Ted Poe

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, according to the Dallas Morning News, ``Farmers Branch, Texas, on Monday adopted strict measures against illegals, requiring apartment renters to provide proof of citizenship or residency and making English the city's official language.'' ``The city also unanimously agreed to let police apply to participate in a Federal program that would enable them to check the residency status of suspects that they arrest and initiate deportation proceedings in certain cases. These measures, believed to be the first of their kind in the State of Texas, brought cheers from some supporters, but sparked anger among some Hispanics.'' Madam Speaker, cities across the Nation are taking positive action in dealing with illegals. These are commonsense steps the Federal Government has refused to take for political reasons. Of course, the pro-illegal immigrant crowd has threatened lawsuits. It seems odd that illegals can use American courts to prevent cities from enforcing laws against illegal entry. The example of Farmers Branch, Texas, is a statement that cities cannot and will not continue to bear the costs in education, health care and social services of illegals. This Nation must be firm that it is illegal to be in America without permission. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, as the war wages on in the deserts of Iraq, there is talk of a new direction. There are only three options: one, retreat because the fight is a bit rough-going. Two, stalemate. A Vietnam-type politically correct draw. Three, victory. Mr. Speaker, there is no substitute for victory. Let the generals finish the job, win and bring our troops home. Abandoning Iraq is not in the best interest of the United States. If we sneak out now, who is to say the Iranians and their rogue dictator will not come in and make Iraq a puppet nation of their radicalism. Confront the armed militias who murder Iraqis in the name of religion, like al-Sa'dr's Mahdi army. The thugs who roam the streets are not engaged in civil war, but terror and anarchy and murder. The question I was asked when I was in Iraq by Iraqi citizens was, is America going to leave like in 1991 before the war is won? While American politicians are debating that question, turn the U.S. military loose on the enemy and let our troops decide that question with total victory. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the gunning down of the Houston police officer by an illegal who shot him in the back has sparked new immigration safety concerns. Although the ``open borders crowd'' doesn't want to talk about it, normal citizens are speaking the truth anyway. Mac Garrison of Kingwood, Texas writes, ``The murder of Houston Police Officer Rodney Johnson must serve as a wakeup call to all concerned citizens regarding the huge problem of illegal immigration. ``Our borders are nonexistent, our language is deteriorating, and our culture is melting away. ``Those that come here illegally, simply by the nature of their first act on American soil, breaking the law, have no respect for our laws and our social structure. Anarchy seems to rule the day now. ``The Federal Government has failed miserably to protect the border. And local law enforcement agencies are being denied the ability to work closely with other Federal agencies to stop this problem. ``We as a law abiding society must demand more accountability of elected leaders and our citizens. Now, more than ever is the time to get extremely serious about putting a complete halt to illegal immigration before more lives are lost and before our country is completely financially and morally bankrupt.'' Mr. Speaker, Mac Garrison speaks for many Americans. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, this week Seven-Eleven stores are telling CITGO to hit the road. Now, Hugo Chavez has no one to thank but himself. CITGO is owned by his Venezuelan government and after last week, when Chavez called President Bush the devil and an alcoholic then railed on capitalism, Seven-Eleven revealed it was choosing to use American gasoline distributors. It's a good lesson in that thing we like to call capitalism. Whether Seven-Eleven's decision is business or political, I am happy that they made it. Americans are sick and tired of foreign regimes, their tirades, and their threats at the U.N. and around the world. President Bush, long ago, targeted his Axis of Evil. An axis broken when U.S. soldiers pulled Saddam Hussein out of his hole in the ground, deep in Iraq. However, these recent fist banging rants have made it all too clear that we face more than just 3 enemies around the world. We are facing an entire ``Legion of Doom.'' Their caustic club is headed by the forked tongue Chavez. He's a man who only recently had his most memorable international tantrum, filled with slurs, lies and outbursts about the U.S. The former leader of the Legion of Doom, Fidel Castro, has health problems as severe as his country's economic issues. After decades of bad policies, he still manages to throw stones at the U.S. while his people are starving on Cuban streets. Now he's recruited Chavez to finish his dirty work. The legion under Chavez's leadership counts among its members: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, Kim Jong II of North Korea, and their instigating intern, the drug smuggling Evo Morales of Bolivia. He's the world leader who brought a coca leaf to the U.N. to extol the virtues of the cocaine plant and run down the U.S. for our anti-drug policies. Perhaps his drug smuggling act was all in the hope that his stunts will someday allow him to be a big boy member of the legion. These new younger Legion of Doom members have nuclear ambitions on their mind. Take for instance Kim Jung ll of North Korea. After feuding for years over nuclear power to supposedly improve the lives of his people, he finally just decided to take matters into his own hands. He got down to the nuclear business he really wanted--making missiles. Apparently that will help his ailing countrymen more than hot water or electricity. Just to prove he'd been diligently developing Missiles, he waited until July 4th of this year to test their range. They came up short, instead of flying high they fell into the Sea of Japan. No one is sure if he was attempting to threaten the U.S., Japan or South Korea, or just show how many missiles he has. That series of missile launches then prompted another member of the Legion of doom to test the boundaries too. Now Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is demanding the same so-called civil nuclear program. He insists he is not trying to make nuclear bombs, but nuclear power. Just like Kim Jong ll, no one believes him. His lack of credibility could be due in part to the way he's freely discussed his wish to wipe Israel off the face of the planet and his denial that the holocaust ever happened. This is the same man who is accused of holding U.S. soldiers hostage after taking over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979. He's also accused of supplying Iraq with the IEDs that kill American soldiers everyday. As if all of that wasn't enough, he also ensures his country gives tens of millions of dollars a year to Hezbollah. That's the terrorist group that killed more Americans than any other before 9/11. Other signs of his intentions came from a recent interview where Iran's leader didn't deny having suicide bombers ready to strike the U.S. and Britain. His speech last week was that of a terrorist. That's what he and fellow members of the Legion of Doom are all about. They are committed to terrorizing those who want to be free, those who want democracy and those who wish to crush the very tyranny these men rely on. Make no mistake, when we are fighting a war on terror, we're fighting members of the Legion of Doom. That is just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, ask 100 people on the street who is the best golfer in history, I bet a majority of them would reply ``Tiger Woods.'' Ask that same question to 100 professional golfers, and their answer would be ``Byron Nelson.'' Byron Nelson was born February 4, 1912 in Waxahachie, Texas. He did not grow up with the ambition to ever be a professional golfer; he just enjoyed playing it in his spare time. The onslaught of the Great Depression, and his subsequent unemployment, led Nelson to professionally pursue golf in 1932. Known to golfers as the game's ``Ultimate Gentleman,'' Nelson impressed audiences and fellow players alike with his good nature, his graceful swing, and his ability to win. In 1937, Nelson won The Masters, his first major tournament win. He would go on to win four more major tournaments over the years: the 1939 U.S. Open, the 1940 and 1945 PGA Championship, and the 1942 Masters. The accomplishment that he is the most well known for, however, did not come until 1945--13 years after he turned professional. As America was winning World War II, Byron Nelson was winning golf tournaments. In 1945, Nelson did the unimaginable, winning 11 consecutive golf tournaments. By the end of 1945, Nelson had a won a record 18 total tournaments--a record that still remains intact today. The closest anyone has come to challenging Nelson's record was Tiger Woods, who impressively won 6 consecutive tournaments in 2001; however, failed to catch the record by five tournaments. His last professional tour ended in 1946, when at the age of 34, he decided to live the simple life of a rancher. Although Nelson had retired, his love and dedication for the game continued. For years later, he was a frequent ceremonial starter at The Masters tournament. Nelson was also always amazed at how the game of golf was evolving, from the ``rising new stars'' to the change in club material to the amounts of money involved. In a 1997 interview, Nelson stated, ``I did not even dream in my wildest imagination there would be as much money. . . . I only won $182,000 in my whole life.'' Mr. Speaker, nowadays winning a professional tournament yields millions of dollars, so one can understand Nelson's amazement at the winnings now. Bryon Nelson was the recipient of the 1974 Bob Jones Award for distinguished sportsmanship in golf. It is considered the highest honor awarded by the U.S. Golf Association. He has also been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, and is the only professional golfer to have a stop on the PGA tour named after him--EDS Bryon Nelson Championship played in Dallas, Texas. Golf was not the only passion in Nelson's life. He was also a devout Christian, who gave his time, energy, and money to Abilene Christian University (ACU)--my alma mater. Nelson had a long family history with ACU. In his family lineage were the fourth and seventh Presidents of the University. Nelson's brother is currently a professor at ACU and his sister is an alumna. Nelson was a member of the University's Board of Trustees and National Development Council. In 1984 Nelson and his wife of 50 years, Louise, established the Byron and Louise Nelson Golf Endowment, to raise funds for ACU. A dinner was held in his honor and the results netted enough funding to permanently institute the men's golf program at ACU. Nelson also continued to lend not only his name, but his person, each year to ACU's Byron Nelson Golf Tournament. His dedication and devotion to ACU allowed the men's golf program to flourish, winning eight Lone Star Conference golf championships and one NCAA Division II championships. For 94 years, Bryon Nelson was a man among men, always a gentleman, always a leader, always a Christian. On Tuesday, September 26, this great man passed away at his home in Roanoke, Texas. Bryon Nelson is not only mourned throughout the professional golf community, but throughout Abilene Christian University, where he gave so much of himself and asked for nothing in return. So his life will be remembered by all, as a great person and a great golfer.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I have news, good news. A child is born, a girl. Brooklyn Allyson Reaves arrived in the summer heat of Austin, Texas, August 18, 2006, at 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Her parents, Kim and Derek Reaves, and her brother, Barrett Houston, are all proud of this new family member. Brooklyn is in the sunrise of her life. May her days be long, may she see good days of happiness and health, days of doing service for others, days filled with a passion for liberty and righteous justice, days with a love for her heritage and her country, and days with a commitment to her Maker; so that when she reaches the sunset of life, she will have been a good citizen, a good patriot, and a good servant of her Lord. Every time a child is born, the Almighty is making a bet on the future of humanity. Kids are our greatest of all national resources. So, Madam Speaker, the angels in heaven may be singing with joy at the arrival of Brooklyn, but they cannot be as happy or as proud as I am, because Brooklyn is my new granddaughter. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this very important bill. I appreciate my friend from Georgia and friend from Illinois for helping sponsor this bill. Mr. Speaker, we name buildings and monuments and libraries and roads after Presidents and generals, statesmen. But, today, I hope that we name a post office after a young 20-year-old who wore the American military uniform. Mr. Speaker, the great General Douglas MacArthur during World War II once commented, ``I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front, and there is not a finer organization in the world'' than the Marine Corps. Lance Corporal Robert ``Robbie'' Alexander Martinez was a member of this fine fighting organization; and, as mentioned, he was killed in December, 2005, while fighting and serving our Nation in Iraq. He volunteered to join the Marines, and he volunteered to go to Iraq. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, the 1st Marine Division, based at the Marine Air Corps Ground and Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Lance Corporal Martinez was 20 years of age when he died. He was on his second tour of Iraq, and he had spent 7 months on the Syrian border. He went to Iraq and Fallujah after 2004, and then he and nine other Marines were killed last December when a roadside bomb exploded next to them. Lance Corporal Martinez was scheduled to come home to Texas within a week of his death, but at the last minute his tour was extended for over a month and a half. Mr. Speaker, one out of 10 people wearing the United States military uniform are from the State of Texas, and enlistments and volunteers among those with Hispanic surname is extremely high. Just before his death, Robert Martinez had called his mother and asked her to buy him a diamond ring because he was going to propose to his girlfriend, Taylor Wilkenson, as soon as he got back. He called her his ``love at first sight.'' He went to a little, small high school, Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Texas, and he graduated there in 2003. While in high school, he was known as the peacemaker. By the time he started his senior year, he had already signed up for the Marine Corps, but they would not take him until he was old enough. His pre-enlistment at the age of 17 would be activated as soon as he graduated from high school. He was an outstanding baseball pitcher at Cleveland High School and dreamed of getting a degree in education and being a high school baseball coach, but he put all those dreams on hold so he could join the United States Marine Corps. He went to basic training 2 days after his high school graduation. Lance Corporal Martinez's stepfather, Jeremy Hunt, called Robbie his ``diamond in the rough'' and one of the greatest things that ever came into the life of his family. He loved being in the United States Marine Corps, and he was proud telling folks he was just a Marine. He knew there was a reason for resolving the situation in Iraq, and he looked forward to coming back to Texas. While overseas, he requested bags and bags of candy and care packages, but this candy was not for him because he would split it up and give it out to little kids in Iraq. Robbie's mother, Kelly Hunt, said their 14-year-old son Mikie wanted to be in the Marine Corps just like his brother Robbie. President Ronald Reagan once said, ``Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem.'' Fine words from our former President. Lance Corporal Martinez was working to make a difference in the world when he gave his life, and his bravery and dedication, his patriotism will not ever be forgotten by his friends, certainly not by his family, and all freedom-loving people throughout this world. His Nation made the call, and he responded without hesitation, and he served his country with honor and distinction. He wanted to be in the Marines since he was 12 years of age. So, Mr. Speaker, I ask for the adoption of this bill to name this small post office in Cleveland, Texas, after one of the sons of America.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Members of Congress are looking for border security answers, and the American people are demanding them. But it seems we are being stonewalled by our own Border Patrol hierarchy. Get this, apparently our Border Patrol agents cannot talk or answer questions from Members of Congress without filing a lengthy detailed report, the same type of report they file when they arrest illegals, drug runners, or are even shot at by the Mexican military. This appears to intimidate our Border Patrol agents to not say a word about what is really going on. When I have been on the border, the Border Patrol agents were very reluctant to say anything except scripted answers. Now I know why. What does the Border Patrol hierarchy have to hide? Apparently the truth because that is all we are after. Why wouldn't homeland security want their agents talking to Members of Congress? Members of Congress are being forced to tear down the war of silence just to control our own border. The enemy is not Congress or the American people, it is the insurgents who infiltrate our border every day. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, it's a big day in the U.S. when we catch someone on our Most Wanted List. Shouldn't it be an even bigger day when we catch someone on Mexico's Most Wanted List? In Ohio, that's right Ohio. It's a long way from our southern border with Mexico. Julio Ernesto Cobian-Ariaza is just 27 and this Mexican citizen is already a career criminal alien. This illegal is wanted back home in Mexico for his connection to two murders and two more attempted murders. But his list of offenses here in the U.S. is much longer. He's been convicted of attempted murders, assault with a firearm and street terrorism, in plain english--gang activity. We've caught him twice before and sent him home. First in 1999 when he was just 20. And again in September of 2001. This time as an aggravated felon at the tender age of 22. Just sneaking back into the country from Mexico once is a felony punishable by 20 years in prison. So his laundry list of crimes in the U.S. alone should have him locked up in the penitentiary for decades. But an even more disturbing part of this story is Ariaza isn't alone. His arrest is just one of more than 3 thousand gang members in just a few years. A crackdown on gangs with foreign born and illegal members. He's among many alien gang members representing almost 400 different gangs across the United States. People mock our country and say we are the world's police. But the truth is our open borders make us just that. We can't clear our own top ten most wanted list but we're making a dent in some others. These international outlaws are targeting Americans on our own streets and we'll keep rounding up these murderous illegals until we shut down our borders. If we could do that we would have a good shot at clearing at least one name of our own most wanted list. Jorge Alberto Lopez-Orozco is number 2 on the infamous FBI lineup. Born in Mexico he's just 30 and he's already accused of brutally murdering his girlfriend and her 2 young sons. Friends suspect she found out he was already married with his own children and tried to break it off. The family went missing for days. Until a few fishing buddies riding ATVs stumbled on their burned out car and what looked like a charred body. The police ruled it was actually three bodies. Orozco's girlfriend and her two young sons ages 2 and 4 were all gunned down. Shot in the head or chest and their bodies set ablaze. Jorge Alberto Lopez-Orozco is still out there and thanks to our virtually open borders he could be living on any American street as we speak. And that American street may have been made much more dangerous by Diego Leon Montoya Sanchez from Colombia also topping our 10 Most Wanted. He's one of the leaders of the most powerful and violent drug cartels in Colombia and he's accused of pumping tons of cocaine into the U.S.--tons of cocaine that could be sold to the same foreign-born gang that Mexico's Most Wanted Julio Ernesto Cobian-Ariaza was running in when he got caught in Ohio. The moral of this story is maybe we should stop accepting the world's most dangerous criminals so we can get back to ours. Seal the borders protect Americans and let the rest of the world deal with their own criminals on their own soil. That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name from H.R. 817.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, why must I press ``1'' on my phone for English? Why are voting ballots in numerous languages? Why are street signs in foreign language like Vietnamese? Why do we educate illegals in their native tongue? Why can't some clerks in stores or fast food restaurants speak English? Mr. Speaker, one of the qualities that make a nation a nation is a common language. Our ancestors decided that the American national language would be English. German was the second choice. But, in our day, we don't want to hurt people's feelings that are not from around here, and we make the unwise choice to communicate with them in their language, not the American language. If people come to America, they need, like the people before them, to learn to speak English. Failure to do so makes us not a nation but many nations within a nation. The national language is English. Several national languages are divisive and detrimental and destructive of our culture and our civilization. Mr. Speaker, I am tired of pressing ``1'' for English. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, today, I am here to recognize the government and the people of Peru as we extend our warmest congratulations to them as they celebrate their 185th year as an independent nation. Since independence, the people of Peru have faced many problems, including economic despair, an authoritarian regime, and a violent insurgency. During the 1980s, notorious terrorist groups such as Shining Path and MRTA destabilized Peru and the entire region and spread fear among the people. Financed in part by elicit narcotics, these terrorist groups reduced Peru to the position of the world's second largest producer of cocoa, dimming Peru's prosperous future. However, despite years of political turmoil and violent internal conflict and through the perseverance of its people, Peru was able to escape the stranglehold on its democracy and has recently blossomed into a vibrant free state. This is evidenced by the success of the recent elections in 2001 and 2006 and a growing economy. Today, Peru shares our Nation's most treasured ideals and standards, a success story that demonstrates the power of a democracy. Peru has played a key role as a force for stabilization and peace throughout the Western Hemisphere, as well as the rest of the world. Along with providing over 200 troops to the United Nations mission in Haiti, Peru has been a staunch supporter in the global war on terror and the fight against drug trafficking and production. Today, farmers from Peru are beginning to cast off the specter of a narco-economy by cooperation with the United States on alternative development crops, such as Peruvian oranges and bananas. Peru has proven to be an invaluable ally and a role model for freedom in South America as well as the rest of the world. The United States stands with them on the continued progress and development of both democracy and as a nation. With my best wishes to the people of Peru and most sincere congratulations on the 185th anniversary of their nation's independence, I fully support H. Res. 940. I urge all colleagues to join me in recognizing the shining model of democracy, a dedicated ally on the global war on terror, and one of the United States closest friends. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I ask for adoption of the resolution. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 940) recognizing the 185th anniversary of the independence of Peru on July 28, 2006, as amended.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 989) commending the United Kingdom for its efforts in the War on Terror, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H. Con. Res. 430, which was introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), recognizes the 40th anniversary of the American Council of Young Political Leaders and commends it for 40 years of working to prepare young political leaders to play a leadership role in international relations and world affairs. This council is a not-for-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., which was incorporated on September 1, 1966. Since then, it has worked to promote understanding and cultivate lasting political, economic, and cultural relationships among young political leaders and policymakers throughout the world through the regular exchange of bipartisan delegations, educational forums, leadership training and ongoing dialogue. When this Young Political Leaders group was founded during the Cold War, its efforts initially focused on Western Europe. Over the past 4 decades, its programs have expanded to include over 90 nations throughout the world, including the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, the Western Hemisphere, East Asia, and the Pacific Rim. The organization has also worked to better prepare young political leaders between the ages of 25 and 40 years old for future positions of responsibility in local, State, and Federal governments. It offers young leaders, some who may have never traveled outside the United States, the opportunity to enhance their awareness and understanding of other cultures through in-depth study tours, which are strictly bipartisan and carefully selected to represent geographical and cultural diversity. It is important to note that every Member of Congress and all 50 Governors may nominate young political leaders as possible candidates to participate in the organization's in-depth study tours. It has more than 6,000 alumni throughout the world, many of whom have risen to positions of great responsibility. In the United States, alumni include Members of Congress, the Cabinet, ambassadors and many senior level officials who serve in local, State and national government. Internationally, past participants of its program now serve as Cabinet members, ambassadors, parliamentarians and as other senior level policymakers. The council's work to establish early relationships among such future leaders helps facilitate international dialogue and strengthen and promote U.S. policies and objectives. Accordingly, Congress congratulates the American Council of Young Political Leaders upon its 40th anniversary and wishes it continued success in its efforts. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 430) recognizing the accomplishments of the American Council of Young Political Leaders for providing 40 years of international exchange programs, increasing international dialogue, and enhancing global understanding, and commemorating its 40th anniversary.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I request permission to address the House for 5 minutes.

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Houston police officer Rodney Johnson was larger than life. At 6'5", 300 pounds, strangers were intimidated by him. But those who knew him knew a gentle giant who always did the right thing; and because of his honor and loyalty, he was respected and well-liked by fellow officers and citizens. He was a loving husband. He was married to a fellow HPD officer, Joslyn; and he was a dedicated father to three daughters and two sons. But those three daughters will never again run to meet their father when he comes home, those two sons will never play ball with their father, and a wife who will now face every day as a single mother. All because a man who made a habit of running from the law finally got caught. On Thursday, September 21, 2006, as the sun was setting in Texas, Officer Rodney Johnson made his last routine traffic stop. He didn't know the outlaw he arrested was hiding a pistol in his pants, and this desperado took desperate measures. What happened next wasn't just homicide. It was robbery, robbery of Officer Johnson's life, and it was stolen from him, from his family, and from a community that loved him. Stolen by a man who had no regard for the law or lawmen. This criminal was sitting behind Officer Johnson in that patrol car. He was handcuffed, but this bandit withdrew a hidden pistol and fired it. Even the thick plastic partition meant to protect peace officers couldn't survive the blast. At point-blank range, Officer Johnson was shot four times in the back and in the face. Although fatally wounded, Officer Johnson pushed an emergency response button alerting dispatch, ``officer down, officer down.'' And when his fellow officers in blue rushed to the scene, the criminal still had the smoking gun in his hand, and he even took another shot at a wrecker driver. The vitality, loyalty and all of the virtues that Johnson stood for were drained from his body; and the family and fellow officers feel shock and rage for his death. Other families who he protected every day are saddened as well. One neighbor says, ``It just breaks my heart. I feel so bad for his wife. He got up and went to work this morning, and this is what happened to him. This is what happened to one of the people who protects us, the citizens. He truly cared about us.'' They weren't the only ones Johnson took care of. He once rushed into a burning building thinking not what the flames would do to him but only what the flames were doing to the children trapped inside. It was not his only heroic act. Others earned him lifesaving awards, and the prestigious Medal of Valor was given to him by the citizens of Houston. This native Houstonian served in the United States Army as a military police officer. Back in the great State of Texas, he spent several years as a corrections officer, as a jailer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; and, finally, in 1994, Rodney Johnson was sworn in as a Houston police officer. He would spend the next 12 years of his life protecting and serving the citizens of Houston, Texas, his hometown. And since 1996, Officer Johnson has been a well-respected member of the Southeast Houston Gang Task Force. Some say he could have been a superman because of his size with his commanding presence and mission to help others. He protected the communities and ensured justice for all. Sadly, his kryptonite was a downfall for our Nation. Our inability to shut down the borders, our inability to send illegals home and make sure they didn't come back. This criminal who shot Officer Rodney Johnson murdered him because he feared being deported back to Mexico again. Juan Quintero is a lawless illegal whose disregard for the United States and its rules started when he illegally set foot in American soil. He was deported once for indecency with a child, but he came back to finish a string of crimes. Having snuck back into America, he then shot an American lawman in the back. During the 25th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial service in June, a powerful statement was given to honor those who had fallen in the line of duty. I reiterate this statement. It says, ``Well served peace officer, may you rest in peace.'' But I add, may our country's poorly enforced border control policies also rest in peace so we may never again see another family member put through what this family has endured because of lawless illegals who never should have been here in the first place. Officer Johnson is a role model for future officers who wear the badge. We wish his family the best as they mourn for their superman. The Houston community has poured out their hearts for his family, and people have started donating money to his five children. But our task is not complete. We must strengthen the border for his five children and all of America's children. Peace officers, Mr. Speaker, are the last strand of wire in the fence between the good and the evil. They wear the badge with pride, and tonight the peace officers wear the black cloth of sacrifice against their badges. Mr. Speaker, God bless Officer Johnson. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 965) commending the people of Montenegro on the conduct of the referendum on independence, welcoming United States recognition of the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Montenegro, and welcoming Montenegrin membership in the United Nations and other international organizations.