Ted Poe

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Meek for allowing me to make some additional comments with my friends, Mr. Brady from southeast Texas, and Dr. Charles Boustany from Louisiana. The area of the State of Texas that I represent, Mr. Speaker, borders Louisiana, and also borders the Gulf of Mexico. And today we had another storm hit not Texas, but Washington, DC. Individuals from southeast Texas and east Texas, government leaders, community activists, chambers of commerce presidents, came to Washington to make the case for what occurred in the last 6\1/2\ months in southeast Texas. By way of review, the ladies of the gulf came into the Gulf of Mexico last fall. The first of those, Katrina, came through, became the sixth largest hurricane, most powerful hurricane to ever hit the gulf coast. And when that occurred, 450,000 people from Louisiana went west. They crossed the Sabine River into Texas. Many of them came into my district. Many of those people are still there. Several thousand kids are still in school in Texas from Louisiana. So many people are in Texas from Louisiana that we have a mayor's race in New Orleans this Saturday, and the two candidates campaigning for mayor in Louisiana have billboards all over the Houston area soliciting votes from people in Louisiana that happen to be in Texas. Katrina was mainly a water-damage hurricane. The waters rose, caused damage, the waters stayed a long time. One of the towns of course hit was New Orleans. The national media focused on Katrina day after day after day. But 3 weeks later, another lady of the gulf came. Her name was Rita. She became the fourth most powerful hurricane to ever hit the gulf coast. She hit western Louisiana and east Texas, part of the area that I represent. The largest evacuation in American history took place in Texas because of Hurricane Rita. Over 2 million people evacuated their homes. In Beaumont alone, 8,320 people were airlifted out of hospitals, in the middle of the night with C-130 transport planes, to 14 different States. The first responders before Hurricane Rita hit loaded their police cars, their emergency equipment, their fire trucks, their front-end loaders, and even helicopters on two enormous cargo ships that were in the Port of Beaumont. Those ships deploy cargo to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The community, because of Hurricane Rita, was left without electricity for over 3 weeks; 75,000 homes were destroyed. Several thousand homes to this day have not been repaired, and people are still living under blue roofs. That part of the gulf coast, Mr. Speaker, is a petrochemical area, refinery area. Eleven percent of the Nation's gasoline is refined out of that small area in southeast Texas. Thirty percent of the Nation's aviation fuel is manufactured there. And the Port of Beaumont, as I mentioned, that deploys one-third of the military cargo going to Iraq and Afghanistan. But this hurricane was not a water-damage hurricane, although there was a storm surge. It was a wind-damage hurricane, and people lost their homes not to rising water, to losing their roofs and water coming in because of rain. And that whole issue is being dealt with, or not being dealt with, with the insurance companies because of their refusal in many cases to even pay for the damage because it was not water damage, it was wind damage. But be that as it may, the devastation affected the rice industry. This part of southeast Texas is a rice-growing area. As with Dr. Boustany and his area, this part of the Nation supplies a lot of rice for not only the United States but other nations. This year the rice farmers lost their second crop, that is the crop that they make money on. And now, rice season is back upon us. But to show you the devastation from Hurricane Rita, I talked to the owner of two John Deere stores there in southeast Texas that supply the farm machinery for the rice farmers. He says he has not sold one piece of farm machinery this year because the rice farmers cannot afford to buy them. Those rice farmers now, many of them will go out of business and that land will be turned into something else. But be that as it may, Hurricane Rita was not one of those issues that caught the National attention, because local officials, many of them that were here today, took care of business as soon as Hurricane Rita showed up. There was very little loss of life. And because apparently for no loss of life, that was not a story that the national media sought to portray. Mr. Speaker, we just hope in the supplemental that two things occur: that the people of Louisiana are treated not unfairly, but the people in Texas are treated equal to the people in Louisiana. Rita was a hurricane just as powerful as Hurricane Katrina, and that the funding be the same, and that the line between Louisiana and Texas, the Sabine River, not separate fairness; that fairness go across the river and treat all Americans the same.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, today I would like to remember the 155 men and women ripped from the ranks, gunned down, stabbed, ambushed, killed. Not soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan, but American peace officers fighting an insurgency on American streets. We honor those who died and those who survive them. They drape their badges in the black cloth of sacrifice to respect their fellow warriors. They lay their friends to rest, but they still risk their own lives to protect and serve. One of the 13 Texas officers murdered last year, Officer Hank Nava, Jr., of Fort Worth was savagely gunned down by an outlaw on parole who shot Officer Nava in the face. Just days ago, Detective Vicky Armel of Fairfax County, Virginia, was ambushed by a street punk firing more than 70 rounds from an attack rifle. We do not know the agony of these officers, but we know their indifference to danger. This Police Week we honor the honorable. We give our gratitude to police officers nationwide for their courage. We say thank you to those who turn toward turmoil so that we may turn toward safety. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Dianne Rowland of Houston has written me about the illegal invasion into the United States. She writes, ``I just heard that the Border Patrol is providing information to the Mexican Government on the location of the Minutemen. Obviously, the Mexican Government then relays that information to the illegals, since Mexico wants to transfer their problems to us. ``Stop the spying and reporting on the Minutemen. During World War II, would we have notified Japan or the Germans where we had Civil Air Patrol stations? I think not. This isn't any different, only we don't yet have a declared war with Mexico. However, it is apparent that we do have a war between the government and the American people. ``Leave the Minutemen alone. They are the only people I trust on the border. They are providing a service free of charge and doing a job that you, the government, can't do and refuse to do. They are not breaking any laws, but feeding information to Mexico should be against the law.'' Mr. Speaker, is our government at war with our own country? This Nation has the obligation to protect our borders, and those who play the role of Benedict Arnold and help Mexico to illegally invade the United States should be held publicly accountable and dealt with by the American public. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the American people expect action regarding the porous borders of the United States. They expect and deserve leadership. Here is what some Americans are saying about our porous borders in correspondence they have sent to me. Terrence Griffin from Spring, Texas, writes, ``I am angry and fed up with the inaction and lack of leadership for immigration reform. Vote `no' on amnesty. Illegal means illegal. Secure the borders first. We as Americans feel like thrown away stepchildren. I am taught that charity begins at home. America looks weak and reckless when it chooses to secure the borders of other nations, feed people of other nations and protect other nations when America is left unprotected, unsafe and unsecure.'' Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. William Wainscott in Dayton, Texas, write, ``Vote against amnesty and providing social services which are supported by the taxpayers. This has gone too long and too far. Our government law enforcement officials look the other way while our country is being invaded by people who choose to violate and disregard our system, that system being of legal entry and immigration. These illegals represent a major burden on taxpayers. They not only take away low-paying jobs, they take away good jobs. I should know. It is extremely difficult for an American citizen to get a job in the construction field because of the number of illegals getting reference in hiring. I speak from experience as a welder and a fitter. Because of preferential hiring practices of construction companies, the American has to look elsewhere for his employment.'' Tracy Blackburn in Spring, Texas, writes, ``A Los Angeles attorney brought into the case last week by the Mexican Consul General's office in Phoenix plans to file another motion claiming Maricopa County Attorney officials are violating State and Federal law because supposedly it is the Federal Government's job to control illegal immigration. Well, why is the Mexican Consul General able to use a local lawyer to try to prevent enforcement of American law? They are not U.S. citizens, what gives these people these rights? I am fed up with the illegal trespassers coming in here and demanding rights that they obviously do not have.'' I also received a correspondence from a high school student from Humble, Texas. Jack writes to me, ``I just wanted to express to you my feelings as part of the generation that will soon be voting. Though it is hard to get our voices out, as we are immediately hushed under the complaints of racism, many of my classmates, whether they are white, black or Hispanic, feel that the restriction of illegal immigrants is obviously a necessary action.'' Further, Mr. Speaker, I have received correspondence from Richard of Houston. He says, ``As Texans, we are on the front lines of this illegal invasion. If we fail to act, the future of our children, the next generation of Texans, is obviously at risk. I urge you to take all possible measures available, including support of local border law enforcement agencies, with the Texas National Guard to stop the threat to security and to our economy. Texans have always stood tall in the face of threats to our State and Nation. Because of the failure of national leadership, it is now this generation of Texans' turn to defend our land.'' I have also received correspondence from Patricia in Houston. She says, ``I am writing to let you know how I feel about the immigration issue. We have laws in effect that are not enforced. The illegal immigrants are breaking the law. They come over here and they do not want to melt into the melting pot of people. Please vote to shut down our borders and build a wall. I will even go down there and volunteer to help build that wall if necessary. You might be surprised how many people would volunteer to help build such a wall. And how dare people compare themselves to the immigrants that were our ancestors. They wanted to be Americans. They even changed their names to be more American. These people are taking Texas back one baby at a time and we are just allowing them. Most Americans, specifically those on the border States, feel that we need to close the border but are afraid of being called a racist. It has nothing to do with race, it has everything to do with the law.'' Finally, Mr. Speaker, I received several cases of bricks from an individual down in Texas. With the cases of bricks that he has sent me this letter, ``I am sending you these bricks in support of an increase in the border security of the United States. These bricks should give you a start in building a wall. The American public demands some solutions to our open borders. A comprehensive border plan must include a security wall in some places, better technology, more funding of personnel for Border Patrol, and overall increased security presence on the southern border. When our borders are secure, then we can discuss the aspects of illegal immigration issues. We are tired of open borders, uncontrolled immigration, terrorist infiltration, criminal alien gangs, and all of the other horrors that arise due to our defenseless borders and unenforced immigration laws.'' Mr. Speaker, the voice of America continues to cry out for us to enforce the rule of law, protect the dignity and safety of the American people. Government's number one job is public safety, and public safety starts at the border. We have an obligation to stop the illegal invasion and stop the colonization of our country and homeland by foreign nations. Failure to do so will result in America being lost to foreign nations without even firing a shot. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time of Mr. Jones.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, Ross Thomson was born in Scotland in 1956. At the age of 4, his family moved to Toowoomba, Australia, where he was raised. While there, he became a Christian. In 1975, faith took his family to Salisbury, Rhodesia for mission work among the Shona tribe. He worked with his father, and would devote the rest of his life to saving souls. Having lived the ministry for years, Ross moved to the United States to study. He obtained his bachelor and master's degree in theology from Harding University. He did further post-graduate work at Rice University. In 1989 he married Christine, who is with us today, and moved his family to southeast Texas, Alice, Texas, where he preached for the Morningside Drive congregation. He has preached for the Brooks Avenue Church of Christ in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Northlake Church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently he is the pulpit minister for the 1,200 member Bammel Church of Christ in Houston. Christine and Ross are blessed with three children, Joshua, Savannah and Justin. It is clear Ross, with his proper Scottish background, was not born in Texas, but he got there as fast as he could. He became a U.S. citizen in 2002. One of my favorite stories about Ross was his first trip to an American grocery story. The first place he went was a southern grocery store called Piggly Wiggly. Puzzled, he didn't quite understand that concept. He has done much to preach the gospel of Jesus in Texas, and spends time in the people business. So today we welcome Ross here to the United States Congress, and appreciate his determination to practice and live the freedom of religion under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I request permission to take Mr. Jones' place.

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, when born in the hot humid heat of a Texas August in 1976, she was called a bicentennial baby in honor of America's 200th birthday. She was the second of four children and grew up with that second child competitive determination. She was strongly serious as she went to elementary school. While enjoying playing with her siblings, Kim, Kurt and Kellee Lyn, she also liked irritating the older next-door-neighbor boy. While growing up, Kara learned and liked to plant vegetables and to take care of a large family garden. But upon entering elementary school, she spoke some words with difficulty, and her speech patterns were not really satisfactory. This began to affect her socially and really bruised her young self-image. Her third grade teacher at the Oaks Elementary School in Humble, Texas, was determined to help this little girl and worked with her in pronouncing those English words correctly. This little girl, Kara, overcame this issue and speaks perfect English with an exceptional Texas accent, another of America's dedicated school teachers helping out one child at a time. Anyway, Kara played on soccer teams and was on the swim team with her brother and sisters. They spent those long Saturdays competing at swim meets all over North Houston. Kara not only took to sports but academics in high school. She lettered 4 years in basketball, was the team captain, high scorer her senior year and played in the Texas State playoffs. Volleyball and cheerleading were also activities she enjoyed and participated in. After doing some babysitting jobs at 15, Kara applied to work at a local Target store while in school. On her job application, she was asked about her job experiences and reason for leaving her previous job. So she put, quote, ``last job, baby sitting.'' Reason for leaving, quote, ``Kids were brats.'' Blunt truth got her the job. She continued to tell it like it was, even to this day. At Target, Kara Poe learned how to deal with real people in the real world by working as a cashier. She doesn't like to admit it, but she even held the long-time record as the fastest scanner. She has continued her studies and studied endlessly. She played high school sports, and has continued to work and save as much money as she possibly can. By the way, Mr. Speaker, Kara graduated valedictorian from her high school, Northland Christian High School in Houston, Texas. Kara, like all the Poe kids, went to Abilene Christian University, and she worked while in college and still was able to graduate with a grade point average of 3.88 with a B.S. in interdisciplinary studies, English and history. Quite opinionated on all subjects, especially politics and sports, being an avid Astros fan, she loves the freedoms and loves this country. She went on to get her Master's degree at Abilene Christian University in English, and her GPA was a perfect 4.0. She got married to a guy by the name of Shane Alexander; I was honored to perform that wedding. She has a 10-month-old daughter named Elizabeth. Mr. Speaker, this Saturday that little girl who had trouble with speech in third grade will receive her doctoral degree from the University of Louisville in rhetoric and composition. She has a GPA of 3.92. At 29, she obtained her doctoral degree in less than 4 years, a marvelous amount of time and a short time for obtaining a doctorate. She already has a job at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and she will be teaching on the tenured track. She will be teaching English, Mr. Speaker, and she will be a teacher like her mother, both her grandmothers and her sister, Kim. So, Kara, as your dad, I am proud of your determination, commitment and attitude. Congratulations to you for your success in the field and noble field of education and being a teacher. Congratulations to you for your success in life. That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, let me recite to you an immigration policy. 1. If you migrate to this country you must speak the native language. 2. You have to be a professional or an investor. No unskilled workers are allowed. 3. There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools, no special ballots or elections, and all government business will be conducted in one language. 4. Foreigners will not have the right to vote. 5. Foreigners will never be able to hold public office. 6. Foreigners will not be a burden to taxpayers. There will be no welfare, no food stamps, no health care or other government assistance programs. 7. If foreigners come and want to buy land, that is highly restricted. 8. Foreigners may not protest. No demonstrations, no foreign flag, no political organizing, no criticizing the President or the policies. If you do, you will be sent back to your country. 9. If you come to this country illegally, you will be arrested by our Federal police and sent to jail. Mr. Speaker, this is not U.S. immigration policy, but the alleged policy of President Vicente Fox and Mexico. President Fox is a hypocrite for trying to dictate to America what we should do in this country, letting his illegal citizens into the United States, while apparently demanding tougher immigration laws in his own country. Fox is nothing more than a fox in fox clothing. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Chairman, I speak in support of this amendment as a member of the Port Security Caucus. There is a port in my district, the Port of Beaumont, that ships out one-third of the military cargo that goes to Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, that port is largely responsible for 11 percent of the refinery capacity in the United States. Due to those concerns and the expertise of the people that run the refineries, the people that run the port facilities, I think it is imperative that we have input from local officials on how to secure the safety of our ports. So I support this amendment in its entirety.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, a high school senior in Texas writes about the illegal entry into the United States. She says, ``I am a senior in the Klein School District. I am also the daughter of an immigrant family. I have the highest regard for the government and the rules placed before those who want to share this American dream. I see my family struggling each day to be sure to be by the books by following the limits and regulations set by the government. Unfortunately, there are others who are not. ``I can relate to those who want to be here, but when you allow these illegals to continue to cross the borders, there is a stereotype that is placed on the rest of us who diligently strive to follow the law. I know it is possible to come to the United States legally, and I know that it is difficult, but we need to tighten the borders. ``We all know there are many good and decent people who have a desire to work in the United States, but what about those who are mingling with the good people, bringing with them drugs and coming with a desire to do harm? There are many murders, rapes and vandalisms that will never be solved because many of those responsible return to their homeland. Protect me, my family and the good people of Texas by strengthening the Border Patrol. Also, be more stringent on the INS to be vigilant in maintaining order in the influx of outsiders that are coming to this country.'' Madam Speaker, this high school senior has it right. Secure the borders or America will suffer. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, as you know, April 23-29 was designated as ``National Crime Victims' Rights Week.'' In conjunction with crime victims' rights week, the Texas Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, MADD, held a statewide candlelight vigil on Monday, April 24, 2006, in Austin, Texas. I had the privilege to attend, as well as speak, at the vigil. The candlelight vigil was held to recognize, remember, and honor all of the victims of crime, throughout the Great State of Texas. It is only fitting that we pay tribute the Texas Chapter of MADD for their dedication and commitment to educating, preventing, and ending drunk driving, and its devastating consequences, in Texas and throughout the United States. The National MADD Organization was established in 1980 by Candy Lightner, whose 13 year old daughter, Cari, was struck and killed by a drunk driver, while she was walking to a school carnival. All of MADD's 10 presidents have been victims and/or lost a loved one to a drunk driver. MADD's current president, Glynn Birch became the first male president of the organization in 2005. Since its inception, MADD has grown from a single chapter to nearly 600 chapters nationwide, with the number of supporters in the millions. MADD has been responsible for raising the federal drinking age to 21 years of age, lowering the legal threshold for intoxicated driving to .08, launching countless public service and media ad campaigns alerting teens to the dangers of drinking and driving, and celebrating its 25th Anniversary with the theme--``MADD Celebrates Life.'' The Texas Chapter of MADD has been recognized for its efforts throughout the state in promoting the goals and principals of the National MADD Organization. The Texas MADD was the recipient of the 2002 Heart of MADD Award--honoring Texas' efforts in building strong victim service programs and outreach to victims of drunk driving crime. The Texas MADD has also been recognized by the National MADD organization for their work regarding their efforts to combat underage drinking in Texas, passing the .08 blood alcohol concentration in the Texas State Legislation, and for their contribution to a video for teens showcasing the danger of teenage alcohol consumption. The Texas Chapter of MADD has also supported countless pieces of Texas state legislation which protects its fellow Texans from drunk drivers, as well as making sure the offenders are adequately punished. The Texas Chapter of MADD, as well as the National MADD Organization, has made it their mission to protect our roadways and educate our citizens to the negative consequences of drunk driving. They are also responsible for caring for the victims from these senseless acts of violence, to ensure their voices are heard and not forgotten. The Texas Chapter of MADD truly deserves this recognition. That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I have received numerous correspondence in the last 24 hours regarding the unlawful invasion into the United States. Here is what some Texans are saying. Heather Pritchett in Humble, Texas, says: ``Illegal immigrants should be sent home and required to follow the same immigration laws as legal immigrants have faced. It is wrong to give illegal immigrants legal status, even with several requirements such as learning English, essentially it says it is okay to ignore the law. An open door immigration policy is one of the wonderful things about this country and it should continue, but please close the windows.'' Jeffrey Kendrick of Spring, Texas, writes: ``Why do we allow illegals to choose what laws are okay to disregard? As an American citizen who served our country for over 10 years in active military duty, this makes my blood boil. Why aren't we enforcing the laws that are already on the laws? Are there other laws that are okay to break? Why should our representatives in Washington allow our country to be overrun with people who have no regard for the law? Stand up for our country. I have always respected your record and valued your opinion. Don't let the country be sold out to whining liberals who are afraid of what illegal aliens may think of them. Who cares what they think? Go after companies that employ them illegally, enforce the law, preserve the American way of life.'' Robert Arnold in Atascocita, Texas, writes: ``It is amazing to see so many people mock our government while breaking the American law. As a citizen, as a veteran, I would like to know what plan is on the drawing board to stop the inflow of illegal activities at the borders. At the very least, make those people pay taxes. I don't even care about the $3 a gallon gasoline, but work to get this immigration issue under control.'' Zine Strong of Humble, Texas, writes: ``I am appalled at what is happening in our country where it appears that illegal immigrants have more rights than American citizens. I see daily on television the plight of those who live at the border. Their properties are vandalized, their lives are threatened by those crossing the border illegally. Our school and health systems are stretched to the limit and the jails are filled with people who have no right to be here in the first place. ``I am an immigrant myself who was blessed to have the privilege of becoming an American citizen. I came to this country legally many years ago with my two small daughters. As soon as we arrived, my daughters were enrolled in a school so they could learn English and we spoke only English at home. My sister, who had sponsored us, took us to McDonald's and told my daughters they could not be Americans unless they ate hamburgers and drank Coca-Cola. Five years later we became American citizens. ``We are Brazilian by birth and Americans by choice, but we did it legally. We never demanded any rights because we didn't have any until we became U.S. citizens. We pay our taxes. We obey the law. We love America with its traditions and all it stands for, and we do not wish to see it destroyed or changed. ``It is with horror that I see thousands of illegals take to the streets and shout for their rights. Their sense of entitlement is offensive, and politicians in Washington who write legislation protecting them are saying to American young people that laws are to be broken and you will be rewarded if you do break the law. ``The American people have had enough. For me, the last insult was to see our National anthem being not only translated into Spanish, but having our words changed to serve someone else's interests. The anthem is sacred. Can you imagine if immigrants in France did the same thing with the French anthem? They probably would be shot. ``I urge you to protect our borders. Do whatever is needed to stop the invasion. Yes, we are a nation of immigrants, but the immigrants who built our Nation came here legally. Furthermore, they came to give to this country. They learned the language, followed the laws and were assimilated into the United States. The people who are coming now want to change the country. To begin with, they don't even learn the language. ``In 2004, I had to go to the emergency room at a local hospital. I was there 7\1/2\ hours because the waiting room was full of illegals who, according to the law, have to be taken care of. I pay taxes, they don't. Where are my rights? The civil rights of American people are being violated to protect illegals. ``To the politicians who say we are a generous people who should help those who come here looking for a better way of life, I say, well, where does that end? The Mexicans are no more deserving than other people. What about the Africans, the Haitians and all other nationalities? Should we open our borders to accommodate the whole world? If those folks want a let better life, let them demonstrate against the Mexican government and fight for their rights in their own country. Otherwise, if we make an exception for them, then in the name of fairness we will have to do it for all nations. What I see now on the borders is anarchy.'' Lastly, Milton Chance of Nederland, Texas, briefly states: ``I am against illegal immigration. We need to secure the boarders. My son-in- law is Mexican and I have two wonderful grandchildren so I am not prejudiced at all. This statement by a former President of the United States sums up the way I feel. `In the first place, we should insist that an immigrant who comes here in good faith and becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated with the exact equality as everyone else. It is an outrage to discriminate against any person because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American but does something else isn't an American at all. We have room but for one flag, the American flag. We have room but for one language, and that is the English language. We have room for but one sole loyalty, and that is the loyalty to the American people.'' Signed Teddy Roosevelt, 1907. Mr. Speaker, I hope Congress is listening to the people of this country. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, part of the reason gasoline prices have jumped to record highs is because there have been no new refineries or major refinery expansion in America. United States refineries are at 97 percent capacity turning that black gold into gasoline at a rapid rate, but there is a tremendous demand for more refining capacity. Royal Dutch Shell has announced that the Motiva Refining Plant in Port Arthur, Texas, will expand to become the biggest refinery in the United States. Construction will begin next year. Currently, ExxonMobil, in Baytown, Texas, is the biggest refinery in America. By the way, Mr. Speaker, both of these refineries are in the energy belt of the Texas gulf coast. To get back on the path of energy self-reliance, the United States needs more American refineries and more offshore drilling. The country has not built a new refinery in over 25 years because of burdensome bureaucratic Federal regulations and environmental energy obstructionists. Congress needs to encourage refinery development and offshore drilling. That will increase supply so that the gasoline price at the pump comes down to an acceptable American consumer level. The people of southeast Texas welcome Motiva's new progress, and we congratulate them on this endeavor. That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, there are thousands of individuals who make it their life's work to help our Nation's most vulnerable victims--our kids. One of the best is my dear friend, Elaine Stolte. I have known Elaine for what seems like forever. She was my District Court Coordinator for 17 years while I was a judge in Harris County, Texas. Throughout all of these years, I have watched Elaine crusade tirelessly for children who have been subjected to the worst circumstances of sexual abuse and help them to cope, recover, and prosecute the offenders. Due to Elaine's dedication to child victims, she was recently awarded the ``Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy'' by the Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus on April 21, 2006. For this reason, Elaine is being recognized. Elaine Stolte is the Executive Director of the Children's Assessment Center (CAC) in Houston, Texas. The Center was established in 1991 to protect and serve sexually abused children in a professional, compassionate, and coordinated manner. Elaine began serving as the Executive Director of the CAC in August of 2001, after previously serving for a year as the CAC's Assistant Director. Elaine's primary duties require the management of the CAC, which is a collaboration of 35 partner agencies that include Federal, State, and city staff, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations. She has worked vigorously with numerous criminal justice, medical, educational, and government practitioners in creating policy initiatives, and raising community awareness, on child sexual abuse. She has also been instrumental in training the practitioners of the role and necessity of the CAC. Elaine has not only dedicated her professional time to victim advocacy, but is involved in many community programs as well. She has been a conference presenter for the National Children's Alliance, a graduate of the FBI's Citizen Academy, a member of the Federal Review Team for the Department of Family and Protective Services, is on the Board of Directors for the Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas--State Chapter, a mentor with the CAC Texas Mentor Program, the appointed commissioner for the Joint City/County Commission on Children, is on the Board of Directors for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is the CAC representative for the Harris County (TX) Children's Protective Services, is an executive representative for the Harris County (TX) Youth and Family Services Division, a member of the Harris County (TX) Child Fatality Review Team, a member of the Child Abuse Task Force, an administrative chair of the CAC Partner Council, a member of the Child Sexual Abuse Review Team, a member of the Mayor's Victim's Memorial Committee, and a lifetime member of the Friends of the CAC. These are just a portion of the organizations privileged to have Elaine participate in; the list goes on and on. On April 21, 2006, Elaine was awarded the Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus' ``Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy.'' The award honors the memory of Ed Stout; the Director of Aid for Victims of Crime of St. Louis, MO, one of the Nation's three oldest victim assistance organizations, who died in 2005 following a 30+ year career of inspiring crime victims and those who serve them. The recipient of the award is a professional or volunteer whose effects directly benefit victims and survivors of crime. The award recognizes innovations in victim assistance and crime victim services in the areas of program development, public, or agency policy development, community and public awareness, and collaboration among community, and justice- based organizations that serve victims of crime. Elaine's achievements with the CAC and in the community far surpass these qualifications. As Founder of the Congressional Victim's Rights Caucus, I had the honor of presenting her with this award. Elaine's innovation, determination, and compassion for the CAC, and for its child victims, are inspirations to us all and makes her one of the best child advocates in the Nation. I am truly blessed to consider her one of my dearest friends and to provide her the recognition she deserves. That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, the price of gasoline is $3 a gallon. Americans want answers, and they want solutions. According to the American Petroleum Institute, the nationwide average of tax on gasoline is 45 cents a gallon. This is split between State and Federal governments. The oil companies make about 9 cents a gallon on gasoline, so Washington, D.C., makes more off a gallon of gasoline than the oil companies. Congress should consider suspending part of the gasoline tax for a period of time to lower gasoline prices. Gasoline prices are going up because OPEC controls 50 percent of the world's crude and is driving up the price of gasoline. The U.S. needs to be drilling offshore. Now we only drill off the coast of Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. There is crude out there in our gulf coast and east coast and even the sacred west coast. We can't have it both ways: Refuse to drill offshore and have cheaper gasoline prices. It is not going to work. We can drill safely offshore, and we need to do so to prevent being held hostage by third-world countries. Mr. Speaker, that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, another Lone Star voice from my district. Billy Minx in Channelview, Texas, e-mailed me on Tuesday. This is what he had to say about those illegally in America: ``In the recent immigration protests; the first protests showed the true intent of the mass of these illegal immigrants. The overwhelming majority of the flags were Mexican flags. These people are loyal to Mexico. I have a neighbor down the street who is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Mexico, and he flat out told me if the U.S. and Mexico were at war with each other, he would fight for Mexico. ``We may be a Nation of immigrants, but the majority of Americans were born here and their parents were born here. My great, great, great, great, great Grandfather John C. Hale was killed at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 defeating Santa Anna and Mexico (and thus making Texas an independent country). He is one of nine Texans buried there on the battlefield. ``Now my elected officials want to simply hand Texas back to Mexico. It's a traitorous act what is about to happen in this Congress. I pray you will not be an accomplice.'' Mr. Speaker, Congress has an obligation to prevent the illegal colonization of this Nation. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, as this Victims Rights Month of April comes to an end, the bureaucrats are also trying to end a fund that supports victims of America. The Victims of Crime Act requires convicted criminals to put money into a fund that then pays for crime victim services. What a great idea: make criminals pay for the system that they have created. Make them pay rent on the courthouse. This fund is about $1.6 billion. This is not Federal money, this is not taxpayer money, this is victim money. Now the robber baron bureaucrats want to take this money and put it into the abyss of the Federal Treasury. As one of the members of the Victims Rights Caucus, along with Jim Costa and Katherine Harris, we do not want the government to victimize victims again. This money belongs to thousands of victims and thousands of victims organizations, including domestic violence shelters, rape centers, child abuse centers, and should not be taken away. Congress needs to prevent this stealth stealing of victims' money, and we must demonstrate to America that criminals will pay and be accountable for the misdeeds against the American people. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, this House must have the will to secure our borders from unlawful, illegal entry into this sovereign Nation by other nations. Many of my fellow Texans have written me about this problem, and I am going to read a few of those tonight. David in Splendora, Texas, writes: ``I totally disagree with the guest worker program. If the government allows an amnesty program for the illegals, then every person crossing the border would qualify. Also, the borders need to be more secure. I work with immigrants here in Houston, and it amazes he how they can go back and forth to Mexico. The immigrants who have their family in other countries are sending their money there, and they do not even spend it here anyway.'' Tim, in Groves, Texas, writes: ``Vicente Fox and Mexico are not our friends. The Mexicans are laughing at their neighbors to the north while their illegal countrymen clog our streets and harass U.S. citizens with marches and demonstrations. Why aren't they demonstrating in Mexico for jobs and better pay? That is the source of their problems. Our legislators are afraid of enacting tough laws on these people while American citizens pick up the tab.'' Donald, in Nederland, Texas, agrees and writes: ``When did Vicente Fox become head of American immigration policy? Fox has no business telling the United States what to do with its citizens who illegally enter the United States. We can't control Mexico's immigration laws, and all attempts to handle the illegal entry of millions of Mexicans into the United States have fallen on deaf ears. They came to America to work in many fields hired by business interests, and when their visas expired, they didn't return home as required by law. Businesses then allow them to continue working at salaries below those needed by American workers who they replaced.'' ``Employers who hire illegal foreign workers should be required to make sure their employees leave the country when their visas expire or be fined and pay the government's expense for returning them to their home country when they are caught. Amnesty by any other name, guest worker, is still amnesty; get illegals out of America.'' Michael in Crosby, Texas, writes, ``Sir, I implore you to be as tough as necessary to halt this wave of illegal immigration, and to seal up our borders. It honestly worries me about the reports on C-SPAN of the border incursions by Mexican military personnel, and the possibility of smuggling a weapon of mass destruction into our country via the border with Mexico.'' Randy in LaPorte, Texas, writes, ``I am an American and my wife is a legal alien. We have worked for many years to get citizenship for her and it is hard and expensive and takes a long time. It makes me see sick to see the Mexican flag in our streets and demanding rights from the U.S. Some in our government talk of a path for citizenship for them, and this makes me just sick. I hope you can pass immigration laws that will protect Americans and not protect illegal aliens.'' Ernest in Dayton, Texas, writes, ``As I watch the demonstrations by the illegal immigrants, I am appalled by the fact that they are carrying a Mexican flag and not the American flag. This myth that no one will work the jobs that illegals work is exactly that, it's a myth. Congress can be blamed for taking the jobs away from qualified 16- and 17-year-olds. I went to work at a butcher shop at 12 years of age and I have worked ever since. Guest worker program, my hind leg. It is nothing more than an amnesty program. The politicians in this country created the situation. It is important they get off their high horse and do the work of the United States and not special interest groups.'' He goes further to point out, Madam Speaker, ``You need to come to the Exxon station on highway 90 in Liberty, Texas, and bring the INS with you and see how many illegals you can round up at that one location.'' Finally, Madam Speaker, Jean in Kingwood, Texas, writes, ``I felt compelled to write today after days of hearing about the Mexican protests and the Mexican flag waving going on in our country. First, let me say for a very long time I felt immigration has been out of control but that the politicians in America consider it a way to gain votes and will not touch the issue. I am outraged that we are in such a state as we are now. ``Recently, I had to take a job in order to supply health insurance for my family because my husband lost his job. Then it wasn't long after that that I had to go to the emergency room. I went to the emergency room at 4:45 p.m. and didn't leave until 5:01 a.m. the next day. I cannot tell you the number of immigrants with three or more children in that waiting room. I wondered if any of them actually had health care insurance, and how much free health insurance they received on their visit. Here I am working so I can supply health insurance to my family, yet the illegals and those that have no health insurance walk in and obtain free health care. ``Everyone in America knows the stats on this and the stress being placed on our system because of those that are able to obtain free health care just by walking into the emergency room.'' Madam Speaker, this House had better listen to the American citizens, and we need to be more concerned about what they think than those who have illegally invaded and colonized our Nation think. Madam Speaker, that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, a new son of Texas breathed the air of our free Nation with his birth on April 10, 2006. His birth made him an eighth- generation Texan, and he can trace his Scot, Irish and German roots to the proud days of the Republic of Texas. Born in The Woodlands, Texas, at 6 pounds, 9 ounces, he bears a middle name that has been a family name for over 100 years and dates back to his ancestry in Germany. He is a gift from the Lord to his parents Kurt and Susie and to his four grandparents and his great- grandparents. He is, by the chance of birth, an American. As a child he is the most important and the greatest of all American natural resources. Mr. Speaker, every time a child is born, the good Lord is making a bet on the future of our Nation. As his grandfather, it is my hope that Jackson Theodore Poe lives the strong, rugged, determined life of a free man; that he will live with the words ``liberty'' on his lips, integrity in his heart and compassion in his soul; and that he never forgets duty, honor and loyalty. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to pay tribute to a native Houstonian, Walter Moss, Jr., who voluntarily served our Nation in Iraq and who died doing so. He was assigned to the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or the EOD, Flight as a noncommissioned officer in charge of the EOD Resources Element, Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. On March 29, 2006, Tech Sergeant Moss became the 200th Texas member of the Armed Forces killed in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, Texans are only 7 percent of the United States population, but make up 10 percent of the volunteers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Further, almost 9 percent of the military deaths in Iraq are Texans. Additionally, Moss was the first airman from Sather Air Force Base in Iraq to be killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 37 years old. In his long military career, he specialized in the dangerous job of detection and removal of explosive devices. He was killed while trying to defuse a makeshift bomb while conducting operations near Baghdad. The terrorists in Iraq use the improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, as a cowardly way of murdering Iraqi women, children, civilians and Americans. The terrorist use of IEDs is one of the most dangerous threats to our troops in uniform in Iraq. Technical Sergeant Moss was the first line of defense between IEDs and his fellow military comrades. Since being deployed to Iraq in January, Sergeant Moss had responded to more than 200 calls. Those 200 calls meant that Moss had perhaps saved the life of an American or Iraqi civilian. Born in Houston, Texas, Moss attended Aldine High School. He joined the Air Force upon graduation from Aldine and soon married his high school sweetheart Georgina. From the beginning of his military career, Moss stood out as a leader. His motivation earned him a coveted spot assisting the United States Secret Service. During his 16-year military career, he guarded the likes of former President George H. Bush and the First Lady. While stationed in Guam, he disposed of 12,500 pounds of hazardous World War II munitions and supported the Secret Service again in protecting Hillary Clinton. In 1997, he and his family were stationed at the 31st CE Squadron, Aviano Air Force Base, Italy. He was handpicked from his unit to provide EOD support during the Middle East peace talks where he ensured then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's safety. Moss had two children, Andrew, 13, and Veronica, 9. A military traveling family, they had already lived with their father in Guam, Italy and Turkey. Technical Sergeant Moss was deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch, Allied Force, Desert Strike, Northern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster. Even though he was in the Air Force, the Navy and Marines honored him with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and he will be awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart. I attended Technical Sergeant Moss' funeral in Spring, Texas, and I talked to his father Walter Moss, Sr. Walter told me he was proud of his son, proud of the life he chose, and proud of the country he served. At the funeral there were a great number of Air Force personnel, strangers, citizens, family, and even a motorcycle group carrying large American flags. I would like to extend my prayers and condolences to his father Walter, his mother Rebecca York, his brother Brian, his relatives and friends in Idaho and Texas, his wife Georgina, and his children Andrew and Veronica. He died as he lived: Protecting Americans. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the brave airmen such as Technical Sergeant Walter Moss. He sought out danger so others would not face danger. He was a father, a husband and a brother. His unyielding courage was an inspiration to his fellow airmen and his family. He was an American patriot, and he was a cut above the rest of us. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, every year thousands upon thousands of people give their time, money and dedication to others. Never is there a more shining example of volunteerism than my personal friends, Sue and Gerald Treece. Sue and Jerry Treece have been married for 35 years. They have 2 wonderful children, Justin and Trisha who grew up with my four kids. The Treece's have made a name for themselves throughout their community. They come from West Texas and have solid Texas values. They are both Texas educators and they are completely committed to serving the people around them. It is for this reason that they are being honored by the Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum. Sue Treece taught junior high students for eleven years and currently volunteers with multiple organizations in her community. She loves Texas and is a tremendous Texas history teacher. She goes to Texas historical sites with her kids to get a first hand knowledge of our state. She has been on the Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum board for more than 10 years. In 1999 she received the Volunteer of the Year award. Sue truly has a passion for service as she is active in the Alpha Chi Omega Alumna Sorority Philanthropies, Bammel Church of Christ, and the Houston Bar Association Women's Auxiliary. Sue has held board positions with the Montgomery County Women's Council of Organizations, National Charity League, Northland Christian School, and Grogan's Point Residents' Association. In all this, Sue has been a constant companion to her mother who suffered a long time with illness. Sue is a mother, wife and a daughter. Gerald Treece is the Dean of Students at South Texas College of Law and has been a Professor of Law for thirty-two years. He knows as much about Constitutional Law as our founders but he and I have a long relationship of debating that sacred document. He valiantly served our country during the Vietnam War, earning a Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his bravery during battle. In addition, Jerry served as a special advisor to the Reagan Administration, and more recently he served as a delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. Jerry Treece has been recognized by the American Bar Association and awarded their Silver Key and Outstanding Professor Awards. He has also been honored by the Texas Senate and in 2003 he was awarded their Award for Service to Legal Education in Texas. In 2005, he was named Rotarian of the Year for his service to the Houston community. Jerry consistently has his moot court team go to the nationals, having won the National Championship several times, defeating such law schools as Harvard, Yale and Princeton, making those Ivy League Law Schools wonder, ``Who are those students from the South Texas School of Law?'' Mr. Speaker, my home state of Texas is blessed with some of the kindest and most generous people on earth. Sue and Gerald Treece are shining examples of the best of this group. They are a remarkable couple and they deserve our appreciation and thanks for the ways they have truly made a difference in the lives of those in their community. By giving of their time and lending their hands, the Treece's change lives and lift people up. I am honored to have known them on a personal level and call them my friends and I am honored to join their community and the Cypress-Woodlands Junior Forum in honoring them today. They are great Americans and great Texans, and ``the salt of the Earth.'' That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, working Americans continue to voice concern about the unlawful entry into the United States. Michael Estep, Sr., from Spring, Texas writes to me: ``I am writing to express my most sincere concern for our Nation and the State with regard to the current immigration issues. Having served in both public law enforcement and the private sector for the past 30 years, in all these years I have not seen one good side of illegal immigration, just varying degrees of bad. The strain on local and State medical services, higher insurance costs due to uninsured and unlicensed motorists, the criminal justice system where 29 percent of the American prison population are illegal aliens, are all paid by the citizens. ``What is happening to the land the greatest generation fought to protect? Is the uncontrolled assimilation into the melting pot of America destroying the values and resources which made us strong? Is this unchecked invasion crippling our ability to tell the difference between right and wrong, leading us to choose the politically correct solution rather than the right answer? ``I ask your support of immigration reform in the strongest terms. Too many citizens and illegals alike choose which laws are to be obeyed while seeking protection from the law through protests and civil disobedience.'' That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE

Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, Yale University has won first place in the Annual Campus Outrage Award. The award is given to universities that worship the God of political correctness. Yale wins this year because according to the College Network who bestows the award, ``Yale enrolled a former Taliban official with a fourth grade education in the name of the sacred cow, diversity, which now appears to extend to the enemy combatants who make war on the United States.'' According to the Washington Times, second place went to DePaul University, which ``suspended a professor without a hearing after the professor attempted to debate students handing out pro-Palestinian literature.'' DePaul was also recognized for suppressing free speech rights of students who protested a professor's writings that said the United States deserved to be attacked on September 11, 2001. Other universities who received awards were Stanford and Holy Cross for attempting to prohibit articles in their campus newspapers that criticized left wing philosophies. Madam Speaker, have some of our universities lost their way by prohibiting liberty to those individuals who disagree with the university's elitist, narrow-minded snobbery? And that's just the way it is.