Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Chair, I thank my friend from Oklahoma. Madam Chair, a special thanks to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), my committee chairman, for having this amendment in this important highway bill. This amendment is common sense. There is a great saying in America, ``The third time is a charm.'' These exact words have passed this body three straight times. In the 112th, the 113th, and the current 114th Congress, this exact language has passed this body without objection, all ``yea'' votes. It is noncontroversial. This amendment does one simple thing. It ensures that our power grid will be reliable in a power crisis, and that crisis won't become a legal crisis as has happened at least two times in the last 10 years. It is the same scenario: there is a power crisis, the entity that controls the grid says to keep that grid up and running, the operator says we will see our permits from EPA, they do that, and they are sued. This amendment says to stop that practice. If you are told to keep the grid up and running, you can do that for at least 16 days. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment one more time because right now we have the chance to have it go to the President and become signed into law to make our grid safer and more reliable for future Americans.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fort Bend County Public Transportation for being honored by the Mamie George Community Center. Each year, the Mamie George Community Center honors organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to improving Fort Bend County. The Department of Transportation received this award for its work with the Mamie George Community Center to develop a new system of transportation for seniors in the Richmond/Rosenberg area. Through their efforts, the organizations created new bus routes to give seniors the ability to live independently and stay active in their community. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Fort Bend County Public Transportation for this honor. Thank you for your commitment to seniors and to Fort Bend County.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rebecca Lacquey of Katy High School for receiving the 2015 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award. Mrs. Lacquey is one of only twelve humanities teachers in all of Texas to receive this prestigious award. Her dedication to bringing history to life through unique methods such as role-playing and virtual field trips makes history more fun and relatable to her students. Mrs. Lacquey's methods continually enrich the lives of her students. Katy High School is lucky to have her. We wish her continued teaching success for many more years to come. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations once again to Mrs. Rebecca Lacquey for winning this Outstanding Teacher award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, this week I read a story in the Houston Chronicle about Martha Gardenier. Martha is 59. She is a CPA. Two years ago, her bone marrow disease became leukemia. Her doctor said she should start end-of-life care. The best cancer center in our world, M.D. Anderson, put her into an experimental trial. Her cancer regressed to grade 1. Her drug cocktail costs $10,000 per month. In September, she was told that her insurance plan was dropping her because of ObamaCare. President Obama told every American that ``if you like your healthcare plan, you can keep it.'' Martha liked her healthcare plan, and she may die because she can't keep it, another example of why ObamaCare must be repealed and replaced without broken promises and putting patients likes Martha first.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sugar Land Middle School in my hometown of Sugar Land, Texas on its 40th anniversary. This year marks 40 years of educating, learning, and helping our children succeed. A lot has changed since this school opened its doors in 1975 but one thing has remained the same--Sugar Land Middle School's 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 SLMS great throughout the years. Without a dedicated team, our Sugar Land Titans wouldn't be thriving like they are today. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Sugar Land Middle School on 40 successful years of educating our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alaa Aly, for earning the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award, their most prestigious honor. Alaa, a graduate of Cinco Ranch High School, was recognized for her extraordinary leadership and efforts to raise Alzheimer's awareness. She volunteered with the Cinco Ranch Alzheimer's Center and Foundations Academy, a preschool and after school program, where she hosted an entertainment drive. Alaa has been a member of the San Jacinto Council since she was in second grade and previously earned the Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards for her other contributions to her community. What an accomplished young woman. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Alaa Aly for receiving the Girl Scouts of the USA Gold Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Quail Valley Elementary School in Missouri City, Texas on its 40th anniversary. This year marks 40 years of educating, learning, and helping our children succeed. A lot has changed since this school opened its doors in 1975 but one thing has remained the same--Quail Valley Elementary School's 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 QVE great throughout the years. Without a dedicated team, our Quail Valley Eagles wouldn't be thriving like they are today. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Quail Valley Elementary School on 40 successful years of educating our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Shinsky of Alvin, Texas for bravely serving the United States during World War II. Mr. Shinsky valiantly served in the Army Air Corps as a co-pilot of a B-17 in the 384th Bomber Group during World War II. During the war, Mr. Shinsky's plane was taken down by German fire and he became a German prisoner of war. He says he survived his two years as a POW through God's grace and praying the Rosary. Recently, members from the 384th BG NexGen's veterans signing project came to Mr. Shinsky and asked him to sign a wing from an original B-17. This wing, with the signatures of Mr. Shinsky and other living members of the 384th Bomber Group, will be put in the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base near Ogden, Utah. As a former Navy pilot, I am humbled by Paul's noble service to our country. He truly embodies the Greatest Generation. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas and all the brave men and women who have served our country, we thank Paul for his service.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Missouri City Middle School, a great Texas school, on its 40th anniversary. This year marks 40 years of educating, learning, and helping our children succeed. A lot has changed since this school opened its doors in 1975 but one thing has remained the same--Missouri City Middle School's 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 MCMS great throughout the years. Without a dedicated team, our Missouri City Cougars wouldn't be thriving like they are today. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Missouri City Middle School on 40 successful years of educating our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I would like to share the story of a breast cancer survivor I met last week at home. Her name is Bree Sandlin. She is married to Stephen. They have two sons, Beck and Elliott. Elliott is a master Lego engineer. On July 25, 2012, Bree was diagnosed with stage III triple-negative breast cancer. After major surgery and chemotherapy, Bree was cancer free by February 13, 2013. A proud Texas Aggie, Bree has embraced life after her cancer. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, 19,341 feet above sea level. This past Sunday, she ran the Marine Corps Marathon with a time of 5 hours, 39 minutes, and 10 seconds. We can beat breast cancer. Just ask Bree Sandlin.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Connie O'Day from Pearland, Texas for winning this year's Islamorada Light Tackle Tournament. The Islamorada Light Tackle Tournament is one of several fishing tournaments put on by the International Women's Fishing Association. Connie proved her skill in what used to be a male-dominated sport. During the tournament, all of the contestants braved the strong winds, but it was Connie's team that won the day. Her boat, guided by Captain Mark Gilman, beat the elements and the rest of the competition by catching the most fish. Now, I have to ask, when does Pearland get to go to the O'Day house for some fresh fish? On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Connie for winning the tournament and bringing the gold to Pearland.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, this is the last week of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Before it ends, I would tell the American people about two amazing women from Sugar Land, Texas, two good friends of my family, two women who are here for a reason, two people who are touching others in need, two people who are making a difference. Meet Irma and Sasha. Stunning, aren't they? They are related. They look like sisters, but they are not. They are mother and daughter. The mom, Irma, is on the left. Her baby girl, Sasha, is on the right. Irma and Sasha are sisters in a cause. Both have fought breast cancer, and both have won. Each year over 200,000 American women hear four crushing words: You have breast cancer. Irma feared those words because she knew they may be coming. Both of her sisters heard those four words. One died. Irma beat her cancer, but lived in fear. With her family's history of breast cancer, her daughter had a good chance of hearing those four terrible words. Five years after Irma beat breast cancer, Sasha banged on her door, crying without end. She was 31, and she had aggressive breast cancer. Irma was by Sasha's side every second of her fight against cancer. Mom watched her daughter lose each breast. Mom watched her daughter go through 16 rounds of harsh chemotherapy. Mom watched her daughter lose all of her hair, her eyebrows, her eyelashes. Mom watched her daughter lose that smile. Sasha thought that she was no longer beautiful. Her will to fight was decreasing. Irma took charge. She told Sasha that ``no matter how sick you feel, get up, shower, and put some lipstick on. You are beautiful.'' Then it hit both of them. They were women of style and grace. Cancer took that away. The only wigs they could find looked good on circus clowns. There was not a beauty shop for women with breast cancer, a place where they are pampered, a place where they are beautiful. They were going to end that. Dad had no choice. He gave Sasha his life savings, and in 2013 my wife and I walked into our friends' dream store, Cure & Co., on its opening day. Cure & Co. gives women with cancer real wigs, real facials, and real beauty products. Sasha and Irma give their clients hope and love in the worst of times, the greatest gifts of all. Look one last time at Irma and Sasha. They are gorgeous, stunning, and beautiful. They have had breast cancer. Both of them have beaten breast cancer, and both of them will never leave the fight until breast cancer is cured forever.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, in a mere 14 days, America will hit the limit for our national debt; but rather than working with Congress to address the causes of our debt, President Obama is demanding we dump more debt on our kids and grandkids. President Obama is very different from Senator Obama. Here is a photo of Senator Obama speaking on the Senate floor, and here is what he said on our national debt on the Senate floor on March 16, 2006: ``The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. Government can't pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our government's reckless fiscal policies. ``Over the past 5 years, our Federal debt has increased by $3.5 trillion to $8.6 trillion. That is `trillion' with a `T.' That is money that we have borrowed from the Social Security trust fund, borrowed from China and Japan, borrowed from American taxpayers. ``Numbers that large are sometimes hard to understand. Some people may wonder why they matter. Here is why: This year the Federal Government will spend $220 billion on interest.'' The $8.6 trillion that horrified Senator Obama in 2006 has exploded to $18.1 trillion on President Obama's watch. ``That is `trillion' with a `T,' '' to quote Senator Obama. Senator Obama later explained: ``Every dollar we pay in interest is a dollar that is not going to investment in America's priorities. Instead, interest payments are a significant tax on all Americans, a debt tax that Washington doesn't want to talk about.'' Senator Obama abhorred a debt tax that Washington didn't want to talk about, and now he refuses to talk about his new debt tax. Senator Obama closed by saying: ``Increasing America's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that `the buck stops here.' Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better. I, therefore, intend to oppose the effort to increase America's debt limit.'' If Senator Obama thought that a national debt of $8.6 trillion with a T is a ``failure of leadership,'' what has changed? Why is President Obama okay with a new debt tax of over $20 trillion, trillion with a T? Clearly, President Obama has forgotten Senator Obama's words, but the American people remember. On their behalf and on behalf of all young Americans who will be crushed by this new debt, I ask President Obama to decrease our debt by working with Congress to stop his new debt tax.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cheryl Richardson, a talented and creative teacher from Richmond, Texas who has added author to her list of accomplishments. As a fourth grade teacher at Manford Williams Elementary in Richmond, Ms. Richardson recently published her first children's book. You might recognize her under her pen name, Giddy Gragert. Fufu's Bistro is about a young boy who plays with his food when one day his food starts playing back. His imagination takes him on a journey around the world. By combining her love of travel and her daughter's love for playing with food, Cheryl wrote a book that inspires creativity and curiosity in young children. Cheryl selflessly dedicates her time to helping children succeed. This new book is just another way Cheryl will be able to inspire kids to dream big. We are all proud of Ms. Richardson's hard work. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Cheryl, or Giddy, on her first book.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pearland, Texas for earning a Gold Level Scenic City Certification. Pearland residents already know how beautiful this city is, and we are proud that everybody across Texas agrees. Scenic Texas, a non-profit organization, awarded the Gold Level Scenic City Certification to Pearland for five years. The organization took note of Pearland's beautiful landscapes, tree-lined streets, and dedication to cultural arts. This certification further demonstrates Pearland's commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. We are extremely proud of this growing city. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Pearland. Thank you for keeping our little piece of Texas beautiful.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Chair, we will create thousands and thousands and thousands of good-paying American jobs. I ask my colleagues vote today to end the ban on crude oil exports.

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Chair, this picture shows why we have to end this ban on crude exports. In October 1973, OPEC cut us off. We were getting 1.2 million barrels per day from OPEC, and that dropped down to a scant 19,000. Gas prices doubled. If you had to gas your lawn mower, you had to get in line behind cars. Because of American innovation, that world is gone. We are now awash in American crude oil. OPEC's days of dominance are over; but we can't deliver a knockout blow until we end the ban on American crude exports, which we will do in a few short minutes. When that happens, American families will have lower prices at the pump. Thug oil nations like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran will lose bite.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate nine year old Octavia Gee from Sugar Land, Texas for setting a world shot put record. Octavia, a student at Settler Way Elementary, recently competed at the Texas Vs. The World All Comers Meet with the goal of setting a world record in the nine-year-old division with an 8.8-pound shot put. If Octavia was nervous, she didn't show it, blasting the old record with a throw of 7.28 meters. Even better--she broke the world record on her mom's birthday. Octavia made her family, friends, and community proud. We look forward to seeing her set more records. We'll definitely see Octavia in future Olympic games. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Octavia for setting a world shot put record.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alfred Froberg, Jr. of Alvin, Texas for receiving the 2015 Junior Achievement Hall of Fame award. Mr. Froberg received this award thanks to his positive impact on the Alvin and Brazoria County business community. He is deeply dedicated to growing and promoting businesses all across his hometown. As a member of the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, Mr. Froberg's efforts serve as a model for other local businesses, helping them grow and succeed. Brazoria County is proud to have such an inspiring business leader. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Alfred for being part of the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jeff Gill for successfully completing his 375th career triathlon last month. Triathlons have allowed Jeff to travel the world. Of all the places he's traveled to compete, it was great to see Jeff complete his milestone triathlon in his hometown of Katy, Texas in a race he hasn't missed in over 20 years. Jeff has already completed nine triathlons just this year and hopes to complete nine more. He is well on his way to number 475. We all look forward to cheering him along throughout his triathlon career. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Jeff for completing his 375th triathlon.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lauren Luna for winning Best in Show at the Pearland Arts League Show. Lauren's winning painting is called Late Nights (Burgundy St.) and is based on a picture she took last year in New Orleans. Ms. Luna is active in our local art community and shares her passion for art as an art teacher at Mark Twain Elementary in Alvin, Texas. She is a true inspiration to her students by not only teaching them about the importance of art, but also showing them that they can follow their dreams. Ms. Luna's students share her success and also encourage her to never give up. The Alvin community is proud of Lauren's talents both as an artist and teacher. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Lauren Luna for winning Best in Show. Your beautiful art is truly inspiring.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Leah Bolton for being awarded the Brazoria County Business Hall of Fame's Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. Leah Bolton, a Career and Technology teacher at Manvel High School, earned this recognition thanks to her efforts to further engage students in career preparation and technology courses. In her classes, she incorporates volunteers from the local Junior Achievement organization to help teach her students about working in the business sector and the community. Her students were even selected by Junior Achievement to teach financial literacy lessons to younger students at local elementary schools. Ms. Bolton gives her students great hands-on experience that prepares them to conquer the world. Thank you to Ms. Bolton for her leadership, dedication, and inspiration. Manvel High School is lucky to have you. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Leah Bolton for being named Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pearland Saints for being selected to represent Texas at the annual Special Olympics North America Softball Championship. The Pearland Saints are a softball team through the Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) organization. SOTX uses the power of sports to empower people with intellectual challenges. Through SOTX children and adults can experience the joy of being part of a team and realize their full potential. This all-star team of thirteen players, led by Coach Raymond Rocha, will compete against 31 other teams from across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. We are excited to cheer the team on in Wichita this weekend. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, best of luck to the Pearland Saints at the Special Olympics North America Softball Championship and congratulations on being selected to represent our great state.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ricky Lerma on his selection to play with the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Band. Ricky Lerma, a senior at Needville High School, is one of only 13 students in Texas to be selected to join the Band. FFA is a national organization that advances and supports agricultural education. Next month, Ricky and his fellow band members will travel to Louisville, Kentucky to perform at the 2015 National FFA Convention & Expo. We are all proud of Ricky's accomplishment and look forward to hearing him perform. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Ricky on this fantastic achievement and best of luck in Louisville.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a very happy 90th birthday to Pearland, Texas Mayor Tom Reid. Mayor Reid has seen a great deal over the last 90 years--during his lifetime he's seen humans walk on the moon and the invention of the Internet. In his nearly 30 years as mayor of Pearland, Mr. Reid has seen his city boom in both population and economic strength. Mayor Reid is a dedicated mayor who has guided Pearland through some tremendous growth. Thank you to Mayor Reid for his steadfast leadership of this great city in Texas 22. We all wish him many more years of health and happiness. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, happy birthday to Mayor Tom Reid.