Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today I rise as chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security--the committee of jurisdiction over Social Security benefits--in support of the No Social Security for Nazis Act, legislation I introduced along with Ranking Member Xavier Becerra. The world must never forget the 6 million Jews and other innocents murdered in the Holocaust. America has worked hard to prevent Nazis from entering the country and reaping the benefits of U.S. citizenship, including Social Security. Social Security is an earned benefit. Hardworking Americans pay a portion of their wages for promises of future benefits. However, it is a benefit that was never intended for those who participated in the horrific acts of the Holocaust. Under the Social Security Act, Social Security benefits are terminated when individuals are deported due to participating in Nazi persecutions. Some individuals whom the Department of Justice identified as Nazi persecutors were denaturalized or voluntarily renounced their citizenship and left the country to avoid formal deportation proceedings. However, due to a loophole, certain Nazi persecutors have continued to receive Social Security benefits. Today we will put an end to this loophole. The bill amends the law to stop benefit payments to those denaturalized due to participation in Nazi persecutions or who voluntarily renounced their citizenship as part of a settlement with the Attorney General related to participating in Nazi persecution. The bill also makes sure that these individuals do not receive spousal benefits due to a marriage to a Social Security beneficiary. Lastly, the bill requires the Attorney General to certify to the Ways and Means Committee and Finance Committee that Social Security has been notified of all those whose benefits should be terminated due to participation in Nazi persecutions. It also requires the Commissioner of Social Security to certify that benefits were terminated. This legislation is currently cosponsored by over 47 Members of the Congress. Also, letters of support have been received from some of the following organizations: The Association of Mature American Citizens, B'nai B'rith International, Jewish Federations of North America, J Street, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Republican Jewish Coalition, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, and the Zionist Organization of America. Mr. Speaker, I insert these letters in the Record as well. American Jewish Committee, Global Jewish Advocacy, Washington, DC, November 24, 2014. Dear Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Becerra, I write on behalf of AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, to urge your support of legislation to deny federal benefits to individuals who participated in Nazi persecution. There are two House measures that seek to accomplish this: the Nazi Social Security Benefits Termination Act of 2014, introduced by Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Leonard Lance, and Jason Chaffetz, and the No Social Security for Nazis Act, introduced by Representatives Sam Johnson and Xavier Becerra. For many years, Nazi extermination camp personnel and others who found refuge in the United States after World War II--individuals who perpetrated some of the worst crimes known to humanity, including the execution of millions of innocent civilians--have received various benefits, including Social Security payments, from the United States government. While the number of Nazi recipients of Social Security payments may not be large, the continuance of this practice is an intolerable insult to those, living and dead, who suffered at the hands of the Nazis, is an affront to American taxpayers, and contradicts our nation's core values. The Nazi Social Security Benefits Termination Act will deny receipt of federal benefits to those who were accused of taking part in Nazi criminal acts and were either stripped of their citizenship or voluntarily renounced it. The No Social Security for Nazis Act amends the Social Security Act to cease payments to those stripped of U.S. citizenship as a result of participation in Nazi activities, and those who voluntarily renounced citizenship due to such participation. The United States should not be lending material support to individuals whose crimes were so egregious that a new word had to be coined to describe them: genocide. On behalf of AJC, I urge you to support legislation to deny federal benefits to individuals who participated in Nazi persecution. Thank you for considering our views on this important matter. Respectfully, Jason Isaacson.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5739) to amend the Social Security Act to provide for the termination of social security benefits for individuals who participated in Nazi persecution, and for other purposes.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. For many years a loophole has allowed those who perpetrated horrific crimes against humanity to receive benefits paid by the United States Government. While the number of Nazi recipients of Social Security benefits may be few now, allowing payments to continue is an inexcusable insult to those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to vote ``yes'' and pass the No Social Security to Nazis Act today so the Senate can take action soon and that the President can sign it into law without delay. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Thank you, Mr. Becerra. I appreciate your remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Black), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I thank Mr. Becerra. It takes two to tango, and fortunately, we have a compatible interest on this committee. I thank Ranking Member Xavier Becerra and his staff for working with us on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to vote ``yes'' and pass the No Social Security for Nazis Act today, so the Senate can take action soon and that the President can sign it into law without delay. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this summer's crisis on the border was the result of President Obama's 2012 decision to grant amnesty to some illegal immigrants. Now, the President is planning to grant amnesty to every illegal in the country--almost--millions more. To make matters worse, these illegal immigrants may also become eligible for government benefits. That is just wrong. What the President is doing is illegal. Hardworking American taxpayers didn't sign up to foot the bill for unlawful, illegal immigrants. Mr. Speaker, the President is ignoring the American people, our Constitution, and our way of government. America is a country of laws, not men. My constituents are outraged at the President's imperial actions. American people want, need, and deserve a President who respects and follows the Constitution. On behalf of my outraged constituents, I am fully committed to stopping this illegal action.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, the committee of jurisdiction over who receives Social Security benefits, I am introducing, along with Ranking Member Becerra and now 35 original cosponsors, the No Social Security for Nazis Act. The world must never forget the 6 million Jews and other innocents murdered by the Holocaust. America has worked to prevent Nazis from entering the country and reaping the benefits of U.S. citizenship, including Social Security. However, due to a loophole, some Nazis who came to America continue to receive Social Security benefits. That is just plain wrong. Our bipartisan bill would stop benefits from going to denaturalized Nazis. It also stops benefits from going to Nazis who renounce their citizenship as part of a settlement. I thank Ranking Member Becerra for working with me on this important bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to act quickly and pass the No Social Security for Nazis Act.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my good friend and former colleague, Phil Crane. Phil was one of the first members I met when I came up here. Later on, I had the great honor and pleasure to serve with Phil on the Ways and Means Committee. As a fellow conservative on the Committee, I had the good fortune to work with Phil--from fighting to provide tax relief to making health care more affordable for Americans. As someone who got to know him well, I can say that he was more than just a great public servant. He was a great conservative leader. Phil passionately believed in freedom and free-enterprise. Back in 1973, he helped create a group for House conservatives known as the Republican Study Committee. In fact, he served as the group's first Chairman. Years later, I was proud to follow in his footsteps by helping to bring House conservatives together again through the Conservative Action Team, the forerunner to today's Republican Study Committee. I am forever grateful for Phil's longstanding fight for conservative principles. And I am forever blessed by his friendship. Mr. Speaker, above all Phil was a great American. While he will be greatly missed, his legacy to make this country a better place lives on. May God bless Phil and his family.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, 227 years ago, our Founding Fathers came together to write the Constitution, and it is on this foundation that we have built the greatest Nation on Earth. The Constitution protects our democracy and our individual liberties that define the American way of life that we are all blessed to enjoy. I have spent most of my life defending what the Constitution stands for, 29 years in the United States Air Force and now in the United States Congress. I consider this to be an honor and a privilege. We can all do our part to defend America's freedom by understanding and remembering our Constitution's significance. That is why today, on national Constitution Day, I encourage all Americans to join me in reflecting on the history and the meaning of this important document. We must never take our freedom for granted.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this summer America has witnessed the horrific actions of ISIS as it marched into Iraq as part of its mission to create an Islamic state. As a 29-year Air Force veteran, I know trouble when I see it, and so do the American people. ISIS is a direct threat to America and our democratic way of life. Congress and the American people want, need, and deserve a clearly defined strategy from our President to defeat ISIS--not a strategy to degrade or contain or manage, but a strategy to defeat ISIS. Tomorrow Americans remember the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As we remember all those we lost that day, let us also remember the hard lessons those attacks taught us: that we must always be vigilant in protecting the American way of life and all that we hold dear.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my fellow colleagues to join me in thanking and congratulating Celanese Corporation as they celebrate their 10 year partnership with the South Collin County Habitat for Humanity. Over the past decade, Celanese and Habitat have changed countless lives and have improved the future for families in our communities. In fact, since 2005, Celanese has donated over $400,000 and over 7,500 volunteer hours towards building 10 Habitat for Humanity Homes. This year, almost 300 volunteers devoted 2,500 hours to complete a home for a family over 14 weekends. They must be proud of these accomplishments, I sure am. When the strength of corporations and the hearts of volunteers come together the results are limitless. The noble work done by these two groups is to be commended and emulated by all. A strong relationship between outstanding companies and selfless volunteer organizations is one of the fundamental building blocks of a safe and prosperous community. I thank all of those involved for their hard work, dedication, and promise of a brighter future for North Texans. I look at the extraordinary accomplishments over the past 10 years, and can't help but look forward to the next 10 years. I'm confident that your hard-work, generosity, and compassion will continue to guide you and lead you to continued success. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Celanese for their dedication to enhancing the lives of Collin County families. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the Celanese Corporation and its numerous employees in the United States Congress. God bless you. I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, every worker in America pays a portion of their hard-earned wages into the Social Security Disability Insurance program for promised benefits if he or she becomes too disabled to work. While providing a vital safety net, the disability program is plagued by major fraud. This fraud reveals significant weaknesses in the program that put at risk not only billions of taxpayer dollars but also the benefits on which millions of disabled Americans rely. At a time when the program revenues will cover only 81 percent of benefits in 2016, not one dime should be lost to fraud, waste, or abuse. That is why as chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee, I am introducing the Stop Disability Fraud Act which makes fair, commonsense changes to combat fraud and better protect taxpayers and beneficiaries. Americans want, need, and deserve no less. I urge my colleagues to support this effort.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I would also like to thank Chairman Camp for including in this bill my commonsense measure to require tax filers to provide their Social Security number in order to claim the $1,000 refundable child tax credit, formerly known as the additional child tax credit. My measure would save $24.5 billion. Now, that is real money. Sadly, there has been a lot of misinformation about this commonsense measure. I would like to clear that up. First, this is basically a benefit check handed out by the IRS. Second, this measure is based on the good work of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Right now, the IRS is providing this refundable child tax credit to those who are here illegally, but don't take my word for it. This is what the IG said about the refundable tax credit: 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 the additional child tax credit, ACTC. Notice the IG refers to this as a public benefit. The IG also points to an increase in the number of illegal immigrants claiming this benefit. I would add that some are claiming children who don't even live here. Third, and even more troubling in light of the border crisis, is that the IG says this credit can encourage individuals to come illegally to the United States. The last thing we need is to continue to encourage folks from Central America to make the dangerous and life-threatening trek to Texas. Accordingly, the IG has recommended the IRS require Social Security numbers. Why is that? Because Social Security numbers are provided to those who can legally be in the United States. Additionally, this credit is based on earned income, income that should be earned by those who have Social Security numbers, period. Fourth, it is not just Republicans who have expressed concern and the need to take action, but also Democrats--yes, Democrats--about the IG's work. For instance, following the 2011 IG report, Democrat Senator Claire McCaskill from Missouri demanded answers from the IRS and, more importantly, vowed to end payments to individuals without Social Security numbers. Also, then-Finance chairman and Democrat Senator Max Baucus from Montana, along with other Finance Committee members, fired off a letter expressing serious concern to Treasury and the IRS. Fifth, requiring tax filers to include their Social Security numbers for the $1,000 refundable child tax credit is a longstanding commonsense idea. For instance, the IRS requires Social Security numbers for the earned income tax credit, a similar refundable credit for low-income families. Congress included this antifraud measure in the 1996 welfare reform law signed by Democrat President Bill Clinton. Democrats, such as then- Senator Joe Biden, Senator Harry Reid, and Congressman Steny Hoyer, voted for that law. Now, let me ask: Do Democrats now oppose requiring Social Security numbers for the earned income tax credit? In 2008, 215 House Democrats voted for the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which provided tax rebates to individuals and children. Guess what? That bill also required Social Security numbers. Do Democrats now regret supporting that policy back in 2008? What is going on here is that President Obama and his Democrat allies in Congress are now playing politics with taxpayer dollars. It is wrong and irresponsible. There is no policy reason for this opposition. Bottom line, my measure is about protecting the hard-earned taxpayer dollars of Americans, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet in this economy. It is time to stop playing politics with this. It is time to stand up for the American taxpayer. I thank the chairman again for working with me on this important taxpayer measure.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have been to the border many times, but I never expected to witness what I saw last Friday, a real manmade crisis. The President's failure to secure our border and uphold the rule of law has led to this mess, and now he is failing to deal with it. While President Obama is nowhere to be found, Texas Governor Rick Perry has made stopping the crisis his number one priority. I commend him on his latest decision to deploy the Texas National Guard to help secure the southern border. I am also grateful for the men and women working around the clock to control the crisis. Securing the border will help send a clear message to countries that, if you enter illegally, you will not be allowed to stay. And that is the right thing to do. We are a Nation of laws, and there is a process for coming to America. Texans and the American people deserve real border security now.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the immigration crisis taking place on the southern border of my home State of Texas demands our undivided attention as well as immediate action. That is why, unlike the President, I will head to the Rio Grande Valley on Friday. This area covers over 320 river miles and 19 counties, equating to over 17,000 square miles. Knowing this, there is no way to fully grasp the scope and depth of the crisis through a simple briefing in Washington. The President and Harry Reid just don't get it. Last night, Harry Reid declared, ``The border is secure.'' That blew my mind. If he and the President spent any time at the border, they would see just how out of touch they are. Mr. President, Americans, particularly Texans, have been waiting 5\1/ 2\ years for a secure border. It is time to secure our border. It is time to enforce our immigration laws.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, you know, the surge of illegal immigration on the southern border of Texas is one of the largest security and social issues facing our Nation today. Thousands of illegals crossing into the United States directly impact our schools, our hospitals, government budgets, employment, crime, and all parts of American life. Sadly, this surge is no coincidence; instead, it is a direct response to President Obama's failed policies. News reports stated: White House officials acknowledged some of the thousands of children seeking refuge are coming, in part, because they think they will be allowed to stay in the United States because of President Obama's policies. This is totally unacceptable. We are a Nation of laws. The President has a duty to fully enforce our laws and protect our borders. Texans and all Americans want, need, and deserve a secure border, period.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my fellow colleagues to join me in congratulating the 17th graduating class of Leadership Frisco. This graduating class, comprised of 20 individuals, is a shining example of the civic responsibility that makes Frisco a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It's no wonder Frisco is the second-fastest growing city in the U.S. Sponsored by the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Frisco seeks out highly motivated, well-informed individuals who want to expand their leadership skills, deepen their civic duty, and increase their involvement in volunteer opportunities. Over the past nine months, these leaders have learned about Frisco's history, shared their time and talents through community service, and engaged with leaders from city government, the school district and other agencies. Each year, the class selects a service project to give back to the community. This class worked on rebuilding a roof for the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County. In effect, these leaders are contributing and helping provide a safe place for tomorrow's leaders to learn, grow, and reach their fullest potential. For many kids in Collin County, the Boys and Girls Club is the only place for them to participate in developmental programs in an affordable, safe and nurturing environment. Having strong and committed leaders is one of the fundamental building blocks of a safe and prosperous community. As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, ``This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.'' This statement rings true for communities as well and that's what the members of Leadership Frisco strives to do each and every day. I thank each graduate for their hard work, dedication, and promise of a brighter future for Frisco. You must be proud of your accomplishments, I sure am. Once again, Congratulations and keep up the good work. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the best on your future endeavors. The names of the 2014 Leadership Frisco Advisory Council graduating class follows: Debbie Ames, Goldin Peiser & Peiser, LLP; Mike Barber, BKM Sowan Horan, LLP; Brandon Burden, Farmers Insurance; Chad Cunningham, C4 Roofing, Inc.; Robert Dawson, ProImpetus LLC; Oscar Gonzalez, First National Bank Southwest; Myrna Martinez, Frisco Family Services; Christine Messner, ``Yooz''; Erin Minett, Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon & Roberts, P.C.; Suzanne Mitchell, Keller Williams Frisco Stars; Randy Nichols, Prospera Financial Services. Bridget Payne, Wingspan Portfolio Advisors, LLC; Jake Poulsen, TXU Energy; Diana Sage, Collin College; Rachel Sam, Strasburger & Price LLP; Darcy Schroer, Frisco Economic Development Corporation; Julie Simon, Broadlinkone; Angela Syitak, Whitley Penn LLP; Adam Wisler, ACO Practice Solutions, LLC; Ryan Langston, Strasburger & Price LLP.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70 young men of Cub Scout Pack 290 of Frisco, Texas. This is no ordinary Cub Scout Pack. These individuals go above and beyond to be involved in civic activities and community events and place a great emphasis on leading the community in patriotic awareness. Pack 290 was established in 2005 and has contributed over 1,000 hours of community service in the last three years. In previous years, Pack 290 has participated in the Frisco Veteran's Community Parade where they won the Grand Marshal's Award and the Best Theme Related Award. They have also participated in ``Clean It and Green It'' three consecutive years. This is a city wide event where residents of all ages celebrate Earth Day by not only picking up trash and aesthetically improving the community, but also labeling storm drains with educational tiles about the city's storm water program. It is essential for our leaders of tomorrow to be engaged in civic affairs and know and preserve our history. Through participating in our government at an early age, these young men have learned lessons that will last a lifetime. It is my hope that they will continue to be involved in our community in the years ahead. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these scouts, the troop leaders, their parents and families for their dedication to our community and wish them the best on their future endeavors.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, you know, we have heard the horror stories of our veterans experiencing long wait times, subpar care, or worse, no care at all at VA's across the country. While we can't fix a broken VA system overnight, we can do something now to help our brave men and women in uniform. That is why I am introducing the Helping Veterans Save for Health Care Act that would allow veterans who receive care through the VA to contribute to a health savings account. Such savings could then be used by the veteran or their family. Veterans want, need, and deserve more choices when it comes to saving for health care, particularly when our VA is failing to provide the care they earned. We must continue to put our veterans first, and we can start by making it easier for them to save through an HSA for quality care. I ask my colleagues to join me in this effort. It is the right thing to do.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a tremendous honor to rise today to recognize the 24 young men and women of the Third District of Texas who have been nominated and appointed to the prestigious United States Service Academies. These brave students will commit to diligently study and rigorously train to become our nation's defenders and protectors. North Texas is home to some of our nation's best and brightest students and I look forward to their future successes. Throughout high school, these individuals have devoted their time to both athletic and educational ventures, while contributing to their communities. They have excelled both in and out of the classroom. Bottom line is they are the cream of the crop. I have no doubt they will continue this level of excellence as they protect and preserve the freedoms we all hold dear. It is with great pride that I look at these young men and women. It is people like them who give me great hope that our nation's best days are ahead. I humbly take this opportunity to challenge these exemplary students to uphold the standard of honor, sacrifice, duty, and courage that have been displayed time and time again by our troops and veterans. These students will receive a world-class education and the finest military training available. I'm confident that they are ready to join the premier military force of the world. May we keep these young students and their families in our hearts and lift them up in prayer for their commitment to America and the sacrifices they are willing to make for our citizens. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating and celebrating these individuals as they embark on a lifetime of service. God bless you and God bless America. I salute them. The name and high school of each student follows: Third Congressional District Service Academy Appointees--Class of 2018 U.S. Military Academy Andre Bergstein, Plano East Senior High School Blake William Box, Plano West Senior High School Taylor Chambers, Plano Senior High School Timothy Johnson, McKinney Boyd High School Jonathan Lara, Plano Senior High School Kenneth Nead, Centennial High School * Jesse Palmer, Plano West Senior High School U.S. Air Force Academy Natasha Blaskovich, McKinney North High School Collin Charles, Heritage High School Brock Crawford, Legacy Christian Academy Julie Hodges, Allen High School Erin Hoppe, McKinney High School Curtis Ladd, McKinney Boyd High School Jamie Lewis, Plano West Senior High School Drew Morgan, Pecan Orchard Academy Samuel Schell, Plano West Senior High School * John Carver, Wakeland High School * Emily Krupka, Plano West Senior High School U.S. Naval Academy Brock Dudley, Plano West Senior High School Jessica Martinez, Ursuline Academy of Dallas Simic Tuan, Plano East Senior High School Christopher Turner, Liberty High School * Connor Doyle, McKinney Christian Academy U.S. Merchant Marine Clayton Foster, Canterberry Episcopal School *Denotes acceptance to one of the academy preparatory schools

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) on the grand opening of their North campus. PCA, one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country, provides students with lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. Their level of commitment to excellence in academics, athletics and arts coupled with lifelong teachings of biblical faith contributes to a brighter America and stronger future for our youth. Larry Taylor's, Head of School, vision and promise for our youth is precisely what students need to help them succeed. In a message to the students, parents and friends of PCA--he wrote: If your vision is for a year, plant wheat. If your vision is for ten years, plant trees. If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people. I couldn't agree more. We must invest in people. A Christian education not only empowers our next generation of leaders to work hard, persevere, and reach their fullest potential but live a life according to God's will. It produces students who are strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families and communities. I am pleased to see PCA grow and have the opportunity to reach children and parents in more communities including Prosper, Celina, North Frisco, and McKinney. As classes begin for the first time, I pray for the continued growth of the PCA community, the new principal Mrs. Donna Gilson Leadford, and for discernment in hiring godly faculty and staff. I commend the leadership of the countless teachers, faculty, parents, and volunteers who contributed to the development of this new campus. I look forward to seeing the many ways in which the creative and innovative voices of this institution will help shape and educate our young North Texans. I am confident, PCA will soon serve as a model for more and more schools across the nation. I ask my colleagues to please join me in welcoming Prestonwood Christian Academy North!

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the grand opening of the Casey Joyce All America Post 4380 in Plano, Texas. Plano Post 4380 was chartered on July 28, 1982, to provide support and aid to local veterans and to participate in neighborhood projects and functions in order to build strong ties to the community. On January 1, 2000, the Post was renamed Casey Joyce All America Post 4380; in memory of Sergeant Casey Joyce, an Army Ranger and graduate of Plano Senior High School who was killed in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993. Over twenty years ago, Sergeant Joyce was one of the brave Rangers who put his life on the line to bring American pilots safely home after two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were shot down. In the midst of the vicious battle, a fellow Ranger who fell from one of the helicopters was in critical condition--without immediate medical attention he would die. Fulfilling the Ranger Creed, Sergeant Joyce took it upon himself to ``never leave a fallen comrade'' behind. He proceeded towards enemy fire in search of a medivac vehicle and was killed in action. It's because of patriots like Sergeant Joyce that America remains the land of the free and home of the brave. Renaming the Post to Casey Joyce All America Post 4380 will serve as a reminder to us all of the greatness of the American spirit, the unwavering courage of our servicemen, and their commitment to service before self. Some of the post's contributions include the Casey Joyce Memorial Four Year Scholarship and the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Award given to young, bright, and talented students who want to pursue a higher education. Post members also provide leadership, guidance, and other awards to the Plano ISD JROTC Program. Post members volunteer their time to the Samaritan Inn Shelter and Hope's Door Domestic Violence Counseling Center. Their contribution to our North Texas community goes unmatched. Our Nation owes a debt of gratitude and support for all the achievements performed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and for the 32 years of service that the Casey Joyce All America Post 4380 has provided to the North Texas community. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the grand opening of the post and thanking all of the members for continuing their legacy of selfless service. Keep up the good work! God Bless you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of bright, dedicated, and dynamic students at Roach Middle School. These students worked hard and earned ``All A's'' during the 2013-2014 school year. The effort and hard work behind these stellar letter grades is a testament to the student's dedication to excellence and their superior educators.