Lance Gooden

Mr. GOODEN of Texas

Mr. GOODEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 175th celebration of the founding Henderson County, Texas. Henderson County was formed April 27, 1846, and named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first attorney general of the Republic of Texas, and secretary of state for the republic, and most importantly the first Governor of Texas. Henderson County has a rich history, including the one-time Black- Eyed Pea Capital of the world, and the home of the hamburger. Now, many Texans enjoy the wide-ranging activities Henderson County offers including recreation, entertainment, hunting, and fishing, along with the Texas Forest Trail and the Texas Lakes Trail. The county also brings in visitors from across the state and nation with events such as the Old Fiddle Reunion, held in May, and the Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree which is held in July. After 175 years, Henderson County continues to be a vibrant community that supports family, sports, fine arts, churches, and numerous organizations for more than 84,000 residents that make up 20 municipalities. I am proud to represent Henderson County and the many people who make it a wonderful place to live. Congratulations to everyone in the county on celebrating their 175th anniversary.

Mr. GOODEN of Texas

Mr. GOODEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in what alternative reality does it make sense for this Congress to take away people's rights to defend themselves and, at the same time, defund the police? That makes no sense. What we have seen in the last few days and the last week in this Congress is an effort to punish the law-abiders in this Nation. We have to stop doing this. If we take away guns from law-abiding citizens, we are doing nothing to reduce crime. Look at Chicago. The law-abiding citizens there do not live in a safe environment. They are able to follow these procedures that you are passing, but it is not going to do anything to stop the violence. We have to get away from this. We have to stop these laws that do not represent the will of the American people. Let's stop punishing the law-abiding citizens of the United States and get back to what they sent us here to do.

Mr. GOODEN of Texas

Mr. GOODEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I was shown voting aye on rollcall No. 60. I intended to vote no. Members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Amodei (Kelly (PA)) Boyle, Brendan F. (Jeffries) Buchanan (LaHood) Cardenas (Gomez) DeSaulnier (Matsui) Deutch (Rice (NY)) Frankel, Lois (Clark (MA)) Gaetz (McHenry) Grijalva (Garcia (IL)) Hastings (Wasserman Schultz) Huffman (McNerney) Kelly (IL) (Kuster) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Krishnamoorthi (Brown) Langevin (Lynch) Larson (CT) (Courtney) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lee (NV) (Kuster) Lieu (Beyer) Lowenthal (Beyer) Meng (Clark (MA)) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Moulton (McGovern) Napolitano (Correa) Palazzo (Fleischmann) Payne (Wasserman Schultz) Pingree (Kuster) Roybal-Allard (Escobar) Ruiz (Aguilar) Rush (Underwood) Speier (Scanlon) Vargas (Correa) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Mr. GOODEN of Texas

Mr. GOODEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I also want to thank my Democratic colleagues for finally joining Republicans in condemning mob violence after 6 months of refusing to acknowledge it. But I am really tired of sanctimonious sermons on being a sore loser from some of the same Democrats who opposed accepting results in elections past. Democrats have objected to certifying every Republican victory of the 21st century. In 2000, 2004, and in 2016, Democrats objected every time. When they objected, it was patriotic. But when Republicans do it, we are inciting a mob; we are liars; and we are traitors. This is the double standard we should expect under total Democrat control. They have called for unrest in the streets. They have called for harassing Cabinet officials. They have objected to certifying election results time and time again. Even the Judiciary chairman secured clemency for a domestic terrorist who detonated a bomb right here in this building. But we are the extremists? I don't think so. We have been silenced by Big Tech on social media, by corporate America. Now the other side wants to silence us on the House floor. This is a sad day in America. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, on the Motion to Recommit from today's vote series, I incorrectly voted ``no'' when my intention was to vote ``yes.''

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Biggs for yielding. I rise today in opposition to the NO BAN Act, which would tie the hands of our executive branch, restricting our ability to act quickly and decisively to defend America from her enemies. The President must have authority to act when our national security is at risk. When a situation demands we halt travel into our country, whether that be to protect us from a pandemic or other national security issue, the President must have the power to do so. Democrats, on March 11 of this year, debated this very measure in the form of a bill, ironically, the same day that President Trump instituted his ban on European travel. Because they knew the optics would look bad, they pulled the bill down. If it was a bad bill then, it is a bad bill today. Congress gave the President the authority we are discussing today when we passed, many decades ago, the Immigration and Nationality Act. In the years since, our courts have affirmed that authority on numerous occasions. So why, then, do my Democratic colleagues want to take this critical authority away? I would like to read an excerpt from a 1986 decision out of the D.C. Circuit, in which the court stated that the very authority we are debating today ensures that ``the Executive would not be helpless in the face of such a threat'' of an alien who posed a danger to the United States. Furthermore, the court stated that ``the President's sweeping proclamation power thus provides a safeguard against the danger posed'' to our national security. What far right extremist, ultraconservative judge wrote those words? No other than Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The safety and security of the American people should not be a partisan issue. It ought to be everyone's highest priority. We should not jeopardize the well-being of our citizens for the sake of political victories. If enacted, the NO BAN Act would put American lives and our country's national security at risk. Madam Speaker, I will be opposing this dangerous policy, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it is as well.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, this is the day the Founding Fathers feared when they granted Congress the power of impeachment, where we have a political party so dead set against the President that they will do anything to impeach him. And they are about to get away with it, simply because they have the votes. But that is not how this process is supposed to work. It is not meant to be dictated by a thin partisan majority, nor is it meant to be used when an election is just around the corner. No one understands that better than our Speaker, for whom I have great respect. And I agree with the comments she made on March 6 of just this year: ``Impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there is something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path because it divides'' the Nation. That is exactly what has happened. When we walk out of here tonight, we all know how this result is going to go. The Democrats are voting for this. Not one Republican is breaking. This is not bipartisan. The American people are disgusted with the United States House of Representatives, and we bring shame upon this body today by moving forward with this impeachment.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, the following Proclamation is in honor of Lady Liberty Day: Whereas, in 1986, the City started planning, a pavilion that would showcase three flag poles--one for the American flag, the State flag and initially the Texas Sesquicentennial flag; and Whereas, the pavilion was to provide a base structure for the placement of the Lady Liberty statue and to light flag poles at night; and Whereas, on December 7, 1986, with a deep sense of pride in our state's heritage, Forney held its Sesquicentennial Flag Dedication ceremony commemorating a new City landmark and gateway to the City; and Whereas, due to highway reconfiguration and construction, the monument and flag poles had to be taken down until they could be placed in a new location; and Whereas, today, 33 years later, the City is proud to be able to re- dedicate the redesigned and rebuilt Lady Liberty Monument, bringing back a much-loved City landmark and gateway to the City; therefore, be it Resolved, I, Lance Gooden, representative of the 5th District of Texas, do hereby recognize the 7th day of December 2019, as Lady Liberty Day.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following proclamation. Whereas, in January 1989 the city of Mineola was chosen from several applicants throughout the state to participate in the Texas Main Street Program. The city has been a continuous member of the program for 30 years and is the seventh oldest program in the state; and Whereas, the program's mission is to use the Main Street Four Point Approach to restore a positive image to downtown, while creating economic growth for our community. Our Main Street Program will be the vehicle to continue historic revitalization of downtown Mineola; and Whereas, monthly, quarterly and annual reports are filed with the Texas Historic Commission to document the economic aspects of the program; and Whereas, the Mineola Main Street District is bounded on the north by Blair and McDonald Streets, south to the city limits on Highway 69, east to the city limits, and west to the intersection of Kilpatrick Street with Highway 80; and Whereas, the Meredith Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the Mineola Main Street Program, providing over $1.2 million in grants for projects from its beginning through end of this year; and Whereas, in the past 10 years, the Mineola Main Street Board had approved 44 incentive grants in the amount of $35,765 for improvements in the Main Street District. The money for these grants was raised by the board and other volunteers; and Whereas, the Main Street Board has operated a successful Wine Train fundraiser with Amtrak to Fort Worth for 16 years; and Whereas, in the last decade, total reinvestment in the Mineola Main Street District by private ventures, public investment and joint projects has totaled $19,963,731; and Whereas, the grand total of reinvestment reported to the Texas Historic Commission over the 30 years of Main Street in Mineola is more than $32 million; and Whereas, over the 30 years, the Main Street Program has purchased, placed and overseen the placement of Christmas decorations downtown; and Whereas, in 2013 the city's Historic District was named to the U.S. Department of Interior's National Register of Historic Places; and Whereas, the Mineola Historical Museum was opened under the umbrella of the Main Street Program and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year; and Whereas, an interactive model train set in scenery replicating 1930s Mineola and its trains was purchased and is on display at the depot; and Whereas, a railroad track for a miniature train was constructed at Iron Horse Square by volunteers. A quarter-scale miniature Union Pacific train is operated on a regular schedule by volunteers for the public on this track; and Whereas, a mural depicting several iconic images of Mineola was a Main Street project completed in 2018. Ideas for the concept were sought from Mineola students, and the concept was painted by a Mineola High School art graduate, beautifying a wall on the west side of downtown; and Whereas, the Main Street Board has enjoyed sponsorships and partnerships with private businesses and community organizations through the years; Whereas, the Main Street Board, under the supervision of the city, continues to make strides in historical preservation, economic vitality, and concentrated marketing that will foster continued growth in our community; Therefore be it Resolved, that the Main Street Program will continue to support rehabilitation and development of places in our town where memories were made, with the desire that more memories will be formed and cherished by new generations who continue to visit our downtown.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation: Whereas, the North American Mature Publishers Association, Inc (NAMPA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary on October 13, 2019; and Whereas, this prestigious association is holding its annual international convention and anniversary celebration in Memphis, Tennessee, where publishers, editors, staff, and guests of senior/ boomer publications from across the United States and Canada will gather for educational and networking sessions; and Whereas, NAMPA is a non-profit association of 96 member publications in 36 US States, and two Provinces in Canada with more than 4 million mature readers per month with its international headquarters located in Shreveport, Louisiana; and Whereas, NAMPA's purpose and mission is to help magazines and newspapers that focus on the mature market to improve their quality in terms of design and content, while also increasing revenue; and Whereas, we wish to officially recognize and honor this outstanding association, its members, officers, and its current Executive Director, Gary L. Calligas, for their ongoing commitment to education and service to mature readers; Now, therefore, we urge all citizens to support this milestone anniversary.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a great Texan, Mr. Henry Ross Perot. Born and raised in Texarkana, he was a lifelong advocate for improving the education of our nation's children, having provided initial funding for Teach for America. Always the innovator, Mr. Perot attended the U.S. Naval Academy where he helped to establish its honor system, which to this day encourages its midshipmen to conduct themselves with honor and integrity. After serving honorably in the Navy, he became a salesman for IBM where he quickly distinguished himself among its ranks. This inspired him to start what would become a business empire in Dallas. He was a pioneer in the field of electronic data management, winning a contract to digitize Medicare records in the 1960s. Shortly after the Iranian Revolution of 1979, two of his employees were imprisoned by the government of Iran over a contract dispute. In true Texas fashion, he hired a former Army Special Forces Colonel to break them out of prison and, while some might leave such a dangerous mission to others, he insisted on taking part in the assault himself. Though he eventually agreed to sit out the mission, it was a great success and speaks directly to Mr. Perot's maverick nature and bias for action. Mr. Perot was always a politically outspoken public figure and never backed down from his principled positions. Eventually, his concern for the future of our nation fueled his presidential candidacy in the election of 1992. His revolutionary, yet simple message allowed him to do what no third-party candidate had done before as he drew nearly one- fifth of the popular vote. Mr. Perot left a lasting impression on the technology industry and political atmosphere, which is outweighed only by the fond memories he left with those who knew him. We will cherish those memories as we strive to continue his profound legacy.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with only 6 nay votes from Democrats. There is overwhelming support for this in the Senate, and I urge my colleagues to join them in passing this bill today and sending it to the President.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation. Whereas, the North American Mature Publishers Association, Inc (NAMPA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary on October 13, 2019; and Whereas, this prestigious association is holding its annual international convention and anniversary celebration in Memphis, Tennessee, where publishers, editors, staff, and guests of senior/ boomer publications from across the United States and Canada will gather for educational and networking sessions; and Whereas, NAMPA is a non-profit association of 96 member publications in 36 U.S. States, and two Provinces in Canada with more than 4 million mature readers per month with its international headquarters located in Shreveport, Louisiana; and Whereas, NAMPA's purpose and mission is to help magazines and newspapers that focus on the mature market to improve their quality in terms of design and content, while also increasing revenue; and Whereas, I wish to officially recognize and honor this outstanding association, its members, officers, and its current Executive Director, Gary L. Calligas, for their ongoing commitment to education and service to mature readers; Now, therefore, I urge all citizens to support this milestone anniversary.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill which has the full support of the Republican Conference and the majority of the American people, as it would save the lives of liveborn infants that have survived late-term abortions, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, it is my understanding that the Republican Conference is in full agreement. Is the Democratic conference not onboard with saving lives?

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I would ask that we schedule a vote immediately. The Republican Conference is fully onboard, and I would encourage the Democrats to join us in protecting the infant lives that are born.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 206, legislation that acknowledges the grave threat that terrorist organizations and international drug cartels pose to our Nation's financial system and economic system. Introduced in the Financial Services Committee, this resolution reaffirms that the House of Representatives supports efforts currently under way in American and international financial institutions to identify bad actors and hold them accountable for their crimes. The stakes couldn't be higher. Just as financial transparency has already helped us combat weapons of mass destruction, traffickers, corrupt foreign actors, and terrorist financiers, it also serves as a powerful weapon against organized criminal networks. When criminals like El Chapo seek to exploit a complex and interconnected financial system, we must seek to untangle and bring clarity. As we enhance financial transparency, we diminish a criminal's ability to commit crimes. In fact, I would consider this an important part of President Trump's efforts to secure our borders from those who are actively trying to infiltrate our country to finance drug trafficking and other criminal or terrorist activities. Just as we need to build the wall at our southern border to keep out drug cartels and gangs, we need to be securing our economy from those who use the United States to conceal, launder, and move money generated from illegal activity. Given the global nature of money laundering and terrorist financing, a secure national and multilateral framework is essential to the integrity of our financial system here at home. Simply put, we should be doing all that we can to give financial institutions the tools they need to catch those who support the drug cartels that infiltrate our southern border or illegally engage in money laundering and terrorism financing. For those reasons, I support this resolution and would like to thank the ranking member and Chairwoman Waters for the time this afternoon.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, Billy Martin joined the National Guard while a senior in high school and subsequently applied for active duty in the United States Army receiving his first permanent duty station in Idar Oberstine, Germany from 1956 to 1959. Over the next 16 years he went to the Seventh Army NCO Academy, Officer Candidate School and Fixed Wing Flight School attaining the rank of Major. After his first 12-month tour in Vietnam, Billy transitioned into CH-47 (Chinook) helicopters returning to Vietnam as Executive Officer of the 178th Aviation Company and as the Combat Operations Officer (S3) of the 123rd Aviation Battalion in support of the American Division. During Billy's two tours in Vietnam he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, the Bronze Star 3 times (one for Valor), the Air Medal thirteen times (one for Valor), the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross. In 1971 he was transferred to the University of Nebraska at Omaha for one year so he could complete requirements for his Bachelor's degree. In June of 1972, Billy became an Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. He retired from Military Service on December 31, 1975. In retirement Mr. Martin worked as a business consultant eventually moving to Dallas. But Billy had always believed he had a calling to be a missionary. He taught Sunday school and Bible study, but grew to believe he was meant to be a preacher. Due to his age he faced roadblocks. Not to be deterred, however, he started taking seminary courses and achieved his Master's in Theology degree in 1994. In 1998 Billy was told there was a church in Terrell in need of a pastor. He went to Terrell and spoke with the Director of Missions, Brother Jerry Griffin. Brother Jerry recommended Billy give his resume to Emmanuel Baptist Church instead of Grace Temple. Emmanuel called him as its pastor that August. More than 20 years as pastor of Emmanuel, the church has thrived, increasing attendance and adding a new education building. Pastor Martin has been married to his high school sweetheart Nancy for 64 years.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 624, the Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act. Introduced by Chairwoman Waters and Ranking Member McHenry, this bipartisan bill would require the SEC to update regulatory language to ensure corporate insiders are not able to take advantage of loopholes in the system to engage in illegal insider trading. The language within the bill overwhelming passed the House last Congress as part of the JOBS Act 3.0. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, it should be a top priority for financial regulators to ensure clear guidelines and robust enforcement against any illegal activity. This legislation, along with the SEC's recent guidance, will help us better understand insider trading, serve as a driving force to hold potential bad actors accountable, and further promote good governance among the leaders of our Nation's financial system. I strongly support this bill and would like to thank Ranking Member McHenry for the time this afternoon. Mr. Speaker, I also look forward to working with all my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee, and I thank Chairwoman Waters for filing this bill and carrying it forward.

Mr. GOODEN

Mr. GOODEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Frances Tankersley as the oldest active member of First United Methodist Church of Terrell, Texas celebrating her seventy-second year at the age of 97. Born to Charles and Leah Deen of Emory, Texas on November 22, 1921, Frances was raised in Sweetwater and received a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University. She met her future husband Dennis Tankersley at the United Service Organization in Lubbock. Dennis was stationed at the South Plains Army Airfield and had been a pilot in the Second World War. Upon their marriage, they moved to Terrell and began a life together raising two sons, Jim and Greg. Her tenure at the Terrell Independent School District left all members of the community with a strong appreciation of her selflessness. Ms. Tankersley was a home economics teacher and a special education department supervisor. Additionally, she taught Sunday school at the kindergarten level at First United Methodist for many years and fostered the development of generations in our community. To this day Ms. Tankersley is involved in Relay for Life and volunteers for Meals on Wheels delivering hot lunches to those in need. She is known throughout Terrell for her kindred spirit and affectionate curiosity, as well as her love of golf and her weekly bridge matches. Ms. Tankersley still resides in Terrell where she has been an active member of her community for decades and drives herself to her beloved church each Sunday. May her commitment to service, faith and community be an example for all of us.