Kenny Marchant

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the administration's recent decision to extend talks with Iran into 2015. Iran is simply stalling and buying time, time that we and our closest ally in the region, Israel, do not have. Many months ago, when sanctions were starting to have an impact on Iran, the administration relaxed them. All we have to show for these weakened sanctions is months of stalled talks. It is long overdue to increase the pressure on Iran. I call for new and immediate sanctions with the teeth to force Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions. Without new pressures, Iran won't see any reason to change its current course. Congress must act now in increasing sanctions to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove myself as a cosponsor from H.R. 5114.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, due to the delay in my flight arriving to Washington, DC yesterday, I was unable to make roll call vote 520. On roll call vote 520, passage of H.R. 5162--To amend the Act entitled ``An Act to allow a certain parcel of land in Rockingham County, Virginia, to be used for a child care center'' to remove the use restriction, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues against the President's unilateral amnesty plan. Unlike the President's amnesty, I support an immigration system that is accountable to the American people and the democratic process. Like most Americans, I believe immigrants who work hard, play by the rules, and contribute to our communities are good for our country. Immigration laws should be properly controlled and strictly enforced, but under President Obama, this is not the case. Just look at the numbers: In 2012 alone, 11.7 million foreign nationals resided in the United States without authorization. Visa overstays are estimated to be up to 57 percent of that unauthorized population. Unilateral amnesty ignores the will of the American people, it is unfair to legal immigrants, and it hurts U.S. citizens who are seeking jobs. Put simply, those who follow the rules should be rewarded, and lawbreakers should be punished. The President's executive amnesty does the exact opposite.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and celebrate the retirement of Rear Admiral Gary W. Rosholt, who has served in the United States Navy for over thirty-four years and, though with the U.S. Embassy at the United Arab Emirates at this time, resides in Irving, Texas. Rear Admiral Rosholt's decades of service to our nation were notably preceded by his own father's career with the U.S. Air Force. Rosholt himself was commissioned during his years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering and was enrolled in the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). In February 1980, he completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training with Class 106. In his commendable career, Rosholt served multiple tours in Naval Special Warfare, including assigmnents with Underwater Demolition Team 12, SEAL Team One, and Special Boat Unit 20. He also earned his masters of science degree in operations management at the University of Arkansas while on a shore duty assignment with the Chief of Naval Technical Training. Rosholt served valuable roles in the Reserve component as well. He held a staff position in the Naval Surface Warfare Center, White Oak, and was a Navy emergency preparedness liaison officer with the Director of Military Support and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense. He also commanded five units in the Navy Reserve: Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity Norfolk Detachment 406, Special Boat Unit 20, Naval Special Warfare Unit 4, U.S. Special Operations Command Detachment 108, and Naval Special Warfare Command headquarters. In October 2008, Gary W. Rosholt earned his promotion to Rear Admiral and returned to active duty in the U.S. Navy. He then served as the deputy commanding general for Special Operations Command in U.S. Central Command. Currently, he serves as the Senior Defense Official and Defense Attache at the U.S. Embassy at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Rosholt is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and, in a civilian setting, was also a consultant with a focus on Special Operations, particularly with regard to research, development, and acquisition programs. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in marking the retirement of Rear Admiral Gary W. Rosholt and thanking him for his long career of honorable service to the United States Navy.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Walter R. Furnace on receiving the National Association of Federal Credit Union's Paul Revere Award. Walter received this award because he excels at promoting the credit union industry's most pressing concerns. In his work with the American Airlines Federal Credit Union (AAFCU), Walter has demonstrated great passion for supporting credit unions and their mission to provide members an opportunity to have a hand in the services they use for the financial wellbeing of their families. Walter's relationship building and strong work ethic over the years continues to prove successful. He works to build relationships not only with Members of Congress from his home state, but where AAFCU has fields of membership as well. His strong grasp of issues affecting credit unions and their members allows him to be an effective member of NAFCU's operations. I've had the pleasure of working with Walter for many years. Walter uses his experience in public service as a former State Representative of Alaska to benefit those whom he serves by effectively advancing the priorities of credit unions in the public sphere. His past public service catalyzed his success in his current role, caring and doing what he can for his members. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Walter Furnace as a recipient of the National Association of Federal Credit Union's Paul Revere Award.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I have introduced legislation to prohibit TSA from accepting Notice to Appear forms as valid ID for clearing airport security. Notice to Appear forms summon illegal immigrants to present themselves for removal hearings. They contain no real security features and can be easily forged. After first denying it to the press, the TSA admitted to me that they were giving illegal immigrants special leeway by accepting Notice to Appear forms. This defies commonsense. Those who violate our laws should never be held to a lower security standard than law-abiding citizens. It is a serious security risk. It is unfair to honest Americans. It must stop now. I call on all of my colleagues to support this legislation. TSA must stop giving illegal immigrants special treatment.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, on August 1, 2014, I was off of the House floor for rollcall vote No. 480 on agreeing to the Senate Amendment to H.J. Res. 76--Emergency supplemental funding to Israel for the Iron Dome defense system. I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal Jeff Paul of the Southlake Police Department in Southlake, Texas. Corporal Paul was honored yesterday, September 7th, by the Southlake Baptist Church during a special service for first responders. His years of selfless service, at times in the face of personal adversity, demonstrate his being an outstanding officer and citizen. Corporal Paul was raised near Chicago but has lived in northeast Tarrant County, Texas, for 27 years. Paul began his career in law enforcement as a Police Explorer in the early 1980s and then quickly became a Public Safety Dispatcher. In 1983, he joined the Southlake Department of Public Safety and, after briefly being a Reserve Police Officer, became a full-time Police Officer. He helped implement the Southlake Police Department's first traffic division in 1989. Later on, in 2002, Paul became a Warrant Officer and Bailiff in the Southlake Municipal Court, and he continues to serve in that role. In his time with the Southlake Police Department, Corporal Paul was trained as an accident reconstructionist and an Intoxilyzer operator. He is a graduate of the School of Police Supervision at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration and has earned his Master Peace Officer Certification. Paul is married with two sons and one grandson, and he thoroughly enjoys attending Dallas Stars hockey games as his favorite pastime. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring Corporal Jeff Paul for his career of service and sacrifice.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 30th anniversary of the Mid Cities Pregnancy Center in Euless, Texas. In its history, MCPC has ministered to over 70,000 women by providing Christ-centered counseling, professional medical services, and connections with resources to help as many as possible choose life for their preborn child. MCPC began in the First Baptist Church in Euless, Texas. First known as the ``Crisis Pregnancy Center,'' it was inspired by the preaching of Dr. James T. Draper in January of 1984. On August 20, 1984, after prayerful consideration, a small group of church staff and laymen opened the center to begin its life-saving ministry of outreach to any woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Sixteen were served in the first month and were lovingly provided Biblical counseling by volunteers as well as community resources and options. Since then, MCPC has grown tremendously and done great work as one of the first Christian pregnancy centers in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. In 2006, the Center was awarded a grant by Focus on the Family and Dr. James Dobson for a new ultrasound machine. Their site visit report included a positive review of practices and a recommendation that led to MCPC's incorporating independently. First Baptist Church continued to provide leadership to the center through board membership majority and ongoing support of their pregnancy mission. On March 26, 2009, the Center, after having operated in North Richland Hills for a time, opened a satellite facility in Irving, Texas. Not long after, the new opening was met by another generous grant for a new ultrasound machine. Three professional ultrasound techs joined the MCPC staff. Last year, MCPC's main office returned to Euless and moved into a new 7,800 square-foot building in the city's hospital district. A full-time nurse manager was added to supervise a staff of volunteer professional registered nurses to ensure that each client received medical attention and prenatal education. Over the years, MCPC has helped promote health, security, life, and the Gospel for women in need. Of the 70,000 whom they have worked with, 40% had positive pregnancy tests, 25,000 said they would choose life as a result of MCPC's ministry, and thousands of others have received the Christian faith. In the future, MCPC plans to work even harder to specifically reach out to women in underserved communities who are the most desperate for hope and direction. This effort will include the use of a mobile unit that was donated last year. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of gratitude for their good work in my district's communities that I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Mid Cities Pregnancy Center.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jon Casey of the Southlake Fire Department in Southlake, Texas. Casey was honored yesterday, September 7th, by the Southlake Baptist Church during a special service for first responders. Though only having been a firefighter in Southlake for a short time, Casey has demonstrated noteworthy courage and dedication to serving others. Jon Casey was hired by the Southlake Fire Department on June 17, 2013. In little more than a year, he has made a difference in the lives of those around him numerous times. He and his colleague, Kevin Barry, stayed with fellow firefighter, Justin Speaker, and cared for him as he went through a medical tragedy and eventually passed away. Later they helped his family when they came to town to mourn and settle affairs. On another occasion, Mr. Casey was off duty and driving outside of Southlake with two other firefighters, Kyle Warden and Isaiah Gonzalez, when they approached an overturned and ablaze ATV. They sprang into action and gave medical attention to an 11 year old girl who had been trapped underneath it and found nearby with severe burns. They then accompanied the local paramedics who arrived afterward and continued to provide needed assistance. They have since visited her at Parkland Hospital's burn unit and have followed her recovery. Instances of Mr. Casey going out of his way to help others have also been noted in ways that would seem small but that made a world of difference to those whom he has touched. He was among three firefighters who helped Betty Hawthorne, a woman who was traveling and had pulled over at their station for help with her power window that would not roll up. Little did they know that she was coming from the funeral of a dear friend and lost many other loved ones that year. She was deeply distraught and was driving hours on a blistering hot day to see her grandson play in a baseball game. Along with Lieutenant Marshall Urbanosky and Engineer Tony Peyton, Casey successfully repaired her window. Their compassion left Betty with such an impression that she wrote a letter to the Fire Chief, describing the whole story with great gratitude. Southlake Fire Department Deputy Chief Wade Carroll, reflecting on Jon Casey, has written that he cannot ``help but think that his kind heart toward those in need has driven his career choice, his actions, and the actions of his friends. Because of people like [Jon] the fire service will continue to stand for showing the compassion of Christ to those in need.'' The City of Southlake will be most fortunate as Casey continues to devote himself to public service, both on and off duty. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Jon Casey on his well-earned community recognition for his exceptionally sacrificial and caring service as a member of the Southlake Fire Department.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Duy Bui, a constituent of mine from Carrollton, Texas, who is a rising junior at the University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in biochemistry, and a recipient of the United Health Foundation Diverse Scholars Initiative scholarship. This week, Duy will be in Washington, DC participating in the Diverse Scholars Forum, during which time he will have a unique opportunity to interact with experts in various health care fields, engage with policy-makers, and network with his peers. Additionally, he will spend an afternoon here on Capitol Hill to participate in an activity to examine some of the nation's most pressing health care problems and discuss proposed solutions. Beyond his significant academic achievements and his goal to become a physician to change the way health care is administered and communicated, Duy has spent a significant amount of time giving back to his community. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for Duy's dedication to making the health care system more enriched by professionals with varied perspectives and backgrounds. His enthusiasm for his work and his promise to improve the health outcomes of the individuals he will one day serve will be a great asset to our nation's health care system. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Duy Bui and wishing him success in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I just visited the Texas-Mexico border for the third time. I saw, firsthand, a real manmade crisis, a crisis created by an administration that urges amnesty. I spent time with our Nation's border agents. They are doing an incredible job under the extreme circumstances. Despite their hard work, wave after wave of illegal immigrants is coming in from Central America. I also witnessed the State of Texas Department of Public Safety's heroic efforts to combat drug trafficking. Sending these illegal immigrants back to their home country promptly is one of the most humane things that we can do. Failure to do so will only encourage others to risk their own safety to pursue the false promise of amnesty. My constituents in Texas demand a permanent border security solution. The law blocking a fast return of illegal immigrants to their home countries must be changed. Until our President supports this major part of the solution, he will remain a major source of the problem.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the ninetieth birthday of one of my noted and civically active constituents, Mrs. Irene Dugan Wright of Dallas, Texas. Irene was born on July 19, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was the oldest of three children. Both of her parents were hearing impaired and, many years later, she would come to serve as an interpreter for the deaf at church. After spending most of her childhood in Philadelphia, Irene graduated from Commerce High School in Springfield, Massachusetts. She went on to work as a secretary for Trinity Church in Springfield and met her husband, Bob, through a church event and they married in 1951. Irene's life in Texas began in 1954 when the family moved to Dallas on a temporary assignment from the Sun Oil Company. It did not take long for Texas to appeal to the Wrights, and they successfully requested that the assignment in the area become permanent. Since moving to Dallas, Irene has continuously been very active in our community's civic and political life. The first time she ever voted was for Dwight D. Eisenhower after attending a debate between him and Adlai Stevenson. In 1957, the Wrights were having air conditioning installed in their home when they were asked to host a backyard event to gather and identify Republicans in Dallas County. Since then, Irene attended many state conventions in Texas and was an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in her birthplace of Philadelphia in 2000. She has worked on numerous campaigns, including those of John Tower, Jim Collins, and Sam Johnson. Irene also maintains active ties with her faith community. She is not only a member of the Golden Corridor Republican Women's Club but also serves as a chaplain. She is a member of Christ Church in Plano, Texas, and has taught women's Bible Study for thirty-five years. Irene and Bob, who passed away in 2003, had three children together--Susan, Lisa, and John--and she has six grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the ninetieth birthday of one of my most civically engaged constituents, Mrs. Irene Dugan Wright. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating this milestone in her remarkable life.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I was recently contacted by a constituent of mine, Lois Doyle. She shared with me the tragic passing of her daughter, Amanda, at the hands of a drunk driver. Words cannot fully express my sympathy for her family and her loved ones. This is a tragedy that could have and should have been prevented. No driver should have ever got behind the wheel after drinking, but this drunk driver was in Texas illegally. He should not have been in the country. He should not have been driving. To make things even worse, the illegal driver was released on bail and has fled the country and will never stand trial. This tragedy would have been avoided had our border been secure. This was a preventable and avoidable tragedy. Mr. President, please secure our borders now.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, after months of requesting all of Lois Lerner's emails, the agency now tells Congress that it has lost 2 years' worth of her emails. The IRS knew about these problems for months. They even told the White House about the lost emails, but withheld this information from Congress. This stonewalling by the IRS must end. The complete lack of faith of my constituents in the IRS compels me to demand a special prosecutor to independently investigate the lost emails of Lois Lerner. There needs to be an independent investigation that leaves no stone unturned. This should also include a forensic audit of their IT systems. Only then will the American people know the truth. This will send the message to the IRS that the American people will not tolerate further abuses.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, the current situation on our southern border is a direct result of this administration's failure to enforce our laws. Since October, 47,000 unaccompanied women and children have illegally entered the U.S. By year's end, 90,000 minors will have illegally crossed into our country. When apprehended, the majority of those questioned say they came expecting to be able to stay, to get a free pass. This is wrong, and my constituents are angry about it and will not tolerate it. The President should immediately begin returning these illegal immigrants to their home countries. He must demand cooperation from the respective foreign governments and press them to stop spreading the false belief that America rewards illegal immigration with a de facto amnesty. This is a crisis of the President's own creation. He must take real action to strengthen the border and strengthen security before it grows even worse and send a strong message that illegal immigration will not be rewarded.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the launch of two new flagship routes at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which I represent. Today, American Airlines opens direct service from DFW to both Hong Kong and Shanghai. These new flights are the latest additions to the growing international hub at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. Hong Kong and Shanghai join an impressive list of other newly launched international flights from DFW, including Bogota, Dubai, Lima, Seoul, and Sydney. Many businesses have operations in my district because of the easy access to direct flights from DFW. These new flights will promote further business development and make it easier for my constituents to travel to Asia and across the world. More good news will come next month as DFW will soon add a direct flight to Doha. My sincere congratulations to everyone at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Grapevine Historical Society of Grapevine, Texas. In 1973, the Grapevine Historical Society was organized and incorporated as a nonprofit organization. The first project that the group undertook was to preserve the Cotton Belt Depot. The railroad had no further use for the Depot and intended to demolish it. In order to save the Cotton Belt Depot, members of the Grapevine Garden Club, led by Alberta Nettleton, organized the Grapevine Historical Society to move the Depot off the railroad land to Heritage Park. The Grapevine Historical Society solicited items of historical significance from the community to start its first museum inside the Depot. Due to the growth of the collection, the Society eventually employed a curator for the museum. The railroad later sold the land where the Depot had been on Main Street to the City of Grapevine. The Heritage Foundation had been formed in the meantime and took over the project of moving the Depot back to its original location and restoring it. Over the past forty years, the Grapevine Historical Society has published several books that detail the history of the City of Grapevine. In 1979, the first edition of The Grapevine Area History Book was published under the direction of editor Charles Young. In 2006, editor Sandra Tate and members of the Society assembled a second book entitled Grapevine's Most Unforgettable Characters. This book contains over 400 stories from people who pioneered the City of Grapevine and individuals who are currently living in the city today. The Grapevine Historical Society has also sponsored a program to preserve the oral history of Grapevine. The Audio History Project includes stories from city leaders on education, business, and government. In addition, the Grapevine Historical Society compiled the first inventory of headstones in several area cemeteries including Grapevine, Bear Creek, Minters Chapel, and Parker Cemeteries. The Grapevine Historical Society originated the Historical Marker Program and has dedicated and provided markers for various landmark buildings throughout Grapevine. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the Grapevine Historical Society for its 40th anniversary. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Grapevine Historical Society on its commitment to preserve the history of the City of Grapevine.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate R.L. Turner High School's Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program, in Carrollton, Texas, for being recognized with the Distinguished Unit Award based on performance and service during the 2013-2014 school year. The NJROTC Distinguished Unit designation is awarded annually to schools whose program ranks in the top 30 percent of units throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Competing units are ranked according to the degree of excellence attained in administration, military proficiency, and host school support. Accordingly, R.L. Turner High School and the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District have contributed to the strong support and development of the NJROTC program R.L. Turner High School's NJROTC is a citizen leadership program designed to develop informed and responsible young men and women who embody honor, integrity, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority in a democratic society. In addition to achieving numerous accolades, the R.L. Turner's NJROTC program, under the leadership of Lieutenant Martin Caro, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and Master Chief Martin Wesley, U. S. Navy (Ret.), is actively involved in service programs throughout the local community. The cadets volunteer for various color guard events, Veterans Day events, and parades. In addition, the NJROTC participates in the March of Dimes, Toys for Tots, and the Dallas Day of Service. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the R.L. Turner High School's NJROTC program on receiving the Distinguished Unit Award.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, yesterday a new plane debuted in the skies above Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport. From the outside it may have resembled other aircraft you've seen, on the inside this state-of- the-art bird offers passengers a better travel experience, with more leg room, bigger overhead bins, and a brighter cabin. This plane is the CRJ900 NextGen aircraft, a new regional jet built by Bombardier, the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. American Airlines will be the first carrier to fly these aircraft, and will begin adding them to their fleet next month. American Airlines has been an operator of Bombardier's CRJ family of aircraft for a long time. And though we are all familiar with American, our DFW-based airline, you may not be as familiar with Bombardier who also has strong presence in our hometown. Bombardier employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., whether at their manufacturing facilities that build aircraft and rail equipment for both domestic and export markets, at their network of service centers that maintain the products they build, or at their flight test, engineering and training centers that are an extension of their core manufacturing operations. Bombardier has four facilities in the North Texas area alone, including two in the 24th district: Bombardier built and currently operates the Skylink automated people mover at DFW, the free system that swiftly connects passengers to all five airport terminals. Bombardier also has a pilot and technician training facility at DFW, which I had the pleasure to visit last year, where six full-sized, state-of-the-art aircraft simulators train pilots and maintenance technicians on Bombardier aircraft. Pilots and technicians from around the world come to this training facility in my district. Bombardier is a key employer in the 24th district, and I am excited for American to be the first to take delivery of this sophisticated new regional jet. I congratulate them both on this partnership and look forward to flying on the new CRJ900 in the near future.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Honorable Mary Lib Saleh who is retiring from her position as the Mayor of Euless, Texas, after 21 years of service. Mayor Saleh has been an instrumental leader in the successful growth of Euless and the greater North Texas region. Throughout her tenure, the City of Euless has developed into a premiere location where families want to live, businesses want to operate, and people want to visit. Mayor Mary Lib Saleh was elected as the first female mayor of Euless in 1993 after serving two years as a council member and two years as mayor pro tem. Prior to her service on the council, Mayor Saleh was an at-home mother of five children. She was active in church, scouts, school activities, and the PTA where she holds a Texas Lifetime Membership. All five of her children are now married, and her family has grown to include seven grandchildren. During Mayor Saleh's time in office, the City of Euless has greatly developed its infrastructure. Some of the developments that have occurred over the last two decades include an outstanding library, which has been voted the best in Northeast Tarrant County; a State recognized municipal golf course; a premier park with great baseball stadiums; a state-of-the-art police and courts facility; new public works and parks buildings; a new fire station; revitalization of all city buildings, including City Hall; and Veterans Park, complete with a beautiful Eagle and Liberty Bell sculpture. Mayor Saleh serves on a number of local boards that address healthcare, business, and transportation. She has also founded community organizations such as the Women in Government organization for Tarrant County elected women and directed the formation of the Mayor's Roundtable as a branch of the Northeast Leadership Forum. Mayor Saleh is a proponent of public art, historical preservation, and education; furthermore, she has been instrumental in bringing talented people together who have been successful in documenting the history of the city through photographs, written histories, and historical markers. Mayor Saleh spearheaded an art program with the mission of sharing original artwork at public facilities. The art program has most notably impacted the community with ten beautiful original bronze statues created by a Texas artist. In addition to public art around the city, Mayor Saleh formed the Euless Library Foundation to enhance the artistic image of the library and provide educational programs. As a result, the Foundation has provided two bronze statues for the library grounds. Under Mayor Saleh's leadership, the City of Euless won the prestigious U.S. Conference of Mayors City Livability Award in 2006 for a composting program developed for its citizens. In 2008, Euless was also selected by Business Week as the Best Small City in Texas to Raise Children, and Money Magazine rated the Euless as one of the Best Small Cities in the United States. In 2009, Euless, Bedford, and Hurst jointly received the North Texas Council of Governments Regional Cooperation Award, and in 2012, Euless received the award again alongside Arlington, Fort Worth, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Many organizations have recognized Mayor Saleh for her contributions and leadership. The distinctions Mayor Saleh has earned include the Clyde Mooney and the Gertrude Tarpley Spirit Award from the HEB Chamber of Commerce, Legacy of Women Honoree for Volunteerism from the Women's Shelter, and the prestigious title of Tarrant County's Most Influential Woman in 1998. Mayor Saleh has also been a terrific partner with my congressional office. With her assistance, my office has been able to host numerous events for the constituents of the 24th District such as town halls, Congressional Art Competition ceremonies, community casework meetings, and veterans fairs. Mayor Saleh has enjoyed much success during her time in public office. Her impact on the City of Euless, as well as North Texas, has been tremendous. Mayor Saleh's presence on the Euless City Council will be sorely missed, but her legacy in the area will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in thanking the Honorable Mary Lib Saleh for her years of service on the Euless City Council.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the National MPS Society for their 40 years of supporting families while searching for cures for this genetic disease. Mucopolysaccharidosis or MPS is a group of genetically determined lysosomal storage diseases that render the human body incapable of producing certain enzymes needed to break down complex carbohydrates. The damage caused by MPS on a cellular level adversely affects the body and damages the heart, respiratory system, bones, internal organs, and central nervous system. MPS often results in intellectual disabilities, short stature, corneal damage, joint stiffness, loss of mobility, speech and hearing impairment, heart disease, hyperactivity, chronic respiratory problems, and, most importantly, a drastically shortened life span. Symptoms of MPS are usually not apparent at birth and without treatment; the life expectancy of an individual affected begins to decrease at a very early stage in their life. Research towards combating MPS has resulted in the development of limited treatments for some of the MPS diseases. I ask my colleagues and their staff to join me in recognizing May 15, 2014 as National MPS Awareness Day. This is an important time during which the MPS disease community will help increase the awareness of this devastating disease, as well as supporting research to improve treatments, find cures and receive early diagnosis. The MPS families are encouraged to reflect and support each other and to reach out to those families who have lost loved ones to MPS. By wearing their purple ribbons and sharing these ribbons within their community, they are increasing public awareness about this disease. This date is also the start of the National MPS Run/Walk season along with other local community activities to raise awareness along with money for research and for family assistance programs. I commend the National MPS Society and their many volunteers for an unwavering commitment to bring about awareness of this disease and to continue to advocate for federal legislation to streamline the regulatory processes and to speed effective treatments and cures for their loved ones. More must be done to find cures and effective treatments, but let us reflect on the importance of this day. I ask that all of my colleagues join me in commemorating National MPS Awareness Day.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the establishment of the select committee on Benghazi. Constituents in my district demand to know what really happened on September 11, 2012, in Libya. Almost 2 years have passed, and Congress continues to get stonewalled by the administration. The most serious of these offenses is that the terrorists who are responsible for this action have not yet been brought to justice. The creation of a House select committee is a serious matter. We owe this to the families and loved ones that were lost. This is the best way forward to uncover what actually happened. Under the leadership of Congressman Trey Gowdy, I am confident we will get to the bottom of this. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the creation of the select committee on Benghazi.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to recognize the following high school students from the 24th Congressional District of Texas who were selected as finalists in the Congressional Art Competition. Of the 179 pieces entered in 24th District, only 32 students were selected as finalists. Student, Title of the Artwork: Emily Buckland, The Birds Are Singing. Purujit Chatterjee, Portrait of Mother Teresa. Eunice Choe, Blue Bird. Lovell Cox, Jungle. Erin Crumpler, Poison Dart Frogs. Nicole Crumpler, The Power of Perception. Amie Deng, Magnolia Warbler in Orchids. Laura Gao, Little Italy. Greg Garza, Viper. Sophia Glasser-Kerr, Winter Landscape. Kelsie Harshaw, On the Edge. Rebecca Hopkins, Intaglio Monoprint Beach Scene. Madeline Huang, Purple Twilight. Diane Huynh, Afterlife. Heather Jang, Abstract Study. Esther Jeon, Self Portrait with a Fan. Rebecca Kim, Happy Beginnings. Yvonne Kim, Intrusion. Min Sun Lee, First Step Towards Independence. Sooin Lim, Garlic. Ahona Mukherjee, Main Cabin Under an Aurora Streak. Olivia Najera, Tiger at Water. Lauren Oney, Red. Jeongho Park, The Hug. JC Patino, Arabian Allure. Fabiana Perez, Self Portrait. Yu Jin Rim, The Lamp. Nicole Schifferdecker, Beginning To End. Caitlyn Shannon, Gradient. Duc Tran Nguyen, Ice. Kailey Visoski, 'Merica. Katy Yut, Prayer. The art competition was represented by many different high schools in the 24th District. I am honored at this time to acknowledge the participating schools and the art teachers who helped facilitate the process by assisting their students. High School, Art Teacher: Carroll Senior High School, Eric Horn & Summer Neimann. Carrollton Christian Academy, Holly Hendrix. Coppell High School, Tamera Westervelt. Creekview High School, Bob Thomas. Grapevine High School, Jeff Nisbet. The Hockaday School Jack E., Janet Yoshii-Buenger. Newman Smith High School, Keith Mueller. Parish Episcopal School, Beka Johnson. Prestonwood Christian Academy, Brenda Robson. Ranchview High School, Erin West. Jack E. Singley Academy, Amy Moore. St. Mark's School of Texas, Max Wood. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these exceptional high school artists on becoming finalists in the 24th Congressional District of Texas Art Competition.