Bill Flores

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ben Hardeman, a resident of Bryan, Texas, and the 2018 recipient of the Outstanding Individual Contribution award from the League of Historic American Theatres, a national organization. In 2010, Ben was chairman of the Downtown Bryan Association and heard that the abandoned Queen Theatre was put up for sale. The structure was built in 1885, and first served as a hotel and boarding house. By 1913, silent films were being shown and by 1939 the building was completely redone and included ``chilled air'', something of a novelty in that era. The Queen continued to thrive until the late 1970s when the building was shuttered. By the time the Association purchased the building, it had been abandoned for 40 years. The theatre had a hole in the roof, pigeons in the rafters, and rotting wood. Ben brought the idea of the purchasing and restoring the Queen to the Downtown Bryan Association's Board of Trustees. They approved the purchase and began raising money for a down payment. Just shy of reaching the required amount, Ben paid the rest of the money personally. Ben spearheaded the restoration of the building, aiming to make it a truly community effort. The Association began collecting donations and within a few weeks, they raised $30,000 in pledges. Work quickly began on gutting the theatre with Ben and several other Bryan residents assisting with the demolition and clean-up. By 2011, the theatre's Art Deco facade was restored with Ben often seen doing much of the physical labor. Between 2013 and the Queen's re- opening on May 4, 2018, Ben and the Association made plans to restore the theatre's interior and began fund raising efforts for this purpose. Ben spearheaded much of the effort, obtaining labor and material donations, and even designing the handrails inside the building. Since its re-opening, the Queen now serves as a single-screen movie theatre, performance venue, and, it also houses the Downtown Bryan Association and visitor's center. Thanks to Ben Hardeman's vision, the work of the Downtown Bryan Association and many volunteers who donated time, money, and resources, the Queen Theatre is once again a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Ben Hardeman on receiving the Outstanding Individual Contribution award and recognize all the work done to restore the historic Queen Theatre in Bryan, Texas. I have requested that a United States. flag be flown over the United States Capitol to honor Be Hardeman and the Queen Theatre. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Waco Eagles Motorcycle Club and to congratulate them on obtaining a grant through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Federal Grant Commission. The Waco Eagles Motorcycle Club was formed 1934 and chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association in 1951. They are the second oldest chartered club with the American Motorcyclist Association in the United States. In 1948, the Waco Eagles built the Waco Eagles Motocross Dirt Bike Park. The park has since provided countless hours of recreational off- road activities to families in Central Texas. The track provides open access to its club members and also hosts monthly organized races. The park has been more than a place to ride bikes, it has become a place where families have gathered for generations, bringing their campers and barbeques to enjoy the comradery of fellow dirt bike enthusiasts. The club also gives back to the community, holding fund raisers to help Central Texas families in need. In 2016 the Waco Eagles Motorcycle Club caught the attention of Librado Cobian, a current resident of Hawaii who is soon to be a Wacoan. He has been involved in dirt-biking and he wanted to find a cause to support in his new hometown. Mr. Cobian met with the president of the club and explained that he found a government grant for trail upgrades and that he could help the club apply to get funding for their park. According to the Waco Eagles, Mr. Cobian was diligent in gathering information for the grant and supporting the application process. On May 24, 2018 the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission awarded the park $390,560 through the National Recreational Trails Fund to upgrade park through trail renovation, maintenance equipment and handicap accessible facilities. These enhancements will benefit the families of Central Texas and will create a venue that can be enjoyed by future generations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Librado Cobian for the work that he did to obtain the grant and the rest of the Waco Eagles Motorcycle Club for the work they have done for the Waco community. I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us in our communities.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. In 1900, several Bryan businesspersons recognized the need for a collective organization aimed at improving business in the area. After several months of planning, the Bryan Business League held its first meeting. The organization has been known by many names including the Bryan Commercial Club, the Downtown Bryan Merchants Association, and the Bryan & Brazos Industrial League. In 1918 they settled on another name, the Bryan and Brazos Chamber of Commerce which is now known as the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, the Chamber has established itself as one of the best Chambers in the state of Texas, and it has played a large part in the development of the economies of both Bryan and the neighboring community of College Station. Today the Chamber's membership has grown to over 1,500 businesses including Fortune 100 companies, small-to- medium sized business, non-profits, civic organizations, divisions of Texas A&M University, the Texas A&M University System, Blinn College, representatives from local city and county governments, and individual citizens. The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce unites business, civic, academia and government leaders with leadership focused programs and special events. Like other Chambers of Commerce across the country, the Bryan/College Station Chamber is the voice of the business community to elected officials of local, state and federal governments. Once a year, members of the Chamber come to Washington to advocate for policies that will help our nation's business owners and employees. I always look forward to hosting the Bryan/College Station Chamber; and my team and I take great pride in making sure they feel welcome and at home. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and recognizing their years of service to the Brazos Valley. It is an honor for me to represent such an outstanding group of entrepreneurs, local leaders, and visionaries in Congress. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our nation's Capitol to honor the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary. As I close, I ask everyone to continue praying for our country, our military, and our first responders who selflessly serve and sacrifice to protect us.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Penny Celeste Forrest of Waco, Texas, who passed away on June 15, 2018. Penny was born in 1948 in Dallas, Texas. She was educated at East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University-Commerce; Baylor University; the University of Texas at Arlington; McLennan Community College; Texas State Technology College; and Texas Woman's University. Penny was very active in our Waco community. She served on various boards, associations, and commissions, including the following: president of the Central Texas Museum District, vice president of the Austin Avenue Neighborhood Association, chair of the Boy Scouts Award Committee, chair of the Waco-McLennan County Library Commission, the McLennan County Historical Commission, the Texas State Technical College board of regents, the city of Waco Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, the city of Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board, and the city of Waco Buildings and Standards Commission. For the past 8 years, Penny has been an integral member of my team that serves the 17th Congressional District of Texas. She was one of the first three hires I made when I assumed office in 2011. Since then, she worked in our Waco office as our office manager and our caseworker. She loved her job, and she especially loved being able to serve others. Penny was also in charge of handling the Military Service Academy nominations for our office. Each year, she would compile all of the applications and coordinate with our service academy board to interview applicants. She took great pride in being able to help young men and women get accepted into our Nation's service academies. In addition to her official duties, she also served as the matriarch of our Waco office team. She befriended and mentored everyone with whom she worked. She especially enjoyed working with all of our interns, and she would advise them during their time in our office. There is no doubt that some of the wisdom that she shared with them has helped shape their lives and their careers. Penny was an exceptional and devoted person who will be greatly missed by all those lives she touched. The thing that I know that she loved more than serving others was loving her husband, Jerry, and her children. For as long as I can remember, Jerry and Penny would have lunch together every day in our office. They truly enjoyed each other's company. Their love and dedication to each other was remarkable and something to be modeled by all of us. A little over a year ago, we buried my father-in-law. During the graveside service, the pastor said something that I will always remember. He said, When we leave this Earth, we should all aspire to leave behind three things: a good name, a good family, and a forwarding address. Penny Forrest left behind all three of those things, and in particular, she left a forwarding address. Because of her Christian faith and her belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior, she is celebrating with him in heaven. Her actions serve as a great example for all of us here still on Earth. She and Jerry loved to go on cruises, and she is on the ultimate cruise right now. Madam Speaker, Penny's life was defined by her selfless service to those around her. She worked tirelessly to better our community. She has certainly left an enduring impression on her central Texas community and the 17th Congressional District. She will be forever remembered as a selfless servant, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a dear friend. My wife, Gina, and I, along with the entire Texas 17 Congressional Team, offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Forrest family. We also lift up the family and friends of Penny in our prayers. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of Penny Forrest. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country, for our military men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6136, the Border Security and Immigration Reform Act, and I thank Chairman Goodlatte for allowing me to spend time talking about this from a personal perspective. I represent the 17th District of Texas, which has a number of colleges, universities, and institutions of higher education that are home to hundreds of Dreamers who are studying to improve their lives. I believe that we should give them a path to come out of the shadows by providing them with an earned path to legal status. These Dreamers were brought here by their parents as children and, for most, America is the only home they know. Further, they did not commit the crime to enter the country illegally, and to characterize an earned path to legal status as amnesty is an offense to their character and to the hard work this body has done to try to come to a consensus. This bill is also important because it will ensure that children who are apprehended at the border will not be separated from their parents and/or legal guardian while in DHS custody. Look, we all know that enforcing the law is important, both for the integrity of our immigration system and out of respect to the thousands of law-abiding immigrants who come to this country legally every year, many of whom reside in my district. The President was right to issue an executive order to stop the separation of children from their parents. As I have said before, only Congress can enact a permanent solution that amends current law, which has flaws and loopholes, and overturns current legal precedent set by the courts. This bill includes four pillars which were previously agreed on by Democrats and Republicans and the White House a few months ago. It deals with border security; it comes up with a solution for the Dreamers; it gets rid of a visa lottery, which has not been helpful for merit-based immigration in this country; and it reforms chain migration so that we can bring in the immigrants that we need who will be an integral part of the economy on day one. In closing, Madam Speaker, I will note that we cannot move forward without enacting strong border security reforms, and I am pleased that the solutions for our Dreamers that this bill puts forward are coupled with funding to strengthen border security. We can't have one without the other. Robust border security includes a border wall, where feasible. Robust border security can only be achieved through an integrated system of border technology, personnel, and the modernization of our ports of entry. This bill rightly authorizes all of those components and funds those components. I urge a ``yes'' vote from all of our colleagues on this bill.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bill Hamilton, Jr. of Overland Park, Kansas, who passed away on January 4, 2018. Bill was born in Dallas, Texas, on February 18, 1918. In 1940, he graduated from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now known as Texas A&M University, with a degree in civil engineering. In World War II, Bill served as a lieutenant in the Army. He was in command of an antiaircraft unit in the Philippines at Corregidor Island. Bill was part of the American defensive forces trying to hold Corregidor Island from the Japanese. Fighting valiantly, the American forces held the island for 5 months, only surrendering to Japanese forces after all ammunition and supplies were exhausted. The Japanese had expected to take the island in 3 weeks. On April 21, 1942, while defending Corregidor, he and approximately 24 other Texas Aggies gathered together at The Rock, as Corregidor is now known, to observe Aggie Muster. While Japanese bombs fell on the island, those Aggies participated in this proud tradition and called the roll for those Aggies who had lost their lives during the preceding months. This event during wartime brought the solemn Aggie Muster tradition to the attention of the entire world. With the passing of Bill Hamilton, we have lost the last of the survivors of the 1942 Muster at The Rock. After being captured at Corregidor Island, Bill spent 3\1/2\ years as a prisoner of war, being held at camps, including Camp Cabanatuan in the Philippines and Camp Fukuoka in Japan. Amazingly, Bill was a passenger on three Japanese prisoner ships that were struck by the U.S. Army Air Force, yet he survived all three incidents. In August of 1945, he was finally liberated by the American forces from Camp Hoten in Manchuria. For his honorable and distinguished service, Bill received many honors, including a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the Distinguished Unit Badge, three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Prisoner of War Medal. After the war, Bill resumed life in America, and he married the love of his life, Margaret Jacobs, in 1946. He also began working for the Santa Fe Railroad as a bridge engineer. Bill worked for the Santa Fe Railroad company for 38 years and was known as an exemplary employee. A man of great character, Bill was an integral part of the veterans community and was a member of the Reserve Officers Association, Defenders of the Bataan and Corregidor, and American Ex-Prisoners of War. Mr. Speaker, selfless service to those around him defined Bill Hamilton's life. He worked tirelessly to defend our freedom and to better communities in which he lived. He is loved by his community, and he certainly left an enduring impression on our Nation. He will be forever remembered as a selfless soldier, community member, husband, father, friend to hundreds, and an honorably fighting Texas Aggie. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Hamilton family. We also lift up the family and friends of Bill in our prayers. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of Bill Hamilton, Jr. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Wilton A. Lanning

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wilton Lanning of Waco, Texas, who passed away on January 10, 2018. Wilton was born on June 12, 1936, in Waco. He graduated from Waco High School and would go on to graduate from Baylor University and would be a proud Baylor Bear for the rest of his life. At Baylor, Wilton met his wife of 57 years, Lanell ``Lee'' Lanning. Wilton was a lifelong Waco resident, a proud advocate for Waco businesses, and an avid amateur historian of the city. He worked for 40 years at Waco's then oldest business, Tom Padgitt, Inc., where he served as president and CEO. Always looking for ways to push development in Waco, he served as the executive director of the Waco Business League, chairman of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, and he was a member of the Baylor Waco Foundation. He also served on several boards, including the Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, the Waco Industrial Foundation, the Waco Mammoth Foundation, the Brazos Higher Education Service Corporation, and as president of the board of the Waco YMCA. Upon his retirement from the Waco Business League, Wilton received the Waco Business League Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also the recipient of awards such as the James H. Lockwood Masonic Lodge 1343, the A.F. & A.M. Community Builder Award, the National Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Silver Eagle Award from the Boy Scouts of America. Wilton built his life on a foundation of serving and giving back to others, a value he learned as an Eagle Scout and certainly reenforced by his father who served as a captain in the United States Army. Wilton was a lifelong supporter of Baylor University and an active member of the Baylor Alumni Association. In recognition of this, his family has received the Baylor Alumni Association's First Family of Baylor Award. Wilton also held a special place in his heart for the Waco-born soft drink, Dr Pepper. As a result, he cofounded the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, which details the origins of this famous soft drink. When he became a grandfather, he asked to be called ``Dr Pepper'' by his grandkids. When he was rebuffed, he settled on being called, simply, ``Pepper.'' Mr. Speaker, Wilton Lanning worked tirelessly to better the Waco community. From his 40 years at Padgitt's to his time with the Business League, Wilton certainly left an impression on central Texas. He will be forever remembered by his passion for Waco as a great philanthropist, a businessman, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Lanning family. We also lift up the family and friends of Wilton in our prayers. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of Wilton Lanning. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for their country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Beatrice Rodriguez

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Beatrice Rodriguez of Bryan, Texas, who passed away on February 28, 2018. Beatrice was born in Somerville, Texas, in 1941. Her father was a railroad worker, who was paralyzed on the job while he was in his thirties. Her mother took care of the home and her father after he was paralyzed. Beatrice was one of nine children and learned to cook at an early age to help her family. She also worked as a waitress, picked cotton, and worked at a grocery store to earn money for the family. When Beatrice was 18 years old, she met the love of her life, Richard Rodriguez, at a dance in Caldwell, Texas. After the dance, Richard and Beatrice became inseparable. Richard asked Beatrice's father for her hand in marriage, but her father refused. The couple then decided to elope, which they did on October 31, 1960. They were married for 57 loving years and had three daughters. In their thirties, the couple started their first restaurant and named it the Buccaneer. When a chance to move the business to downtown Bryan came up, the couple took the opportunity and named the new restaurant Casa Rodriguez. Opened in 1978, the restaurant serves authentic home-style Mexican cuisine and has repeatedly been voted as one of the best restaurants in the Brazos Valley. Beatrice was a local celebrity in our Brazos Valley community. She was known to always keep up a distinguished appearance in public, and she owned a large collection of hats, which earned her the nickname ``The Hat Lady'' around town. She had a warm and fun-loving demeanor, which helped her easily connect to those who encountered her. Her caring heart came, in part, from her deep faith in God. She was a devout Catholic and attended Santa Teresa Catholic Church in Bryan. You could often find her in the church praying for loved ones. She was also a loving grandmother and affectionately called Grandma Bea by her seven grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, selfless service to her community and to our community defined Beatrice's life. She worked tirelessly to uphold the values of Bryan-College Station and brought smiles, great food, and love to those around her. She is loved by our residents and certainly left an enduring impression on our Brazos Valley community. She will be forever remembered as a selfless community leader, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a dear friend. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Rodriguez family. We also lift up the family and friends of Beatrice Rodriguez in our prayers. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of Beatrice Rodriguez. As I close today, I ask all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our families, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Joe Rodriguez

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joe Rodriguez of Waco, Texas, who passed away on March 15, 2018. Joe was born in 1941 in Ansonia, Ohio. His family soon moved to Texas, where he grew up under difficult circumstances in a tough neighborhood between Bellmead and Waco. The neighborhood was known as No Man's Land, where residents were known to dig their own wells for water. Joe attended La Vega High School and went on to attend McLennan Community College in Waco. During that time, he also met and married the love of his life, Alice Martinez. Overcoming his difficult upbringing, Joe became a leader in the Waco area. He served two terms as mayor of Bellmead and was a union leader at the General Tire and Rubber Company plant. He also served as the director of the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation's Head Start program. In one of his more prominent roles, Joe also served as the CEO of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years. Always sticking to his principles and looking for ways to better our community, Joe was committed to providing equal opportunities for all, empowering youth, and helping Hispanic-owned businesses in the area succeed. He was a strong advocate for minority communities and believed that there was strength in diversity, and he advocated for higher education as a way so that anyone could make it in America. Mr. Speaker, selfless service to those around him defined Joe's life. He worked tirelessly to better our community, and he built strong relationships throughout Waco. He is loved by his city, and he has certainly left an enduring impression on our central Texas community. He will be forever remembered as a selfless community member, leader, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Rodriguez family. We also lift up the family and friends of Joe in our prayers. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol in honor of the life and legacy of Joe Rodriguez. As I close today, I ask all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Arnold Mathias

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, Arnold Robert Mathias, of Waco, Texas, who passed away on April 27, 2018. Arnold Mathias was born in 1922 in Copperas Cove, Texas. While born in very modest circumstances, his parents would raise both him and his brother in a loving and nurturing family during the Great Depression. After graduating from Copperas Cove High School, Arnold attended the University of California at Berkeley and Texas Tech University, from which he received a bachelor of business administration. Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Arnold volunteered for the U.S. Army. While initially, as an 18-year-old, the bombing meant little to him, he ultimately experienced a surge of patriotism for our great Nation, and he felt committed to serve. That patriotism and commitment stayed with him throughout his lifetime. During World War II, Arnold was the leader of a tank platoon in the 13th Armored Division, 24th Tank Battalion that was incorporated into General Patton's 3rd Army. He was wounded in the battle for the German Ruhr Valley when his tank exploded while under heavy fire from the Germans. After recovering from his wounds, he returned to the front lines. Once victory was declared in Europe, he was told to prepare for the Japanese invasion. He was spared from being deployed to Japan after President Truman ordered the use of atomic bombs to achieve victory over Japan. After the war, Arnold married Margie Dane Calhoun in 1950. Their 68- year marriage produced a loving family with three daughters who blessed him with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Upon leaving Active Duty, Arnold began a long and fruitful career of public service. He managed a couple of community chambers of commerce in central Texas before becoming a district manager for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquartered in Houston. He also served as chairman of the zoning commission and was elected to the city commission and served as the mayor of a small city in Harris County, Texas. He then served as the southwestern regional manager for the U.S. Chamber in Dallas. Upon retiring from the U.S. Chamber, Arnold served as district director for the 11th Congressional District, which at the time included Waco and other portions of central Texas. He then went on to continue working in politics and public affairs as a consultant. In addition to his professional career, Arnold served and participated in many civic and service associations, including central Texas chairman of the Girl Scouts of America, chairman of the United Way, board member of the Lions Club, the Downtown Dallas Rotary Club, the Waco Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Cameron Park Zoological Society, Keep Waco Beautiful, and the Waco Historic Foundation. Arnold's Christian faith was also very important to him and his family. At one time or another, he headed nearly every office in the local congregation of which he was a member. He also held leadership positions as the president of the Lone Star District of the Walther League, as state treasurer of the Lutheran Laymen's League, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church. As a veteran, Arnold's post-military affiliations included the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. In 2012, Arnold was nominated by members of our community to receive the Texas 17th Congressional District Veteran Commendation. It was an honor to bestow him with this unique award that recognized not only his selfless service to our Nation, but also a community volunteer to our central Texas community. Even after Arnold's death, his service continued as he had his body sent to the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas for use in teaching and scientific purposes. Mr. Speaker, selfless service to those around him defined Arnold's life. He worked tirelessly to better our community and built strong relationships in Waco. He is loved by his city, and certainly left an enduring impression on our central Texas community. He will be forever remembered as a selfless community leader, a war hero, a veteran, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a dear friend. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest condolences to the Mathias family. We also lift up the family and friends of Arnold in our prayers. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and service of Arnold Mathias. As I close today, I ask all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Emily Tooker-Blake

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Emily Tooker-Blake of Waco, Texas, who turned 100 years old on March 18, 2018. Emily was raised during the Great Depression, and worked as an assistant to her father, who was a dentist in Waco. Money was difficult to come by, and her father used to trade dental work for eggs or chickens to feed their family. Graduating from Waco High School, Emily soon married Leslie Tooker, who worked for his father and who owned an ice cream shop in town. Leslie eventually learned the dental tradecraft from his father-in-law and followed in his footprints to become a dentist in Waco. Emily worked alongside her husband, working as a part-time dental assistant until her retirement at age 60. Emily and Leslie raised three children: Max; Leslie, Jr.; and their daughter, Leroy. Emily and Leslie also had a knack for adventure and followed their son, Leslie, Jr., to South America, living there until moving back to Texas in 1990. Today, Emily lives with her daughter in Waco. She still makes her own food and her mind is super sharp. She listens to talk radio daily and is a strong Republican. She loves to tell stories about her colorful past to friends and family, and she is surrounded by a community who loves her. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Emily Tooker-Blake on this joyous occasion, and I know that her family and friends love her and are proud of her. I wish her many more years of health and happiness. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor Emily Tooker-Blake on the occasion of her 100th birthday. As I close today, I ask all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring the Brazos County World War I Centennial Committee

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women who trained in Brazos County, Texas, who defended our freedom during World War I. I also rise to recognize the Brazos County World War I Centennial Committee, who are making sure these veterans are honored on the 100-year anniversary of the United States entering World War I. Brazos County has a deep history with World War I. In 1917, the United States Council of Defense selected Texas A&M University as one of the six colleges in the United States to host training for a division of the United States Army Signal Corps. Signal Corps members received instruction in: electrical engineering, telegraphy, radio work, induction sets, pack sets, field work, visual signaling, telephony, dry and storage batteries, outside wiring, switch boards, and construction of lance pole and tripod lines. Texas A&M University was also the only Allied training location for meteorology, and trained nearly 4,000 troops and mechanics. The Brazos County World War I Centennial Committee has identified over 800 veterans buried in Brazos County, and it is committed to honoring their memory as the centennial of their service approaches. Among those veterans buried in Brazos County are men, women, African Americans, Jewish Americans, Hispanics, and first-generation Americans. It is an honor to recognize their distinguished service to our country during our time of great need, and to recognize the Centennial Committee for their work to make sure that these veterans' legacies are honored and remembered not only on the centennial anniversary, but for generations to come. Our Brazos County cities of Bryan and College Station have each joined with the Brazos County World War I Centennial Committee to proclaim April 17, 2017, as World War I Remembrance Day. I encourage other communities in our great country to consider taking similar actions. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of those World War I veterans who trained in the Brazos Valley, and to honor the Brazos Valley World War I Centennial Committee. As I close today, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our country, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the one-hundred-and- fiftieth anniversary of the City of Calvert, Texas. It is an honor to represent Calvert and its residents in the U.S. House of Representatives. Calvert has supported thousands of families and businesses throughout the years, and I am proud to offer my congratulations on their sesquicentennial milestone. Located in Robertson County, Calvert was established along the Houston and Texas Central Railway which was built through the area in 1868. The town is named in honor of Robert Calvert, a farmer with large cotton and corn operations, who advocated for the railroad to come through Robertson County. Settlers moved into the area to be closer to the rail which brought the promise of commerce and faster transportation of cotton from the farms along the Brazos River. The town began to grow as businesses were established along Main Street, which ran parallel to the railroad; allowing them to take advantage of easy loading and unloading. In the late 1800's and early 1900's Calvert was booming; it was a major cotton center, with a number of gins, cotton compresses and cottonseed oil mills. Unfortunately, floods, fires and a yellow fever epidemic, coupled with a drop in cotton prices reduced economic opportunities and the town's population. While the city's population is smaller it has stood the test of time and the city has been resilient. Today the city is reinventing itself as a historically charming destination, as much of its Victorian Era architecture is well preserved, telling the stories of Texas Pioneers. The current residents of Calvert are a hardy people, who are justifiably proud of the city's rich heritage. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the City of Calvert and its proud residents for their one-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary. In recognition of this occasion, I am pleased to fly a United States flag over the United States Capitol to honor Calvert's sesquicentennial anniversary. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4986, RAY BAUM'S Act, to reauthorize the FCC. I am particularly pleased to see that we are addressing potential problems imposed upon our nation's radio broadcasters as a result of the 2012 spectrum repack. That auction has been a tremendous catalyst for broadband deployment, but it created unintended consequences. Many radio stations that are co-located on TV towers could be forced to shut down during spectrum relocation. With 670 radio stations possibly being impacted, we must ensure our local radio stations are protected in a process from which they will receive no benefit. I appreciate the inclusion of section 603, which makes funds available for radio broadcasters to address this problem. This section incorporates the fundamentals of the bill that Representative Gene Green and I introduced in H.R. 3685, the Radio Consumer Protection Act. Our bipartisan bill established a radio protection fund to reimburse impacted stations for their costs incurred as a result of the repack. I am also appreciative of the addition of FM translators in section 603. Many FM and AM stations rely on these translators to provide service in rural and remote areas across America. Passage of H.R. 4986, ensures that the spectrum repack fund will include FM translators. In closing, I think it is fitting that H.R. 4986 is named the ``RAY BAUM'S Act'' in honor of the former staff director of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Ray Baum. Ray dedicated his life to serving the people of Oregon and the people of this country. It has been more than 25 years since Congress last reauthorized the FCC and I can think of no better way to honor Ray. I urge support for H.R. 4986.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Today, I rise with my fellow Texas colleagues to share some examples of how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is helping hardworking Texans and their families. Our bold progrowth tax reform bill was signed into law just 67 days ago. Since then, more than 4 million Americans have seen some combination of a wage boost, a bonus, or enhanced employee benefits. Businesses with footprints in the 17th Congressional District, the district that I am honored to represent, such as Apple, Best Buy, Cognizant, CVS, FedEx, Home Depot, Lowe's, Starbucks, U-Haul, UPS, Walmart, Waste Management, and Visa have passed on some of the savings that they are getting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on to their employees. Additionally, we know that there are plenty of other small and large businesses in Texas that are doing the same. Another great example of the benefits to central Texas families is Oncor Electric, which serves about 3.4 million homes and businesses in Texas, including seven counties in the 17th Congressional District. They have agreed to return all of the tax cut benefits to their customers in the form of lower energy bills. Now that Federal tax withholding tables have been updated to reflect the lower tax rates, many Texans are taking home bigger paychecks. In the 17th Congressional District, a typical working class family of four will see a tax cut of $1,885. This very welcome influx of cash helped central Texans have a chance to save and a chance to get ahead. I am also proud to represent a district that includes a significant footprint of Texas' best research institutions, including Texas A&M University, Baylor University, and the University of Texas at Austin. Our new progrowth tax system provides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced and free tuition from taxes. This is something that I fought hard to preserve so that we can continue to have the best and brightest students as they educate and pursue important research initiatives in the 21st century and in the State of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is doing exactly what we set out to do, which is to help create more jobs, bigger paychecks, and fairer taxes for hardworking American families. I thank the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Mimi Walters); the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mitchell); and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, for leading this great discussion tonight on the positive changes that have been brought about through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I look forward to learning more about, and sharing, these important success stories with the citizens from my district. As I close, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our country during these difficult times, for the families of the victims in Florida, the recent Florida shootings, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 195 which continues funding the government through February 16. It pays our troops and provides for a 6-year extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program. Thirty-six percent of the children in my district are covered under CHIP, and I am pleased to support this legislation to ensure that they continue to have access to care that has been delayed by obstructionist Democrats in this body and over in the Senate. While I support passage of this bill, I want to draw attention to the fact that there are other important provisions that have previously passed this House, yet have fallen by the wayside as Members sought a compromise on the final bill. I will go through those in a minute. Again, I am pleased that we are passing a bill that continues funding for the government, pays for our troops, and extends funding for the CHIP program. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues, though, not to forget other important health initiatives that must be addressed, and I hope they will join me in seeing that these initiatives are again taken up after passage of the bill. Those provisions that need to be considered include two of my bills: first, the Youth Empowerment Act which empowers youth to make healthy decisions; and secondly, language from the Health Coverage State Flexibility Act also needs to be continued.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Haskell Monroe, Jr., of Bryan-College Station, Texas, who passed away on November 13, 2017. Haskell Monroe, Jr., was born in Dallas, Texas, on March 18, 1931. He was the only child of Haskell Monroe, Sr., and Myrtle Monroe. The family of three lived in Garland, Texas, until Haskell, Jr., was ten, when they moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, because of his father's job with the United States Department of War. They lived there for 2 years before moving to Orange, Texas, where the family resided through Haskell's high school years. During his high school years, Haskell was an active member of the band, the track and field team, the football team, and he was a member of the Boy Scouts. His experience at schools in both Garland and Orange fostered a love of learning that lasted throughout his life. After graduating from high school in 1948, he went on to Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he continued his involvement in track and field and football. He graduated from Austin College in 1952, with a bachelor's degree in both history and English. After graduation, he started graduate school at Austin College working to earn his master's in history. While working during his master's degree, Haskell began teaching at nearby Denison High School. He taught history at Denison and found his lifelong calling to be an educator while he was working there. In 1954, Haskell enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for 3 years in the Navy, and while in the Navy, Haskell's passion for teaching never wavered, and he continued to teach while stationed in South Carolina. There, he taught English to visiting Japanese sailors and volunteered as an assistant coach for a local high school football team. Haskell completed his service and was discharged from the Navy in 1956. Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Margaret Joann Phillips, known as Jo. The two met while Haskell was working on historical research in North Carolina. On June 15, 1957, Jo and Haskell were married. In addition to 78 years of love and happiness, the marriage produced four children: Stephen, Melanie, Mark, and John; and eight grandchildren. The Monroes moved to Houston after their wedding in order for Haskell to pursue a Ph.D. in history at Rice University. They eventually moved to the Bryan-College Station area in 1959. One of his doctoral professors at Rice, Dr. Frank Vandiver, who would himself one day become the president at Texas A&M University, helped Haskell get his first job. With Dr. Vandiver's recommendation, Haskell became a professor of history at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. This initial position was the beginning of a decades-long career both as a professor and as an administrator. One of his early contributions to Texas A&M was his appointment to the Texas A&M Aspirations Committee. This initiative was commissioned by then-President Earl Rudder to recommend changes to the university to put the institution on sound footing for the future. Among the recommendations to come out of this committee were the admission of female students, noncompulsory membership in the Corps of Cadets, racial integration, higher admission standards, and input that led to changing the name of the university to Texas A&M University. Haskell left Texas A&M, in 1980, to become president at the University of Texas-El Paso, commonly known as UTEP. After 7 years at UTEP, he became the chancellor at the University of Missouri, where he remained until 1993. Under his leadership, both schools reached new heights as academic institutions, enrolling record numbers of students, increasing minority student populations, and molding many National Merit Award scholars. In his down time, Haskell enjoyed collecting postcards from towns where he had lived and visited while traveling, especially the back roads of the United States and Mexico, and learning history through commemorative bricks, plaques, and roadside markers in historical places. He also shared his father's passion for woodworking and was known to create many pieces for his friends and his family. A member of the local community, Haskell was a member of the Rotary Club and served on boards of the United Way, Salvation Army, and Boy Scouts. He was also a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church, where he also served as an elder and an ordained deacon. Mr. Speaker, Haskell Monroe worked tirelessly to teach young people and to give back to his community. He is loved by our Bryan-College Station community, and he left an enduring impression on the entire State of Texas. He will be forever remembered as a great educator, colleague, philanthropist, community leader, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Monroe family. We also lift up the family and friends of Dr. Monroe in our prayers. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Haskell Monroe, Jr. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Robert ``Popeye'' Carter

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Staff Sergeant Robert Carter of Waco, Texas, better known as Popeye to his friends. He passed away on November 26, 2017. Popeye was born in 1953 and grew up in the Waco area. In 1972, he graduated from Richfield High School. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Geni Kay Reeves. Popeye also heard the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army in 1972. He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, where he patrolled the Czech border during the Cold War. He served on Active Duty from 1972 to 1975. After his Active-Duty service was up, Popeye served in the Army Reserves from 1975 to 1995, and all his career in the Army spanned 23 years. In November 1990, Popeye was called into Active Duty with his reserve unit. The unit shipped off to fight in the Gulf war. His unit was placed on the front lines, incurring heavy artillery fire throughout their time in the Gulf. He returned to the United States, where he soon found out that he was suffering from what became known as Gulf War Syndrome. The aftermath of the war affected Popeye for the rest of his life. After Popeye's service, he came back home to Waco and served as a mechanic for 30 years. Always wanting to give back, he began volunteering to help local veterans at the Veterans One-stop, which offers support services to veterans to help them reintegrate into society and provide them with an outlet to meet other veterans in the area. He was known as someone who would help anyone in need, often anonymously. A man of great faith, Popeye believed strongly in God and used his faith to carry him through life. He openly shared his faith with others and believed in helping those in spiritual need just as much as those with physical wounds. After the passing of his first wife, he married and enjoyed a new beginning with his wife, Roxanne Carter. Together, their family had a son and three daughters, as well as ten grandchildren, all of whom Popeye loved dearly. In 2013, Popeye was nominated by the members of our community for the Texas 17th Congressional District Veteran Commendation award. It was an honor to bestow this unique award that recognized his selfless service to both our Nation and to our central Texas community. In his free time, Popeye enjoyed the outdoors, and he loved to fish. He was also an avid motorcyclist and was routinely seen riding his Harley Davidson with friends. A dedicated family man, Popeye loved to spend time with his family and looked forward to dinners every Monday night, where his immediate family would gather to enjoy food and fellowship. Mr. Speaker, selfless service to all those around him defined Popeye Carter's life. He worked tirelessly to defend our freedom and to better our Waco community. He is loved by his city, and he certainly left an enduring impression on all of central Texas. He will be forever remembered as a selfless soldier, a philanthropist, a community member, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Carter family. We also lift up the family and friends of Popeye Carter in our prayers. I have requested the United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of Robert ``Popeye'' Carter. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from threats abroad, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Calvin ``Ryan'' Coffer

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Calvin ``Ryan'' Coffer of Bryan, Texas, who passed away on October 24, 2017. Ryan Coffer was born on September 22, 1983. From a young age, he was involved in the Boy Scouts and achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. True to his Texas roots, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and loved watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys and the fighting Texas Aggies, especially with his grandmother, Mimi. Growing up, Ryan spent many days working alongside his father in a local theater company, a small performance theater in Brazos Valley. True to his nature, Ryan put duty before himself. He felt a call, and he answered it by serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted as an infantryman. Ryan was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines and, later, to the 5th Headquarters Company based in Camp Pendleton, California. During his service, he deployed three times, once to Japan and twice to Iraq. Ryan was a well-decorated Marine and rose to the rank of staff sergeant. His awards include the Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Gold Star, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Part of his duties included being a zodiak fast assault specialist, a squad leader, and a marksman instructor. On his second deployment to Iraq, he was tasked with providing security to General David Petraeus. Ryan embodied the core values of being a United States Marine, and he felt that his true mission was to make sure his squad made it home safely. After leaving the Marine Corps, Ryan set a goal to attend college at Texas A&M University. He was accepted into Texas A&M, and he planned to attend the university after holding out one semester to work and to save money for school. Ryan embodied the core values of Texas A&M through his spirit of selfless service, leadership, loyalty, and integrity. Unfortunately, the toll of his military service manifested itself in the form of PTSD, which, unfortunately, went undiagnosed. As the long- term effects of war began to grow within him, he ultimately became another victim of PTSD, and his life ended far too early. Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Coffer worked tirelessly to serve our country as well as family and friends. He is loved by our Bryan-College Station community, and he left an enduring impression on the Brazos Valley. Ryan will be forever remembered as a courageous Marine, leader, loving son, community member, and friend. My wife, Gina, and I lift up our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Coffer family. We also lift up Ryan's family and friends in our prayers. I have requested the United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of Ryan Coffer. As I close today, I ask all Americans to continue to pray for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from threats overseas, and for our first responders who protect us here at home. Honoring Lieutenant Colonel Bob Ammon

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Ammon of Waco, Texas, who passed away on September 28, 2017. Bob was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 1924. He would spend his early years in West Reading, growing up in what he described as an ``average American home.'' He grew up with an older brother, Jim, and a younger sister, Marjorie. In 1941, Bob was a senior in high school when the Japanese struck Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Not being old enough for the draft, Bob was still determined to serve his country and contribute to the war effort. In 1942, he decided to take the aviation exam to become a pilot in the United States Army. He passed the exam and, on August 25, 1942, he was sworn into the Army. He was called into Active Duty in 1943, beginning flight training in Santa Ana, California, and completing his training at Fort Sumner, New Mexico. After graduating from flight school, Bob was assigned to Mather Air Force Base to begin training as a B-25 bomber pilot. In 1944, he began bombing runs with the 11th Bomb Squadron, who were fighting to dismantle the Japanese occupation of China. He flew 21 bombing missions in China and participated in combat during the Battle of Hanoi Harbor. After his service in World War II, Bob reenlisted during the Korean war. In Korea, he flew an astounding 43 bombing missions and earned a Purple Heart for wounds that he suffered after being shot down over North Korea. Bob again reenlisted to serve when the Vietnam war broke out. He never missed combat in any of the wars he fought in, and he was proud of his military service until the day he passed. While stationed at James Connolly Air Force Base, Bob met a beautiful woman named Ann at the Officers' Club, and they married in 1952. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage together and raised three sons--Steve, Bob, and Jeff--all of whom graduated from Baylor University in Waco. Though he was often traveling, Bob made a point to be there for his sons and to make sure they were being raised well. He was known as a loving father who raised his sons with a steady hand, and he passed on his love of flying, golf, and family to his three sons. Today, his legacy includes 25 family members, including grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Bob was a patriotic man and always flew the American flag outside his home in Waco. He always made a point to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, even as his health began to fail him late in life. Bob was known for giving back to the local community, and he had a strong faith in God. Bob served in a position of leadership at the Covenant Church for 27 years. He was well-known for greeting parishioners with a smile at the doors of the church. His friendly and welcoming manner will surely be missed at Covenant Church. Mr. Speaker, Bob worked tirelessly to protect our country, to raise a strong family, and to serve our Waco community. He is loved by his friends and family, and he left an enduring impression on all of central Texas. He will be forever remembered as an American hero, a great community member, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great- grandfather, and a friend. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Ammon family. We also lift up the family and friends of Bob in our prayers. I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Bob Ammon. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us abroad, and for our first responders who protect us from threats here at home. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I missed roll call vote 653 on the Motion to go to Conference on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taken on December 4, 2017. Had I been present for this vote, I would have voted YEA. I was not present for this vote due to an emergency illness on Sunday and due to a previously scheduled commitment with a large group of constituents in Waco, Texas. Pro-growth tax reform that provides a simpler, fairer tax code will lead to more jobs and bigger paychecks for hardworking American families.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Damon Allen of Mexia, Texas, who passed away on November 23, 2017. Damon Allen was born in Morgantown, Kentucky, on October 4, 1976. His family moved to Mexia in 1984, where he lived until his passing. In 1995, Damon graduated from Mexia High School, where he was a member of the varsity football team. Damon went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Kasey Pickett. Happily married for nearly 24 years, Kasey and Damon had three daughters and a son: Chelsea, Kaitlyn, Madison, and Cameron. Damon was also the proud grandfather to his grandson, Quest. After graduating from Mexia High School, Damon worked for the Mexia State School, a rehabilitation school for students with learning impairments. He then worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for 5 years before pursuing his passion to become a Texas DPS State Trooper. Damon was an exemplary DPS Trooper for 15 years and was known to those in his unit as a model gentleman. He was fair and polite to all he came in contact with, and he treated all around him as if they were his life-long friends. His calling to serve in law enforcement came from a desire to be the man who people turn to in their time of need. Tragically, he was murdered by a criminal while serving the people of Texas on Thanksgiving Day. In his free time, Damon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and off-road driving in his Jeep, especially over the dunes at the beach. He had a strong faith in God, attending both the Cowboy Church in Freestone and the First Assembly of God Church in Mexia. Mr. Speaker, Damon Allen worked tirelessly to serve our central Texas communities. He is loved, and he has certainly left an enduring impression on the people of Mexia. He will be forever remembered as a great State trooper, a public servant, a community member, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Allen family. We also lift up the family and friends of Damon Allen in our prayers. I have requested that the United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor the life and legacy of DPS Trooper Damon Allen. As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our country during these difficult times, for our military men and women who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who protect us here at home.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Black and her committee for all the great work that they have done in putting forth a budget that moves America in the right direction. Mr. Speaker, I have been astounded by the rhetoric that we have heard from the other side for a plan that they haven't really seen. They are making up their facts as they go along to suit their wishes. Mr. Speaker, I support the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution. While I think the Senate's version falls far short of the great work we did in the House and our budget, it is still the key thing that we need to have to move forward with tax reform for the American people. Our tax reform plan includes tax cuts for the working class Americans who have been struggling for the last several years under a broken Tax Code. It also makes America's businesses the most competitive in the world instead of having to struggle with the world's least competitive tax system. Mr. Speaker, in summary, this budget provides a way for a tax plan that provides for bigger paychecks, more jobs, a stronger economy, and a balanced budget. I strongly urge our colleagues to support this budget.

Mr. FLORES

Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I want to go off script for a little bit and echo the comments the gentleman was making. He talked about the Reagan tax cuts and what they did to stimulate the economy and to grow tax revenues and to allow hardworking American families to keep more of their paychecks. I would also go on to remind the gentleman from Kentucky, to disabuse him about his views of tax reform, and remind him that President John F. Kennedy, a Democrat, reduced the top marginal rates from 93 percent to 73 percent. The economy grew, more jobs were created, and more revenue was created for the Federal Government. Mr. Chairman, the Federal Government doesn't have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem. That is what we tackle with the Republican Study Committee budget. I thank Mr. McClintock for his incredible and insightful leadership in generating the FY 2018 RSC budget that we are now considering. The House Budget Committee's budget proposals continue to benefit from the framework of the RSC budget by including meaningful, enforceable reconciliation targets, as our budget does. The House budget will begin the essential task of implementing these policies into law. Other instances where the RSC-led budget proposals have historically wound up being adopted in the larger House budget include the following: First, balancing the budget within a 10-year budget window. Two, including policies to ensure the solvency of entitlement programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, and also Medicaid. Number three, providing the necessary funding and resources for a robust national security. Number four, fully repealing ObamaCare. Number five, establishing a pathway to progrowth tax reform that will jump-start our economy and help hardworking American families take home more of their paychecks. I was humbled to serve as the chairman of the RSC during the 114th Congress. At that time, we generated a new budget for fiscal year 2017, called the Blueprint for a Balanced Budget 2.0. It was written and released in the spring of 2016. Like the current RSC budget, it provided a robust agenda of conservative policies to show the American people our vision for this Nation.

Mr. FLORES. In the tradition of The Heritage Foundation's 1980 mandate for leadership that provided a policy agenda for the incoming Reagan administration, our Blueprint for a Balanced Budget 2.0 for the new President and his administration set forth an agenda for governing in 2017. By all accounts, the RSC budget has proven successful in achieving this goal, with President Trump basing many of the policies for his fiscal 2018 budget request on the RSC's fiscal 2017 budget. I am pleased to see that many RSC-led proposals are included in both the President's budget and the House budget that we will consider later today. In the coming years, I look forward to continuing to see the RSC putting forth and leading on many conservative, sound policy ideas for our budgetary process. Mr. Chairman, I urge all our colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the RSC budget and to vote ``yes'' on the House GOP budget.