Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richmond, Texas for earning the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) 2015 Parks and Natural Areas Award. The H-GAC Areas Award projects, like the one done by Richmond, help promote positive projects for the surrounding parks and natural areas. The City of Richmond received Special Recognition in the Planning Process competition. This project consists of a strategic design and progression of a communitywide trail network developed by the city of Richmond. We are extremely proud of the city of Richmond and thank them for their commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Richmond for receiving this award and helping to strengthen our community.

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.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reverend Drew Wood, pastor at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, TX for being honored at Catholic Charities' Mission of Love Gala. The annual Mission of Love Gala recognizes Catholic Charities of the Fort Bend County area. Reverend Wood has served as pastor of St. Laurence since 1998. He was ordained as a Priest at St. Mary's Seminary, and worked in various roles within the Diocese of the Galveston-Houston area including as the Vocations Director and Vice Chancellor. At St. Laurence, Reverend Wood found a calling in the lives of young people within the church. Due to his work chaperoning Teen Mass at conferences, Reverend Wood created a yearly retreat of his own, Heart of Worship, hosted at St. Laurence, where spiritual activities like speakers, worship, and mass impact young people's lives. Thank you to Reverend Drew Wood for the impact he has made on the lives of the Sugar Land residents. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Reverend Wood. We thank you for providing spiritual guidance to the parishioners at St. Laurence. We can't wait to see what you do next.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fort Bend Boys Choir for celebrating 34 years of hard work and musical talent. From its inception in 1982, the talent of the Fort Bend Boys Choir has been impressive. They have performed across the country at high profile events like the Olympic Festival in 1986 and President George Bush's inauguration in 1989. They were also chosen to perform at the National Christmas Tree Lighting in 2001, which resulted in a nomination for a news Emmy award. Over the 34 years that the organization has grown, the Fort Bend Boys Choir started off at only 45 members and now consists of five ensembles with 200 members total. Typically, the different choirs consist of younger boys in age, ranging from 6-14 years old. These young boys have accomplished so much and their hard work shows through the many achievements they have earned. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, we celebrate the Fort Bend Boys Choir on their 34th anniversary and look forward to enjoying their music for another 34 years.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sugar Land, Texas for earning the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) 2015 Parks and Natural Areas Award. The H-GAC Areas Award projects, like the one done by Sugar Land, help promote positive projects for the surrounding parks and natural areas. The City of Sugar Land won in the On-the-Ground Projects Under $500K competition. This project consists of a convenient, one-of-a-kind playground that can serve kids in different age groups and all capabilities. We are extremely proud of the city of Sugar Land and thank them for their commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Sugar Land for receiving this award and helping to strengthen our community.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working School Board members of Alvin Independent School District. Our school board members of Alvin ISD in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas play a critical role in the success of our schools. Our district is the most diverse and fastest growing congressional district in America, due largely in part to the hard-working and caring educators and school board members that dedicate their time and energy on our schools; ensuring that our children can achieve whatever they set their mind to. Our school board members were elected or hired to be the caretakers of the American Dream--any child can be anything they want--if they receive the education that will give them the necessary tools to achieve their dream. Our schools are stronger because each of them embrace the challenge. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Alvin ISD for being Super-Heroes in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard-working School Board members of Needville Independent School District. Our school board members of Needville ISD in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas play a critical role in the success of our schools. Our district is the most diverse and fastest growing congressional district in America, due largely in part to the hard-working and caring educators and school board members that dedicate their time and energy on our schools; ensuring that our children can achieve whatever they set their mind to. Our school board members were elected or hired to be the caretakers of the American Dream--any child can be anything they want--if they receive the education that will give them the necessary tools to achieve their dream. Our schools are stronger because each of them embrace the challenge. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Needville ISD for being Super-Heroes in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working School Board members of Clear Creek Independent School District. Our school board members of Clear Creek ISD in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas play a critical role in the success of our schools. Our district is the most diverse and fastest growing congressional district in America, due largely in part to the hardworking and caring educators and school board members that dedicate their time and energy on our schools; ensuring that our children can achieve whatever they set their mind to. Our school board members were elected or hired to be the caretakers of the American Dream--any child can be anything they want--if they receive the education that will give them the necessary tools to achieve their dream. Our schools are stronger because each of them embrace the challenge. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Clear Creek ISD for being Super-Heroes in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working School Board members of Stafford Municipal School District. Our school board members of Stafford MSD in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas play a critical role in the success of our schools. Our district is the most diverse and fastest growing congressional district in America, due largely in part to the hardworking and caring educators and school board members that dedicate their time and energy on our schools, ensuring that our children can achieve whatever they set their mind to. Our school board members were elected or hired to be the caretakers of the American Dream--any child can be anything they want--if they receive the education that will give them the necessary tools to achieve their dream. Our schools are stronger because each of them embrace the challenge. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Stafford MSD for being Super-Heroes in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working School Board members of Fort Bend Independent School District. Our school board members of Fort Bend ISD in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas play a critical role in the success of our schools. Our district is the most diverse and fastest growing congressional district in America, due largely in part to the hardworking and caring educators and school board members that dedicate their time and energy on our schools; ensuring that our children can achieve whatever they set their mind to. Our school board members were elected or hired to be the caretakers of the American Dream--any child can be anything they want--if they receive the education that will give them the necessary tools to achieve their dream. Our schools are stronger because each of them embrace the challenge. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Fort Bend ISD for being Super-Heroes in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working School Board members of Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. Our school board members of Lamar Consolidated ISD in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas play a critical role in the success of our schools. Our district is the most diverse and fastest growing congressional district in America, due largely in part to the hard- working and caring educators and school board members that dedicate their time and energy on our schools; ensuring that our children can achieve whatever they set their mind to. Our school board members were elected or hired to be the caretakers of the American Dream--any child can be anything they want--if they receive the education that will give them the necessary tools to achieve their dream. Our schools are stronger because each of them embrace the challenge. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Lamar Consolidated ISD for being Super-Heroes in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working School Board members of Pearland Independent School District. Our school board members of Pearland ISD in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas play a critical role in the success of our schools. Our district is the most diverse and fastest growing congressional district in America, due largely in part to the hardworking and caring educators and school board members that dedicate their time and energy on our schools; ensuring that our children can achieve whatever they set their mind to. Our school board members were elected or hired to be the caretakers of the American Dream--any child can be anything they want--if they receive the education that will give them the necessary tools to achieve their dream. Our schools are stronger because each of them embrace the challenge. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Pearland ISD for being Super-Heroes in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard working School Board members of Katy Independent School District. Our school board members of Katy ISD in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas play a critical role in the success of our schools. Our district is the most diverse and fastest growing congressional district in America, due largely in part to the hard-working and caring educators and school board members that dedicate their time and energy on our schools; ensuring that our children can achieve whatever they set their mind to. Our school board members were elected or hired to be the caretakers of the American Dream--any child can be anything they want--if they receive the education that will give them the necessary tools to achieve their dream. Our schools are stronger because each of them embrace the challenge. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Katy ISD for being Super-Heroes in developing our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Colony One Auto in Stafford, Texas on its upcoming 25th anniversary. Colony One has been open since April 15, 1991. This quarter century anniversary reflects 25 years of hard work, commendable service and quality relationships built within the community. Colony One's commitment to excellence and their customers has resulted in high praise and positive reviews on Angie's List, among other service review websites. Their dedication to their business and their community has also enabled them to be on track to work on their 250,000th automobile during this year, averaging 11,000- 12,000 a year since the business opened. Colony One has remained a friendly, reputable business for the community. We appreciate their business and are proud to see their success. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Colony One Auto for 25 years of successful, quality service.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, this afternoon Jacqueline Taylor of the Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center Network stopped by to share a story about the American Dream. The dreamer's name is Derrick Harris. His company is called Soaring With Eagles. Derrick had a hard time making his company grow. He got advice about marketing and sales from Todd Scott of the local SBDC. Shortly after, Derrick was awarded contracts with the Pearland and Pasadena Independent School Districts. He now employs over 30 people. He said: I tell every business owner I meet to contact their local SBDC. Their assistance has made a huge difference in my business. That is the American Dream, and that is the local SBDC.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Beck Junior High Robotics team, Naturally Beck, for winning the Katy Qualifier Robotics Tournament. This achievement allowed them to advance to the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO League Championship in Stafford, Texas. Naturally Beck, won the first place championship for the second year in a row, defeating 23 other teams from all over Houston at the Katy tournament. The Naturally Beck team consists of five members and two mentors for the 2015-2016 roster. Students competing at the FIRST LEGO League really put their engineering skills to the test by using LEGO Mindstorms NXT technologies to craft the perfect robot for research purposes. This year, Naturally Beck's research project consisted of an inventive solution to address the way the community handles its trash. Congratulations to all of Naturally Beck's team members and mentors for their victory. We are proud of the hard work they have accomplished and wish them luck in the future competitions. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Beck Jr. High team for advancing to the FIRST LEGO League Championship.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Katy High School's head football coach, Gary Joseph, for being named MaxPreps National Football Coach of the Year. Gary Joseph has been with Katy High School for 34 years, 22 of those years as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator and the last 12 as head coach. Coach Joseph started his coaching career at Luling High School, where he coached the Luling football program to its first district championship in over 20 years. This season, he led Katy to 16- 0 and its eighth state championship. Coach Joseph's career record stands at 168-14 with 11 district titles and four state titles with the Katy Tigers. We are extremely proud of Coach Joseph and his team. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Coach Gary Joseph for all of his success and hard work.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fort Bend Promise Center on building a new and impressive 4,000-square-foot facility to serve the homeless. When the Fort Bend program opened 10 years ago, it was originally located at the New Hope Lutheran Church. Now, their newly opened, community-funded center is a place where families can come fulfill day to day activities and utilize available programs including counseling and support. In the last five years alone, the Fort Bend program has helped 194 families in our community. Our community is so thankful for all of the work the Fort Bend Center is doing for our neighbors in need. The compassion and dedication expressed through Fort Bend Promise defines the compassion of all Texans. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Fort Bend Promise Center on their new facility. Thank you for providing support to the lives of so many families here in Fort Bend County.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Needville High School's Future Farmers of America (FFA) livestock judging team who recently won Reserve Grand National Champion at the Western National Roundup in Denver. The team, comprised of Kutter Korczynski, Myles Hackstedt, Craig Todd and Ty Thomas, competed against other teams from around the country in the livestock judging contest. The teammates evaluated and ranked 40 different animals in 10 classes. After evaluating the livestock, the team had to prepare a series of speeches to explain their evaluations. This is a great victory for their agriculture science teacher, Michael Poe, and the rest of the Blue Jay community. We are excited to see them represent Texas at the world competition in Scotland. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Needville High livestock judging team. They have made the community proud.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate San Jacinto College for their success in opening a new 45,000 square-foot maritime training center. San Jacinto College sits next to the Port of Houston, which gives students prime opportunity to further their maritime career through interaction with community and industry partners. With its history dating back to the 1960s, San Jacinto College is now home to almost 30,000 students across 3 campuses and 12 extension centers. The new maritime training center is an excellent addition to their already successful campuses. This new facility contains three ship simulators, an engineering room with hydraulics, a swimming pool, and much more. San Jacinto College is a great place for students to grow and to develop critical education and workforce skills. We're proud of the many opportunities it offers to students in the Houston area. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to San Jacinto College for their new training center. We can't wait to see what happens next.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, in the summer of 1972, my dad was transferred from northwest Alabama to southeast Texas. I remember the first time I got off the Gulf Freeway, headed east down NASA Road 1, and saw the Johnson Space Center and the Nassau Bay resort hotel with an NBC studio on top. Right then, it hit me: my neighbors were astronauts, Moon walkers. My life was changed forever. The next 9 years were rather dull. Three missions of Skylab and one handshake with the Russians on Apollo-Soyuz. The excitement came back in 1981. The Space Shuttle Columbia flew for the first time. The space shuttle was the heart and soul of human spaceflight until July 21, 2011, when three words ended the program: ``Houston, wheels stop.'' Those words were heard in the dark, 4:57 a.m. Texas time. My home was dark for 4\1/2\ years. That darkness will end on January 23 when Space Center Houston opens Independence Plaza right by the Johnson Space Center. Independence Plaza will have the Space Shuttle Independence atop the 747 transport carrier. Our space shuttles flew 133 successful flights, with crews as small as two or as large as seven, with 55,000 pounds of payload. Our shuttles carried astronauts from 17 nations: Belgium, Canada, France, Israel, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, and America. Our shuttle built the International Space Station, which has had a human being on board since November 2, 2000. Scott Kelly has been on board the ISS since March 27, 2015. Scott must love the view because he will come home after 1 year in orbit. The Hubble Space Telescope would have been the biggest piece of space junk ever without the space shuttle. When it was launched in 1990, it was a telescope that needed glasses. Its vision was blurry. Five shuttle missions followed, fixed its vision, gave it decades of new life, and changed history. But Independence Plaza will do more than remind us of the achievements of our space shuttle. This exhibit will ensure we never forget the two crews we lost on space shuttles. Dick, Michael, Judy, Ron, Ellison, Greg, and Christa touched the face of God when Challenger exploded after 73 seconds of flight on January 28, 1986. Eighteen years later, on February 1, 2003, we lost Rick, Willie, Michael, Kalpana, David, Laurel, and Ilan when Columbia returned mortally wounded and broke up over their home, my home State of Texas. Independence Plaza will ensure that these 14 heroes will always be revered, and a new, young generation of Americans will follow their lead and soar into the heavens.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kasey Hodge from Katy, Texas for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest honor in Boy Scouts. Only a small percentage of Boy Scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout, which takes years of dedicated effort. Community service and leadership--the most important aspects of scouting--are values every Scout brings wherever life leads them. Kasey's project involved building a community bench in a local dog park. Kasey's dedication to our community has prepared him to be a leader in college and his future career. The leadership skills Kasey has learned through Boy Scouts are already benefiting our community. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again on becoming an Eagle Scout. I have no doubt Kasey has a bright future ahead.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Trudy Rogers for earning the prestigious Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award, their highest honor. Trudy is a junior at Travis High School and lives in my hometown of Sugar Land, Texas. She is a member of New Territory-Brazos Valley Community Troop 28103 and serves as an Ambassador Girl Scout for her troop. She earned the Gold Award for her extraordinary project, ``Underdog Yelp!,'' that helps Sugar Land Animal Services. Trudy constructed a staircase, exercise ramp and platform to help keep the shelter animals healthy and entertained. She also sponsored a community adoption event for animals at the shelter and Pet Harbor and the importance of proper animal healthcare. What an accomplished and caring young woman. The leadership skills Trudy has learned through Girl Scouts are already benefiting our community. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Trudy Rogers for receiving the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. I thank my friend from the Garden State for allowing me to join this very important Special Order. Mr. Speaker, 43 years ago, an activist, liberal Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade and turned a penumbra, a shadow in our Constitution, into the legal right to privacy, which became the right to terminate innocent life. Since then, we have seen a decline in the value of human life in America. There is increased violence in our streets. Planned Parenthood staff discuss the harvesting of baby parts. There is an erosion of moral fabric that stems from a lack of respect for life. It stems from Roe v. Wade. Americans expect instant gratification with no consequences for their own actions. The Catholic Church's newest saint, Mother Teresa, once said: ``It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so you may live as you wish.'' I stand with Mother Teresa and all who value the sanctity of life, and will fight, continue to fight every effort to give a voice to the voiceless before their lives are taken. All life is precious. All life is precious. I thank my friend.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud Sophia George from Missouri City, Texas for being named to this year's Souper Bowl of Caring National Youth Advisory Board. Sophia is one of only 13 students from around the country selected to serve on the Board. During January, leading up to the NFL's Super Bowl, Sophia will serve as a spokesperson for Souper Bowl of Caring and organize charity drives in our Houston community throughout the year. By working with and leading her peers, Sophia will fill an important role ensuring that those in need are cared for. Our community is proud of Sophia's leadership and dedication to helping others. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Sophia for being selected to the National Youth Advisory Board. Thank you for serving Houston.