George Holding

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of Sergeant 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month. Sergeant Barreto Ortiz grew up in Morovis, Puerto Rico. Following in the footsteps of his father, he joined the Army in 2010 and was assigned to the 259th Transportation Battalion. In 2013, Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was deployed to Afghanistan for a nine-month stint. Four years later, he graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School and was assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion of the 82 Airborne Division based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. This past June, Sergeant Barreto Ortiz left for his third deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan. His mission was to support and operate alongside a contingent of special operations forces. On Thursday, September 5th, Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was killed in action when his vehicle was hit by a suicide car bomber. Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was 34 years old and is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. He is described by those who knew him as a kind and compassionate leader who was proud to serve his country. During his distinguished and decorated career Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Action Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge, the Army Driver and Mechanic Badge. Sergeant Barreto Ortiz's death is a painful reminder of the enormous sacrifices our service members and their families make to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. While Sergeant Barreto Ortiz will be dearly missed, he will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace, with the humble thanks of a grateful Nation.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lawrence ``Larry'' Falivena from Apex, NC. Two years ago, Larry was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Following this news, Larry has fiercely dedicated his time to his family and the ALS community. After speaking with the CEO of the ALS Association about how he could make a positive and lasting impact for those impacted by the disease, Larry created the ``Iron Horse Tour''. On the tour, Larry, his wife Shana, and his two sons, set out to visit all 30 Major League Baseball parks during one baseball season in order to spread national awareness and raise funding for research to combat ALS. On September 8th, Larry attended his thirtieth and final game at SunTrust Park in Atlanta, GA. At each stop along the way, Larry met and spoke with several incredible people who were also courageously battling the disease. He shares their stories to spread awareness and encourage others to assist in the fight against ALS. Larry has successfully raised over $29,000 for ALS research thus far and has gained wide-spread attention across the nation. Larry's commitment to helping combat the disease and educating others is an inspiration to us all. Larry represents the best of our nation. He is a true role model and I am very proud to recognize his efforts and accomplishments. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Larry Falivena.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and lasting legacy of Micky Steele-Bodger, who passed away on May 9th at the age of 93. Micky was a larger than life figure in the Rugby world for over 6 decades. He is widely revered and beloved for his immense contribution to the game and the mentorship he provided to several generations of young players and administrators. Born on September 4, 1925 in Tamworth, England to Henry William and Kathrine nee Macdonald, Micky Steele-Bodger discovered his passion for Rugby at a young age. He rose to prominence on the pitch while attending Cambridge University. As the captain of the team, Micky twice played in the famous ``Varsity Match'' between Cambridge and Oxford--a tradition dating back to 1872. In the classroom, he followed in his Father's footsteps by pursuing a veterinary degree. Shortly after Cambridge, Micky earned himself a spot on the English national team--playing in 9 matches from 1946 to 1948. Although he had a relatively small frame and was only 5' 8", Micky's ruthless determination, versatility on the pitch, and deep knowledge of the game set him apart from many of his competitors. Unfortunately, his promising career came to an abrupt end due to a bad knee injury when he was only 24 years old. Despite no longer being able to compete on the pitch, Micky was not prepared to walk away from the game he loved. So he promptly transitioned to the administrative and coaching side of the sport, where he went on to make his most significant and lasting impact. In 1973, Micky was elected as President of the Rugby Football Union and in 1981 he became Chair of the International Rugby Board. Seven years later, in 1988, Micky was selected as the 6th President of Barbarian F.C., an illustrious Rugby club based in Britain. During his 31 year tenure; he molded the club into one of Rugby's marquee organizations. He was regarded as an inspiration and mentor for countless young players, instilling in them the importance of class, sportsmanship, and work ethic. While Micky will go down in history as one of Rugby's most important and impactful figures, he will also be remembered as one of England's greatest clubmen. As the longtime Chairman and President of the East India Club, Micky mentored generations of young men. Micky introduced us to the pleasures and gentility of club life. I will always miss my friend, Micky. But I will also always remember him fondly every time I walk through the doors of the East India Club.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, this past Saturday, I had the great pleasure of addressing a number of homeschool graduates in Cary, North Carolina, 55 of them, in fact. I was impressed by these students, and I was inspired by their parents, who have made so many sacrifices and who have dedicated immeasurable time to ensuring their kids get a good education. Today, we were supposed to be voting on legislation that would help homeschoolers. Tens of millions of Americans choose 529 savings plans to cover K-12 expenses. This money can be used for public schools, private schools, and religious schools, but it cannot be used to cover homeschool expenses. This bill was supposed to fix this inequity by enabling homeschool parents to use their 529 savings plans. This would help erase and ease the financial burden on homeschool parents and give homeschoolers the same opportunities and resources enjoyed by other kids who go to private and public schools. As Chairman Neal said, Republicans and Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee came together, passed this bill out of our committee. Then it went to the Rules Committee, and Democratic leadership intervened. At the last minute, the bill was changed, and the language ending this discrimination against homeschoolers was removed. Why would anyone object to ending the wrongful discrimination against homeschool families? There are over 130,000 homeschoolers in North Carolina and 1.6 million across the country. They deserve fairness, and their incredible parents deserve our help. Sadly, Madam Speaker, that is not going to happen today. Otherwise, this is a good bill, but it certainly could have been a better bill.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Cape Fear Christian Academy Women's Softball team for winning the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 1A state championship. Led by coach Sterling Holmes and assistant coach Craig Autry, the CFCA softball team has officially won seven state titles. As a 4th seed road team, the Cape Fear Christian Academy Eagles had an impressive record in the Final Four. In their first game of the weekend, the Eagles challenged the No. 1 seed Lawrence Academy and beat them with a score of 7-2. Both their batting and fielding was remarkable in their later game against No. 2 seed Ridgecroft School, which they won with 11 points against Ridgecroft's zero. The final score for the state title was 9-6 against Pungo Christian Academy. I am very proud of the Eagles on this major accomplishment. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Aubree Bass, Kristen Bass, Leah Brannon, Natalia Brocious, McKenzie Burris, Gabbi Chiodo, Rebekah Ennis, Shelby Hodges, Harmony Horne, Jada Horne, Rhyleigh Horne, Trinity Olive, Paige Jeffries, Anslee McLamb, Claire Parker, Meghan Taylor, and Averi Williams, as well as their coaches, families, fans, and Cape Fear faculty who supported them on their road to victory.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of May as GBS/CIDP Awareness Month. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting those impacted by CIDP and a related disorder, MMN, by cosponsoring H.R. 2905, the Medicare IVIG Enhancement Act. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare and debilitating autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves. Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) is a related rare disorder in which one's nerves are attacked by their own immune system. Both conditions have a devastating impact on quality of life and require intensive care. While CIDP and MMN patients may eventually develop resistance to common treatments and therapies, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy, a form of plasma therapy, has proven to be a safer and more effective alternative for treatment. Please join me in supporting the Medicare IVIG Enhancement Act, which would provide CIDP and MMN patients the opportunity to receive IVIG therapy in their homes, which will improve quality of life for patients and caregivers alike.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Chair, this bill before us today makes no structural changes to improve access to or delivery of care. It would limit healthcare choices and stifle State level innovation that has proven to lower premiums. This bill does not help those with preexisting conditions, but it does attempt to confuse them and encourage more political dysfunction to the detriment of the American people. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden).

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Chairman, I believe my amendment speaks for itself. My friends on the other side of the aisle are playing political games with their bill trying to convince the American people that it would accomplish something that it would not. I have offered a title that accurately reflects the political grandstanding that my Democrat friends are effecting today. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Steven Kandarian on his retirement from MetLife after serving as chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer for the last 8 years. After Steve Kandarian earned his undergraduate degree from Clark University, his JD from Georgetown University, and his MBA from Harvard Business School, he began his career as an investment banker before founding and serving as managing partner of Orion Partners, a private equity firm based in Boston. Mr. Speaker, between 2001 and 2004, Mr. Kandarian was executive director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the PBGC. During his time at the PBGC, he made the case for comprehensive reform of the pension funding rules to put the defined benefit system and the PBGC on a sound financial footing. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for the enactment of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. In 2005, Kandarian joined MetLife as executive vice president and chief investment officer. And from 2007 to 2012, he led MetLife's enterprise-wide strategy. Under Mr. Kandarian's leadership during this time, MetLife identified the housing bubble early and reduced its exposure to the 2008 financial crisis. His efforts helped MetLife emerge from the credit crisis with the financial strength to complete the company's $16.4 billion purchase of Alico from AIG. This cemented the company's position as a leading U.S.-based global life insurer. When Mr. Kandarian became President and CEO of MetLife in 2011, and later chairman of the board of directors in 2012, his leadership saw the company expand into North Carolina, my home State. And, in fact, MetLife expanded and became a leading company in my part of North Carolina because of Mr. Kandarian's efforts. With its growing presence in Cary, North Carolina, MetLife now employs many of my constituents at their Global Technology and Operations hub. In fact, over 2,000 North Carolinians go to work every day in MetLife in Cary, North Carolina. And MetLife also has had a long history of giving back to the community in North Carolina. Since they began hiring in Cary in 2013, employees have contributed thousands of volunteer hours to local service projects like Habitat for Humanity. And the MetLife Foundation has made grants exceeding $2 million to support a number of community programs, like those that serve disabled veterans, as well as serving emerging innovations with local technology engineers. None of that would have been possible without Steve Kandarian's leadership at MetLife. Mr. Kandarian has also been a leader in the policy realm, championing tax reform that resisted the status quo and in pursuing financial services regulation that targeted risky activities rather than entities. His successful challenge of MetLife's designation as a systemically important financial institution was emblematic of the worthwhile quest to find the right regulatory balance, not regulation at any cost. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Kandarian on his long and successful career, and I wish him and his family well in his retirement from MetLife.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Chair, I was inadvertently detained during roll call No. 147. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 147. Amendment No. 2 Offered by Ms. Scanlon

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a group of nine outstanding sixth graders at Holly Grove Middle School--one of ten national finalists in the 2019 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest. This nationwide competition challenges students to use science, technology, engineering and math skills to formulate ideas for addressing local issues in their communities. The group of sixth graders at Holly Grove developed an innovative bus stop sign that activates flashing lights to alert nearby drivers and pedestrians when a bus is 300 feet away. The advanced stop sign is powered by solar energy and even changes colors as the bus gets closer. With STEM technology poised to be a centerpiece of the 21st century economy and job market, it is so exciting to see young students display such talent and technological ingenuity. Congratulations to all the students and faculty members at Holly Grove involved in the project. I wish them all the best of luck as they compete for the national grand prize.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my good friend and former colleague, Congressman Walter B. Jones. For nearly a quarter century, Walter Jones served his country and the people of North Carolina with steadfast dedication, conviction, and integrity. A man of deep faith, Walter Jones' kindness and servants heart earned him the affection of all who knew him. In Washington, Walter Jones was a rare breed who truly broke the mold. He was an independent-minded public servant who rose above the trappings of partisan politics and political parties to vote his conscience, no matter the consequences. Lucy and I send our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to his wife Joe Anne, his daughter Ashley, and the entire Jones family during this difficult time. Our nation and the state of North Carolina are better off today because of Walter Jones' principled and steadfast public service. I will forever be honored to call Walter my friend and colleague.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. This is a broad package, including a host of strong policy proposals supported by both Republicans and Democrats in both Chambers. If I may, Mr. Speaker, I would like to touch upon two specific parts of the bill. As you know, my home State of North Carolina was devastated by Hurricane Florence this past September. The damage is widespread, and the recovery efforts will take years. Folks impacted are in need of help, which is why I am grateful this package includes my legislation that I introduced with Mr. Rice, providing significant tax relief to individuals and businesses hurt by Hurricane Florence. Better yet, we have expanded the scope of my bill to include countless Americans who have been impacted by several natural disasters that have befallen our Natio over the past year. Specifically, this legislation will enact penalty-free access to retirement savings and provide tax incentives for employers and small businesses to ensure they keep employees on the payrolls. It will also make it easier for folks to claim tax deductions for the cost of destroyed property and will encourage people across the country to donate to recovery efforts by suspending limits on charitable contributions. Altogether, this bill will lessen the tax burden on folks impacted by natural disasters so they can use more of their money to recover, rebuild, and get back on their feet. This is one piece of a larger disaster relief package, and I am so glad to see it moving forward in this overall bill. The second provision I would like to briefly highlight is an important one that will assist low-income taxpayers with issues concerning the IRS. Taxes are already a major burden on low-income individuals living paycheck to paycheck, and the last thing they need to have to do is worry about dealing with the bureaucracy of the IRS. So low-income taxpayer clinics provide much needed relief guidance and support to low-income individuals, providing them with representation for the IRS or in court on audits, appeals, and other tax disputes. They provide this for a very low fee. So I am glad these provisions are included in the overall package, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on the overall package.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Advance Auto Parts, Inc. on the recent relocation of its headquarters to Raleigh, N.C. I am proud that for the second straight year in a row North Carolina has topped Forbes' ``Best States for Business'' list. Our well-educated workforce and low taxes continue to attract valuable businesses to the region from all over the world. North Carolina has cultivated one of the strongest business climates in the country and we are proud to open our doors to a wide variety of industries from retail to biotechnology. I applaud Advance Auto Parts for its decision to expand operations in our thriving Raleigh community and am excited for the future growth opportunities companies like these bring to North Carolina every day.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Advanced Auto Parts, Inc. on the recent relocation of its headquarters to Raleigh, N.C. I am proud that for the second straight year in a row North Carolina has topped Forbes' ``Best States for Business'' list. Our well-educated workforce and low taxes continue to attract valuable businesses to the region from all over the world. North Carolina has cultivated one of the strongest business climates in the country and we are proud to open our doors to a wide variety of industries from retail to biotechnology. I applaud Advanced Auto Parts for its decision to expand operations in our thriving Raleigh community and am excited for the future growth opportunities companies like these bring to North Carolina every day.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Detective Roger Shearin of the Middlesex Police Department who a few weeks ago risked his life to save a young woman trapped in a sinking car. On Monday, November 12, Detective Shearin was on patrol when he came across a car that had just veered off the road and crashed into a pond. As the car rapidly filled with water, the driver was trapped and unable to escape. Without regard for his own personal safety, Officer Shearin sprung into action. He dove into the icy, cold water, pried the car door open, and rescued the young woman trapped in the vehicle. Thanks to Detective Shearin's heroic actions, the young woman survived the perilous ordeal. Detective Shearin's courage and bravery is an inspiration to us all. He is a living example of what it means to protect and to serve. I ask that everyone join me in honoring this brave officer and all of the men and women of the Middlesex Police Department who work on our behalf every day. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, Dick was a man of great consequence. He lived his life to the fullest. He is a friend, and he will be dearly missed. Honoring Detective Roger Shearin for His Bravery

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life of Richard ``Dick'' Hampton Jenrette. Mr. Jenrette was one of the most impactful businessmen of the 20th century. He was a titan on Wall Street who transformed and reshaped the world of finance. Dick Jenrette was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 5, 1929, to Emma and Joseph Jenrette. From a young age, Dick's intelligence, work ethic, and ambition set him apart from his peers. While a student at Broughton High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dick took a job on the side as a sportswriter for the Raleigh Times, where he worked under the future United States Senator Jesse Helms. After high school, Dick excelled in his studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon graduation from UMC with a degree in journalism, Dick followed in his father's footsteps by beginning an apprenticeship as an insurance salesman. After 2 years, though, he determined the insurance industry wasn't for him. Around this time, the U.S. was fighting a war on the Korean Peninsula. Dick answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Army. He completed a 2-year stint during the Korean war as a sergeant assigned to counterintelligence duty as part of the Intelligence Corps. Mr. Speaker, after discharge from the Army, Dick earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1957 and set out into the world, beginning what would ultimately become one of the most successful business careers of his generation. His first job in the business world was with the prominent Wall Street firm Brown Brothers Harriman. After a few years, Dick teamed up with two of his classmates from UMC, Bill Donaldson and Dan Lufkin, and together they created their own firm, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, or DLJ, as it was commonly referred to. Now at the helm of DLJ, Dick's career took off. He wielded a visionary approach, implementing innovative business practices that diverged from the traditional practices of the 1960s. Under Dick's direction, DLJ focused on small, emerging companies rather than larger, blue-chip companies, which had been the standard practice for established Wall Street firms in the past. This groundbreaking approach was a boon for the firm. In 1970, DLJ made history as the first Wall Street firm to offer shares to the public. Over the subsequent decades, Dick continued his successful business career. He held a variety of positions, including president and chief executive of the Equitable Investment Corporation. Dick's retirement in 1996 marked the final chapter of his successful and transformative business career. Outside of his career, Dick had a lifelong passion for purchasing and restoring historic American homes. Throughout the years, he restored more than 13 homes, with his collection of homes in New York State, New York City, North Carolina, South Carolina, and St. Croix often considered to be one of the finest collections of classical architecture in the United States. For his work in preservation, Dick was awarded the Louise DuPont Crown in Shield Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Hadrian Award by the World Monuments Fund. In France, he received the national Order of the Legion of Honour award, the highest French order of merit. Sadly, Dick Jenrette passed away on April 22, 2018, at the age of 89. Mr. Jenrette will be remembered as one of his generation's most successful and innovative businessmen. He was admired by his peers and respected by those who knew him. Despite the cutthroat culture on Wall Street, Dick always stayed true to his core values of honesty, respect, and fairness. His character was unimpeachable and earned him the title of ``the last gentleman on Wall Street.'' Dick was also a great mentor. As an example of that, one of the young Harvard business grads who was working for him at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette came to him one day and said: I don't think this is for me. I think I want to go back to school and become an economist. But Dick saw a lot of potential in this young man, more potential than would have been realized if he had just gone back to being an economist. He said: You have the great talent of being an investor. You have great insight and instincts. So he encouraged this young man to stick with it. Today, that young man is the CEO and cofounder of The Blackstone Group, known as Steve Schwarzman, perhaps one of the most successful venture capitalists, private-equity investors that the world has ever seen. And but for the mentorship of Dick Jenrette, that young man would not have grown to his full potential. To understand the depth of Dick's character and the core convictions that guided him through his successful 40 years in business, one mustn't look any further than Dick's 24 Rules for Success in Finance and Life. Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight a few of Dick Jenrette's rules. Number one, don't burn bridges that are behind you. Remember that life has no blessing like a good friend. Try to be nice and say thank you a lot. Don't criticize someone in front of others. Don't forget to praise a job well done, but don't praise a poor job. Lastly, keep your standards high in all you do. There are more, Mr. Speaker, and I include in the Record Dick Jenrette's 24 Rules for Success in Finance and Life. They are a guide for all of us. dick jenrette's 24 rules for success in finance and life Stay in the game. That's often all you need to do--don't quit. Stick around! Don't be a quitter! Don't burn bridges (behind you). Remember--Life has no blessing like a good friend! You can't get enough of them. Don't leave old friends behind--you may need them. Try to be nice and say ``thank you'' a lot! Stay informed/KEEP LEARNING! Study--Stay Educated. Do Your Home Work!! Keep learning! Cultivate friends of all ages--especially younger. Run Scared--over-prepare. Be proud--no Uriah Heep for you! But not conceited. Know your own worth. Plan ahead but be prepared to allow when opportunity presents itself. Turn Problems into Opportunities. Very often it can be done. Problems create opportunities for change--people willing to consider change when there are problems. Present yourself well. Clean, clean-shaven, dress ``classically'' to age. Beware style, trends. Look for charm. Good grammar. Don't swear so much--it's not cute. But be open to change--don't be stuck in mud. Be willing to consider what's new but don't blindly follow it. USE YOUR

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Theodore ``Ted'' George Vallas. Ted was the son of two hardworking Greek immigrants in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ted was born on October 4, 1931. Ted developed a strong work ethic from a young age working in his parents' restaurant, The Manhattan, situated in downtown Raleigh. As a student at Hugh Morson High School, Ted discovered his gift for athletics. He was a standout member of the school's football, wrestling, and track teams. His talent on the gridiron caught the attention of Division 1 college coaches, and Ted accepted a scholarship to play football at Mississippi State University. While at school in Starkville, Ted crossed paths with a young woman by the name of Dorothy Patty. Dot, as she was known by her friends, was the daughter of the school's baseball coach with whom Ted had already established a relationship. Ted and Dot began dating and the couple married in 1956 in a small Mississippi church near their university. Together, Ted and Dot had three children: Paula, Carra, and Stephanie. After graduating from Mississippi State with a degree in business, Ted joined the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas for his 2-year stint in the Armed Forces. Having completed his military service, Ted put his business degree to work and accepted an advertising job with the Wall Street Journal. The experience Ted gained working at his parents' restaurant as a kid served him well in the professional world. He had a strong work ethic, quickly caught the attention of his superiors, and was promptly promoted to the role of eastern advertising manager for the Wall Street Journal. Ted spent 11 years at the Journal, after which he decided to move back to North Carolina. Upon returning, Ted purchased a struggling local newspaper centered in Fuquay-Varina called The Independent. Ted revived the paper and, under his direction, the publication became a popular, widely read, weekly newspaper. A few years later, Ted purchased two additional local newspapers: The Western Wake Herald and The Garner Newspaper. Finally, in 1988, Ted determined it was time to retire and he sold the papers, thus closing the book on an illustrious 20-year career in journalism. Relying on his strong work ethic, intelligence, and character, Ted led a successful career in business. He was a transformative figure and a pioneer in the local journalism industry. But, Mr. Speaker, his greatest legacy is his contribution to his community. Ted was a beloved fixture of his community, known by all for his kind heart and his strong sense of humor. Mr. Speaker, Ted Vallas passed away on October 30 at the age 87. Though Ted is no longer with us, his impact on his community will be felt for years to come. My thoughts are with the entire Vallas family. Ted touched the lives of many over the years, and he will be greatly missed by his friends. Adjournment from Friday, November 30, 2018, to Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Mr. Tom Ellis of Raleigh, North Carolina. Over the past 50 years, few people have had as big of an influence on Tar Heel politics as Mr. Ellis. The courtly, pipe-smoking Raleigh attorney played a central role in shaping the careers of Jesse Helms and Ronald Reagan, two of the most important conservative figures of the 20th century. Mr. Ellis was born on August 10, 1920, in Alameda, California. He first fell in love with North Carolina while attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Ellis served in the Navy during the Second World War as an officer, after which he earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. His time in the military shaped his outlook on the world. Though he led a successful career as an attorney in Raleigh, Mr. Ellis' most profound impact was in the political arena. Mr. Ellis entered politics in 1950 as a young staffer working on Willis Smith's Senate campaign. It was during the campaign that Mr. Ellis met a young Raleigh journalist named Jesse Helms. The two idealistic young men hit it off, giving birth to a friendship and a relationship that would eventually transform North Carolina politics, play a major role in the American conservative movement, and help shape American history. During their regular Thursday night poker games, Mr. Ellis began pushing Mr. Helms to run for political office. When Mr. Helms ran for Senate in 1972, Mr. Ellis managed his campaign to victory against great odds. Over the next 30 years, Mr. Ellis served as a key adviser and close confidant for Senator Helms. A short time after Mr. Helms' 1972 victory, Mr. Ellis put his innovative and entrepreneurial mind to work creating the National Congressional Club, which was a nationwide conservative fundraising machine that built Senator Helms into one of the most well-known Senators in the country. Mr. Ellis' revolutionary direct mail fundraising practices raised an estimated $100 million for Mr. Helms, as well as a host of conservative figures and causes. Mr. Ellis' most significant contribution, however, to the course of American history came in 1976 when he played a key role in rescuing Ronald Reagan's political career. With the all-important North Carolina primary around the corner, then-Governor Reagan's Presidential bid was floundering and was about to fail. Mr. Ellis stepped in, took command of the campaign, and led Reagan to a crucial victory in the Tar Heel State in that 1976 primary. The win resuscitated Reagan's campaign and political career. He went on to win 10 more State primaries and build a national identity and following. Though Reagan ultimately lost the `76 GOP primary, the cycle propelled him into the White House 4 years later. Mr. Ellis had a brilliant strategic mind and was a revolutionary figure in politics. He was a passionate ideologue who firmly believed in the issues he supported. Throughout his career, Mr. Ellis mentored and nurtured several of the conservative movement's most influential strategists and operatives. He also took great delight in mentoring young lawyers, telling them how to make a difference with their degree and how to serve in the best possible manner. Sadly, Tom Ellis passed away on July 12 at the age of 97. Though he is no longer with us, his impact on North Carolina, the Nation, and the American conservative movement will be felt for many years to come. Mr. Ellis was a giant and a man of true consequence. He is dearly missed. Honoring the Life of Theodore ``Ted'' George Vallas

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Joseph P. Gavaghan. Joe Gavaghan was born on October 27, 1920, in Philadelphia, to Gertrude and Joseph, Sr. After graduating from LaSalle College High School in 1940, Joe went to work for the Reading Railroad Company in his hometown. A short time later, Joe's life and the lives of millions of Americans was forever changed when a devastating and unprovoked attack on the United States Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into the Second World War. The very next day, as a stunned nation tried to come to grips with what had just happened, Joe stepped forward and answered the call of duty by enlisting in the United States Army. Unaware of what the future held, Joe had just one more thing he wanted to do before shipping off to war; and on August 1, 1942, Joe married the love of his life, Mary Alvey, in their hometown of Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, Joe deployed as a sergeant in the 65th Infantry, leaving behind his new bride, his family, and everything he had ever known. Over the course of the next 3 years, Joe experienced the brunt of the war in Europe. He landed in Normandy on D-day as part of the successful allied invasion of France. From there, Joe went on to serve in several major campaigns, taking him from the rolling hills of northern France to the Battle of the Bulge, to the small towns of central Germany. By May of 1945, with the war coming to a close, Joe and the 65th division arrived in Linz, Austria, where they connected with the allied Russian troops. He remained in Linz for the duration of the conflict. Joe distinguished himself in the line of duty. In recognition of his valor and bravery, he was awarded numerous medals, including Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. With the war over, Joe returned home to his wife, Mary, and together, they welcomed two children into the world: Patrick and Marita. Today is Patrick's birthday, by the way. He also went back to work for the Reading Railroad Company. Joe's intelligence and strong work ethic, qualities that served him well on the battlefield, set him apart in the civilian world. He excelled in his work and rose through the ranks of the company, and after working for 43 years for Reading Railroad, Joe retired as the company's general manager. Outside of his professional career, Joe was a beloved and active member of his community. He served as a member of the Union League of Chicago, Knights of Columbus, VFW, American Legion, Polish-American Club of Vero Beach, past president of the Coal Club of Philadelphia, and many Chambers of Commerce. Sadly, Joseph passed away peacefully on July 12 of this year. Joe enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. In the face of unthinkable evil and tangible danger, Joe's resolve never wavered. He leaves behind an endearing legacy of extraordinary service, and his character and morality are an inspiration for us all. His life personifies the very best of America's greatest generation-- remarkable young men and women who answered the call of duty, defeated the forces of evil, and returned home to build the world's strongest economy and most prosperous society. While Joe will be dearly missed, he will not be forgotten. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I offer my deepest condolences to the entire Gavaghan family. Honoring the Life of Tom Ellis

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the great State of Arkansas (Mr. Crawford), who is my colleague and friend.