Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. It is a bad world, Mr. President, with terrorists in Paris, and ISIS. Terrorists hit our country from North Korea. We need strong allies. Today, pick up two things, Mr. President: Pick up the phone, dial Mr. Harper and say: I am going to approve this pipeline; After it passes in the Senate, pick up that pen and sign this bill into law. Let's have a strong alliance with Canada forever.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nicolle Walters for being one of a few students in America chosen to participate in NASA's Aerospace Scholars Program. Nicolle is currently a junior at Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg, Texas--go Mustangs! Nicolle will participate in an online learning experience with actual NASA engineers this spring and spend a week this summer working with aerospace engineers at the Johnson Space Center. Nicolle will have an amazing opportunity to be mentored by NASA engineers and scientists, which will hopefully aide her interest in space exploration. Nicolle is a member of the Project Lead the Way program at Lamar Consolidated. Project Lead the Way provides engaging, hands-on STEM courses and prepares students to be leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. I wish Nicolle the best of luck with this amazing experience and with her future endeavors. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I again congratulate Nicolle Walters for being chosen to participate in NASA's Aerospace Scholars Program.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Sugar Land Risk Manager Norma Martinez for receiving the 2014 Risk Professional of the Year award from the Public Risk Management Association Chapter of Texas. Martinez's innovative efforts have significantly lowered costs for the City of Sugar Land. As risk manager, Norma decreased the citywide worker's compensations cost by 62% over three years, decreased citywide auto liability costs by 64% over three years, decreased lost city time by 63% over five years, and decreased worker's compensation cost for the fire department by 91% over five years. It's clear that Norma delivers results. The City of Sugar Land is fortunate to have such a proactive leader in their Human Resources Department. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Norma Martinez for receiving the 2014 Risk Professional of the Year award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Reclaiming my time, my friend said, when he saw them, he didn't know who they were, but he got a quarter, a maximum amount of money for a tip. He walked in so proud to show his boss what had happened; he had gotten a huge tip. The paper was there right beside the floor. He saw this man and this woman. He pumped gas for those two felons. Now, when he told his boss who they were, he called the local sheriff. The sheriff said: Thank you so much for calling. I have gotten a call about two stray dogs. Once I catch those dogs, I will go after Bonnie and Clyde. Fate and Ralph Hall, but fate didn't stop there. As was mentioned, Ralph was a naval aviator, a pilot in World War II. He did his flight training in Pensacola, Florida. He was there with a marine, a guy named Ted Williams, The Splendid Splinter, batted .403 in 1941.

Mr. OLSON. I yield to my friend for a minute, yes, sir.

Mr. OLSON. I thank my friend. The story is Ralph knows Ted is there. He is in the Marines, part of the Navy. Ralph has an idea--baseball game against Army. I will take all their paychecks. I have got Ted Williams. The day of the game comes, knocks on Ted's door, he had some fishing gear: Hall, let's go fishing. Ralph tried to stop him. Ted, Ted, I have told my wife Mary Ellen I am coming home with a big paycheck. I bet my whole paycheck on this game. Ralph held the fence up so Ted Williams could go AWOL. Navy lost the game and Ralph had it rough at home with Mary Ellen. Fate touched Ralph Hall one more time. As the chairman of the NASA committee here in Congress, Ralph Hall is friends with great Americans. This picture shows the greatest, that man right there named Neil Armstrong, the first American to walk on the Moon. Next to him, Colonel Tom Stafford, another Apollo astronaut; and right by the microphone there, Captain Gene Cernan, the only man to go to the Moon twice, on Apollo 10 and Apollo 17. Fate touched Ralph Hall's life. Fate touched our lives by giving Ralph Hall to us. He is America's best. He is Texas' best. Ralph, we love you. God bless you. Bravo Zulu. May you have fair winds and following seas.

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for that kind introduction. May 3, 1923, Ralph Hall was born in Fate, Texas. There could not be in the whole world a better name to describe a man's life than being born in Fate, Texas. Fate touched Ralph in many ways. Ralph is a young man in Rockwall, Texas, pumping gas as a teenager. Guess who drove up and bought gas from my friend Ralph Hall? Bonnie and Clyde, the gangsters.

Mr. OLSON. Yes, sir, I will yield to my friend.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pearland Patriots for winning the 2014 Bay Area Football League championship. Their dominating victory caps off a year of excellent performance against tough opponents, and is a testament to their hard work and focus throughout the season. The discipline that carried them through the championship game will bring continued success as they advance in their athletic careers and build on the Pearland community's great legacy in football. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to the Pearland Patriots for winning the Bay Area Football League championship. We look forward to their continued success both on and off the field.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pearland Oilers for winning the 2014 South Texas Youth Football Association championship. Their overpowering performance highlighted the athletic ability and relentless work ethic that carried the Oilers past tough opponents all season. The lessons of previous seasons and defensive greatness have helped these terrific athletes achieve success at the highest level of youth football and will continue to serve them well in future challenges. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to the Pearland Oiler sophomore football team for winning the South Texas Youth Football Association championship. We look forward to their continued success both on and off the field.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Krishna Bhadriraju for appreciating the value of life at the young age of four and working to save the life of an injured bird. Krishna documented his care of a blue jay that he rescued and nursed back to health. The story of healing and the care an individual can provide for another species resonated so strongly that his teachers encouraged him to put pen to paper. The result, produced at age six, is his book, ``Krishna Saves a Bird.'' His compassion and dedication to helping an animal in trouble at such a young age has become an inspirational opportunity to show other children the value of helping others and tapping your creative skills. I commend Krishna Bhadriraju for using his experience to inspire action in others. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I again congratulate Krishna on the completion of ``Krishna Saves a Bird.'' We are grateful for his work to promote kindness and compassion.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Memorial Hermann Life Flight for being named the 2014 EMS Air Medical Service of the Year by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This award recognizes Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute's commitment to excellence in providing emergency care to critically ill and injured patients. Life Flight, Houston's only hospital-based air medical service, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and performs more than 3,000 life-saving missions each year. Since Memorial Hermann began its air medical program, it has completed more than 140,000 missions. Life Flight continually adds new in-flight medical innovations into its quick transport system to provide better care for the fast-growing Houston community. Thanks to the Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute for their tireless work in ensuring our community's health and safety. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Memorial Hermann for being honored with the 2014 EMS Air Medical Service of the Year Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cassidy Nussman for being named an honorable mention selection on the Under Armour Girls High School All-America Team by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Nussman is a senior at Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas. This award recognizes Nussman's outstanding athletic achievements. She is among an elite group of high school athletes, joining a list of 150 high school All-American honorable mentions. After this season, Nussman will go on to compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics at Northwestern University. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Cassidy Nussman for being selected as an honorable mention on the Under Armour Girls High School All-America Team. We look forward to her continued success both on and off the court.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA) Workforce Development Committee for being awarded the Visionary Award from the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Board of Directors. This award honors individuals and organizations whose work on key regional issues has expanded economic and social opportunity in our community. The Workforce Development Committee has raised $100,000 in scholarship funds for Lee College and San Jacinto College. These scholarships will help train tomorrow's petrochemical and manufacturing leaders. Strong investment in the future of these industries creates opportunity and prosperity that will benefit the entire American economy in the long run. I thank the Workforce Development Committee for their investment in our community that supports future opportunities for so many businesses and families. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to the EHCMA Workforce Development Committee for receiving the Economic Alliance's Visionary Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Luke Mayock for being named the Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Houston. Mayock is a senior at Clements High School in my hometown of Sugar Land, Texas. This award recognizes Mayock's academic and athletic achievements. He is among an elite group of high school athletes. In 2014, he recorded 50 receptions, 647 yards and five touchdowns in addition to serving as the team's punt returner and place-kicker. Mayock has also been recognized for his academic strength in English and math. He also coaches a youth league basketball team and supports his church's international retreats to assist underdeveloped communities. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations again to Luke Mayock for receiving the 2014 Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. We look forward to his continued success both on and off the field.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fort Bend County Road and Bridge Commissioner Marc Grant for receiving the first ever Road Administrator of the Year Award from the Texas Association of County Engineers and Road Administrators. This award recognizes the technical and professional contributions of those who ensure the safety of Texas's critical infrastructure. For 14 years, Grant has admirably served the county by managing the maintenance and safety of Fort Bend County's roads and bridges. Strong leadership ensures that this infrastructure allows all of us to safely commute in a highly congested area. I thank Marc Grant for his exemplary public service. Through his position, he has supported the growth of our county and has expanded opportunity for so many businesses and families in our community. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, we again congratulate Marc Grant for receiving the 2014 Road Administrator of the Year Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Alvin Independent School District for receiving the 2014 Clean Air Champion award. This award honors organizations operating in the Houston-Galveston area that are taking extraordinary, voluntary measures to improve the region's air quality. The Alvin ISD earned this recognition by revamping district-wide transportation; they have boosted fuel efficiency through a no-idle policy, pulled older, less efficient vehicles off the road, and replaced most diesel-fueled buses with propane-fueled buses. I applaud the Alvin Independent School District in its forward thinking and contributions to our local air quality and health. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Alvin ISD for receiving the 2014 Clean Air Champion award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Carol Scott, a Fort Bend Independent School District volunteer, for receiving the 2014 Hero for Children award. This award recognizes volunteers who make outstanding contributions of time and effort to provide encouragement and practical knowledge in the Texas public school system. Carol Scott's commitment to children through her energetic support of FBISD makes a difference in the lives of children every day. She is leaving an invaluable mark on the individual achievement of countless students and the fabric of the Fort Bend community. Thank you to Carol Scott for dedicating so much of your time to our Fort Bend community children. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty- Second Congressional District of Texas; we congratulate Carol Scott for earning the 2014 Hero for Children Award.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate University of Houston (UH) President and UH System Chancellor Renu Khator for receiving the ``Pride of India Award.'' This award honors individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership abilities in business or civic life and acted as role models for Indians and Indian- Americans in the United States. The Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas includes a thriving Indo-American community, which benefits from strong community leaders like Dr. Khator. Moreover, the entire Houston economy benefits from the remarkable contributions of the UH educational community. I applaud President Renu Khator on her remarkable progress in strengthening University of Houston's educational system. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Dr. Khator for receiving the ``Pride of India Award.''

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, this week the House will pass a bill to complete the Keystone pipeline system. The first pipeline in the system is known only as Keystone. That pipeline has been sending 600,000 barrels a day from Canada to Patoka, Illinois. It has been 4 years and counting, and the water in Nebraska is still clean. The second pipeline in this system is called the Keystone XL. It sends the same oil into America as the Keystone does but on a slightly longer and different route. Secretary Clinton twice has approved Keystone XL. Secretary Kerry has approved it once. And yet the Politician in Chief has threatened to veto the Keystone XL pipeline. Canada will export their oil. Either it comes to America or it goes to China. President Obama has a simple choice: oil for America or oil for China. Oil for America or oil for China. Please join Congress in choosing America.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, EPA will soon propose a new lower ozone standard. We have made important gains in air quality, but this new proposal is so low that most of America, including all but five national parks, will be out of compliance. This new rule will mean lost jobs and lost opportunities. It means no new permits for Mom and Pop and their American Dream. They will struggle to grow. That is why tomorrow Bob Latta of Ohio and I are introducing the Clean Air Strong Economies Act. This commonsense bill requires EPA to protect health and consider whether a new rule can be met. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to help us balance clean air with a strong economy and American jobs.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 485, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cinco Ranch High School's Robotics Team CRyptonite 624 and its robot ``Sidewinder'' for winning the 2014 Texas Robot Roundup Tournament. This is the third year in a row Cinco Ranch has won the highly competitive statewide contest that requires advanced scientific, technical, and engineering skill. At the fourth annual Texas Robot Roundup in Austin, Team CRyptonite 624 designed and built a robot to throw a fitness ball over trusses and into goals. The strength of the robot's performance reflects their dedication to learning and innovation. I am proud of the scientific and engineering ingenuity Team CRyptonite 624 demonstrated. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty- Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Cinco Ranch High School's Team CRyptonite 624 for winning its third consecutive Texas Robot Roundup Tournament.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Stephen F. Austin High School incoming freshman, Kayla McDonald for earning a bronze medal in the 400-meter relay at the 37th Hershey's Track & Field Games North American Final in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Kayla was part of a quartet that sprinted to a time of 51.77 seconds, just 1.22 seconds from the gold medal finishers. With this achievement, Kayla has established herself as a top young track athlete in Texas. For two consecutive years she has won the 400- meter dash at the Fort Bend ISD district championships. She was also an honor roll student and a member of Peer Assistance Leadership at Garcia Middle School. I'm confident Kayla will continue to excel in high school, both in the class room and on the track. We are proud of Kayla for this outstanding accomplishment and I wish Kayla the best of luck in the coming school year. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, I again congratulate Kayla McDonald for her victory at the Hershey's Track & Field Games North American Final.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Braden Muscarello for being awarded a Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad scholarship to study in Oman during the 2014-2015 academic year. Braden, a sophomore at William P. Clements High School in Sugar Land, Texas, is one of only 65 American students selected to serve as YES Abroad youth ambassador to educate other countries about American culture. As a YES Abroad student, Braden will help foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Oman to promote friendly and peaceful relations. She will live with a host family in Muscat, attend a local high school and participate in activities with her Omani peers. Not only will she educate others about American culture, she'll also bring back her own experiences of Omani society and values and help build a social foundation for the development of a strong bilateral relationship between our two countries. I wish Braden the best of luck as she studies in Oman this year. On behalf of the residents of the Twenty-Second Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to Braden Muscarello for earning a Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad scholarship.