Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, a disaster is brewing in the people's House. It is called H.R. 1384, the Medicare for All Act of 2019. May 29, 1 week ago from today, the Fort Bend Chamber had a state of healthcare event. During Q&A, Dr. Richard Ehlers, the head of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, was asked about Medicare for All: ``Medicare for All is the most expensive way to go, and it would be the most expensive system to utilize. The underlying model for the rest of the world is actually not universal healthcare but rationed medical care.'' He continued, ``Depending on the supply and the patient's age, it could mean a 72-year-old man who needs a liver transplant is told he is not eligible because of his age.'' That man, 72 years old, is given a death sentence by Medicare for All, and that is just the way it is.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, on April 18, 2019, my Democratic colleagues were overjoyed. The report on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential election was released. It was two volumes, volume I and volume II. Volume I was 199 pages long, volume II, 182 pages long. Special Counsel Mueller's report was my colleagues' dream: the smoking gun. Now we can impeach President Donald Trump. The taxpayers spent $2.5 million so far, but that is a victory. The folks back home heard this, one ugly thud. There was no collusion and no obstruction. So why do my colleagues keep the investigation going? Why are they threatening subpoenas, contempt of Congress? Well, it is because Mr. Putin hacked into our elections with a wide open door given to him by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the DCCC. Volume I, page 38: On April 12, 2016, the GRU, the Russians, had gained access to the DCCC computers using the credentials stolen from a DCCC employee who had been successfully spear-phished the week before. A few lines later: Approximately 6 days after the first hack into the DCCC network on April 18, 2016, the GRU--again, the Russians-- gained access to the DNC network via a virtual private network connected between the DCCC and the DNC. Mr. Putin was not interfering in our elections to help Mr. Trump. The report shows he was motivated by the fact of most of my people back home: He wanted anybody but Mrs. Clinton. Volume I, page 23: Here is the main idea: Use any opportunity to criticize Hillary and the rest--except for Mr. Sanders and Mr. Trump. We support them. It is time for my friends on the other side of the aisle to admit they left the barn door open, and Mr. Putin let those cows out to run free in our elections. It is over. Let's move on. Join us in doing the people's work. That means issues they care about, like how about having lower unemployment? That is historical right now for Asians, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans. Let's give that a round of applause. How about energy independence? Yes, our world is clear because of American energy. How about helping us secure our border? Address the crisis on our border, have an immigration policy that works. The American people want this. They are sick and tired of investigation after investigation after investigation. It is over. Let's move on.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, due to flooding and severe weather in my district this week, I was unable to vote on May 10 and the prior day. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall No. 200.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, the young lady behind me is Cathy Goodman. Cathy is the first school nurse at Settlers Way Elementary, and she is still that nurse 25 years later. Why stay for 25 years? To quote Cathy: ``My ministry began when SWE opened its doors and I stepped through them. I knew that I'd come home.'' Cathy's ministry involved my daughter, Kate. That 10-year-old little girl left the only life she ever knew when we moved back home in August of 2007. Every day during Kate's first month of school, we got a call. She had an upset stomach and was sent to see the school nurse, Cathy. Cathy turned on her ministry and became Kate's best friend--problem solved. Thank you, Cathy Goodman, for your unending love and faith. May God always bless you like you always blessed us.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Chair, I thank my friend from Texas. Mr. Chairman, we are here today because the previous administration wanted to score political points before leaving office by saving the world for America's leadership on greenhouse gas emissions. The former administration's chasing glory on foreign soils signed the Paris climate agreement, or, as folks back home call it, ``the kill America's economy agreement so China can take my jobs.'' The Constitution, Article II, Section 2, paragraph 2, sentence 1, says very clearly: ``He shall have the power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur.'' The Paris Agreement looks, smells, and feels like a treaty. The worst offender for climate change in the world, China, had their legislature approve the Paris Agreement. President Obama never sent that to the Senate for approval, and since the Paris Agreement was never approved, it has the same power as this blank piece of paper. Here are some numbers, some facts: From 2000 to 2014, America's global leadership has reduced our emissions by 18 percent. From a study by the EIA, despite having an increase of 3.1 percent of CO2 in 2017, we are down 14 percent from 1990 levels for CO2. Former Secretary of State John Kerry noted through negotiations from Paris that if America and all of the developed countries of the world cut their gas CO2 emissions to zero, emissions for the world would take over, and we would still be in the same position.

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, America does not need the Paris Agreement. Russia needs the Paris Agreement; China needs the Paris agreement; India needs the Paris Agreement; the European Union needs the Paris Agreement. We don't have to take this. We have proven to the world with technology and the free market, we can make this Earth cleaner. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote for the families, vote for the local jobs--vote against H.R. 9.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, today I voted ``Yes'' on H.R. 1585 because we need to advance legislation designed to protect women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other crimes that are all too common. While I voted ``yes,'' I have grave concerns with some provisions of this legislation involving Second Amendment rights and due process. It is my hope these concerns will be addressed in Senate negotiations.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, if the unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, on behalf of the human beings, babies who leave their mother's--

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, if this unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker--

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, the Boy Scout motto is ``Be Prepared.'' All Scouts say it, but very few live it. A young Scout from Sugar Land, Texas, lived it. His name is Ben Davis. On July 2, 2018, Ben hears faint cries. He is horrified when he finds the source: an 87-year-old neighbor lying in her yard. She had fallen doing yard work. She had been lying in the hot Texas July sun for hours. She was dying. Being a prepared Boy Scout, Ben knew exactly what to do: go into the woman's house, call 911. And that is exactly what Ben did. Ben stayed with his neighbor until help arrived. Ben Davis is the best in Sugar Land, in Fort Bend County, in Texas, and in America. He is a prepared Boy Scout hero.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, on March 7 of this year, 6 days ago, we lost our colleague Ralph Hall. Ralph's journey among us here in Congress and our world started on May 3, 1923, in a town called Fate, Texas. Never in American history has a town of birth been more appropriate for a man than Fate, Texas. Ralph's life was all about fate, great faith, and God. As fate would have it, Ralph left Fate and moved to wall when he was 3 years old. He started working there at a local convenience store. As fate would have it, guess who showed up? Bonnie and Clyde, the notorious killers on a rampage throughout Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, that part of our country. They gave Ralph a 25-cent tip--a quarter--big money in those days. He was so excited, he showed his boss the quarter and noticed a newspaper lying there on the floor. Whose picture was on the front of that paper? Bonnie and Clyde. He told his boss, ``They just came here. They are in Rockwall. That is their car.'' His boss called the local sheriff. Ralph couldn't hear the conversation, but the sheriff said something to the effect of, ``Thanks for calling about Bonnie and Clyde. I've got two stray dogs I've got to catch. Once I get those dogs, I'm going after Bonnie and Clyde.'' After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Ralph joined our Navy to fly naval aircraft. He went to Pensacola, Florida, for his first training. As fate would have it, he met a Hall of Fame baseball player, Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox, the last man to hit over .400 in a season. Knowing he had Ted on his baseball team, Ralph found a young Army sergeant and said: ``Hey, son, I want to bet you my whole paycheck on a baseball game, Navy versus Army.'' The day of the game, Ralph knocked on Ted's door. Ted answered with a fishing pole and some gear to go fishing. Ralph said, ``You have to play baseball and beat Army.'' Ted said, ``I came here to learn to fly, defend America, and then fish.'' Ralph held the game up so Ted could go AWOL, absent without leave, and go fishing. Of course, that night, Ralph had to go home to his queen, his beloved Mary Ellen, and tell her, ``Honey, I have just lost my entire paycheck betting on a baseball game with the Army.'' Ralph got out of flight school and went to war. He flew the F6F Hellcat on aircraft carriers. Now, I was a naval aviator, and I have to tell you, those guys were crazy, crazy, crazy courageous. Right now, if you land on an aircraft carrier, you have what is called the meatball. This ball gives you course and glide slope. In those days, they had guys with paddles. Ralph said his proudest achievement in naval aviation during the war was to make sure on his record book that his takeoffs were the same number as his landings. As fate would have it, once again, Ralph came home to Rockwall, Texas, to become a lawyer. The local county judge retired, so there was a vacancy. People said, ``Ralph, you should run our county. File for election.'' Ralph didn't want to play politics. That wasn't his business. But driving home, he said, ``You know what? I will just apply, maybe be there for just a couple months and go back home to my lawyer job.'' He filed 1 minute before the deadline that year, 1 minute. He was driving home. The local radio was booming: ``Ralph Hall, running for county judge.'' Guess who was outside his home, waiting with an angered look on her face? His queen, Mary Ellen. That fate got Ralph going into public service and got Ralph here on Capitol Hill. As fate would have it, when America goes back to the Moon sometime in the next couple years, they are going to do that because of Ralph Hall. God bless Ralph Hall. As our dear friend Gene Cernan said: May you always have fair winds and following seas. You shot for your Moon. You are still among the stars. God bless Ralph Hall.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ian Stewart of Pearland, TX for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest honor a Boy Scout can earn. Only a small percentage of Boy Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout. This honor requires years of effort to develop the necessary leadership, service and outdoor skills. To earn it, Ian developed and provided leadership to others in a service project. For his project, Ian refurbished soccer goals on fields throughout the Shadow Creek Ranch Planned Community in Pearland, TX. His dedication to our community has prepared him to be a leader in his future endeavors and benefit all those around him. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Ian for becoming an Eagle Scout. We are proud of his continued success and thank him for his dedication to making our community a better place.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the reopening of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Katy, Texas. During Hurricane Harvey, the New Hope Presbyterian Church sustained over $1.5 million in flood damage. The reopening of the church coincided with its 40 year anniversary. Pastor Long and the 100 person congregation have dedicated their church's outreach efforts on ways they can help and serve their community while growing in their faith. The church also serves as the home to the Houston Korean Community Church and a food pantry for the local community. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to New Hope Presbyterian Church on their new facilities and 40th anniversary. Thank them again for bringing faith, fellowship and service to our community; we look forward to another 40 years.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Warren Phillips for being named the 2018 Sugar Land Employee of the Year. Warren is a firefighter and paramedic with the Sugar Land Fire-EMS Department and also serves on the West Fort Bend Regional SWAT Team. He was nominated and awarded this high honor by his peers for his unwavering commitment to our Sugar Land community and its citizens. Working with the Sugar Land--Ironman Sports Medicine Institute, Warren implemented a ``Tactical Athlete Program'' for the SWAT team and teaches a combat casualty care class for local police departments. Warren is also a U.S. Army veteran. His service and dedication to both the United States and Texas help keep us safe and free. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Warren Phillips on being named the 2018 Sugar Land Employee of the Year. I thank him for his service to our Sugar Land community.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Stephen Robert Sulentic, of Houston, who lost his twenty-month long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) on December 18, 2018. Stephen was born in Omaha, NE on May 3, 1958 to Phyllis Ann Sulentic and Stephen John Sulentic. As a member of the Society of Jesus, he strengthened his faith and devotion to God. Stephen graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from St. Louis University and later acquired a Master of Arts from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard Law School. He held many positions in his life ranging from attorney and teacher, to school bus driver and door- to-door salesman. Stephen served as a member of the Mount Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department from 1998 to 2007, where he received the Medal of Valor, the highest honor given by the Mount Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department, for going above and beyond the call of duty. Stephen left a legacy behind in his service to community and commitment to family. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, we mourn the loss of Stephen Robert Sulentic. We wish him fair winds and following seas in heaven.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fort Bend District Attorney John Healey on his retirement. John Healey spent his 37 year long career serving the folks of Fort Bend County in the office of the District Attorney, including 26 years as the county's top prosecutor. Since beginning in the District Attorney's Office in January of 1982, John successfully handled thousands of cases with dignity and compassion. John's commitment to our community and his dedication to those he has served deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to John Healey on his retirement. May he have fair winds and following seas in his retirement.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Chairman, back home, all Texans agree the 10 most terrifying words and the biggest lie people can hear is ``I'm from the Federal Government, and I'm here to help.'' On that viewpoint, H.R. 1, which is called the For the People Act, should be called the ``For the Big Government Act'' or, more accurately, the ``Big Lie Act.'' Texas 22 does not want to have $6 of Federal tax dollars given to subsidize small donors and match every dollar they raise. They prefer that $6 of their money be used for new roads, deeper ports, Border Patrol, safe schools, and hurricane prevention. Texas is being swarmed by Californians. They are coming for jobs, a low State income tax--zero--and a friendly environment for businesses. Just like we don't want a tax on plastic straws, Texans sure as heck don't want to follow California's same-day registration. I ask my colleagues, respect the Constitution, respect the 10th Amendment, respect States' rights, and vote against this terrible bill.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Doug Boeker for his recent promotion to the position of Fire Chief of the Sugar Land Fire Department. Chief Boeker has admirably served the Sugar Land community for the past 27 years, joining the Sugar Land Fire Department after graduating from a fire academy in 1992. He helped establish the Sugar Land Fired Up 5K and leads youth outreach programs through Shattered Dreams, Decisions Matter and Crud Wars. In addition Boeker implemented the Senior Fires and Falls safety prevention program and a critical ambulance service established after our Sugar Land population rapidly grew. While these accomplishments are unparalleled by most, Boeker didn't stop there. He has also served as the chief executive officer of NexGen Group, the general manager of Intercare Health Services and as the fire commissioner for the Harris-Fort Bend Emergency Services District No. 100. His service to our community is exceptional. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Fire Chief Doug Boeker on his promotion. We thank him for his dedication to keeping Sugar Land safe.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital for earning an `A' rating from The Leapfrog Group's Fall 2018 Hospital Safety Grade. Memorial Hermann Katy was one of only 855 hospitals in the United States given an `A' rating from the Leapfrog Group, a national organization committed to improving health care quality and safety for consumers and purchasers. The Hospital Safety Grade assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harmful incidents among patients in their care. By consistently striving for and achieving excellence, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital has set the bar high for hospitals around the country. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital for being recognized with an `A' rating along with 855 other hospitals across our great nation. Thank you for your dedication to providing quality care to our Katy community.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank James ``Buck'' Gilcrease on his years of dedication and service to the students and faculty of Alvin ISD. Since assuming the Superintendent position in 2014, James has overseen the opening of seven new schools in the district. James led the district through multiple successful bond elections which were needed because of unprecedented population growth. During his tenure, seven new schools were opened by Alvin ISD. Even though James is retiring, he plans to continue his legacy advocating for the advancement of our children's education. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to James ``Buck'' Gilcrease for his years of dedication and commitment to academic excellence at Alvin ISD. While we are sad to see him leave Alvin ISD, we wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate San Jacinto College for earning the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Houston Chapter's 2018 Excalibur Award and the 2018 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) District 4 Medallion Award. San Jacinto College was awarded a Silver Excalibur Award from PRSA and a Bronze Medallion Award from NCMPR. The Excalibur Award is given to recognize extraordinary professional accomplishments in the execution of public relations programs while the Medallion Award is given to those who express outstanding achievements in the areas of marketing and communication at community colleges. It is thanks to the tireless efforts of the faculty and students that the college received these prestigious awards. These awards highlight San Jacinto College's ongoing effort to recruit bright minds and future leaders to their institution. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to San Jacinto College for earning PRSA's Houston Chapter's 2018 Excalibur Awards and the 2018 National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 4 Medallion Awards. We know we will be seeing even more accolades for San Jacinto College in the future.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chandler Scott of Katy, TX for advancing to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Congressional Debate. Chandler is the first UIL Congressional Debate qualifier in the history of Katy High School. In the competition, Chandler will play the role of a mock legislator. Students work hard to prepare their bills and resolutions, which they then debate with their competitors as they work toward passing laws. Although he has already made history, Chandler says that there is no added pressure on his performance. Instead, he is proud to represent his school at the competition. Chandler, whose mother is a 1984 refugee from Afghanistan, says her work ethic and perseverance helped shape him into the person he is today. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Chandler Scott of Katy, TX. We are proud of this accomplishment and wish him well at the contest.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, 10 years ago, March 2, 2009, big changes happened back home in Sugar Land, Texas. Bill Heard Chevrolet went to the dustbin of history. It was replaced by Classic Chevrolet. It opened on the same lot at Southeast U.S. 59 and U.S. 90A. Don Kerstetter got it rolling. Jeff and Tiffany Sebastian kept it rolling stronger. In 10 years, Classic has made Sugar Land and Fort Bend County better. In fact, they have been fully engaged in our community. A few examples: They participate every year in an annual Classic Chevy Chili Cook- Off, raising tens of thousands of dollars for first responders; They support local schools, the Fort Bend Education Foundation, last Saturday, with Ray Aguilar of Classic emceeing the event; They support the Boy Scouts, Child Advocates of Fort Bend boys choir, Impact A Hero for combat-wounded veterans, and on and on and on. For 10 years, Classic Chevrolet has had no need to find new roads. All roads lead to Classic Chevrolet.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, we all know an iconic Texas song: ``The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.'' The sky of Texas has a new star, the brightest star ever. Her name is Marlee Hope Pack. She is glowing right beside me. After a courageous fight with childhood cancer, God called Marlee home on February 23. Marlee's cancer would not be stopped. Her dad, Bill, kept asking Marlee: What is your wish with Make-A-Wish? After a few weeks, sweet Marlee answered: ``Dad, if I have to think about it this hard, I don't need a wish.'' Marlee turned Make-A-Wish into make a gift. She opened Marlee's Bear Workshop and partnered with Build-A-Bear to give kids with cancer teddy bears and hope. Thank you, Bill and Shelly, and all who loved Marlee for giving us such a special person. She made our world better.