Kenny Marchant

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. For many years now, Republicans in Congress have been clear: A new stand-alone carbon tax will raise consumer costs and hurt the economy. It is not a solution to any challenge but, rather, it would create additional challenges. If American businesses and workers in industries are targeted by a carbon tax, they will suffer economically under such a policy. They are just now recovering from the recession that we went into, and they are just now, because of the tax bill that was passed this past year, just now beginning to see a brighter economic future. We should not debate putting new obstacles in front of them at this time. Together, we should be focused on working to advance policies that hold down energy costs, improve the U.S. economy, its GDP, and create jobs. That is what we did last year, and that is what we are doing today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, July 13, I missed the following votes due to needing to attend to a close family member in the hospital. For Roll Call Vote 327, on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions, I would have voted ``no.'' For Roll Call Vote 328, final passage of the Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 16, I missed the following votes due to significant delays with my flight back to Washington. For Roll Call Vote 329, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4946, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1075 North Tustin Street in Orange, California, as the Specialist Trevor A. Win'E Post Office, I would have voted ``yes.'' For Roll Call Vote 330, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4960, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 511 East Walnut Street in Columbia, Missouri, as the Spc. Sterling William Wyatt Post Office Building, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 22 and Monday, June 25, 2018, I missed the following votes due to needing to tend to a close family member in the hospital. For Roll Call Vote 287, on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions, I would have voted ``no.'' For Roll Call Vote 288, final passage of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, I would have voted ``yes.'' For Roll Call Vote 289, final passage of the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, I would have voted ``yes.'' For Roll Call Vote 290, final passage of the Cooperate with Law Enforcement Agencies and Watch Act of 2018, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 15, 2018 I missed the following votes due to needing to attend to a close family member in the hospital. For Roll Call Vote 267, the amendment offered by Congressman Thornberry, I would have voted ``yes.'' For Roll Call Vote 268, final passage of the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6110, the Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management, Treatment, and Recovery Act of 2018. Introduced by my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee, Representative Jackie Walorski, this legislation would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to conduct a review on how to improve the use of non-opioid treatments for pain management for Part A and B Medicare beneficiaries. The opioid crisis has been devastating communities across the nation for far too long. We need to take immediate steps to reduce the overprescribing of opioids and ensure patients have access to non- addictive pain management options. Among the actions we can take to prevent addiction is to remove perceived financial incentives for doctors to prescribe generic opioids instead of non-opioid alternative drugs and medical devices, which are typically more expensive. I am pleased to see the text of my bill, H.R. 5778--Promoting Outpatient Access to Non-Opioid Treatments Act, incorporated into H.R. 6110, to address this issue. The legislation instructs CMS to identify possible payment barriers in the Medicare program and consequently asks the Secretary to consider appropriate revisions to the reimbursement structure. It is a commonsense solution to guarantee doctors have the best tools available to deter opioid dependence. By examining ways to expand the use of non-opioid alternatives in Medicare, we can help cut the problem off at the source, while still being sensitive to patients' pain management needs. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this bill and urge its immediate passage.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my granddaughter, Kendall Evelyn Marchant, on her eighth grade graduation today at The Hockaday School in Dallas, Texas. For over a hundred years, The Hockaday School has been a world-renowned institution and is located in my congressional district. The school educates over 1,000 students from pre-K to 12th grade, with students coming from not only North Texas, but across the country and around the globe. An important milestone in a student's academic journey at the school is the eighth grade graduation. This is particularly true for Kendall; she has accomplished much in her academic studies, most recently winning the eighth grade history award. Kendall has made her parents, Matthew and Lindsay Marchant, very delighted in her successes. Kendall has two sets of proud grandparents, Kenny and Donna Marchant of Coppell, Texas and Rod and Sherry Hill of Frisco, Texas. Students celebrate the conclusion of their Middle School academic studies by arriving in traditional white dresses and listening to congratulatory remarks from the administration, faculty, and a chosen student speaker. This terrific event marks the celebration of the eighth grade class and prepares them to assume added responsibilities as Upper School students in the fall. It is also one last hurdle to clear before the start of a well-earned summer vacation. Kendall has excelled both inside and outside of the classroom at Hockaday. She embodies the four cornerstones of the school: character, courtesy, scholarship, and athletics. In addition to her academic studies, she excels in drama, most recently being in the school play Annie, and she shines on the basketball court and softball field for her athletic teams. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Kendall Marchant, and all the members and families of The Hockaday School Class of 2022, today on their eighth grade class graduation.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding public servant from my district, Mayor Richard Ward of Hurst, Texas, who is retiring after 22 years of service to his community. Richard Ward has served as Mayor of the City of Hurst for the last 14 years, but his commitment to his nation and community began well before then. Just after graduating from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth, he served in the Army from 1954 to 1957 as an X-ray technician stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Upon his return to Texas, Richard began a career as a medical instruments salesman and later in Human Resource Management, after receiving a bachelor of General Studies Degree from Texas Christian University in 1982. His work has taken him to several prestigious institutes including Medical Plaza Hospital in Fort Worth, Parkland Hospital in Dallas, and Cornerstone Health Management in Dallas. In 1962, Richard became a resident of Hurst and began volunteering in youth sports and civil groups. He served on the Board of Directors for Pee Wee Football Association, as a coach for Little Dribblers Basketball, and as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. Richard was first elected to the City Council of Hurst in 1976 and served through 1980; he then served again from 2000-2004. In 2004, Richard was elected mayor, a position that he has honorably held for the last 14 years, working tirelessly to improve the Hurst community. Under Mayor Ward's leadership, Hurst has seen incredible growth. As a part of the Transforming Hurst Initiative, the city has completed a series of ambitious projects including the Hurst Conference Center, the Hurst Senior Center, Fire Station 2, the Hurst Justice Center, and the Hurst Chisholm and Central Aquatic Centers. The city has also expanded parks and recreation programs and championed customer service and staff development initiatives. Through this process, Mayor Ward has earned a reputation for balancing fiscal responsibility and economic development. In collaboration with Hurst Councilmembers, he has been able to establish partnerships with local developers and community leaders to revitalize and transform the community. At the heart of these projects is a commitment to public safety and high quality of life for Hurst's nearly 40,000 residents. In recognition of his efforts and those of councilmembers, the Texas City Manager's Association (TCMA) recognized the Hurst City Council as ``Council of the Year'' in both 2013 and 2014. For more than two decades, Richard Ward has demonstrated unreserved dedication to public service and community involvement. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring Mayor Richard Ward for his extraordinary service and wishing him and his family the best in his retirement.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eddie Salame, Chief of Police of the City of Grapevine, on his upcoming retirement after 33 years in law enforcement. Eddie Salame began his career as an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department on October 19, 1984. Over the several years he was there, Eddie worked both covert and overt assignments in Gang Intelligence, Criminal Investigations, and Narcotics Investigations. In July of 1991, he joined the Grapevine Police Department, continuing to take on various assignments and increased responsibility in Criminal Investigations, SWAT, Task Force Operations, and Crime Scene. On January 4, 2005, Eddie was appointed Chief of Police. He has served in that position for over 13 years, the longest tenure of any chief in the department's history. Under his leadership, the Grapevine Police Department adopted a community oriented policing philosophy aimed at reducing crime by strengthening community ties. Chief Salame was instrumental in establishing and expanding programs that encourage communication and cooperation between law enforcement and local residents, including the Volunteers in Police Services Program and the Grapevine Community Outreach Center. Since the initiatives began in 2006, participation in the Volunteers in Police Service Program has doubled and the Community Outreach Center has made available critical services such as GED classes and after-school programs for at-risk students. Chief Salame's dedication to community service goes well beyond his professional responsibilities. Outside of his duties as Chief of Police, he is an active member of the Grapevine community, currently serving as president of the Grapevine Rotary Club and as a member of the advisory board for the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Tarleton State University. He previously served on the advisory boards for the University of Texas at Arlington's Center for Criminal Justice Research and Training and One Safe Place, which provides coordinated services to victims of domestic violence. For over three decades, Chief Salame has served his community tirelessly, putting himself in harm's way to ensure the safety of countless Texas residents. We are indebted to him for his exceptional leadership and his many years of bravery and sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary service of Chief Eddie Salame and wishing him and his family the best in his retirement.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Again, I encourage all Members to vote ``yes'' to make sure that children who have their Social Security cards stolen are protected. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Plano, Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), who is the chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee.

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the history of this legislation begins in my district in Southlake, Texas. A constituent of mine called my office very distraught that her mail had been stolen, and with it, her newborn baby's Social Security card and number. A week later, a felon with an extensive history of forgery, credit card abuse, and identity theft was apprehended, and in his possession was the Social Security card of my newborn constituent. The child's mother, rightfully so, was very concerned that her 6- month-old child's identity had been compromised, and I requested on her behalf that the Social Security Administration issue the child a new Social Security card. We thought that would be an easy thing to do. The request was denied. My staff and my district office took it on themselves to get the law changed and asked me would I consider introducing a bill to do that. So today, we are here to try to protect a group of the most vulnerable of our Social Security cardholders. Members of this Chamber know Social Security numbers have become an increasingly valuable target for identity theft due to their widespread use throughout the financial sector. Madam Speaker, children like my constituent are particularly vulnerable to Social Security number theft because usually, before the age of 13, they do not work, they do not drive, they do not try to get credit cards, and they don't try to establish credit, which would extend the time a thief can use that child's identity before the theft is even noticed. Current policy does little to protect children whose Social Security cards and numbers have been stolen. I believe H.R. 1512 is the answer to this problem. This bill requires that the Social Security Administration issue a new Social Security number for a child age 13 and under when a child's Social Security card has been stolen and the child's parent or guardian demonstrates to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration under penalty of perjury that it was stolen while being transmitted by Social Security to the child's address, that is, by U.S. mail. This bill is a commonsense solution. We need to combat identity theft. I encourage all Members to vote today to protect our constituents, especially our most vulnerable. I thank my fellow Texan, Lloyd Doggett, for cosponsoring the bill and helping me introduce the bill. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this bipartisan bill. I would also like to thank, Madam Speaker, my district staff who worked on this problem so hard in the beginning and the committee staff who helped me shepherd this through to its chairman, Mr. Johnson, of the Social Security Subcommittee. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1512, which is currently under consideration.

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1512) to amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide for the reissuance of Social Security account numbers to young children in cases where confidentiality has been compromised, as amended.

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to say thank you to my colleagues on the committee who have worked on this bill, and especially Congressman Doggett, who has helped every step of the way. H.R. 1512 is a very commonsense solution that is supported by the Association of Mature American Citizens and the AARP. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record their letters of support. Association of Mature American Citizens, Washington, DC, March 17, 2017. Hon. Kenny Marchant, 24th District, Texas, Washington, DC. Hon. Lloyd Doggett, 35th District, Texas, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Marchant and Congressman Doggett: On behalf of the 1.3 million members of AMAC, the Association of Mature American Citizens, I am writing in strong support of H.R. 1512, the Social Security Child Protection Act. This important piece of legislation offers more protection for children under 14 who have been victims of Social Security card theft. This bill is as timely as it is simple in protecting the identities of our nation's children. The Social Security Child Protection Act is a real-life solution to a real-time problem. As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently reported, identity theft rose by 50% from 2014 to 2015. As millions of identities are compromised each year due to Social Security card theft, children are becoming a more attractive target to identity thieves. H.R. 1512 does more to stem Social Security card theft by making it easier for parents to request new Social Security numbers for their children when their Social Security card has been stolen, in transit, from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Under current policy, parents of children under 14 are able to request a new Social Security number only when they can demonstrate harm has occurred as a direct result of Social Security card theft. However, demonstrating a level of harm requisite with current policy is difficult for most parents because children do not typically participate in activities where harm from Social Security card theft would be made apparent (getting a driver's license, buying a home, opening a line of credit, etc.). H.R. 1512 would make it easier for parents to get a new Social Security number for their children because they would only need to show their child's Social Security card was stolen in transit from the SSA--not that their child suffered harm. As an organization committed to representing the interests of mature Americans and seniors, AMAC is dedicated to ensuring senior citizens' interests are protected. We thank Congressman Marchant and Congressman Doggett for their commonsense and practical solution to protect children from identity theft. AMAC is pleased to offer our organization's full support to the Social Security Child Protection Act. Sincerely, Dan Weber, President and Founder of AMAC.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate thirty-three outstanding students from the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District who have been awarded the district's Awards of Excellence for the 2017-2018 school year. The following students have been selected to receive this award due to their meritorious achievements within their respected disciplines. These students possess unique talents and experiences which have enabled tremendous success within their fields of study. This year's recipients have specialties in a diverse field of subjects which includes visual and performing arts, business and industry, science, mathematics, and communications, to name but a few. Through their hard work and dedication, these young men and women have built a strong foundation on which to continue their growth and education: Mariah Alize Aguirre, Karina Murillo, Michael Gonzalez, Dylan Banfield, Cameron Yount, Ryan Robertson, Bethany Morales, Peyton Cherry, Preston Rice, Mira Caliman, Mikelis Brown, Samantha Tuapen, Reilley Flood, Isabella Page, Lucy Hwang, Kyleigh Prather, Jessie Park, Gillian Swann, Alexis Murphy, Olivia Trusty, Lola Skjolsvik, Michael Youngs, Ruby Villasenor, Elijah Mellish, Tatiana Olalde, Kennedy Carter, Jennifer Blythe, Alex Valtchanov, Telysha Vaenuku, Macy Johnson, William Tran, Dayona Hopwood, Colin Williams. In addition to recognizing the students, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the fine educators who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the needs of these students are met and their talents are nurtured. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the following teachers from L.D. Bell, Buinger CTE Academy, KEYS, and Trinity high schools for their unwavering support of these students: Britney Fahey, Holly Gregg, Ken Davis, Lance Moran, Margaret Russell, Scott Harlan, Kathleen Chase, Suzanne Dell, Sawyer Lowe, Allen Matthews, Mike Ladley, Janna Hamm, Debbie Williams, Amy Eiland, Vincent Pugh, Candace Harris, Ricky Balthorp, Sue Traver, Mario Casanova, Michael Dean, Stormee Massey, Nicolle Vertich, Charlotte Banks, Paula Turney, Tammy Brown, Mia Langi, Rachel Seldon, Marci Ward, Kedal Fries, Blanca Diaz. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing these outstanding students and teachers, and congratulating the recipients of the 2018 HEB ISD Awards of Excellence.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 45th anniversary of my friend and hero, Congressman Sam Johnson, returning home from his imprisonment in a North Vietnamese prison camp during the Vietnam War. Operation Homecoming, which occurred from February through April in 1973, returned 591 American prisoners of war held during the Vietnam War. During Sam's tenure of nearly three decades in the United States Air Force, he unfortunately spent nearly seven years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. During his time in captivity, Sam endured various forms of torture, designed to break his will. His continuous defiance caused his Vietnamese captors to place Congressman Johnson in a notoriously cruel prisoner of war camp, nicknamed the ``Hanoi Hilton.'' Even after being subjected to 42 months of solitary confinement and repeatedly tortured, Sam never let his captors defeat his resistant spirit and will. On February 17, 1973, Sam was able to return home to Texas, where he was greeted by his family. Colonel Johnson retired after 29-years in the United States Air Force, serving as a director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School, a commander of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, a commander with an air division out of Holloman Air Force Base, and a pilot in the Air Force Thunderbirds. Flying over 62 combat missions and being a combat veteran of both the Vietnam and Korean Wars, Sam encapsulates patriotism and dedication to his country. For his service, Sam was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Bronze Star, among other well- earned awards. It is a privilege and an honor to serve alongside one of my personal heroes and true friends. We first served together in the Texas State Legislature from 1987 until 1991, when Congressman Johnson was elected to represent Texas' 3rd Congressional District. Since being elected in 2005 for the 24th District of Texas, I have been fortunate to continue to serve alongside Sam not only in the House of Representatives, but on the Ways and Means Committee as well. My esteemed colleague epitomizes service and dedication to our country, with a full and accomplished career of public service after serving valiantly in our military. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the 45th anniversary of Congressman Sam Johnson's release, and congratulate him on his lifetime of service. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the anniversary of Sam's return to the United States; and in remembering this anniversary, we also remember all of those captured and imprisoned defending our liberty and freedom.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary leadership of the City of Bedford for being the first city in the United States to provide early cancer detection blood testing to its fire department. According to the International Association of Firefighters, cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters. During fire suppression and overhaul activities, firefighters may be exposed to smoke and other byproducts of combustion, many of which contain known carcinogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that firefighters have a 14 percent higher rate of cancer incidence as compared to the general population. For departments across the country, these are more than just statistics; it is a reality that firefighters and their loved ones feel acutely. After experiencing firsthand the losses of both retired and active firefighters due to cancer, the City of Bedford took action. Earlier this year, the Bedford City Council--working with the Bedford Professional Firefighter's Association and Fire Chief Sean Patrick Fay--voted to provide early cancer detection blood testing to the fire department. With this test, Bedford firefighters have an advanced tool to help detect the possible presence of cancer in its beginning stages, giving them the best chance to fight the disease. The firefighters of Bedford put themselves at tremendous risk day in and day out to ensure the safety of their community. I am profoundly encouraged by the implementation of the early cancer detection screening program and am certain that this is the first of many steps we can take to enhance protection for our firefighters. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the outstanding and proactive leadership of the City of Bedford and the brave men and women of the Bedford Fire Department.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, this week, thousands of Americans are joining together in our Nation's Capital for a common purpose, the March for Life. This year marks 45 years since Roe v. Wade legalized abortion in our country. Since 1974, generations of Americans have braved the elements and marched on Washington to pray for our Nation and be the voice for the most vulnerable members of our society, the unborn. As a member of the Pro-Life Caucus, I will continue to fight for legislation that values and protects the sanctity of innocent life. I applaud these courageous participants, and I stand with you in this movement. There is no more basic human right than the right to life.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, Texas businesses are putting more money in their employees' pockets because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Companies that employ tens of thousands of my constituents in north Texas are giving bonuses to their employees, increasing investment in their operations, and donating millions of dollars to charities. These Texas companies are joining thousands of others across the country and doing the same for their workers. They are growing the American economy because of tax reform. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reforms an unfair and uncompetitive Tax Code, and that is being fixed in this Tax Code. It provides tax relief at every income level and helps Americans and American businesses to succeed in the future.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Karen Ballard on her numerous years of service and dedication to the Grapevine Police Department in Grapevine, Texas. Karen retires this year after serving for fourteen years with the City of Grapevine, and accumulating over thirty-one years of dedicated service in emergency communications for the State of Texas. Karen's admirable career first began when she joined the Arlington Police Department as a dispatcher in 1986. After serving for over seventeen years in the City of Arlington, Texas, Karen began her tenure with the City of Grapevine in 2003. Throughout her career, Karen has served as a Dispatcher, Communications Coordinator, Coordinator Training Assistant, and a Communications Supervisor. Since joining the Grapevine Police Department, Karen has honorably served her community and has built a reputation as an outstanding Dispatcher and Communications Supervisor. Karen's dedication as a public servant is apparent in her pursuit of continued education and trainings to help provide a better service to her community. In total, Karen has completed 4,227 training hours since beginning her career in emergency communications. Karen's contributions to the emergency operations in the City of Grapevine have helped to ensure the Police, Fire, and EMS services have the best information available when they are needed. The importance of quick and accurate information can never be overstated in life-or-death situations. Karen's dedication and service have been a vital part of keeping our first responders effective, and more importantly, keeping them safe. Her legacy will leave a lasting mark on the City of Grapevine and the city's emergency services for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the notable efforts Karen has contributed to the City of Grapevine. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Karen Ballard and her many years of service and wishing her the best in her retirement.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Sam Pack of Carrolton, Texas for his tremendous and continuous work to better his community throughout his life. Sam Pack's presence in North Texas is hard to miss. His commitment to community service and public involvement has touched the lives of many in the 24th District and across the State of Texas. Mr. Pack's personal involvement in the community is apparent in the numerous awards he has received including being named the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce's ``Citizen of the Year'' as well as being recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International. Mr. Pack's charitable donations and work are known well throughout North Texas, ranging from donations to diabetes research facilities to establishing a museum in his community. Mr. Pack is a dedicated supporter of Metrocrest Services and Kidd's Kids, to name a few of the many philanthropic organizations he supports throughout North Texas. Metrocrest Services provides critical services to those coping with crisis situations, those who need help stabilizing their lives, or require other forms of support. Kidd's Kids provides tremendous support to children and their families who are dealing with life altering conditions. Mr. Pack has also created the Sam Pack Cares program, which works to provide assistance to those who serve our nation in various ways. For nearly forty years, the Sam Pack Auto Group has worked hand-in- hand with communities, businesses, and individuals across North Texas to provide outstanding service and support to customers. Mr. Pack's commitment to excellence and dedication to customer service has resulted in the Sam Pack Auto Group receiving countless awards and recognitions for their efforts. Most notably among these recognitions is TIME Magazine's ``Quality Dealer of the Year'', Ford Motor Company's ``Salute to Dealers Award'', and the Texas Automobile Dealers Association's ``Legends Award'' which, to date, has been awarded to less than twenty outstanding auto dealers within the State of Texas. Since Mr. Pack first opened a dealership in 1980, he has provided vital support to those in need, and in the 36 years since that first dealership opened, Mr. Pack has continuously proven that he is an ardent supporter of his community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my fellow colleagues join me in thanking Mr. Sam Pack for his many years of dedicated service and charitable works. I wish him continued success and congratulations as the Sam Pack Auto Group opens the Sam Pack Five Star Chevrolet Dealership in Carrollton, Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Captain John Luna on his well-earned retirement from the Grapevine Police Department in Grapevine, Texas, after thirty-two years of dedicated service as a law enforcement officer. John's esteemed career began when he joined the police department of San Marcos, Texas, in 1985. John's service to the City of San Marcos continued for over ten years when, in 1996, he began his career with the City of Grapevine. Since joining the department, John has honorably served his community and built a reputation as a hardworking and respected officer. Throughout his career in Grapevine, John received 29 letters of commendation, recognizing his professionalism and service to the community. He has served as a Field Training Officer, Police Instructor, Detective, Grapevine SWAT Team Hostage Negotiator, Honor Guard Member, and a Public Information Officer. John's dedication as a public servant is apparent in his pursuit of continued education and trainings to help provide a better service to his community. He completed his basic, intermediate, advanced, and master's police certifications, accumulating over 3,968 hours of police in-service trainings. Furthermore, John is a 2009 graduate of the 236th session of the F.B.I. National Academy, which is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers who are nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. John's contributions to the law enforcement operations in the City of Grapevine have helped to ensure countless officers have been superbly trained and prepared for the challenges they face in their everyday duties as police officers. His legacy will leave a lasting mark on the City of Grapevine and the Grapevine Police Department for years to come. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize the exceptional efforts John has contributed to the City of Grapevine. I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing Captain John Luna and his many years of service and wishing him the best in his retirement.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, today, we are keeping our promise to the American people and sending comprehensive tax reform to the President's desk for the first time in 31 years. Lowering the tax rates for middle-income families and providing a tax cut for every income level in 2018 is a very historic Christmas present delivered to my constituents in north Texas. This year, our country has--after many long years of low growth-- begun to experience the level of growth and economy that it needs. This tax cut bill will assure Americans years of sustained high growth and new jobs. Mr. Speaker, job creators and investors know that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will create lasting economic growth and a booming economy for everyone. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill and deliver tax relief to the American people.