunately, it's a little more complicated here in the government, especially when you get to a Cabinet-level official. Yes, we have our remedies. We have contempt of Congress. We have criminal prosecution. And in the case of a Cabinet-level official like Mr. Holder, it could eventually get to impeachment, depending what we find out. The Constitution provides the ultimate remedy there. But the lifeblood of the Federal bureaucracy is money. We have got to cut off the money to the employees, like Eric Holder, who stonewall, at best, and lie, more likely. We need government officials who own up to their mistakes. My colleague here, Mr. Gowdy, was talking about the fact there's not a single email after a certain date for Mr. Holder. I'd like to remind the Chair and the American people that what gets you in this country, 9 times out of 10, is the coverup. The American people are willing to live with a mistake, but they are not willing to live with a liar, and this amendment cuts off funding to the liars in our Federal Government. So I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the career achievements of Charley L. Diaz as he retires from the United States Coast Guard. Charley has dedicated over thirty years to serving this great nation in the United States Coast Guard. As a second generation American, he answered the call to serve by attending the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1982. Quickly rising up the ranks, he thwarted narcotic, terrorist, and other maritime threats. He returned to school and attained high honors at both the United States Naval War College and Harvard University. His work even caught the attention of Hollywood and authors alike; he briefed famed spy novel/military author Tom Clancy on maritime drug smuggling techniques for his book and later turned movie, ``Clear and Present Danger.'' Under his leadership, the crew rescued the distressed fishermen of ``The Perfect Storm.'' To top it all off, Charley is a proud recipient of four Meritorious Service medals, three United States Coast Guard Commendation medals, the Humanitarian Service medal, and the Legion of Merit. Mr. Speaker, fellow members, please join me in congratulating Charley, who is retiring with over thirty years of service. Charley, we wish you and your family all the best!

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I had the tremendous honor of awarding Sergeant Arthur Nowakowski his Silver Star Commendation in his hometown of San Benito, Texas. This moment was over 60 years in the making, as Sergeant Nowakowski was originally awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry in action on July 5th, 1944 in France. A WWII veteran, Sergeant Nowakowski voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army when he was eighteen years old, joining the 90th Infantry Division. One month after landing on France's Utah Beach on D-Day, a platoon carrying urgently needed supplies and ammunition to front line troops was pinned down by heavy fire. Sergeant Nowakowski quickly assumed command and, at risk of his own life, subjected himself to intense fire, reorganized the platoon, led it forward and delivered the supplies and ammunition to the troops. He then sent his men to the battalion command post, returned to the wounded Soldiers and, despite the unrelenting fire, administered first aid to them and remained with them until they were evacuated. His heroics saved the lives of three men. He risked his life to save his fellow soldiers and fight for the freedoms we all hold dear today. Presenting him with his commendation is only a small thank you to a man who has sacrificed so much for our Nation.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 3413, honoring the service in memory of Private Isaac Cortes and the sacrifices of his family, including Mrs. Toro, his service to this country and to the Bronx, by naming this post office in his honor. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3413, introduced by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley), would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office. H.R. 3413 was reported favorably by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on February 7 of this year. Mr. Speaker, Private Isaac T. Cortes was born and raised in the Bronx and joined the Army in November of 2006. While at one time Private Cortes had aspirations of becoming a police officer with the New York City Police Department, his desire to serve and protect his country as a soldier soon won out. According to his brother, Private Cortes was ``proud doing what he did.'' He wanted to continue serving in the Army and serve to fight against terrorism. In September of 2007, Private Cortes deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as an infantry squad leader in the 10th Mountain Division based out of Fort Drum, New York. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, less than 3 months later, on November 27, 2007, Private Cortes died when the vehicle that he was riding in was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was just 26 years old. For his bravery and courage, Mr. Speaker, Private Cortes was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Mr. Speaker, it is altogether fitting and proper that we name this post office in honor of Private Cortes. This man made the ultimate sacrifice fighting to protect the country that he loved. He put his own life in harm's way so that we can remain the land of the free. For that, Mr. Speaker, I'm truly grateful. The least we can do, Mr. Speaker, is to honor him and his brave service to our Nation by naming this post office after him. I urge all Members to join me in support of this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3413) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the ``Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office''.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

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

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, we can never do enough for our veterans, men like Roy Rood who have sacrificed and risked it all in the name of freedom. While it has been over 60 years since World War II, we must never forget the sacrifices made by these people and so many others during that time. To those who have fought and served, to those who protect and defend our great country each and every day, thank you. Remember, Mr. Speaker, freedom is not free. I urge all Members to join me in strong support of this bill, H.R. 3637, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. H.R. 3637, introduced by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rooney), would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Old Dixie Highway in Jupiter, Florida, as the Roy Schallern Rood Post Office Building. The bill was favorably reported by the committee on Oversight and Government Reform on February 7 of this year. Mr. Speaker, it is altogether fitting and proper that we name this post office in Jupiter, Florida, for Roy Rood, a servant to his local community and a veteran who served in World War II. Recently, Mr. Speaker, I had the tremendous honor of awarding a World War II veteran in my own district that I represent, Sergeant Arthur Nowakowski, his Silver Star for heroics he displayed over 60 years ago. To Sergeant Nowakowski and Roy Rood and all of those who risked their lives and fought for the freedoms we hold dear today, thank you. Whether we present commendation medals or name post offices to honor our courageous veterans, these are small thanks and the very least that we can do for those who have sacrificed so much for our Nation. I would now like to yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Rooney).

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3637) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Old Dixie Highway in Jupiter, Florida, as the ``Roy Schallern Rood Post Office Building''.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. I also rise in opposition to this amendment. As the chairman has pointed out, there is no market in Alaska, and we know how the other side feels about building pipelines through Canada. Right now, we've got an historic low price of gas, which is great for America, but it's also great for the rest of the world. This is our opportunity to use our excess capacity. We're producing more than we can consume, hence the low price. We're flaring it through areas of Texas. This is an opportunity to lower our balance of trade and to make some money. Then, as the price goes up, the government gets more in royalties. I would also like to point out, if we applied this same logic to other commodities--well, let's not export our food so our food prices go down. Let's not export our cars so our car prices go down.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to do something that I don't particularly like to do, supporting in kicking the can down the road another time. But I'm excited about kicking the can down the road this time. We've had 23 extensions of the FAA bill, but this time, as we kick the can down the road, we actually see the end of the road. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has worked in a bipartisan manner to come up with a bill that I think is going to be phenomenal once we get it out of the House and Senate conferees. It's taken some time to get us to the point where we can find the efficiencies and savings that we need and continue to provide the level of service we expect in our air transportation system in this country. My fear is we're going to come up with this bipartisan bill and it's going to get stalled again though. As we stand here on the eve of the State of the Union address, we have the politics of a do-nothing Congress. I hope that that narrative doesn't stop this bill from moving forward as it comes up and we don't have to extend this again. This is something we've been able to do in a bipartisan nature. Historically, transportation bills have been bipartisan. Let's not let this get stopped and have to kick the can down the road. Let's get our conferees done. Let's get this passed. I urge everybody, my colleagues, to support this extension. Let's make it the last and get the long-term bill passed for the betterment of this country and everyone in it.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. Thank you very much. I rise today in disgust with the dust. The regulations the Environmental Protection Agency are proposing to regulate, coarse particulate matter, what you and I know as dust, is ridiculous. It's indicative of what is wrong in Washington, D.C. with the regulatory framework that has gone wild. This just defies common sense. You cannot farm without kicking up dust. I was raised on the farms and ranches in south Texas. As we drive to tend the cattle herds, till the fields, or check out what's going on, there's no way to do it without dust. This opens the door to massive regulations. First we start with the farmer. Where's the EPA going to be next, checking under my bed for dust bunnies, putting on a white glove, running their fingers across the top of my doors, or making sure my car is adequately washed? The EPA's regulation on this is the height of government overreach, the height of a waste of time, the height of a waste of money, and a perfect example of what is wrong with Washington. We've got to stop this type of crazy government regulation so we can get people back to work, we can get jobs on track, and we can keep our farmers feeding our country and the world.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. In November, the VA outpatient clinic in Harlingen, Texas, earned the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval. This award recognizes facilities that comply with the Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in ambulatory care, behavioral health care, and home care. There is no way we can adequately express our thanks to those who serve this country, but we must welcome them home and make sure they have access to the benefits and services that they have earned. Our servicemen and -women deserve quality health care. The Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System has earned this distinction because they demonstrate a commitment to meeting the health care needs of all south Texas veterans. My staff and I are passionate about helping veterans. South Texas is one of the most military and veteran-friendly places in the country, and I will work hard to ensure that the servicemembers and families receive the support that they deserve. While south Texas is served by great outpatient facilities, we are in desperate need of a full-service VA hospital. I'm the cosponsor of two bills, H.R. 1318 and H.R. 837, that direct the VA to bring full- service, inpatient care facilities to south Texas.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. I rise also in support of H.R. 1801. As we come off a holiday weekend, the busiest travel time in this country, many Americans have gone through the screening at our numerous airports. The TSA works hard screening everybody and keeping our flights safe, but we must always be looking for ways to make that system more efficient and safer. Members of our military whom we know have served and put their lives on the line for this country should be among those who are first in a program where we trust our travelers. We must continue to look for efficiencies to speed air travel. We must continue to look for fewer invasive ways to screen passengers. We must look for ways to make traveling a more pleasant experience and a more profitable experience for the businessmen and -women who travel. I urge support of this bill, which is where we should start--with members of our armed services; but there are other places we need to look, too--to trusted-traveler programs and flight crews receiving expedited screening. The TSA must continue to work to improve this process to make it safer and more efficient. This bill gives the TSA the encouragement that they need, and is a great step along the way to more efficient, private and better screening for our airport security.

Mr. FARENTHOLD

Mr. FARENTHOLD. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Every month, millions of American families make tough financial decisions about how they'll pay their bills, balance their budget, and make ends meet. They make tough choices and do without things they want so they can have the things that they need. The American people have to make these tough choices, and we, as their elected leaders, need to do the same thing. America cannot continue to spend more than we take in. A balanced budget amendment to the Constitution will ensure our grandchildren do not have to deal with the reckless mistakes Congress has already made by overspending and excessive borrowing. Our vote on this amendment will show hardworking American taxpayers who have a hard time balancing their own budgets which Members of Congress get it and who are doing their jobs that they are elected to do. The current national debt is over $15 trillion, and that's way too much. Passing a balanced budget is the best way to ensure that we don't spend money we don't have on programs we don't need. The American people want a government that is responsible and accountable. A balanced budget, like almost every State has, like almost every family lives with, is a key to this responsibility and accountability. It makes our economy stronger and healthier and preserves this great Nation for generations to come.