Pete Olson

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, its a pleasure to recognize my colleague and friend, former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, for her efforts to help women. Her many contributions include her success in changing federal law to help women save for retirement. Her efforts expanded the availability of Individual Retirement Accounts for women, regardless of their family or work status, to set aside money for retirement. Senator Hutchison's success in changing the tax code to help stay-at- home spouses underscores the family values that are critical to our nation. Americans should not be limited by federal law when they work at home to raise children and help their families. Senator Hutchison deserves recognition for her support of American families. I was a cosponsor of H.R. 2289, to rename section 219(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA. I applaud Senator Hutchison and thank her for the exceptional work she has done on behalf of the State of Texas.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Walker Shores is a junior at Austin High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. His essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past 50 years and explain how that event has changed our country. On the 4th of November, 1979, several hundred Iranian students inspired by anti-American statements and speeches from their ``Supreme Leader'', Ruhollah Khomeini, invaded the United States Embassy in Tehran. Due to the aftermath of the recent revolution, and inflamed by the support and endorsement of the regime the wayward students had come to love, what was supposed to last only a few hours became a 444 day nightmare for the fifty two American diplomats, aides, attaches, and Marine Embassy Guards held within Tehran. The sitting president, Jimmy Carter, immediately attempted diplomatic means to persuade the Iranians to see reason. However, after almost a year with no progress in the negotiations, President Carter was convinced by his cabinet to organize a military strike in Iran to free the hostages, using the newly created Delta Force. Operation Eagle Claw was scheduled to take place on April 24, 1980. Due to a lack of communication between all of the services involved, and an absence of a clear chain of command, the operation was a failure. Two helicopters were disabled by a sandstorm and another due to electronic failures, then a fourth helicopter collided with a C-130 tanker, destroying both of the vehicles and killing eight service members. The fiasco among the fledgeling special forces community was the catalyst for the creation of SOCOM, or Special Operations Command. This organization would help Delta Force, the Navy SEALS, and the Green Berets become the immeasurably powerful foreign policy tool that they are today. At Jimmy Carter's last State of the Union speech, our thirty ninth president did something rather out of character, changing the way America would treat the Persian Gulf region forever. For the first three years of Carter's administration, he advocated peace and diplomacy as the primary, if not only, response to challenges and crises around the world. He tried to cut down on the United State's consumption of oil, and symbolically shut off the lights on the White House Christmas Tree to save power. However, due to the overthrow of the once ardently pro-U.S. Iranian regime under his administration, this speech had a more somber tone. At the time, there were still hostages in Tehran, and there were severe fluctuations in the price of oil in the United States due to the dubiousness of the middle eastern oil supply. In the most groundbreaking speech of his career, Carter pledged to use American resources, and military unit if need be, to explicitly protect overseas sources of oil. This was the first time that The United States had made a foreign policy statement to commit their military to defend natural resources. This decree dramatically shaped how the United States treated the region, and how future presidents would be obliged to act. Both the new foreign policy doctrine and the creation of SOCOM were two of the direct results of the hostage taking at the American embassy in Tehran on November 4th, 1979.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Shannon Wu is a senior at Dawson High School in Brazoria County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, why is it important to be involved in the political process? As the age of 18 creeps up on me slowly around the corner, the thought that I will be a legal adult and will be able to become a registered voter looms overhead. As a senior in high school, some of my peers are already 18, and were 18 at the time of the 2012 presidential election, and yet, I constantly hear them griping and complaining about who's president and which legislations are passed and which aren't. Yet, these are the same exact people who don't seize their rights and actually vote. What ground does the government have to say that all their decisions are based off the voice of their constituents when less than 60% of the people are actually voting? As our country enters a more progressive era, both socially and economically, it's the most detrimental time for citizens to become involved in the political process. The new issues and concerns that have emerged within the past few decades are some of the most controversial topics to have ever been brought to the table. Thus, without political participation, how will the government act accordingly to the views of the citizens? Because bills are created and passed in the three branches of the government, and our congressmen, senators, and president are the ones who vote to pass or veto a bill, people believe that voting on the matter won't make a difference. However, it is more important than it ever was to have input from the constituents in order to smooth out the bumps and bubbles in the laws governing out country. Furthermore, by getting involved in the political process, citizens will be able to select a candidate that encompasses the ideals and values of the greater majority of the people and create their own ``check'' upon the government by electing those they deem qualified and supportive of their opinions. This then protects democracy and reducing the possibilities of tyranny, oligarchy, and anarchy. Most importantly, the government will pass laws that will be enforced, and, if people become involved in the political system, these rules will reflect the desires of the majority of the constituents, rather than the thoughts of politicians.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Rachel Daniel is a sophomore at Dawson High School in Brazoria County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, why is it important to be involved in the political process? Processing Politics The purpose of creating this nation, The United States of America, was so that the people could have a say in their leaders and politics and people were willing to go against everything they believed and start a war just to earn the right to this liberty. After all the hardships that the Founding Fathers of our nation suffered through in order for us to have a representative democracy, we the people of the United States of America have not only an obligation towards nation but also towards ourselves. Our nation depends on each and every citizen to make an informed decision as well as pick the best people to represent us, and all citizens of America deserves to have leaders who they support and trust. We were given the rights and freedoms that many nowadays take for granted, but they really should be treasured, valued, and taken advantage of. That is why it is paramount that every citizen of America takes part in the political process. It is the people's chance to express their views for all to hear and to support what has taken centuries to achieve. The political process is what holds this nation together. It's when our nation unites in the form of many different parties to decide who is fit to run our nation. The people, who are chosen, are the ones who lead us as a nation with the help of many. If we don't participate in the political process of choosing these leaders and then helping to implement new laws and policies, there is no longer any point of having a representative democracy, and everything that has been fought for will have been fought for in vain. All those lives lost for our freedom and democracy will be lives lost in vain. All the blood, sweat, and tears will be in vain. The political process of our nation is what makes us great. Not our education. Not our manufacturing. But, instead, our political process and the unity of the United States of America.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Phillip Lopez is a senior at Clear Lake High School in Harris County, Texas. His essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past 50 years and explain how that event has changed our country. Over the past fifty years America has seen an explosion in technology, social changes, and monumental historic events. A man walked on the moon and remade the concept of the frontier. A wall fell that divided a nation, helping bring peace to a decimated land. A plane smashed the security of a great people and showed that terror can strike anywhere. And the demographics of this country have shifted establishing it as a true land of freedom for all who cross its borders. All have shaped this country, but one breakthrough has extended its impacts further than all others. In 1969 the first internet connection was made and revolutionized our society. Over the past forty five years the internet has created innovations that Americans fifty years ago could only dream of. The internet has fostered a new era of social and economic reformation across the nation helping us establish ourselves as the global superpower that we are today. The age of the internet has allowed Americans to interact with people, places, and events from around the world. For example, the internet has given rise to the popularity of social media sites that enable you to communicate with and learn about others from half the world away. In addition these sites have impacted politics by enabling average citizens to stay more informed with an elected official's policy or daily activities. This web of interactions has led to America becoming a more global power and its people staying connected with information that is occurring anywhere in the world. Furthermore, we can now send and acquire that information faster, quicker, and easier than ever before. With the click of a button anyone can become their own encyclopedia by having the ability to know anything about everything; from the current state of the economy to the price of eggs in China one can find it all. This plethora of available knowledge has led to younger generations developing proficiency in finding it. Furthermore, the news programs have embraced the importance and speed of the internet by enabling people to stay more informed and have more detailed information about current events. However, as a result of the speed at which one can acquire knowledge it is now expected to return information to people much faster, such as quickly responding to a text message or email. This speed of information is made even easier yet more required with the introduction of the web on mobile phones allowing Americans to know anything, anywhere, at any time; as long as you have service. For example, Google Maps has revolutionized the map industry and made paper maps obsolete. Why carry a large, bulky piece of paper when you can find where you are in minutes with a device the size of your hand. Anything that does not fit into the ``faster, quicker, and easier'' category that was created by the internet is not outdated and archaic. The new American society has more knowledge at its disposal than ever before which has propelled us as the leader of the modern world. The internet has revolutionized the American economy and trade across the world. People can now purchase and sell items online in a process that is faster, easier, and more available to everyone. Online shopping has led to the creation of large companies such as Amazon and EBay. These online companies have opened new markets and made it easier to trade with remote places such as Alaska or small islands. The ability to trade with anyone in the world has helped establish America as a major leader in global trade. The internet has also caused our perception of a store to change. Instead of traveling to a store, one can buy the same good with the push of a button from the comfort of their home. Stores have become somewhat unnecessary and as a result many have gone out of business. Nevertheless the internet has created a nation built on quicker, easier, and cheaper trade across the world Combined with social revolutions regarding education and available knowledge, the internet has quickly changed a nation. Although it can be perceived as a positive or negative technology the internet has made America an economic superpower. Socially it has allowed this country to become more globally connected and opened the possibilities for endless knowledge. Economically it has revolutionized the way that we trade with other nations and altered our perceptions of traditional shopping methods. The internet has created a shiny future for our society in the world of trade and communications.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Sarah Curtis is a junior at George Ranch High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past 50 years and explain how that event has changed our country. Within the past 50 years, our nation has seen great divides socially created by monumental governmental decisions. In the year 1973, the law allowed legal abortions within the United States passed under the court ruling of Roe v. Wade. By creating this abominable law that now prohibits state and federal unrecognizing of the law, new corporations have begun to boom, those such as Planned Parenthood. Morally and ethically wrong, a law that allows the legality of the killing of our unborn is practically manslaughter and an unjust crime against humanity. This court ruling has created such a massive divide within our country that even politics are being decided through this law. Liberals have taken a more pro-choice (proabortion) stance while the conservatives of the U.S. take a more pro-life (against abortion) stand. Even those who see this law as a sacrilegious act against God have recognized the monstrosity situation this has become. Religious leaders, as of recently, have been forced, under Obama Care to offer abortions, even though it goes against everything they morally believe. Our country has been known in the past to be the ``promised land'' or ``the land of the free'', but forcing laws down everybody's throats and creating a divide between our own people not exactly unite us united against one cause, but rather against each other for different causes. Because of one court decision 40 years ago, the repercussions are still being dealt with today with the killing of the innocent and unborn being so normal and legal. Roe v. Wade may have been a court case about one woman claiming to have been raped, and wanting to legally have an abortion, but she was not raped, and ended up having the child before the case ever appeared in court anyway. So what was the point of one woman's want to not have a child costing our nation nearly 800,000 unborn children per year.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Reena Jasani is a junior at Travis High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past 50 years and explain how that event has changed our country. The Consequences of Columbine For every student waking up that morning on April 20, 1999 it was just another regular day, full of the usual tests, lectures, lessons, and homework. However, for the students of Columbine High School that day became much more. The seemingly normal school day abruptly transformed into a day full of terror, pain, confusion, and shock, as two senior students tried to bomb the school and shoot anyone and everyone in the way, resulting in the deadliest mass murder America had ever seen in one of its high school campuses. This event led to changes in school policy, intensified concern over gun control, and fear among Americans. After the shooting, schools nationwide have strengthened their security and made improvements to prevent such an event. Schools instituted new security measures like metal detectors and see-through backpacks. Additionally, they numbered doors and rooms for an easier public safety response if this were to ever happen again. Most schools renewed anti- bullying and adopted a zero tolerance system for students in possession of weapons or students threatening others. Analysis of the common factors in perpetrators by the United States Secret Service concluded that schools should pay more attention to the behaviors of students, noticing potential attackers and being especially aware of them. Most attackers tended to feel bullied, reverting to shooting as some sort of revenge. If teachers paid close attention to students being bullied, they could try and put an end to it. Without the bullying present, the student would most likely be happier and not try to avenge. The shooting also affected the way in which the police force handled situations with an active shooter. Instead of surrounding buildings, setting up perimeters, and containing the damage, a new tactic designed for the presence of an active shooter interested in killing hostages rather than taking them has been utilized. Now, police officers are trained to move toward the sound of gunfire and stop the shooter. The goal is to prevent the shooter from killing or injuring more victims, meaning police officers have to walk past injured victims until they have stopped the shooter. This tactic has helped tremendously at the later shootings in school campuses. The Columbine shooting also aroused fear among Americans, for now schools, places that nearly every child went to every weekday across the nation, seemed unsafe. Schools became potential targets, with the perpetrators walking along side by side other students. The idea of spending nearly seven hours a day, five times a week, for about ten months a year with someone who may pull out a gun one day and start shooting terrified both kids and their parents. However, time and improved security and safety helped allay these fears. April 20, 1999 will forever remain a day marked by alarm, fright, trepidation, and hurt. The mass murder at Columbine High School has not only affected the security of schools and the tactic of the police, but also the hearts and minds of Americans, for before, it was hard to imagine that such a terrible thing would ever happen. EXPRESSING CONCERN FOR THE HEALTH OF ATHLETES IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Megan Emiliani is a sophomore at Travis High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past 50 years and explain how that event has changed our country. Desegregation in Schools In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed. Civil rights issues in our nation have a long history dating back to the Civil War but this legislation came at a critical time during the 1960's civil rights movement. The 1964 Civil Rights Act, introduced by President Kennedy and signed by President Johnson, opened the door to providing more opportunities and limiting discrimination for all minorities. The legislation dealt with voting rights of minorities, prohibited segregation in public places, and addressed desegregation in public schools. While the 1954 Supreme Court ruling on Brown vs. the Board of Education had already began the process of desegregating schools, the Civil Rights Act continues to enforce equality in schools. It encouraged desegregation in public schools to help give minorities more rights in education. Not long ago, schools were separated by color. Since the Civil Rights Act, schools claim that race is not important and should not affect the way a student is viewed. However, my experience has been that students, while not separated by schools, are still classified by race. When we take PSAT, TAKS, or STAAR test, why do we have to check a box with our race? Why is race a factor looked upon when reviewing test scores? Students and their test scores are being categorized by race. Additionally in our society today, there are many multiracial people, including myself, but on those tests you only get to choose one box. I am Mexican, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, Irish and I am sure a few other things. What box should I pick? On some forms mixed is an option, but that does not seem accurate either. I am the American Melting Pot. America is a group of immigrants and to separate us by such limited race designations does not help to end segregation. The purpose of the Civil Rights Act was to help create equality, and every time we have to check off a box, it only emphasizes the differences. I am proud of my heritage, but I do not think classifying me by this really says who I am as a student. I am an American.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Mishi Jain is a junior at Elkins High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, what role should government play in our lives? Thomas Jefferson once said ``The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only objective of [a] good government.'' Jefferson is correct when he describes the objectives of a government. A government's role is not to coerce or force citizens, but, rather, a government's roles include guiding, assisting, and taking care of the lives of citizens. A government's primary obligation is to uphold the best interest of the people and to take actions that will enhance societal welfare. To begin, the government must function as a mechanism that protects its people from foreign invasions and other threats. In order to fulfill its primary obligation, a government must take all and any actions necessary to protect our nation and its people. It has become evident through past events where the United States was under attack or under threat, and necessary action was taken to preserve the safety and wellbeing of the people. Whether it be against foreign threats or domestic threats, a government must make the nation a safe place to be. Furthermore, governments must also regulate companies and the market to ensure that corruption should not take place. To prevent a situation like that of during the late 1800s where corruption was prominent and big businesses acted as monopolies, a government, like ours today, is needed to ensure that there is a sufficient standard of economic wellbeing and that all businesses are getting a fair chance. Therefore, a major role of the government is to monitor economic practices and place laws to regulate those as well. Finally, a government's obligation is to take care of those who are underprivileged or may not be as lucky as others. It must regulate social security, help out the unemployed, and assist families that are financially unstable. As a government, it is of the utmost importance that it takes into account all of the issues mentioned and ensure that these issues are taken care of. Many people in our country need help, and in order to uphold societal welfare, a government must help out everyone equally. In retrospect, a government's main and most important role is to secure the lives of its people. These lives are extremely significant and a government must take all actions necessary in the best interest of the society and its people. Therefore, Jefferson was correct and making the assertion that ``the care of human life and happiness [. . .l is the first [. . .] objective of a government.''

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Paulina Agyei is a sophomore at Travis High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, why is it important to be involved in the political process? Even though I myself am too young to vote, I still like to be involved as much as possible in the political process. If not I just become of of the ignorant masses who knows nothing of how our world works, causing them to make asinine comments on political infrastructure. Ignorance is not a quality that should be coveted, it should be sniffed out and destroyed. To be a member of the United States of America one must know the most elementary basics of government. When you know little to nothing about politics that is when you are swayed by politicians and biased media corporations who will twist and pervert the truth to fall in line with their own beliefs and ideas. The whole point of living is having free will to make our own choices, and think for ourselves. This is impossible when one doesn't arm himself with the best weapon in the universe, knowledge. That being said, I as a teenager technically have no say in government (i.e. voting) but there are other ways I, and others who fall into the same category as me, can still have our voices be heard and take a stand on issues we feel strongly about. Now let's say, hypothetically speaking of course, that a Senator from Maryland is lobbying to have a national law pass that will have all dogs be dyed blue. I myself am not a dog owner, but I still feel strongly that dog owners should have a choice in the colors of their dogs. I could then start a petition against the bill, at the same time raising awareness. Using the newfound power of social media, I could create a Facebook Page about the unjustness that Senator from Maryland wanted to thrust upon the American people. I could raise even more awareness by creating a Reddit page, then a Twitter, and even a Myspace. I would be very involved in the legislation of this law, without even voting. In conclusion it is extremely important to be as involved as possible in the political process that runs essentially our whole lives as Americans.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Lauren Ahart is a senior at Stephen F. Austin High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, why is it important to be involved in the political process? It is crucial for everyone in the United States to be involved with the political process because every vote counts and you have the right to represent what you believe. In my opinion, if someone does not vote they should not complain about anything that goes on in the country. Therefore if someone wants something to be different or to make a change, they must put their voice out there to be heard. This concept of speaking out for what one believes is held sacred throughout society and should be maintained during political times. If someone votes, they have expressed their thoughts and have helped the tally. The number of people that vote conclude the winner. So, obviously it would be smart if everyone marked their ballet for the people they want to rule so we will get a reliable source of votes. The number of people that did not vote was terribly low, during the 2012 presidential election, which makes me frustrated. The right of freedom to vote is something that we should take advantage of and without it our country would not be how it is today. People that fight for the freedom everyday and give up their lives so we can have all the rights we do today, would find it disrespectful if they knew that someone was simply staying home and not voting. If the right causes are not supported and the issues of the times are not addressed, our society are at risk for a less secure and overall quality of living. As a citizen, everyone should be able to participate and take one hour from your day to stand up and pay your respect for our country and its governing bodies. From my point of view, when someone votes they are speaking their values and beliefs, and showing what they would like to see in this country. It's the participant rate that helps guide our country for the greatest good of all. If you want to live the life you dream of, you must help the cause of a healthy political process. The decision to vote should be a given, but because the people have not cared as much about what happens this leads to our country not reaching the full potential of a fair democracy. So please take part in putting your ideas and your wants for America out there, be knowledgeable at election time and ultimately go vote your ballet.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Kayleigh Faas is a sophomore at Needville High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, what role should government play in our lives? The Positive Power of Government What role should government play in our daily lives? In my opinion, government should be a structured framework for our education system, economy, and healthcare programs. In hopes of creating a ``more perfect union'', our founding fathers strived to create a fair and just system to serve Americans. We depend on our government to protect its citizens. Government affects all human activity. Some of the important groups are consumers, workers, investors, and the environment. The Constitution was designed to defend our ``lives, liberties and pursuits of happiness''. Only the government has the power to maintain these rights. Government itself is valuable and beneficial to Americans. It is a powerful force in forming and maintaining a strong society. Citizens have different relationships with their government whether it be at the federal, state, or local level. In my opinion, people should support their governmental systems and view them as an institution rather than an administration. We may not agree with elected officials on all issues, but should work together with them to better our nation. We are lucky to live in a democratic society where we have a voice and the right to vote for our leaders of choice. We should have a positive attitude towards our democratic government. As stated in our Constitution, our forefathers created our government in order to create a more perfect union and to defend and promote the welfare and tranquility of our citizens. These are assurances that most of the world's countries wish they could achieve. Government, in my opinion, is valuable and beneficial to all citizens and should continue to positively affect various aspects of our lives on a daily basis. Our government is the only entity that can help us grow together as a strong and healthy nation. It provides the foundation for our economic growth. It also positively impacts our education system and promotes a higher level of competency which results in better lives. Other nations look to our form of government as a model for shaping and bettering their own. Our government has a vital and indispensable role to play in continuing to improve the lives of all Americans. We, as responsible citizens, must support our government system, because after all, WE have created it.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Evan Voss is a junior at Pearland High School in Brazoria County, Texas. His essay topic is: In your opinion, what role should government play in our lives? A Social Contract At the time when the U.S. government was created, the Framers of the Constitution generally believed that all men, though created equal, were naturally greedy and selfish, and that without proper leadership or guidance, the world would be wrought with anarchy and chaos. The political philosopher. Thomas Hobbes best demonstrated the views of western government officials at the time when he wrote that in its natural state, mankind would instigate a ``war of all against all'', where man would live forever in fear of death, a solitary, isolated, and animalistic life. This being said, the only way to protect mankind from itself was through social contract and the creation of governing body. This body would protect its citizens and in return, its citizens would give up several of their natural rights. This was the original function of the federal government. This original purpose of the government is the true purpose of the government, that is to say that to keep the social contract established between the governing and the governed valid, the federal government must protect its citizens. This desire to protect, however, has, in recent times, changed the government into an overbearing figure. It has been called ``Big Brother'' for a reason, and, although it does fulfill its end of the social contract, it is to the degradation of the people. Yes, the people agreed to sacrifice several of their natural liberties to be secure, but now, it seems that instead of protection from themselves, the citizenry of the United States require guard against the United States itself The interference of the government in individual personal affairs has led to growing mistrust among the people towards the very thing that originally protected them. To resolve this issue, the government must simply return to its foundation, its core. In doing so, the people will feel that the social contract conceived between themselves and their protector has been honored and is valid. Because, inevitably, a well liked and well perceived national government holds more power than that of one that is thought to be dishonest and a threat to the very lives it is obligated to protect.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Faith Orakwue is a senior at Lamar Consolidated High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, what role should government play in our lives? What role should the government play in our lives? This is an issue that I have often mulled over during my years as a young adult, and, at different times, I offer varying answers regarding this particular issue. The American government was an institution created by the people and for the people, so it seems logical that the people should maintain ultimate control over the government, right? However, the Articles of Confederation helped to disprove this theory quite a bit--without the strong backing of a central government (ultimately acting as a backbone), the states acted according to their whim and the nation was weak and in ultimate disarray. The Constitution later came in and created a stronger central government, which helped to establish a more cohesive structure to the nation. The point I am trying to make is that government should be resilient and diligently involved in the welfare of its people in order to create a nation that works to promote the well-being of all of its people. In order to do this, the government has to be involved, and that means being present in all issues, even personal and moral ones. The thing is, once a person is sworn into a public office, they are there to promote the well-being and advancement of the American people. In order to do this, government has to temporarily put aside their own views and beliefs and truly work towards the choice that is best for the American people. For example, had Lyndon B. Johnson listened to other Southern governors who despised African Americans and allowed their thinking to cloud his judgment, African Americans may not have received their rights until much later in history, because, at that time, integration was not a favorable idea/belief. Or, if the government had not ruled in Roe v. Wade, women would not have total control over their bodies. And, although I may not necessarily agree with abortion, it is definitely not in my place to dictate whether a woman should have a baby or not, and it is not in the government's place to tell the American people they cannot do something (that does not hurt others) simply because it goes against their moral beliefs. The United States is an amalgamation of different cultures, viewpoints, and ideas that works to create the nation we call America. And, in order to preserve that order and openness that we are famous for, the government has to be both strong and involved in the issues that concern us. However, in order to be truly effective, a country's government has to be both strong and unbiased, an institution truly working for the betterment of its people.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Jennifer Ellefson is a junior at George Ranch High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, what role should government play in our lives? Government should be nothing more than a regulatory force. Too often people see the Government as a great power, but the government should only be given the power it is deemed worthy of by the people. That is the principle of popular sovereignty, the people rule. Without that principle, governments lose balance and forget their purpose. Our government's purposes are in protection, business regulation, law enforcement, and medicine among other things. The government's job is not to be a part of your life, but to keep your life from becoming anarchy, and provide ease for certain things. An oppressive form of government is one that is invasive in day to day life; the American government should play scarcely a role in your life outside of organization and providing order. Our police officers are given their power by the people. They are not above us, but they regulate us due to the right we give them through our government, the people's government. Law enforcement ensures that we are not victimized by the masses daily, without the government to regulate our protection, anarchy would ensue, and violence and murder would ravage the land. Business regulation insures that employees cannot be mistreated, and that customers are kept safe through standard requirements of cleanliness and durability. Before the FDA, thousands of people would die a year from food poisoning. While some still slip through the cracks, the government has all but eliminated business corruption at the production and employment levels. Standardized medical procedure has saved millions of lives in the last century; if it were not government regulated there would still be frequent abortions in truck beds and household remedies killing people all over. Now the government is attempting to regulate medicine even further; socialized medicine, in my view, is a must. Part of government regularity is protection; is it not protection to ensure that even a homeless man should not die from a disease because he cannot afford the surgery? Some people say it is invasive, but further taxation for the better of you and all is not an invasion of life, it is a regulation of order. Regulation and facilitation is the government role and nothing further.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Deborah Osakue is a senior at Hightowner High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, why is it important to be involved in the political process? Our constitution was framed according to the Lockean social contract that government should have the ``consent of the governed''. As an African American female, I know that people have died and have spent their lives fighting to give me an opportunity to participate in the American political process. If I abstain from the political process, these people would have fought and died in vain. I owe the likes of Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Martin Luther King the respect of my participation in a democracy they toiled to create. The American system of government gives its citizens one crucial responsibility: to vote. Men and women have died on foreign and domestic soil all so that I can be free. To abstain from the democratic process is to spill their blood in contempt. It is undeniable that the practice of gerrymandering has been used to oppress minority voices. I know our political process is not flawless, but I also know that it is my responsibility to improve it. Mahatma Ghandi once said, ``You must be the change you wish to see in the world.'' I am responsible for creating the America of tomorrow. I must be involved in the political process in order to do so. I grew up observing the disparity between the quality of public education provided to students of lower and higher income homes. I spend a good amount of time each day watching the news and reading about what is wrong with the world. According to Beyond ABC 2012, an assessment of children's health, about eight percent of children in the U.S. have no medical insurance but the percentage of Texas children without medical insurance is significantly higher at fourteen percent. According to the National Institutes of Health, twenty percent of Americans suffer from a diagnosable form of mental illness and yet the problem of mental illness remains largely unscathed. These problems will not simply fix themselves. It is up to me to exercise my rights as a citizen to change my city, state and nation for the better. If I do not make an effort to fight for what I believe in, I cannot expect others to do so for me.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 271, Resolving Environmental and Grid Reliability Conflicts Act of 2013. My colleagues and I carefully drafted this bill last year to resolve a conflict between the Federal Power Act and environmental rules that, if left unresolved, could create serious problems for the reliability of our Nation's electric grid. With the hot summer coming and power demands set to surge, the potential for dangerous power outages is rising, alongside the mercury. Just last week, States like California and my own State of Texas were warned by regulators that electricity reserve margins could dip dangerously low. Texas faces critical electricity shortages in the next few years. We simply won't have enough reliable power to guarantee our grid. Rolling blackouts in Texas alone would impact over 25 million people. As coal plants continue to be shut down, pockets of areas across the country could quickly experience blackouts. When the power fails and the AC shuts down on a hot 100-degree day, it's the elderly, the young, and the poor who suffer first. Prior experience shows that in rare and limited circumstances, emergency actions have been needed to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity. When an emergency exists due to a sudden increase in a demand for electricity or a shortage of supply, the Department of Energy has a tool of last resort to address the emergency. That tool is an emergency order under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. DOE can order a grid connection to be made or power plant to generate electricity when outages occur due to weather events, equipment failures, or the electricity supply is too low to avoid a blackout. As they should, DOE can mandate a company to comply with a 202(c) order, even if it means a brief violation of environmental laws. Unfortunately, under current law, a company or individual can be penalized for violating environmental laws even when they're following a Federal order to avoid a blackout. In recent years, these conflicting Federal laws have resulted in lawsuits and heavy fines for electricity providers complying with legal orders. Unless Congress passes this legislation to resolve the potential conflict in laws, the section 202(c) tool is in jeopardy. H.R. 271 eliminates the uncertainty facing power generators and their customers by providing a needed safety valve which clarifies that compliance with an emergency order under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act may not be considered a violation of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation. To be clear, these emergency orders are not issued lightly and only under extreme power reliability scenarios. In the last 30 years, this authority has only been invoked about half a dozen times. If the need arises, my legislation will ensure that DOE works to minimize any adverse environmental impacts by balancing environmental interests with liability considerations. While some people are concerned that H.R. 271 doesn't go far enough to protect plant operators who might face lawsuits from environmental groups, my bill is a vast improvement over current law. Major utilities, both public and investor-owned power trade associations believe that a Federal court would be hard pressed to overrule an emergency order issued by the DOE. In a crisis, if this bill becomes law, DOE will be given deference, which will apply to utilities following these orders. DOE will consult with clean air regulators, but the final decision in emergencies will always firmly remain in the hands of those charged with keeping the power flowing. The protection H.R. 271 offers is critical; and given the number of plant retirements that have been announced, as operators grapple with new EPA air and water rules, I worry that DOE may need to use its emergency authority more often in the future. I still expect DOE emergency orders to be the exception and not the rule. In those rare instances when the authority is invoked, we should not punish generators who are simply following orders from the Federal Government to keep the power on in an emergency. Resolving this conflict is critical, which is why I reintroduced this bipartisan legislation in the 113th Congress. It will allow America's power companies to comply with Federal orders to maintain grid reliability during a power emergency without the threats of lawsuits or penalties. I'm pleased with the widespread bipartisan support this bill has received. This bill is proof that we can find common ground in Washington, D.C., when working to address a glitch in Federal law and provide a reliable energy supply to all Americans. I want to thank Chairman Fred Upton, Ranking Member Henry Waxman, Subcommittee Chairman Ed Whitfield, and Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Rush for their support and assistance in moving this bill forward. I also want to thank my original cosponsors on the committee, Gene Green of Texas, Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, Lee Terry of Nebraska, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, and their staffs for working with me to fix this problem, to keep the power running for all Americans in an emergency. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation that protects energy consumers, the environment, and those who provide the power. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no other Members wanting to speak, and I'm willing to close if my colleague is as well.

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank Chairman Upton, Ranking Member Waxman, subcommittee Chairman Whitfield, and subcommittee Ranking Member Rush for their assistance in getting this bill passed in the 113th Congress. If my colleagues want to go home next week with an example of bipartisanship for their constituents, vote for H.R. 271. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 271) to clarify that compliance with an emergency order under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act may not be considered a violation of any Federal, State, or local environmental law or regulation, and for other purposes.

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the Record on H.R. 271.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, under the threat of perjury, a Tea Party in Texas' 22nd Congressional District was asked these questions by the IRS: Have you attempted or will you attempt to influence the outcome of specific legislation? That activity is protected by the Constitution. Is this America? Do you directly or indirectly communicate with members of legislative bodies? That activity is protected by the Constitution. Is this America? This is not America. House Republicans are going to restore America by giving the people the truth they deserve.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. I thank the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3, which would approve the Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone XL pipeline has been studied ad nauseam. It's now been 1,706 days since the application to build the Keystone XL pipeline was submitted to the Obama administration. The Keystone XL pipeline is nearly 1,200 miles long. At the average speed a human being could walk--three miles an hour--it would take 393 hours to walk the pipeline's route. That means you could walk through the entire pipeline route round trip about 53 times in the days since the application was submitted for approval. At least walking would be some sort of action. America needs action. America needs 20,000 jobs. America needs 800,000 barrels a day coming from Canada. America needs national security that comes from energy security. America needs the Keystone XL pipeline. Let's pass this bill now.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Ariel Zagala is a senior at Needville High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, what role should government play in our lives? What Role Government Should Have? George Washington once said, ``Government is not a reason; it is not eloquence. It is force.'' This is relevant to me because I do believe government should show force, but not have power. The main role of the government should be the protection of the citizens rather than the complete dominance over the people. Our leaders need to set forth the rules that our founding fathers created for us to live by, but not hold our hands and walk us through life. One example would be protection. Ideally, the government's protection should consist of having someone available when needed or providing aid. In reality, the government's version of protection is tuning into our conversations and running surveillance on us. Government, appointed by the people, should make the rules and the people of a society should respect and abide by them. The nation's leaders should occasionally check to see how the nation is working and give motivation. However, the government should not dictate and attempt to control every aspect of life. One prime example would be gun control. Currently we have had numerous situations where people use guns to harm and in worse situations, kill as well. Some shootings include the Sandy Hook Shooting and the Theatre Massacre. The government does its job on stepping up and applying force by stopping the situation and persecuting the criminal. What they do not stop to realize is how sometimes they can be controlling in situations like these. By trying to take our weapons, they are stripping us of the Second Amendment and ultimately gaining power over society. There is a noticeable difference between force and power in that force means to influence, whereas power means having control over something. President Washington was right that government is a force, but overtime our government has blindly tried to consume power. Having a government is important for the country. They are a symbol of leadership and a sense of security. They are the voice and examples of who we are as a nation and show that to other nations. In conclusion, our government is a working progress. They provide the force but occasionally want power, but just like us, no one is perfect.

Mr. OLSON

Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to interact with some of the brightest students in the 22nd Congressional District who serve on my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I have gained much by listening to the high school students who are the future of this great nation. They provide important insight into the concerns of our younger constituents and hopefully get a better sense of the importance of being an active participant in the political process. Many of the students have written short essays on a variety of topics and I am pleased to share these with my House colleagues. Amanda McIntire is a senior at Hightowner High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. Her essay topic is: Select an important event that has occurred in the past 50 years and explain how that event has changed our country. Where Were You on That Fateful Day? Shock . . . dismay . . . disbelief . . . words that even this six-year-old could feel on that early September morning. Parents swarmed my elementary school. Classrooms became practically empty. Teachers tried to stay calm, but it was obvious that their attention was focused on the day's events. 9/11 changed our world. It was an act intended to create terror and fear. Until then, we had never fought a foreign country on our soil since the bombing of Pearl Harbor. ``How do I respond when I see that in some Islamic countries there is vitriolic hatred for America? . . . I'm amazed that there is such misunderstanding of what our country is about, that people would hate us. I am, I am--like most Americans, I just can't believe it. Because I know how good we are, and we've got to do a better job of making our case.''--George W. Bush, press conference At six, I knew something happened that would change my life forever, but I did not realize its magnitude for years to come. At first, in my mind, we appeared united, but how could a nation that was founded on the belief that all men are created equal and should be free, treat others that looked a certain way differently? Many of my school mates' parents came to get my friends fearing for revenge against them that day because of their religion or heritage. A turban on your head or an unfamiliar religious belief should not mean that you are an enemy. My community is very diverse. In fact, my blond hair and blue eyes make me a minority at my school. I have come to understand that as a nation, we must restore faith in the world's eyes that we are not wealthy bigots, but people who want a free world filled with peace and prosperity for everyone. As Secretary of State John Kerry once stated, ``We believe that what matters most is not narrow appeals masquerading as values, but the shared values that show the true face of America; not narrow values that divide us, but the shared values that unite us: family, faith, hard work, opportunity and responsibility for all, so that every child, every adult, every parent, every worker in America has an equal shot at living up to their God-given potential. That is the American dream and the American value.'' The attacks on 9/11 were intended to weaken our country and our souls. Instead, we are more cautious, more observant, and more determined than ever to prove to the world that we are a strong and powerful nation whose intent is not domination, but coexistence in a free world that respects human life, the pursuit of happiness, and freedom.