Ted Poe

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago today, the House of Representatives voted in support of the United States' entrance into World War I. The Great War was considered to be the war to end all wars. Four million Americans, including 200,000 Texans, proudly served during World War I. Boys who grew up on Texas farms suddenly became men as they found themselves in the muddy, rainy, and bloody trenches an ocean away. The life of a Doughboy was hard. Soldiers were constantly bombarded with artillery and machine gun fire. They often faced the danger of traipsing over the trenches and crossing no man's land, repelling the enemy. In the midst of battle and in the face of the enemy, our men displayed tremendous gallantry. Four Texans were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their heroic actions. Their names are: Daniel R. Edwards, David E. Hayden, Samuel M. Sampler, and David B. Barkley. One hundred and one years later we still remember the brave warriors of WWI. World War I changed our nation, our people, and our world. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, Israelis commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day. Carrying out what they called their ``final solution'' to the ``Jewish problem,'' the Nazis gassed millions of Jews at Auschwitz, and then collected their corpses like waste to be burned in the camp. Mr. Speaker, this happened just 72 years ago, though many seem to forget. From the ashes of Auschwitz the Jewish people returned to their ancient homeland and established the sole democracy in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the Jewish people of Israel are again targets of elimination. Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and a growing list of others have openly called to ``eliminate'' the Jewish state and ``wipe it off the map.'' We must honor the memories of the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis by vowing that Jews will never again stand alone before those seeking their extermination. The American people stand with Israel and with Jews everywhere remembering those that perished. We remember. And we vow: never again. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when our forces invaded Afghanistan in 2001, the goal was simple: remove the Taliban government that sheltered the plotters of the 9/11 attacks on America, and destroy al-Qaida. Nearly 16 years later, Afghanistan is still a haven for terrorists who seek to attack and kill Americans. Since then, the Taliban has waged an insurgency in Afghanistan, destabilizing the country, creating perfect conditions for terrorists to exploit. The Taliban and al-Qaida have launched many of their attacks in Afghanistan from Pakistan. Taliban insurgency is stronger today than at any other point since 2001. Just last week, a Taliban sneak attack killed more than 160 Afghan soldiers, prompting the defense minister and army chief of staff to resign. But the Taliban don't just stage attacks, they seize territory. The Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction said in January that 172 Afghan districts are controlled, influenced, or contested by the Taliban. Al-Qaida has a long history of loyalty to the Taliban. Osama bin Laden swore his allegiance to the Taliban's leader, Mullah Omar, even before 9/11. When bin Laden was killed in Pakistan, Ayman al-Zawahiri renewed that oath and cemented ties between al-Qaida and the Taliban. Wherever the Taliban has influence, we can be sure that al-Qaida is not far behind. Since 2010, U.S. officials have incorrectly claimed that al-Qaida had a small presence in the country limited only to 50 to 100 fighters. Then, in 2015, a shocking U.S. raid in Afghanistan uncovered a massive al-Qaida training camp, rounding up over 150 al-Qaida terrorists. This was more fighters found in one raid than the U.S. officials claimed existed in the entire country. And by the end of last year, U.S. officials announced that 250 al-Qaida terrorists were killed or captured in 2016 alone. Along with al-Qaida in Afghanistan, we have the other terrorist group, the Haqqani Network. This group is directly linked to al-Qaida and the Taliban. The Haqqani Network is responsible for more American deaths in the region than any other terrorist group. The Haqqani Network attacks inside Afghanistan have been directly traced back to-- you guessed it--Pakistan. In fact, in 2011, Admiral Mike Mullen, then-chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the Senate: ``The Haqqani Network acts as a veritable arm of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency.'' The truth is that Pakistan has ties to about every terrorist group in Afghanistan. And we know that the Taliban is still based in Pakistan today. It came as no surprise that when the U.S. drone strike killed the leader of the Taliban in 2016, he was--that is right--in Pakistan. The laundry list of evidence of Pakistan support for terrorists goes on an on. We all remember where al-Qaida leader and America's most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden, was found and killed: in Pakistan. Afghanistan's representative to the U.N. recently told the Security Council that Pakistan maintains ties with more than 20 different terrorist groups. Mr. Speaker, Pakistan is playing us. Pakistan turns a blind eye to the terrorist allies, the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network fighters in the area. The Pakistan Taliban fighters ended up becoming the leaders of the ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan, known as ISIS Khorasan province. ISIS announced their Afghan affiliate in January 2015, and now has entrenched itself in the eastern part of the country. For the first time ever, the military dropped its largest non-nuclear bomb, the Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb, earlier this month on ISIS targets in Afghanistan. It is no surprise that Afghanistan is a hotbed for terrorist mischief groups, all related to Pakistan. That is what Pakistan has always wanted: a weak and divided Afghanistan that threatens the United States. Mr. Speaker, it is time we reassess our Pakistan policy so that it matches Pakistan's behavior in Afghanistan. We need to call Pakistan out. We must reduce aid to the two-faced Pakistan Government. We don't need to pay them to betray us. We must designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, and we must remove their major non-NATO ally status. In the war on terror, it is crystal clear Pakistan is not on America's side. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, for years, cries for help coming from those on the front lines of the Rio Grande have fallen on deaf ears in Washington. I have traveled to the southern border many times in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Law enforcement and citizens do the best they can with what they have got, but they are outmanned, outgunned, and outfinanced by the drug cartels and other devious actors trying to enter the United States. The Federal Government has been negligent for too long, but there is a new sheriff in town, and President Trump has promised that help is on the way. He wants to build a wall. Mr. Speaker, I believe that effective border security requires a comprehensive strategy that includes not only physical barriers in places but also increased use of technology, more boots on the ground, and more boats in the Rio Grande. The United States has amazing capabilities like aerial drones, aerostats, and seismic technology to detect crossers. Let's use and do everything to secure the Nation. The Commander in Chief is right when he indicates border security is a matter of national security. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and memory of my friend, Dr. Buddy Hicks of Kingwood, Texas, who passed away Sunday while delivering a sermon at Pipeline Church in Humble, Texas. This is a photograph of Buddy and his wife, Carolyn, and their grandson, Cole. Buddy was doing what he loved to do until the very moment that the good Lord called him home. The Lord called him home right in the middle of his sermon. For nearly 30 years, Buddy has faithfully and tenaciously ministered to congregations throughout the great State of Texas. He was a man of God, always had a smile, never met a stranger. He spent his life spreading the gospel to communities throughout Texas and bringing other followers to fellowship with each other. Buddy was a member of my pastors' roundtable, an organization that he organized that had religious leaders from all faiths come together to work together in our community. I leaned on him for prayer and guidance. I have a great deal of appreciation for Buddy and his dedication to church and the Humble-area community. He will be sorely missed. My prayers are with his wife, Carolyn; their three children, Angela, Shari, and Trey--Trey worked for me here in Congress--and our prayers also go to his two grandchildren, Cole and Zoe, for they will miss their Pops. 2 Timothy 4:7 recites Buddy's life to a tee: ``I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.'' And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member, Mr. Sherman, for his cosponsorship of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, North Korea was on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list for 20 years. It was taken off in 2008 for purely diplomatic reasons. North Korea agreed to freeze and disable its nuclear program as the result of international efforts known as the Six-Party Talks. In exchange, the United States decided to remove North Korea from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Fast forward 9 years later, North Korea remains off the list while it races toward the capability to send a nuclear warhead to American shores. There has been no secret about this. Little Kim has said he wants to send intercontinental ballistic missiles to the United States. North Korea has conducted four nuclear tests since 2008. Recent satellite images suggest that it is preparing for yet another nuclear test. North Korea is also doing all the things that got it placed on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list in the first place. North Korea harbored Japanese Red Army terrorists who participated in the hijacking of a jet in 1970. These terrorists are still living happily in North Korea today. Press reports suggests that little Kim is even arming and training Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists. A U.S. district court actually found in 2014 that North Korea materially supported terrorist attacks by Hezbollah against Israel. North Korea has also moved toward a new form of terrorism: cyber warfare. We all remember the 2014 North Korea cyber attack against Sony Pictures that included direct threats against its employees and a warning to ``Remember the 11th of September 2001.'' In March of 2015, North Korea launched a cyber attack against nuclear power plants in South Korea. North Korea is not just active over cyber. It has a long history of actually killing folks, dissidents in particular, all over the world. In February, North Korean agents killed little Kim's half brother in Malaysia using a chemical VX nerve agent. North Korea has helped Assad develop chemical weapons. Thankfully, Israel took out those chemical weapons some time ago. Mr. Speaker, North Korea's actions have not gotten any better. They have only become more dangerous and more treacherous. In addition, North Korea is working with Iran, the world's number one state sponsor of terror, on developing nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It is clear that North Korea is a state sponsor of terrorism. At the very least, the State Department should go back to the drawing board and assess whether or not North Korea meets the criteria for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. And that is what this bill does, H.R. 479, the North Korea State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act. It is high time we call out little Kim, the loose cannon of East Asia, for what he is: a terrorist in a terrorist state. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, early this morning, Precinct 3 Assistant Chief Clint Greenwood put on his uniform, secured his badge over his heart, and he headed off to work. As he arrived at the courthouse at 7 a.m., shots suddenly rang out. After the smoke cleared, Chief Greenwood was shot in the neck. His fellow officers rushed to his aid, and he was airlifted to a nearby Houston hospital, but it was too late. Texas lost another one of its finest men in blue. The suspect is still at large, but not for long. As the investigation develops, it is still unclear if Deputy Chief Greenwood was specifically targeted or if he was ambushed because he wore the uniform. Law enforcement will do everything in their power to find and apprehend the murderous outlaw. Chief Greenwood dedicated 30 years of his life to the law. I knew Clint when I worked as a judge in Houston, Texas. He was a prosecutor. He was a defense lawyer. He worked for the sheriff's department, and now more recently as a member of the constable's office. He was of strong character and a proud Texas lawman. Texas prays for Chief Greenwood's family and the Harris County, Texas, constable's office. Our men and women who wear the badge are the best we have. They protect and serve our communities. Chief Greenwood's life may be gone, but his memory serves as a reminder of all those who give their lives for the thin blue line. Back the blue, Mr. Speaker. Back the blue. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, North Korea spent 20 years on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list for acts of international terrorism and its dangerous proliferation activities. But in 2008, North Korea was taken off the state sponsors of terrorism list in exchange for its commitment to dismantle its nuclear program. Nine years later, we've lived up to our end of the bargain while North Korea has carried out four nuclear tests. Not only that--but little Kim has escalated his support for international terrorism. In 2009 alone, three North Korean arms shipments bound for terrorist groups were interdicted. North Korean experts have advised both Hezbollah and Hamas in the construction of their terrorist tunnel networks. North Korea has directly menaced the U.S. using new-age digital terrorism, launching cyber-attacks against U.S. government agencies and Sony Pictures. Last month Kim Jon-un's half-brother was brutally assassinated in Malaysia by suspected North Korean operatives using the chemical weapon VX nerve agent. North Korea's actions have only grown more flagrant since being removed from the terrorism list. Kim's actions threaten our infrastructure, our economy, and ultimately our national security. That's why I introduced H.R. 479 The North Korea State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act. My bill requires the Secretary of State to determine whether or not North Korea meets the criteria for a State Sponsor of Terrorism. It also expresses the sense of Congress that North Korea likely meets the criteria for designation as an SST. North Korea is a State Sponsor of terrorism. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the evil group, ISIS, intentionally targeted Christians worldwide because of their religious belief. But ISIS did not only target Christians. They targeted any religious group, including some Muslims who disagree with them. These sick folks are proud of the fact that they commit genocide. ISIS fighters posted videos and pictures online of their barbaric beheadings of Christians and others who refused to bow to their ideology. Thanks to these horrendous crimes against humanity, for the first time since Jesus there are almost no Christians left in this part of the world. There were 1.5 million Christians in Iraq in 2003. Since that time, terrorists have either killed or forced Christians to run for their lives. The massacres committed by this terrorist group in the name of a perverted jihad religion are the worst crimes we have seen in our lifetime. H.R. 390 will help those groups that have suffered unimaginable atrocities at the hands of ISIS get the assistance they need. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill. This legislation demands ISIS be held accountable for what it does. By identifying these perpetrators of genocide we will be able to hold criminal trials and bring them to justice. After all, isn't justice what we do in the United States? And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, foreign national Tommy Alvarado- Ventura has a string of arrests to his name, including assault, impersonation, drunk driving, and contempt of court. Not to mention that he has been deported four times. And, oh, yes, Madam Speaker, he is an MS-13 gang member. Despite being deported four times, he made his way back to America. This time, he stabbed a woman in a parking lot. Then he went to a house only to sexually assault a 2-year-old. When his girlfriend saw the bruises on the child, he stabbed her as well. Eventually, NYPD arrested him. Madam Speaker, our porous border is not secure. Foreign criminals who violently assault and rape women and children in the United States keep coming back to America. Border officials are doing the best they can do with what they have. But the message is clear: they need more to secure our border. Washington must send more resources, boots on the ground, aerostats, and military equipment, if necessary, to establish a virtual border wall against outlaws like Alvarado-Ventura. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, for the last 8 years, the world turned its cheek while Vladimir Putin--the Napoleon of Siberia--stomped on human rights and broke international law. I was there right after the Russians invaded Georgia and took one- third of the country. Then Putin went on to annex Crimea and invade Ukraine. Just this month, Denis Voronenkov, a Russian lawmaker who opposed Putin and defected to Ukraine, was gunned down in broad daylight. His assassination is the latest incident in an ongoing pattern of Putin critics who have been killed mysteriously. In the last 15 years, at least 11 other well-known critics of Putin have been killed mysteriously. The message is clear: cross Putin, and you will face the lethal wrath of the Russian bear. Putin thinks he can continue killing those who oppose him and no one is watching. But I am here to tell him today that America is watching, and America will never stop defending the defenseless and protecting the human rights of people who speak against tyranny--even Russians who speak against tyranny. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, recently, U.S. officials stated that Russia deployed a fully operational cruise missile. This is a violation of the arms control treaty between the United States and Russia. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty bans the U.S. and Russia from possessing, producing, or testing a ground-launched cruise missile with a range capability of 500 to 5,000 kilometers. We have suspected Russia of violating the treaty in the past--for at least the last 10 years--but the last administration didn't pay much attention to it. He asked the State Department to gently ask the Russians to please come back into compliance, but that did not work. So last year, in the NDAA bill, Representative Mike Rogers and I sanctioned Russia for INF violations for the first time. Now we have introduced H.R. 1182, preparing the United States to develop its own missiles. It is not in the United States' national security interest to abide by a treaty when we are the only ones abiding by it. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was World Water Day. When we are thirsty, we walk 3 feet to the nearest faucet or grab a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. Sadly, there are almost 800 million people who lack access to clean drinking water. It is unacceptable that in the year 2017 there are women who are still forced to walk miles to obtain water from polluted rivers. These rivers are not clear springs. Instead, they are rivers infected with waste, parasites, and other insects. That is why my friend Representative Blumenauer and I filed and Congress passed the Senator Paul Simon Water for the World Act. It helps USAID focus on safe drinking water, better sanitation, hygiene in schools, and clinics in villages for poor people throughout the world. USAID's goal is to give 10 million people sustainable access to clean water by next year. They are well on their way to achieving this. Clean water saves lives, and Americans should be proud of what they are doing in helping people worldwide to have that clean water. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Florida Police Officer Andrew Widman was murdered, shot in the face while trying to resolve a dispute. His death was preventable, however. The murderer of Officer Widman was an illegal immigrant and convicted felon. He did not belong here. He should have been sent back home to his native country, Cuba, after he served his sentence, but Cuba would not take him back. Cuba is one of about 30 countries that refuse to take back their convicted citizens after they are legally ordered deported. Then, unfortunately, they are released back on our streets to commit more crimes. These days need to end. No more get-out-of-jail-free cards. There must be consequences to these nations that flaunt our laws. My bill, the Timely Repatriation Act, restricts diplomatic visas to countries that deny or delay the repatriation of a foreign national whose removal has been legally ordered. Take your criminals back or lose diplomatic visas. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, China is illegally imprisoning an American citizen, Mrs. Sandy Phan-Gillis. March 19 marked the 2-year anniversary since Sandy illegally was incarcerated by the Chinese Government. Sandy is from Houston, Texas. She has lived there for almost 40 years. She worked tirelessly to improve U.S. relations with China. She believed that closer engagement would improve the lives of both Americans and the Chinese. As a member of the Houston Mayor's International Trade and Development Council, Sandy traveled to China in March 2015 with Houston Mayor Pro Tem Ed Gonzalez. Their purpose was to help a trade mission to promote business between Houston, Texas, and China. It was on this trip when Sandy was unlawfully arrested by China's State Security. The Chinese accused her of being a spy for the FBI. She was thrown into solitary confinement and subjected to torture and relentless questioning. Mr. Speaker, there are worldwide horror stories about Chinese prisons. Sandy was hospitalized twice because of the treatment by China's spy agency while she was incarcerated in China. Sandy suffers from several serious medical conditions. The Chinese threatened to take away her access to medicine, basically threatening to kill her, unless she confessed to being a spy. She even suffered a fear-induced heart attack because of their brutality while she was in custody. Sandy's false imprisonment is a travesty and a farce. Here is a photograph of Sandy before she was imprisoned in China. Her lawyers and her family have never received a copy of the warrants for her detention or her arrest. It took the Chinese over a year while she was in jail before they even charged her with a crime. She was not allowed to speak to a lawyer for over a year. According to the Chinese Government, Sandy was spying for the FBI back in the nineties--that was over 25 years ago--but the Chinese Government has not been able to provide a scintilla of evidence to back up their outlandish false claims. The FBI has stated Sandy never, ever has worked for them, and her passport shows that she never traveled to China in the timeframe the Communist State Security accuses her of going on spy missions in China. In fact, there is documentation proving Sandy was working in Houston, Texas, at the time. Mr. Speaker, I am a former judge, and I have looked at the evidence in this case. There is no evidence, and she should be released. The Chinese allegations are a total illusion on the part of the Communist government. Sandy has been denied the basic rights she is entitled to, even under Chinese law and international law. The United Nations has reviewed Sandy's case and determined that she had been arbitrarily arrested and that her rights have been violated. After 2 years in jail, she has not had the chance to have an appearance before a judge. Sandy spent her entire life trying to improve China's trade relations with the United States, and for her efforts, she was put in jail by the Communist Chinese. If Sandy isn't safe in China, then no American is. On any given trip, an American citizen like Sandy can be snatched by the Communists and put in jail just on a whim. Supposedly, the State Department has raised Sandy's case with their Chinese counterparts over 20 times, but more pressure needs to be applied. We know that China is a gross human rights violator. They persecute minorities in their country. China cannot be allowed to illegally detain and torture an American citizen and face no consequences for their unlawful acts. Hopefully, Secretary Tillerson will make freeing Sandy a top priority for this administration. The last time Sandy's husband, Jeff, whom I have met with, was able to speak with her was way back in September of 2015. Sandy has already missed out on 2 years of her life with her loving husband and her daughter. It is time to let Sandy go. She is not guilty of any crime. The only crime being committed is by the Chinese Government for their false imprisonment of an American citizen. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a 14-year-old girl last week was kidnapped off the streets of Houston, Texas. After being held against her will for 5 days, she was taken to a motel, where she met a person named Denise Coronado. But Coronado was no friend. Instead, she threatened the girl. Coronado ground cigarettes into the girl's body. She threatened everyone that the child loved. She published photographs of the girl on backpage.com, selling her on the marketplace of sex slavery. In a 1- week period, the young girl was forced to have sex with more than 20 men. Finally she escaped. But, Mr. Speaker, the reality is that the victim sometimes never truly escapes. The horrors sometimes live with them forever. We can no longer be ignorant to modern day slavery. My legislation, the Shame Act, gives Federal judges the ability to publish the names and photographs of convicted buyers and sellers of humans. Those who sell or buy the innocence of children should be shamed for all to see. Put their photographs on backpage.com. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, incorrigible little Kim and his minions are rattling their sabers once again. While U.S.-South Korean exercises were underway, North Korea launched four land-based missiles. The missiles traveled over 600 miles. North Korean Army bases are purposely positioned to strike U.S. bases in Japan and South Korea. It is time to put an end to North Korea's mischiefmaking. The United States' hopeless appeasement policy with North Korea has not worked. In 2008, the administration removed the warmonger from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list with little Kim's promise to stop their nuclear weapons program. Well, guess what? Kim Jong-un lied. We must return North Korea to where it belongs: the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Senator Cruz and I have filed legislation to do just that. Then real sanctions and blocking of financial transactions are necessary. The United States cannot underestimate the war-prone lunacy of Kim Jong-un. He needs a clear message from America to leave us alone and leave our allies alone. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is said that there is no need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. That is a father's job. Recently, a Texas father arrogantly violated all of his responsibilities. He forcibly sex trafficked his teenage daughter. In the milky darkness of night, he would take her to truck stops and coerce her to have sex so he could pocket the filthy lucre. The 16-year-old was sold to multiple customers in a single night. Every dollar the deviant collected was stolen at the expense of his daughter's childhood. His evil and greed were so boundless that this so-called father placed ads on the internet to sell his daughter. She was sold on the marketplace of sex trafficking. But the girl was rescued. The defendant was convicted and put in the deepest bowels of a Texas prison.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week marks 3 years since Russia violated Ukraine's territorial integrity and illegally stole Crimea. In 2014, the people of Ukraine peacefully decided to move closer to the European Union and away from the Russian sphere of influence. However, the Napoleon of Siberia would have none of it. Russian troops invaded the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine. Little green men then invaded two more regions in eastern Ukraine. The Russian invasions have cost 10,000 Ukrainian lives, but Russia has not stopped. Troops are pursuing a slow strategy to take more and more territory in eastern Ukraine. Russia has invaded a sovereign country and taken over its lands. Mr. Speaker, what country is next? The American people must stand with Ukraine and against the tyranny of the Russian bear. It is time to stand up to Putin. He must pay a price for his aggression. Sanctions against and isolation of the bear are good places to start. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, March 15, 2017 the last alarm will be sounded for one of Houston's finest, Captain William ``Iron Bill'' Dowling. Although Iron Bill fought tirelessly these last few years, he went home with the Good Lord shortly before his 44th birthday: March 14, 1973-March 7, 2017. While we mourn the loss of this Houstonian Hero, we also remember his service to his city and country. On May 31, 2013, Houston Fire Department suffered its most tragic event in its history. A 5-alarm blaze at a hotel in southwest Houston claimed the lives of four firefighters and injured fourteen other firefighters when the roof collapsed, some critically. The following lives were lost: Captain EMT Matthew Renaud, 35, of Station 51; Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee, 41, of Station 51; Firefighter EMT Robert Garner, 29, of Station 68; Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, 24, of Station 68. They were the best we had in Houston, and we are still saddened that they are gone. One of the brave who survived was Captain Dowling. Iron Bill was injured serving Houston, the community in which he was raised. A graduate of Klein Oak High School, Captain Dowling left Texas to serve his nation as an enlistee with the United States Marine Corps. In 1993, on leave from Marine boot camp training, he married his high school sweetheart, Jacki. As a Marine, Iron Bill served 4 years, including a deployment to Somalia with I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Restore Hope, 1995. He returned home to Texas and to Jacki to begin his career and to start a family. Twenty-one years later, Captain Dowling and Jacki have three children: Forrest, Faith and Foster. Iron Bill's patriotic spirit and love of the community led him to join the Houston Fire Department. He graduated from the Houston Fire Department Academy in 2000 and steadily rose through the ranks. He worked at Stations 12, 19, and 48 before making Captain at Station 68 in January of 2013. Firehouse 68 is located at the corner of Bissonnet and South Gessner in the heart of Southwest Houston. In 2013, the fire apparatus of Firehouse 68 made 14,847 responses, making it the third busiest fire station in the City of Houston. There, at Firehouse 68, Captain Dowling became known as Iron Bill, a fitting nickname to describe a strong and courageous hero. It was just five months after he arrived at Station 68 that Captain Dowling and fellow firefighters received an alarm call that would take them to the gates of hell. On that fateful day, in the heat of the Texas noonday sun, Captain Dowling along with the four other firefighters rushed into the hotel to find potential trapped guests. While the firefighters were in the hotel, the roof collapsed, trapping and killing Garner and Sullivan from Station 68 and Bebee and Renaud from Station 51. Captain Dowling's legs were crushed and burned, but he remained calm, radioed for help and waited for his brothers to pull him from the flames. The attending physician in the ambulance said that Captain Dowling, though severely injured, kept asking about the condition of his crew. He was more concerned for the safety of others than himself, the testament of a true hero. He told the doctor, on the way to the hospital, to tell his wife and children that he would fight for them. Hearing this comes as no surprise to Captain Dowling's family; they know him as a fighter. Captain Dowling was seriously injured with burns over thirty percent of his body, and he was placed in a medically induced coma for months at Memorial Hermann Hospital and Medical Center. He subsequently had both legs amputated and suffered brain damage. A long road of recovery was ahead for Captain Dowling, but surrounded by a team of doctors, his family, firefighter family, friends, church and the entire city and state of Texas, Iron Bill was not alone. Deservingly, Captain Dowling became everyone's hero. Since returning home, Jacki left her full time job at Frank Elementary to care for her husband full time. It's no surprise that as a Texas woman, she's strong and determined, but quite simply, the strength that she possesses is amazing. To keep the community updated on Iron Bill, she started blogging on a community Facebook page entitled ``Capt. William Dowling Iron Bill''. This blog allows the community to rally behind the Dowling family, cry with them, laugh with them, pray for them and see their hero survive. In August of 2016, the Dowling family moved to Durango, Colorado in order for Captain Dowling to make the most of his journey in the great outdoors. He became hooked on skiing through Adaptive Sports. Jacki said he was the healthiest he had been in a long time and was thriving in the mountain air so Jacki returned to coaching volleyball. On the morning of March 7, 2017 Jacki asked for prayers for Iron Bill, as she was worried about his recent spell with pneumonia. That evening Captain William Dowling took his final journey home into the arms of the Good Lord. Captain Dowling will be remembered for his bravery, determination, and loyalty. He always put others ahead of himself and was dedicated to serving his community. The legacy Iron Bill leaves behind is one that his friends, family, and community will never forget. Today, the entire city of Houston will pay tribute to the life of one of Houston's heroes, one of our finest. Houston firefighters are grateful for the support of 174 firefighters from 30 Texas departments that will ride in Houston stations tomorrow so A-shift firefighters can attend the memorial service for Iron Bill Dowling. Thanks to firefighters from College Station, Plano, Montgomery County, Conroe, Weatherford, Pearland, New Braunfels, South Montgomery County, Fort Worth, Sugar Land, China Grove, Kemah, West University, Longview, Nacogdoches, Bexar County ESD 2, Lewisville, Galveston, Lubbock, Baytown, Southlake, Benbrook, Seguin, Austin, Dallas, Westfield, Waco, Hutchins, Tomball, and The Woodlands. As the family of Iron Bill mourns the loss of a great man, I hope they know the community of Tomball, the greater Houston area and Texas' Second District will keep the family in their thoughts and prayers. Our community will always be grateful for his service and sacrifices. Once a hero, always a hero. That's the man we call Iron Bill. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Original Pizza in Broomfield, Colorado, has been in business since the 1990s. Now they are being sued. The plaintiff claims they do not have ADA-accessible parking signage or proper insulation wrapped around the pipes under the restroom sink. The claims waged against Original Pizza are mostly false. The sink is compliant, and the parking issue could be fixed with a better sign and a bit of paint. Not to mention, Original Pizza was never notified of the alleged violations by the plaintiff. Now the plaintiff is demanding money to pay or a lawsuit will be filed. The same plaintiff has filed over 70 other lawsuits against businesses for alleged ADA violations. Plaintiffs and attorneys hope companies will decide to settle rather than face an expensive court trial. The ADA Education and Reform Act will require giving businesses notice and time to fix the alleged infraction before the lawsuit is filed. Notice and cure are a fair way to handle ADA violations. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of TEXAS

Mr. POE of TEXAS. Mr. Speaker, it is no surprise Pakistan is not the friend they portray themselves to be. They are a devious, deceptive, and disloyal ally. For years they have supported the Taliban by providing them cover, cash, and weapons. However, this Benedict Arnold ally is among the leading recipients of U.S. foreign assistance for the last 14 years. Mr. Speaker, we don't need to pay Pakistan to betray us, they will do it for free. The Taliban's headquarters is, you guessed it, in Pakistan. When a U.S. drone attack took out the Taliban's leader in May 2016, he was in Pakistan. This should be the last rodeo for Pakistan. This is why I have introduced the Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act. The bill requires the administration to issue a report containing either a determination that Pakistan is a state sponsor of terrorism or a justification as to why it is not. It is time to determine whose side Pakistan is on. And, Mr. Speaker, they are not on our side. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ``America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.'' These words were spoken by President Harry S. Truman after World War II. Our courageous sailors and soldiers defended freedom and liberty on two fronts. In the Pacific, they fought on the beaches, ultimately leading to the surrender of the Japanese. Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa were the names of some of the island hopping invasion sites. Those of the Greatest Generation proved that when the peace of our nation is threatened, our people will stand up and fight. Tom Morgan is just one of those patriots in the Greatest Generation who answered the call to fight for our great nation. When World War II began, Tom was just 21 years old. He answered his country's call to duty and joined the U.S. Marines. He fought in all three Pacific battles: Guadalcanal, Saipan, and Okinawa. He contracted malaria on his first tour in 1942 at Guadalcanal. That didn't stop him. In the summer of 1944, he fought in the Battle of Saipan. On July 8, 1944, the stars and stripes were raised in victory over Saipan, and Tom survived his second major battle. Less than a year later, Tom was sent to fight in the Battle of Okinawa, or the Typhoon of Steel as it was called because of intense shelling and gunfire. On that Easter morning, 1945, Tom and his fellow Marines were on board a transport ship eating breakfast in the mess hall when an enemy kamikaze plane hit their ship. Water began filling up in the mess hall, and Tom thought he was going to meet his maker. However, the man above had different plans for Tom. The hatch flew open, and Tom was able to escape. Tom and his fellow Marines sailed on to Okinawa where they stormed the beaches in the final island battle of the Pacific. The bloodiest battle yet was the largest amphibious invasion of World War II: over 60,000 soldiers invaded the island. Tom was one of them in the battle that thundered on for 82 days. Japanese General Ushijima Mitsuru and his soldiers had created a series of defense lines across the island which provided them with a strong resistance against our soldiers. The Japanese Army staked most of their defenses at Shuri Castle. The Tenth Army battled for nearly two months, inch by inch, hill by hill, to take Shuri Castle. The Marines seized the Capitol, Naha, and then the Japanese retreated to the southern tip of the island where many surrendered or committed suicide. The generals on both sides died in the course of battle: General Simon Buckner by a sniper and General Ushijima Mitsuru by suicide. On June 22, 1945, the United States flag was raised in victory over Okinawa. Our soldiers would not have experienced land victory, if not for our sailor's water victory over Japanese kamikaze aircraft. One of my favorite battleships, the USS Texas, participated in the invasion of Okinawa. She provided initial support, gunfire support, and fended off aerial assaults for nearly two months. Suicide plane attacks by the Japanese army and navy were relentless against our navy fleet. The gunfire at Okinawa was the most extensive in history, 26 ships were sunk and 164 damaged. The Mighty T survived; she was an integral part of the Okinawa victory. Some today forget the feats of these warriors of World War II. Some never came home. American casualties were the highest experienced in any campaign against the Japanese. More than 49,000 American casualties occurred, including 12,000 deaths. They were great Americans and we should always remember them. My friend Tom's story is not over; he survived his third battle at Okinawa. He remained in the Marines until 1946 and continued his service in the Reserves. He even served three months in the Korean War. At 96 years young, Tom is the oldest active lawman in the State of Texas. President Ronald Reagan best summed up soldiers like Tom when he said, ``Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.'' And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend, Chief Alan Bragg, who is retiring after serving a distinguished 45 years in educational law enforcement. He is a lifetime member of what I referred to as the Poe-leece. It is an informal organization made up of long-time friends in Texas' law enforcement community. It is an honor to pay tribute to Chief Bragg as he retires on June 30, 2017 as Chief of Police at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Police Department. Alan Bragg was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and was destined to become a Texas Lawman. He attended Midwestern State University and worked for the university's police department at the beginning of his career. In 1981, Chief Bragg moved to Houston to take a position with the Houston Independent School District Police Department. He gained nine years' experience with Houston ISD, all the while his pursuit to build safer schools grew. This passion led him to accept a job, in 1990, as Spring Independent School District's first ever Chief of Police. He was tasked to create a new police department from scratch. He started his force with 8 officers and it has grown to over 50 sworn officers. He was responsible for nearly 37,000 students, 5,000 employees and 38 campuses. His 21 year leadership and legacy at Spring ISD will not be forgotten. Chief Bragg obtained additional police training along the way. He is a graduate of the FBI's National Academy 201 class and holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate. Throughout the years, he has assisted and been recognized by numerous boards and organizations. He is a member and past president of the Houston Area Police Chiefs Association, North Harris County Criminal Justice Association, and he also served on the board of the Texas Association of School District Police. For over 20 years, he has coordinated the annual ``Salute to Law Enforcement'' event, an event that was always held close to National Police Week. It allowed folks to meet local law enforcement officers from different agencies, see the resources used to protect them, and provide an overall positive experience between our law enforcement officers and citizens. Chief Bragg is a dedicated family man, having been married to his wife Judy for 26 years. He met Judy after the 1979 Terrible Tuesday Tornado that hit Wichita Falls. They were both temporarily homeless, and met at church. They are the proud parents of two children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His retirement will provide time for them to serve in their church, travel on mission trips, and spend time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During those years with Spring, Chief Bragg distinguished himself as an educational law enforcement leader. He possesses a wealth of knowledge, and the entire law enforcement community views him with esteem and respect. His department served as a model for other school district police departments to follow. Not surprisingly, Chief Bragg's impressive leadership and integrity led him to his last career move. In 2012, he accepted the new start up position as Chief of Police for Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. Again, he created another exemplary police force from scratch. For 45 years, he has put on the badge and a gun to protect and serve the folks and communities he loves. Chief Bragg has been one of the most prominent and important lawman in the 2nd Congressional District, a true Texas hero. He is a remarkable Texan who has achieved extraordinary things in his law enforcement career and for his community. I extend to him my congratulations on his retirement, and commend him for a job well done. I wish him the best of luck in the future as he enters into this new phase of life. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Elizabeth Oddy returned from east Africa after spending 2\1/2\ years as a Peace Corps volunteer. Before returning home, she was examined by a Peace Corps physician. She was deemed healthy and okay to come back to America. Two days after coming home, Elizabeth went to her doctor for a regular checkup where she was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. She had stage I thyroid cancer. Her Peace Corps insurance ended the next day. Peace Corps volunteers often have severe health problems upon their return from abroad. Health issues that are a direct result of serving in the Peace Corps should be covered by the Peace Corps. Volunteers like Elizabeth are the spirit of humanitarian assistance. It is our responsibility to ensure they are properly cared for both at home and abroad. My bill, the Sam Farr Peace Corps Enhancement Act, improves health care for all current volunteers and returned Peace Corps volunteers that contract illnesses during their service. We must continue providing support for our American angels abroad. And that is just the way it is.