Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the point of this bill is simple. Social Security and supplemental security income benefits should not be paid to prisoners, probation, or parole violators or fugitive felons. That is why I joined the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee with John Tanner, who is great about looking into these things, and we cosponsored this bill. And I ask all of my colleagues to support it. This stopgap measure addresses a glitch in the current law discovered when Social Security began to implement a nationwide class-action settlement agreement reached in September in the case of Martinez v. Astrue. That agreement reduced the number and type of felony arrest warrants used to prohibit benefit payments, resulting in retroactive payments to certain recipients. In the first phase of settlement implementation, notices will be issued beginning this week to 28,000 individuals. Of these, Social Security recently identified 150 as prisoners. Current law already prohibits prisoners, fugitive felons, and probation/parole violators from receiving benefits. The same law should apply to retroactive benefits as well but right now it doesn't. That is why we need to pass this bill. If we don't, prisoners eligible for payments from before they were in jail may soon receive a lump sum retroactive check, some covering back benefits over 3 or 4 years. Thanks in large part to the work of my Ways and Means colleague, Wally Herger, those with outstanding felony arrest warrants, known as fugitive felons, have not been able to receive supplemental security income, Social Security, or Social Security disability benefits. According to the Office of the Inspector General, their data-sharing efforts with local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies contributed to over 83,000 arrests since the program's inception in 1996. While well-intentioned, the Martinez settlement nevertheless requires Social Security to pay benefits that had been suspended. And as a result, taxpayers are now on the hook for millions of dollars. We can and we must do better. I look forward to working with Chairman Tanner to right this wrong and draft legislation to suspend payments for those fugitives wanted for the most heinous crimes while permitting lenience in cases where good cause exemptions make sense. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. At this time, I'd like to recognize and yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Herger), a member of the Ways and Means Committee and one of our staunch allies, as much time as he may consume.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a 29-year Air Force veteran and prisoner of war for nearly 7 years, I know what happens when you try to run a war from the White House: you lose. Winning the war in Afghanistan, defeating al Qaeda, is vital to the safety of our Nation. To quote the President, ``If left unchecked, the Taliban insurgency will mean an even larger safe haven from which al Qaeda would plot to kill more Americans.'' So let's listen to the military leadership in Afghanistan. Setting a timeline to end military engagement is not the way to win a war. Instead, it empowers our enemies and sends a wrong message to our troops, our allies, and the American people. We need to listen to the experts on the ground instead of the politicians who are thousands of miles away from the front. We need to stop talking about exit strategies and troop withdrawal and focus on giving our troops the resources they want, need, and deserve. Let's eliminate the rules and fight to win.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Well, the administration announced it would hold civilian trials in New York for the 9/11 mastermind and other terrorists. I suspect the administration hopes this move will hasten the closure of Guantanamo. The administration's announcement is exasperating, irresponsible, and absurd. Terrorists just do not deserve the same right to trial as Americans. Moving terrorists to New York will give those who wish to harm us constitutional rights that they do not deserve. Also, it will expose our intelligence-gathering methods to the world. For the safety of all Americans, the trial should be held in military courts in Guantanamo. The administration should never put the rights of terrorists above the rights of Americans. God bless America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Foreign Students Social Security Numbers Reform Act. Simply put, this bill would prohibit foreign students from receiving Social Security numbers. In no way however would this bill prohibit foreign students from getting jobs as they can do so now. As is currently the case, foreign students may receive Social Security numbers for work purposes even though they do not need to pay Social Security taxes on any of their earnings. Given that the real purpose of a Social Security number is to track workers' earnings on which they have paid Social Security taxes, it makes no sense that we are giving out numbers to those who are here temporarily and do not pay Social Security taxes. Moreover, a 2007 Inspector General report found that some foreign students ``may have obtained Social Security numbers for purposes other than on-campus employment or other authorized work''. After all, these are highly prized numbers. So rather than giving out numbers to those who don't really need them, we should instead work to better safeguard numbers to those who should have the numbers in the first place. Also this likely will prevent foreign students from overstaying their welcome. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and memory of my friend, Bill Boyd. Enclosed they may read a profile piece in the Dallas Morning News featuring Bill's distinguished life of service, love of Texas, and devotion to family. [From the Dallas Morning News, Aug. 31, 2009] William M. ``Bill'' Boyd: Storied Dallas Attorney Defended Tex Watson, Police Chief (By Rudolph Bush) William M. ``Bill'' Boyd, 71, a storied attorney who gave up a career in politics to build up a successful McKinney law firm founded by his father, died Saturday of heart failure. Mr. Boyd of Dallas was well known in Texas' political and legal circles for his sharp mind, constant optimism and kindness. His career spanned five decades and countless cases. A 1963 graduate of Southern Methodist University Law School, he was elected Collin County district attorney in 1964, before he had even passed the bar. As the son of attorney Roland Boyd--a close adviser to House Speaker Sam Rayburn and a friend of President Lyndon Johnson--Mr. Boyd might easily have built his early success into a lifelong political vocation, friends said. ``He would have done well in politics, but he loved the law. He loved legal practice,'' said Kent Hance, chancellor of Texas Tech University and a former U.S. representative. Mr. Boyd served four years as district attorney before returning to Boyd Veigel, where he practiced until his death. From the earliest years of his career, Mr. Boyd was involved in high-profile cases. When Manson family member Charles ``Tex'' Watson was arrested in connection with the murders of actress Sharon Tate and others, Mr. Boyd fought his extradition from Texas to California all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. ``He did everything he could to keep him over here because Watson had already been convicted in the papers over there. He didn't feel like Watson could get a fair trial,'' said John Stooksberry, a longtime partner of Mr. Boyd. Though ultimately unsuccessful at blocking Watson's extradition, Mr. Boyd did see many legal victories. In 1991, he successfully defended former Dallas Police Chief Mack Vines against a perjury charge, calling a slew of witnesses, including former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese, to the stand. At the time of his death, Mr. Boyd was leading a long- standing lawsuit pitting Dallas police officers and firefighters against the city in a dispute over back pay. Elements of that case, which could involve hundreds of millions of dollars in potential damages, are now before the state Supreme Court. Mr. Boyd's wife, Barbara White Boyd, recalled her husband's passion for the law and for politics as grounded in a keen intelligence and attention to detail. ``He always managed to put things in such an eloquent and kind way, even when he was critical. He was the most open and honest person,'' she said. He was loyal, too. In conservative Collin County, he never wavered from his commitment to Democratic politics. ``After I changed parties in the '80s, he told me, `I still love you even though you're a Republican.' '' Mr. Hance said. ``He had friends on both sides, and he never took his politics so personal it affected his friendship with anyone.'' Mr. Boyd's mark on law in Collin County is clear from a visit to the county courthouse, where he has placed two works of art, a sculpture of Alamo hero William Barret Travis and a portrait print of decorated World War II soldier Audie Murphy. Mr. Boyd had said the sculpture of Travis represented what he believed in when it came to the law. ``It stands for courage, and that's what you need in a lawyer. You need someone that will stand up against the state, against powerful forces that you may be, as an individual, up against,'' he said. In addition to his wife, Mr. Boyd's survivors include his sons, William Bradley Boyd of New Orleans and Blake Edward Boyd of Los Angeles; his sister, Betty Skelton of Houston; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Boyd. His body will lie in repose from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 N. Central Expressway in Allen. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of McKinney, 1615 W. Louisiana St. Burial at Lake View Cemetery in Lavon will follow.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, last week I visited Garland's Walnut Glen Academy to congratulate Kathleen Hodges for winning the Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award 2008-2009. The Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Awards recognize eleven exemplary K-12 humanities teachers in the Lone Star State. The exceptional Rowlett resident stands head and shoulders above her peers for her role as a terrific humanities teacher making a difference in the lives of young Texans. Humanities Texas, formerly the Texas Council for the Humanities, is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Humanities Texas conducts and supports public programs in history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities disciplines. I wish my colleagues could have seen the heartwarming patriotic celebration that coincided with this wonderful announcement heralding Kathleen's accolade. On Veterans' Day, Walnut Glen Academy rolled out the red carpet for patriots young and old. The faculty and students at Walnut Glen Academy went to great lengths to stress the importance of service before self--and pointed a shining example of that--Kathleen's tireless work on behalf of young people. It was truly inspiring. Most important, Kathleen received the special recognition and her time in the sun for her tremendous achievement she so truly deserves. After spending the day at her school, it is easy to see why Kathleen considers her proudest accomplishment the art program she has helped establish at Walnut Glen Academy. Congratulations are in order for Kathleen Hodges and the students and faculty at Walnut Glen Academy. God bless you and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the students of the Plano West Senior High School, Shepton High School and Jasper High School joint FFA chapter on the achievement of Two-Star recognition in the 2009 Future Farmers of America National Chapter Award program. According to the National FFA Organization, ``The National Chapter Award program is designed to award FFA chapters who actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Based on a chapter's Program of Activities (POA) local FFA chapters are recognized for working in established areas called ``quality standards.'' The standards are organized into three divisions: Student development; Chapter development and Community development.'' The PWSH-SHS-JHS Chapter has had a tremendous year of competition and community service leading up to this award. The group received its Two-Star award at the 82nd National FFA Convention, October 21-24, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Six students and the program advisor, Cristen Fowler, were able to attend. Congratulations one and all. I salute you. The names of the 2009 PWSH-SHS-JHS Future Farmers of America follow: Syed Akhtar; Ethan Alexander; Sydney Alto; Will Baker; Kristen Barg; Lauren Beyer; Seneca Bottom; Nick Brandon; Mackenzie Brotzman; Chandler Buning; John Bunker; Alicia Cardena; Catherine Carroll; Fernando Carvallo; Claire Caudall; Heather Cook; Riley David; Jessica Davis; Sebra Debrecht; Caroline Deville; and Brittany Diamond. Ashton Doeringsfeld; Paige Doherty; Thomas Dubis; Blair Edwards; Natalie Fears; Beth Fortner; Dimitri French; Allee Gargililo; Amanda Goldstein; Marie Gowan; Bronte Hampton; Erik Hansen; Riley Harmon; McKenzie Hearn; Haley Henning; Sarah Herigon; Kyra Hochberg; Alyssa Horan; Jordan Hunt; Brandon Jacques; and Tanvi Jaiswal. Jordan Johnson; Brook Johnson; Nick Kirkwood; Addison Lancaster; Max Leader; Tiffany Lee; Brian Lee; Brady Martin; Robyn McCaffrey; Molly McClellen; Robby McDermott; Molly McLaine; Shedan Medhnie; Madeline Minchillo; Francine Moise; Trevor Mouton; Dardan Neziraz; Melissa Ng; Morgan Nussbaum; Haley Olberg; and Carolyn Pereira. Haley Price; Brooke Ramsier; Molly Raymond; Morgan Reosenfeld; Ana Reyes; Luke Rivera; Jacob Rizos; Moses Rodriguez; Mark Rule; Dodge Salisbury; Stacy Samuels; Garrett Shepherd; Nia Stewart; Emma Strand; Alison Sutherland; Ore Vangruber; JT Wade; Austin Webster; Kelsey Webster; Claire Wheatly; Ryan Wincester; and Sam Young.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today we are voting on Speaker Pelosi's $1 trillion Washington takeover of health care. This bill bulldozes individual liberty and puts the government just where it doesn't belong, right smack dab in the middle of your personal health care decisions. This bill forces every single person in this country to purchase government-approved health care or go to jail. Businesses must also offer government-approved health care or face hundreds of billions of dollars in job-killing taxes. Unfortunately, government-approved health care will be defined by a handful of bureaucrats around a conference table in Washington. This unprecedented Washington power grab eliminates an individual's right to choose what kind of health care is best for them and their families. Speaker Pelosi's 20-pound, 2,000-page bill costs $2.2 million per word. The American public have made their voices heard. They are sick and tired of the government sticking its nose where it doesn't belong. They are fed up with Washington's trillion-dollar bailouts, free handouts and special interest paybacks. The Democrats in Congress need to listen and come up with a bipartisan, patient-centered plan. We can do better with a targeted, fiscally responsible approach that makes health insurance more affordable, more accessible, and available. Real health reform protects a patient's right to choose their own care. Real health reform gives doctors the freedom to do what is best for their patients. We can do all of this without piling trillions of dollars of debt onto our children and grandchildren. Vote down this deficit-ballooning, job-killing, Washington takeover of health care today.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to add my support for the Republican substitute amendment, the Common-sense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act. This amendment is a patient centered solution to healthcare reform that our country can afford and that members on both sides of the aisle can support. It also addresses the number one concern on the mind of all Americans in this country: the high cost of health care. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that this Republican substitute amendment would reduce health insurance premiums by up to 8 percent for those families who currently do not have access to employer-provided coverage. My constituents have told me over and over again that the cost of healthcare is too high. They need healthcare that is more affordable, accessible and available and the Commonsense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act provides just that. Included in the Republican substitute amendment is my bill, H.R. 2607, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. This legislation allows small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance so they can enjoy the same bargaining power large corporations and labor unions have at the purchasing table. In all parts of our economy we know that buying in bulk reduces the price tag, and healthcare is no different. Government-forced healthcare is not the way to solve our health care problem. We can and have to do better. With almost 60 percent of the uninsured population tied to a small business, this provision in the Commonsense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act, helps bring access to affordable healthcare to those that currently don't have it. Clearly, there are better ways to make healthcare more accessible for American families--and this Republican substitute is it. Real healthcare reform should protect doctors and hospitals from frivolous lawsuits, so they can stop practicing defensive medicine and instead focus on practicing patient-focused care. This amendment extends medical liability reform that has been successful in several States to the rest of the Nation, saving lives and saving money. Another provision in the Republican substitute amendment I am proud to support is the State Innovations Program. The amendment provides incentives to States who adopt reforms that reduce the cost of health insurance and expand coverage to the citizens of their States. This provision allows States the freedom to solve their health problems on their own. Speaker Pelosi's health-care bill focuses on the Federal Government trying to fix what is broken with our health care. But in my great State of Texas, I believe those that are best equipped to solve our healthcare problems are Texans. It is time for real reform that works and not the same old answers of more money and more government. Finally, this amendment protects American innovation while ensuring patients will have more cutting edge treatment options in the area called ``follow on biologics.'' The Commonsense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act contains a provision that will create a pathway for new, life saving products while maintaining the proper incentives for companies to research and strive to discover them. Most importantly, this provision will ensure that many of the jobs created in this industry will stay in the United States. The Commonsense Health Care Reform and Affordability Act is exactly the solution the American public has asked Congress to pass. It saves money, lowers the cost of health care, protects the patient-doctor relationship and keeps the government out of personal healthcare decisions. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment today.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I'd like to recognize Jana Fry for winning the Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award 2008- 2009. She teaches at Williams High School in Plano, where she lives. Jana stands head and shoulders above her peers for her role as an outstanding humanities teacher making a difference in the lives of young Texans. The Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Awards recognize 11 exemplary K-12 humanities teachers. Humanities Texas, formerly the Texas Council for the Humanities, is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Humanities Texas conducts and supports public programs in history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities disciplines. These programs strengthen Texas communities and ultimately help sustain representative democracy by cultivating informed, educated citizens. During her 20 years of teaching, Jana has won many accolades and awards for her service both in and out of the classroom. She has taught sixth through tenth grades with classes ranging from sheltered/at-risk to gifted and talented and anything in between. She summarizes her teaching philosophy as such: Students should always be participants in their learning process, engaged in that process, reflecting and evaluating of that process and emotionally attached to their learning. Teachers are the facilitators of learning who orchestrate varied learning experiences that attempt to meet each student where they are and then challenge them further. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jana for her selfless contributions to make Texas and America a better place by pouring into our young people. Please join me in congratulating Jana on a magnificent achievement and wishing her all the best with her future endeavors.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I'd like to recognize a model patriot who has really made a difference in the young, rising leadership of our armed forces, Mr. John Hamilton. Next week Mr. Hamilton will officially step down from the Third Congressional District Academy Candidate Selection Board after 29 years of service and volunteering his time, effort and talent to three different Members of Congress: former Congressman Steve Bartlett, former Congressman Jim Collins and me. In this advisory capacity, John offered his wisdom and expertise to help identify and recommend hundreds of students from the Third Congressional District for nomination to a prestigious service academy, including one who went on to become a Rhodes Scholar. The Third District of Texas is home to some of the best and the brightest young people. As a Member of Congress it is always an honor to recommend fine students to our nation's service academies. These students join the premiere military force of the world and become leaders of men and women in uniform. John Hamilton played an instrumental role in helping Third District young adults achieve their dream of military service. My friend, John, was perfectly situated to play the role of advisor for the Third Congressional District Academy Candidate Selection Board. He graduated in 1968 from the prestigious United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in Engineering/Management. He knows firsthand the rigors, discipline, and inner strength needed to thrive, not just survive, at a service academy. I know his experience in Annapolis helped him make many decisions. John also graduated from SMU School of Law in 1976. He is a Lifetime Chapter Member of the North Texas Chapter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and a member of the State Bar of Texas. Since 1994 he has served as President of Hamilton & Hartsfield, P.C., a law firm specializing in general corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and business transactions. He is a shining example of a well-rounded patriot eager to give back to his country and his community. I am thankful for his service and I will miss his valued opinions and leadership. Godspeed, John Hamilton. God bless you and God bless America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, according to the experts at CMS, the Democrats' health care bill is bad news for seniors. Seniors citizens have a right to know that the cost for Pelosi's trillion dollar government takeover of health care is paid for with almost $500 billion in Medicare cuts. First, millions of seniors will lose their health plans. The experts predict that enrollment in Medicare Advantage will decline 64 percent, and that Medicare benefits will be cut for 11 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Second, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the Democrat health plan will increase the cost of Medicare prescription drug premiums by 20 percent. Seniors will literally lose their right to choose. Cutting the benefits seniors are entitled to in the name of creating government-run health insurance is just wrong. Seniors want, need, and deserve better from America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker it is a great honor to recognize a fine higher educational institution--the University of Texas at Dallas. Beginning this fall, the University of Texas at Dallas marks its 40th year as a Texas public university and a member of The University of Texas system. Born at the dawn of the information age, UT Dallas helped pioneer new fields in science and technology and created sought-after degree programs that did not exist a generation ago. These include geospatial information science, neuroscience, bioinformatics, nanotechnology and materials science, among others. The University has a unique past: built from the top down, first a research institute, then a graduate school, and finally becoming a full university with the admission of its first freshman class in 1990. Located in the center of one of the most dynamic economic and demographic regions in the nation, UT Dallas owes its existence to three entrepreneurs, Eugene McDermott, Cecil Green and J. Erik Jonsson, who deeply valued education and entrepreneurial activity. These individuals, who also founded Texas Instruments, found themselves importing talent from outside the state while the region's bright young people pursued educations elsewhere. Having identified the need, the Founders took action to serve both their enterprise and the region, establishing the Graduate Research Center of the Southwest, which in 1961 was renamed the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies, SCAS. The center recruited some of the best scientific talent in the nation. In 1969, the founders bequeathed the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies to the State of Texas, and then-Governor Preston Smith signed the bill establishing UT Dallas, thus fulfilling the mandate to create science and technology educational opportunities in North Texas. By law, the University offered only graduate degrees until 1975. In 1990, the University admitted its first freshman class. The transition from a graduate research facility to a university with an emphasis on engineering, mathematics, the sciences and management has been facilitated by the excellence of the UT Dallas faculty. Among them are four members of the National Academies--Dr. Ray Baughman, Dr. David Daniel, Dr. Brian Berry and Dr. Don Shaw--and Nobel laureate, Dr. Russell Hulse. Other Nobel laureates have included the late Dr. Polykarp Kusch and the late Dr. Alan G. MacDiarmid. During the past decade, the University's teaching mission has expanded, its external research funding nearly doubled, its program offerings grew and its reputation has gained notice nationally. The student body has grown, even as quantitative markers of excellence-- average entering SAT scores, graduation rates, numbers of distinguished scholarship holders and national merit scholarship winners--have also moved up. UT Dallas has a unique past, and its aspirations to become a top national research university promise an even more remarkable future. Congratulations to everyone who helped make 40 years of educating the best and brightest a reality at UT Dallas. Thank you for all you do to improve Texas. God bless you and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House is going to vote on the Democrats' latest plan for Pelosi's government-run health insurance. The bill is 2,000 pages long, weighs 20 pounds, and costs more than $1 trillion. With over 400,000 words in it, that comes out to $2.5 million a word. The bill creates 111 new bureaucracies which will decide what kind of government-approved health care is best for your family and you. Speaker Pelosi wants America to believe this is the only way to reform health care, but I know there is a better solution. That's why I introduced the Small Business Health Fairness bill. My bill, H.R. 2607, allows small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance so they can enjoy the same bargaining power that large corporations and labor unions have at the purchasing table. We know that buying in bulk reduces the price tag, and health care is no different. Government-forced health care is not the way to solve the problem.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, having been absent from the House for the week of October 5th, I would have voted the following way: Conference Report to H.R. 2997--``nay.'' Conference Report to H.R. 2647--``nay.''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, congratulations are in order for Howard Cho, president of CVE Technology Group in Plano. It is an honor and a privilege to salute him for winning the distinguished Minority Manufacturer of the Year Award. Presented on behalf of the United States Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency, this prestigious award pays tribute to the minority entrepreneurs who have demonstrated industry leadership, business success, and community impact. Founded by President Cho in New Jersey in 1986, the company specializes in consumer electronics, has revenues of $50 million and employs over 1,200 people. In 2002, CVE Technology Group relocated to Plano, Texas, where it now provides refurbishment of cell phones and remanufacturing business with Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. CVE plans for more growth through continued cellular phone manufacturing, expanding their operation and sales revenue. In fact, the city of Plano honored Mr. Cho and the company with a citation creating ``CVE Technology Group Day.'' Economic data demonstrates minority-owned firms are poised to generate long-term employment and economic growth in their communities. Howard Cho's CVE Technology Group in Plano is a shining example of that. Congratulations again, and thank you, to Mr. Cho and CVE Technology Group in Plano, Texas. I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. As a former prisoner of war in Vietnam, I learned a lot about how not to fight a war. Specifically, you cannot run a war from the White House and win. General McChrystal declared that more troops are needed in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, this administration has backpedaled on its pledge to the region and now is dragging its heels on the general's request. What must our young men and women in uniform think? How must their loved ones back home feel? The administration's waiting game torpedoes troop morale and begs mission failure. Congress needs to hear directly from General McChrystal to ensure political motivations in Washington don't override the needs of our commanders and our troops. For America, ignoring the top general's request for more troops is not the way to run and win a war.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional group of people at a superb company, Sherwin-Williams, in Garland, Texas. This summer Sherwin-Willams in Garland marked two special- milestones--50 years of service and their historic 1 billionth gallon of paint produced at the nation's largest paint plant. Founded in 1958, the plant opened with a production starting at 4 million gallons of paint a year. The company has grown to produce, on average, 20 million gallons a year. That translates to roughly 125 gallons per minute, 7,500 per hour, or 180,000 per day. The Garland plant now boats 235 associates who work three shifts seven days a week. With 1 billion gallons and a 4-inch paint brush you could: circle the earth 9,200 times; make 480 round trips of the moon; travel to Mars and back three times; cover Maryland and Delaware; paint the Golden Gate Bridge 21,000 times; paint the Empire State Building 72,000 times; paint the length of the Great Wall of China 2,400 times; or fill the Houston Astrodome 53 times. Founded in 1866, the Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution, and sale of coatings and related products to professional industrial commercial and retail customers. The company manufactures products under well-known brands such as Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's Water Seal, and many more. The folks at Sherwin-Williams Garland have achieved great things for their community, their industry and their company. Thank you and congratulations on your remarkable achievements. For your landmark milestones, I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I'll bet Osama bin Laden and his buddies are high-fiving each other in their caves after hearing that the administration is soft-pedaling on its promise for an aggressive fight in Afghanistan. In March, the President unveiled a new plan for success for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Sadly, now he's singing a different tune at just the wrong time. General McChrystal recently warned that America and our allies are in danger of losing the war if we do not create a bold, new strategy for America that requires more troops. The President should heed the general's advice and should stand strong for freedom and security by giving our troops the tools they want, need, and deserve for victory so they can return home with honor. To quote the President: The world cannot afford the price that will come due if Afghanistan slides back into chaos.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, since being sworn in, the President has appointed 34 czars--the health czar, the car czar, an urban czar, a Great Lakes czar. These are just to name a few. In 300 years, czarist Russia just had 18 czars. Why do we need 34? We have an energy czar and a Secretary of Energy. We have a health czar and a Secretary of Health. Worse, 27 of the 34 czars have not even been confirmed by the Senate despite a constitutional requirement. These czars make $172,000 yearly, and that doesn't include expensive, unchecked staff with zero accountability. I backed legislation that would withhold funding from any czar not confirmed by the Senate. Americans want, need and deserve transparency and accountability. Let's rein in the czars.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ed Fox for winning the Doris Berry Crime Watch Chairperson of the Year Award for 2009. According to his peers, Ed has served as the chairperson for the Prestonwood Estates Neighborhood Association West (PENA West) Crime Watch since its inception in October 1999. He has also served as chairperson for their Volunteers in Patrol (VIP) program for seven years. Ed is also currently serving a third term as the North Central Patrol Division's Crime Watch Executive Board (CWEB) representative and was recently elected president of CWEB. In addition to the time required to fulfill his duties as CWEB president and PENA West CW chairperson, Ed spends countless hours attending crime watch and VIP start up meetings to assist new groups in getting started. Based on his reputation in the North Central Division, many citizens request to have Ed speak at their crime watch meetings. Being a retired salesman, Ed uses his skills to sell the VIP concept to various homeowner groups. Not only does he help them organize a neighborhood meeting, but he also speaks at the meeting himself to promote the CW and VIP programs. In the past year alone, Ed has attended over 120 CW and VIP meetings and also spoken at the majority of them. Ed is always trying to think of ways to expand the CW/VIP programs in North Dallas. Last year he contacted the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce to inquire about using their organization to spread the word about neighborhood crime prevention programs. Ed has proposed the idea to them to consider establishing a permanent crime prevention committee to provide advice and information for their members. For his tireless work ethic, enthusiasm and dedication to the Crime Watch and VIP programs in the North Central Division, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Ed Fox for winning the 2009 Doris Berry Crime Watch Chairperson of the Year Award. God bless you and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate David Davis for winning the Volunteer of the Year Award. According to his peers, since 2003, David Davis has volunteered for the City of Dallas and has logged approximately 1,947 hours. This year David has logged 394 hours and in the month of June alone has logged 62 hours. David Davis had made a significant contribution by taking charge of several Volunteer Programs which include being a Crime Watch Captain for the Oaklawn Crime Watch, a VIP Captain for Oaklawn Neighborhood and participates in every Central Patrol VIP training class. David Davis also sits on the CWEB Board as a NE and NW alternate. David is CERT trained and heads up CERT Teams for Northeast and Northwest. David Davis also volunteers for COPS, White Rock Lake VIP, VIP Traffic Safety Fairs, assists in traffic and crowd management for various parades throughout the city, CHIPS training assistance, CHIPS on the job training, VIP training and participated in the Citizens Police Academy. In May 2009 Dallas Police Crisis Intervention Training Program (CIT) held the National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk at Fair Park and David Davis assisted by organizing a group of volunteers for additional crowd management in order to facilitate this successful fundraiser. On numerous occasions David Davis has contacted the local police personally to offer his assistance with crime watch events, parades and volunteer training and has always shown a great dedication and reliability in his support of these Dallas Police events. David Davis has also proven himself to be an accomplished crime fighter and has made a tremendous impact during his Volunteering in Patrol. David Davis leads by example in this area by explaining to new volunteers that crime may be brought down by the volunteers who patrol certain areas. David Davis has also taken on patrol of the Katy Trail and Reverchon Park areas. He has organized newly trained volunteers for these areas and keeps track of current crime trends and passes along information to police officers who also work these parks. Congratulations David Davis. I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Officer Bervin Smith of the NE Dallas Police Division for winning the prestigious Officer of the Year award. According to his peers, by his own desires Officer Smith organized the current DPD-NE Volunteer Committee. This committee which is now a viable organization with over 14 members is already meeting with Deputy Chief Lawrence at the NE Police Division on a monthly basis at the NE station to discuss and reactivate volunteers on a list that is over 1,000 names in the NE Division area. Deputy Chief Lawrence is very supportive of this group and is working with them to reduce crime in the NE area. Officer Smith is a dedicated officer who wants to do his job the best that he can. It is a privilege to recognize him for a job well done. I am certain that he will continue to touch the lives of many in his community. It is a great honor to commend Officer Smith in the United States Congress, and I wish him continued success.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the outstanding members and citizen leaders who make up the Dolphin Heights Neighborhood Crime Watch. It is a great honor to recognize the Dolphin Heights Neighborhood Crime Watch and I wish this group continued success. The Dolphin Heights Neighborhood Crime Watch took a firm stand in letting the criminals know that the activities that they were involved in were not going to continue in their community. Due to the efforts, participation and teamwork provided by the Dolphin Heights Neighborhood Crime Watch Group, the Dallas Police Department and the City Prosecutor, a 12 percent decrease in crime within the past year was noticed among the following criminal offenses: 5 percent decrease in Business Burglaries, 7 percent decrease in Burglary of Motor Vehicles, 6 percent decrease in Thefts and a 2 percent decrease in Auto Thefts. Officers of the Southeast Patrol Division made a total of forty-seven (47) Arrests and issued seven hundred and eighty-six (786) Citations involving Drugs, Prostitution, Urban Habitation, Alcohol Violations, Code Violations, Auto Thefts, Assaults, Traffic Violations and Outstanding Warrants. They also have other successful community programs, including City of Hope, Eye on the Community, Treasure of Hope, National Night Out, Community Clean-up, Community Emergency Response Team, and the After School Program. The Dolphin Heights Neighborhood Crime Watch is a hard working group that believes in teamwork and accomplishing their goals. I am pleased to congratulate the Dolphin Heights Neighborhood Crime Watch on their outstanding efforts and share their good work with my colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people. They're making Texas a better place to live, work and raise a family.