Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Heather Williams of Richmond, TX, for being named the principal of Kathleen Joerger Lindsey Elementary School. Opening in August 2017, Lindsey Elementary School is the newest addition to the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (ISD), the first Lamar Consolidated ISD school in Katy. This will be Heather's first time opening a new school, she said ``it's an honor.'' This year she celebrates her 20th year in education. She has held several roles, from fifth grade teacher to assistant principal to principal. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Heather for being named the principal of Lindsey Elementary School. We're confident she'll be a great role-model for the children starting school there.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jo Ann Stevens of Sugar Land, TX, for being named the 2017 President-elect of the Women's Council of Realtors, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. The Women's Council is a network of realtors working to advance women as professionals and leaders in their businesses, industries and communities. Jo Ann has been a licensed realtor for over 30 years and joined the Women's Council in 1986. She's held several leadership roles in the Women's Council, such as: Local Network President, District Vice President, Governor, President of the Texas Network, and Regional Vice President for Region 9. Jo Ann has been named ``Member of the Year'' twice for Texas and will be sworn in as president on November 4, 2017. She's currently working for the Lane Real Estate Team. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Jo Ann for being named President-elect of the Women's Council of Realtors. This is an amazing accomplishment and we know she will be a great leader.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph Cardenas of Pearland, TX, for earning his Boy Scout Eagle Rank Award. Eagle Rank is the highest rank among Boy Scouts, requiring them to develop leadership, service and outdoor skills. To earn this distinguished award, Joseph had to achieve the Life Scout rank, earn 21 merit badges, and complete a service project. Joseph's service project was developing a brick memorial for veterans of all branches of the military. Individual and personalized bricks were laid at the VFW Pearland Memorial Post 7109 in Pearland. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Joseph Cardenas for earning his Boy Scout Eagle Rank Award. We are confident he will have continued success in his future endeavors. We are very proud.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, it is time that all of America knows a phrase that the Manvel Mavericks in the 22nd District of Texas know well. The phrase is ``Hoka Hey. Hoka Hey.'' That means be unselfish; compete for team, school, and town. Hoka Hey carried the Mavericks to the men's track and field team title for Texas 5A. That happened last week. The team started rough. After seven events, they had 8 points. They were in 10th place. But the spirit of Hoka Hey came back during the relays. Our guys burned up the track. When the relays were over, the Mavs had 50 points and Port Arthur Memorial, 41. Hoka Hey had 85 points when the meet was over. They were the State champions. Congratulations, Hoka Hey Manvel Mavericks, State champions, Texas 5A.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, as National Police Week ends, the 800,000 Texans I work for back home want to say ``thank you'' to all of the Americans who came to Washington, D.C., and all those that rose up in hometowns all across America to support our police officers--our sheriffs, our JPs, our consuls--and to join our heroes on that thin blue line. In Pearland, Texas, we want to thank all Americans for remembering and honoring one of our own: Pearland Police Officer Endy Ekpanya. In 2016, 145 police officers were killed all across America. Endy, sadly, joined that group. Endy was killed at 3:15 in the morning on Sunday, June 12, 2016, end of watch, 339 days ago. He was killed on a nonemergency call by a driver who was high on drugs or booze. She T-boned his car. He was 30 young years old. Endy left behind the love of his life, his fiance, Lucy, and his 2- year-old son, Julian. They mourned in front of Endy's flag-draped coffin at his service back home the week of his death. Endy's loss brought out the best in Pearland, Brazoria County, in southeast Texas. They shared tears with Lucy and Julian. They swarmed them with love. Every single Pearland police officer left duty on that day to be there, but Pearland was protected by police officers all over southeast Texas rising to the occasion. We continue working to ensure the woman who killed Endy goes to prison for a long time. The people of Pearland are building a memorial at their police station with Endy's life on one wall. He will be there with two others who lost their lives in Pearland, Texas: Officer Henry Wendell, Jr., end of watch, November 6, 1967; and Officer James Cassidy, Jr., end of watch, May 16, 1973. I have kept up with Lucy. The last time we talked was early January. I called to tell her that the entire Texas House delegation--36 strong, Republicans and Democrats--signed my bill to name the post office in Pearland after Endy. She was happy, but she still felt pain. That was the first Christmas back home with Endy's parents in New York. Sadly, losses like Endy are still happening. This week, we learned that a deputy sheriff in Montana was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop; and a police chief was shot in response to a domestic violence incident in upstate New York. And that was just yesterday. This violence against our law enforcement officials must end. During National Police Week, we honor these heroes, the ones we have lost, and we say a humble ``thank you'' to their families. We will never, ever forget their sacrifice. We pray for the day that Lucy and Julian can join Endy in Heaven. God bless Endy Ekpanya and all of the heroes who gave their lives on duty.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, it all started 11 years ago: The Lady Eagles from Fort Bend Baptist Academy won their first Texas State softball title. Years later, the name was changed to Fort Bend Christian Academy, but the dynasty had been born. The Lady Eagles won their sixth Texas title last week by defeating Dallas Christian School with a score of 6-2. One word can describe the Lady Eagles' playoff run: domination. In the last four games, they scored 37 runs, their opponents only 2. Our four seniors--Claire, Lauren, Danielle, and Kendall--have set us up to make history: our third straight Texas title in 2018. We will honor them as we honor the Lord. Congratulations, Eagles.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, the Senate never quits. When ObamaCare was passed in 2010, the Senate Democrats refused to use ObamaCare for their personal insurance. Most Americans know that what is good for the goose is good for the gander. My staff, my family, and I have been on ObamaCare since day one. Incredibly, the Senate is at it again. They don't want the American Health Care Act to apply to them because it is not right. They are special, and so they put a clause to exempt Congress from the American Health Care Act so they could filibuster the healthcare bill. That dog didn't hunt in 2010; it ain't hunting in 2017. If it is good for the American people, our bosses, it is good for their servants, Congress, us. I urge my colleagues to be true public servants. Vote for H.R. 2192.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I have had many heroes since I moved to Houston: Neil Armstrong, Earl Campbell, Nolan Ryan. My newest hero is a good friend, 93Q morning disc jockey Kevin Kline. Kevin and his wife, Trish, have watched a teenage friend, Chelsey, die from cancer. They turned that pain into extreme good. They started the Snowdrop Foundation to stop kids dying from cancer like Chelsey. They have used long runs to raise over $1 million for Snowdrop. Movie hero Forrest Gump ran for 3 years, 2 months, and 15 days. Recently in Italy, our real-life hero Kevin ran for 178.5 miles in 47 hours and 28 minutes. Naval aviators are given call signs. Tom Cruise was Maverick. I was Pistol. By the powers vested in me by the 93Q's Tim Tuttle and Erica Rico, Kevin Kline's on-air call sign is now and forever Gump Man. I hope Gump Man is smiling. I know Chelsey and her friends are smiling in heaven.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Johnny Spires of Pearland, TX, for being named Police Chief of the Pearland Police Department. Johnny has over 27 years of law enforcement experience, having worked as a police officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Assistant Chief of Police. As Chief, he'll oversee the budget, 17 divisions and over 200 Pearland City employees, while further strengthening community ties and ensuring its safety. His years of distinguished service in the Police Department will serve him well in his new role. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Johnny Spires, the new Police Chief of the Pearland Police Department. All of Pearland will benefit from him and his commitment to safety.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maham Sewani of Sugar Land, for being chosen to represent Texas as a Delegate at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. Maham was nominated for this position thanks to her excellent academic record and desire to enter the medical profession. Through this program, she will meet some important leaders in the medical field, including Nobel Prize winners and top medical school deans. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is hosted to help motivate the top students in the country to pursue their desired careers in the medical field. Maham is a student at Awty International School and a member of its debate team. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Maham Sewani for being selected for this honor. We are extremely proud and expect great things from her in the future.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kwabena Mensah of Katy, for being named as a Texas National Distinguished Principal finalist by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Out of 123 nominations, only eight were selected as finalists for this prestigious honor. The National Distinguished Principal is the highest honor a principal can achieve, with the winner receiving $10,000 and a trip to Washington, DC, in the fall. Kwabena is the principal at Polly Ann McRoberts Elementary School and was chosen as a finalist for being an engaging leader who's created a unique learning environment. This year, Kwabena was named Principal of the Year at Katy Independent School District and the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Way to go. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Kwabena Mensah for earning this distinction. Our children benefit from his commitment to education and we thank him for his hard work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jun-Yong Kim of Katy, for placing first in the State Bar of Texas Law Day writing contest. The theme of this year's competition was ``The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.'' Jun-Yong won first with his essay, ``Monsters of My American Dream,'' which explores the meaning of the 14th Amendment through his perspective--a South Korean immigrant. Jun- Yong represented the Katy Bar Association and will be recognized for his first place win at the Texas Law Center in Austin, TX, where he will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Jun-Yong is a student at Seven Lakes High School. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Jun-Yong for winning first place in the State Bar of Texas Law Day contest. We are very proud of his talented work and look forward to his future successes.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON.- Mr. Speaker, regretfully, I missed votes on H.J. Res. 99 as I was at the White House for the signing of an executive order on offshore energy resources. American energy policy is critically important to my district. I look forward to being part of future work in the House on fiscally responsible spending measures. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 235, and YEA on Roll Call No. 236.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, Uncle Sam is going hunting for Russian bear. World War II started with Nazi Germany invading Poland. Russia quickly invaded for the West to take their chunk of Poland's freedom. Years later, we won the Cold War, and Poland joined NATO. But Poland has never been truly free because Mr. Putin--mother Russia--has controlled Poland's energy. Mr. Putin has punished Poland in their desire to be free by slowing natural gas exports in a cold, Polish winter that became much colder. Uncle Sam is about to put the Russian bear on permanent hibernation by exporting American liquid freedom. Our liquified natural gas will leave Sabine Pass in June heading to Poland. The Russian bear is on the run. Let American liquid freedom reign.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maye and Treed Huang of Katy, TX, for qualifying and competing at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at the Augusta National Golf Club in GA. Maye brought home a national championship by winning the girls 7-9 division, while Treed tied for fourth in the 12-13 boys division. This is Treed's second time competing at this prestigious competition, having won the 7-9 boys division in 2014. Each division included 10 competitors, where they received points based on their performance in the driving, chipping and putting categories. To qualify, Maye and Treed had to compete at a local qualifier, one of 50 sub-regional competitions, and one of 10 regionals. Only 80 competed in the junior competition. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Maye and Treed Huang for their stellar performances at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals. We're proud of their hard work and look forward to seeing them play at Augusta again--at the Masters.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jordan Cheek of Needville, TX, for winning the 2016 Reserve World Championship Youth Title in the American Quarter Horse Association's Versatility Ranch Horse World show. The show took place at the Houston Livestock & Rodeo, where Jordan and her horse, Irish Cowboy, competed in ranch riding, ranch trail, reining, cutting, conformation halter, and working cow work. Jordan has been riding horses since the age of three and showing since she was eight. She competes in equestrian drill team, halter, English performance, western performance, reining, and speed events. Eight years ago, she also began judging horse competitions. After graduating from Needville High School, Jordan plans to pursue a nursing program at Texas Tech University. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Jordan for winning the 2016 Reserve World Championship Youth Title. We are proud of her hard work and look forward to her future success.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Chief J.C. Doyle of Pearland, TX, for his distinguished service with the Pearland Police Department. Chief Doyle is retiring after 38 years of service. A lifetime Pearland resident, Chief Doyle joined the Pearland Police Department in 1979. He has worked as a detective, a patrol sergeant and as the commander for a multi-agency Special Weapons and Tactics Team. He was the Assistant Chief of Police from 1994 until 1999, when he was appointed Chief of Police. He's the longest-serving police Chief in the department and has been an integral part of keeping the Pearland community safe. We wish him an enjoyable and happy retirement. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I wanted again to thank Chief Doyle for his dedicated public service. All of Pearland has benefitted from his commitment to safety and we thank him.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cinco Ranch High School Robotics Team 624, CRyptonite, of Katy, TX, for qualifying for the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition World Championship. To qualify for the FIRST World Championship, CRyptonite had to win the Chairman's Award, which goes to the team that best emulates the goals of FIRST. FIRST's mission is to inspire students to be tomorrow's science and technology leaders through engaging and innovative programs and competitions. To earn the Chairman's Award, CRyptonite had to demonstrate excellence over several years, by doing robot demos in schools, businesses and public venues. CRyptonite also played a big part in the building of the Robert Shaw Center for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), which has raised awareness and interest in robotics competitions in the Katy Independent School District. CRyptonite will compete in the FIRST World Championship in Houston this April 19 through 22. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to CRyptonite for qualifying for the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship. We wish them good luck and look forward to seeing their future success.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mitchell Montalvo of Katy, TX, for being invited to join the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). Mitchell is studying computer engineering at the University of Houston, where he accepted a full scholarship from the U.S. Air Force. Membership to NSCS is by invitation only and based on a student's class standing and grade-point average. NSCS is part of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the only interdisciplinary honors organization for first and second year college students in the country. After graduating, Mitchell plans to enter the Air Force as a second lieutenant, specializing in cyber warfare. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Mitchell Montalvo for his invitation to join NSCS. We are very proud of him and look forward to his future service to our country.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kendall Camilo Wills of Sugar Land, TX, for earning his Boy Scout Eagle Rank Award. Eagle Rank is the highest achievement a Boy Scout can earn. To earn this distinguished award, Kendall had to achieve the Life Scout rank, earn a total of 21 merit badges, and develop and provide leadership to others in a service project. The Boy Scouts of America will also award Kendall with the Catholic religious award, Ad Altare Dei. Kendall is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scouts national honor society. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Kendall Camilo Wills for earning his Boy Scout Eagle Rank Award. We are confident he will have continued success in his future endeavors. We are very proud.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sylvie Mei Lim of Katy, TX, for having her artwork selected by NASA's Commercial Crew Program to be featured in a calendar. Fulfilling her dream of sending something to space, this sixth grade Katy Junior High student's artwork will have the first spot in NASA's Children's Artwork Calendar for the month of January 2017. Her piece will be featured alongside drawings from all over the world, such as Spain, Romania, India, Portugal and London. The calendar will be sent to space for astronauts to enjoy while in the International Space Station. Sylvie's artwork will be the only one from Texas. Way to go. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Sylvie for having her artwork selected for NASA's Children's Artwork Calendar. We are proud to have her artwork represent TX22 in space.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Houston Methodist West Hospital for receiving the 2016 Exemplary Five Star Service Award by the Texas Department of State Health Services' Vital Statistics Unit. Houston Methodist West earned this award for its birth registration achievements for the sixth year in a row. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in certification and training, customer service, timeliness, and accuracy in filing birth certificates. Houston Methodist West is one of only 10 hospitals in Texas to receive the Exemplary Five Star Service Award. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Houston Methodist West Hospital for receiving the Five Star Service Award. We all benefit from their commitment to quality healthcare and we thank them for their hard work to keep Houstonians healthy.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Dr. Charles LeMaistre after he passed away this January at 92. Charles was the president of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center until 1996 when he retired. He was a charismatic physician and educator who focused much of his career on cancer prevention. Charles emphasized the dangers of smoking and served on the first U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health. He was also the national president of the American Cancer Society. Ronald DePinho, the current president of MD Anderson, described Charles as ``one of the giants of cancer medicine.'' Charles' legacy will live on and continue to save lives. His dedication to healthcare innovation will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, we mourn the loss of Dr. Charles LeMaistre. He truly was a beloved Texan. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Dulles High School Academic Decathlon team of Sugar Land, TX, for winning the Texas State Academic Decathlon. This was the Dulles High Academic Decathlon teams' first decathlon state championship since 1987. The theme of the competition was World War II, where students were tested in economics, literature, mathematics, music, science and social science. Three team members earned individual recognition as well: Madison Gabino receiving first place in the Scholastic Division, Ethan Tu in second, and Jared Roth in fifth place. Dulles High is the only team in the Fort Bend Independent School District to ever win a State Academic Decathlon title, let alone two. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I want to again congratulate the Dulles High School Academic Decathlon team for winning the Texas State Academic Decatholon. We are very proud of their success.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, 100 years is a century. It is a really long time. 108 years of life is a blessing. A young lady I work for in the Texas 22nd Congressional District, who lives in my hometown of Sugar Land, is such a blessing. Her name is Mary Coffey, and she celebrated her 108th birthday on March 20. In a recent article in the Fort Bend Star, Mary described her keys to being blessed: Number one, trust Jesus and lead several Bible studies with your friends; number two, get plenty of exercise; number three, eat healthy; and number four is about personal hygiene, have jar after jar after jar of Pond's cold cream available when you need it most. For 108 years, Mary has inspired all of us. Happy 108th birthday, Mary. Let's go out; maybe go out dancing if you promise not to wear me out.