Ted Poe

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Miller Outdoor Theatre is celebrating 95 years in Herman Park. The Miller Outdoor Theatre got its start in 1923, and continues to be one of Houston's most treasured venues. Located right in the heart of the City of Houston, it provides folks a place to enjoy the performing arts. And it is always free. Miller is a unique treasure to Houstonians and it is dedicated to bringing the arts alive for audiences for over 95 years: classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, popular concert artists, films and more. The theatre has boasted the Summer Symphony Series, Shakespeare Festival, Theatre Under the Stars ``Bells are Ringing'', and even presidential candidate Richard Nixon campaigned on stage. The original theatre was an open amphitheater surrounded by twenty Corinthian-style limestone columns built on land that was given and sold by the Miller estate. Cotton broker and mining engineer, Jesse Wright Miller, originally left the land to the City in 1919. Mayor Oscar Holcombe and his council members should be commended for their vision towards this project. In the 1960s, the City of Houston built a new theatre that consisted of three triangular plates of Corten steel and an air condition to cool the stage. Did I mention it is hot in Texas! The original 1920s columns were moved to the Mecom-Rockwell Colonnade Fountain between Fannin and San Jacinto at Hermann Drive. The Miller received another face lift in the late 1990s. A 6 million dollar expansion and renovation planned and funded by the City of Houston and Friends of Hermann Park. A new roof, additional restrooms and office areas were added. They built a small stage at the east end of the facility. The refurbished theatre reopened in 1998. The Miller's newest upgrades and additions occurred through the 2000s. New seating, lighting, and landscaping greatly enhance the educational and outreach capacities of the theatre. The Miller can accommodate about 6,200 spectators, with over 1,705 seats and over 4,500 on the grassy hill. While so much has grown and changed over the years, I still remember my children visiting the Miller Outdoor Theatre on school field trips. It was very popular with the Poe kids. The day always included a musical production or play, a picnic lunch, and a roll down Miller's ``hill''. By the way, Miller's ``hill'' was created with dirt from Fannin Street excavations. In 2008, the iconic hill was regraded and raised. There is a plaque that was erected at the theatre's dedication that read: ``To the Arts of Music, Poetry, Drama and Oratory, by which the striving spirit of man seeks to interpret the words of God. This theatre of the City of Houston is permanently dedicated.'' These words still ring true today. Through its mission statement and commitment to the arts in Houston, the Miller Outdoor Theatre has proven to be a pillar to the citizens of Houston. I congratulate them on their 95th season and commend them for continuing to contribute to Houston's vibrant arts community. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last year, Humble, Texas suffered a historic flood, one that devastated the entire town. At the height of the flood, the San Jacinto River Bridge was completely submerged, cutting off passage between Humble and Kingwood. To put it in perspective, 27 trillion gallons of rain fell over Texas. That is enough water to fill the Houston Astrodome 85,000 times. Folks had anywhere between 36 and 52 inches of rain. The Humble area recorded around 40 inches of rain. Humble was hammered by this flood. On Friday, August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast as a Category 4 hurricane. The Texas air just felt different that Friday, ominous. Those of you who have been through a hurricane will understand what I am saying. The air pressure dropped and a breeze out of nowhere appeared. In August we don't get a breeze! This was the first evident sign that the storm was headed our way. As I left a meeting in downtown Houston, I decided I better call my staff and check in. I encouraged them to leave early, grab some supplies, and hunker down for the weekend. As I began my commute back to Humble, I called my friend, Merle Aaron. Mayor Aaron could tell me what I needed to hear about preparations in and around the city as the storm approaches. We talked a long time; he mentioned that the police and fire were prepared for extended weekend shifts. Little did we know about the nightmare that was coming for Humble later that weekend. The rains and floods ravaged the city. By Sunday night, Humble's first responders were evacuating folks from their homes and transporting them to shelters. Roads were shut down due to high water and some homes were knocked off their foundations. First responders began search and rescue missions. They worked with other agencies in boats in the high water areas. They also maintained a presence in order to keep looters out of the flooded businesses. During the weeks following, there were no serious incidents from looters. The first responders proved crucial during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. I cannot stress enough its role in providing a swift response during the immediate aftermath and a strong presence during the cleanup phases. Later that week, I witnessed the devastation first hand as I rode with Mayor Aaron in his pickup truck through a neighborhood behind Deerbrook Mall called Northshire. Over 300 homes were flooded with 4- 6ft of water. The roads were impassable and protected by Humble Police. First responders waved us through and immediately I could not be more proud of my city's response during the worst natural disasters to ever affect Texans. Among the piles of garbage, and stench of rot, folks had spray painted signs that said, ``We love Humble Police'' and ``Thank you first responders''. It was an overwhelming display of gratitude toward our first responders. The City of Humble responders worked tirelessly around the clock for many days to protect its citizens. The stories following Hurricane Harvey give folks the determination to recover from the nightmare they endured that weekend. Harvey will not defeat the City of Humble--they proved to be Texas Strong. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, my friend, Philip ``Duane'' Steen, has served Texans for nearly four decades in the Texas Department of Public Safety. He is a lifetime member of what is referred to in my part of Texas as the Poe-leece. It is an informal organization made up of my long-time friends in the Texas law enforcement community. No stone in Texas has been left unturned during his decorated career. From the hills of San Antonio to the flat lands of Houston, he has helped Texans feel safe and secure by defending and upholding the law. His service to the state and to Houston will withstand time. It is an honor to pay tribute to him today as he retires from public service. Duane graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science before beginning his valorous career with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). His career aspirations began when car trouble led to a ride-along with a DPS trooper as a student at A&M. The two got along like old friends, and you might say that was the straw that broke the camel's back. In 1981, Duane officially began his career serving the people of Texas. His first assignment was in Denton as a Highway Patrol Trooper. During his nearly four decade tenure, Duane served the people of Texas through various positions in the DPS. He served as Narcotics Sergeant, Austin; Narcotics Lieutenant, Waco; Narcotics Captain, Garland and Austin, and Narcotics Assistant Commander, San Antonio and Austin. In the last decade of his career he served in Austin as Major, Criminal Investigations Division, later promoted to Deputy Assistant Director, and finally as Region 2 Commander, Houston. From speeding tickets and drunk drivers to full scale narcotics operations, he was up against some of the roughest and toughest that Texas had to offer. Through it all, he never stopped trying to make the Lone Star state a safer place. He was the type of guy that you wanted on your side because he would not stop until the job was done right. The impact he had on Texans, Houstonians, and the thin blue line will continue to be an example for generations to come. He may have handed in his badge, but his legacy lives on. His family can rest easy now knowing the most dangerous activity he will be doing is spending most days out on the water with his fishing pole. Happy Trails to you, Duane. Thank you for a job well done and for all your hard work to make our Texas a safer place. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, one in four women will experience domestic violence during their life. Nearly three women are murdered by their spouses every day. This is violent America in our time. Violence in the family unit. These crimes affect the spouse, the children, and the quality of life of our community. The Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, has helped women throughout our Nation. Lifesaving programs and resources have given victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence a chance for a better life. My legislation to reauthorize the full funding of VAWA through 2019 will help victims of violence and support groups that work with battered families. But Congress has only extended VAWA for 3 months. Women affected by domestic violence deserve better than more delay. Standing up for victims is not a partisan issue. Congress needs to fully fund and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act because domestic violence victims are people too. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the State Department has released its annual country report on terrorism. Terrorist attacks are down worldwide, but there are still frustrating details that we must expose. The biggest frustration is that Pakistan, a so-called major non-NATO ally, continues to harbor terrorist groups that target the United States and its allies. The report says that the Taliban, the Haqqani Network, LeT, and JeM, all terrorist groups, they all still operate in safe havens in Pakistan. Some are able to raise money, recruit, and train in Pakistan. For too long, I, as well as others, have come to this floor to point out Pakistan's duplicitous behavior. When will we stop appeasing Pakistan and sending billions in American money to these fake friends, money that ends up in the hands of terrorists who make war on America? We must designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, then revoke their major non-NATO ally status. Then we must go after these terrorist groups. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Texas is distinctive in many ways. Texas was an independent nation for nine years. In fact, some Texans still think we're an independent country. Texas had gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and had immediately set up a republic. The reason for the call for independence was because Mexico had abolished its democracy and set up a dictatorship with Santa Anna as the Supreme Dictator. Texans and Tejanos--Mexican or Spanish person born in Texas--were determined not to live under an imperial dictatorship and went to war with Mexico to gain independence. This was a fight for liberty. Independence was gained on April 21, 1836, at the Battle of San Jacinto where General Sam Houston and his boys defeated a superior Mexican army under the leadership of Santa Anna. After Texas set up a government, it then built an army and a navy. Texas then sought official recognition of the Republic of Texas from other nations. On this day, September 25, 1839, King Louis Philippe of France formally recognized the Republic of Texas. This was the first country after the United States to recognize the republic. This treaty allowed Texas commerce to be admitted to France on a most favored nation basis. Great Britain soon followed in recognizing Texas as an independent nation. Texas would proceed to engage in commerce with the United States, Mexico, France, and Great Britain. Dubois De Saligny of France was appointed as charge d'affaires and soon moved to Austin. He bought 21 acres just east of the Texas Capitol in Austin and began construction of the house known today as the French Legation. Today, there is a similar site where the Texas Legation was in Paris, France. The French residence is now a historical site in Texas. It acts as a reminder that Texas was once a country. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is time to remove the veil of secrecy from the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court. Americans have the right to watch the proceedings in person, but only 50 members of the public can get into the small courtroom at a time. Technology allows discreet videoing, but for some reason, there are those who want to keep these proceedings hidden from the American public. We have the best judicial system ever created. We should not hide it. Cameras should be allowed in the most important court in the world. I know cameras can be placed in a courtroom without disruption or distraction, because I did it. For 22 years, I served as a felony court judge in Houston, Texas. I heard over 25,000 criminal cases and nearly 1,000 jury trials, and many of those were filmed by the television media. Justice would be better served if the black robe of secrecy was removed from the United States Supreme Court and the proceedings were filmed. Because justice is the one thing we should always find in America. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is that time of the year, a time folks in Texas and in the South have been waiting for. It is called football season. It has been said there are only two seasons in Texas: football season and spring football season. Football in Texas is its own religion. Whether you are watching the game under the Friday night lights, joining 25,000 of your closest friends on Saturday, or checking your watch in church to make sure your preacher gets you out on time on Sunday, there are more than a few prayers being said in the name of football on any given day in Texas. Just last week, I headed to Waco, Texas, with my entire family to watch my alma mater, the Abilene Christian Wildcats, take on the Baylor Bears. The outcome wasn't what we were hoping for, but there is nothing better than college football under a Texas sunset. Texans naturally believe everything is bigger and better in Texas-- because it is. My son, Kurt, started playing football when he was 8 years old, and I have watched him play every game from Humble, Texas, pee-wee football until he took the field wearing the purple and white of our alma mater, Abilene Christian University. From the beginning, Kurt played quarterback. Being the quarterback is one of those positions that is tough on parents. It is all the fame or all the blame. Every time I saw him take the field, I saw that same little 8-year-old boy full of determination. It was that very determination that led to him being a walk-on at Abilene Christian University and earning a spot as a safety and becoming an Academic All- Conference player. I was a judge during that time in Texas in Houston, and I would head out on Friday night after court and drive all night to towns such as Abilene; Kingsville; Canyon; Wichita Falls; Commerce; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ada, Oklahoma, to get there in time for Saturday's game. There is nothing more fun than being in a stadium on that first weekend and seeing your team and your son take the field to thousands chanting, ``Wildcats, purple, white, purple, white, fight, fight, fight.'' Last week I saw Kurt's son, my grandson, Jackson, take the field, also as safety, for the Georgetown, Texas, middle school team. Texas football is a legend and legacy. It has spawned books, movies, TV series, and it has been known to ruin a family dinner or two in a house divided over the loyalty of their team. Blood may be thicker than water, but it is not thicker than football. Yes, Texans love football, right down to the names they choose for their children and to the cars they drive. I am sure there is some big executive in Detroit wondering why they have to send so many maroon pickups to Texas. Well, of course, they are for the Texas Aggie fans. We may not have too many fall weddings in Texas, but I am willing to bet you that you have been to a wedding where the new Mr. and Mrs. took off down the aisle to the University of Texas' ``The Eyes of Texas'' or got a big Texas A&M ``Whoop'' after the preacher declared them husband and wife. But it is not just the action on the gridiron. It is the atmosphere; it is the band; it is the drill team; it is the cheerleaders; it is the moms selling T-shirts, the school clubs hanging banners, the same old guys in the same old seats season after season in the stands, and the whole atmosphere of what makes the game great. So, Madam Speaker, it is that time of the year. Put on your school colors; head for the game; grab some hotdogs and Dr Pepper or Coke; and take part in one of Texas' finest religious traditions: Texas football. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this is the 1-minute story of Kelly Dore. Kelly's biological father began trafficking her for sex in the first year of her life. The evildoer continued to do so for 14 years. Kelly spent her childhood in a living hell most of us cannot even contemplate. Her kindergarten memories are not of playtime and story time; instead, they consisted of hiding in the bathroom because the repeated trauma caused uncontrollable bleeding. The evildoer threatened to kill Kelly's mother if Kelly ever told. At 14 years, Kelly liberated herself from this depravity by testifying against her father in a courtroom. Miraculously, she not only survived the ordeal, but she became an advocate. Today, Kelly works to strengthen trafficking laws, giving an inspirational voice for victims of human trafficking like her. No child should ever have to go through what Kelly went through. Congress must join Kelly in the fight against the buying and selling of our children on the marketplace of sex trafficking. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the names of the Defenders of the Alamo.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, there is a battle brewing back home in Texas. According to news reports, it seems that some in our education system have taken issue with one of the most treasured and significant historical letters in Texas history, Lieutenant Colonel William Barrett Travis and his passionate plea in his letter ``to all the people of Texas and all Americans in the world.'' To add insult to injury, they have also called into question the heroic nature of Travis and the 187 volunteers who sacrificed their lives at the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. A committee evaluating the State's history curriculum standards has proposed that we eliminate the study of Travis' historical ``Victory or Death'' letter. They have also recommended that we remove the word ``heroic'' from the curriculum because it is a value-charged word, a hero and the heroes of the Alamo. Well, to quote Travis, I have a value-charged word or two to say about that: ``Victory or death,'' Mr. Speaker. These are the most iconic words in Texas history. That is our battle cry and has been our battle cry since 1836. It is who we are. Texas' defiant, independent nature was born from those words of that letter written from behind the walls of a besieged Alamo mission in Bexar, Texas. The words on that paper are as much a part of who we are as the blood that runs through our veins. We shall ``never surrender or retreat,'' to quote Travis. We cannot allow political correctness to rewrite any history or, in this case, edit history. Maybe they didn't take Texas history from Mrs. Wilson, like I did. However, it seems now that this committee is walking back that original suggestion. Whatever the case, the Travis letter is every bit the core and soul of freedom as the words of Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. He says: ``I have answered that demand with a cannon shot, and the flag still waves proudly over the north wall. I shall never surrender or retreat.'' Mr. Speaker, history is the greatest teacher we have. Book burners who want to erase from textbooks ``the establishment of the Republic of Texas brought civil, political, and religious freedom to Texas'' are just trying to ignore history. Those elites who want to rip the Travis letter from our Texas history books dishonor the sacrifice of 187 freedom fighters at the Alamo, of all races, from most of the States and several foreign countries, including Mexico. These individuals gave their last full measure of devotion to liberty. Webster's dictionary may not define ``hero'' with the names of those who died March 6, 1836, at the Alamo, but it should. Travis isn't just my favorite hero. He has intertwined himself throughout my life. He is the inspiration of why I am a lawyer. He was a lawyer. My first grandson is named Barrett Houston. And inscribed along the bottom of my stationery are the words, ``I shall never surrender or retreat.'' Travis' letter hung on my wall of the courtroom in Texas and still hangs in my office today in D.C. Because of men like William Barrett Travis and the Alamo defenders, we are called the great State of Texas. Travis' legacy embodies the passion and loyalty that makes Texans stand out in the world. To consider anything to the contrary is a disgrace. We must preserve one of our greatest treasures in Texas history so that future generations can learn the meaning of ``what is due to his own honor and that of his country.'' God and Texas. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the Travis letter. Commandancy of The Alamo Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836 To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World--Fellow Citizens & compatriots-- I am besieged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna--I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man--The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken--I have answered the demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls--I shall never surrender or retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism & everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch--The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country-- Victory or Death. William Barrett Travis. Lt. Col. comdt. P.S. The Lord is on our side--When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn--We have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves. Travis.

Mr. POE of Texas. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, more than a century ago, one of the most horrific genocides in history took place as the world was fixated on the Great War raging in Europe. The Ottoman Empire and its successor state, the modern Republic of Turkey, have always denied the atrocities they committed against the Armenian people. For too long, our own government has played along with Turkey. We have allowed politics to blind us from the mass murder of 1\1/2\ million innocent Armenians by the Ottoman Turks. We must officially recognize this horrific crime to prevent similar events from occurring again. This also means pressuring the Turks to acknowledge their past sins. Turkey, under dictator Erdogan, has proven to be an oppressor of his own people. Today, we see him adopt similar brutality against the Kurds that was applied to the Armenians more than a century ago. This behavior is unacceptable by a NATO member and a supposed American ally. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, to a Texan, ``Six Flags'' is more than just the name of an amusement park. As those of us from great state know, the term refers to the six different flags that have flown over our state: those of Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy, and--since 1865--the flag of the United States. However, what many folks don't know is that there was a 7th flag over Texas that has long been overlooked: the flag of the Republic of the Rio Grande. Now, if you're from the little border town of Laredo this is no news to you. Laredo has adopted this flag as the city's official flag. It can be found waving on the streets, hanging on houses, and even prominently displayed in halls of City Council. Red, white, and black with three stars and two stripes, this flag is a symbol for a group of fighting Texians that will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, the Republic of the Rio Grande was a small, unrecognized nation. After Texas broke away from Mexico, leaders in other Mexican states were empowered to do the same. In 1840 the courageous leaders met in Laredo, Texas and declared their independence, claiming the territories of Mexican states, parts of current-day Texas, and even New Mexico for the Republic of the Rio Grande. Those of us who have taken Texas history in school know that Mexico isn't a country keen on giving up territory without a fight. It's no surprise that the young Republic soon found itself facing the well- prepared Mexican army on the battlefield. Despite several months of intense battle, the revolutionaries were soon captured. The Republic of the Rio Grande was no more. The Republic of the Rio Grande may have been a small and short-lived nation, but it captures the mind and spirit of generations of Texans. The Republic of the Rio Grande reminds us all to never give up without a fight, especially when fighting for freedom. If you make it out to Laredo, Texas, look up. The flag of the Republic of the Rio Grande will be there, waving in the soft breeze. Look up and remember the brave soldiers that fought for Texas, the stars and stripes of that 7th flag, and remember the Republic of the Rio Grande. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Iranian people are still in the streets calling for the end of the regime. Despite continued violence by the regime's thugs, they persist in their cries for freedom. Across Iran, in more than 80 cities, thousands of Iranians are saying they have had enough with the corruption and repression of the mullahs. The free world cannot ignore their calls. America, the beacon of liberty, must stand with the Iranian people as they confront their oppressors. For more than two decades, protests in Iran have grown more and more frequent as the promises of the Islamic revolution have proven false. The clerics and IRGC thugs have hoarded Iran's wealth to enrich themselves and support terrorism across the Middle East. The people of Iran know that their nation should be prosperous. They know their country is blessed with abundant resources, a proud history, and population of talented and hardworking people--they should not be struggling to get by. But they know it is the mullahs--not sanctions from the U.S. or the existence of the state of Israel--that starve them and keep them poor. The Iranian people are not fools who believe the hollow rhetoric of the regime. Even before President Trump rightly chose to abandon the Iran deal, the Iranian people saw no benefit from sanctions relief. The secret shipments of cash from the Obama administration, the flood of foreign investment, the unfreezing of Iranian foreign assets, none of it reached the average Iranian. And so in late 2017 and into this year, the Iranian people bravely came to the streets again to demand that the regime fall. They shouted ``death to the regime'' and ``down with the mullahs.'' And the regime responded, as it has so many times before, with brutality, killing 25 and arresting more than 4,000. But the Iranian people remain undaunted and have not yielded. The boldness of the protesters who initially took to the streets over the economic hardships quickly inspired others to come forward. Women threw their required headscarves to the ground in public squares, religious minorities spoke-out about their persecution, workers went on strike, and secularists stormed clerical seminaries. Their motives represented a wide-range of grievance against the regime, but they were unified in message: this illegitimate regime must end. These protests continue to expand as Iranians see their futures diminish under the Supreme Leader and his band of terrorists. There has been an awakening in Iran and we must support it. It is not through bombs or guns that Iran will become free. It will be through the enduring courage and actions of everyday Iranians standing up to the regime thugs. They are demanding change now and, in growing numbers, putting fear into the hearts of the mullahs and their stooges. We can encourage and amplify their heroism. America has the resources and innovative tools to broadcast Iranians' messages of hope. Through our technological edge, the U.S. can help Iranians communicate and provide whatever assistance is requested. We can also ensure that the brutality of the regime is seen by all and that the theocrats become more isolated and punished because of it. America will never turn its back on people yearning to be free. Whether in Iran or anywhere else. We have learned throughout history that ruthless despots that rule far from our shores still present a threat to us and our ideals. If we stand silently as they savagely crush dissent within their own country, their ambitions will eventually turn to opponents beyond their borders. The regime in Tehran has already demonstrated this intent by spreading terror throughout the region. Therefore we must remain committed to the cause of freedom throughout the globe. The terrorists who rule Iran today will meet justice, and we will help the Iranian people deliver it. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the day was July 21, 1821. The heat of the Texas summer sun beat down upon San Antonio de Bexar, the future site of the Battle of the Alamo. The flag of Imperial Spain billowed in the wind above the roofs of the mission town. This day, however, would be the final day that this flag would fly over Texas. For nearly three centuries, the Spanish governed Texas. Conquistadores, missionaries, and adventurers made their way to Texas, drawn in by the bountiful opportunities of the seemingly endless land. However, resistance against Spanish rule began to take root within its overseas colonies. In Texas, filibusters from the United States crossed into Spanish territory attempting to claim land loosely controlled by Spanish royal forces. Mexico caught the fever of revolution, and by the early 1800's, certain individuals, including Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, were promoting resistance to aspects of Spanish rule. To make matters worse, Spain was forced to cede Louisiana as a result of the Napoleonic Wars at home to France, who then sold it to President Thomas Jefferson and the United States. Eventually, the pressure became too great from within, and the Mexican War of Independence began in 1810. Revolutionaries, both Hispanic and Anglos, living across Spanish Mexico took up arms in open revolt against the Spanish occupiers. In Texas, Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara and Augustus W. Magee captured Nacodoches, La Bahia, and San Antonio, the capital of Spanish Texas at the time, and proclaimed Texas an independent nation in 1813. Despite their early success, the group eventually was defeated decisively by Spanish forces, thus keeping Texas under Spain's control. However, the days of Spanish rule were numbered, and eventually the independence movement in Mexico under Agustin de lturbide and Vicente Guerrero successfully drove the Spanish from Mexican shores once and for all. Mexico would officially become an independent nation on July 21, 1821. Having provided resistance against Spanish rule, Texas remained a part of an independent Mexico until the Texas Revolution fifteen years later. Mr. Speaker, we must continue to honor the state's history. The Spanish flag is one of the Six Flags over Texas, part of the rich tapestry of the state's history, and this event represents an important moment in the history of our nation. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the day was September 2, 1945. World War II was in full swing, but the fighting was about to come to a close. On August 15, the Empire of Japan announced that it would surrender to the Allies in accordance with the Allied terms laid out at the Potsdam Conference. In Japan, Emperor Hirohito spoke on the radio announcing his country's surrender. It was the first time the Japanese people had ever heard his voice. Across the United States, soldiers and civilians rejoiced together in the streets. The Japanese announcement represented the end of nearly four long years of war. On foreign battlefields, thousands of brave, young Americans had lost their lives, and many more returned home with the wounds of war. On the home front, laborers worked long hours in the factories, kids collected scrap metal, and families endured rationing. From Kilroy to Rosie the Riveter, all Americans were ready to embrace victory. The day of the formal surrender finally arrived, and in the morning of September 2, representatives from the Allied powers made their way to the USS Missouri. Anchored in Tokyo Bay, the Missouri proudly displayed the flag flown aboard Commodore Matthew Perry's flagship when he sailed into Tokyo Bay in 1853 to sign a treaty with Japan. Admiral Chester Nimitz then welcomed aboard General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in the Pacific, and the two took their places behind the surrender table. Finally, just before 9 a.m., the delegation from the Japanese surrender cabinet made their way on board. After brief remarks from General MacArthur, Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu signed the Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the government and armed forces respectively. General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz each then signed the document and were followed by representatives from eight other nations. Once all of signatures were made, General MacArthur declared, ``Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world and that God will preserve it always. These proceedings are now closed!'' Mr. Speaker, the costly victory won by the United States and her allies in World War II gave the world a new era of peace and prosperity. It allowed millions around the world who had previously been under the yoke of fascism to enjoy the blessings of liberty and freedom. American soldiers dethroned tyrannical regimes in Europe and Asia, and we must never forget the sacrifices they made defending our country. After all, the worst casualty of war is to be forgotten. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, August 7th marked the 236th anniversary of the creation of one of our nation's most iconic military decorations: the Purple Heart. On August 7, 1782, General George Washington ordered the creation of the Badge for Military Merit, to be presented to soldiers who demonstrated exceptional bravery in battle. The award was marked by a heart-shaped piece of purple cloth, intended to be worn on the left side of the recipient's chest. Only three soldiers--Sergeants Daniel Bissell, William Brown, and Elijah Churchill--received this decoration during the Revolutionary War. Though this award was the precursor for our nation's highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the government gave no other soldiers the Badge for Military Merit until the 20th Century. Then, it was General Douglas MacArthur, Chief of Staff of the Army at the time, who helped resurrect this award in 1932, when the War Department created the Order of the Purple Heart. Since then, millions of American servicemen and women have received this decoration after being wounded in battle. From the World Wars to the current wars in the Middle East, the recipients of this decoration represent a special fraternity--Americans who have shed their blood defending our country and our liberties. One such individual was Sergeant John W. Hall. Sergeant Hall served with the U.S. Army's 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, during the Korean War. In November 1950, his unit received orders to move from Kunu-ri to Sunchon, North Korea. Moving through an area dubbed ``the Gauntlet'' due to the high concentration of Chinese forces threatening the Americans' path to Sunchon, Hall went missing, but his fate was discovered after the war when a returning American prisoner of war reported that Hall had died at the Hofong POW Camp-- more commonly known as ``Death Valley''--in early 1951. Over the next several decades, attempts were made to recover, identify, and ultimately return Hall's remains to the United States. Finally, in June 2017, state of the art DNA testing successfully identified remains found as his. On July 3rd of this year, his remains were finally transported back to the United States, to my home city of Houston, and under the Texas sun, he was buried with full military honors on American soil. At the ceremony, the Army posthumously awarded Hall the Purple Heart. Mr. Speaker, the Purple Heart is a vital pillar of the American democracy. It honors the sacrifice of the American warrior, the rare breed, and it reminds us that freedom is not free. May we continue to remember those who wear the Purple Heart on their uniform, because the worst casualty of war is to be forgotten. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, our supposed Turkish allies are holding Americans hostage. At least two Americans, Andrew Brunson and Serkan Golge, are being held by the Turkish regime on fake charges. President Erdogan, an Islamist who has arrested thousands of Turks who oppose him and puts them in jail, believes that he can also imprison Americans and use them as bargaining chips. He hopes that he can trade American hostages for his political opponents that have fled Turkey. Even if the individuals Erdogan wanted had clearly committed crimes, which there is absolutely no evidence they have, we should never engage in rewarding Turkey for taking hostages. Erdogan the bully has proven he has no respect for the rule of law, and, instead, rules by fear, intimidation, threats, and terror. We must not assist him in his destruction of his own democracy. American hostages like Pastor Andrew Brunson, who has been held for more than 600 days, must be returned immediately to America. Until then, Turkey should no longer be considered an ally of Americans but a kidnapper of Americans. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we are in a new age of warfare. Once was a time when bombs, bullets, ships, planes, tanks, and artillery were all that great powers needed to vanquish or intimate their foes. Now with the rapid rise of the information age, any nation can possess digital weapons to undermine our military edge or disrupt our way of life. These new weapons, existing in cyberspace, can reach anywhere, at any time, and do enormous damage but go virtually unseen. They may not always result in the immediate deaths, but like a virus, they disable our defenses and cripple the basic mechanisms we need to support life-- eventually costing American lives. Their ever expanding abilities could one day even effect life on a scale that rivals the most destructive nuclear weapons man has ever produced. We have learned that in our new age, it does not take large industrialized states to develop advanced cyber weapons. We have seen impoverished and isolated nations like North Korea prove they possess cyber capabilities that challenge the defenses of our great nation. We have only just entered this new era of cyber-enabled competition, and the full ability of state-sponsored cyber weapons has yet to be realized. But given the remarkable advance of technology today, we must ensure that we have all the tools and resources necessary to compete and win in cyberspace as we would at sea, in the air, or on land. But this is not a contest limited to the military or our traditional security agencies to defend against. Our enemies are using their cyber weapons to undermine our economic strength and threaten the vary foundations of our democracy. This new age of cyber-enabled warfare, poses risks that require government and the private sector to work together to secure our greatest secrets and guard our most precious rights. Like so many challenges we have faced before, we can overcome this one if we demonstrate our resolve and unshackle America's innovative talents. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor to Mr. Yoho's bill, H.R. 5576, the Cyber Deterrence and Response Act of 2018. This bill will set the policy and direction for our federal agencies to effectively combat the rising cyber challenge. The authorizations in this bill focuses our approach towards state-sponsored cyber activities and allows the President to use our tools of national power to deter and degrade our cyber opponents. Much like our methods to combat terrorism, this bill creates a process to designate adversaries who use cyber weapons against us. We can then bring sanctions to bear on those individuals and entities that are exploiting the cyber realm to wage war or weaken the U.S. Through this bill, our enemies will find that their misbehavior in cyberspace has real costs and that America is already prepared to take on this new challenge. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, billionaire George Soros is undermining our democratic allies in Europe. For decades he has spent billions of dollars financing activists, journalists, and politicians to challenge democratically elected leaders who do not prescribe to Mr. Soros' left-wing worldview. His meddling in foreign politics is far from a noble cause and should be discouraged. Mr. Soros has targeted much of his efforts on our NATO ally Hungary, where he opposes the policies of the democratically elected prime minister. By trying to subvert an elected leader, Mr. Soros and his network of well-paid activists are working against the will of the Hungarian people. Through his propaganda networks and so-called ``policy institutes'' he is trying to manipulate public opinion to support his left-wing causes and tarnish the image of our Hungarian allies. Like every sovereign democratic nation, Hungarians have the right to elect their own leaders and not be the target of some billionaire's schemes. Mr. Soros is even using his lavishly funded organizations to lobby other European states to pressure Hungary. This is unacceptable. We too, as an independent free nation, do not want big money or foreign influences meddling in our political process. Mr. Soros must cease undermining our freedom-loving allies. His foreign wealth should not afford him outsized influence to push his left-wing agenda on the people of Hungary. If we want money and foreign influence out of politics here, we must expect that wealthy Americans show the same respect abroad. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, Russian tanks rolled across the border into the independent nation of Georgia. I was there and saw the little green men with my own eyes. After five days of bloody fighting, with thousands of innocent Georgians displaced from their homes, the conflict ended with a pledge by Russia to pull back its forces. Ten years later, however, Moscow's troops remain on Georgian territory, occupying a third of the country. The Kremlin claims these Russian troops in Georgia are just noble peacekeepers, but this is a bold-faced lie. They are a heavily armed battle-group waiting to provoke tiny Georgia into another fight. They routinely engage in ``creeping occupation,'' slowly taking more and more territory by moving the border line in the dark of night. They have committed horrific human rights abuses against the Georgian people, often harassing civilians and denying Georgians the ability to move about their country freely. The continued presence of Russian troops on Georgian soil presents a major violation of international law, setting a precedent for other rogue regimes to follow. America's response at the time was condemnation and sanctions but this proved insufficient to fully deter future aggression. Only years later, the Obama administration removed the punishing sanctions against Russia as part of its foolish ``reset'' with the Kremlin. We now know this demonstration of weakness only encouraged further aggression from Russia, with it again invading a neighboring state in 2014. This time, it seized and annexed Crimea from Ukraine, another independent sovereign state that Russia had sworn to respect. After 10 years of illegal occupation of Georgian territory, we need to do more to help our Georgian friends resist the Russian bear. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Georgia emerged as a beacon of hope in a region full of turmoil and corruption. This is exactly why Russia invaded. Russia hoped to break this beacon of hope 10 years ago, but Georgia has remained defiant. We must be defiant with our friends to prevent further acts of aggression and hopefully begin to reverse Moscow's deadly expansionism. As co-chair of the Congressional Georgia Caucus, I have long seen that major vulnerabilities remain that Russia could exploit. While military cooperation and training has improved significantly, Georgia still lacks the technology and resources to realistically deter and defend itself from future Russian aggression. Georgia is a small country, with a GDP around $14 billion. It cannot afford to compete with the might of the Russian military alone. That is why I have introduced H.R. 6219, the Georgia Support Act, with my Georgia Caucus co-chair, Rep. Connolly. Through this important bill, we hope to significantly enhance Georgia's ability to combat and deter Moscow's wicked activities. Putin must be shown that his dream of rebuilding the Soviet Empire is impossible. And we must show our freedom loving friends around the globe that America is ready and able to stand with them in the face of foreign oppression. The Georgian people have shown they will fight for their freedom, even against overwhelming odds. And while the Kremlin believes that it has prevented Georgia's aspirations of joining NATO by seizing its territory, we can send a signal that their victory is hollow. The days of conquering your neighbor are over. As cunning as Putin may be, he will never be Napoleon. Georgia is still on the path towards greater integration with the West. Georgia will remain free and prosperous. And Russia will find itself isolated and full of regret for ever following Putin's foolish ambition. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Iran is continuing its march across the Middle East. At this moment, it is consolidating its gains in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Iraq. Through its network of violent proxies, it is exerting influence to subject millions to the will of the mullahs in Tehran and to launch terrorist attacks against us and our allies. Iran's sectarian proxies are sowing division across the region through their brutal rule, giving Sunni extremists like al- Qaeda and ISIS an opportunity to recruit among the oppressed. Wherever there is weak governance in the Middle East, Iran moves to expand its conquests and challenge the rule of law. Currently, Iraq is particularly vulnerable to Iran's proxy subversion. The country is attempting to rebuild--with our help--after years of battling ISIS. Hundreds of thousands still remain displaced from their homes and the damage to the country's infrastructure is immense. Yet despite ISIS's defeat on the battlefield and the liberation of all major towns and cities, corruption and Iranian meddling present major obstacles towards allowing Iraq to heal. Iranian-backed militias are not disbanding, but instead are controlling territory, infiltrating government institutions, and attempting to seize political power. They do not respect democracy or care for the interests of average Iraqis. These proxies serve only the goals of their masters in Tehran who want to keep their neighbor weak. Their presence undermines the Iraqi government's authority and ultimately hinders reconciliation amongst the country's religious sects. After President Obama foolishly withdrew our forces in 2011, it was these thugs and their Iranian patrons who filled the void, creating the sectarian conditions for Iraq to unravel and ISIS to be born. We must not allow this to happen again. By working to restore Iraqi sovereignty and diminish the power of Iran's agents, we can prevent ISIS from returning and another generation of Americans having to go fight in the Middle East. Unfortunately, Iran's proxies in Iraq are gaining power and despite legislation to target these groups, our own State Department is getting in the way. For too long they have tried diplomatic niceties to urge Iraqis to stand up to their countrymen who are doing Tehran's bidding. But this method is failing as Iranian-backed groups such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq win more seats in Iraq's parliament. Al-Haq is a militia group that has killed dozens of Americans, Iraqis, Kurds, and Syrians, yet no one will stand up to them--not even our foreign service officers. It's time to stop doing a dance with the devils in Iraq and Iran, and send a clear message that these groups should be designated as terrorists and cast out of the halls of power in Baghdad. If we do not, the future of Iraq as a strong independent nation is in jeopardy. Iranian-controlled militias, like Asaib Ahl al-Haq and their comrades in Harakat Hezbollah Al-Nujaba must be targeted so that those freedom- loving Iraqis who hope to rebuild their country can see that America stands with them. Already we are seeing in the streets of southern Iraq that some Iraqis are demonstrating courage in the face of Iran's proxies. They, like the Iranian people, are demanding that the mullahs' corruption be removed from their country. The era of bending the knee to Tehran is over. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Veteran's Day, like every year, I started the morning early and headed out to the first of many ceremonies across our district to honor the men and women who have proudly worn the military uniform of the United States. I just love it. I love seeing our veterans, especially the older heroes who seem to exude a kind of pride in their country and their service that only those of that great generation posses. But I found myself looking for a certain face, a certain hero of mine that I look forward to seeing at these events every year. While I kept reminding myself I wouldn't find him this year, I saw everything he represented in the eyes of every veteran I met. Longtime Crosby resident, David H. McNerney, was a hero among us. First Sergeant McNerney received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War. While this is enough to impress most anyone, it's only part of the story. McNerney served not one tour of duty, not even two or three tours of duty--he served four combat tours of duty. Like some of my other favorite war heroes, McNerney wasn't born in Texas, but got here as fast as he could. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1931, he moved to Houston with his family in high school. After graduating from St. Thomas High School, McNerney enlisted in the Navy. After serving two tours in the Korean War, he was discharged in 1952. McNerney gave college a try, enrolling at the University of Houston, but quickly realized his education would come from the battlefield rather than the classroom. In 1953, McNerney enlisted in the United States Army. Shortly after arriving at Fort Bliss, he was stationed in Korea and Okinawa. In 1962 he was sent to Vietnam as one of the first 500 military advisors deployed. In 1966, during his third combat tour of duty, he was stationed in the Central Highlands near the Cambodian border as a first sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On the afternoon of March 21, 1967, he and his company were dropped in Polei Doc to recover a missing reconnaissance team. The next morning, they came under heavy attack by the North Vietnamese and were easily outnumber three-to-one. McNerney quickly took the front line and was wounded by a grenade. The company commander was killed and without hesitation, and despite being wounded, McNerney took command of the unit. Under intense fire, McNerney took out an enemy machine gun position, but the unit took heavy casualties. In the midst of the chaos, he climbed a tree in plain sight of the North Vietnamese to mark his unit's location before calling in an airstrike within 65 feet of their own position. He continued to move throughout the battlefield, pulling the wounded to safety and securing demolition material to clear the area for the medical evacuation helicopters. Despite his own injuries, McNerney refused evacuation and stayed with his men until the new company commander arrived the next day. His actions not only stopped the enemy from advancing and saved the lives of his men, his valor on the battlefield earned him the Medal of Honor. Now, this is where I usually say: ``And that's just the way it is.'' But, the story is not over. David McNerney volunteered for a fourth tour in Vietnam before retiring as a first sergeant in December 1969. Let me say that again: David McNerney volunteered for a fourth tour in Vietnam. The men that served with him have praised his leadership and bravery. They don't mince words when it comes to what he has meant to them: There's a bunch of guys walking around today who wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. Dennis Thompson Sr., who served in Vietnam with McNerney, said: ``If, in fact, he were not there, everyone would have gotten massacred that day. People have to know that the man was a genuine hero.'' First Sergeant David McNerney died October 12, 2010 at the age of 79. His obituary said that he humbly summarized his prestigious military career by saying, ``I was a professional soldier.'' This Veteran's Day was not the same for me. His absence was noticed, but his service is never forgotten. My friend, First Sergeant David McNerney, was a hero among us. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the day was July 21, 1821. The heat of the Texas summer sun beat down upon San Antonio de Bexar, the future site of the Battle of the Alamo. The flag of Imperial Spain billowed in the wind above the roofs of the mission town. This day, however, would be the final day that this flag would fly over Texas. For nearly three centuries, the Spanish governed Texas. Conquistadores, missionaries, and adventurers made their way to Texas, drawn in by the bountiful opportunities of the seemingly endless land. However, resistance against Spanish rule began to take root within its overseas colonies. In Texas, filibusters from the United States crossed into Spanish territory attempting to claim land loosely controlled by Spanish royal forces. Mexico caught the fever of revolution, and by the early 1800's, certain individuals, including Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, were promoting resistance to aspects of Spanish rule. To make matters worse, Spain was forced to cede Louisiana as a result of the Napoleonic Wars at home to France, who then sold it to President Thomas Jefferson and the United States. Eventually, the pressure became too great from within, and the Mexican war of Independence began in 1810. Revolutionaries, both Hispanic and Anglos, living across Spanish Mexico took up arms in open revolt against the Spanish occupiers. In Texas, Jose Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara and Augustus W. Magee captured Nacodoches, La Bahia, and San Antonio, the capital of Spanish Texas at the time, and proclaimed Texas an independent state in 1813. Despite their early success, the group eventually was defeated decisively by Spanish forces, thus keeping Texas under Spain's control. However, the days of Spanish rule were numbered, and eventually the independence movement in Mexico under Agustin de lturbide and Vicente Guerrero successfully drove the Spanish from Mexican shores once and for all. Mexico would officially become an independent nation on July 21, 1821. Having provided resistance against Spanish rule, Texas remained a part of an independent Mexico until the Texas Revolution fifteen years later. Mr. Speaker, we must continue to honor the state's history. The Spanish flag is one of the Six Flags over Texas, part of the rich tapestry of the state's history, and this event represents an important moment in the history of our nation. And that is just the way it is.