Ted Poe

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time. The government already has a plan to send excess equipment to law enforcement. What this bill does is prioritize that equipment to the Border Patrol. For those concerned about national spying that takes place in the United States, which they claim, they would support this because its priority is to the border. It is not to other agencies. The gentleman from Laredo said it best. Mr. Chair, believe it or not, we cooperate with the Mexican Government, and they get information from us when we use those aerostats over the border, and they capture the bad guys before they come into the United States. We need to support this amendment, prioritize it, and give them the equipment that they need. And that is just the way it is. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the chairman of the full committee. Mr. Chair, this amendment is very similar to amendments that have been on this House floor before, presented by me and others, and is similar to an amendment that passed unanimously in the FY 2015 NDAA. It is called the SEND Act. It addresses the process of sending excess military equipment, which is not being used, to our border security folks to help them secure the border. That is the purpose of previous amendments and legislation that started all the way back in 2011. One way that the Department of Defense helps the Border Patrol is through the transfer of equipment that it deems to be in excess to its needs. Under current law, the transfer of this excess equipment gives some preference to counterdrug, counterterrorism, and some border security activities. This amendment simply takes that preference a step further, giving border security preference for a few specific pieces of equipment which are particularly useful for border security applications: unmanned surveillance vehicles, including aerostat blimps that are now being used, night vision goggles, and Humvees. The Border Patrol, as we all know, is the first and last line of defense against criminal gangs that come into the United States. In my home State of Texas, I have been to the border numerous times, and we have the same issue that other border States have with the criminal drug cartels, which are involved in not only bringing drugs into the United States, but in trafficking humans for sex slavery, labor slavery, and other purposes. After talking with them about many, many issues, we found out the situation on the border regarding equipment. A Texas ranger once told me that the drug cartels outman, outgun, out-finance, and out-equip the Border Patrol and those who are on the border who are trying to protect us from those criminal gangs that are coming into the United States. One of the issues the last time I was down at the border 2 or 3 weeks ago was that the Border Patrol was actually excited about these aerostats that are being used. That is a blimp that they put up in the sky, and it helps in surveillance along the border. They need more of those on the border. Of course, this amendment does exactly that. It gives a preference to those specific items that are mentioned in the amendment for the Border Patrol to use for border security purposes. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chair, how much time remains on my side?

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that amendment No. 14 be modified in the manner that I have placed and filed at the desk.

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chair, the first thing is that this amendment does not include the MQ-9 Reaper that the gentleman mentioned. It does not make a preference for that. I also take exception to the ``hatred'' comment that was made here. Look, the border security in the United States has issues. The Border Patrol says we need to help find those illegal gangs that are coming into the United States. This is not about the surveillance of Americans and spying on Americans. It is on the border. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar), who represents part of the Texas border, the city of Laredo.

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, early in 2015, the Department of Homeland Security removed the TSA Director and Administrator after it was revealed that banned items made it through screening in different parts of our airports throughout the United States. This didn't happen once or twice, but it happened 67 times out of 70 tries. That is a 90 percent failure rate. Any business would be out of business if it failed 90 percent of the time to do what it is supposed to do. We are not talking about selling goods and services. We are talking about security--American security. But TSA is a government agency, so, to me, accountability doesn't seem to be a priority. After this fiasco in 2015, the Administrator was replaced with a new Administrator. I don't know that security is better or not--maybe it is--but we do know that the lines are longer and TSA efficiency is questionable. To find that out, just go to any of our airports and try to travel. Travelers are faced with wait times in excess of 3 hours just to get through security. Flights are missed and flights are delayed because of the security chokepoint. It is ironic that people wait in line longer than it takes them to fly from point A to point B. Security lines should not take longer than the flight itself, but that is happening in our airports. The TSA Director blames the passengers for the delays. So it is not TSA's fault; it is the flying public's fault for the long lines and delays? The cost to American taxpayers for TSA is $7 billion a year. Are we safer, better off, and more secure because of this massive government bureaucracy? Americans need to answer that question. TSA must also work on its treatment of passengers. I constantly hear in my congressional office from people who travel about the way they are treated by government employees at TSA when they try to go through security. Now, I know a lot of TSA employees. Some of those in Houston are wonderful people. Yet some TSA employees are rude, demeaning, and disrespectful to the travelers. That has got to stop. There is no excuse for it. Flying has become torturous for some travelers because of TSA. Homeland Security must figure out a better way to protect and serve the people, the flying public, without causing people to miss their flights. Maybe TSA should use trained dogs before and after the security points to help check for explosives--I am not sure the answer--but change the current model because it is not working. This issue must be fixed, and the issue is not to blame the fliers. The issue is TSA needs to respond to this issue. There are airports all over the world that screen passengers. Maybe TSA could learn something from some of these other airports about efficiency and security. This problem must be fixed, and the answer is not to blame the Americans who travel and blame them for waiting in line for 3 hours to catch a plane that flies only 1 hour. Airports should strongly consider moving to private screeners. The law allows this to happen, Mr. Speaker, but the law requires that, if an airport wants to use private screening companies, they must get the Department of Homeland Security's approval to use that screening company over TSA. That is an issue in itself. But the answer is not to continue having the same issues and problems that we now face. People who travel a lot and travel rarely, when they talk about their traveling experience, one thing they seem to always mention is the way they have to go through screening and the way they are treated by TSA. Remember, a 90 percent failure rate is not acceptable. The security must be better, and people must be treated better, because that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Israel has always been surrounded by threats. Since it was established, Israel has survived Arab armies waiting at its borders to destroy the Jewish state. It has persisted in the face of suicide bombers and terrorist onslaughts like no other country in history. Recently the threats to Israel have increased and become even more dangerous. Iran's Supreme Leader has stated clearly that he wants to destroy Israel. Thanks to the nuclear deal made by the administration, it is only a matter of time before the mullahs in Iran develop a nuclear weapon. The Iran deal will go down in history as one of the administration's worst foreign policy mistakes. This Neville Chamberlain deal ensured that Iran gets to keep enriching uranium. It does not have to dismantle any of its nuclear infrastructure. So, in 10 years, Tehran just has to flip a switch to get a nuclear bomb, and Israel is the first target. Tehran wants to put the entire Middle East under its thumb. Iran continues to defy U.N. security resolutions on ballistic missiles. Since the nuclear deal was signed, Iran has conducted three ballistic missile tests. Some of the previously launched missiles were even marked in Hebrew with the words ``Israel must be wiped off the Earth.'' There is more. Iran has announced that it would give $7,000 to families of Palestinians who murder Israelis and an additional $30,000 to every family whose home Israel demolished due to the family's involvement in terrorism. The Iranian mullahs have hate and murder in their souls, and they want to eliminate Israel. The fact that the administration gave a $100 billion signing bonus in sanctions relief to a regime that consorts with North Korea and sends terrorist proxies to do its bidding is a really bad foreign policy. There is more. Iran has sent Hezbollah to go after Israelis around the world. Hezbollah now has an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles in its stockpile. That is enough to rain down thousands of rockets a day on Israel for months. In fact, Iran has transferred new game-changing advanced weapons to the terrorist group Hezbollah. This includes antiship cruise missiles, air defense systems, and precision-guided surface-to-surface missiles. Then there is Hamas in the south. In Gaza, Israeli officials now believe that Hamas has completely replenished all of its rocket supply that Israel destroyed 2 years ago. Hamas is building a sophisticated network of tunnels under the Gaza Strip for the purpose of securing arms and supplies. This tunnel network has only one purpose: to strike at the heart of the Israeli population centers. More. Since September, Palestinian lone-wolf terrorists have carried out hundreds of vicious attacks against Israeli citizens. These terrorists will do anything to kill. They ram vehicles into civilians, shoot indiscriminately, and stab anybody in the way. Immediately following the first attack, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas proclaimed: ``We welcome every drop of blood spilled in Jerusalem. This is pure blood, blood on its way to Allah.'' This latest wave of attacks has killed 34 people and injured 400. Among those killed were two Americans, and one of them was a citizen of Texas, Taylor Force. These terrorists are only happy when they have destroyed Israeli and American families wherever they find them. ISIS, which is even more brutal than al Qaeda, controls large parts of Syria. These terrorists no doubt view Israel as a threat and will likely turn to attacking the Jewish state in due time. Those who threaten Israel, Mr. Speaker, threaten the United States. The same terrorist groups that want to destroy Israel want to destroy the United States. The same Iran that calls Israel the ``Little Satan'' calls the United States the ``Great Satan.'' Mr. Speaker, Israel is a bright star, the lone star of liberty, freedom, and democracy in the Middle East. The villains that want Israel destroyed are picking a fight with the wrong folks. They will lose that fight because Israel and the United States will work together, no matter who the enemy is, for liberty, justice, and freedom not only for Israel, but for the United States. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, 5 years after the United States removal of Libyan dictator Qadhafi, Libya is a dangerous mess. U.S. policy was simple: remove the country's dictator, then get out of town. Now there is chaos. The U.S. gave its blessings as arms were shipped into the Libyan tinderbox. Then Libya quickly exploded. Now Libya is a state of perpetual anarchy, civil war, and death. Al Qaeda and ISIS have since infiltrated Libya, exploiting the power vacuum United States policy created. At least 6,500 ISIS fighters control over 150 miles of the coast. ISIS will not stop in Libya. They are using the Libyan base as a hub from which to create mayhem across North Africa. To be clear, the United States has no plan when it comes to Libya. Libya is another example of an overall weak and indecisive U.S. foreign policy. Meanwhile, more terror by ISIS and evildoers will continue. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Sheriff Reichert, Sheriff Nugent, and all the Members in Congress who have served in law enforcement before they came to the House. This is a solemn week when we show our respect and honor to those who have worn the shield or the star. You notice, Mr. Speaker, the shield or the star is always over the heart, and it is symbolic of protecting us from outlaws, from criminals. Law enforcement stands between us and those who would do us harm. That is why they wear the shield or the star over their heart, because they will give their lives and have for the rest of us, protecting us from those do-bads out there. I served as a prosecutor in Houston, Texas, for 8 years and then 22 years in the criminal courts trying all kinds of cases. I met a lot of police officers. I still know a lot of them. They are certainly a rare breed that would do what they do. Most Americans couldn't go on patrol one day and do what they do. They are to be admired. We honor those who have died last year, but we honor those who have died in previous years. Some in America don't realize that the Capitol Police protect us around the Capitol. In 1998, two Capitol police officers, John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut, gave their lives protecting Members of Congress. We should remember them. Last year, 128 peace officers were killed in the United States. Eleven of those were females. Twelve were killed in Texas, the highest of any State. There were also two K-9s who were officers that were killed in Texas. Three of those officers who were killed were from my hometown of Houston, Texas: Darren Goforth of the Sheriff's Department, Officer Tronoski Jones of the Sheriff's Department, and Officer Richard Martin of the Houston Police Department. About this time last year, there was a robbery in progress--we call those hijackings in Houston--at a service station on Sunday morning. The Houston Police Department responded. They get to the scene and see a stolen U-Haul van speeding away from the service station. There is a high-speed chase. The U-Haul got a distance on the Houston police officers, jumped out of the U-Haul, grabbed a lady that was getting in her minivan, pushed her out of the way, stole the minivan, took off, and are firing shots at the police officers. Meanwhile, most of Houston is asleep and safe. Their chase goes on for a long time. Officer Richard Martin was ahead of the chase. He got his patrol car far enough ahead that he jumped out of the car and put spikes in the road to stop this outlaw from getting away. The outlaw sees Richard Martin, veers off the road, hits him and kills him and keeps driving for 20 miles before the Houston Police Department stopped him. Richard Martin was 47. He had only been a peace officer for 4 years. He had other careers before that, including serving in the United States Air Force. He has two children. I met Tyler last week. He is 11. It was a rough, rough conversation talking to him about his dad. As Sheriff Nugent said, these are real people and they are good people. They are a rare breed, the American breed, who will wear that star, that badge, over their hearts to protect us. All that separates us from evil and criminals is the thin blue line. That is it. You either have anarchy or you have the rule of law. Those who want to cause anarchy and mischief and crime in our communities are stopped by the law. That is why we call them law officers, peace officers. They are protecting us from those that would do us harm, and we certainly should give them and their families the respect and honor that they rightfully deserve because they make a sacrifice every day. They willingly make that sacrifice for us. Most peace officers I ever met have an extra job. They don't make enough money being a peace officer; so, to support their families, they do something else. They work long hours all week doing everything they can to make an income to take care of their families, and we should recognize that they are the best that America has. In closing, I would just like to say, Mr. Speaker, peace officers are really the last strand of wire in the fence that protects good from evil, that protects the chickens from the coyotes. That is the peace officers. We appreciate what they have done. I want to thank Sheriff Reichert for his service to our country, especially all those cases that you solved years ago. I am sure that the criminals are glad that you are in Congress and not back in Washington State chasing them down.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the world leader in freedom and democracy, it is in our national interest to see the same freedoms we enjoy spread to people throughout the world. The Republic of Georgia is a small and young democracy in an area that is more known for its authoritarian rule than freedom. Georgia formally declared its independence in 1918, but 4 years later, the Soviet bear invaded and declared Georgia a Soviet Socialist Republic. But the Georgian people are resilient, and with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia again declared its independence from Russia. Over the past 25 years, Georgia has become the freest country in its region. It sets up a stark contrast to the dictatorship of Putin in the north. However, the Russians never gave up on their ambitions to control Georgia. I was in Georgia in 2008 when Russian troops invaded and took one- third of Georgia. I saw the Russian tanks up on the hill. And, Mr. Speaker, the Russians still illegally occupy one-third of the nation of Georgia. The Russians want to impose tyranny upon Georgia precisely because of Georgia's quest for democracy and liberty. Georgia has made good governance a cornerstone of its reforms, grown the economy, and made significant progress toward creating a democratic society. The world witnessed Georgia's first peaceful democratic transition of power from one party to another in 2013, and it has improved media freedom for 4 consecutive years, according to Reporters Without Borders. In fact, Freedom House ranks Georgia number one in the region for its freedom of the press. Georgia has also made significant strides when it comes to corruption. It even ranks higher than some European Union countries and other U.S. allies according to Transparency International. When it comes to business and free markets, Georgia makes it to the top of the pack. The World Bank ranked Georgia among the top 25 countries easiest to do business in. The fact is that the Georgian people and their government share our Western values. A recent poll found that more than three-quarters of the Georgian people support their government's goal to join the European Union. Nearly 70 percent of Georgians also support Georgia's joining NATO. The United States should be vocal and support Georgia's quest to be in NATO. For the past 25 years of independence, Georgia has been a valuable ally of the United States. Due to Georgia's free market system, low corruption, and simplified tax system, many American companies have invested in Georgia, especially in the energy sector. The U.S. should negotiate a free trade agreement with Georgia to add jobs to both of our economies and send a message that Georgia is an important friend of the United States. Georgia is also a vital partner in the battle against international terrorism. It has provided more troops to the effort in Afghanistan than any other non-NATO member. Thirty-three Georgian troops have fought and died on the battlefield with American troops, and 900 Georgian troops still remain in Afghanistan. The Georgians are now preparing to hold elections in October. To ensure that these parliamentary elections are free and fair, the Georgians have invited international, independent election observers to monitor those elections in October. The United States and our NATO allies must remain firm in our support for Georgia. Georgia is a sovereign country whose boundaries should be respected--even by Putin. Russia knows Georgia is a symbol of democracy in the region. That is why Putin continues to rattle his sabres in the entire neighborhood. Dictator Putin knows if Georgia is a successful democracy, then Georgia's neighbors are going to want to follow that lead and become more democratic. It is in our national interest to support Georgia and their democratic aspirations in their journey for liberty. Fifty years ago, our President John F. Kennedy talked about liberty. He stated what the American policy is regarding liberty. I hope and believe it is still our policy today. Here is what he said, Mr. Speaker: ``Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.'' That applies to Georgia, Mr. Speaker. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, a chemical warehouse in my Texas district exploded into a startling inferno. Fiery containers of chemicals shot into the air like rockets. The smoke and heat were intense. But the Houston Fire Department quickly answered the alarm. Mr. Speaker, over 200 firefighters from 32 fire stations responded to the hellish inferno. Spring Branch Elementary and nearby homes were evacuated. But the smoke and fire were conquered. The school and homes were saved. Not one person was injured. Mr. Speaker, firefighters are a special breed. They risk their lives to save our lives. They restore order from chaos. These firefighters are to be thanked and appreciated. Firefighter courage and dedication to protecting us is part of what makes them a special breed. While others flee in haste of impending danger, the firefighter, with sirens, red lights, horns, red and white trucks, charge into the jaws of heat, smoke, and fire to defeat and conquer danger. Mr. Speaker, Houston firefighters answered the alarm--they always answer the alarm. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, while patrolling the blue South Pacific seas, two American Stallion helicopters collided off the coast of Hawaii. It was January 14, 2016. Twelve U.S. Marines on board perished. Despite rescue efforts by air and sea, the Marines were never found. Their watery graves are only known to God. Major Shawn Campbell, 41, and Corporal Matthew Drown, 23, were Texas' own. In the aftermath of this tragic loss, the military community banded together, ready to support the family who had just experienced one of the most traumatic moments that a young family can possibly be faced with. The U.S. military always takes care of its own. That is one reason why our warriors, and their families make the U.S. Military the best in the world. In particular, Kalie Rhodes and her mothers group (Mothers of Preschoolers) quickly sprang into action, ready to lend a hand and shoulder to those who were distraught by tragedy. The MOPS meet twice a month, joining together in fellowship to connect and learning different parenting and life skills. Katie is the wife of Captain Johnathan Rhodes, a 2002 graduate of Kingwood High School and 2006 graduate of West Point. Kalie and her team provided support for the visiting families of the missing Marines. They not only prepared meals and cared for some of the smaller children, they also bought and distributed a wide variety of gift cards for food, gas and clothing. The support and encouragement from MOPS and Kalie to the families of those killed is impressive. As the search continued John Hedley's (USMA '68) Veterans coffee shop in NC donated over $500 and Craig Carson's (USMA '68) company in Indiana donated over $5,000. The Military community never stops supporting each other. We were shown this once again as the Wingman Foundation (ex-Naval and Marine aviators) served as a clearing house for the monetary donations and reimbursed the moms for out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, they donated $50,000 to the families. Furthermore, the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund (USMA '86) has provided scholarships for all the children of the deceased Marines. This scholarship program for the kids of the fallen Marines is commendable and inspiring. This is an excellent way to take care of those that have lost a parent. The fallen Marines were honorably doing their duty, taking care of America. Now Americans are returning the favor by taking care of those military families. These individuals who spring to action, ready to help at a moment's notice are fiercely patriotic. They are the backbone of a rare breed--the American breed that protects us. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the fine career and honorable service of a man whose actions have helped maintain the safety and security of our nation's fight against terrorism, Colonel Greg Baine. After 29 years of faithful service to our country, Colonel Baine is retiring from the United States Army. It is with great pride and honor that I recognize Colonel Baine for his tireless devotion to the wellbeing of our nation. After graduating from Beaumont Charlton Pollard High School, Colonel Baine earned his political science degree from Texas A&M University. Colonel Baine began his military career in 1987 with the United States Army, where he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant with a duty in Sinai, Egypt. As a natural leader, he earned the esteemed rank of Colonel by serving our nation in duties in Saudi Arabia, Kosovo, Germany and two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Colonel Baine is a true patriot; devoted and loyal, an honorable defender of liberty and freedom. Colonel Baine commanded the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment during his 14 month combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I had the privilege of meeting Colonel Baine while in Iraq in 2008. His role in our nation's fight on terrorism will never be forgotten. After Iraq, he volunteered for another 13 month combat tour to Afghanistan, where he commanded Regional Support Command South in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout his career, Colonel Baine's service and dedication have consistently earned him the recognition of his superiors. The list of this model citizen's accomplishments will have enduring effects on our nation. A dedicated family man, Colonel Baine married his college sweetheart, Heidi. Together they are the proud parents of two grown children, Gary Baine, II and Alexia. On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I commend this remarkable Texan for his exemplary service and dedication to not only the State of Texas, but the nation as a whole. Thank you, Colonel Baine, for a lifetime of selfless service to our country. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we honor police week, I rise in support of another common sense bill that would benefit the men and women who serve our nation in federal law enforcement. The Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense and Protection Act is a simple bill, it allows a federal law enforcement officer to carry their government issued firearm during a furlough in the same way that they could carry their weapon if there was no furlough. The risks that federal law enforcement officials face are the same whether or not they are on furlough or not. Some federal law enforcement officials have even been specifically targeted because of their positions. These brave men and women should not be put in jeopardy due to a budget shortfall or an inability to pass a budget. The risks they face are the same, they have the right to defend themselves. I thank Rep. Collins for bringing this bill forward, and I urge your support today. That's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the station numbers of the Houston Firefighter who answered the call of the Spring Branch Fire in Houston, Texas on May 5th, 2016. Station Number 2, Station Number 4, Station Number 5, Station Number 6, Station Number 8, Station Number 10, Station Number 11, Station Number 12, Station Number 13, Station Number 15, Station Number 17, and Station Number 22. Station Number 24, Station Number 28, Station Number 30, Station Number 31, Station Number 38, Station Number 39, Station Number 42, Station Number 49, Station Number 50, Station Number 51, Station Number 57, and Station Number 60. Station Number 62, Station Number 66, Station Number 67, Station Number 69, Station Number 75, Station Number 77, Station Number 78, Station Number 83, Members from OEC (Office of Emergency Communications), and Village Fire Department (Mutual Aid).

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, last month, a few weeks ago, Alden Clopton was on patrol after midnight. He is a deputy constable in Houston, Texas. He works for the constable's office at Precinct 7. Constables are just like deputy sheriffs and police officers. They have all the power under the State of Texas laws as any other police officer. He was on routine patrol with his rookie partner trainee, Ann Glasgow, and they made a traffic stop in a tough part of town in Houston, Texas. As the investigation is taking place, Mr. Speaker, some outlaw snuck up behind Alden Clopton and pulled out a pistol and shot at him six times in the back. Some of those bullets made their mark and some of those bullets missed. He owes his life, he says, to the bulletproof vest that he was wearing. Constable May Walker, a constable at Precinct 7, said he survived because he was wearing a vest. You may have never heard of Alden Clopton, but he is a peace officer who comes from a peace officer family. His wife is a deputy sheriff; his three brothers are all in law enforcement; and his son is a cop in Mississippi, I believe. He lives today because he had a bulletproof vest on. As the ranking member has said and as the chairman has said, we owe it to peace officers to protect them when they go out in society and do society's dirty work for us--to protect and serve us. This week is National Police Week. We honor our police officers-- those who protect us, those who work the thin blue line to protect us from those who would do us harm. This is an appropriate piece of legislation to show peace officers like Alden Clopton and all of those throughout the country that we have their backs--that we support them-- and that Congress is going to do what is necessary to protect them while they protect us. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago, the world was in a war so big that it was called the war to end all wars. World War I started in 1914 and involved 32 nations. It pitted the Allies against the central powers and stretched across five continents. The United States was isolationist at that time and was not in the war. But in 1917, the British intercepted a telegram called the Zimmerman Telegram from the German Government to Mexico, encouraging Mexico to join Germany. In return, Germany would help Mexico take and conquer Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. So after the sinking of seven U.S. merchant ships by submarines, the sinking of the Lusitania, and the publication of the Zimmerman Telegram, the United States Congress declared war in April of 1917. Four-and-a-half million Americans signed up to fight, including a friend that I later got to know by the name of Frank Buckles, who was 16 when he joined the war in World War I. He lived to the age of 110 and died in 2011. American doughboys like him proved the decisive difference. Just a year after the U.S. was in the war, the war was over on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. In all, there were 30 million casualties worldwide, civilian and military. Mr. Speaker, after the war, the United States became an international power. So 114,000 doughboys died over there in the great World War I. When they got home, an equal number died from the Spanish flu that they had contracted when they were in Europe. Mr. Speaker, we remember them all 100 years ago this year, for the worst casualty of war is to be forgotten. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the State of Israel has always been threatened by nations and terror groups that hate Israel simply because it is a Jewish state. In recent years, the threats to Israel have become even more dangerous. Just this week, 16 people were wounded in a bus bombing in Jerusalem. The volatile civil war in Syria has allowed the region to become a full-blown terrorist haven which directly threatens Israeli security. Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate, the al Nusrah Front, has literally straddled the Syrian-Israeli border. ISIS, which is even more brutal than al-Qaeda, controls large parts of Syria and Iraq, and it won't be long before they turn their sights on Israel. Lebanese Hezbollah, which is also heavily imbedded in the Syrian civil war, acts as Iran's terrorist proxy. Iran has moved advanced weapons systems into Lebanon, including anti-ship cruise missiles, air defense systems, and precision-guided surface-to-surface missiles. That means Hezbollah has an estimated 150,000 missiles sitting in their stockpile. Equally concerning is that Hezbollah is amassing valuable tactical experience while fighting in this Syrian civil war that could be used against Israel. Compounding the terrorist threat in Israel is the recent spate of Palestinian lone-wolf attacks, which include stabbings, vehicle ramming, and shootings. The latest wave of attacks has killed 34 people and injured over 400. Among those killed were two American citizens: Ezra Schwartz of Massachusetts and Taylor Force from my home state of Texas. These attacks are directly fueled by the hateful incitement of the Palestinian Authority which must be stymied. Meanwhile, down in Gaza, Israeli officials now believe that Hamas has completely replenished its rocket supply that Israel depleted in 2014. Just recently Israeli officials announced the discovery of a new tunnel built by Hamas into leading into Israel. The sole purpose of these tunnels is to secure arms supply lines and then strike at the heart of Israeli population centers. Aside from terrorism, the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement has led an onslaught of de-legitimization campaigns targeting Israel in recent years. Five American scholarly associations have already joined this cause citing what they refer to as Israel's ``violation of human rights.'' Interestingly, the organizations only boycott Israel and not other countries with much worse human rights records. Israel must also deal with the fallout from the Iran nuclear deal made by this Administration. Iran's most recent ballistic missile test launched missiles marked with the words ``Israel must be wiped off the earth.'' Thanks to this deal, it is only a matter of time before the mullahs in Tehran develop a nuclear weapon and aim it towards Israel. It's no wonder why Israeli leaders call the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action a ``bad deal'' that threatens Israel's survival. You would think that with all these threats facing our ally Israel, the United States would draw closer to its friend and help it protect itself. But that has not happened. Despite these threats, our relationship with Israel has become strained under this Administration. We must do more to repair our partnership and protect our friends and allies in Israel from the growing dangers that surround them. We must recognize that the threats that confront Israel also confront the United States. The same terrorist groups that want to destroy Israel also want to destroy the United States. The same Iran that calls Israel the `little Satan' also calls the United States the `Great Satan'. We must face these common threats together. And that's just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, targeted, bullied, and terrorized, these are the words that Bonnie Scott used to describe her dismissal from the Peace Corps. One month after reported allegations that another U.S. Peace Corps member had harassed and sexually assaulted two local women, Scott was dismissed--interesting. This is not the first time that we have heard of these actions. In 2015, a report found that one in five Peace Corps volunteers were victims of sexual assault. Half of the victims do not report their attacks. Many state that they were blamed by the Peace Corps for their sexual assaults. Even though Congress has passed the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011, the Peace Corps has work to do to protect these amazing ambassadors abroad. Mr. Speaker, Peace Corps volunteers are the best America has. These volunteers must know that America will protect them overseas. If a crime occurs against them, America will stand by them, not abandon them. And if a crime is committed, they need to know the crime is not their fault; it is the fault of the perpetrator. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the chairman for bringing this bill up and for his work on it in a bipartisan way. I especially want to thank Congressman Yoder for pushing this legislation that has overwhelming support in the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act was passed in 1986--30 years ago. It was an eternity. Understand that IBM invented and put on the market its first laptop in 1986. A lot has changed since that day 30 years ago. As the chairman mentioned, the cloud was where rain came from, or sometimes we see it here in Washington, D.C.--the cloud. No one even knew what that was. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act needs to be fixed because it does not protect the right of privacy of Americans. If something is stored in the cloud that is over 180 days old, then it is open season for government to seize all of that information. All governments--local or State or Federal--can go in and get those emails, texts, photographs, documents that you are storing. Up to 180 days, it is protected by the Constitution. Interesting--180 days of constitutional rights--but on the 181st day, you have no right of privacy. That is absurd. This bill fixes that former legislation. I used to be a judge in Texas for 22 years, and I had peace officers all the time come to see me who wanted a warrant. They followed the Fourth Amendment and described the place to be searched. They would go in with that warrant, after stating probable cause, and they were allowed to seize whatever they could seize under the warrant. The Fourth Amendment ought to apply today. It ought to apply in the electronic age. It ought to apply to emails that are stored in the cloud or to anything else that is stored in the cloud. If the police officers have to have a warrant to go into your house and take documents you store in your desk or wherever, then they have to have a warrant if you store documents in the cloud. That is what this legislation does, and it makes sense that we protect the constitutional right. The government cannot tap our phones without a warrant, it can't read hard mail without a warrant, and it can't enter our homes without a warrant because of the Fourth Amendment. We are unique among all peoples because we have in our Constitution the Fourth Amendment that protects Americans--I think better than any other population anywhere-- of their rights. Speaking of rights, the government doesn't have rights. People have rights, and the Bill of Rights protects the citizens of the United States. Government has authority--it has power--and if you read the Bill of Rights, the 10 Amendments especially, it is to limit government power and authority against us, the citizens. So, of course, the Fourth Amendment should apply to the Federal Government in this area. Unfortunately, we have seen in our own government abuses of the government in the area, especially of snooping and spying on Americans, with the NSA and its story that we are all familiar with. We have to control government, and it is our obligation, the House of Representatives, to protect the Constitution--the Bill of Rights especially--from government intrusion. I support this legislation. It is a good piece of legislation. I thank the chairman and the ranking member and Ms. Lofgren for her support of this legislation that we have been working on for a long time. Let Congress speak out and support the right of privacy for all Americans and keep the government out of the snooping business. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, while horrific trench warfare was taking place in Europe, half a continent away on April 25, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, ANZAC, set out to capture the Dardanelles and Gallipoli, but met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turks. It was World War I, 100 years ago. What was originally intended to quickly eliminate Turkey from the war turned into a bloody, 8-month battle. More than 8,000 Australians and 2,400 New Zealanders died in that campaign. The battle and the losses of so many caused Australians and New Zealanders to remember the sacrifice of all those who died on ANZAC Day, a day of remembrance, April 25. The Australians have built a magnificent memorial to their war dead. Having seen it, I was humbly inspired how Australians show gratitude to their fallen warriors. Mr. Speaker, join me in honoring our friends and allies, the Aussies and the Kiwis across the sea, as they honor their fallen on ANZAC Day, those who died in the war to end all wars. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, in the marshy plains where the San Jacinto River meets Buffalo Bayou, now near Houston, General Sam Houston and his volunteer Army of Texians--men from most States and several countries, including Mexico, England, and Germany--faced the invading army under dictator Santa Anna of Mexico. Texas was fighting for independence from Mexico because Mexico had abolished its democracy and became an oppressive dictatorship. It was the afternoon of April 21, 1836--180 years ago today. The Texian volunteers, although outnumbered 2-1, caught the enemy literally by surprise. On that hot afternoon, General Sam, with his Tejano Cavalry protecting the flank, charged the invaders with the battle cry: Remember the Alamo. Remember Goliad. In 18 minutes, the battle was over. Half of the enemy were killed, and the other half were captured. On that day, Texas gained freedom and independence. Sam Houston became President of the Republic of Texas. Texas was an independent country for 9 years and then joined the United States. Mr. Speaker, our past has allowed us to have today's freedom. We thank those Texian freedom fighters, on April 21, 1836, San Jacinto Day, for their bold sacrifices, for choosing freedom over tyranny and creating Texas. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court of the United States heard the historical case of United States v. Texas, on Monday, regarding executive overreach. People all over the country are interested in this case, but only a handful of spectators could see the public proceedings. The courtroom is small, and seating is limited. If the public has the right to be present in the courtroom of the Supreme Court, the public should be allowed to view the proceedings in their entirety on television or through live streaming. Imagine the benefit to law school students to see actual proceedings of the Supreme Court. Also, the public is concerned and wants to know what happens behind those closed doors. It is time to educate the world about what actually occurs in the most important court in the world-- the United States Supreme Court. I was one of the first judges in Texas to allow cameras in the courtroom. All the naysayers said it wouldn't work, but it did. It was a benefit to all. Let the world know what happens in the Supreme Court. Allow these cameras. Currently, Representative Connolly from Virginia and I are cosponsoring a bill to do exactly this. It is better to show all of the proceedings to the public than to rely on a 30-second sound bite from a news reporter on television during the 5 o'clock news. And that is just the way it is.

Mr. POE of Texas

Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, there are some truly remarkable women in history. History helps us learn who we are, and where we came from. Margaret Utinsky is one such woman. In the heat of an August summer of 1900 Margaret Utinsky was born in St. Louis, Missouri. 40 years later, World War Two broke out. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines on January 2nd, 1940 Margaret was serving as a volunteer nurse with the Red Cross. As all strong women seem to do, she worked not only as a nurse, but also became the manager of the servicemen's canteen. My mother, Dorrace Poe, served as a volunteer nurse with the Red Cross during World War Two in Temple, Texas. Nurses like my mother and Margaret were called upon by Congress in the 1905 congressional charter to ``furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies in time of war'' and to ``act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication between the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy.'' As the U.S.S. Washington sailed off into the murky ocean waters, Utinsky stood resolved. She did not leave with the Army wives, ferried off to safety. Her husband returned to serve in Batann as a civil engineer, safe from harm. Utinsky is best known for her work with the Filipino resistance movement to provide medicine, food, and other items to aid Allied prisoners of war in the Philippines during World War II. As the Japanese took the capital city of Manila, Margaret rushed off, hid in an abandoned apartment complex, and stocked it with food and medicine that she stole from the Army and Navy commissaries. For 10 weeks she hid out, desperate to save herself from the internment camps, teaching herself to type and listening to the radio. Undiscovered after ten weeks in hiding, Utinsky ventured out and sought help from the priests at Malate Convent. Through her various contacts, she obtained false papers, creating the identity of Rena Utinsky, a Lithuanian nurse. (Lithuania was a nonbelligerent country under armed occupation by Nazi Germany.) With her new identity she finally was able to find work in a Red Cross unit that was headed to Bantaan. Upon her arrival she was able to help American Soldiers who were captured by the Japanese. While treating the soldiers, she found and concealed an American flag and documents describing spy activity. After witnessing the Bataan Death March, she resolved to do all that was in her power to aid those in need. She helped build a clandestine resistance network that provided food, medicine and money to those in the POW camps at Camp O'Donnell and then later at Cabanatuan prison camp. After learning of her husband's death in a prison camp she redoubled her efforts, determined to avenge her husband's death. Suspected of aiding and saving prisoners, the Japanese arrested her. She was subjected to 32 days of torture at Fort Santiago prison. She survived daily beatings, was hung with her arms tied behind her back and was sexually assaulted. Cold bloodily, five Filipinos were beheaded directly in front of her cell. On another night, an American soldier was tied to her cell gate and beaten to death, his body disintegrating as they beat him. She then was confined to a dungeon cell, starved and malnourished for four days. Not once did she reveal her true identity. She was finally released after signing a statement attesting to her good treatment. Utinsky spent six weeks in a hospital recovering from a multitude of injuries. The doctors wanted to amputate her gangrenous leg, but she refused, terrified that she would reveal secrets while under anesthesia. The hospital was full of Japanese spies. She directed the surgeons to remove the gangrenous flesh without any type of anesthesia. Despite not having fully recovered, she left the hospital and escaped to the Bataan Peninsula. She continued to serve as a nurse with the Philippine Commonwealth troops, moving from camp to camp until liberation in February 1945. When the Allies arrived, Utinsky was taken through the Japanese lines to the Americans. She had lost 45 pounds and an inch in height. Her hair had turned solid white and she appeared to have aged 25 years. Within a few days she wrote for the Americans a list from memory, of soldiers she knew had been tortured, the names of the torturers and the names of collaborators and spies. In 1946, Utinsky was awarded the Medal of Freedom for her heroic actions, defending the lives of Americans abroad. Strong women like Utinsky are the backbone of America. They fought valiantly against those who seek to kill, destroy, and harm our men. They are unsung heroes of the Second World War. And that is just the way it is.