Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of James ``Jim'' Howard Shaw, a remarkable Texan who passed away on December 27, 2016 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Jim's family has deep roots in Fort Worth, having moved there to open Shaw Brothers' Dairy in the late 1800s. Jim was born on September 12, 1950 to Bill and Betty Shaw. He attended Paschal High School where he was a stand-out track athlete, earning himself a scholarship to Louisiana Tech University. Jim hung up his cleats for law school at Texas Tech and began practicing law in 1975, briefly as a prosecutor and then in private practice as a defense attorney--a role he continued through the final months of his life. Over his 41 years as a defense attorney, Jim earned the reputation of being a staunch protector of his clients' rights, representing each within the full bounds of the law. His colleagues recall that he would often get hired on a Sunday, pick a jury on Monday, and earn a favorable outcome by the end of the week. Jim loved the art of trying a case. Anyone who watched him in action would agree he was a master of his craft, making lasting friendships and inspiring his peers along the way. When not in the courtroom, Jim could be found on the golf course at Colonial Country Club, behind home plate cheering on the Texas Rangers, or on a patio somewhere enjoying Mexican food. However, more than anything, Jim loved his family and spending genuine time with them. He is survived by his wife Carol; children James Shaw Jr., Ben Shaw, Tim Shaw, and his stepchildren Steven Prewitt and Aimee Plummer; 11 grandchildren; and his brothers Bill Shaw, David Shaw and Greg Shaw. Jim Shaw's death leaves a great hole in the hearts of many, but his passion for the law and his kind heart will be felt for generations to come. Fort Worth was lucky to have him and is a better city because of his devotion to justice. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Jim Shaw. May he rest in peace.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call 575, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea. On Roll Call 576, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act. I commend Chairman Shuster for his work as Transportation and Infrastructure chairman. As a former mayor, I can personally attest to how vital investing in and maintaining our water infrastructure and flood control is. Over the past year, we have seen devastating floods throughout our country. It is more important than ever that we authorize critical flood control projects to protect our communities. Chairman Shuster's bill builds on the reforms established in the Water Resources bill 2 years ago. I represent Fort Worth, Texas, a city that has had devastating floods in its past. Fort Worth needs help to bring our river area up to standards to prevent flooding and prepare for development. We are asking for funding authorization from the Corps of Engineers. The Corps has been working on this project along with the city and the water district for over 5 years. In this project, the city will have the opportunity to add amenities for recreation paid for by the city, the water district, and private developers. By law, the Corps of Engineers cannot pay for amenities like basketball or soccer fields or water parks. Therefore, of course, they have never been asked to. It is against the law for them to pay for it. I repeat: it is against the law. The cooperation from the city, private developers, and the water district will pay for those. I thank the chairman for his time, and I appreciate his work.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Director of the Air Force Office of Budget and Appropriation Liaison, Colonel Samuel Grable. Colonel Grable is retiring after a long and impressive career in the Air Force. Here in Congress, we are especially grateful for his work in communicating the Air Force message in a clear and concise manner. He played a critical role during the budget roll-out process in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, setting the highest standards for clarity and honesty. His personal approach and respect for others helped rebuild credibility between the Air Force and the Congress. Colonel Grable is a native of Seattle, Washington, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from George Washington University in Washington, DC. During his career he has served in a variety of operational, command and staff assignments in the United States and overseas. He deployed as the Chief of Plans to Multi-National Corps in Baghdad and as Mission Support Group Commander at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi, and Enduring, Freedom. Colonel Grable became the director of the Air Force Office of Budget and Appropriation Liaison in July 2012. He became the principal strategist and advisor to both the Secretary, and Chief of Staff, of the Air Force and a critical conduit between their offices and Congress. Under Colonel Grable's leadership, his office was able to shape programs critical to the future of our national defense such as the KC-46 Tanker and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Congressional Appropriations Committees and our country owe Colonel Grable a debt of gratitude for his tireless work.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the FY17 Defense Appropriations bill. This very important bill provides for our national security by supporting our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, on whom we rely to provide that security. During very dangerous times, we must ensure that the United States remains not only the greatest country in the world, but also the strongest. Chairman Frelinghuysen takes the constitutional responsibility of providing for the common defense very seriously, and he deserves all of our thanks for drafting such a significant and meaningful bill. This is not an easy bill to draft. With increased threats and reduced budgets, the Department of Defense is being forced to make decisions it should never have to make. It is making decisions to align with the budget crisis instead of making decisions to protect the homeland and defeat our enemies. The military readiness accounts are an example of the shocking consequence of this budget environment. Already stretched thin by more than a decade of war, Marine aviation squadrons actually have to salvage aircraft parts from museums in order to keep planes flying. This is unconscionable. Our national security needs more. Our troops deserve better. The bill Chairman Frelinghuysen drafted takes a responsible approach in addressing these and other pressing issues. Rather than just throwing money at these crises, he exercises the subcommittee's oversight responsibilities by reducing funding for programs with unjustified cost increases or subpar performance. This allows the chairman to redirect those critical dollars in order to increase the number of troops, to increase funding for training, and to address many of the service chiefs' priorities. The U.S. and our allies continue to face threats from countries such as Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea. Radical Islamist terrorists, such as ISIS, continue to threaten everything we stand for. As the chair of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, and as vice chair of Defense Appropriations, I am very proud of what this bill does to ensure resources are available to counter all of these threats. The passage of this bill ensures the United States will lead in this very dangerous world. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call no. 248, had I been present, I would have voted Aye. On Roll Call no. 250, had I been present, I would have voted Aye.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 235, had I been present, I would have voted Yea. On Roll Call No. 237, had I been present, I would have voted Aye. On Roll Call No. 238, had I been present, I would have voted Yea.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on May 20, the 23 million people of Taiwan inaugurated their democratically elected president, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen. It was a nation-wide celebration. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating President Tsai on her election. I also congratulate the people of Taiwan for successfully conducting another presidential election. They continue to show that their country is a strong and vibrant democracy. This latest presidential election is further proof of the Taiwanese people's enduring commitment to the ideas of freedom, self- determination and self-government. These principles are the foundation on which both our nations were built, providing the basis for long-term peace and prosperity. Taiwan is also an important friend and strategic economic and security partner of the United States. We should celebrate the reaffirmation of the ties that bind our two countries. I look forward to working together with Taiwan's new government to further strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call 229, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea. On Roll Call 230, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5243, the Zika Response Appropriations Act. This bill provides $622 million to respond to the Zika virus both at home and abroad. As chair of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, I want to highlight funds in the bill for the international response efforts to stop the virus at its source. This includes mosquito control activities to stop the spread of the virus, public information campaigns to get the message out about Zika, and evacuations of Americans when needed. These efforts will build on work that has already begun. After my colleagues and I urged swift action, the administration decided to redirect $589 million of funds already in hand to respond to the Zika virus. This funding bill is the next step. It provides our best estimate of what is needed for the remaining months of this fiscal year. As we draft the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bills and information about the threat of Zika becomes more clear, we will address at that time any additional requirements through our regular process. Unlike the President's request, the activities supported in this bill are targeted and focused. This bill also contains strong oversight provisions and is fully offset. H.R. 5243 provides what is needed now to respond to the Zika virus, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kimmie Etheredge for her nine tremendously successful years as Principal of Kay Granger Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas. Principal Etheredge came to the Northwest Independent School District in north Fort Worth in 2007 to open Kay Granger Elementary. She helped build a community in the new suburb by meeting parents and encouraging them to be a part of their children's education. She called and personally welcomed every incoming student to the new school. She developed a strong academic and parental and community support base, and is extremely popular among current and former students and their families. Under her leadership, the campus has averaged over 10,000 volunteer hours every year. The school won the district's Partner in Education Campus of the Year Award three years in a row. It received an exemplary rating in academics for five straight years. It was chosen as a state School of Character in 2012, and was designated a National School of Character the following year. During her 28 years in education, Principal Etheredge spent 12 years teaching Fourth Grade, two years as assistant principal, and 14 years as a campus principal. She was named a 2014 Texas National Distinguished Principal. Principal Etheredge has co-chaired the Texas Elementary Principals and School Administrators (TEPSA) State Schools of Character Initiative since 2011. She is a sought-out speaker statewide on character development, teacher and campus morale, and fostering grit in both student and adult learners. The statewide TEPSA group has chosen Etheredge to be co-director of its Transformational Leadership Community program. She will be mentoring new principals throughout Texas, and training others to be mentors as well. She will leave Granger Elementary next month to move on to her new position. Mr. Speaker, I have known Principal Etheredge as a friend and admired her leadership as a principal and in the community. We will miss her in our local schools, but we know she will now be improving all of our schools. Please join me in congratulating her for her service, and wishing her well in her new endeavor.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call 124, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea. On Roll Call 118, I would like to be recorded as voting No.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 103, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 104, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' personal explanation

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 571.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call 697, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea. On Roll Call 696, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea. On Roll Call 695, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea. On Roll Call 694, I would like to be recorded as voting Yea.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this omnibus Appropriations bill. My top priority is to ensure we provide for our national security. This omnibus does precisely that. This is one of the most dangerous times in our history. We must ensure that the United States remains not only the greatest country in the world, but also the strongest. The U.S. and our allies face threats from countries such as Iran, Russia, China, and North Korea. Additionally, radical Islamic terrorists, such as ISIS, continue to threaten everything we stand for. As chair of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs and vice chair of the Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations, I am very proud of what this bill does to ensure resources are available to counter these threats. I have worked hard to ensure that our military has the tools it needs. We fund the equipment required to confront our enemies head on, and we take care of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and their loved ones. Not only does this bill provide funds needed for training and readiness, it also funds critical family services. Assistance is provided for our allies, including Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Ukraine, who are our vital partners in this fight. To address security issues closer to home, we prioritize funds for counternarcotics and law enforcement assistance in Mexico, Colombia, the Caribbean, and Central America, including funds to stem the flow of unaccompanied children to our borders. There are increased funds in the bill for embassy security and to prevent and protect against future terrorist attacks, unrest, and other acts of violence at home and abroad. The bill also contains provisions that will make our foreign visitor visa system more secure. Passage of this omnibus is critical to ensuring America can continue to lead from the front in this very dangerous world. I want to thank Chairman Rogers, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and Ranking Members Lowey and Visclosky for their timeless work on this bill. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of the bill H.R. 3403.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 573, I would like to be recorded as voting ``yea.'' Stated against:

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 560, due to a previously scheduled event, I was not present for this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted no.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 540, I am not recorded as voting because of prior commitments in my District. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 538, I am not recorded as voting because of prior commitments in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Aye.''

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Gil Miller on his retirement from the United States Navy and to thank him for his many years of dedicated service. Captain Miller is a Naval Academy graduate who has devoted 25 years of his life to serving our country. For the last two years he has done an outstanding job as commander of Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base in Tarrant County, Texas. He has served our country well while also making significant contributions to the communities around the base. Earlier in his career, Captain Miller flew SH-2 and SH-60 helicopters based on ships in the Eastern Pacific, Central America, and Caribbean. He also flew fleet airlift missions in the Beechcraft C-12 and the C-130T Hercules transport for three tours, and deployed on relief missions for the Pakistani earthquake and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Captain Miller served two tours in the Pentagon as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director and as principal briefer to the Undersecretary of Defense for all Reserve and National Guard mobilizations, deployment orders, and global force management. While Captain Miller has served our country he has been blessed with the support of his wife, Cheryl. I offer my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Captain Miller for his outstanding career in the Navy and wish him the best in his retirement.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tarrant County College District on 50 years of making a difference in Tarrant County. Fifty years ago, the citizens of Tarrant County came together to establish the Tarrant County Junior College District. Its creation marked the tradition of providing knowledge, skills and the hope for a better future to the people of Tarrant County. At its founding, the College enrolled 4,272 students at its original South Campus. Within its first five years, the College created its curriculum, built and staffed two campuses and received full accreditation. Today, the Tarrant County College District includes 21st century curriculums for its students in fields as varied as healthcare, aviation and firefighting. Because of the unbridled optimism of its leadership and the dedication to its mission, Tarrant County College District has seen its enrollment soar to more than 100,000 students each year. The original campus has been joined by five others that serve the community, and future growth is on the horizon. Tarrant County College District is, has been and will continue to be, an integral part in the success of so many people in our community. I offer my hearty congratulations to Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley, the faculty, students and alumni of Tarrant County College District on this 50th Anniversary and look forward to their continued success.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Commander of the Southwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Richard J. Muraski, Jr. Colonel Muraski is retiring after a long and impressive career in the Army. In Fort Worth we are particularly grateful for his work on the Trinity River Vision, which is a vital part of Fort Worth's future. He played a critical role in the implementation of the highest standard of Flood Risk Management. His programmatic approach and respect for others fostered excellent communication and solutions. Colonel Muraski led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District Staff in the planning, engineering and design of the existing Fort Worth floodway and the new Central City Project. Colonel Muraski is a native of Kansas City, MO, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Geology from St. Mary's University in San Antonio and a Master of Science degree in Geodetic Sciences from Purdue University. During his career he has served in a variety of operational, command and staff assignments in the United States and overseas. He deployed with a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency support team to Afghanistan and Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Colonel Muraski assumed command of the 588th Engineer Battalion in June 2004. Under the Army's modular reorganization, he transformed the 588th into the Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade. The battalion deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in November 2005 and was responsible for the majority of Babil Province, conducting combat operations along with training Iraqi security forces. The City of Fort Worth and our country owe Colonel Muraski a debt of gratitude for his work.