Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate James Allison, Ph.D for receiving the Lasker-Debakey Clinical Medical Research Award. Dr. Allison pioneered research on a new class of cancer treatment that allows for a patient's immune system to continuously attack cancerous tumors itself. The research expands the ability to provide patients with less invasive treatments to fight all different types of cancer. Dr. Allison's discovery is a massive breakthrough for cancer research and outstanding news for those who are unfortunately diagnosed with the disease. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to James Allison, Ph.D for receiving the prestigious Lasker-Debakey Clinical Medical Research Award. Thank you for your work to find a cure.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Allison Carpenter for receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Gold Award symbolizes outstanding accomplishments in the areas of leadership, community service, career planning, and personal development. Allison, a junior at Katy High School, has continually showed her commitment to changing society and helping her community. She was awarded the Gold Award after partnering with the You Can Academy to serve academically at-risk children who attend a local elementary school. She created and led curriculum workshops to teach students how to respect others, follow the rules, and stay on task. We are proud of Allison's commitment to education and look forward to seeing her future accomplishments. I am proud to represent such an impressive young Girl Scout who possesses a strong commitment to service. On behalf of the Twenty- Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Allison for earning this distinguished award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Seven Lakes High School's Symphony Orchestra for being selected as the 2016 Honor Full Orchestra by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). The Seven Lakes Symphony Orchestra received this recognition because of its ability to master some of the most advanced music literature. This is an especially high honor for Seven Lakes High School, which is only 10 years old. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of all of the talented musicians and their directors, Desiree Overree and Damon Archer. We all look forward to hearing the Symphony Orchestra perform at the TMEA Convention in February. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to the Seven Lakes High School Symphony Orchestra for being selected as the 2016 Honor Full Orchestra.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Carlos Gonzalez of Katy, Texas for being selected a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar. Carlos, a student at Seven Lakes High School, was one of only 261 high school juniors from across Texas selected to participate in this elite NASA program. As a High School Aerospace Scholar, Carlos completed various assignments throughout the school year. He was then invited to Johnson Space Center for a one-week summer internship where he and his fellow scholars worked with NASA scientists and engineers to plan a mission to Mars. Carlos certainly makes his parents, teachers, and the rest of our community proud. We look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in the future. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Carlos for being named a NASA High School Aerospace Scholar. Shoot for the stars, Carlos.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ryko Development for being recognized as Developer of the Year by the Texas Association of Builders. Ryko Development earned this prestigious award because of its outstanding work establishing the Lakes of Bella Terra community. This community brings new families and businesses to Fort Bend County every day. Through Lakes of Bella Terra, Ryko Development created an ideal living environment for families and has earned a reputation as a premier developer in the Houston area. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Ryko Development for being named Developer of the Year. Thanks for bringing Lakes of Bella Terra to Fort Bend.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Fort Bend Cares for its dedication to improving the lives of the children in Fort Bend County. Since the beginning, Fort Bend Cares has worked to improve the lives of our local children. Their latest project is a new playground located in Community Park in Rosenberg. Fort Bend Cares, with assistance from other local businesses, will work with a local playground manufacturer to ensure that the children of the community have a safe and fun place to relax and play. We are all looking forward to the playground's completion. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you to Fort Bend Cares for leaving such a positive impact on the lives of so many children here in Fort Bend County.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital's nursing staff for earning the Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The American Nurses Credentialing Center awards hospitals that create flourishing work environments for their nurses. These nurses are committed to providing Katy residents with high-quality and safe patient care. The nurses' efforts to create a positive work environment makes this hospital one of the best places for nurses to work. This award recognizes what a strong and dedicated staff the nurses are at Memorial Hermann Katy. We are lucky to have such an incredible team of nurses so close to home. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital's nursing staff for earning the Pathway to Excellence designation.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. I thank my friend. Mr. Speaker, one of the worst parts of President Obama's agreement with Iran is that it opens the door to nuclear bombs blowing up right here in America. This man is a terrorist from Iran. His name is Manssor Arbabsiar. He comes from a family of hate. In 2011, he approached the notorious Los Zetas drug cartel with a scheme to kill the Ambassador from Saudi Arabia right here in this city. He offered them $1.5 million for that hit. Luckily, we caught him. President Obama's agreement gives Iran at least $100 billion to hire Los Zetas and others to unleash nuclear material and death on innocent Americans. We caught them once. Will we catch them again? I urge my colleagues to vote for the rule today and tomorrow. Vote to reject President Obama's agreement with Iran.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. I thank my fellow Texan from the Seventh Congressional District of Texas, Mr. Culberson. My friends, America has a problem. I have lived here for 52 years and I have never heard the word ``assassination'' in the same sentence as ``police officer'' or ``sheriff's deputy'' as I have in the past 6 months. Harris County Deputy Sheriff Darren Goforth was assassinated a few weeks ago doing his job. As my colleagues mentioned, he was in uniform, pumping gas at a service station in his sheriff's cruiser in a very nice neighborhood in Houston, Texas, and gunned down in cold blood, assassinated. The shooter shot and shot and shot and shot and shot and shot and shot and shot and shot until Deputy Goforth dropped dead protecting us. He left behind a wife, Kathleen, and two young kids who won't have a father walk them down the aisle when they get married. I want to go up there to the site of the assassination and pray with fellow Texans. I took this picture yesterday at the Chevron gas station. As you can see, there are flowers everywhere and notes and stuffed animals, little stuffed teddy bears. This was replayed over and over and over. That was just one day. And right on the sidewalk are all sorts of colored chalk with messages for Deputy Sheriff Goforth. ``Darren Goforth, we love you,'' ``Thank you,'' ``Rest in peace.'' I felt rejuvenated about America at that moment, but it got better. I am coming home to Sugar Land, Texas. That is my neighborhood. It is at Alcorn Oaks Drive and Oakland Drive in my hometown. These are six amazing young Texans with a lemonade stand for police. It says ``Blue lives matter.'' These kids get it. They get it. They get it. We should love and praise our officers and thank them, thank them, thank them for their sacrifice. I have to mention, too, my friend, I bought a glass of lemonade there, the most expensive one I have ever purchased, close to $20. In closing, these men and women protect us every single day from people who want to hurt us and hurt our families. They deserve our love, support, and admiration, and to know that we always have their backs.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, this week, the House will vote against the nuclear arms race in the Middle East. The House will vote against Mr. Putin's getting new missiles for Iran to hit Europe--even America--with a nuclear bomb. The House will vote against giving Iran $50 billion to hand to ISIS, Hamas, Hezbollah, and al Qaeda. The House will vote for American Christians held in jails in Iran. The House will vote for the survival of our greatest ally, Israel. World peace needs American leadership. The world has had 7 years of America's leading from behind. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for new American leadership and world peace. Vote to disapprove of President Obama's deal with Iran.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Missouri City, Texas for earning a Platinum Level Scenic City Certification! Missouri City residents know full well what a beautiful city they live in and are proud that everybody across Texas agrees. Scenic Texas, a non-profit organization, awarded the Platinum Level Scenic City Certification to Missouri City for five years. Missouri City is only one of eight cities to receive this top honor and the only city in the Houston area to earn Platinum status. The organization took note of Missouri City's beautiful landscapes, tree-lined streets, and dedication to cultural arts. This certification further demonstrates Missouri City'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 Missouri City! Thank you for keeping our little piece of Texas beautiful.

Mr. OLSON

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

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grace, Sharon, and Eric Li. Together, these siblings founded a group called We Care Act and have helped countless people around the world. We Care Act began in response to the 2008 earthquake in the Sichuan Province of China. Since its founding, We Care Act has distributed goods to over 30,000 people while involving 30,000 donors and volunteers. Most recently, the group gathered donations for families affected by the Houston Memorial Day floods and the victims of the Nepal earthquake. They've donated everything from laptops to letters of condolences to countries from Nicaragua to Japan. Sharon, a recent Dawson High School graduate, is headed to Yale in the fall with a $10,000 scholarship from Kohl's and a $20,000 from the Coca-Cola Foundation. We are proud of how much these siblings have helped people all over the world. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you to the Li siblings and We Care Act for all they do to help people at home and around the world.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pearland's Katie Garza for being crowned Mrs. United States 2015. Mrs. Garza truly encompasses the qualities of this competition. She is an intelligent wife, mother, and professional and beautiful on the inside and out. During her reign as Mrs. United States, Katie will use her platform to benefit the Pumping for Preemies foundation. Her foundation helps save the lives of premature infants by providing donor milk to mothers who are unable to provide breast milk. As a mother to three premature children, this cause is near and dear to Katie's heart. We are proud of Katie for highlighting her personal cause on the national stage. She is an excellent role model who represents Pearland well. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Katie Garza for being crowned Mrs. United States 2015.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Logos Preparatory Academy on its 10 year anniversary. Logos Prep opened their doors on August 6, 2005 and ever since, they have provided a high quality, Christ-centered education to our future leaders. Logos Prep began when four families in Southwest Houston joined together to create a Christ centered educational institute. In its first year, Logos offered 3rd-10th grades with an initial enrollment of 232 students. Now, 10 years later, over 500 students are enrolled in its K-12 college preparatory program. The school's superior academic record speaks for itself--students are thriving. Thank you to the teachers and staff at Logos Prep for their dedication to seeing their students succeed. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Logos Preparatory Academy for 10 successful years educating our leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Stafford, Texas's own Living Water International on its upcoming 25th anniversary. Over the last 25 years, Mike Mantel and his team have drilled over 15,000 wells and provided clean water to people in more than 23 countries. After taking a water well drilling trip to Senegal, Mike was inspired to provide clean water to people around the world. To Mike, getting people water was the foundation for a successful life. A life where agriculture could develop, people would be healthier, and women could spend less time hauling water and more time in school. Living Water International's mission to share the love of God and provide access to clean drinking water to countries around the world is inspiring. As a community, we are humbled and grateful by the work Mike and his team at Living Water International are doing. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, we thank you for 25 years of dedication to bringing clean water to people around the world.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kourtney Coveney of Katy High School for being named Class 6A Player of the Year by the Texas Sports Writers Association. Kourtney led her team to the first state softball title in district history. Throughout the season she had a 3.32 earned run average as well as 79 strikeouts in 135\2/3\ innings. Not only is she an excellent pitcher, Kourtney's batting average is .511 with 17 doubles, a home run, and 54 runs batted in. She will continue her softball career at West Texas A&M University. Kourtney has made her parents, coaches, and the town of Katy proud. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Kourtney Coveney on all of her achievements. We look forward to hearing more about her continued success.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Harrison twins from Richmond, TX in Fort Bend County for their outstanding performance and success in their young basketball careers. Together, they won a basketball state championship for Travis High School, competed in two NCAA Final Fours and were prospects in the 2015 NBA draft. Andrew Harrison was selected by the Phoenix Suns to play in the NBA before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Aaron Harrison has the opportunity to play in the NBA summer league for the Charlotte Hornets. These young men have made their parents, coaches, and the rest of Fort Bend County proud. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to the Harrison twins on all of their achievements. We look forward to hearing more about their continued success on and off the court.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dulles High School on being named the 2015 6A Academic State Champions. This win marks Dulles' third state title in four years. This impressive achievement brought the gold medal to Dulles for the third time in just four years. This year's win also marks the eighth consecutive academic championship title for Fort Bend ISD. Dulles earned first place team honors in Science, Math, and Speech and Debate and second place team honors in Number Sense. No doubt, these students worked diligently all year to win this championship. Their success would not have been possible without the support of their teachers, principal, and parents. We are all looking forward to the continued achievements of this bright group of students. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Dulles High School's Academic State Champions. This victory makes the entire Fort Bend ISD community proud.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sharon Bradley of Pearland's Jamison Middle School for being named Pearland Independent School District's 2015 Elementary and Secondary Principal of the Year. Ms. Bradley has served as principle of Jamison Middle School for ten years. Previously, she taught multiple different grade levels including as a junior high assistant principal. She developed a passion for helping to guide her students into becoming strong leaders through the school system. Ms. Bradley has demonstrated great leadership and dedication to her students and colleagues. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Sharon Bradley for winning the Pearland Independent School District's 2015 Elementary and Secondary Principal of the Year Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lunches of Love for serving its one millionth free lunch to the children of the Fort Bend County community. Lunches of Love has been serving Fort Bend County since 2012 by providing nutritious lunches for children in need. On June 23, the organization handed out their millionth sack lunch and moved one step closer to ending childhood hunger. We are extremely proud of Lunches of Love's dedication to our children and are grateful for every volunteer who has helped them reach this milestone. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, thank you again to Lunches of Love for serving the children of Fort Bend County and helping to eradicate childhood hunger.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Melissa Ward of Pearland's Dawson High School for being named Pearland Independent School District's 2015 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Ms. Ward has always had a gift and talent for teaching. After receiving degrees in both sociology and psychology, she sought a career where she could help people and found a passion for teaching. In addition to her classroom excellence, Ms. Ward also coaches girls' cross country, track and field, and basketball. She often takes time out of her day to attend her students' cheer, band, or sporting events. She has also implemented the Student Training in Teacher Leadership Program, which provides mentoring for students who are considering teaching for a career at Dawson High School. Her dedication to Dawson High School doesn't stop. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Melissa Ward for winning the Pearland Independent School District's 2015 Secondary Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Avadele Short of Katy, Texas for receiving an Award of Distinction for her 34 years of dedicated service to the Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Mrs. Short and her husband were two of the founders of the Memorial Hermann Katy Volunteer Auxiliary when the hospital opened its doors in 1981. Since then, Mrs. Short has given more than 9,000 hours of her time to the Katy community and is the only remaining original member of the Auxiliary. With her help, the volunteer program has expanded from 45 original members to 145 members today. Now 91, Mrs. Short still volunteers twice a week and brings smiles to all the patients and the entire hospital staff. Hospital staff and patients alike agree, it would not be the same place without her care and compassion. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Mrs. Avadele Short for more than three decades of volunteer service to the Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Thank you for all that you have done for our community.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tammy Norman of Pearland's Rogers Middle School for being named Pearland Independent School District's 2015 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Throughout her childhood, Ms. Norman was inspired and encouraged by her teachers. Today, she strives to have the same effect on her students by helping them grow academically and being a positive influence. Ms. Norman creates an engaging learning environment by supplementing her lessons with technology, humor, and fun activities. Ms. Norman is truly making a lasting impact on the lives of her students. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Ms. Norman for being named Pearland ISD's 2015 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Jennifer Morrow of Pearland's Turner College and Career High School for being named Pearland Independent School District's 2015 Elementary and Secondary Principal of the Year. Dr. Morrow has been working as principal at Turner College and Career High School since 2012. She has helped create educational programs that allow students to earn associates degrees while becoming career certified. These higher learning programs fill an important role in ensuring our communities have well trained employees to meet specific industry needs. Dr. Morrow shows the innovation and leadership that is deserving of this prestigious award. On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Dr. Jennifer Morrow for being named Pearland ISD's Secondary Principal of the Year.