Kenny Marchant

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I rise today to welcome Heartland Church to its new location in the 24th District of Texas. Heartland Church has been a centerpiece of spiritual growth and community outreach in the greater Irving area for 58 years. On Christmas Eve of 1951, The First United Pentecostal Church of Irving held its inaugural service in the Irving Community Center. This was the beginning of the rich spiritual history of Heartland Church which today has grown into a caring, compassionate, service centered congregation. Soon after opening, The First United Pentecostal Church of Irving moved from the Irving Community Center to its first building on Camano Road and then eventually to Story Road. Heartland Church has made several building transitions and a name change (originally Christ Temple and then later Heartland Church) to more adequately reflect its desire to meet the needs of its congregation and the community. In December of 1984, the building dedication ceremony was held for what Heartland Church called home up until December 2009. Guided by faith, in 2000, Heartland Church made the decision to purchase 25.8 acres located on the west side of Highway 161. But God in His infinite wisdom had other plans and that was to bring Heartland Church to Carrollton. Today, through the vision and leadership of the church's founders and with the help of the surrounding community, Heartland Church has flourished from a small congregation, meeting in a 3,000 square foot building, to a thriving congregation with more than 22,000 square feet of meeting space. On behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to welcome Heartland Church to its new location in Carrollton, Texas. I am certain that Heartland Church will succeed and continue to be an example of Christ's love to others in the community.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I rise today to recognize Mr. Sam Pack, owner and president of Sam Pack Auto Group. Mr. Pack has earned the recognition as one of the most prominent leaders in the American automotive industry in recent years. Mr. Pack has held various management positions with Ford Motor Company. In 1980, Mr. Pack became the president, general manager, and partner of Lee Jarmon Ford Inc. in Carrollton, TX. During Mr. Pack's tenure as a business executive, he has developed Sam Pack Auto Group into a nationally renowned and influential business. Throughout his professional career, Mr. Pack has always had a reputation of high customer satisfaction, owner loyalty, and leadership in the community. Mr. Pack was honored in 1988 by Time Magazine as the ``Quality Dealer of the Year,'' which is the highest industry standard for new-car dealers who exhibit exceptional performance in their dealerships, combined with distinguished community service. The Texas Automobile Dealers Association bestowed Mr. Pack with the prestigious ``Legends Awards'' in 2006, which makes him one of only nine dealers to receive this accolade. Mr. Pack is an active member in many civic service organizations. In 1990, Mr. Pack was named ``Citizen of the Year'' by the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Pack was also the recipient of the 2003 ``Award for Outstanding Community Service'' from Ford Motor Company. These achievements display Mr. Pack's community involvement and selfless service to others. On behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to personally thank Mr. Pack for his diligent service and entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Pack's civic and professional accomplishments have been numerous, and it is an honor for me to recognize him for his contributions to the people of 24th District of Texas. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Pack many years of continued success.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 118, I was off the floor with a constituent. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong objection to what occurred yesterday in the Budget Committee. The Budget Committee passed a shell of a reconciliation bill. This shell bill will be replaced with whatever the Rules Committee deems as appropriate health care legislation. No one has seen what the Rules Committee plans to insert. This is not an open and transparent process. An open and transparent process wouldn't be resorting to using shell bills. An open and transparent process wouldn't have had backroom negotiations that are far and away from the C-SPAN cameras. What happened in the Budget Committee and what's happening in the Rules Committee is not what the American people want. I strongly oppose the majority's use of the parliamentary gimmicks to pass big government takeover of health care.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to observe the 63rd commemoration this coming Sunday of Taiwan's ``2-28 Incident.'' The Incident was an antigovernment uprising in Taiwan that began on February 28, 1947, and was violently suppressed during the following weeks by soldiers that had been sent from China by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. Estimates of the number of deaths vary from 10,000 to 30,000. In the fall of 1945, 50 years of Japanese occupation of Taiwan ended after Japan had lost World War II. In October of that year Taiwan was returned to the Republic of China (ROC). Due to the mounting corruption and the implementation of unfair public policy and official practices on the indigenous population, tension increased between the Taiwanese people and the ROC administration. According to Ambassador John L. Stuart, ``the economic deterioration of the island and administration of the mainland officials became so bad that on February 28th, 1947, popular resentment erupted into a major rebellion.'' The flashpoint came on the evening of February 27, 1947, when in Taipei a dispute between a female cigarette vendor and certain armed Monopoly Bureau agents and special police agents triggered civil disorder and open rebellion that lasted for days. The Incident is now openly discussed and commemorated as Peace Memorial Day. The details of the Incident have become the subject of investigation. Monuments and memorial parks to the Incident victims have been erected in a number of cities in Taiwan. Madam Speaker, the Incident had far-reaching implications. Over the next half century, the Taiwanese democracy movement that grew out of the Incident helped pave the way for Taiwan's momentous transformation to a thriving and pluralistic democracy. Nowadays Taiwan has demonstrated the strength of its democracy by succeeding in peaceful handovers of power. I am confident that Taiwan will continue to make contributions to the development of democracy in the region. Madam Speaker, I hope Members will join me in commemorating this important historical event.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, as we left church yesterday, our pastor ended his sermon with a prayer for all of those in our church that were unemployed. With this on my mind as I walked out into the foyer, I saw one of the largest employers in our area and walked up to him and said, ``Sir, what will it take for you to begin hiring again?'' He did not hesitate. He looked me right in the eye and said, ``Washington has injected too much uncertainty about what my health care expenses are going to be and what the health care that I have to provide my employees will have to be.'' He said, ``There is also a great deal of uncertainty about my tax rates and about what taxes I am going to have to pay.'' He said, ``Before I can begin to hire people again, Washington needs to clarify and remove that uncertainty.'' This is what's keeping us from having jobs today in the United States.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Anita Thetford who is retiring after twenty-nine years of service as a city employee of Hurst. Since 1990, she has served as the Director of Finance, holding positions as Certified Government Finance Officer and Registered Tax Assessor and Collector. Her leadership in the City of Hurst has impressively improved the standard of living for her community, and I am proud to honor such a distinguished leader. Ms. Thetford's invaluable leadership has laid the groundwork for a strong fiscally conservative economy in the City of Hurst. In her twenty-nine years of service, Hurst has maintained healthy financial ratings, earned lower bond interest ratings and reduced the property tax. Ms. Thetford has also been an active member of the community serving as a leader in the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas (GFOAT), Women's Professional Network group and the Rotary Club of Hurst-Euless-Bedford. Her commendable dedication to the City of Hurst proves that citizens can truly make a difference in lives of others. Throughout Ms. Thetford's tenure she has accumulated an impressive list of awards. To name just a few, Ms. Thetford was honored with the 1998 Outstanding Service Award from her peers, 1998 Outstanding Finance Officer by GFOAT, 1995 Woman of the Year from Metro Business and Professional Women's Club and 2007 Linda Keithley Award. On behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to thank Ms. Thetford for her tireless service to Hurst. Ms. Thetford's successes have been many, and it is an honor for me to recognize her for her twenty-nine years of contributions to the people of Hurst. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Anita Thetford continued success in her future.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an amazing boy from Texas. His name is Drew Scott Rice, and he is a cancer survivor and amputee. Drew has experienced some difficult times, but his strong character has made it possible for him to live a healthy active life. At the age of six, Drew was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma Cancer on April 30, 2004. His treatment consisted of fourteen rounds of chemotherapy and the amputation of his left leg. Drew returned to school on crutches after missing nine months for treatment. Even with missing so much school, he was able to continue his academics at the same grade level. Even more surprisingly, Drew began playing baseball only three months post treatment. Drew has successfully adapted to his prosthetic leg as if it was second nature. He has played a total sixteen seasons between two leagues as a 1st baseman, 3rd baseman, and pitcher. Drew has also shared his strength with other patients. He has visited cancer victims and amputees at San Antonio area hospitals and homes to offer encouragement and hope that they too can overcome their hardships. As of December 10, 2009 Drew has been cancer free for five years. I am honored to speak of Andrew's strength here today and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Drew as an inspiration and role model to those who suffer from cancer and or amputation.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Grand Prairie. The city is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and I would like to take a moment to speak about the history of the city and its great future. In 1841, the area that is now Grand Prairie began to be settled by people accepting Republic of Texas land grants. In 1861, Alexander MacRae Dechman traded his wagon and oxen for 239.5 acres in what is now downtown Grand Prairie. He filed for a town plat in 1876, and named the town Dechman. That same year Alexander gave a portion of his land to the Texas and Pacific Railroad in exchange for operating a depot. In 1877, the railroad renamed Dechman to Grand Prairie because of its location on the eastern edge of the prairie that stretched into West Texas. On March 20, 1909 the citizens of Grand Prairie voted to establish a local city government in order to create the civic infrastructure necessary for public safety, growth and prosperity. In 1909, the City of Grand Prairie had roughly 1,000 citizens. The city's growth accelerated during and after World War II when its population changed from 1,595 in 1940 to 14,594 in 1950. The population then doubled to 30,386 by 1960. Today the city is home to more than 168,000 citizens. The growth is symbolic of the city's strength and success over the last hundred years. Grand Prairie has created a strong infrastructure to ensure continued growth. The city has constructed attractions for both economic development and tourism such as Lone Star Park in 1992, Nokia Theatre in 2001, the Ruthe Jackson Conference Center in 2002, the Uptown Theater, QuikTrip Ballpark and the AirHogs in 2008 and Market Square in 2009. The city's success is also demonstrated by its long list of awards. Some recent awards include the Money Magazine 2008 Best Places to Live in USA, Today Newspaper 2008 Readers' Choice Award--Best Place to Live, the 2008 National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award for best parks system in America and named a Playful City USA in both 2008 and 2009. Under the able leadership of Mayor Charles England, the City Council and City Manager's Office, Grand Prairie plans to continue growing stronger for their citizens and businesses. In 2010, the city will open a new Lake Rescue Center, Summit Activity Center for senior citizens and Public Safety Headquarters. A city known for being comfortably casual and incredibly friendly, Grand Prairie looks forward to the next 100 years of dreaming big and making it happen. I am honored to represent the City of Grand Prairie and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the city upon their 100th anniversary.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, the Wall Street Journal said it best, this bill may well be the worst piece of post-New Deal legislation ever introduced. My constituents of the Texas 24th District agree. They have told me loud and clear, time and time again, that they do not want this government takeover of our health care system. This legislation creates 111 new Federal programs, bureaucracies, commissions and boards; and this is just counting the ones that are in the original bill. I am sure that when the manager's amendment is introduced, there will be many more. We need a patient-centered approach to health care reform. We do not need to mortgage the future of our children by saddling them with a $1 trillion debt. Let's not punish our seniors, our families, and our grandchildren by passing this bill.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I have heard repeatedly from the seniors about their high satisfaction with Medicare Advantage and their fears of losing it. The Senate Finance plan would slash $123 billion from Medicare Advantage. Over 10 million seniors are currently enrolled in the Medicare Advantage plan, and, according to CBO Director Elmendorf, those proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage will force reduced benefits for many seniors, over 100,000 seniors in the three counties that I represent. This is in stark contrast to ``if you like your insurance, you can keep it.'' Director Elmendorf states very clearly that under the Senate Finance plan, Medicare Advantage enrollees will suffer reduced benefits. We must preserve Medicare Advantage for those who are benefiting from the peace of mind that it provides, and strengthen it for those seniors that have not yet turned 65.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the First Baptist Church of Carrollton, Texas. The church is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and I would like to take a moment to speak about the history of the church and its past and present contributions to our community. Established in 1909 by thirteen people, the First Baptist Church began its history at a missionary tent revival. The church conducted their services within the same tent of its establishment and at the home of one of its founders. On January 12, 1910, the church moved their services to an old bank building. Months following the move to the bank, the Baptist Ladies Aid Society graciously donated land to the church where the tabernacle was built. Over the next forty years, the tabernacle underwent building additions and extensive renovations to include a nursery, an education building, and parsonages. In 1952, with guidance from Reverend Thomas B. Guinn, the church began building a larger education building south of the sanctuary. In 1955, the services were moved to the education building, and in 1957 a special auditorium was added to the building to hold the services. Twenty-nine years later the congregation would move again. On Easter Sunday, March 30, 1986, the present-day sanctuary was opened to the public, and on this day, 2,655 people came to celebrate it. As for the former church location, it was decided the building would be transformed into the International Missions Center. The center has hosted five missionary companies which have worked in Latin countries, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Africa. Today, the congregation has grown to have 4,500 members, and it continues to grow. With such a large congregation, the First Baptist Church has become a cornerstone of the community. The church involves itself in charity events and community programs. Under the leadership of Dr. Brent Taylor, the pastor since 1999, the church has continued programs such as the Bus Ministry which provides transportation to children and teenagers who are unable to attend service and the Friendship House which provides food, clothes, and Christmas gifts for families in need. I am honored to represent the First Baptist Church of Carrollton and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the congregation upon their 100th anniversary.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sara Biesiadny of Grapevine, Texas. Sara has been selected as a regional winner of a ConvaTec Comeback Kids Award. This very important program honors annually a group of individuals living with intestinal diseases or recovering from ostomy surgery. The Great Comebacks Awards Program honors the achievements of children and teenagers living inspirational lives with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and/or an ostomy. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Great Comebacks Program. Each year regional awards are given to 12 people throughout the United States who have struggled with a chronic condition and have shown extraordinary strength and courage. Recipients are selected for having managed, despite daily struggles with their conditions, to live full and productive lives. In March of 2010, one of these recipients will receive the national Great Comebacks Award. My constituent Sara, born with birth defects of the spine, bladder and colon, received an ostomy shortly after birth. Despite this rough start in life, Sara has never wasted a moment's thought on ``why has this happened to me?'' In fact, she has refused to let her ostomy and other medical conditions get in the way of pursuing her love of sports and science. Even though Sara has undergone continuous medical procedures and surgeries since birth, she won't sit on the sidelines, and enjoys playing softball and basketball and swimming. In fact, as a freshman, she set her mind to join the high school golf team and has enjoyed three solid seasons with the team. Sara also has excelled academically. Sara, 17, is currently a high school senior and encourages others suffering from bowel diseases to remember, ``Having an ostomy or bowel disease does not define who you are, only you can do that.'' The Great Comeback Awards Program raises awareness of quality-of-life issues for people with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer and other diseases that can lead to ostomy surgery. These diseases are painful and debilitating; and while ostomy surgery is a procedure that can be life saving, it is also life-changing for patients of all ages. The spirit and courage with which a patient embraces life after ostomy surgery is what the Great Comebacks Program celebrates. My best wishes to Sara and her family.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for women and families affected by ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is recognized as one of the nation's deadliest cancers. The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer patients is 46 percent, while the ten-year survival rate is calculated to be as low as 39 percent. In 2009, it is estimated that more than 21,550 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,600 will die of the disease. However, there is hope. If ovarian cancer is treated before it has spread outside the ovary, the five-year survival rate is an outstanding 93 percent. Unfortunately, due to the lack of an effective early detection test, less than 20 percent of cases are found early enough to treat. Survival rates vary greatly depending on the stage of ovarian cancer at diagnosis. Women diagnosed at an early stage have a dramatically higher five-year survival rate than those diagnosed at a late stage. Since there are currently no effective screening tools for ovarian cancer, raising patient and health care provider awareness is crucial and the only way to help women recognize potential warning signs that can extend and improve their lives. To this end, I urge my colleagues and their staff to join me in recognizing September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This is an important time during which the ovarian cancer community will be helping to increase awareness of the disease and its symptoms, as well as support research to improve treatments and the development of a desperately needed screening test. September 4th is recognized as ``Teal Day'', a day on which everyone is encouraged to wear teal to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, much like pink is worn to do the same for breast cancer. Teal Day is an excellent opportunity to increase public knowledge about this disease. I commend the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and other groups like it for their unwavering commitment to make women aware of ovarian cancer symptoms and for their advocacy on behalf of women and families touched by this devastating disease. More must be done to identify ovarian cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, Americans need health care reform, but we do not need a super expensive and inefficient government plan that will saddle our children with massive debts. With unemployment at 9.5 percent, its highest level in a quarter century, now is not the time to enact employer mandates that will lead to fewer jobs and rationed care. I am opposed to government run health care. Over $60 billion is lost annually to health care fraud; just think of how much more money will be lost to waste, fraud, and abuse under a massive government takeover. I stand in support of the Patients Choice Act sponsored by Congressman Paul Ryan. This bill gives every American the opportunity to choose the health care plan that best meets their individual needs-- and it ensures that our constituents will receive the same standard benefits as their Member of Congress. Rather than allowing Washington bureaucrats to come between a patient and their doctor, the Patients Choice Act puts individuals in control. I am proud to co-sponsor the Patients Choice Act.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant and friend of Cedar Hill, Greg Patton. Mr. Patton served on the Cedar Hill City Council from 2000 until 2009. Throughout his nine years on the council, Mr. Patton exemplified the true meaning of public service by always prioritizing the needs of others first. With his retirement from the council, Mr. Patton will be sorely missed but I am confident his presence will continue to shine in Cedar Hill. In addition to his council duties, Mr. Patton served as a member and chair of the Southwest Dallas County Transportation Committee, served on the National League of Cities Steering Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure Services, and served as an active participant in the River of Trade Corridor Coalition. Prior to his council tenure, Mr. Patton chaired the Joe Pool Lake Planning Council which resulted in the last lake built in North Texas and the creation of Lake Joe Pool State Park. During the same time, he also served as commissioner and then as chairman of the Cedar Hill Planning and Zoning Commission. A familiar face in the Cedar Hill community, Mr. Patton is an active member of the Cedar Hill Church of Christ and a member of the Cedar Hill Lions Club. He is also a regular volunteer at the Cedar Hill Food Pantry and served for twenty years on the Cedar Hill Volunteer Fire Department from 1977 until 1997. Among his many other accomplishments, Mr. Patton was the chair of the 1975 City Charter Committee for Cedar Hill. Mr. Patton's wife, Linda, and two children all deserve a special thank you for allowing him to spend so much time dedicated to the betterment of Cedar Hill. Mr. Patton also has one granddaughter and three grandsons. Distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring Greg Patton's tireless passion, proven commitment, and years of admirable service to the growth and success of Cedar Hill. I am proud to join the Cedar Hill community in saluting Greg for all of his hard work, and I wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great friend and tremendous public servant, former Mayor Andy Wambsganss, for his years of service to the City of Southlake and the North Texas region. Since assuming the mayor's office in 2003, Mayor Wambsganss guided Southlake with an immense degree of dedication, passion and competence. He served as mayor for nine years, from 2003 to 2009, and prior to his mayoral tenure he served on the Southlake City Council, as Mayor Pro Tem, and as a judge in the community. Andy has always strived to better his community, and his broad experience served his constituents well. Under Andy's principled leadership and sound management, the City of Southlake experienced tremendous economic growth while at the same time maintained the city's unique small town charm. He managed the city with great efficiency and responsible fiscal discipline. Andy selflessly served the City of Southlake for many years, and his positive impact on the city will long endure in the future. Throughout the years, Andy Wambsganss contributed his expertise to many local and regional organizations. He was President of Southlake Crime Control and Prevention; on the Southlake Teen Court Board of Directors; Director of the Airport YMCA; Director of Metroport Cities Fellowship; member of the Tarrant County Mayor's Forum; member of the Northeast Leadership Forum; and much more. Andy Wambsganss is a longtime resident of Southlake, a kind and apt public servant, and a family man. His wife, Leigh, and their two boys, are involved in many community and philanthropic endeavors. It is a distinct privilege to call Andy a friend of mine. He has been an outstanding public servant to the City of Southlake and his honest leadership will be sorely missed. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I extend my sincere appreciation to Andy Wambsganss and wish him the very best of luck in the future.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou was inaugurated as President of Republic of China (Taiwan) on May 20, 2008. During the last twelve months there has been a considerable reduction of tension across the Taiwan Strait and there have been productive talks between the two sides on issues such as direct airline flights, an economic accord protecting investments, more tourist visits by mainlanders to Taiwan. President Ma has also been working closely with the U.S. government. The mutual relationship between our two countries is strong. We hope that the relations will grow even stronger in all areas, including trade, science and technology, educational exchange, military sales and Taiwan's participation in international agencies. It is heartening to learn that Taiwan has been invited to attend this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland from May 19 to May 27 as an observer. This is a breakthrough for the Taiwanese government; it is Taiwan's first participation in a formal U.N activity since 1971, when the world body switched its recognition to mainland China. In celebrating President Ma's first anniversary in office, I join my Congressional colleagues in hoping that Taiwan's participation in the WHA this May will lead to Taiwan's future successes in returning to other international organizations.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and express my appreciation for the service of an exemplary citizen, Mayor Doug Stover of Coppell, Texas. Doug began his public service as an elected official in May, 1998 as city councilmember of Coppell, followed by six years of service from 2003 to 2009 as the mayor of Coppell. During this time, Doug's passion and leadership guided the community as evidenced by the city's financial strength, economic development, sound infrastructure, strong public safety record and first rate education system. Mayor Doug Stover is Equity Compensation Manager for Celanese Corporation. He holds a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University. In May of 1998, Coppell consisted of 29,850 citizens and has grown to a community of 39,500. The adopted budget for the 1998-1999 fiscal year was $35,182,905 and grew to $81,057,966 in the 2008-2009 fiscal years. Under his leadership, the City of Coppell added many facilities, physical improvements and infrastructure. These projects include a Justice Center housing the Police and Municipal Courts, municipal service center, aquatic & recreation center, animal shelter and adoption center, Town Center Plaza, Old Town development, multiple park facilities, multiple road improvements, with a new senior and community center and municipal cemetery now being constructed, all developed to meet the needs of a growing population. A major focus on economic development was also led by the mayor. This resulted in many commercial and industrial developments bringing new revenue to the city that has enabled the community to enjoy many quality of life improvements without the need for additional tax rate increases. Public safety was also a high priority under the mayor's leadership. Red light cameras were installed, 25-mph zones were implemented on residential streets, and a Citizen's Police Academy was established in his push to increase public safety. Funding for CISD schools was addressed through the 379A Sales Tax which generated sales taxes for the community's education issues. The Infrastructure Maintenance Fund was created by a sales tax election for 1/4-cent being directed for the crime district and 1/4-cent for streets. Mayor Stover's selfless public service has clearly shaped the city of Coppell and helped make it the thriving community it is today. Doug possesses a genuine passion for Coppell which characterized his many years of service to the community. His first priority was always for the betterment of the citizens of Coppell, which helped make him a popular and well-respected leader. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Doug Stover for his remarkable service as mayor and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the announcement of Taiwan's participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly, WHA, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland. This announcement is the culmination of more than a decade of efforts by the Taiwanese people to be included in the assembly. Additionally, many of my congressional colleagues and I have been active in supporting Taiwan's participation in the WHA. I am delighted that after years of work in both Taipei and Washington, DC, these efforts have finally paid off and that Taiwan will be able to send a delegation to the WHA later this month under the nomenclature of ``Chinese Taipei.'' With the outbreak of the H1N1 virus sweeping across the United States and several countries, Taiwan's inclusion as an observer in the WHA is especially crucial in coordinating global responses to epidemics. Diseases do not stop at national borders, and Taiwan's long absence from the WHA meant that a coordinated global response to outbreaks was not as effective as it could be with Taiwan's inclusion. I congratulate the Taiwanese people on finally winning inclusion in the WHA and look forward to continuing the good relations between Taiwan and the United States.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker. I rise today to recognize the exceptional achievement of the Coppell High School Girls soccer team: 2009 Class 5A State Champions of Texas. The Coppell Cowgirls completed their historic title run with a victory over the nation's previously top-ranked team and a dramatic 3-2 victory over The Woodlands in the state championship game. Winning a state title is a remarkable accomplishment. It takes many crucial components working together to achieve this level of success. The 2009 Class 5A Girls Soccer State Champions of Texas, the Coppell High School Cowgirls, include: Kailey Hicks; Tannah Deloach; Katie Bass; Laura Sadler (Captain); Lauren Johnson; Alyssa Diggs (Captain); Sydney Frazier (Captain); Spayne Avant; Dominique Dinka; Chioma Ubogagu; Brittany Redus; Amina Radoncic; Allison Guderian; Danielle Herubin; Kristen Hart; Christina Baker; Erin Barlow; Haley Powers; Rebekah Henderson; Rachel Henderson; Cara Manning (Captain); Tori Van Riper; Whitney Borstad; Lauren Scott; Maddie Peter; Jessica Berdan; Bear Bass; Lindsey Meyer; Arielle Ghoston (manager); Arresha Robinson; Yvette Carson; Kristen Hester (trainers); Michelle Mcalister; Justin Heller; Tito Schwabe (assistant coaches); John Crawford (athletic director); Sherri Hankins (athletic coordinator); and the head coach, Chris Stricker. Educators, teachers, school officials, families and friends also deserve significant praise for their efforts in supporting the Cowgirls. The state title earned by the Cowgirls has brought great pride to the school and community. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff and best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to John Reap, the 2008 Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce ``Citizen of the Year.'' John's dedication and contributions to the Metrocrest community, which consists of Addison, Carrolton and Farmers Branch, have been both dynamic and exceptional. The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce presents the award on January 30, 2009, and I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to John for the deserved award and his many years of selfless service. John is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Town North Bank, N.A., in Dallas. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Bank. John has been at Town North Bank for twenty-eight years, the last fourteen serving in his current position. An active community member, John has served with a variety of civic organizations including the American Heart Association, the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, the Metrocrest Senior Adult Services, the Carrollton Farmers Branch Independent School District Educational Foundation, the University of Arkansas Alumni Association, and the North Texas Region Committee for the University of Arkansas Campaign for the 21st Century. John served for seventeen years in both local and state capacities for the American Heart Association in Texas, and was Chairman of the Board of the American Heart Association, Texas Affiliate, Inc., from 1992 until 1993. John earned a banking graduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1977, a master's degree in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in 1971, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in 1970. He also served as a faculty member for several years at the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I join the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce in applauding the merits and commitment John Reap has displayed to our community. John's tireless passion for community service has contributed greatly to the betterment of those around him, and I am extremely grateful for his service. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I salute John for his achievement as the 2008 Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce ``Citizen of the Year'' and wish him many years of continued success.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jim Witt, who is retiring after fifteen years of service as City Manager of Coppell, Texas. His dedication to the community proves that citizens can truly make a difference in the lives of others, and I am proud to honor such a distinguished leader. Mr. Witt has played an indispensable role in the development of Coppell during his tenure. In his fifteen years of service, Coppell has increased its size by 19,000 residents, the City staff increased from 178 to 365, and the City budget grew from roughly $15 million to approximately $81 million. Mr. Witt oversaw tremendous economic growth in Coppell. Many of the buildings in Coppell that stand as cornerstones of the community were only possible through the efforts of Mr. Witt. To name just a few of the buildings he has played an instrumental role with: the Justice Center, three Fire Stations, a Fire Administration building, a Service Center, the William T. Cozby Public Library, an Aquatics and Recreation Center, a Municipal Cemetery, Wagon Wheel Park, Andy Brown East and Central, MacArthur Park, over six miles of trails, Town Center Plaza, and the Community/Senior Center. With Mr. Witt's leadership, he helped create several community-based initiatives such as Farmers Market, community gardens and the half-cent sales tax for schools. On behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to thank Mr. Witt for his tireless service to Coppell. Mr. Witt's successes have been many, and it is an honor for me to recognize him for his nearly two decades of contributions to the people of Coppell. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Jim Witt continued success in his future.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the grand opening of the Cedar Hill Government Center in Cedar Hill, Texas. The grand opening for this new facility was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2008. A community known for its beautiful natural landscape and rolling hills, Cedar Hill is now home to one of the most innovative and efficient government centers in the country. Cedar Hill has always been a community committed to providing the best for its citizens, and the new Government Center is yet another example of that commitment. The center houses the City of Cedar Hill and the Cedar Hill Independent School District. Built with native Texas materials such as limestone, clay tile and mesquite wood flooring, the centralized facility represents the spirit of Cedar Hill and the great state of Texas. A model of forward thinking leadership and architecture, this collaborative facility uses 23,000 square feet out of 115,887 square feet specifically for shared-use space and public gatherings. Local residents benefit from the centralized facility's easy access, convenience, and efficiency. The partnering use of facilities not only benefits the community in the long-run, but it also saved taxpayers considerable construction costs. City and School District officials selected the architecture firms of Holzman Moss and Wiginton Hooker Jeffry and Hunt Construction provided construction oversight. The architects were able to maximize the distinctive character of Cedar Hill, preserving many native trees, utilizing the beautiful surroundings, and preparing for future walking trails so visitors can fully enjoy the natural habitat even further. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Mayor Rob Franke, City Council members, President of CHISD Dan Hernandez, school board members, and the residents of Cedar Hill on the opening of this facility. The Government Center stands a true symbol of the fabric of this great community. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this center will have on the community and I am extremely proud to represent Cedar Hill in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Maureen Gavin of Southlake, Texas, who was awarded the 2007-08 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award on behalf of Humanities Texas. This award honors K-12 humanities teachers in the state of Texas who make exemplary contributions in teaching, curriculum development and extracurricular programming. Mrs. Gavin, a former sixth grade English teacher at Eubanks Intermediate School in Southlake, currently works with Morningside Elementary School in Fort Worth. In the words of Mrs. Gavin, ``All good thinking begins with good questioning, and as a humanities teacher it is my responsibility to provide provocative questions that allow my students to dig deep within themselves as they learn about our world, past and present, and how they fit into it''. In this spirit, Mrs. Gavin brings to the classroom a passion for literature, language, and the ever-growing continuum of knowledge. One example of this passion was displayed when Mrs. Gavin's students read the book Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli, the story of a homeless orphan who makes a positive difference in the lives of other. With the guidance and encouragement of Mrs. Gavin, her students created a ``Kids Helping Kids'' initiative that ultimately raised $2,000 to support kids in need. This is just one shining example of how the passion of Mrs. Gavin's teaching translates to a world far larger than the walls of a classroom. Among Mrs. Gavin's many accomplishments include: Carroll Independent School District (CISD) Teacher of the Year, Eubanks Intermediate School Teacher of the Year, EPISD Teacher of the Year Top Ten Finalist, Carlos Rivera's Teacher of the Year, W.W. Bushman Teacher of the Year, presenter CISD parent University, creator of the sixth grade language arts curriculum, former member of the CISD language arts vertical team, former language arts department chairperson, and many, many more. Madam Speaker, it is a special honor to present Mrs. Maureen Gavin the Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award. Educators in the humanities like Mrs. Gavin advance not just the knowledge of life, but the critical importance of reflection, wide-angle perspective, and the wisdom of a larger world. As her former school's Member of Congress, I am especially proud that we have teachers like her who enlighten our students in the arts, history, and languages; ultimately emboldening our nation's cultural framework as well as our future.