Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues. Arjun Luthra attends Clear Springs High School in League City, Texas. The essay topic is: Challenges within the political process. Within the US political system, there is an iron triangle which defines the spheres of influence and relationship between the United States Congress, the bureaucracy and the interest groups. Along with these groups, the executive branch influences the appointments of justices and bureaucratic officials. Concerns regarding public policy are placed on the shoulders of numerous institutions. What makes the political process so challenging is to ensure there is reconciliation of the political interests of these numerous institutions like Congress, which represents individual districts and states, and the President, which represents the overall nation. The President, Office of Management and Budget, the Congressional Budget Office, agencies and interest groups are all involved in the budgeting process. The President bears responsibility of presenting the Budget to Congress while the Congressional Budget Office advises Congress of potential consequences of budget decisions. Within the process, the agencies provide projection of budgetary needs. The complexity of the process and shared roles among the institution often require adaptation or reconciliation. For example, in 1973, President Nixon refused to disburse appropriated funds of Congress. This lead to the Budget Impoundment Act which transferred power of President to Congress. This particular historical example not only demonstrates a check and balance system, but also exemplifies the challenges in the political process. In addition to budget, legislation becomes difficult to enact either due to political gridlock due to divided government or party polarization. This gridlock has led to a restricted number of bills that pass through the congressional committees. Only 4 percent of bills introduced to Congress become law and only about 6 percent of bills reach floor debate. Furthermore, discussion of bill is restricted by the closed rule in the House, which places time limit for debate and restricts amendments. While in the Senate, senators can request for a filibuster, which extends time of debate. This allows members of the Senate to push their interests forward and often prevent discussion of other legislation proposed. In essence, the political process is challenging especially in creating the political agenda and reaching specific goals set by the numerous governmental institutions. Today, hot topics in the political agenda include gun control, education and immigration policies. Although pushing for funds and legislation that yields long-term benefits for the constituents is challenging, the political process requires purposeful rather than reckless action that is advantageous to the United States. The political process ensures recognition of the Constitution as a governing document and also ensures a check on the abuse of political power.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues. Cameron Kallina attends Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. The essay topic is: The rise of ISIS. The rise of ISIS in the past year has taken a toll on the perception of the terroristic group from a blatant ``JV team'', the words of our Commander in Chief, to a threat even greater than Al Qaeda. They have demonstrated time and time again that they are serious and are here to stay. From Paris to the shooting down of a Russian commercial airline, the actions of these attacks have shaken sense of security of everyday normal life. ISIS is a terrorist militant group, disowned by Al Qaeda in early 2014 due to their brutal tactics, which has risen to power through the massive land they have conquered from Northern Syria to Central Iraq. They are the richest terror group in the world due to owning over half of Syria's oil assets and those profits from the oil help independently fund their regime. Their actions have had an impact on not only the United States, but abroad as well. ISIS has become a focus of the 2016 Presidential election. Where prior to the attacks of late 2015 the focus of the debates centered on the economy, there has been a shift to national security, especially how to implement measures and how to maintain it. According to a Gallup poll which was published on December 14, 2015, 16% of Americans think terrorism is now the number one issue in the election, up from 3% in early November. (http:// www.gallup.com/poll/187655/americans-name-terrorism- noproblem.aspx) The candidates differ on how to handle the rising situation. The candidates all have their theory on how to defeat this group. One idea from Hillary Clinton states we should shut down every terrorist account on social media, Donald Trump has made statements that we should ban all Muslims from entering the country, Ted Cruz says we must stand with our Allies against the terror threat, and there are many other ideas from other candidates that have their own strategy for facing ISIS. Our sense of security has also been shaken. The ruthless terrorist attacks on Paris, France left the world in a shocked state of disbelief. 130 people were massacred and 368 were wounded that night at Stade de France, cafes, restaurants, and a concert hall. It left a scar on France they'll never forget. It seemed nowhere was safe; any place could now be a target. And citizens around the world were aware of this, tensions were high as everyone waited with the anticipation of another attack happening. Cities in Europe and the United States were on a heightened alert in the days and weeks following. These acts of violence has shown the true colors and motivation of this radical regime. They show no intentions of letting up and have become a threat, not just to the U.S.A., but to all of the Western Civilized world. America must lead the fight against these monsters with the help of our Allies to secure victory and peace worldwide.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues. Ann Johnson attends Kempner High School in Sugar Land, Texas. The essay topic is: In your opinion, what makes the political process in Congress so challenging? I used to think that Congress was largely ineffective. However, after taking a semester of AP Government, I realized that the legislative body was supposed to be that way. Congress isn't supposed to react quickly, rather, it is supposed to take its time and deliberate over the best course of action. The large number of political checkpoints a bill must pass naturally complicates the process. These checkpoints ensure that the bill is the best version it can be and brings the greatest good to the greatest number of people. However, there are many extraneous factors that make the political process more challenging. One is the very apparent political divide in Congress. When Democrats only support bills created by Democrats and vice versa, the political process becomes nearly impossible to maneuver. Many great ideas and proposals for our country get lost in the partisan struggle or passed bills, heavy with compromises, never amount to any real change. Too often, politicians are more concerned with party approval instead of the needs of the American people. The deep divide in Congress and unwillingness to engage in across the aisle collaboration makes the political process extremely challenging. Another factor in the political process is the influence of wealthier Americans in the decision-making process. In recent times, Americans of higher socioeconomic have been able to contribute heavily to elections and legislation. After the Citizens United vs FEC ruling, corporations and unions were able to spend unlimited sums of money on campaigns. This allows wealthier Americans to yield more power in the election and legislative fronts. They are able to influence lawmakers to vote their way, instead of voting for the benefit of all Americans. When lawmakers are forced to vote for their own personal benefit or for the benefit of their financial contributors, it makes the political process incredibly challenging. Lastly, lack of interest in the political process by the public is a challenge. As Americans, we have been blessed with the right to participate in our democratic process. From voting for candidates to speaking out about different laws, Americans are able to influence the political process in many ways. However, too few Americans take advantage of these privileges. When all Americans unite for a cause, true change is certainly possible. Leading America in the right direction requires the participation of all Americans and politicians working together hand in hand.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues. Ann Marie Ramas attends Ridge Point High School in Missouri City, Texas. The essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past year and explain how that event has changed/shaped our country. In the past year, immigration has become a prevalent and controversial topic in social and political discussions. President Obama made some changes to immigration policies, prompting the case United States v. Texas (2015) where a Texas judge blocked President Obama's executive action on immigration known as Deferred Actions for Parents of Americans (DAPA). This executive order, along with the Catch and Release Act, epitomizes President Obama's position on immigrants. He believes that implementing lenient rules on illegal immigrants is fair, that we should not deport illegal immigrants under certain circumstances--if they have children who are American citizens or legal residents, if they pass a criminal background check, or if they are willing to pay their fair share of taxes. Like most things nowadays, this has sparked some controversy. In addition to the rising notoriety and outrageous deeds of ISIS, the Syrian refugees seeking protection, and the increasing frequency of terrorists' attacks all over the world, United States v. Texas not only exemplifies but also enlarges the heated issue of immigration. America is a compassionate nation, but it is a compassionate and fearful nation. We know that it is morally right to help those in need, especially considering the fact that Americans have all traveled to this great nation in search for a better life. However, the terrorist attacks and ISIS have embedded fear in Americans eliciting questions and doubts like whether to choose ethics over their own security. President Obama justifies his stance stating that, ``We are born of immigrants. Immigration is our origin story . . . our oldest tradition. Immigrants and refugees revitalize and renew America''. Advocates agree and applaud this statement while the opposing side wonders whether this is still true at the cost of our safety. However, one thing that both sides can agree on is the fact that the American immigration system is broken. So how do we fix it? That is the debate. The United States v. Texas case and the whole immigration matter distinctly divide the American people. Depending how far we are from the first of our family to move to the United States or how compassionate or cautious we are, we view this concern from different perspectives. This issue has changed and shaped our nation in that nowadays, the word ``immigrant'' has a negative connotation. It is used as an insult to imply that ``you don't belong here''. Illegal immigration has also demeaned our country and opening ourselves up to help refugees has allowed us to be vulnerable to ISIS, eager to use our generosity as a chance to infiltrate us. The American public now has an impaired opinion of immigrants, forgetting that they are of immigration descent as well. As President Obama said, the United States is a country of immigrants. Immigration molded this nation. It is the foundation of our people. People from all over the world immigrated to America to escape hardships and oppression. Therefore, it is quite ironic that centuries after its establishment, America is being divided by immigration.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues. Caleb Leachman attends Needville High School in Needville, Texas. The essay topic is: ISIS in the world. ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) has become a serious issue for the entire world lately. The terrorist attack ISIS performed on Paris, France, was a serious warning for the United States. ISIS executed seven different terrorist attacks all in Paris. The first attacks were launched almost simultaneously, as two explosions went off around 9:20 p.m. near Stade de France. Many men then shot up a restaurant in Paris called Petit Cambodge and the Le Carillon bar. These shooters killed fifteen innocent civilians. These same shooters then drove five hundred yards to the Casa Nostra Pizzeria and killed at least five people. These militants then drove a mile southeast to attack La Belle Equipe. They killed nineteen civilians at this location. Then the Bataclan concert venue was attacked. This was the deadliest as eighty nine people lost their lives. The last attack was set off at 9:50 p.m. as another bomb exploded near Stade de France. Before these events happened, President Barack Obama believed that the United States had already contained the Islamic state. This attack shows that us as Americans can never forget about the Islamic terrorists. The Paris attacks increased the growing awareness of the terrorist group called ISIS. Originally, ISIS was warning the world through videos and social media. Their attack shows that they mean business and that they will do anything they want until they are stopped. The attack creates a sense of frightfulness to the American public. This puts pressure on the government to do something about ISIS and other terrorist groups. As an American citizen, I know my family and I are extremely worried about ISIS. My family is certainly not the only one who feels this way. When they attacked Paris, most Americans asked one question. What stops ISIS from attacking the United States in this way? The answer is clear, nothing. This is a major political issue for the next presidential race. This attack in Paris can have an outcome on who the Americans select as their next president. The way the candidates respond to ISIS can decide who will be the next leader of our great country. This attack put ISIS at the top of the list for American issues and they will continue to be a focal point for the American government for years to come.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues. Bushra Hamid attends Manvel High School in Manvel, Texas. The essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past year and explain how that event has changed/shaped our country. Religion, rights, refuge--this past year has shaped our country like no other. From Pope Francis's historic visit to the United States, to the Supreme Court's new ruling on marriage equality, 2015 has marked, no doubt, a memorable year that has been etched in history. And yet, one of the most unfortunate highlights of 2015 was the refugee crisis that has taken the world by storm. The worst humanitarian crisis of the year has roiled this country, causing doubt and confusion for leaders across the nation. The failure of the President's administration to stand behind its so called ``red lines'' that were imposed upon the Assad regime during the years of the Syrian Civil War quickly allowed the cruel Syrian dictator to gain comfort as he continued carrying out his brutal atrocities against innocent civilians. Our shortcomings undoubtedly contributed to the refugee crisis. Although our influence in the region did not lead to the instability of the nation, as the strongest and leading democratic nation of the world, we needed--but failed--to take required actions and stand ground by the promising words that we first declared, thus unfortunately giving Bashar Al-Assad a leeway. Eventually, conflicting messages faced our country. As Russia began to heavily intervene in the troubling Arab nation, our country began to scramble for a settled negotiation. In the mean time, lives were still being lost, homes were still being destroyed, and futures were still being gambled with. Yet, there remained a big elephant questioning his stance in the room: what shall be done with the millions of citizens-turned-refugees who had no where else to go? Thus, the issue of whether or not to accept Syrian refugees swiftly took America by storm. History began to repeat itself as state governors sought to ban refugees from their lands, striking a similar response to that of Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration, when, in the time of World War II, refused to let Jewish refugees in America. It was evident that we needed to take measures to help the lives of those who were forced to flee from Syria to foreign lands with nothing left, while at the same time, to not risk minimizing our national security. Logistics aside, it is clear that the Syrian refugee crisis has been a sad burden that, as a leading nation, we needed to face head-on. Failure to unite and stand strong with any decisions that we as a nation decide upon unfortunately leads to a disruption of tranquility. We must unite as a country and come to decisive actions in our future international encounters.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues. Alexa Keller attends Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. The essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past year and explain how that event has changed/shaped our country. Several well-publicized police brutality events near the end of 2014 created a new wave of race discrimination discussions across America. After the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, protestors held up signs exclaiming, ``Hands up, don't shoot'', and after the choking death of Eric Garner in New York City, the cry of ``I can't breathe'' by protestors demonstrated their outrage. Social media furthered the causes, and during the 2015 presidential debates, most candidates took a stance on whether ``Black Lives Matter'' or ``All Lives Matter.'' Specifically, the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Maryland, in April of 2015, and the consequences of his death will shape the future of America with respect to race relations and law enforcement. In April, 25-year-old Freddie Gray died while in police custody, which led to weeks of protests and unrest. Stores were looted and a CVS pharmacy was burned to ground, after thieves took off with all the prescription drugs they could get their hands on. Baltimore found itself in a predicament because it was unprepared for this kind of mass protest, and law enforcement certainly didn't expect it to go on for weeks. Once the rioting was finished, the city of Baltimore was left in a state of flux. There was an ``Us vs. Them'' relationship between police and citizens. To make matters worse, the number of homicides in Baltimore in 2015 hit 344, the highest total since 1993 when Baltimore had 100,000 more people living in it (Baltimore Sun). In addition, there were more than 900 shootings in Baltimore last year, which was up 75% over the prior year. During the weeks of unrest in April and May, over 150 police officers were injured. The general feeling of unease between officers and citizens is assumed to be the main reason that now the police force in Baltimore is down by 200 officers. The city of Baltimore needs to make significant progress toward fixing the situation, but at what cost? Recently, over $2 million was spent on new civil disturbance equipment which includes protective gear, shields, and helmets. (www.nytimes.com) The Maryland State Assembly is working toward a new law enforcement bill of rights to provide police with extra legal protection that is not afforded to the general public. But, will these measures fix the anti-cop rhetoric which likely makes it difficult for police officers to do their jobs correctly and effectively? The fact that the ``Black Lives Matter'' leader DeRay Mckesson is planning to run for mayor of Baltimore is proof that relations are still dicey. Baltimore will likely prove to be a microcosm for the rest of the country, and how it handled the events that occurred in 2015 has and has the potential to impact the United States as a whole.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight from across the political spectrum that sheds a light on the concerns of our younger constituents. Giving voice to their priorities will hopefully instill a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share them with my House colleagues. Alesondra Cruz attends George Ranch High School in Richmond, Texas. The essay topic is: Women Once Again Made History in 2015. Capt. Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver became the first women to graduate from the Army Ranger School in August 2015, the first year it was open to women. The course is a notoriously difficult feat in army training and has proven impossible to copious soldiers in the past. It results in strong leaders, pushing soldiers to not only their physical, but mental threshold. The sixty-one day long course includes brutal obstacles and a 12 mile march to be completed in three hours. Ninety-four men and 2 women beat the grueling course. It has long been established that women can play an efficacious role in the military. The extent of that role, however, is still debated. In November 2012, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of four service women and the Service Women's Action Network. They stated that plaintiff, Maj. Mary Jennings Hegar, an Air National Guard helicopter pilot, served her country with the utmost strength and honor, yet was unable to obtain a leadership position. In 2013, then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the army would lift its ban on women serving in combat roles. This announcement was strongly pushed by the armed service chiefs themselves and led to evaluation by the armed forces. When the two women completed the course, the 75th Ranger Regiment had not opened its doors to women or changed its policy. Consequently, Griest and Haver could not enter the 75th Ranger Regiment with their fellow graduates. However, their completion of the course and inability to serve with their peers sparked discussion over whether women should serve at this level or solely have the pride of wearing their well-earned Ranger Tabs. This discussion may have been a factor in Defense Secretary Ash Carter's recent announcement that all combat jobs are now open to women. Whether a person believes that women should be fully integrated or not, this accomplishment has opened conversation in an unprecedented way. Many people defend their stance on integrating women due to women's perceived physical limitation; however, Griest and Haver have proven just as capable as their male counterparts. As an eighteen year old, my thoughts immediately go to the Selective Service Act and what role integration of women may have on it. If women are fully active in the military, will we be asked to register? Regardless of the final decision for the Ranger Regiment or Selective Service Act, there is no doubt that this event has left an imprint on how Americans see the role of women in our military. When asked about her accomplishment, Griest said, ``We felt like we were contributing as much as the men, and we felt that they felt that way, too.'' There is no doubt that these women have a desire to serve our country with pride and strength. Their dedication to America has inspired women and men alike, and positions women to serve their country for many years to come.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cinco Ranch High School Swimming Program from Katy, TX for earning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and for setting a state record at the 2016 Division 6A finals of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Swimming and Diving Championships. The Cinco Ranch Cougars took home three gold medals, two silver, and three bronze in addition to a State Record for the 200-yard freestyle relay at the UIL State Competition on February 20th, 2016. In addition to this impressive standing, both girls and boys teams were in the top 10 ranking within the division 6A tier; how impressive. Athletes compete in the Breaststroke, Medley, Freestyle, Diving, Butterfly, and Backstroke categories. We are proud of our Cinco Ranch Cougars and can't wait to see what they do next. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Cinco Ranch High School Swimming Program for all of their success at the UIL meet. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Queena Chen, Charlotte Fowler, Taylor Rosario, and Kayla De Leon for winning the state championship 6A trophy at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Girls Wrestling Championships. Queena, Charlotte, Taylor and Kayla are students at Cinco Ranch High School in the Katy Independent School District. The four Lady Cougars racked up a total of 87 points, all placing in the top four; a new achievement. The 2016 UIL State Wrestling Championships were held at the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas on February 19th and 20th. Senior Taylor Rosario has a standing record of 40-1, Senior Charlotte Fowler's record is 48-1, Senior Queena Chen's record is 41-15, and finally, Sophomore Kayla De Leon has a record of 49-0. These talented students have made the Katy community proud. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Queena, Charlotte, Taylor, and Kayla for winning the UIL 6A State Championship. We can't wait to see what these talented ladies do next.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joy Gassama of Sugar Land, TX for winning a U.S. State Department Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Award for 2015. Joy is currently a student at the University of Texas-Austin. Through her CLS scholarship, she was hosted in Meknes Morocco, where she became proficient in Advanced Beginning level Arabic. CLS recipients, like Joy, are sent abroad to study the language and the culture of the region they are hosted in. These prestigious scholarships are funded by the State Department through their Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Critical Language Scholarship program aims to spread diversity and critical language skills to all of its awardees. We are proud of Joy for all of her hard work, and congratulate her on her scholarship. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Joy for winning the Critical Language Scholarship Award. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sofia Ahmed of Katy, TX for winning a U.S. State Department Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Award for 2015. Sofia is currently a student at the University of Texas-San Antonio. Through her CLS scholarship, she was hosted in Beijing, China, where she became proficient in Advanced level Chinese. CLS recipients, like Sofia, are sent abroad to study the language and the culture of the region they are hosted in. These prestigious scholarships are funded by the State Department through their Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Critical Language Scholarship program aims to spread diversity and critical language skills to all of its awardees. We are proud of Sofia for all of her hard work, and congratulate her on her scholarship. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Sofia for winning the Critical Language Scholarship Award. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pearland Restaurant, Grazia Italian Kitchen, for winning both Reserve Grand Champion in the People's Choice Award category and the Rookie Award at the ``Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition'' at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Grazia's Chef, Steve Haug, former chef at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, created a dish that pleased not only the judges, but 5,500 guests as well. The Houston Rodeo's Best Bites Competition this year consisted of 102 competing restaurants at the NRG Center on February 21, and sold-out due to its overwhelming attendance. The Best Bites Competition is the kick-off to the Houston Rodeo, one of the most popular and attended attractions in Houston. We are so proud of Grazia's and can't wait to taste their delicious meals for ourselves. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the entire team at Grazia Italian Kitchen for being recognized at the Houston Rodeo Roundup Best Bites Competition.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colony Meadows Elementary School on 25 years of nurturing and educating our young children. For the past quarter of a century, teachers and educators at Colony Meadows in Sugar Land, TX, have helped to develop the bright minds of students in a fun and educational atmosphere. A lot has changed since this school opened its doors 25 years ago but one thing has remained the same--Colony Meadows commitment to excellence. It has remained a great place for our future leaders to learn and grow. Thank you to the many teachers and faculty members who've worked so hard to make CMES great throughout the years. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Colony Meadows Elementary School on 25 successful years of educating our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kelvin Zhang for winning the 2016 Alvin Independent School District (ISD) Spelling Bee. Kelvin, a fifth-grader at York Elementary School, competed against 18 other students from 4th through 8th grade within the Alvin ISD. Over the course of 36 rounds, Kelvin won his Spelling Bee title by perfectly spelling the word ``toboggan.'' He advances to the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee on April 2nd. We are very proud of Kelvin and wish him luck at the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Kelvin for winning the Alvin ISD Spelling Bee. Keep up the great work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dana Clement for being named the 2015 Child Advocate of the Year at the Child Advocates of Fort Bend's Annual Volunteer Celebration. The non-profit agency, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, aims to serve as many children within their community as possible. Their mission is to stop child abuse in its tracks and help give these children a voice. The 200 trained volunteers they have make it possible to help serve more than 400 kids on a monthly basis. Dana is a critical volunteer for this agency thanks to her dedication through her time, energy and resources. We are so proud of Dana for helping to serve these kids through her love and positive attitude. Thank you for making the community of Fort Bend a safer place for its residents. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Dana Clement for being named Child Advocate of the Year. We appreciate all of her selfless and hard work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, in the early afternoon, two beautiful words rang out: play ball. The 2016 First Colony Little League season had begun. All the players are special, but one group stands out. It is called the Dream League. This is season 9 for the Dream League. 100-plus more players with physical and intellectual challenges played baseball. Each player has at least one volunteer helping them, like Angel in the outfield in this picture to my left. This picture is what the Dream League is all about, a big ear-to-ear smile for everyone involved. Our Dream League team played in the World Series for Little League in 2015. America, if you want to see what makes our country so great, come to Sugar Land, Texas. Watch a Dream League game. See kids who are special because of what they can do and not because of what they cannot do. Batter up.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kalpana Vaidya of Sugar Land, Texas for being a Distinguished Finalist in the Texas' Top Youth Volunteers of 2016, given by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Kalpana is a senior at Stephen F. Austin High School and a scout in the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council troop. Her community service project, ``The World of Science'' is a hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education (STEM) activity for kindergartners up to eighth-graders. Now becoming an annual affair, her project was sponsored by the Austin High School Honor Society and helped them raise $2,000. Kalpana's activity has also attracted organizations such as the Houston Natural Science Museum and the Baytown Nature Center. Her efforts in creating this activity led her to become a distinguished finalist in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. These awards recognize talented young men and women across America that have graciously served their communities. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Kalpana Vaidya for being a Distinguished Finalist. We are so proud of her and can't wait to see what she does next.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, on November 25, 2015, our Commander in Chief made the 2016 National Defense Authorization bill the law of the land. Section 1030 of that law states, in part, that no amounts authorized may be used to transfer or release, within the United States, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed or any other detainee. On Monday, despite those clear words, our Commander in Chief announced that he would try to transfer Guantanamo Bay detainees to American soil. His reason? A political campaign promise he made nearly one decade ago is more important than keeping Khalid Sheikh Mohammed behind bars. Mr. Speaker, the American people want Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's last breath to be in prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This House--their House--will grant their wish.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pearland High School cheerleading team for placing third overall in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Competition. Spirit, the UIL State Cheerleading Competition, is an extension of the typical high school cheerleading role, enhancing school spirit. This highly competitive UIL competition consists of three different categories: fight song, time out band dance, and time out cheer. Pearland High School competed in the UIL State Competition in the Class 6A division where the Pearland Oilers placed third overall, how impressive. We are so proud of our Pearland Cheerleaders and we can't wait to see what the future competitions bring. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Pearland High School Cheerleaders for placing third in the UIL State Competition. Keep up the hard work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kianna Hawkins of Manvel, Texas for being named a distinguished finalist in the Texas' top youth volunteers of 2016, given by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Kianna is a senior at Lamar High School and a scout in the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council troop. Her community service project, ``EyeCare4TeenVision'' raises awareness about the importance of eye care and aims to provide critical services to children in need. Her efforts in partnering with the nonprofit Nehemiah Center and the Prevent Blindness organization led her to become a distinguished finalist in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. These awards recognize talented young men and women across America that have graciously served their communities. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Kianna Hawkins for being a Distinguished Finalist. We are so proud of her and can't wait to see what she does next.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Diane Englet of Sugar Land, TX for being recognized as one of Houston's 50 Most Influential Women of 2015 by Houston Woman Magazine. Through her years of employment at CenterPoint Energy, Diane Englet has worked her way up to the title of senior director of Corporate Community Relations by graciously serving the community. In this position, she supervises the development of the company and institutes involvement in society by promoting the importance of education and by providing a healthy and stable environment for families experiencing crisis. Englet is a true representation of compassion through her dedication to creating a better community for Houston area residents. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Diane Englet for being named one of Houston's 50 Most Influential Women of 2015. We thank her for all of her hard work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sidharth Duttala, a Fort Bend County student, for winning the National Association for Pupil Transportation's (NAPT) National School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest. Sidharth, a third-grader at Sugar Mill Elementary School, won first place in the Division I category, with his ``Super Important Bully Free Zone'' poster. Initially competing at the local level, Sidharth's poster was voted on by school district bus drivers to be entered at the state level competition on the contest theme ``Bully Free Zone.'' NAPT annually observes the importance of school bus safety. This year's poster contest included students in more than 40 states and countless school districts. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Sidharth Duttala. We are proud of him and encourage him to keep spreading kindness.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, today, our administration announced that they would go against the American people and shut down Guantanamo Bay Cuba, GTMO. The detainees being held at GTMO are there for one reason--our Constitution. The administration wants to give the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the same constitutional rights he took from nearly 3,000 innocent Americans whom he killed on September 11, 2001. All of the detainees at GTMO were captured by our military on the battleground, not by the police. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was never told he had the right to remain silent when he was captured. Does he go free? Is there another loophole to his freedom? Our administration's actions are against the will of the American people and are dangerous. This House and I will stop them.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Inspiration Stage Theater Company of Sugar Land for receiving a National Outstanding Performance Award for their January festival performance at the Junior Theater Festival. Inspiration Stage was founded in 2013, and as the only theater company in Sugar Land, has been attending the Junior Theater Festival since their inception. The performance that won this year's award was a reproduction of Disney's ``The Lion King.'' The 39 cast member performance hosts actors of all ages and was one of the nine selected out of the 115 companies participating at the festival to win the Outstanding Performance Award. The Junior Theater Festival is an annual event that allows student performances of theater companies to be recognized for excellent ability. We are extremely proud of the entire Inspiration Stage staff and cast and can't wait to see what happens next. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Inspiration Stage for winning the National Outstanding Performance Award. Keep up the great work.