Bill Flores

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, once again, I urge all Members to oppose the motion to instruct. The conference committee is working diligently on both sides of the aisle to try to reach agreement with the Senate, and we want to do it in a responsible manner that puts the interests of our Nation's veterans at the forefront of the negotiations, but also is respectful of the resources required from our taxpayers to meet that objective. So, again, I urge Members to oppose the motion to instruct. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 433 I inadvertently voted ``nay'' when I intended to vote ``yea.'' I would like to make it clear that I support H.R. 4450, the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 2014.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, on July 1, our Nation lost Louis Theodore Getterman, Jr., a veteran, a successful businessman, a dedicated philanthropist, and a legend at Baylor University. Lovingly known by all as Ted Getterman, he was born on October 1, 1924, in Baltimore, Maryland, and later moved to Waco, Texas, to attend Baylor University and to eventually become an active community leader. Ted Getterman lived his entire life with excellence. At the age of 18, he volunteered for the Army, and served our Nation for 3\1/2\ years during World War II. He was on the beach with his fellow soldiers, preparing to invade Japan, when the atomic bomb was dropped, thus ending the war. Upon his return, he attended Baylor University, where he received both his BBA and J.D. degrees. Ted Getterman was very dedicated to his alma mater, Baylor University. He upheld the university's mission well--to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community. He was active in various Baylor organizations, and was an honorary member of the Baylor ``B'' Association. Ted was also awarded with the Baylor Athletic Director's Hall of Honor Achievement Award, the Victory with Integrity Award, and the Baylor Founder's Medal. He was also a fellow in the Golden Bear Circle. He was even recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by the Baylor Hankamer School of Business. The Baylor softball field was even named in his family's honor--Getterman Stadium. In addition to his love for his university, Ted Getterman was also successful and active as a businessman. He was a partner of the Seven- Up Bottling Company, which owned franchises in 29 Texas counties and bottling plants in the Texas cities of Waco, Bryan, and Austin. Ted also served in the leadership of various business organizations, including having been the chairman of his chapter of the Texas Manufacturers Association and the president of the State Bottlers Association. As an active community leader, Ted Getterman served on the Waco City Council, and was the mayor of Waco for two terms. He also served tirelessly on various boards and organizations, including the Waco Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Waco, the Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, the Salvation Army, the Family Counseling and Children's Services, the Baylor Stadium Corporation, the Bear Club, the Baylor Development Council, the Ridgewood Country Club, and the McDonald Observatory of Texas. In fact, Ted was named the Philanthropist of the Year by the Central Texas Chapter of Fund-Raising Executives. Ted Getterman was a hardworking man who also enjoyed his leisure time with family, friends, and his rescue dog, Noodle. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, and working out at the Ted and Sue Getterman Wellness Center. He was a faithful husband to his loving wife, Sue; a mentoring father to his sons, ``T'' and Holt; and an inspiration to his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. When I was growing up, my dad used to always tell me the same thing each day. Those words were: ``Go make a hand.'' In other words, he was telling me to add value, to make the world a better place. I think all of us in the 17th Congressional District of Texas can unanimously say without reservation that Ted Getterman made a hand. Before I close, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our country, for our military men and women, and for our first responders, who serve selflessly to keep us safe and free. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Ted Getterman's. He will be forever remembered as selfless, hardworking, and devoted man of God. He left a legacy of love, dignity, grace, and philanthropy. God bless his family and our community as we mourn his passing. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. FLORES. Madam Chair, section 10410 of the bill prohibits offshore energy agencies from engaging in coastal and marine spatial planning, or ocean zoning, under the National Ocean Policy established by President Obama's Executive Order 13547. The House is on record six times in opposition to language such as that proposed by the gentleman, each time with bipartisan support against this type of language and also in support of efforts to oppose the Obama administration's attempt to zone the oceans under this unconstitutional executive order. Just as a little background: Executive Order 13547 was signed in 2010, and it requires that numerous Federal bureaucracies essentially zone the ocean and the sources thereof. This actually means that a drop of rain that falls on your house could be subject to this overreaching policy because that drop of rain will ultimately wind up in the ocean. As someone who worked on the ocean for 17 years, I know something about this particular issue. There are concerns that have been raised that the National Ocean Policy may not only restrict ocean and inland activities, but it may also be flawed because it has not been given any specific appropriations by this Congress, nor does it have any statutory authority from any Congress for this initiative. This administration was also directed by the fiscal 2014 omnibus appropriations bill to submit a spending report to the Appropriations Committee by March of 2014, and yet they have failed to do so. So, on this ocean zoning activity, the administration has not been transparent with respect to this executive order. Let me say this. You have heard from the other side--and you are going to continue to hear from the other side--that planning is good. Yes, planning may be good. Planning with the intent to regulate or backdoor regulation or backdoor rulemaking is not, because here is what the executive order says on its face. It says: All executive departments, agencies, and offices that are members of the council and any other executive department, agency, or office whose action affects the oceans, our coasts, and the Great Lakes shall, to the fullest extent consistent with the applicable law . . . comply with council certified coastal and marine spatial plans. That sounds like regulation and rulemaking to me. That means all these folks are going to have something to say on how we move forward, and that is why section 10410 is so important to the bill we are talking about today. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings).

Mr. FLORES. Madam Chair, I have to concur wholeheartedly with the chairman's remarks when he said that the President's executive order has never been statutorily authorized by Congress. Four Congresses attempted to do so, under Democratic control, and four times this has not happened. Four times, Congress has looked at this issue and has said ``no'' to the President's activity. Also, Congress has never specifically authorized one penny for this activity. It doesn't make any difference how many people want this. It is whether or not Congress authorizes this activity. Congress specifically did not authorize this activity. The executive order is unconstitutional, and it should not be supported by approving the gentleman's amendment. First of all, let me say this. I would like to thank Chairman Hastings for his support and the Natural Resources Committee's oversight efforts to protect both our ocean and our inland economies by stopping this Federal overreach. Again, I urge a ``no'' vote on the gentleman's amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES

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

Mr. FLORES. Madam Chair, I rise to offer an amendment which addresses another misguided and restrictive Federal regulation. Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 prohibits Federal agencies from entering into contracts for the procurement of fuels, unless their life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions are less than or equal to emissions from an equivalent conventional fuel produced from conventional petroleum sources. My amendment is simple. It would stop the government from enforcing the ban on agencies funded by the Department of Defense Appropriations bill from being forced to comply with section 526. The initial purpose of section 526 was to stifle the Defense Department's plans to buy and develop coal-based or coal-to-liquids jet fuel. We must ensure that our military has adequate fuel resources and that it can rely upon the domestic and more stable sources of fuel. One of the unintended consequences of section 526 is that it essentially forces the American military to acquire fuel refined from unstable Middle Eastern crude resources. I offered this amendment to 13 prior appropriations bills in fiscal years 2012, 2013, and 2014; and each time, these amendments passed with bipartisan support. My friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Conaway), also added similar language to the latest defense authorization bill, to exempt the Defense Department from this burdensome regulation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Madam Chair, the opposition does not understand my amendment. This amendment does not do anything with respect to restricting the ability of the Department of Defense to buy any green fuel, biofuel, experimental fuel, or any other kind of fuel. What it does do in the situation of the refinery in the gentleman's district, if it turns out to start using Canadian oil sands crude as one of their feedstocks, is to prevent that refinery from not being able to sell its fuel to the military. The gentleman's argument is exactly backwards. This allows the military to buy the fuel from whatever source whether it is biofuels, green fuels, conventional sources, some other coal-to-liquid source, or a Canadian oil sand source. It gives them the greatest opportunity at the cheapest cost to buy the fuel that allows our warfighters to worry about taking care of defending this country and not to worry about where the source of the fuel comes from. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I also thank the gentlemen from Colorado and South Carolina for their support of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 4199, which would name the Waco VA medical center after Petty Officer First Class Doris Miller. Petty Officer Miller was the first African American to be awarded the Navy Cross. Petty Officer Miller--better known by his nickname ``Dorie''--of Waco, Texas, bravely served in the United States Navy from 1939 to 1943 and was most renowned for his heroic acts during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. On that day, Miller was serving as a mess attendant on the battleship West Virginia when the attack started. During the attack and under heavy enemy fire, Miller bravely rose above and beyond the call of duty by aiding mortally wounded Captain Mervyn Bennion and then manning a .50-caliber antiaircraft machine gun. He returned fire upon the enemy until he was out of ammunition, reportedly shooting down one to three enemy planes. In the final moments before the USS West Virginia sank, Miller continued his heroism by carrying many of his wounded shipmates to safety and saving the lives of several sailors in the process. The story of Petty Officer Miller's bravery is a testament to his outstanding courage and commitment to serving his country. In May of 1942, in recognition of his heroism at Pearl Harbor, Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz commended and awarded Miller the Navy Cross, the second-highest military decoration for valor. Admiral Nimitz commented that Miller's bravery ``marks the first time in this conflict that such high tribute has been made in the Pacific Fleet to a member of his race, and I am sure in the future we will see others similarly honored for brave acts.'' Miller continued his naval service in the Pacific war theater. During the spring of 1943, he was assigned to the USS Liscome Bay, an escort carrier involved in Operation Galvanic. During the ship's mission, on November 24, 1943, a Japanese submarine torpedoed the escort carrier, and within minutes the vessel sank. Petty Officer Miller was one of the 646 brave sailors that gave the ultimate sacrifice aboard the Liscome Bay that day. In addition to being awarded the Navy Cross, Miller was decorated with the Purple Heart Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Petty Officer Miller's actions at Pearl Harbor led him to be recognized as one of the heroes of World War II, and in doing so, he distinguished himself as a great African American hero in U.S. history. Miller's story has become iconic as one of the heroic tales of bravery during World War II. Most notably, the portrayal of Miller by actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., in the 2001 movie ``Pearl Harbor,'' paid great tribute to Miller's heroics aboard the West Virginia that day. Each year, the Waco VA medical center assists thousands of central Texas veterans with their health care needs. By naming the center after Miller, we not only pay honor to his service and his sacrifice, but to that of all veterans. The tremendous courage and bravery Miller showed during the attack on Pearl Harbor is worthy of such an honor. In naming the center after a local hero, we will preserve the memory of Miller's outstanding valor and duty for generations to come. Finally, I want to thank all of those who made this legislation possible. I want to thank Chairman Miller and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for their assistance. I would also like to thank the House Members of the Texas delegation for their 100 percent cosponsorship of this legislation. In addition, I want to thank Texas Senator Cornyn and Texas Senator Cruz for introducing identical legislation in the Senate. Additionally, I want to thank Waco Mayor Malcolm Duncan, McLennan County Commissioner Lester Gibson, and McLennan County Judge Scott Felton for their local support. Last, but not least, I would like to thank the Texas chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, the Texas Veterans Commission, and the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations for lending their support to this recognition of a Texas hero. Again, I urge and support the passage of H.R. 4199.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired United States Marine Corps Corporal and United States Air Force (USAF) Master Sergeant Jack Keiningham who passed away on September 30, 2007. Master Sergeant Keiningham knew from an early age that he wanted to join the military and serve our country. On July 2, 1942, he enlisted and served in F Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Division, where he was quickly promoted to the rank of Corporal. Master Sergeant Keiningham courageously fought and served our nation during World War II, where he was wounded in the Battle of Saipan. During his service, he was highly awarded and decorated with the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with Two Stars, Marine Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Marine Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with Three Stars, and the Marine WWII Victory Medal for his bravery in the call of duty. After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps due to the injuries he received during the Battle of Saipan, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) where he earned the rank of Technical Sergeant. While in the Air Force, he was awarded the USAF Outstanding Unit Ribbon, two USAF Good Conduct Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal, the USAF Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and the USAF Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. After retiring from active duty, he continued his service in the Air Force Reserve as a Technical Sergeant and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant. On September 30, 2007, Master Sergeant Jack Keiningham was laid to rest. He will forever be remembered as an American hero who dedicated his life in service to our country. America thanks him and his family for their service and sacrifice for our country. As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country during these difficult times and for our military men and women who protect us from external threats and our first responders who protect us from internal threats right here at home. God bless our military men and women, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer a simple amendment to address an overreach by the executive branch of our government. My amendment bans the use of Federal funds for the implementation of Executive Order No. 13547. Executive Order No. 13547, signed in 2010, requires that 63-plus bureaucracies essentially zone the ocean and the sources thereof. This amendment addresses a critical executive branch encroachment into the powers of Congress as set forth in our Constitution. The activities being conducted under E.O. 13547 have not been authorized by Congress, nor have appropriations been made by Congress to fund these activities. Mr. Chair, since 2010, this body has voted several times in support of this amendment in a bipartisan manner. Today, I am offering this amendment, again, because concerns have been raised that the effects of the recently created National Ocean Policy may extend well beyond restricting the ocean and inland activities. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I think now that you have heard the arguments against my amendment, it is important to set the record straight as far as what the real history was. Congress did pass an act to establish a National Ocean Commission. That Commission was appointed by President Bush. And it made recommendations, but it did nothing else. Those recommendations were considered by the 108th, 109th, 110th, and 111th Congresses, and Congress elected to take no action on those recommendations. Therefore, it is the intent of Congress that no further activity take place. The President has wired around Congress by signing this executive order to establish a commission to empower 63 agencies to go spend money for which no funds have been appropriated and under which it has no statutory authority. I have got 93 interests that include fishing, agricultural, farming, energy, and other industries that are concerned about the impact of this Federal overreach. Again, this is a simple amendment that just stands up for the constitutional rights of this Congress to create the statutes under which this activity can be conducted. We may not be against ocean planning. What we are for, though, is for the Constitution and to stand up for our congressional rights to enact the statutes related to this activity. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4031, The Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act of 2014. This bill would give the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) complete authority to fire or demote senior leaders based on performance. This bill originated from an increasing amount of evidence supporting a lack of management accountability in the department's efforts to curb the disability benefits backlog. Now with the devastating discovery of a growing number of preventable deaths at VA medical centers across the country, this legislation has become more essential. The department is failing to do its primary job, which is to provide the best health care and benefit services to our veterans. Sadly, the recent reports of mismanagement at VA medical centers only add to the growing list of problems that have plagued the VA. It is time that underperforming senior leaders are held accountable and punished for their poor performance, as opposed to the status quo of ignoring mismanagement practices and rewarding misconduct. Our nation's heroes deserve better. With the passage of H.R. 4031, this bill would allow for the VA secretary to cut through the mounds of red tape to discipline and remove senior leaders. As an original cosponsor of the bill, I was pleased to see the House take action and pass it with an overwhelming majority. By giving the secretary the direct authority to reprimand leaders it sends a clear message that mismanagement will no longer be tolerated. The culture at the VA has clearly lost its way and is in need of leadership that can bring back the focus towards its core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence. These core values have been ignored for too long. It is time to put the interests of America's veterans ahead of the interests of federal bureaucrats so that we keep our promises to the brave men and women who have protected so much for our freedom and liberty.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Army Sergeant Lauren Montoya who was recently wounded while serving her nation in Afghanistan. Sergeant Montoya, from Austin, Texas, attended Texas A&M University for two years prior to joining the Army in January of 2011. Texas A&M has a long history of students who have answered the call to service, and Sergeant Montoya has kept that tradition alive. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, the Army sent Sergeant Montoya to Fort Huachuca, Arizona where she was trained in the Military Intelligence field as a Human Intelligence Collector. She was subsequently stationed at Fort Drum, New York to serve with the combat-proven 10th Mountain Division. It was there that she continued to distinguish herself as an exemplary soldier. Ms. Montoya's superiors quickly noticed her leadership ability and promoted her to Sergeant in just two short years of service. Due to her dedication, professionalism and leadership ability, Sergeant Montoya was selected to participate in the Army's Cultural Support Team assisting a Special Forces unit conducting counter- terrorism operations in Afghanistan. Her unique abilities as a Human Intelligence Collector and devotion to selfless service led to her assignment as an advisor to a Special Forces unit deployed to carry out volatile missions in Afghanistan. In November 2013, Sergeant Montoya deployed with her Special Forces unit to Afghanistan where they spent five months conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During that deployment, Sergeant Montoya's unit was attacked by an improvised explosive device while traveling from a mission in southern Afghanistan. Sergeant Montoya was injured in the attack but survived and was transported to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas to recover. Sergeant Montoya's commitment to duty and selfless service demonstrate her caliber as a soldier, Texan and American. During the tenure of her brief military career, Sergeant Montoya earned numerous awards and decorations including the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Marksmanship Qualification Badge--Marksman with Recoilless Rifle, and a meritorious count of five Army Achievement Medals. With the prayers and love from family and friends, Sergeant Montoya continues to recover at Brooke Army Medical Center and looks forward to the next steps in her future. Upon completion of her military service, she hopes to return to Texas A&M University and finish her degree. Her service and sacrifice to this country cannot be measured. On behalf of a grateful nation, I want to wish her a speedy recovery and all the blessings God may grant unto her.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Doug and Sadie Hodo of Texas. In light of their commitment to Christian higher education in Texas, Houston Baptist University is dedicating the Sadie and Doug Hodo Residence College on their campus. Dr. Doug Hodo served as the second President of Houston Baptist University from 1987 to 2006. During that time, Dr. Hodo's wife, Sadie served as First Lady of Houston Baptist University. It is a true honor to acknowledge Doug and Sadie Hodo's service and dedication to Houston Baptist University as well as their commitment to Christian higher education. Under the leadership of Dr. Hodo, Houston Baptist University developed new academic programs and expanded its campus facilities. During his service as president, he created an integrated leadership team that resulted in informed decision making and effective internal communication processes for the University. As First Lady of Houston Baptist University, Sadie Hodo served the university with grace and distinction. On February 18, 2014, the Houston Baptist University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the dedication of the residence college to Doug and Sadie Hodo. The dedication will take place on April 28, 2015. Sadie and Doug Hodo's visionary leadership and extraordinary love for students built Houston Baptist University to be the great University that it is today--and they kept Christ at the center of both the University and their own lives while doing so. God bless Sadie and Doug Hodo and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, today in the City of West, Texas, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, better known as RSVP, is being honored for their service. I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation for all help they have provided to our community. RSVP has a rich history of giving back. As volunteers, their service adds to the well being and preserves the health of our community. In the wake of the tragic fertilizer plant explosion in West, RSVP came to the aid of a community in need. Following the explosion, volunteers with the organization staffed the call center, food distribution headquarters, and the donations management center. Their leadership, experience, and support aided in providing relief to those affected and were a tremendous help throughout the recovery process of this disaster. We are truly thankful that RSVP was able to organize and assist in such a quick and efficient manner, and we know that those affected by the explosion truly appreciate their efforts as well. RSVP Volunteers do their part to add value to the world and work to leave it a better place. During a time in which our country faces tough challenges, it is encouraging to see that we still have strong groups like RSVP who work together to solve problems, and to pitch in to strengthen our communities and improve others' lives. I am appreciative of the work that RSVP volunteers do and commend them for all of their hard work for our community. God bless the continuing work of RSVP and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to pay tribute to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, who is most commonly known as the ``Father of the Green Revolution.'' The United States Congress today dedicated a statue of Dr. Borlaug in Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol. This dedication happens to coincide with what would have been his one hundredth birthday. Dr. Borlaug's groundbreaking work in wheat improvement has been able to save millions of starving people around the globe. He crossbred thousands of wheat varieties from around the world to produce new breads resistant to diseases. He crafted dwarf wheat varieties, which kept stalks erect, salvaging them from becoming unharvestable. Additionally, he came up with the technique of shuttle breeding, which involves growing two successive plantings, in different regions, a year. These advancements in wheat have helped food deficient countries, such as Mexico and India, become self-sufficient in producing high- yield, disease-resistant grains. Dr. Borlaug touched millions of lives through his research, knowledge and teachings in advancing agriculture to help end hunger worldwide. His outstanding work has been recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize, U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, U.S. Congressional Gold Medal, United Nations FAO Agricola Medal and over fifty honorary doctorate degrees. In 1984, Dr. Borlaug joined the faculty at Texas A&M University as Distinguished Professor of International Agriculture. He continued to teach and inspire young scientists at Texas A&M until his death in 2009. Dr. Borlaug's work continues to live through the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M University. The institute leads long-term agricultural efforts by focusing other design and implementation of sustainable programs of international development that integrate research, training and education to benefit developing countries around the globe. I would like to thank Dr. Norman Borlaug for all of his work and his commitment to ending worldwide hunger. He will forever be remembered as great humanitarian, scientist, agriculturalist and professor. God bless the continuing legacy of Dr. Borlaug and the United States of America.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired United States Air Force Colonel Robert Darden ``Pete'' Peterson who passed away on March 2. Colonel Peterson was a member of America's Greatest Generation. He not only served our counsel selflessly during World War II, but also during the Korean war and the Vietnam war. Colonel Robert Darden Peterson was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 1923. After graduating from high school, Pete would go on to attend the University of Mississippi with a football scholarship. After his first football season at Ole Miss, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to aid the war effort in Europe. Colonel Peterson trained as a B-17 pilot and became an aircraft commander at age 20. During World War II, he was a member of the 8th Air Force and completed 28 combat missions. After World War II, Pete briefly returned to civilian life only to be recalled to Active Duty in 1947. He would serve as assistant chief of directorate of combat operations during the Korean war and the Vietnam war. He was responsible for all surveillance and control of the Strategic Air Command winged resources within Southeast Asia. During 1967 and 1968, Colonel Peterson served as air operations planner for all tactical and support air activities in the southern portion of North Vietnam and the Southeast Asia interdiction area. He remained a combat pilot, flying 19 combat missions in support operations in Vietnam. In 1968, Colonel Peterson was assigned to the Pentagon as Air Force actions officer for programs pertaining to the Strategic Air Command. In 1970, he was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Operational Directorate. Following his assignments in Washington, he accepted the post of deputy base commander at Dyess Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command base in Abilene, Texas. In 1976, Colonel Peterson retired from military service and lived most of his retirement years in Texas. During his 33 years of service to our country, he flew B-17s, B-36s, and B-52s and logged over 7,000 flying hours. He was so trusted and experienced, that he was assigned to America's nuclear Air Force in the Strategic Air Command. As a pilot, he was one of the first in our country to fly with atomic weapons and hydrogen weapons. Colonel Peterson was a highly decorated officer. His military honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Bronze Star, and numerous other medals and awards that reflected his dedication to serving our country in the United States Air Force. A review written by a commanding officer during Colonel Peterson's military career best sums up the way he lived his life at home and when on duty. The CO wrote: Peterson requires a lot of his crew. However, he gives more than he demands of others. Colonel Peterson passed away earlier this month and was laid to rest on March 7. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Colonel ``Pete'' Peterson. His survivors include 7 children, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be forever remembered as a patriot, a pilot, a soldier, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and as an American hero. We thank him and his family for their outstanding service and sacrifice to our country. As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country during these difficult times and for our military men and women who protect us from external threats and our first responders who protect us from internal threats right here at home. God bless our military men and women, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the La Vega High School girls' basketball team for winning the Texas 3A state championship title. On February 29, 2014, the La Vega Lady Pirates played in the 3A state championship game against the Argyle Lady Eagles. The Lady Pirates won with a score of 47-42. The opposing team had taken the lead going into halftime and carried it through a majority of the second half. The Lady Pirates never gave up hope and continued playing tough. They persevered and came through with success at the end. There is no better way to cap off such an incredible season, in which the Lady Pirates went undefeated, than with their first ever state championship title. La Vega's Calveion Landrum, named MVP of the game, scored her team 23 points for her team as they defeated Argyle. The Lady Pirates' coach, Amy Gillum, was finally able to achieve the goal she started pursuing as a player at La Vega 19 years ago. The championship was won as a result of both the players' and coach's hard work and dedication to their basketball program. I congratulate Coach Gillum on the victory that would not have been possible without her guidance and the devotion from her players and fans. Mr. Speaker, before I close I just want to say congratulations to an outstanding Texas District 17 high school girls' basketball team, coaching staff, fans, and community. Go Lady Pirates.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following. Whereas, The United States House of Representatives recognizes the delegation of the National Cereal Producers Association of Poland; and Whereas, The twenty-eight members in the delegation of the Polish farmers and representatives of agricultural producer organizations to include the Polish Association of Cereals Producers, the Polish Agro- Business Club, the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Milk Producers Zamojskie Agriculture Association are actively involved as agricultural leaders in Poland; and Whereas, The Polish delegation's mission is to study Texas agriculture and oil & gas industries working in tandem in a safe and healthy environment making Texas the 11th largest economy in the world; and Whereas, The goals of the program are to provide insight and educational information into United States agriculture and oil & gas industries, identify potential investments, enhance export and import opportunities and continue to build strong Texas/US and Poland/EU relationships; and Whereas, The areas of study and business opportunities will include crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, canola and vegetables; livestock to include cattle, horses, poultry and dairy; policies to include the farm bill, taxation, environmental regulation and tort reform; and the new technologies and production practices with oil & gas especially, shale gas; and Whereas, The agricultural leaders from the National Cereal Producers Association of Poland represent Polish landowners and all sectors of Polish agriculture and will visit Lubbock, Amarillo, San Antonio, Panna Maria, Austin, College Station/Bryan, Brenham, Anderson, Chappell Hill, East Bernard and Houston, Texas during a two week span; the delegation will learn firsthand the diversity of Texas to include rainfall, agriculture and oil & gas production practices, temperature, soils, size and distance, population densities, infrastructure, ethnic groups and the various economic industries; and Whereas, The delegation of the Polish farmers and representatives of agricultural producer organizations are devoting their time and finances to explore Texas Agriculture and Oil & Gas from production to transportation to processing to storage to marketing to selling commodities while studying the issues facing Texas and the United States of America while discovering fertile opportunities to enhance business and personal relationships between Poland and Texas; they deserve recognition for their initiative and motivation to explore new opportunities to enhance food and energy production for all; and therefore, be it Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives: Congratulates the members of the Polish farmers and representatives of agricultural producer organizations on their involvement and participation in the agriculture industries of Poland with interest in the Texas agriculture and oil & gas industries and extend best wishes and prosperity for the future.