Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to recognize before the United States Congress the great men and women of AT&T Veterans. This AT&T Employee Resource Group was founded in 2007 under the motto, ``Serving Those Who've Served Our Country.'' With over 300 members in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and 3,300 nationwide, this group of true American patriots is doing great things for our nation's military veterans and active duty troops. Recently, the DFW chapter joined forces with the local USO to raise $8,000 and provide over 1,200 cases of water for troops moving through DFW International Airport. Most of these servicemen and women were only home for two weeks of R&R before heading back overseas. AT&T Veterans not only provided the water bottles, but volunteered to greet incoming flights and provide a hero's sendoff for departing troops. They called this project Operation Hydration, and it's been a real success. To the AT&T Veterans, congratulations on a mission accomplished! Thank you for your service--past and present--and may God continue to bless the United States of America through great folks like you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate McKinney Christian Academy on 20 years of providing first- rate education to the young people of North Texas. As the school's mission statement says, ``McKinney Christian Academy exists to honor Jesus Christ by teaching students to live biblically through education of mind, body, and spirit.'' Over the past two decades, it has done just that for hundreds of students. On the first day of classes back in 1992, just 13 children walked through the doors. Currently, 510 students from pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade are being served at McKinney Christian by a devoted, skilled faculty and staff. In fact, the local paper recently named McKinney Christian's lower school principal, Ms. Debi Sass, and a top-notch teacher, Mr. Jeff Anderson, 2011 Principal of the Year and Teacher of the Year for the area. McKinney Christian is honored to have former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee join them at a special anniversary celebration this month, and while I will be in Washington, D.C. during the occasion, it's a pleasure to welcome the Governor to the Third Congressional District of Texas. To the McKinney Mustangs--parents, students and teachers alike-- congratulations on being a part of such an exceptional institution. Keep up the good work. God bless you, God bless Texas, and may God continue to bless the United States of America through great folks like you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. For 21 days in a row, gas prices have risen to average now $3.70 per gallon--a 30-cent increase in only 1 month. At this rate, Americans could be forking over four bucks for a gallon of gas in no time. That's insane. American families and businesses are already struggling in this economy, so I'm calling on the IRS to provide relief for businesses by increasing the standard mileage rate like it did after Hurricane Katrina and again in 2005 and 2011. With gas prices rising higher and faster than ever, the administration and Congress need to take action now: beginning with the Keystone XL pipeline, estimated to bring 830,000 barrels of oil every day to U.S. refineries, and Keystone would create nearly 20,000 new American jobs. Let's pursue a real all-of-the-above energy strategy, and let's give Americans the security and relief that they want, need, and deserve.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I rise today in support of freedom and liberty, the basic principles our country was founded upon. It's a sad day for America when our President infringes upon our religious rights, a fundamental right protected by the First Amendment. The President announced he will make a so-called accommodation on the ObamaCare rule requiring religiously affiliated organizations to offer insurance plans that cover contraception. Even though the President slightly backtracked his attack on religious freedom, he did not go far enough. The new rule still mandates that religious organizations with moral objections will be forced to act against their religious beliefs. This is not about health care; it's about our rights under the First Amendment. And this is yet another example of why we must repeal ObamaCare in its entirety, adhere to the basic tenets of our Constitution, and stop the administration's severe overreach. The sooner we repeal ObamaCare, the sooner we restore freedom and liberty to all Americans.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Every February, Americans across the country open their hearts to the country's hospitalized veterans by sending valentine cards to VA medical centers in conjunction with the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. For several years, students in our Third District of Texas have participated in the annual Valentines for Veterans program as a creative way to thank our brave men and women in uniform for something we love so much--our freedom. Last year, 19 area schools in our district participated, and this year, I encourage all our schools, families, and businesses to take part in making this day special for our Nation's veterans. Every year, I look forward to delivering these cards to the veterans at the Dallas VA Medical Center, showing them a Texas-size thank you from our schoolkids. You should see the look in their eyes when they read, our veterans, words of appreciation. After all, they are the true reason we remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last night, President Obama asked Congress to support his same failed policies that have kept unemployment above 8 percent. This administration has caused our economy to fail. The House has passed more than 30 bipartisan bills that will create American jobs, but the Democratic-controlled Senate has failed to move on 27 of them. It's time for the Senate and the President to get behind these commonsense bills that will boost job growth, cut spending, shrink the deficit, and get the government out of the way of small business. Just last week, the President rejected the Keystone project, which would create tens of thousands of jobs, draw billions of dollars in new investment to the United States, and increase our domestic energy security. America's energy independence should be a top priority for the White House. Americans want, need, and deserve immediate action on these bills and the Keystone pipeline.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. I'd like to begin by thanking the leadership and the chairman for including in this bill a provision of mine that will help eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse with respect to the refundable child tax credit. This simple commonsense provision will save the American taxpayer $9.4 billion by stopping illegal immigrants from getting the refundable child tax credit. I first introduced this provision as a bill in January 2010 and reintroduced it this past May. My legislation is based on the good work of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration which said in its report on the credit that although the law prohibits aliens residing without authorization in the United States from receiving most Federal public benefits, an increasing number of these individuals are filing tax returns claiming this refundable credit. According to the IG, illegal immigrants bilked $4.2 billion from the U.S. taxpayers last year. I think that it's time that we fixed it. Currently, if individuals do not have a Social Security number, the IRS will give them an individual taxpayer identification number to get the credit. This provision will root out waste, fraud, and abuse by the IRS simply requiring individuals to provide their Social Security number in order to claim this refundable credit. Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of debate regarding the extension of the payroll tax cut and Social Security. Given this debate, as chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee, I would like to take this opportunity to briefly talk about the importance of securing this program's future. Last year marked the first time since 1983 that Social Security paid out more in benefits than it took in in payroll taxes; 1983 was also the last major reform of Social Security. As a result, over the next 10 years, Social Security will be in the red by over half a trillion dollars. As a result, Social Security must rely on general revenues to pay back with interest the Social Security surpluses that Washington has spent. That means Treasury has to borrow more. According to the CBO, we do so at our own economic peril. Mr. Speaker, the American people want, need, and deserve a fact-based conversation about how we can fairly and responsibly fix Social Security for good. That would send a powerful signal that we are serious about getting our fiscal house in order. Let's do it now.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: Thomas C. Garner joined the United States Army on March 5, 1943, eager to serve his nation during World War II. Originally assigned to the revered 78th Infantry Division, Garner soon applied and was selected for Army Air Corps pilot training. He served nearly a year abroad with the Air Corps, running an oxygen generating plant on Guam in support of the B-29 bombers that raided Japan. Six months after the war's end, Garner decided to make military service his career and reentered what was now the United States Air Force. Garner's troop carrier organization serviced all the embassies in Central and South America and the Caribbean and, from 1948-1949, participated in the Berlin Air Lift. Over the course of his career, Garner also deployed to Japan, Wake Island, Bermuda, Bangkok, and Thailand. Garner retired in 1970 after 27 years of active duty service. He then became a civil servant, kicking off a second, 20-year career with the Social Security Administration. During those years, Garner also served with the Texas State Guard, receiving numerous awards and citations and achieving the rank of Colonel. An active community servant with the Plano VFW and Air Force Sergeant's Association, Gamer continues to put others first. For these reasons, it is my pleasure to name Thomas Garner a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: United States Marine Corps Sergeant Paul M. Simeon, Jr. is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. He deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion in 2002. During his years as an active duty Marine, Simeon earned a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Certificate of Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Meritorious Mast and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals. Upon his exit from the Marine Corps, Simeon became a patrol officer for the New York City Police Department. He put his military training to good use keeping the streets of Brooklyn safe. During his tenure as an officer, Simeon was awarded the Excellent Police Duty Commendation for outstanding service. In 2010, Simeon moved to Frisco, Texas, where he now resides. With the ultimate goal of becoming a doctor, Simeon has returned to school where he serves as president of the Collin College chapter of Student Veterans of America. He works day in and day out to ease the transition for returning warriors from military service to academic life. In the words of Sergeant Simeon, ``If one of us fails, we all fail. We leave no one behind.'' Always faithful, Simeon continues to exemplify the Marine Corps Motto by serving his peers. Therefore, it is my pleasure to name Paul M. Simeon a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: During World War II, Mr. Jim Reed of Plano, Texas was a rifleman with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Regiment, 4th Marine Division. Based out of Camp Lejeune, the division deployed to the Pacific Theater of War in 1944 and engaged in the Battle of the Marshall Islands, the Battle of Saipan, and the Battle of Tinian. On August 9, 1944, while compassionately trying to convince Japanese citizens in Saipan not to jump off a suicide cliff, Reed was shot in the back of the head by a sniper. Evacuated to Guadalcanal and then Pearl Harbor with a Purple Heart pinned to his robe, Reed would not stay down for long. In February 1945, with Tinian as a launching point, Reed and his fellow Marines stormed Iwo Jima. The mission of the 23rd Marines was to capture Motoyama Airfield No. 1 within 24 hours of landing. However, after three days they had not reached their objective and lost a third of their men. Fortunately, the 3rd Division came ashore as support and together they pushed through to the airfield. The next objective was even tougher. In their trek toward Motoyama Airfield No. 2, the Marines fought uphill through ravines and over cliffs while the Japanese fired at them from tunnels and fortresses built into the land. After 10 days of fighting, only 15 remained of Reed's company of about 250 men. Reed had again been wounded, earning him his second Purple Heart. This ended Jim Reed's war. A favorite speaker at Veterans Day events, Mr. Reed selflessly shares his story with all generations of Americans and serves veterans-support organizations around North Texas, including the Daughters of WWII. It is an honor and privilege to name Jim Reed a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: Chief Warrant Officer Elizabeth McCormick served our country in the U.S. Army from 1994 to 2001. After Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, McCormick decided to forego Officer Candidate School, instead heading to the Warrant Officer Flight Training Program to increase her chances of fulfilling her dream--serving as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. She graduated first in her class and was soon assigned to Fort Drum, New York flying Command & Control and VIP Missions. Upon promotion to Chief Warrant Officer 2, McCormick was transferred to Katterbach Army Airfield in Germany where she served as Rear Detachment C Company Commander during peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. For her excellent service, McCormick was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Army Aviator Badge. Though an injury incurred in Germany forced McCormick into medical retirement, she maintained her spirits and searched for new goals. She moved to Dallas, Texas where she built a business as a Longaberger Consultant. McCormick is now active in the local community, participating in several Chambers of Commerce and serving as President of the Firewheel Chapter of Women of Visionary Influence. Each year she also participates in an Armed Forces Day Barbeque where she collects boxes of dry foods and goods for overseas troops. It is my pleasure to name Elizabeth McCormick a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: Colonel Peter W. Malik of McKinney, Texas serves in the United States Army Reserve as Commander of the 90th Sustainment Brigade in Little Rock, Arkansas. Malik has deployed in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also provided critical logistical support for a rescue mission of American hostages in Colombia while assigned to U.S. Army South. During his 2005 tour of duty in Afghanistan, a volunteer assignment, Malik ran several medical capability exercises which supported the local population by providing medical care. He also volunteered to assist as a Security Force ``Officer in Charge'' in the clearing of several Improvised Explosive Devices. His actions enabled the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division to execute their missions. As ever, Malik put his fellow soldiers' safety first during an enemy attack on base. After a rocket hit the camp, Malik immediately began evacuating other Coalition Force members into a hardened shelter to protect them from additional strikes. Disregarding his own safety, Malik continued evacuation procedures as a second rocket landed nearby. Malik's efforts undoubtedly saved lives. When stateside, Malik serves as an officer with the Dallas Police Department. He joined the force in 1989 and in the words of his superiors, ``He has continually demonstrated the same professionalism and dedication to duty that exemplify his military career.'' Colonel Malik has also been an invaluable volunteer for numerous local organizations. These include Dallas Military Ball, Assist the Officer Foundation, Texas Special Olympics, and Fisher House. Therefore, it is my pleasure to name Peter W. Malik a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: United States Army Staff Sergeant Allen Goehring, Jr. has honorably served our country since 1986. During his distinguished military career, Goehring spent time with a number of Army units including the 302nd Military Police Company and Detachment 1 of the United States Pacific Command. Most recently, Goehring deployed to Iraq as a Criminal Investigations Division Special Agent with the 1149th Military Police Detachment of the Texas Army National Guard. Back in 2002, he also deployed to Afghanistan with the 345th Psychological Operations Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. When home, Goehring works for the Richardson Police Department. He started in 1997 as a patrol officer, Field Training Officer, and member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. During that time he obtained the highest certification available to an officer--Master Peace Officer. He now serves in the Investigations Division as a Crimes Against Persons and Sector Crimes Detective. During his time with the Police Department he has received forty-two citizen and Departmental commendations. He also has been selected for assignment to the Joint Terrorism Taskforce in the Dallas area. For his heroic military efforts, Goehring was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal, to name a few. It is my pleasure to name Allen Goehring a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: United States Army Sergeant First Class (ret.) Scott Bradley served our country from 1984-2007. During his distinguished military career, Bradley spent one year in Seoul, Korea as part of the Customs Inspection Team and participated in multiple deployments to Central America to assist with aid efforts after devastating natural disasters swept the region. In June of 2004, Bradley was transferred to the 228th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in San Antonio. When his unit deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Bradley's task was to secure and detain all insurgents coming through the hospital. He also ran general security for the facility. For these and other heroic efforts, Bradley has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, and two Army Achievement Medals. He also received the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, two Overseas Service Ribbons, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' Device, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal. After leaving the Army Reserve in 2007, Bradley was elected to the City Council in Murphy, Texas. In his role on the Council, Bradley is an active community leader and public servant. It is my pleasure to name Scott Bradley a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: Robert ``Bob'' Kinne retired as a United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel in 1973 after 21 years of honorable service. A distinguished fighter pilot of exceptional skill, Kinne flew numerous combat missions over Vietnam. During one run in 1966, he was involved in a midair collision over Hanoi. When several surface to air missiles were launched at Kinne and his wingman, the wingman lost sight of Kinne's F-4 and collided with him at 8,000 feet. The plane was heavily damaged, but Kinne was able to recover after falling to about 2,000 feet. Against all odds, he made it back to Da Nang Air Base safely. For these and other missions Kinne has received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Air Medals, a Bronze Star, and two Meritorious Service Medals. Upon his retirement in 1973, Kinne joined the business jet community working his way up to head of aviation for the Associates First Capital Corporation. He flew around the world many times, and enjoyed transporting dignitaries including President George H.W. Bush. Kinne now resides in McKinney, Texas. A member of the Red River Valley Fighter Association, National Air and Space Society, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Kinne contributes to our community by sharing his love of aircraft and flying with the next generation. He also assists numerous Boy Scouts with their badges, Eagle Scout projects, and those with plans for future military service. It is my pleasure to name Bob Kinne a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: Specialist Richard D. Oliver served our country in the United States Army from 1980 to 1983. During his distinguished military career, Oliver trained to perform decontamination of field units in the event of a combat nuclear exchange. He served with the 2nd Armored Division, 1st and 2nd Infantry. Later, he was stationed in Korea as a Demilitarized Zone Guard. Having served with great distinction, Oliver was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Drivers Badge. After leaving the Army, Oliver served as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Sachse, Texas for 10 years. He now serves Sachse as a Police Officer. The recipient of four Life Saving Awards, Oliver most recently put his skill and strength to work when he rescued a woman who was trapped in her burning vehicle. He is the current Vice President and State Trustee of the Fraternal Order of Police, also representing that organization at the local Chamber of Commerce. With the support of his fellow officers, he is the driving force behind the annual Christmas food and toy drive for needy families. Oliver also assists families who need assistance with home repairs and maintenance through the Sachse Shares project. Last year, Oliver was honored by his hometown as outstanding citizen of the year when he was presented with the Spirit of Sachse Award. It is my pleasure to name Richard D. Oliver a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: Captain George ``Robbie'' Robinson spent a 20-year career serving our nation in the U.S. Navy. After graduating from the NROTC program at Princeton University, Robinson received a four-year Marshall Scholarship from the United Kingdom where he obtained a Ph.D. in civil engineering. He put the degree to good use with the Navy Civil Engineer Corps from 1961-1981. During these years, Robinson was responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of 51 U.S. Naval bases in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. He also received the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V for his leadership of a Seabee Company in Vietnam which supported the U.S. Marines. Robinson later assumed command of a Seabee Battalion of over 1,200 men, the only such battalion to be commended by the U.S. Congress. In 1974, Robinson became the third Naval Officer ever to be named a White House Fellow. Upon his retirement, he was honored with the Legion of Merit. Robinson went on to have a distinguished career as a corporate executive, manager, planner and engineer. He has maintained an active presence in the community by participating in a wide range of civic, professional and religious organizations. Among his many achievements in the community are leadership positions within the American Cancer Society, Plano Economic Development Foundation, Plano Junior League, Plano Symphony Orchestra, and University of Texas at Dallas. For his extraordinary leadership, Robinson's hometown of Plano, Texas has honored him as Citizen of the Year. It is my pleasure to name Robbie Robinson a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation: Sergeant Leni Mark Williams served our country from 1942 to 1972 as part of three foreign wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. At the early age of sixteen, Williams enlisted in the Merchant Marines where he served until 1945. He then joined the U.S. Army as an Interpreter. In the aftermath of World War II, Williams contributed to the Joint Intelligence Objectives Agency's Operation Paperclip which recruited scientists from Europe. After thirteen years of active service, Williams temporarily left the military to return to school. He soon reentered the Army as a Medic. During the Korean War, he trained as a Parachutist with a Ranger Company and took part in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. In 1968, Williams was wounded in Vietnam. After 33 months of hospitalization, he was medically discharged. For his exceptionally heroic efforts, Williams has received the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor Device and two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, and Parachute Badge. Mr. Williams continues to serve his community as an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lone Star Post 2150 in McKinney, Texas. He plays an active role in area Memorial Day services and other patriotic events, always downplaying his own accomplishments in order to salute his fellow veterans. It is my pleasure to name Leni Mark Williams a recipient of the inaugural Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, since 1980 Social Security has been required to publicly put deceased Americans' personal information into a so-called death master file which was meant to help prevent payment and benefit fraud. Nearly anyone can get this information, including identity thieves. Identity theft affects not only swindled businesses and American taxpayers, but grieving families whose suffering is made worse when they learn that someone has been preying on the death of their loved ones. Criminals are exploiting this information in order to profit off deceased children by applying for tax refunds. That's just wrong. Every year, Social Security puts about 14,000 Americans in this death file who aren't even dead. Any of us could be put on that list by mistake--a mistake that can result in severe financial hardship and emotional heartache. Americans deserve better. So today I'm introducing the Keeping IDs Safe Act to stop the sale of the death master file immediately. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. You know, this month the national debt will reach the unprecedented level of $15 trillion. That's nearly $48,000 per American. Under President Obama, the national debt's increased faster than any other U.S. President in history. Now more than ever, it's time to get our Nation's fiscal house in order to prevent another big, fat Greek catastrophe. The American people have made it abundantly clear that Congress should balance the Federal budget just like families and business owners across the country have to do every single day. A balanced budget amendment is the solution we need to break Washington's reckless spending habit. I implore the President and my colleagues in the Senate to join the House in passing the balanced budget amendment and send it to the States. We can't endure this any longer, and we need to fix it. Americans want, need, and deserve to know we're going to live within our means just as they all live within their means.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Minnie's Food Pantry, a 501(c)(3) agency in the Third Congressional District of Texas that provides nutritious food, free of charge, to families in underserved communities. With the community's outpouring of financial donations and food collections, Minnie's Food Pantry is one of the largest pantries in Collin County. Founded in 2008 by Cheryl ``Action'' Jackson to honor her mother Minnie Hawthorne-Ewing, the organization has partnered with individuals, businesses and farmers to alleviate hunger and build community relationships. This year, Minnie's Food Pantry is hosting the 4th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway ``From Our Table to Yours.'' Just this year alone, Minnie's Food Pantry has fed over 23,000 people. This Thanksgiving, Minnie's Food Pantry will provide a complete meal for more than 1,200 local families. I am pleased to recognize Minnie's Food Pantry, along with its Board of Directors, for its invaluable contribution to combat hunger in Collin County. It is an honor and a privilege to represent this fine organization. It is organizations like Minnie's that make North Texas a great place to call home. To Minnie Ewing and the great folks of Minnie's Food Pantry, God bless you, best wishes for wonderful things to come, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I, too, rise to honor, celebrate, and remember our courageous men and women in uniform who've served in the United States Armed Forces. Next Friday, our Nation as a whole will observe Veterans Day, a day which should serve as a reminder to every American that our Armed Forces, both past and present, are made up of individuals of great courage, character, and honor. As a 29-year Air Force veteran and a former prisoner of war for nearly 7 years, I know firsthand that freedom is not free. We owe a debt of gratitude to all who have worn the uniform and their families. I urge all Americans to use this Veterans Day as an opportunity to personally thank a veteran. It's because of their sacrifices that we remain the land of the free and the home of the brave. I think an inscription on the wall at the POW camp when we left says it all: Freedom has a taste to those who fight and almost die that the protected will never know. I salute our veterans. God bless America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week the President adopted a new campaign slogan, ``We Can't Wait,'' in efforts to get his $447 billion jobs bill passed by Congress even after the Senate has rejected it already, two or three times. The President continues to promote his more-of-the-same failed policies like higher taxes and increased spending, and we can't wait for the President to get behind policies that will help the American people. Families and small business across the country continue to struggle in this economy, and that's why Republicans have passed bill after bill to get our economy moving in the right direction. Today, the House will vote on repealing the IRS' 3 percent withholding rule in order to reduce uncertainty for our businesses and allow job creators to do what they do best, create jobs. I urge the President and my colleagues in the Senate to follow our lead, get our economy moving forward. Americans want, need, and deserve no less.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to announce before the United States House of Representatives the naming of The Naveen Jindal School of Management at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas). UT Dallas is the educational institution of choice for over 17,000 students from North Texas and around the world. Its School of Management, established in 1974 and alma mater to over 600 new graduates per year, plays a crucial role in fulfilling the university's mission statement: to serve as a global leader in innovative, high quality science, engineering, and business education and research. The Honorable Naveen Jindal, now the namesake of the School of Management, earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from UT Dallas in 1992. During his time in the MBA program, he was named Student Government president and the university's Student Leader of the Year. Mr. Jindal now serves as an esteemed Member of Parliament in his homeland of India. He is known as a responsible industrialist and youth icon for his work in the private and public sectors alike. As a proud representative of UT Dallas in the United States Congress, it is my privilege to recognize Naveen Jindal for his leadership, innovation and philanthropy. I look forward to the many stories of success and growth which will continue to come from the students, administrators, and faculty of The Naveen Jindal School of Management.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center in Dallas, Texas, for being an outstanding and vital resource in its community. Our Nation was founded upon the belief that all men, regardless of status, are entitled to the most precious of rights: the right to life. The Prestonwood Center has worked to protect the lives of the unborn for the last 20 years, acting as a resource for more than 48,000 clients, many of whom have chosen life simply because they had someone to talk to who cared. The center provides guidance, education, and medical services to women and families in north Texas and maintains a highly trained and knowledgeable staff dedicated to protecting the sanctity of human life. I applaud the Prestonwood Center's commitment to life and to serving its community. God bless you. God bless America. I salute you.