Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, 179 years ago, a document from home changed the world with 102 final words. These words are: We, therefore, the delegates with plenary powers of the people of Texas, in solemn convention assembled, appealing to a candid world for the necessities of our condition, do hereby resolve and declare that our political connection with the Mexican nation has forever ended and that the people of Texas do now constitute a free, sovereign, and independent republic and are fully invested with all the rights and attributes which properly belong to independent nations; and, conscious of the rectitude of our intentions, we fearlessly and confidently commit the issue to the decision of the Supreme arbiter of the destinies of nations. Happy birthday to my home, the Republic of Texas.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Killen's Barbecue, a Pearland, TX legendary institution, for being named in the top 10 in GQ Magazine's ``25 Most Outstanding Restaurants of 2015.'' All due respect to other states, Texans know barbecue better than anyone! Don't let the never-ending line to get in stop you from tasting a little bit of heaven. It's well worth the wait. Chef Ronnie Killen is a true master and his culinary skills are keeping true Texas barbecue alive. I commend Chef Killen for sharing his true Texas Barbecue with the great folks of TX-22. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional of Texas, congratulations again to Killen's Barbecue for being named one of GQ's ``25 Most Outstanding Restaurants of 2015.''

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ricky Regas, Cinco Ranch High School senior, for winning his fourth consecutive wrestling state championship. Ricky also ended his high school career with an undefeated season. Despite being injured at regionals, Ricky was able to battle through to defeat his opponents. His parents and coaches also deserve credit for helping to play an important role in providing you with the tools to achieve success. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Ricky Regas for winning a fourth consecutive state championship. We wish him luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Arturo Hernandez, Pearland, Texas resident and University of Houston professor, on receiving the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award. This award honors his groundbreaking research on how the brain processes and learns language. Dr. Hernandez's research on language study merits such recognition not only because it is an outstanding accomplishment in its own right, but also because it opens the gate to a new and undiscovered field of study at the convergence of language processing and genetics. I commend Dr. Arturo Hernandez on his dedication to research that promises to inform and meaningfully impact the education process. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional of Texas, congratulations again to Dr. Hernandez for receiving the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the devastating atrocities that took place in Azerbaijani town of Khojaly on February 26, 1992. Thanks to Armenian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) forces over the course of 22 hours, 613 civilian lives were lost. Innocent children, women and elderly men were brutally murdered. Since this tragedy took place in the early 1990s, Azerbaijan has worked to heal and become a successful country, with a booming economy. As a result, the economy of Azerbaijan is the fastest growing among the CIS states. In the turbulent geopolitical region, Azerbaijan is a reliable partner of the United States. Moreover, Azerbaijan is a close ally and trade partner with another strong American ally--Israel--in the region. Mr. Speaker, we must stand close by our allies. That is why I urge my colleagues to recognize the human tragedy that occurred in Azerbaijan 23 years ago. Please, join me and all of our our Azerbaijani friends in commemorating the lives lost during the Khojaly massacre.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share a story with the American people, a story of courage, love, and faith. It is a story of one of my bosses back home, a young lady, Alyssa Ferguson. In sixth grade, Alyssa was told that she had cancer and that the cancer would likely take her young life. She was approached by the Sugar Land Make-a-Wish Foundation; but instead of wishing to meet a famous person and turning inward, Alyssa turned outward. Her wish was to have a water well built in rural Africa for people in need. Last year, Alyssa's wish was granted; the well was dug. And this year, Alyssa's 29 rounds of chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation treatment will pay off as she goes to Africa and sips water out of her well. I want to thank Alyssa for showing all of us that love and faith overcome all. May God bless Alyssa Ferguson.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the devastating atrocities that took place in Azerbaijani town of Khojaly on February 26, 1992. Thanks to Armenian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) forces over the course of 22 hours, 613 civilian lives were lost. Innocent children, women and elderly men were brutally murdered. Since this tragedy took place in the early 1990's, Azerbaijan has worked to heal and become a successful country, with a booming economy. As a result, the economy of Azerbaijan is the fastest growing among the CIS states. In the turbulent geopolitical region, Azerbaijan is a reliable partner of the United States. Moreover, Azerbaijan is a close ally and trade partner with another strong American ally--Israel--in the region. Mr. Speaker, we must stand close by our allies. That is why I urge my colleagues to recognize the human tragedy that occurred in Azerbaijan 23 years ago. Please, join me and all of our Azerbaijani friends in commemorating the lives lost during the Khojaly massacre.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lt. Cheryl Hillegeist on her impending promotion to the rank of captain in the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. This promotion will make her the highest-ranking female officer ever to serve the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. As a resident of Fort Bend County, I sleep better at night knowing officers like Lt. Hillegeist are on patrol looking out for my family and the great folks who call our diverse county home. Hillegeist's distinguished career in law enforcement has spanned three decades. While working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Fort Bend County Sheriff's office, her exemplary character and actions encouraged her rapid rise through the ranks and the earned the recognition and gratitude of her community. This well deserved promotion is a reflection of her stellar commitment to protecting our county. I thank Lt. Cheryl Hillegeist for her dedication to service and extraordinary conduct in the discharge of her public duties. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional of Texas, congratulations again to Hillegeist for being promoted to captain in the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Fellowship for hosting their 5th annual Run4theChildren race in Katy, Texas. This race raises funds to help families overcome the barriers to adopting children. This wonderful charity event allows families in our community grow and share their love. Over 160 million orphan children in the world are looking for homes. Sadly, many families that would love to make an orphaned child a member of their family face costly huge financial barriers that can run upwards of $30,000. Run4theChildren addresses this problem head on. In the past four years, the annual event has raised $80,000 for grants to help families who want to adopt children. I commend The Fellowship for extending the warmth of their ministry to all the families they have connected with new sons and daughters and all individuals who seek to participate in the race. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to The Fellowship for hosting its 5th annual Run4theChildren race.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Austin Parkway Elementary School for celebrating its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, January 27th. The faculty, interscholastic programs, and volunteer network of Austin Parkway Elementary are vital to providing a quality education for the students. As Austin Parkway Elementary celebrates 25 years of excellence, the community joined faculty and students in recognizing past principals. Their contributions have helped cultivate generations of leaders and their honorable service laid the groundwork for the strong educational foundation this school represents. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Austin Parkway Elementary School on celebrating 25 years of quality education for the community. We look forward to its continued success.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, 42 years ago today, a POW came home from Vietnam. This Special Order was put on by Mr. Dold from Illinois. He will be here shortly. A man I love came home that day 42 years ago. He is our colleague, Sam Johnson. Sam first saw combat in Korea, 62 hair-raising combat missions in an F-86 Sabre. He told me he used to race Buzz Aldrin to get to where the bad guys were to get the first kill of the day. That same Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon with Neil Armstrong. Sam shot down one MIG in Korea. He came home and quickly became one of our best pilots in the Air Force. He joined the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's flight demonstration team. He flew solo and slot in the F- 100C Super Sabre. He became an instructor pilot at the Air Force's Fighter Weapons School, their Top Gun. Sam saw combat again in Vietnam. He flew the F-4 Phantom into combat. Coming back after dropping his bombs on North Korea, he was shot down. It was his 25th combat mission over Vietnam, April 15, 1966. Sam bailed out and fell into hell on earth. He was taken prisoner, confined for 6 years, 9 months, and 12 days. This was a new war for POWs. It was a war of propaganda, so every minute those men were alive, they were valuable. Their captors used starvation, disease, isolation, physical, and mental torture to push these men to confess to war crimes, to bombing hospitals and schools with napalm. They were beaten every single day they were held in captivity. The Viet Cong saw a fighter in Sam Johnson. They saw a man who might start a riot, a rebellion. They called him a ``diehard,'' and so--with 10 other men--they moved him from the Hanoi Hilton to a place they called Alcatraz, hell within hell. Sam was alone for over 2 years. He stayed in a windowless concrete room, 9 feet wide, 4 feet, 9 by 4 feet. Every summer, it got up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in his cell. His legs were shackled with irons--both legs--every minute he was in his cell. Ten other men went with him: Jeremiah Denton, Jim Stockdale, Bob Shumaker, Ronald Storz, Harry Jenkins, Howard Rutledge, Nels Tanner, Jim Mulligan, George McKnight, and George Coker. Ten came home. Ronald Storz died in Alcatraz in captivity. Sam and his 10 brothers all learned to lean on each other to survive. In Alcatraz, one day Sam was put in a cell and beaten and beaten and beaten to make him write a document and sign his confession of committing a war crime. Jeremiah Denton heard the clamor when Sam was thrown back into his cell hours after he was taken off from his cell with the Viet Cong. Admiral Denton said: Sam, Sam, it is okay, buddy. There was silence for a couple moments, and then Sam said: I made them write it, but I had to sign it. Admiral Denton said: It is okay, Sam. You are, okay. Hang on. You did a good job. Because of what Sam and others went through, every naval aviator, marine aviator, Air Force pilot, Army pilot, Navy SEAL, Marine Force Recon, Army Green Berets attend what is known as SERE school--S-E-R-E, survive, evade, resist, escape--POW school. I went to SERE for 1 week in the fall of 1991. I was fed little amounts of food. No sleep. The last 2 days were in the POW camp in a small concrete room like Sam, alone, stuffed into a small box in the dark, loud music and a waterboard. That training gave me a taste of torture--my strengths and weaknesses. Sam never had that training. He learned it with his blood and broken bones. I want to close by using the tap code, the way Sam and his fellow prisoners used to communicate without talking. It is a 5 by 5 matrix, 25 letters. It omits the K. (Tapping on podium.) In the Hanoi Hilton and Alcatraz, that says: I salute you. Sam, if I was there that day, 42 years ago when you came home, I would say: Sam, I salute you. God bless them all. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Victor Peschke of the Sugar Land Fire Department for being selected by the department and the Sugar Land Citizen's Fire Academy Alumni Association for the Firefighter of the Year Award. This award recognizes his exemplary character and actions in protecting our communities. Peschke's firefighting career now spans six years. Since he joined the service of the Sugar Land Fire Department in 2011, he has honorably safeguarded the community and strengthened our public safety system. Peschke is not just a leader whose hard work and attitude others admire; he is a leader who inspires those who serve with him. Our communities are safer because of folks like Victor. I commend Victor Peschke for his exemplary service to his community. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional of Texas, congratulations again to Victor for being honored with Sugar Land's Firefighter of the Year Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brice Kolle for being named the December 2014 Cadet of the Month by the Marine Military Academy. Kolle, a freshman at the Marine Military Academy, hails from my hometown of Sugar Land in TX-22. This esteemed award recognizes his exemplary character, leadership, academic achievement, and esprit de corps while serving in the preparatory school's band. Kolle's superb attitude and dedication to his studies will continue to serve him well at the Marine Military Academy and beyond. Receiving this honor, speaks to Kolle's dedication to uphold academy's mission and values. I commend Brice Kolle for his outstanding leadership and development of character thus far in his academic career. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Kolle for being named the Marine Military Academy's Cadet of the Month for the Leatherneck Band for December 2014.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deputy John McCord of the Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Constable's Office for being selected by the Houston 100 Club for the Officer of the Year Award. This award recognizes his extraordinary act of valor to protect the lives of residents of Fort Bend County. On June 27, 2014, Deputy McCord responded to a call reporting a child drowning in the Weston Lakes subdivision in Fulshear, Texas. Deputy McCord rescued the unconscious boy from the bottom of the lake and performed lifesaving CPR before a medical helicopter arrived to bring the child to the hospital. Thanks to officers like Deputy McCord, residents of Fort Bend County can rest assured that our police officers are dedicated to serving our community and keeping us safe. I thank Deputy John McCord for his courage and readiness to act in the line of duty. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional of Texas, thank you and congratulations again to John for being selected to receive the Houston 100 Club's Officer of the Year Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate high school student Cassidy Nussman for being named to the 2014 Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Class 6A all-state and academic all-state volleyball teams. Nussman is a senior at Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas. These prestigious awards recognize her hard work and exemplary performance as a scholar-athlete. Nussman earned a spot on the academic all-state team by maintaining a GPA of 3.9 or higher while competing on the court at an elite level throughout her high school career. She was also named an honorable mention selection on the Under Armour Girls High School All-America Team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and competed on the 2014 TGCA Blue All-Star team for Class 5A/6A as one of the division's top 12 college-bound players. She has committed to play volleyball for Northwestern University next year. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Cassidy Nussman for being named to the 2014 Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Class 6A all- state and academic all-state volleyball teams. We look forward to her continued success both on and off the court.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jillian Ross for being elected to the Columbia University senate for a two-year term through 2016. Jillian is a 2012 graduate of Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas and a chemical/biomedical engineering junior at Columbia University. Ms. Ross is the first African-American woman elected to represent Columbia's Fu Foundation School of Engineering in the department's 150- year history. Through her position in the university's senate, Jillian will work with the school's president and faculty to shape policy on issues that affect the student body and greater Columbia University community. I commend Jillian Ross for her dedication to serving the interests of her fellow students and taking on the responsibilities that leadership brings. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Jillian for winning a seat in the Columbia University Senate.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ruben Ruiz and Shelby Lowe for being named Pearland's 2014 Employees of the Year by Pearland city management. This award is given to the public servants who best exemplify the city's core mission--to provide those who live in Pearland with the best quality of life. Mr. Ruiz, a utility billing specialist, and Ms. Lowe, a recreation attendant, went above and beyond in performing their duties and improving the systems on which the city runs. Their dedication to service and character provide a shining example of public service and set an example we can all follow. The residents of Pearland, Texas already know what a great place they live, work and raise their families. These dedicated city employees are part of what makes Pearland special. I thank Ruben Ruiz and Shelby Lowe for their tireless work in ensuring the Pearland community gets the customer service it deserves. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Mr. Ruiz and Ms. Lowe for being named Pearland's 2014 Employees of the Year.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Regina Crafter of Missouri City, Texas for being awarded the Ms. Texas America 2015 title by the Ms. America Pageant. Regina is a health teacher at Quail Valley Middle School in Missouri City, Texas. This award recognizes her exceptional contributions to her community as an educator, youth mentor and champion of health initiatives. Regina has led several successful fundraising drives for the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). She is also a breast cancer survivor who has been an outspoken awareness ambassador for the disease. She is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle for her students. Regina is the Health Club sponsor and the ADA coordinator at Quail Valley Middle School. She has helped her students raise more than $10,000 for ADA, the largest donation among secondary schools in Texas. She goes on to compete in the 2015 Ms. America Pageant finals. I commend Regina Crafter for the outstanding difference she has made in her community as a role model and leader. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Regina for being selected to represent our state as Ms. Texas America 2015. We wish her well as she competes on the national stage. I know she will make Texas proud.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vince Finnegan for being named the 2014 Business Person of the Year by the Central Fort Bend Chamber. Finnegan is the owner and operator of Finnegan Auto Group in Rosenberg, Texas. He fills critical workforce needs by financially supporting workforce development courses for high school students in Lamar Consolidated Independent School District. These workforce development courses help prepare students for skilled jobs after they graduate. Finnegan is also a steward of the local business community, and serves as treasurer and board member of the Central Fort Bend Chamber. I commend him for his community support. He serves as a model businessman in Rosenberg and Fort Bend County. I thank Vince Finnegan for his dedication to serving the interests of his community and expanding their opportunities for personal growth and prosperity. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Vince for being named the Central Fort Bend Chamber's 2014 Business Person of the Year.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate high school student Brooke Botkin for being named to the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) first team and the 2014 Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Class 6A all-state volleyball teams. Brooke is a sophomore at Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas. These honors recognize her hard work and outstanding athletic achievements. The TSWA and TGCA selected Brooke for her skill and sportsmanship, which have made her a top prospect for collegiate volleyball programs. Her dedication to the sport ensures her place in an elite class of competitors and continues Pearland's legacy of producing some of the nation's best student athletes. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Brooke Botkin for being selected as a first team athlete on the TSWA and TGCA Class 6A all- state volleyball teams. We look forward to her continued success both on and off the court.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ruben Ruiz and Shelby Lowe for being named Pearland's 2014 Employees of the Year by Pearland city management. This award is given to the public servants who best exemplify the city's core mission--to provide those who live in Pearland with the best quality of life. Mr. Ruiz, a utility billing specialist, and Ms. Lowe, a recreation attendant, went above and beyond in performing their duties and improving the systems on which the city runs. Their dedication to service and character provide a shining example of public service and set an example we can all follow. The residents of Pearland, Texas already know what a great place they live, work and raise their families. These dedicated city employees are part of what makes Pearland special. I thank Ruben Ruiz and Shelby Lowe for their tireless work in ensuring the Pearland community gets the customer service it deserves. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Mr. Ruiz and Ms. Lowe for being named Pearland's 2014 Employees of the Year.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate high school student Cassidy Nussman for being named to the 2014 Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Class 6A all-state and academic all-state volleyball teams. Nussman is a senior at Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas. These prestigious awards recognize her hard work and exemplary performance as a scholar-athlete. Nussman earned a spot on the academic all-state team by maintaining a GPA of 3.9 or higher while competing on the court at an elite level throughout her high school career. She was also named an honorable mention selection on the Under Armour Girls High School All-America Team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and competed on the 2014 TGCA Blue All-Star team for Class 5A/6A as one of the division's top 12 college-bound players. She has committed to play volleyball for Northwestern University next year. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Cassidy Nussman for being named to the 2014 Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Class 6A all- state and academic all-state volleyball teams. We look forward to her continued success both on and off the court.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate high school student Brooke Botkin for being named to the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) first team and the 2014 Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) Class 6A all-state volleyball teams. Brooke is a sophomore at Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas. These honors recognize her hard work and outstanding athletic achievements. The TSWA and TGCA selected Brooke for her skill and sportsmanship, which have made her a top prospect for collegiate volleyball programs. Her dedication to the sport ensures her place in an elite class of competitors and continues Pearland's legacy of producing some of the nation's best student athletes. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Brooke Botkin for being selected as a first team athlete on the TSWA and TGCA Class 6A all- state volleyball teams. We look forward to her continued success both on and off the court.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jillian Ross for being elected to the Columbia University Senate for a two-year term through 2016. Jillian is a 2012 graduate of Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas and a chemical/biomedical engineering junior at Columbia University. Ms. Ross is the first African-American woman elected to represent Columbia's Fu Foundation School of Engineering in the department's 150- year history. Through her position in the university's senate, Jillian will work with school's president and faculty to shape policy on issues that affect the student body and greater Columbia University community. I commend Jillian Ross for her dedication to serving the interests of her fellow students and taking on the responsibilities that leadership brings. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Jillian for winning a seat in the Columbia University senate.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my chairman and friend. Mr. Speaker, I speak today as a former naval aviator who flew alongside Canadian Armed Forces as we won the cold war. We have no greater ally than our neighbor to the north--Canada. We were attacked on September 11 and went to war in Afghanistan; they went with us. To date, nearly 200 of their precious sons have come home in coffins. That is a true ally. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005, within 3 days our neighbor to the north authorized three military vessels, a Coast Guard vessel, numerous planes, 25 military divers, and tons of tents, blankets, beds, water, and medical supplies. That is a true ally. And yet this strong alliance is being weakened dramatically because President Obama has chosen to listen to a small group of wealthy radicals who want no drop of oil coming from our neighbor to the north--Canada. In November, I met with officials from Canada, officials from all over, from Leeds-Grenville and Nova Scotia. They were dismayed because we are telling them: We don't want your oil; don't help us.