Kenny Marchant

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform you and my fellow colleagues of Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price's recent accomplishment of being recognized by the Zonta Club of Fort Worth as the distinguished 2013 Professional Woman of the Year. The Zonta Club of Fort Worth was chartered in 1927 with the objective of improving the status of women through promoting goodwill, human rights, and justice throughout the community, country, and world. Each year since 1971, the Zonta Club of Fort Worth has honored an outstanding professional woman in the Fort Worth community. This celebration recognizes the honoree's achievement while thanking her for being a shining example for other women. Mayor Betsy Price was elected as the 44th Mayor to her native City of Fort Worth. Throughout her early tenure, Mayor Price has focused on fiscal responsibility, creating a stronger economy through public- private partnerships, and strengthening neighborhoods through her faith-based and citywide health engagement initiatives. As a proponent of civically active young adults, Mayor Price created the SteerFW program to organize young professionals into task forces focused on resolving local issues. The program has four areas of focus--education, public transportation, employment, and urban development. There are currently over 300 young citizens participating in the program where they learn about current challenges and work to find creative solutions. Prior to her life in public service, Mayor Price owned and managed Price Cornelius Title Service for 17 years. In 2000, she was elected as the Tarrant County Tax Assessor, where she used her business experience to make her department one of the most efficient in Texas and saved taxpayers millions of dollars. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Mayor Betsy Price on her accomplishment as the 2013 Fort Worth Zonta Club Professional Woman of the Year.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Chair, I rise today to express my support for the House Republican budget. The Path to Prosperity will balance the budget over the next ten years without raising taxes on the American people. Furthermore, the House Republican budget will help American job seekers by repealing Obamacare. The Obama health care law contains over a trillion dollars in new taxes on employers, medical device makers, families buying health insurance and others. Throughout my district, small business owners and CEOs are sitting down with their accountants. They are trying to figure out how they are going to do business next year with this massive tax in place. That is creating uncertainty and impeding job creation. Repealing Obamcare is critical to getting our economy growing again.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Sandra Secrest for her 30 years of public service to the Metrocrest area which encompasses the North Texas cities of Carrollton, Farmers Branch, and Addison. Sandra Secrest was born and raised in Farmers Branch and graduated from W.T. White High School in 1979. She then attended Texas A&M University from 1979 to 1983 where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Following graduation in 1983, Sandra Secrest returned home to Farmers Branch where she became a social studies teacher at Newman Smith High School of Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. From 1988 to 1992, Sandra Secrest worked as a Park Ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during her summer breaks from teaching. After ten years of teaching, in 1993, Sandra Secrest changed her career to become a police officer for the City of Carrollton where she committed 20 years of service to the community. Ms. Secrest spent her first 5 years as a patrol officer, the following 8 years as a school resource officer, and the final 7 years back on patrol duty. As a school resource officer, she spent the majority of her time at Creekview High School and R.L. Turner High School. During her tenure as school resource officer, Ms. Secrest was a member of the Carrollton Police Department Gang Unit and Texas Gang Violence Task Force. Sandra Secrest has spent her entire career serving and protecting her community. Ms. Secrest's commitment to her community speaks volumes to the integrity of her character. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in thanking Sandra Secrest for her 30 years of public service.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, since President Obama has taken office, over $6 trillion has been added to our national debt. This is more than under any President in history. Since President Obama has taken office, we have had 4 consecutive years of over trillion-dollar-plus deficits. These deficits have led to a national debt of almost $17 trillion. In 2009, the President promised that he would not sign a health care law that adds one dime to our deficits. Well, a recent report from the GAO finds that ObamaCare will add over $6 trillion to our long-term deficits. For the sake of our country and our children's future, we must repeal this massive government overreach into our health care system. The Republican House budget does that, and therefore I will support it.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ralph and Joy Ellis as one of the most caring and giving couples in North Texas, and it is my distinct honor to highlight their significant contributions to the Lyric Stage of Irving, Texas. Furthermore, I would like to congratulate them for receiving the prestigious Lyric Stage Spotlight Award for philanthropic contributions to the arts at the Lyric Stage 20th Anniversary Gala on March 22, 2013. Irving Lyric was founded in 1993 by Irving native Steven Jones to preserve and develop American musical theater. In 2007, the National Endowment for the Arts recognized Lyric Stage by awarding a grant to the theater to host Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel with a 40-piece orchestra. Ralph and Joy Ellis were so impressed with the performance that they have personally contributed the resources necessary for Lyric Stage to continue featuring a full orchestra at each production playing the original Broadway orchestrations. Ralph and Joy's support has helped Lyric Stage provide the City of Irving and all of North Texas access to amazing original Broadway musical productions. In fact, in the 2012 season, audience members from 20 states and 347 zip codes traveled to Irving to attend productions at Lyric Stage. Irving is proud to say that 90 shows have been produced locally, including 20 world premieres, several of which have gone on to theaters in New York and London. Lyric Stage is not the only program that Ralph and Joy Ellis have influenced through their generosity. They have made numerous contributions to local charities including the Salvation Army, Irving Cares, Brighter Tomorrows, Irving Symphony Orchestra, Irving Healthcare Foundation, Irving Family Advocacy, The North Hills School, and Crossroads Interfaith Clinic. The majority of their philanthropy, however, has been to endow several student scholarships at Texas A&M University, Southern Methodist University, and to graduates from the Irving Independent School System and Carrollton-Farmers Branch School System. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in thanking Ralph and Joy Ellis for their charitable contributions to North Texas programs. Their influence in the community has enhanced the quality of life for many Texans, and we are extremely grateful for this caring couple.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Horace ``Chief'' Narvel Brooks. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the good and long life of Mr. Brooks, who passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2013. Horace joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 and served in both World War II and the Korean War. Horace, having faithfully served, retired from the military as a Chief Gunner's Mate. Horace far exceeded his duty in serving both his country, family and the 24th District of Texas. Each year around Veterans Day, Horace would share stories of his military duties with high school students, imparting wisdom and firsthand experiences. Mr. Speaker, Horace ``Chief'' Brooks was a great father and family man, and a true American patriot. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating his life, and honoring the many people whose lives are better for having crossed his path.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Congressman Sam Johnson's 40th anniversary of freedom. On February 12, 1973, Congressman Johnson and 590 other American POWs were released from captivity in Vietnam. With 29 years in the United States Air Force, nearly seven of those spent imprisoned, and 22 years of service in Congress, Congressman Johnson has been selflessly dedicated to the betterment our nation for more than 50 years. As we celebrate his 40 years of freedom today, we must also recognize that his half century of dedicated service has helped to preserve the freedom and prosperity of all Americans. It is a great privilege to represent Texas alongside such an inspiring patriot. I am proud to call Sam Johnson a true friend and a personal hero.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart after the loss of an American hero. I was saddened last week to learn about the tragic death of Chris Kyle, a former Navy SEAL, decorated Iraq war veteran and valuable member of the North Texas community. Mr. Kyle was a native Texan and received numerous awards and decorations throughout his four tours of duty in Iraq, including two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Upon his honorable discharge in 2009, Mr. Kyle returned home to North Texas and began focusing his attention on helping other veterans cope with the physical and emotional struggles of life after deployment. Whether he was in combat or in the community, Mr. Kyle was always dedicated to providing support for his fellow service members. His death is truly a significant loss, not only for North Texas, but for the country as a whole. I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning the passing of this selfless American hero and to continue to send thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. I rise to support the Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2012. This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that would establish cost-effective procedures to help protect the identity of all seniors. Seniors are a high-risk demographic for identity theft. Identity thieves have targeted seniors in my district in Texas and across the country. This year's Centers for Medicare Services inspector general report found that more than a quarter million Medicare beneficiaries have been potential victims of identity theft. Most Medicare cards currently use Social Security numbers as the identifier. By removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards, this bill gives seniors the identity protection that they deserve. Seniors work their entire lives for financial security, and that security should not be jeopardized due to preventable identity theft. Other Federal programs and private insurance plans made similar changes years ago, and Medicare beneficiaries should have the same level of identity protection and security. I'm proud to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do so.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Paula and Homer Thompson on the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. Paula and Homer were married on December 7, 1962, in the home of Paula's parents in Mineral Wells, Texas. Since that day, they have lived in Carrollton, Texas. During their life together, they raised three children--Tracey Hutcherson, born on May 11, 1965; Scott Thompson, born on February 27, 1972; and Marc Thompson, born on January 30, 1975. They are also the proud grandparents of Joni, Micah, Jorden, and Emma. Since 1974, Paula and Homer have been active members of the First Baptist Church in Carrollton. They have taught Sunday school, attended adult Sunday school, and sung in both the Sanctuary Choir and Live Wire Choir. The celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary will be held at the church on December 15. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Paula and Homer Thompson on the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. This landmark in their lives stands as an example of the timeless value and endurance of mutual honor and dedication.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ashley Johnson, a constituent of mine from Coppell, Texas, on studying the Mandarin Chinese language in Beijing, China, under the Critical Language Scholarship Program. The Critical Language Scholarship program was established in 2006 as part of the National Security Language Initiative. This interagency effort was formed with recognition of the need for our future diplomatic and intelligence personnel to learn languages such as Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, and Chinese. It provides an intensive regimen of study at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels for both undergraduate and graduate students. The program goes beyond just language and provides cultural experiences by immersion in the host country. I was proud when the U.S. State Department informed me that one of my constituents, Ashley Johnson, had successfully participated in the Critical Language Scholarship Program this past summer. Acceptance is highly competitive, and so I commend her studying Intermediate Chinese in Beijing. Johnson's success is a testament to dedication, skill, and hard work; and I look forward to her accomplishing great things in any endeavor that she pursues in life. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Ashley Johnson for her studies in the Critical Language Scholarship Program.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Irving, Texas, for being named a recipient of the 2012 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award--the nation's highest Presidential honor for performance excellence. Irving, Texas, is the first city in Texas to ever receive the Baldrige Award, and is only the second municipal recipient in the distinguished program's 25-year history. Applicants were evaluated by an independent board of examiners in seven areas defined by the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence: leadership; strategic planning; customer focus; measurement, analysis and knowledge management; workforce focus; operations focus; and results. The evaluation process for each of the recipients included hundreds of hours of process review and an on-site visit by a team of examiners. I commend the City of Irving, Texas, for adopting private sector programs to make government more efficient and for striving towards performance excellence through innovation, continuous improvement, and visionary leadership. The City of Irving is a Lone Star model of fiscal achievement, values its resident feedback, focuses on strategic planning and process efficiency, and prioritizes public safety initiatives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my respected colleagues to join me in recognizing the City of Irving, Texas, for being awarded the Malcolm Baldrige Award National Quality Award.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, today we honor our dear friend and colleague Ralph Hall for becoming the oldest Member to cast a vote in the history of the House of Representatives. I have had the privilege of knowing Ralph for decades. He is a dear friend and a tireless advocate for the people of the Fourth Congressional District of our home State. Ralph's service to the country did not start with his election to Congress in 1980, but started long before. He answered the country's call to serve in the service in World War II, serving in the Navy as an aircraft carrier pilot from 1942 to 1945. Later in his life, Ralph served in the Texas Legislature from 1962 to 1972. Ralph, I did not have the opportunity to serve with you in the Texas Legislature. We were there at different times. But you served with honor, and you served as the Senate pro tempore for 2 years. Though Ralph's time in the Texas Legislature predated me, he has always been and always will be a legend in Austin, Texas. Today, my friend continues to distinguish himself in Congress serving as the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. There never has been anyone quite like Ralph before. He is a true Texan, a true Texan hero, and I am proud to call him my friend. Though he qualified for retirement a couple of decades ago, he still serves his country and constituents with honor and distinction.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act, which strengthens U.S. trade and helps American businesses stay competitive in a challenging global economy. The bill accomplishes these goals by granting permanent normal trade relations, or PNTR, with one of the leading economies in the world. Texas, in particular, stands to benefit. First, granting PNTR grows new markets. In Texas, my State exported $1.6 billion worth of goods to Russia in 2011. That makes Texas the leading State in the country that trades with Russia. PNTR will allow Texas, and all U.S. businesses, to further expand into emerging markets. Second, PNTR helps create jobs. In 2011, trade with Russia directly supported over 4,000 jobs in Texas. That number will only grow as new markets create new business opportunities. Third, PNTR ensures U.S. businesses get equal protection with Russia under WTO obligations. Our foreign competitors can already use WTO mechanisms to enforce Russia's trade commitments. With this bill, so can America. Madam Speaker, this bill promotes free trade, creates new jobs, and ensures protections for American workers. I proudly support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I stand to honor the life of Milburn Ray Gravley, the former mayor of Carrollton, Texas, who passed away on October 13, 2012, after courageously battling cancer for much of this year. Milburn was born on January 3, 1931, and was the youngest of nine children. He was a great-grandson of Alexander Wilson Perry, one of the founding landowners of Carrollton, Texas. Like his ancestors before him, Milburn dedicated his life to rigorous and faithful service of his community. He served on several civic boards and committees, including the city council. He was also a member of the Carrollton Lodge #1400 in Carrollton, Texas, and the James A. Smith Lodge #395 in Farmers Branch, Texas. Milburn was a 33 Mason. Most notably, Milburn served as the mayor of Carrollton for twelve years, from 1987 until 1994 and again from 1996 to 1999. Later in his life, and up until his passing, he was the Chairman of the Trinity River Authority, and a member of the Valwood Improvement Board, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce, and the Old Downtown Carrollton Board. Multiple bodies duly recognized Milburn's exceptional and enduring service over the years, and he was even named Metrocrest Citizen of the Year in 1989. Milburn married and is survived by Sylvia McInnish Gravley. Together they had a daughter, Lynda, and two sons, Gary and Alan. He is survived by them and also his six grandchildren, Cristi, Casey, Lori, Matthew, Nicole, and Christopher; four step-grandchildren, Richard, Ashley, Kristen, and Preslee; and four great-grandchildren, Madison, Sydnee, Reece, and Juliet. Milburn was preceded in death by two of his brothers and four of his sisters. Two more brothers, Joe and Wilton, survive him. It is a great professional honor for my son, Matthew, and I to have held the same office that Milburn did as mayors of Carrollton, Texas. Yet, the greater and more profound honor and joy was to have known Milburn personally. I think that I speak for the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex community when I say that he will be deeply missed. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the great life and passing of Mayor Milburn Ray Gravley.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy that I recognize and celebrate the one hundredth birthday of Lillian Estelle Christopher Mingus of Irving, Texas. Lillian will reach the age of one hundred years on November 8 and will celebrate the occasion with a party on November 10. Lillian was born on November 8, 1912, to Frances Lozana ``Loza'' Barnett and Andrew Garrett ``Babe'' Christopher in Gentry's Mill, Texas. She was one of six children and the oldest daughter. As such, she helped her brothers with milking cows, feeding chickens, hoeing and picking cotton, and generally caring for the land and livestock. She graduated the 10th grade, the highest available at the time, from Duffau Community School in Duffau, Texas. On her 18th birthday, Lillian married the love of her life, Silvester Olen Mingus. Together they were farmers and ranchers for many years. At one point they also ran a cafe in Hamilton, Texas. Later on, Lillian was a careworker for children and the elderly. She also taught Sunday school in Odessa for fifteen years. During their 54 years of marriage, Lillian and Silvester had three children--Grady Mingus, C.O. Mingus, and Rosa Mingus Gordon. She also has 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Today, Lillian loves to play bingo, keep up to date on the Boy Scouts, do arts and crafts, and shell blackeyed peas. She regularly attends Bible Study and is the oldest member of MacArthur Boulevard Baptist Church. The legacy of Lillian's life in Texas is a reflection of an adventurous family history. Her great-great-great grandparents, John and Elizabeth Allison, brought the family from Tennessee to Texas by covered wagon in 1834. John and his sons, including Lillian's great- great grandfather James Allison, fought for Texas in its battles for independence from Mexico and the family was personal friends with Davy Crockett. James received a land grant for his military service and also bought land in Williamson County upon which he founded the settlement of Allison, which later became known as Friendship and is marked with a Friendship Community Historical Marker. Lillian has been accordingly awarded a Williamson County Pioneer Family Certificate. Generations later, during a period of her childhood in Hico, Texas, Lillian's homestead was paid a visit by the notorious duo, Bonnie and Clyde. Lillian is a woman with deep faith, a zest for life, and a love for meeting people with a friendly smile. When asked about her secret for living to be one hundred, she simply states that God is not finished with her yet or else she would be in home in heaven. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and one hundredth birthday of Lillian Estelle Christopher Mingus.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA and in special recognition of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. This Council comprised of more than 35,000 girls and 16,000 adult volunteers spans across 32 counties in Northeast Texas. It is with great pride that I honor their long history of public service and leadership. Established by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, the Girl Scout movement started with just 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia, and the belief that bringing girls into the open air and the community would allow them to develop the confidence, self-reliance, and resourcefulness needed for personal and professional success. A century later, Low's extraordinary vision has impacted the lives of over 50 million girls and helped to produce some of the most accomplished women in the fields of business, science, education, and public service. Today, Girl Scouts of the USA has nearly 4 million members and more than 100 different councils across the nation. In the greater Northeast Texas community, it is the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas who carry on this incredible legacy by offering a variety of community outreach and educational programs that help all its members become strong leaders. Thanks to this Council, thousands of girls in my district are being given the tools to become successful women and accomplished professionals. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA and recognizing the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas. I look forward to the members of this Council becoming the next generation of successful American women.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA and in special recognition of the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. This Council comprised of nearly 24,000 girls and over 9,500 adult volunteers spans across 81 counties throughout Northwest Texas and Southern Oklahoma. It is with great pride that I recognize their long history of public service and leadership. Established by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, the Girl Scout movement started with just 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia and the belief that bringing girls into the open air and the community would allow them to develop the confidence, self-reliance, and resourcefulness needed for personal and professional success. A century later, Low's small movement has grown into a massive organization and generations of women have benefitted from her extraordinary vision. Today, Girl Scouts of the USA has nearly 4 million members and more than 100 different councils across the nation. In the greater Northwest Texas and Southern Oklahoma communities, it is the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains who carry on this incredible legacy. Thanks to this Council, thousands of girls in my district are being given the tools to become successful women and accomplished professionals. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA and recognizing the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. I look forward to the members of this Council becoming the next generation of strong American leaders.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Mockingbird Elementary of Coppell, Texas for being recognized as a National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership. Mockingbird Elementary was chosen for its ability to foster positive character development of within its curriculum. Since 2004, Mockingbird Elementary has been a leader in implementing initiatives designed to build the character of its students. These interschool programs promote positive socialization between developing children and create a friendlier and cohesive educational environment. Educational success and positive development of our nation's youth comes from hard work, innovation and a supportive community. I am proud to represent such a community, and especially a school that is reaching and surpassing all expectations. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mockingbird Elementary in being recognized for its work as a national leader in proper character development and being named a National School of Character.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Virginia Chamblee for her 40 years of service as a City of Bedford employee. It is an honor for me to celebrate Ms. Chamblee's remarkable career with my fellow colleagues in Congress. Virginia Chamblee began her career with the City of Bedford on May 5, 1972, working at the city library. In 1982, the City of Bedford opened a new senior center located at 2819 R.D. Hurt Parkway. Prior to the opening of the senior center, the Bedford city leadership deemed her as a perfect fit as the center's supervisor. On July 1, 1982, Ms. Chamblee transitioned into the center supervisor role, and on October 17, 1982, the center opened under her care and guidance. Virginia Chamblee established programs that have become senior center traditions. In the first week of the center's opening, the Monday Night Dance was established where it has continued to this day. Likewise, the Christmas Luncheon began in 1982 and has developed into one of the largest North Texas senior community pot luck lunches. Another notable tradition from the opening year was the weekly jam sessions, which began as music lessons but developed into a community orchestra of nearly 20 members. Virginia Chamblee has spent the majority her life serving her community. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been a dedicated and conscientious employee who has always championed seniors. She is known for her kindness, gentle spirit, and willingness to listen to any problem and extend a helping hand. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring Virginia Chamblee for her 40 years of public service with the City of Bedford.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the 30th anniversary of Unity Church located in Grapevine, Texas. It is an honor for me to celebrate this congregation's achievement and share its history with my fellow colleagues in Congress. The Unity Church of Northeast Tarrant County, which is now commonly called the Unity Church of Grapevine, held its first worship service in rented hotel facilities on September 12, 1982. The church moved to facilities in Hurst, where they remained until 1991 when the church purchased property at 1970 E. Dove Road in Southlake, Texas. In January 1996, the church purchased 5,825 acres on Hughes Road, one mile south of downtown Grapevine. The church built a 13,116 square foot building which was dedicated in September, 1996. Funding for the building was through issuance of $920,000 in church bonds through American Church Trust. The bonds were re-financed in 2002, providing funding for the start up of Hughes Road Montessori in September, 2003. The Church sold 1.75 acres of back property in 2005 for $285,000, leaving it with roughly 4 acres. The church received a signing bonus for the property mineral rights from Chesapeake Exploration in 2008 for the amount of $92,754.50 which was applied against the mortgage. A campaign to pay off the mortgage of $106,000 by June 1, 2012 began February 12, 2012 from a $50,000 matching contribution from anonymous donors. For 26 years, Unity Church in Grapevine has conducted a weekly ministry in the Federal Prison System at Federal Correctional Institute in Fort Worth, Texas. In June 1989, the church received the John Templeton Radio Grant to begin a radio ministry and in 1991 was awarded the first Voice of Unity Award for excellence in broadcasting. Also in 1991, a Care Team was established in the church with its members making hospital calls, nursing home visits, furnishing food for members as needed, and contacting members by phone once a month. Active in the community, Unity Church of Grapevine assists Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE) by furnishing food for the food pantry. The church partners with Grapevine Middle School and has tithed to the school over the past eleven years with funds providing an after school martial arts program, medical assistance, and for needs of students and their families in time of crisis. Members also volunteer as mentors to the students. Rev. Carol Record has served the Unity Church in Grapevine since its inception. She served as Chaplain of Trinity Springs Pavilion (the County psychiatric hospital), the first woman president of Grapevine Rotary, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a 26-year volunteer at Federal Correctional Institute, mentor at Grapevine Middle School, and a MHMR Visions Board member. Rev. Record leads the weekly Sunday services, teaches a Bible class each week as well as spiritual growth classes throughout the year. She is a published author, a well known speaker, and a community leader. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Unity Church in Grapevine on its 30th anniversary.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 6169, the Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012. This bill serves as the bridge to tax simplification in 2013. As families and businesses across America know all too well, our tax code discourages work, burdens entrepreneurship, deters savings and investment, and distorts the allocation of capital. The best growth agenda for America is not a short-term policy fix. What America needs is a clear, long-term policy path that minimizes economic uncertainty and delivers results. H.R. 6169 does just that. This bill provides for ihe enactment of comprehensive tax reform next year. Taxpayers deserve a tax code that is simpler, flatter, fairer and easier. This bill isn't just a nice gesture--it's a common sense solution that, according to some economists, will create 1 million jobs in the first year. I am proud to support, and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support, this bill that bridges tax reform for our country.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act of 2012. Businesses in my district in Texas and across the country are reluctant to hire and make investments due to an uncertain economy and an impasse over taxes. This bill is a thoughtful step to bolster our economy and bridge the gap to tax simplification. This bill provides a serious game plan and a timetable that shows the American economy how to move forward. If we don't act, the looming tax hike could destroy an estimated 700,000 jobs, according to an Ernst & Young study. And it's no surprise, then, that the Institute of International Finance said there was a strong case to extend lower Bush-era taxes due to expire at the end of the year in order to avert a fiscal cliff. I'm proud to support--and urge my colleagues to support--this bill that helps U.S. job creators and gives businesses more confidence to put Americans and Texans back to work.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I celebrate the 50th anniversary of Boy Scout Troop 508 of Irving, Texas. The troop has a remarkable history of serving the community and developing young men into leaders. Troop 508 was originally chartered at Woodhaven Presbyterian Church in 1962. The troop has a reputation for frequent traveling and extended outdoor adventures. Much of the boys' solidarity has revolved around their travels together, starting with ``The Green Weeny'' bus in 1966. During its history, the troop has traveled to exciting natural locations such as the Grand Canyon, Colorado, Brazos River, and to the center of civic leadership--right here in Washington, D.C. Indeed, in a troop where ``three-fourths of scouting is outing'' it is only fitting that the group have adopted the roadrunner as its traditional logo. Boy Scout Troop 508 also has a history of exceptional adult leadership, both in its scoutmasters and former members. The adult leaders have been trained in Woodbadge and eight of the last twelve Silver Beavers were members of the 508. Many of them serve on the staff of ALTs, Webelorees, Camporees, and the District Committee for Five Trails. The troop has won first-place several times at Camporees and at Winter Camp. Throughout its 50 years, the distinguished troop has been guided by the leadership of scoutmasters including Mitch Barker, Sterling Bradley, David White, Blackie Marks, Norman Rozell, Jack Graham, George Gray, Bob Hootman, ``Indian George'' Alford, Dwight Sensabough, Jim Bell, Herb Boyd, Hamilton, Jerry Wicker, Scott Pohl, Roger Knapp, Bob Harris, Randall Svajda, Carter Hallmark, Richard Gamble, Roland Jeter, Dean Calvert, Bob Perkins, and Wayne Fletcher. ``Indian George'' Alford was an especially noteworthy man, a selfless and kind Comanche who founded Troop and Post 134 in Dallas and moved on to make a lasting legacy with Troop 508 in Irving, particularly with his Indian dance teams. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 508 on 50 years of inspiring young men to do their best in all that they do, while enjoying competition with good sportsmanship.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of joy that I recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the wedding of John and Betty Dodd, two outstanding and esteemed citizens of Farmers Branch, Texas. John and Betty were married on August 19, 1962, and have lived in Dallas County ever since. They have both led inspiring lives dedicated to education and our community. John is a Certified Financial Planner and CEO of Honors Academy, a nonprofit organization that operates charter schools. He has served as a member of the Dallas Independent School District Board, a city council member and the mayor of Farmers Branch, and remains active in many community organizations. Betty is a teacher and a volunteer and board member at several organizations including her children's schools, Prestonwest Republican Women, Farmers Branch Civic League, and Farmers Branch Women's Club. Truly, the Dodds have been valuable assets in the town that they call home. They have raised a family together and are the dedicated parents of David Dodd and Angela Dodd Miller. John and Betty are also the loving parents-in-law of Shannon and Jon, and grandparents of Justin and Caroline Dodd, and Matthew, Caroline, Nathan, and Andrew Miller. The Dodds are members of First United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating John and Betty Dodd on 50 years of marriage, a truly noteworthy testament to their strong commitment to each other and to the beauty of marriage.