Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize and congratulate Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Lone Star, John Volpi, for being named Corporate CTO of the Year at this year's Tech Titans awards ceremony. John received this distinguished award in recognition for his outstanding contributions in the technology development industry. On Friday, August 24, 2012, the Metroplex Technology Business Council (MTBC), the largest technology trade association in Texas, hosted its 12th annual Tech Titans gala. This black-tie affair was launched in 2001 in order to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding tech companies and individuals throughout Texas. Each year leaders from more than 4,000 tech companies meet to celebrate the cutting edge achievements of the more than 10,000 corporations that are headquartered in North Texas, making the North Texas region the largest concentration of corporate headquarters in the U.S. A co-founder of Lone Star, John Volpi is responsible for managing the company's technical innovation resources. John has played a significant role in shaping Lone Star as a leader in next generation technology development within the defense and telecommunications industries, and has helped the company gain international recognition for its decision analysis and business modeling services. Throughout his career, John has spent over 40 years leading or providing critical support in the development of groundbreaking technologies. ``This acknowledges a lifetime of excellence,'' said Lone Star CEO, Steve Roemerman. ``Our firm is recognized in business and technology decision support because of John's innovations in TruNavigator, the only 4th generation decision analysis toolset.'' Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating John Volpi, Chief Technology Officer of Lone Star, for his lifetime achievements. I wish him continued success as he continues to pioneer technology development around the country.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it's time for Americans to know the truth about the abuse of their hard-earned taxpayer dollars, especially at a time when the President is calling for tax increases. The issue I'm talking about is IRS action that puts billions of taxpayer dollars at risk. Currently, the IRS allows individuals without a Social Security number to get cash benefits--like the $1,000 refundable child tax credit which is costing American taxpayers billions of dollars--by obtaining an individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN. A recent IG report revealed a shocking scandal within the IRS that encouraged employees to fast track ITIN approval without regard to preventing fraud. The ITIN has become a ticket to get cash from Uncle Sam, and this is wrong. I'm introducing the ITIN Reform Act to hold the IRS' feet to the fire to better protect the American taxpayer, and I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5044) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income any discharge of indebtedness income on education loans of deceased veterans, as amended.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5044, the Andrew Carpenter Tax Act, was introduced by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DesJarlais) in honor of Lance Corporal Andrew Carpenter, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this Nation's freedom while serving in Afghanistan, and I'm a proud cosponsor of the bill. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Tennessee for his leadership in addressing a tax problem facing families of deceased servicemembers who have had their student loans forgiven. Right now our Tax Code considers forgiven student loans cosigned by the servicemember's family as taxable income. This is just wrong for our Nation's military families, and that's what the gentleman from Tennessee's bill is all about. It would change the Tax Code so that the IRS will no longer be able to hit families of deceased servicemen and - women with a tax bill on the forgiven debt. You see, Mr. Speaker, the life of a military family is not easy, but it is admirable. We must never forget that when one member of the family serves, all of the family serves. In a small but important way, this bill is really about protecting our Armed Forces and their families, just as they protect our freedom every day. They need to know their country is behind them. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I now yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DesJarlais), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate our guys fighting for us. General Leave

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 5044, as amended, currently under consideration.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3245, which reauthorizes the E-Verify Program for three years. E-Verify is an important tool for employers who want to help ensure they are employing legal workers. I believe that there are a few changes that would make E-Verify even more effective and user friendly than it already is, that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can make without being required to do so statutorily. Prevention of identity theft in E-Verify is important and USCIS has been taking steps aimed at doing so. For instance, they have created an E-Verify photo match tool for certain individuals so that an employer can match a DHS database photo to the employee standing in front of them. I applaud the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for taking this step and others, and also urge USCIS to fully explore other available identity authentication approaches through pilot programs. I also support DHS providing employers with a seamless integration of an official, electronic I-9 into E-Verify. The goal of an all- electronic system, instead of a paper-based I-9, was included in E- Verify legislation authored by Chairman Smith. Combining E-Verify and the I-9 together will be a strong inducement for employers to join E- Verify. I have discussed these changes by DHS with the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Lamar Smith, who has expressed his support.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, let the countdown begin. Come January 1, the President and the Democrats plan to raise taxes on hardworking families and small business. That's right. Instead of reining in their out-of-control spending, the President wants all Americans to hand over even more of their hard- earned money to the Federal Government. It's not smart to raise taxes ever, and certainly not in a struggling economy. With 3 years of sky-high unemployment across the country, record- breaking deficits, and countless new rules and mandates coming from the White House, the solution is simple: Stop these job-killing tax hikes. It's time to rewrite the Tax Code, work on pro-growth tax reform, and get this economy working again. Stop the Democrats' massive tax hikes to pay for their Big Government agenda. The American people want, need, and deserve better.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Frisco Heritage Museum in Frisco, Texas and the Collin County Farm Museum in McKinney, Texas for participating in the National Endowment for the Arts' Blue Star Museums program. This program--also supported by Blue Star Families organizations and the United States Department of Defense--encourages museums across the country to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Over 1,800 facilities nationwide participate, and many extend the offer of free admission to veterans of our Armed Forces. Two of these great institutions are located in Collin County, Texas, the place I'm privileged to call home. The Frisco Heritage Museum exists to ``collect, preserve, study, interpret, exhibit, and stimulate appreciation for the history and culture of Frisco, Texas--and the North Texas region--to all the people of the region.'' This great museum is situated on a six-acre Heritage Center where folks can visit a reproduction of the Frisco Train Depot and historic buildings that were moved to the lot. The museum itself walks visitors through Frisco's development from a small railroad town to the fastest-growing city in America. Another museum designated as a Blue Star is the Collin County Farm Museum. This great facility, which boasts over 8,500 square feet of collections and exhibits, strives to ``develop a better understanding and appreciation of Collin County's rural heritage.'' The museum also loans out artifacts to popular area attractions, allowing the public to enjoy historic equipment such as a Model T Ford and early-model tractors. I commend both museums for honoring our nation's heroes by opening their doors free of charge. After all, it's the men and women of our Armed Forces who have defined the American story and who still fight to protect the freedoms that allow the United States to be the most innovative nation on earth. To the staff, supporters, and volunteers of the Frisco Heritage Museum and the Collin County Farm Museum, thank you for your first-rate efforts. You help make our community great.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to recognize the 100th anniversary of a fine higher educational institution in the Great State of Texas--Rice University. As one of only three Tier One schools in Texas, Rice also ranks among the world's top 100 universities. Consistently ranked as one of the nation's premier institutions, Rice is a leading university in research and its stellar academic programs. Located in the center of Texas' largest metropolitan area, Rice's small size allows for enriched personal interaction between students and professors. Year after year, the university produces first-rate graduates and students--many of whom have received such awards and distinctions as Fulbright Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Mellon Fellows, and many other merits. This level of success is due in part to the distinguished faculty which consists of a Nobel laureate, a Pulitzer Prize award winner, 6 Fulbright Scholars, and 86 fellows of the National Science Foundation--just to name a few. In its 100 years of award-winning success, Rice University has established itself as a model institution of higher education, and its status as a top national university promises a remarkable future. Congratulations to everyone who helped make 100 years of educating the best and brightest a reality at Rice University. For all you do for the state of Texas, God bless you, and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Just when I thought the administration's economic policies couldn't get worse, the President is now calling for a tax increase that will hit 53 percent of small business income. At a time when small businesses aren't able to hire because of the constant threat of higher taxes, that just doesn't make sense. The President's tax plan does nothing to reduce the ever-increasing national debt. Instead of threatening job creators with more job- destroying taxes, we need to cut spending, get our fiscal house in order, and ensure that American families and businesses will not have to fork over more of their hard-earned money to Uncle Sam. The President should recognize that job creators put their own blood, sweat, and tears into building their own businesses and that the government shouldn't be destroying small business owners with any tax hike.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. You know, last month, the Supreme Court made its regrettable ruling to uphold the President's job-killing tax program known as ObamaCare. While the High Court may have deemed it constitutional as a tax, Americans deem it burdensome and unaffordable. ObamaCare boasts $500 billion in tax hikes, 150 new Federal bureaucracies, and $1.76 trillion added to the growing national debt, not to mention the massive amounts of red tape and legalese that get in the way of patients and their doctors. Before we know it, going to the doctor will feel more like a trip to the DMV, the Department of Motor Vehicles. Our Tax-and-Spender-in-Chief needs to stop throwing more hard-earned tax dollars at a broken health care system and start working with Congress to implement commonsense reforms. We can make coverage more accessible, more affordable, and give Americans the freedom to choose their health care plan. Our first step is to repeal ObamaCare this week.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, most of us just returned from a week talking with our constituents back home. In the Third District of Texas, folks only had one thing on their mind: the President's disgraceful decision to grant amnesty to 1 million illegal immigrants. Americans across the country are outraged. Amnesty rewards people for breaking our laws and encourages others to do the same. Entry into the United States is not a right; it's a privilege. Since taking office, the President has time and again taken reprehensible steps that weaken our border security and undermine the rule of law in America. By sidestepping Congress, the President is now single-handedly rewriting our immigration policies, violating the trust between the Congress and the President to uphold the laws of this land--just did it again today. Enough is enough. This administration needs to stop putting politics ahead of the rights and privileges granted to him in the Constitution. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Now more than ever the President and Congress need to cut spending and pass legislation that promotes job growth. Instead, the government is just months away from enacting a job-killing tax on medical devices that will drastically harm our Nation's medical industry. An estimated 43,000 jobs could be lost and could force these American factories to relocate overseas. President Obama wants to implement this harmful tax as a way to pay for his nearly $2 trillion health care law. This is insane. The government has a spending problem. American taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for this disastrous law, and businesses shouldn't have to fork over more of their money to pay for Washington's reckless spending spree. It's time to promote real solutions--let's cut spending, repeal ObamaCare, and protect hardworking taxpayers from these destructive taxes. Americans want, need, and deserve real solutions, and we can take action now and vote this week to eliminate this tax.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to officially congratulate and formally recognize the future leaders of our armed forces--the graduates of the Class of 2016 at the nation's prestigious service academies. Each young adult listed will become a highly trained and exceptionally skilled commissioned officer in the most elite military in the world. As you know, each year I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of people to four of the five service academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum offive years upon graduation. As a 29-year Air Force veteran and a former Prisoner of War in Vietnam for nearly seven years, more than half of that time in solitary confinement, it gives me great joy to help you serve our blessed nation. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country. It is because of selfless people like you that we humbly remain ``the land of the free and the home of the brave.'' The names of the appointees, their hometowns and high schools follow. United States Military Academy Cody Christopher Guerry--Garland, Texas--Naaman Forest High School Austin Yupyo Kong--Allen, Texas--Allen High School Shannon Elizabeth Rogers--Plano, Texas--Plano Senior High School United States Naval Academy William Benac Allred--Richardson, Texas--Plano East Senior High School Travis Ross Beach--Garland, Texas--Trinity Christian Academy Nicholas Gregory Cerf--McKinney, Texas--Liberty High School 1Mitchell Martin Larios--Frisco, Texas--Frisco High School Kamron Alexander Murrell--Allen, Texas--Allen High School United States Air Force Academy Allie Nicole Baumgarten--Plano, Texas--Plano Senior High School Constance Ruth Gabel--Plano, Texas--Canyon Creek Christian Academy Cameron Kistler--Plano, Texas--Plano Senior High School Joseph Paul Lamb--Plano, Texas--Plano East Senior High School Melissa Lynn Leonhardt--Plano, Texas--Plano Senior High School * Adam Ayelle Melaku--Garland, Texas--Garland High School Andrew Stephen Parks--McKinney, Texas--Austin Tennis Academy College Preparatory School Adam Joseph Wilkins--McKinney, Texas--McKinney North High School United States Merchant Marine Academy Colin Spencer Can--Plano, Texas--Plano West Senior High School Kinser Dean Newkirk--Plano, Texas--Prince of Peace Christian School Jack Andrew Westrich--McKinney, Texas--McKinney Boyd High School * Adam Melaku will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. Congratulations are in order for these 18 appointees and 1 U.S. Air Force Preparatory School student. God bless you, God bless Texas, God bless America, and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize and congratulate Ma Ying-jeou, President of Taiwan, as he continues to honorably serve the people of the Republic of China. On January 14, 2012, through a free and fair election, the people of Taiwan reelected Ma Ying-jeou to serve a second term as president, continuing the country's commitment to a strong and stable democratic government. Over the past century Taiwan has increasingly become an influential free-market democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. Now a model government to surrounding countries, Taiwan continues to play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region and has experienced sustained economic growth and sociopolitical development in recent years. As a result, U.S-Taiwan relations have become especially close. Our shared economic, cultural, political, and strategic values coupled with our mutual interest in forging strong ties have encouraged innovation and growth between our nations. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have more than doubled over the past several years and on December 22, 2011, the U.S. State Department announced Taiwan's nomination for inclusion into the Visa Waiver Program. Officials estimate acceptance into this program will increase the more than 400,000 Taiwanese citizens who visit the United States each year by 20 to 30 percent. As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I commend President Ma for his exemplary leadership and his efforts to advance and ensure regional stability and peace. President Ma and his administration have worked tirelessly to develop a strong strategy of rapprochement which upholds our shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. I look forward to the future as we continue to work together to seek mutual best interests for both the United States and Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating President Ma Ying-jeou and wish him continued success as he begins his second term as president of the Republic of China.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, due to a loophole in the Tax Code, the IRS is shoveling out billions of American taxpayer dollars to those who are here illegally. The good news is this reconciliation measure includes a commonsense solution based on legislation I've authored that would save $7.6 billion by putting a stop to this. The provision would stop illegal immigrants from getting the $1,000 refundable Child Tax Credit by simply requiring tax filers to provide their Social Security numbers. Right now, those who are here illegally can get cash from Uncle Sam by providing an IRS-provided taxpayer ID number to claim this refundable credit. According to a recent report by NBC Indianapolis' WTHR, illegal immigrants are even filing tax returns that claim children who do not live in America. Mr. Speaker, there really shouldn't be any controversy over this. The American people are speaking out against this. Treasury's tax IG has spoken out against this. Democrat Senator Claire McCaskill has spoken out against this. Even the administration supports through the funding of a verification program the idea of preventing illegals from receiving public benefits. Mr. Speaker, we can fix this and put a stop to the abuse of precious taxpayer dollars by simply requiring a Social Security number. Americans want, need, and deserve the better protection of their hard- earned money, and we owe it to the United States of America to take action today.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the recent victories of two Plano high school teams: the 2012 Plano West girls soccer State champions and the 2012 Plano Senior High School WorldQuest National Champions. Last weekend, the Plano West girls soccer team defeated Katy Seven Lakes, earning the school its fifth State title. Under first-year Coach Carley Phillips, who won the school a state title in 2002, the soccer program has excelled and continued in its success. And last month, the Plano Senior High School's WorldQuest team successfully defended its national championship title. For the second year in a row, this team placed first in the national academic competition that tests high school students' knowledge of international affairs, geography, history, and culture. Congratulations to these two stellar teams. That's the way to represent the great State of Texas. God bless you, and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am glad to recognize the great staff, board of directors, and Hugely Important People--or HIPsters--of My Possibilities in Plano, Texas as they celebrate the organization's newest venture, the HIPstore. My Possibilities is a non-profit organization that provides daytime, year-round vocational training and other programs for adults with special needs. The first organization of its kind in Collin County, My Possibilities opened its doors in June of 2008 when caring moms joined forces to create a safe, social atmosphere for young adults who had ``aged out'' of secondary education. Today, ten full-time staff members serve 125 HIPsters each week. Inspired by the My Possibilities motto, staff and HIPsters alike work hard to ``Make every day count.'' The new HIPstore provides a great enterprise opportunity to do just that. The store is a 3,000 square-foot facility that features gift items like candles, jewelry, and artwork all handmade by HIPsters. The HIPsters not only learn creative skills, put them into practice, and watch their handiwork make a profit, but learn the ins and outs of operating a retail outlet. For instance, they help to stock the shelves, monitor inventory, interact with customers, and operate the cash register. To the folks whose hard work and forward thinking have made the HIPstore possible: Thank you for your efforts. It is my pleasure to join you in celebrating this exciting new chapter of My Possibilities' service to the North Texas community. I'm glad to help announce that the HIPstore is ``open for business!''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, with great appreciation for his selfless public service, I rise to recognize before the U.S. House of Representatives Bill Keffler of Richardson, Texas on the occasion of his retirement. Bill's resume of accomplishments closely matches that of the City of Richardson itself. During his 35-year career with the City, 17 as city manager, he has played an integral role in bringing first-rate transportation entities, higher education institutions, healthcare providers, and corporations to Richardson. Under his watch, the City has also received countless awards for its responsible, transparent, and innovative administration. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to work with Bill know him as a true leader not just in Richardson, but in the entire North Texas region. A current member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the North Texas Commission, Bill is also the immediate past-president of the Texas City Manager's Association and an advisory board member for Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Leadership Richardson, and the University of Texas at Dallas Development Office, to name a few. Bill, a mix of Irish Green and Raider Red, kicked off his stellar career back in 1977 having already obtained a bachelor's degree in government at Notre Dame and a master's degree in public administration at Texas Tech University. He and his wife, Chrissie, raised five great kids in Richardson. Bill's family and friendliness are considered staples in the community--as are his famous striped ties. To Bill, thank you for all you've done to build Richardson into the city it is today. It is a pleasure to know you, and I wish you the very best in the years to come. God bless you, and I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the TownSquareBuzz Foundation and the City of McKinney, Texas, as they join forces to declare Red Shirt Fridays in McKinney. The Foundation's ``Paint McKinney Red!'' campaign was launched last year to raise awareness about the unique challenges veterans face when they return from war. To date, TownSquareBuzz has printed 500 red t-shirts that are being sold by 10 local partner businesses. The shirts remind us, ``Honor Those Who Serve: Past, Present, Future,'' and all sale proceeds go directly to the local Community Lifeline Center in McKinney. The Lifeline Center's great operation serves folks in need in 17 cities across Collin County. Its veterans-support initiative, funded in part by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission, helps local veterans and their families with housing, utilities, medical and dental treatment, transportation, counseling, and job training, to name a few. Inspired by the nationwide Red Shirt Fridays project, the local efforts of TownSquareBuzz and the City of McKinney will provide direct assistance to our friends, family members, and neighbors who are the returning heroes of today's military campaigns. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to keep America strong, proud, and free. Through partnerships like Red Shirt Fridays, the North Texas community is reminded of the privilege and duty we bear to honor, thank, and give back. To the TownSquareBuzz Foundation, City of McKinney, Community Lifeline Center, and every individual and business helping to paint McKinney red: Thank you for your efforts. May God continue to bless the United States of America through great folks like you. I salute you!

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to publicly recognize and thank Mr. Rick Lottie for his years of distinguished service on the Third District of Texas' Academy Selection Board. A 1969 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Mr. Lottie served his country with distinction as a Marine Corps infantry officer from 1969 to 1974, including a deployment to Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He then spent his civilian career working for first-rate IT services companies such as Electronic Data Systems, Perot Systems, and MCI Systemhouse. Mr. Lottie, always a community servant, has served on the board of directors for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and Admiral Nimitz Foundation and is currently an advisor to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. As a member of the Third District's Academy Selection Board, Mr. Lottie has sacrificed his time and offered his guidance to help me send some of North Texas' best and brightest young people to United States Service Academies. It is a privilege to know this true American patriot. To Rick, thank you for your service, and God bless you.