Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, the day after our Independence Day, the U.S. women's World Cup team gave us the best fireworks show ever. They lit up the team that beat them 4 years ago in the World Cup, Japan. We scored in the third minute, the fifth minute, the 14th minute, and the 16th minute. 4-0 in 16 minutes. We had gone over 5\1/2\ hours without giving up a goal. Japan was done. Our women won every game because they left their egos in the locker room. When they jogged onto that field, they were a team full of love, love of soccer, love of America, and love of each other, their teammates. The best example of that love was a small blue arm band. It is worn by our team captain. If you missed this band's journey through our victory on Sunday, I will recount it for you. It was on Christie Rampone's left arm as her gold medal was placed around her neck. It was her second gold medal in a World Cup match. She is closer to my age than all of her teammates. Sunday was her last World Cup game. She got that blue band from Abby Wombach, the greatest woman soccer player in American history. That is her picture beside me. Abby has scored 23 goals in World Cup matches, but she had only had a silver medal from World Cup matches, never a gold. She knew that was changing when she jogged onto that field in the 79th minute of play. She also knew that, like Christie, this was her last World Cup match. A teammate stopped Abby before she entered the game. Team Captain Carli Lloyd stopped her idol, Abby, to make sure Abby's uniform was complete. There was a problem that Carli had to fix up, so she helped Abby by putting that blue armband on her left sleeve as our team captain. Carli plays pro soccer in my hometown of Houston, Texas, and we Texans believe bigger is always better. While Carli has been a Texan for a few months, she knows how to go big, real big. She scored a hat trick--three goals--in the first 16 minutes. Mr. Speaker, the 2015 women's World Cup gold medalists gave us a priceless gift: the joy of being alive, feeling American pride surge through your veins, having that breath--that short breath of excitement--or having that extra heartbeat, knowing that you are alive. America thanks our gold medal winners, our America's World Cup champions of 2015.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Jenkins) for the time and for including commonsense language in the bill that is now being debated. In 2008, EPA set a strict ozone rule that was stuck in legal limbo for years. From big cities to small towns, over 200 counties are still in nonattainment. Yet, before we finish that job, EPA wants to move the goalposts. They have issued new ozone rules that are so strict they can't be achieved with our current technology. All of America will be hit hard with job losses. This bill simply includes a pause button on new EPA rules until we can finish the job and reach our current mandates. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Edwards amendment and strip this language from this bill.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Killen's Barbeque in Pearland for being named one of the top barbeque destinations in the country. The Food Network finally recognized what Pearland residents have known since Chef Ronnie Killen opened his doors. A new Food Network series, ``Top 5 Restaurants,'' named Killen's Barbeque the second best barbeque restaurant in the nation for its delicious smoked brisket. After millions of fan recommendations, our hometown barbeque hero's brisket came second only to a pork rib joint in Memphis. Killen's brisket is truly the best of the best. I can't wait to get back to Texas and order up some delicious brisket! On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to the entire team at Killen's Barbeque on being recognized as a top barbeque destination in America.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dulles High School's Ben Powell on earning the rank of Eagle Scout with Sugar Land Boy Scout Troop 1294. Ben is among less than ten percent of all Boy Scouts to earn such a prestigious rank by dedicating countless hours towards organizing and working service projects with Troop 1294. For his final Eagle Scout Project, Ben lead 42 volunteers in a restoration effort throughout the historical Farmers' Improvement Society Cemetery. Together, they spent three hours resetting over 25 headstones that marked the graves of African American war veterans. Eagle Scouts exemplify the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership. We are extremely proud of Ben's selfless dedication to our community and for demonstrating such strong leadership. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Ben on becoming an Eagle Scout. You have a bright future ahead.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rachael Turner for her continued success in Nashville as a country music artist. To find such success in Nashville's competitive country music scene is an amazing accomplishment. Rachael, a Fort Bend Christian Academy graduate and Sugar Land native, has shown remarkable artistic ability and charisma while finding great success in the music industry. Rachael signed with Rustic Records where her two most recent singles, ``Matches and Moonshine'' and ``Meet Me in the Middle'' have both made it in to the top 50 on the Music Row Charts. She most recently performed at the annual CMA music festival in Nashville. We hope to see you take the Houston Rodeo stage next. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Rachael for taking the country music industry by storm.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Houston Asian Chamber of Commerce. The Houston Asian Chamber of Commerce has served our community well for 25 successful years. They have been vigilant in their mission to develop future business leaders and to promote the economic development of Houston-area Asian-American communities. The Asian Chamber of Commerce also has a pivotal role in promoting trade for both Houston, Texas and Asia. Chamber Co-chairs Samina Farid, Gordon Quan and Stephen Le, Sr. recently threw an event that truly honored the achievements of the last 25 years. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Houston Asian Chamber of Commerce on a wonderful 25 years. Thank you for all that you have done for our community.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Smriti and Siddhant Ahuja for earning the President's Volunteer Service Award for the third consecutive year. This prestigious award recognizes those who have taken action to positively serve the world around them. It is a great honor to earn this recognition once, but to receive the award three years in a row is outstanding. Smriti and Siddhant are currently juniors at Seven Lakes High School. Since age 4, these twins have spent countless hours volunteering and have worked hard to inspire others through community service. We are extremely proud of Smriti and Siddhant, and thank their parents for constantly encouraging a life of helping others. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Smriti and Siddhant Ahuja for earning the President's Volunteer Service Award. We are excited to see where your service takes you.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fort Bend Christian Academy softball team for their amazing 4-A district winning streak this past season. After more than 100 games, the Lady Eagles maintained a remarkable winning streak and ended the year tied for first place. They were led on and off the field by an outstanding young player, Claire McKissick, who was selected for the 4A all-state first team as a sophomore. Additionally, the women had a trio of young players selected for the all-state second team including Tessa Cantrell, Emily Ferguson, and Kati Ray Brown. The Lady Eagles further packed the all-district team selections with the achievements of senior Morgan Kornegay, sophomore Kendall Bohny, and senior Madelyn Hill. These prestigious awards are achieved through both athletic and academic vigor and are highly competitive throughout the state of Texas. We are extremely proud of all the women of the Fort Bend Christian Academy softball team and look forward to their future accomplishments. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the entire Lady Eagle softball team on an incredible season.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fort Bend Christian baseball team for a remarkable season. The Eagles finished the season with a remarkable 11-3 record and proudly represented the entire Fort Bend community. They were led on and off the field by captain and all-state senior, Trent Bohny. Additionally, the Eagles had multiple players selected for the all- district teams with honorable state mentions, including senior Spencer Paschal, senior Derek Smith, and senior Garrett West. These prestigious awards are achieved through both athletic and academic vigor and are highly competitive throughout the state of Texas. We are extremely proud of all the men of the Fort Bend Christian Academy baseball team and look forward to their future accomplishments. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Fort Bend Christian Academy baseball team on a successful season.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Logos Prep baseball team for their advancement to the 3A championship game after winning District 6-3A. The Lions entered into the championship game with a remarkable 11-1 record and proudly represented the entire Fort Bend community. They were led on and off the field by four outstanding all-state players, including junior Andrew Richards, sophomore Sammy Kuntz, senior Makay Raven, and junior Marshall Allen. Additionally, the Lions had multiple players voted onto the all-district and academic all-state list. These prestigious awards are achieved through both athletic and academic vigor and are highly competitive throughout the state of Texas. We are extremely proud of all the men of the Logos Prep baseball team and look forward to their future accomplishments. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the entire team in representing the Logos Prep Academy in the Texas State Tournament.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Rodney Bell of Needville High School and Junior High for receiving the Mirabeau B. Lamar Outstanding Educator Award. The Mirabeau B. Lamar Award is given to individuals who overcame personal adversity and have gone on to strengthen their community. Dr. Bell, the choir director at Needville High School and Junior High, has shown outstanding perseverance and an unrelenting dedication to the education of our future leaders. For all of his efforts, the Morton Masonic Lodge No. 72 in Richmond has recognized him by giving him this prestigious award. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Dr. Rodney Bell for receiving the Mirabeau B. Lamar Outstanding Educator Award. Thank you for your positive impact on the Needville community.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish H-E-B Grocery Stores a very happy 110th birthday. H-E-B has been serving the great State of Texas for 110 and strives to give back to all Texans. They continue to support our community through quality food, incredible service and various philanthropic efforts throughout Texas. We are extremely proud of the accomplishments made by H-E-B and are proud of their deep Texas roots. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, happy birthday again to H-E-B, and we look forward to 110 more years.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Annabelle Du of Katy's James E. Williams Elementary School for being one of only thirteen winning students of the Don't Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Contest. Annabelle, who is currently in the fourth grade, is one of the thirteen winners selected from the 8,228 elementary school students from across Texas who entered the contest. Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation selected the contest winners who displayed tremendous artistic talent, dedication, and creativity. Annabelle's submission will appear in the 2016 Don't Mess with Texas Calendar and will be displayed on the Keep Texas Beautiful and Don't Mess with Texas websites. Her work will even be showcased at the Keep Texas Beautiful's 2015 Annual Conference. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Annabelle for being selected as one of the winners of the Don't Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Contest.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jessica Chai of Katy's Roosevelt Alexander Elementary School for being one of only thirteen winning students of the Don't Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Contest. Jessica, currently in the fourth grade, is one of the thirteen winners selected from the 8,228 elementary school students from across Texas who entered the contest. Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation selected the contest winners who displayed tremendous artistic talent, dedication, and creativity. Jessica's submission will appear in the 2016 Don't Mess with Texas Calendar and will be displayed on the Keep Texas Beautiful and Don't Mess with Texas websites. Her work will even be showcased at the Keep Texas Beautiful's 2015 Annual Conference. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Jessica for being selected as one of the winners of the Don't Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Contest.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all members of the Killum Pest Control, Inc. team who were honored with the Winner of Distinction Award at the Better Business Bureau Awards for Excellence. KiIlum Pest Control, Inc. is one of 314 companies recognized by the Better Business Bureau Awards of Excellence for their commitment and integrity. They have now been recognized twice for their achievements. We are extremely proud of the dedication of Killum Pest Control's employees and the leadership it provides in the small business community. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Killum Pest Control, Inc. for earning this esteemed award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vivian Wang of Sugar Land's Cornerstone Elementary for being one of only thirteen winning students of the Don't Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Contest. Vivian Wang, who is currently in the fifth grade, is one of the thirteen winners selected from the 8,228 elementary school students from across Texas who entered the contest. Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation selected the contest winners who displayed tremendous artistic talent, dedication, and creativity. Vivian's submission will appear in the 2016 Don't Mess with Texas Calendar and will be displayed on the Keep Texas Beautiful and Don't Mess with Texas websites. Her work will even be showcased at the Keep Texas Beautiful's 2015 Annual Conference. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Vivian for being selected as one of the winners of the Don't Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Contest.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anne Christiono of Sugar Land's Cornerstone Elementary for being one of only thirteen winning students of the Don't Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Contest. Anne, who is currently in the third grade, is one of the thirteen winners selected from the 8,228 elementary school students from across Texas who entered the contest. Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation selected the contest winners who displayed tremendous artistic talent, dedication, and creativity. Anne's submission will appear in the 2016 Don't Mess with Texas Calendar and will be displayed on the Keep Texas Beautiful and Don't Mess with Texas websites. Her work will even be showcased at the Keep Texas Beautiful's 2015 Annual Conference. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Anne for being selected as one of the winners of the Don't Mess with Texas Elementary School Art Contest.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a new connection between Taipei, Taiwan and Houston, Texas. Beginning on June 19th, 2015 a new direct flight will connect these cities and allow Houstonians to travel to Taiwan and Asia more easily. This new opportunity will also promote business and tourism, which means economic benefits for both Texas and Taiwan. The United States and Taiwan already enjoy a robust economic partnership. Taiwan is our 10th largest trading partner. Our bilateral trade amounts to more than $67 billion in 2014. I am confident this important relationship will continue to thrive and will continue to support our close friend and ally.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Clear Creek Independent School District's (CCISD) robotics team and their robot, Empire, for being named Alliance World Champs at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition Championship. The Robonauts is made up of students of all ages from around CCISD. Together these students worked hand in hand with mentors from NASA's Johnson Space Center to build their robot, Empire. The team travelled to St. Louis where they competed against 600 other engineering teams from around the globe. The Robonauts really had to put their engineering skills to the test. In St. Louis, Empire succeeded in each competition, allowing the Robonauts to take home first place. Congratulations to all of Robonauts' team members and mentors for their victory. We are excited to see all that you accomplish in the future. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the CCISD Robonauts for being crowned the Alliance World Champs.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Needville High School softball team for completing their season as Class 4A Texas State Runners Up. After a history-making season, the Lady Blue Jays finished strong with a 33-8 record. They were led on and off the field by two outstanding young pitchers, Victoria Moreno and Micayla Orsak, who received great encouragement from Coach Amber Schmidt. The Lady Blue Jays demonstrated immense dedication to the sport and remained motivated throughout the championship game. They fought hard until the very end! We are extremely proud of the entire Needville High School softball team and coaching staff. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the entire Lady Blue Jays softball team on an incredible season. We look forward to seeing everything this team accomplishes.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Laquitta DeMerchant for receiving one of the World Youth Foundation's 2015 Community Impact Award thanks to her work as CEO of Fuzion Apps and dedication to her community. Ms. DeMerchant has numerous accomplishments and shows tremendous enthusiasm for her community. She won the Women Innovation Mobile Award and the grand prize in the Department of Labor's Equal Pay App Challenge. Laquitta speaks at universities and high schools around the Houston area to increase awareness of wage gap issues and supports initiatives for working families. Laquitta also mentors young programmers and software developers in competitions throughout the nation. A member of her team at the Essence Festival YESWECODE hackathon went on to win the biggest international impact award for developing an anti-human trafficking app. We are proud of her accomplishments on behalf of our community. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Laquitta DeMerchant for receiving the Community Impact Award. We appreciate your dedication to strengthening our community.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Katy High School Lady Tiger softball team for winning the Texas 6A State Championship. This incredible team is now the best in Texas! With a young team, the Lady Tigers had a lot to prove. The team reached the second round of the playoffs last season and was determined to perform better this season. This resilient team certainly rose to the challenge this season. In the state tournament, the Lady Tigers ousted the powerhouses of Alvin, Brazoswood, and The Woodlands before defeating Lewisville in the championship game. We are proud of the entire team and coaching staff for their immense dedication to each other and to the sport. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Head Coach Kalum Haack and the Katy High School Lady Tigers softball team on their State Championship. Thank you for bringing the gold back home to Katy.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay my respects to Dr. Phil Lineberger. He was a noble, God-fearing man who left us too soon. Pastor Phil served as pastor of Sugar Land Baptist Church since November 1995 and was the senior pastor until the time of his death. Pastor Phil mentored many people during his forty-five years as a pastor and was even coined ``the real Dr. Phil'' by members of his congregation for how readily he nurtured others through good and bad times. Pastor Phil touched many people throughout his life and always gave of himself unconditionally in service of others. I extend my deepest condolences to Phil's wife, Brenda, his three daughters, and ten beautiful grandchildren. Our prayers are with each of you during this unimaginable grief. Your husband, father, and grandfather was loved by many. I know that your family at Sugar Land Baptist Church is lifting you up in prayers and surrounding you with love. Again, the folks from the Twenty Second Congressional District are very sorry for your loss. We lost Phil too soon, and he will be missed.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Angelica Garcia who was recently awarded the Women's Business Enterprise National Council's Women's Business Star at its Salute to Women's Business Enterprise Gala. Angelica is an entrepreneur and a mother from the Katy-area. She was awarded by the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance for her entrepreneurial leadership and perseverance. Angelica established AIM Global Logistics, LLC using only $50,000 in savings and a $500 credit card. Today her business brings in over 20 million dollars a year by offering superior services in the transportation industry. She is an exceptional leader in the Houston business community. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Angelica Garcia for receiving the Women's Business Enterprise National Council's Women's Business Star Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Christy Lee, Yaobin Chen, Mia Craven for earning the Top Mixed Relay Award during the 16th Annual Texas State High School Triathlon Championships. These Clements High School athletes were among almost 250 competitors from Texas competing in this race. Each relay team was required to compete in a 500 meter lake swim, 14 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. This win speaks to the team's dedication to the sport and immense athletic ability. We wish the team luck throughout their academic and athletic careers. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Christy, Yaobin, and Mia for winning the Top Mixed Relay award in this year's Triathlon Championships.