Pete Sessions

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James Edward Wiley, Sr., who passed away peacefully on Sunday morning of July 8, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones. Mr. James Edward Wiley, Sr., the second son of A.P. and Florence Wiley, was born in Dallas, Texas on September 16, 1925. In 1942, he graduated from Adamson High School and entered the Corps of Cadets in August later that year, upon enrolling at The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now The Texas A&M University. After completing Armor Officer Commissioning School at Fort Knox, KY, James went to the Pacific Theater with the Army Corps of Engineers and assumed command of a Japanese POW Camp before he was even twenty years of age. Once he returned to College Station, he successfully completed his engineering degree in May of 1948 and he was awarded Texas A&M's highest honor as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1990 for all his hard work and dedication to the school. Immediately following graduation from Texas A&M, James obtained a job with Robert E. McKee in their Dallas office. He helped construct many prominent additions to Dallas after the war, including the Federal Reserve Bank, Moody Coliseum, in addition to the ``new'' Parkland Hospital, just to name a few. However, in 1960, he left McKee to join his loving father and brother at Wiley Brothers General Contractors and Investment Builders where they adopted the popular model of building long-block warehouses and sub-dividing them for multi-tenant occupancy in the fast-expanding industrial parks in what became the Stemmons Corridor. When the gift of grandchildren arrived, James embraced that role wholeheartedly. James used to invite his grandchildren to accompany him into Downtown Dallas to tour them through bank lobbies, and over Christmas break, he would treat them to lunch at the rotating Antares in Reunion tower. Throughout his life, James touched the hearts of many and always led by example, and his family will continue to thrive from his leadership. James is survived by his wife Virginia; his 4 sons and their wives, Jim (Karen), Alan (Melinda), Don (Julia), and Glen (Ann); 8 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Although no words can really help to ease the loss, his life was truly a blessing and he is held very close in thought and prayer. In honor of his memory, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. James Edward Wiley, Sr. for his service to our country and his dedication to the city of Dallas.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Dallas Cowboys' Hall of Fame Quarterback Roger Staubach, with a poetic tribute by Albert Carey Caswell. Roger is a great Patriot, a fine Husband, Father, Civic Leader, and is great example for all our children to follow. He has given back tirelessly to his Nation and community. And brought two Super Bowl Championships to America's Team the Dallas Cowboys. I ask that this poem penned in his honor by Albert Carey Caswell be included in the Record. Roger That, Staubach. Captain America, Come Back. (By Albert Carey Caswell) In the Game of Life will we go deep with all our light? And in our lives what promises to our souls will we keep so bright? Will we take the high road to greatness or low road and to lose sight? And when it's third and long is it victory or defeat to which belongs? Is ours a life of honor, courage, and character so strong? And upon those football fields of green Where men of might and speed have convened With size and girth and strength to victory to glean When, came The Dallas Cowboys America's Team on the scene While, over the years has emerged here, one of the greatest franchises in The NFL's history As one Midshipman would help lead the way to franchise greatness indeed Roger That, Staubach . . . Captain America . . . Comeback to victory And on these fields of green, from where all leadership streams Is the quarterback As men of destruction come rushing in to crush you, as life gets mean Whose leadership directs the point of attack there as seen Who are armed with courage and skill Who must lead their offense into combat with their sheer will As titans amid kayos come crashing all in at speed, wreaking havoc to make you bleed For no other position demands more skill and intuition Or more guts and determination to stand tall and make split decisions With only micro seconds to make the right decisions The difference between winning and losing, while skillfully into the D they make their incisions Leading the team down the field with your heart and soul and decisions To cross that goal line for six, is but your reward for all your pain and vision in the mix They can beat you with their arms and their brains But, then there are a few with an even greater threat who maintain, the ability to run who cannot be contained Who leave the defenses behind in their dust cursing their names Turning nothing into something for victory to claim And in The NFL throughout the years Have come many men of greatness here But, only a few in The Hall of Fame will appear And there is one such name we speak of here Is Roger That, Staubach. Captain America. Comeback, clear. Roger the Dodger Staubach came from out of that Buckeye State From Ohio where such men as John Glenn and Bob Hope grew up great And shipped off to the Naval Academy where men and woman of honor they create To serve their country tis of thee for whom Heaven cannot wait Patriots of that Old Red, White, and Blue who are our Nation's Who's Who to state And soon off to war to Viet Nam for his country ready to bleed Yea, he had their six on battle fields and oceans of honor so indeed, And on fields of green in the NFL in scoring he had their six continually Who as a Patriot, A Father, A Husband, a Great Son in The Hall of Fame exceeds And when he retired he had the highest 9 year passing percentage in history Who's lived a life of duty, honor, courage, and giving back we'd see Who on America's Team Roger America's Son went deep in history Built his life on the bedrock of FAITH, FAMILY, AND FOOTBALL agreed And it was at The Naval Academy where he grew up to be all he could be Where his dye was cast, forming into the legend that today we see Winning a Heisman Trophy in 63, and soon off to war to serve his sweet country tis of thee Coming home at 27, to start all over to become as The Star of Texas one day to be With his Dallas Cowboys, on the gridiron ready to mount a new war in his quest for victory Because, Roger That, Staubach. Captain America. Comeback was born to lead, With four NFC Championships and two Super Bowl victories He helped cement the slogan America's Team today we see As he's done everything from passing titles, to Pro Bowls, to MVP's Showing us all, at crunch time in the big games Hail Mary was full of grace for him indeed While, snatching victory from defeat game after game continually As Roger The Dodger was like Elliot Ness UNTOUCHABLE, as through rushing linemen he would weave It's third and long and the game on the line, my money's on Roger That each and every time Because, the way he pull's games out in the clutch is a crime In The Game of Life do we go deep? And in our lives and souls what promises will we keep? Do we take the high road to greatness or travel low one to weep? And when it's third and long do we go strong, go deep? Spiraling towards the greatness we seek Is our's a life of honor, courage, and character which speaks? Roger That, Staubach . . . Captain America Comeback's life is of one to seek, Roger That.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the pressing issue that has the potential to exponentially worsen the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country of Syria. I know I don't need to remind this body or the American people of the dire circumstance that the Syrian people face as their country continues to be ripped apart by a known war criminal, their President, Bashar al-Assad. While millions of Syrians have fled the country, seeking asylum and safety in neighboring countries, the majority of these refugees' only hope is to one day return back to their home. However, the Syrian regime recently passed a law that will make that nearly impossible. Law 10, passed in April of this year, forces all Syrians, regardless of where they are currently residing, to register and provide proof of ownership of their private properties in Syria within 30 days, or else they will be forced to hand their properties over to the state of Syria. This amounts to a massive land grab by the corrupt Syrian regime that would essentially push out the nearly 13 million displaced Syrians and ensure that they never have a chance to return home. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that this body will understand this and we will speak loudly. I urge my colleagues and this administration to take a serious and critical look at this law that would have far-reaching implications for the United States and our allies who have offered these refugees temporary asylum in our nations and the disastrous consequences for the Syrian people for generations to come.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the facts of the case tend to find themselves to the surface at some point or another, and, in fact, there was a vigorous debate at the Rules Committee last night, yesterday. There was a vigorous debate, and I do recognize that my Democratic colleagues simply lost the vote. It did not stop the debate, however, because an amendment was brought forward that each member of the Democratic Party voted for it at the Rules Committee. And under testimony that was given last night, it would be a counter play for the Democratic Party. When Republicans said we should not have a carbon tax, my Democratic colleagues came to the Rules Committee and argued they would be for a bill that would raise hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes that would be placed on energy in this country, hundreds of billions of dollars, at minimum. That is what they stood for. So the policy behind what we are talking about here is, we said we believe that America should have a robust energy policy that is not taxed, that harms the American people. We should have a system of not just economics, but of energy policy that would also include green energy; would also include nuclear energy, which I consider pretty clean since it is a non-emitting source; that we would also allow the marketplace to have natural gas and something which they vigorously want to defend, and that is, home heating fuel, which is diesel fuel to be dumped by the billions of gallons in the Northeast. Mr. Speaker, what we talked about yesterday also included the discussion about the Election Commission. In fiscal year 2018, funding provided $380 million across the country for the Election Assistance Commission, which was a final payment that was made in 2002, of $3.65 billion, because, you see, way back in 2002, just before that, there was an election that many people thought the outcome was wrong; so Republicans agreed we would put $3.65 billion available for States to buy what they would choose for brand new voting machines to ensure the assistance was given from the Federal Government to States for the security of the voting public. Of the 2018 funds this year, only weeks before the election, 39 percent of those dollars are still available. Thirty-nine percent has not even been asked for this year, and 19 States have yet to even ask for any application to be able to go in and update or change their system. The House Administration and the Homeland Security Committees are working diligently with law enforcement to find out what, if any, difficulty there was in the balloting process. I have no doubt--none, no doubt--that there was interference in this last campaign election by outside forces, maybe even Russians. And it might not have just been Russians. It might have been a number of people. Special Counsel Robert Mueller said we were duped; the American people were duped. We did not recognize the interference. But I don't know whether it was at the ballot box or getting people to the ballot box, their will or desire to vote, or how they would vote. I am not sure we know that yet. But the special counsel is going to let us know that. So, as we were talking about funding for 2018, 2019, Mr. Speaker, at this time there is no request for even 40 percent of the funds that we have. It is at the end of $3.65 billion. The States have had this fund available. So we think that the facts of the case, as we give them today, should be enough evidence, not only to you, Mr. Speaker, but for the American people that there is not at this time a request necessary for more money. I will cease my discussion now, Mr. Speaker, but will tell you that the resolution that is directly in front of us says we should not tax the middle class of this country, we should not tax further disabled people or the community of elderly people who have enjoyed the price of fuel going down because of what the Republican policy initiatives have enabled us to achieve. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 815) to accompany House Resolution 989 should have included the following summary of amendments: Summary of the Amendments Made in Order 1. Keating (MA): Adds Russian to the list of the languages in Sec. 1501. (10 minutes) 2. Schneider (IL): Amends Sec. 1503 to include a list of foreign state or foreign nonstate actors involved in the threats to election campaigns for Federal offices. (10 minutes) 3. Jackson Lee (TX): Amends the Sense of Congress already in the bill on the importance of re-review of security clearances held by individuals by adding consideration of whether the security clearance holder's association or sympathy with persons or organizations that advocate, threaten, or use force or violence, or any other illegal or unconstitutional means, in an effort to prevent others from exercising their rights under the Constitution or laws of the United States or of any state, including but not limited to race, religion, national origin, or disability. (10 minutes) 4. Vargas (CA): Adds ``the use of virtual currencies'' to ``section 1505'' to ensure it is included in the assessment of threat finance. (10 minutes) 5. Torres (CA), Wagner (MO): Directs Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research and the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Intelligence and Analysis, to produce a national intelligence estimate of the revenue sources of the North Korean regime. (10 minutes) 6. Hastings, Alcee (FL): Directs the Director of National Intelligence to create and implement a plan that expands the recruitment efforts of all intelligence agencies geographic parameters used in recruitment efforts so that rural and other underserved regions across the nation are more fully represented in such efforts. (10 minutes) 7. Schneider (IL), Meadows (NC), Torres (CA), Sinema (AZ): Directs the DNI to report on Iran's support for proxy forces in Syria and Lebanon, including Hizballah, and an assessment of the threat posed to Israel and other U.S. regional allies. (10 minutes) 8. Bera (CA), Connolly (VA), Garamendi (CA), Larsen, Rick (WA): Requires a briefing to relevant Congressional committees on the anticipated geopolitical effects of emerging infectious disease and pandemics, and their implications on the national security of the United States. (10 minutes) 9. Kennedy (MA): Requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report on the potential establishment of the ``Foreign Malign Influence Response Center,'' comprised of analysts from all elements of the intelligence community, to provide comprehensive assessment of foreign efforts to influence United States political processes and elections. (10 minutes) 10. Rice, Kathleen (NY), King, Peter (NY): Requires the Director of National Intelligence to report on the possible exploitation of virtual currencies by terrorist actors. (10 minutes) 11. Lipinski (IL): Requires an annual report from the Director of National Intelligence describing Iranian expenditures on military and terrorist activities outside the country, such as on Hezbollah, Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hamas, and proxy forces in Iraq and Syria. (10 minutes) 12. Davidson (OH): Enhances oversight by augmenting existing semiannual reporting requirements regarding disciplinary actions. (10 minutes)

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American Icon and National Treasure. An American Hero, and a man for all seasons, former Senate Leader Robert J. Dole on his upcoming 95th birthday. I include in the Record this poem penned in his honor by Albert Carey Caswell. Bob Dole! Bob Dole! (By Albert Carey Caswell)

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of America's 242nd birthday this Fourth of July, with a poetic tribute penned by Albert Carey Caswell to be included in the Record. Born on the Fourth of July (By Albert Carey Caswell) Born on The Fourth of July As out towards Freedom and Independence a future Nation would cry With its Founding Fathers casting their dye With a Decoration of Independence, they all signed Knowing full well it could mean death they would find Declaring a Decoration of Independence was but their battle cry As Thomas Jefferson created a work of art which now stands the test of time And a Constitution so sublime Sent out into a future for a world to remind Of what hearts of courage full in search for Independence and Freedom can find As a template, to build the very bedrock upon which will stand the sands of time And on this day with all of our families celebrating we must find The cost of Freedom for all of us to remind As we should stand with tear in eye In our Nation's Pride For all of our brave men and women, who throughout the generations have fought and died, Of such selfless sacrifice so fine With hearts of courage full in our Lord's eyes so divine Who one day a place in heaven would find As now comes to mind Are all of those families who are no longer together in time Who together no longer can celebrate this Fourth of July As its for them and their lost loved ones we cry Who we should be worshiped on high, So as we watch the rockets' red glare, And all those fireworks exploding in air, Holding our families close there, Remember all of those who throughout the generations who've cared. Those brave women and men like our Founding Forefathers who've dared To stand tall and fight for our Freedoms and Independence we declared And how the cost of Freedoms leaves these families hearts of the lost loved ones so bare Who live with the kind of pain only Heaven can repair. So, on this day give thanks and give prayer For all the magnificent and their families who took up the battle who dared And fight for our Freedom and Independence declare As it all started 242 years ago When the blossoms of Freedom were planted to bloom and grow All planted by our Founding Fathers there so Declaring a Declare ration of Independence for all the world to know And nourished throughout the years, by all of our braves sons and daughters here Who have shed their blood and tears And died here In this Home of The Brave and Land of The Free that we endear So, as you gaze into Old Glory, that Red, White, and Blue Let's remember our Forefathers Declaration of Independence and all those Patriots, who are America's real Who's Who And what was Born on The Fourth of July so true.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory and in sorrow of the passing of a great Patriot and American Journalist Dr. Charles Krauthammer, with a poetic tribute by Albert Carey Caswell. Charles' inspirational life is a lesson to us all about CHARACTER, FAITH, COURAGE, HOPE, and GOING FOR IT. He was a genius armed with a brilliant mind, wit, and intellect. Composing works of art on paper and on the screen. Our prayers go out to him and his beloved wife Robin and son Daniel. I include in the Record this poem penned in his honor by Albert Carey Caswell. A Beautiful Mind in Memory of Dr. Charles Krauthammer A Great American Patriot and Journalist and A Life Well Led [By: Albert Carey Caswell] A beautiful mind So brilliant and fine A life of mind over matter you will find, With no mountain to high to climb Of a life well led in his time And when our life is over and done. What have we left behind to all among To so teach our young Have we shined like the Sun? Or left this world in regret at what we should have done With only a few verses in our lives to be sung As we curse the brevity of life wishing for more to come. Will we seize the moment in what we have done? And live with no regrets when all is said and done And give the world a nudge Yea, Charles was The Samson in Journalism who gave our world a budge If only they could remember what they've forgotten what blessings would come Yea, Charles you went deep in your life leaving nothing on the field my son Like a Mozart or Picasso, an artist composing Master pieces with thoughts and words of such a sum With a beautiful mind and life which reads like nobility in all he has done Turning tragedy into triumph as from where he had come Turning opportunity into success as to it he'd run Working for a President had this one Not afraid to question himself America's son An American Patriot through and through who loved his country to it heart he'd run Who coined The Reagan Doctrine this one As he believed in his self with each new journey he begun As why Sir Charles stands as American Royalty in Journalism this one Armed with his fine soul and integrity a cut above all the other ones Who masquerade and lose their way in their sacred charge for truth begun Who are the fourth pillar in this great Republic which relies and depends upon For your lessons Charles are of Gold to all among About taking life's hardest falls to rise up against all odds like the morning sun And not to wallow in self-pity, but with your light to shine and overcome To laugh and love all in your short time to come And not let the darkness of the world make you succumb When, courage comes to crest It's there you'll we find throughout history came America's best As you Charles who our Nation has blessed As Father, a Husband, a Journalist, and a citizen of the world who would not rest Excelling at each and every one of those to bring your best, Someone to look up to as we were your guest. As a man of character and class the likes of Edward R Murrow, for the truth you too would not rest Giving no one a pass So articulate and witty, and armed with such a beautiful mind all others surpassed

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to an issue that could threaten the close relationship our country shares with the Republic of Georgia. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Georgia. Since that time, Georgia has evolved into a strong ally of the United States with Georgians and Americans serving side-by-side in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Georgia has provided more troops in support of combat operations in Afghanistan on a per-capita basis than any other country in the world. The country also plays a key role in the Northern Distribution Network lines of communication that support NATO efforts in Afghanistan. While Georgia and the United States have been great allies these past 25 years, that relationship is now under threat. Recently, the Government of Georgia began to take a series of aggressive and discouraging actions towards American companies operating in Georgia. Over the past year, I have received reports of increased mistreatment and harassment of American and European companies. In this time, we have also seen reports of favorable outreach to companies from Russia, Iran, and China. Simply put, this is a warning signal that should be taken very seriously. Furthermore, in February of this year, our Director of National Intelligence, Daniel Coats, issued his office's ``Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community''. Specifically, he highlighted issues with Georgia's recent ruling party as a top concern given their propensity for stifling political opposition, consolidating power, and causing internal issues as Georgia continues to face external threats from Russia. Moving forward, it is my hope that the Government of Georgia will adhere to and respect the rule of law with regards to international obligations and the protection of intellectual property rights. In respecting and honoring freely negotiated conditions of both existing and future business investments from the United States, the Government of Georgia would serve to reaffirm and demonstrate their commitment to the shared principles of a fair and democratic market economy and our critically important transatlantic strategic partnership.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 766) to accompany House Resolution 949 should have included in its waiver of all points of order against consideration of H.R. 6 a disclosure of the following violation: Clause 12(a)(1) of rule XXI, requiring a comparative print to be made publicly available prior to consideration of a bill amending or repealing statutes to show, by typographical device, parts of statute affected. While the waiver is necessary because the document was not available prior to consideration of the bill, it is important to note that it was available before the vote on final passage.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 772) to accompany House Resolution 954 should have included in its waiver of all points of order against consideration of H.R. 4760 a disclosure of the following violation: Clause 12(a)(1) of rule XXI, requiring a comparative print to be made publicly available prior to consideration of a bill amending or repealing statutes to show, by typographical device, parts of statute affected.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Washington, a member of the Rules Committee, for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I really came down here to take part in this debate because, yesterday, for 7 hours, we were at the Rules Committee laying out what are known as Goodlatte 1 and Goodlatte 2, these two bills. This is the rule on what might be called Goodlatte 2. This is a rule and a piece of legislation that represents several years' worth of work that was done by Members of the Republican majority to approach an issue that is known as DACA. It is to take some 700,000 young people, and slightly older, who came to America not because they did it on their own fruition as even a young adult, but as a child, where they could not make a decision. They came with their parents to this country. We have been struggling for years to find the right answer on how to answer the question of how to deal with these Dreamers. It is the Republican Party that was challenged by our President who said: I would like for Congress to tackle this issue. It was the President of the United States that began debate and discussion on a bipartisan basis with Republicans and Democrats, Senators and House Members, down at the White House. It found itself at a point where, then, Members came back here and began working together. It did fall apart, but it did not end. It did not end because the Republican Party in our majority have groups of people who are from all across this country, as we have a Congressman Curbelo from Miami, Florida, as we have a Dan Newhouse from the State of Washington. Each of these Members have care and concern about people who live in their district and who have come and petitioned them: Please, Congressman Newhouse, do something. What did they ask for? They asked for two things, very simply. They asked: Please allow us to come out of the shadows and recognize us. And, secondly: Give us legal status.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, we are out of time. Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what these bills do. They address the issue in a compassionate, fair way. They address the issues of coming out of the shadows, and they are given permanent legal status that gives them options for the rest of their life. I think that what we have done, Mr. Speaker, is more than what we were asked, and to not be a part of taking a vote on this today and voting ``yes'' is another opportunity that we are given here today. I hope the Members understand the importance.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republican of Azerbaijan for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was celebrated on May 28, 2018. In the Republic of Azerbaijan, May 28th is known as the ``Republic Day''. This past Republic Day celebrated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first secular parliamentary republic in the Muslim VVorld. In 1991, the United States recognized Azerbaijan as an independent state following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and established diplomatic relations the following year. I would like to highlight that, over the last 26 years, Azerbaijan has established itself as a reliable friend of the United States. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, Azerbaijan has been a critical ally of the United States in combating international terrorism through several joint U.S.- Azerbaijani operations in Afghanistan, the Balkans, and Iraq. On a more international level, Azerbaijan has strong economic, military, and strategic ties to Israel, representing one of Israel's greatest allies in the region. Azerbaijan's energy sector is also key to combating Russian influences across the region. Altogether, the country plays a critical role in the diversification of energy routes, and helps support allies of the United States' allies by doing so. I would like to formally congratulate the Republican of Azerbaijan for the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, and I look forward to continued strong relations between the United States and Azerbaijan for many years to come.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, on June 15, 2018, I was absent. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 267 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 268.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 751) to accompany House Resolution 934 included an incorrect amendment header for the text of amendments made in order to Part A. The correct amendment header should have read: Part A--Text of Amendments to H.R. 2851 Made in Order.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of The Fathers of the Armed Forces, on this coming Fathers Day and their families. Who throughout the generations have selflessly sacrificed for us in the name of freedom. Take time to pause and reflect and give thanks. I ask this poem penned in their honor by Albert Carey Caswell be included in the Record. The Faith of Our Fathers The Faith of our Fathers, The Fathers of Freedom, The Fathers of War, The men who go off to battle and leave all they adore. Who throughout the generations, for all of us, fought and died For our freedom, giving up their arms and legs and so much more And come home and live with PTS, The Scars of War, All so we can live in this Nation we adore, And then there are the ones who aren't coming home anymore. Who lie in cold quiet graves lost in distant shores, Who gave That Last Full Measure. This Father's Day remember all of those who represent America's greatest of treasures, Our selfless Fathers of Freedom, The Angels adore, Who with The Faith of Our Fathers fought and died for. So this Fathers Day, as you sit down to break bread, With your beloved Father and all that will be said, Remember there are Fathers all around the world who for us have led, And died and bled. Who have wives and precious boys and girls in harms way in sleepless beds, Who won't be together this day, As it's The Faith of Our Fathers who lead the way, On this Fathers Day. So give thanks and give praise, And say a prayer for all of those families in anguish who live day to day, And remember over decades what The Faith of Our Fathers have made In this Land of The of Free, in this Home of The Brave, And what they give and what they gave, And The Magnificent Faith of Our Fathers on this Fathers Day, Who pray for peace everyday.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my outgoing Chief of Staff, Kyle Matous. Kyle grew up in Temple, Texas, and graduated in 2007 from the University of Virginia, where he studied American Politics and completed his undergraduate degree in three years. Following UVA, he attended law school at Pepperdine University. During law school, Kyle clerked for the Ugandan Commercial Court in Kampala, Uganda. After law school, Kyle started working on the Hill as a Staff Assistant for the House Rules Committee for Chairman David Dreier in 2012. Then when I became Chairman of the House Rules Committee in 2013, Kyle served as my Policy Assistant for nine months with the committee before moving to work for my personal office as a Legislative Assistant. Shortly thereafter, he rejoined the House Rules Committee as my Policy Director in 2014 and then he became my Chief of Staff on January 1, 2016. Kyle has been an exceptional staff member of both my personal office and the House Rules Committee. He has shown his dedication to promoting excellence and making the workplace a fun place to be. I Thank him for all the support and goodwill he has shown each and every one of us over the years. We wish Kyle boundless success as he leaves the Hill to join the government relations team for the ONE Campaign. Congratulations, and best of luck.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 711) to accompany House Resolution 918 included an incorrect amendment description of amendment No. 14 offered by Representative Nolan of Minnesota. The correct amendment description should read: Expresses the sense of Congress that the construction of a new lock at the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is vital to our national economy, national security, and national need for new critical infrastructure.

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, the Rules Committee report (H. Rept. 115- 711) to accompany House Resolution 918 should have included in its waiver of all points of order against amendments to H.R. 8 a disclosure of following violation: Clause 9 of rule XXI, which requires a list of all earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits contained in an amendment to a bill or joint resolution to be offered at the outset of its consideration for amendment by a member of a committee of initial referral as designated in a report of the Committee on Rules to accompany a resolution, or a certification that the amendment does not contain any of those items. While a statement has not yet been printed in the Congressional Record for amendment No. 1 offered by Rep. Shuster, it is important to note that Rep. Shuster filed the required earmark statement on June 6, 2018, prior to floor consideration of the bill and amendment.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of the eight students and two teachers who were horrifically massacred during the Santa Fe High School shooting. Our prayers go out to them and their families, and the wounded. I include in the Record this poem penned in their memory by Albert Carey Caswell. A Nation's Tears (By Albert Carey Caswell) A Nation's tears So lie here For all those lost loved ones so dear And their hearttbroken families gathered here. A Nation's tears As now appear All in the darkest here In a parent's worst fears In what evil has reared In the darkest of all hearts which appeared. Young beautiful children with such great futures near With so many moments up ahead of happiness in the coming years, Now disappear. Our children are but the very hope of the world so very clear, To hold in our arms and hearts to endear And those teachers so here, Whose whole life was dedicated to teaching the ones we hold dear. Now, with all the families left in tears, With the kind of pain only Heaven can heal. When, united once again as Angels in arms they feel As we will remember their beautiful faces, to warm our hearts in all those cold places And remember their smiles and try not to cry for a while And may all the wounded bind up their wounds, and for their fellow lost students and teachers ever shoot for the moon. A Nation's tears Trying somehow to make sense of all this here, As one things stands clear, There is darkness And there is light All in this battle from the beginning in sight, Of Good versus Evil, Of Dark versus Light, In hearts let us remember the darkness is no match for the light, The kind which in those lost students and teacher which burned bright. Let us find peace Let us find rest By keeping them in our hearts, and by leading the lives of the best. To make a difference with our light in the time we have left, And now we lay them down to rest. We pray our Lord their souls to bless, And their loved one's pain ease no less. But, take heart for these, live now as Angel's in the Army of our Lord in peace And they will watch over you day and night, and in your sleep And when there comes a gentle, their tears shall wash down you to ease your pain Until, up in Heaven you meet again and you won't have to cry no more.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of The Fallen and their families this Memorial Day. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families, Brothers and Sisters in Arm. I ask that this poem penned in their honor by Albert Carey Caswell be included in the Record. With Hearts So Deep, In Honor of the Fallen This Memorial Day (By Albert Carey Caswell) With hearts so deep, their vowels would keep Who went off to war For all the more And came back home no more. Who died and bled on battlefields of honor said, of blood, death, and gore For all their Brothers and Sisters in Arms the more The ones who live no more Who with hearts so deep so fought for All our freedom and peace, and the ones to their left and right in their beliefs Who in dark cold graves now their precious bodies sleep While, across this Nation their loved one's weep. As such pain they keep In hearts so deep And all those children who grew up without the best friends to hearts so speak As we now so weep On the land, air, md sea to seek Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and The Marines we speak To rein down upon the enemy such destruction reek, For that old Red, White, and Blue which speaks Who throughout the generations stood with the greatest of all hearts so deep As our Nation's greatest of treasures, the ones who Gave That Last Full Measure did each With hearts so deep Sadly, for any Nation to survive Some of her most precious must lay down their lives The price of freedom so high As the Angels up in Heaven begin to cry As up to Heaven, New Angels begin to rise With hearts so deep. So, all in yours this Memorial Day we ask you to seek, their memories, give prayers and thanks to each And remember how our freedom throughout the generations we keep All because of such magnificent With Hearts So Deep.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I be considered as the first sponsor of H. Con. Res. 72, originally introduced by Representative Meehan of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. SESSIONS

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

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, community associations are an expanding phenomenon and the preferred form of new residential developments approved by local governments across this country. These developments consist of planned communities in the form of condominiums, cooperatives, and single-family homes. Local governments appreciate these developments because they offer residents private amenities such as pools, sport courts, parks, walking trails, and other amenities that would otherwise be provided and maintained with public dollars. In fact, an estimated $88 billion is collected annually in dues from community association residents to pay for essential association obligations including the installation and maintenance of amenities. The growth of planned communities is showcasing a residency choice selected by more and more Americans each year. As of 2017, approximately 70 million Americans reside in nearly 350,000 community associations across the country. Residents enjoy this type of living for a number of reasons including a sense of community, access to aforementioned private amenities, enforcement of aesthetic standards set by the community, and regular maintenance of common areas. With democratically elected resident board members who volunteer to serve their community, this is arguably the most local form of government (quasi) that exists. Related to this, an estimated 2.36 million residents volunteer for service on their community's board of directors or other committees performing 80 million hours of volunteer service valued at $1.93 billion. Those are significant numbers. The financial benefit enjoyed by residents in planned communities is that home values are historically four to five percent higher than homes that are not in planned communities. That translates into the positive protection of property values in these communities and a higher return on investment when it comes time for owners to sell. Mr. Speaker, it is worth noting that approximately half of these communities are self-managed either with just volunteers or professional staff hired and managed directly by the association's board of directors. The rest of these associations hire professional management companies to manage the operation of their communities and/ or their finances and provide counsel to the board of directors. Personally, I'm proud of the fact that the largest community association management company, Associa, is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, in my Congressional District. Associa employs nearly 10,000 people across North America in 180 office locations operating in 35 states as well as Canada and Mexico. Associa manages roughly 10,000 communities, comprising more than 2.5 million units, and housing more than 5 million residents. Associa is a privately-owned company that was started by John Carona more than 40 years ago and he continues to lead the industry with constant innovation and unparalleled customer service. John is not only a successful businessman, but he is a humble public servant having served 24 years in the Texas State Legislature. I am proud to call him a supporter and friend of mine. Mr. Speaker, I offer these comments today because as community associations continue to grow they also continue to evolve as does the community association management industry. I am pleased that management companies like Associa are not satisfied with business-as-usual but rather choose to invest in world-class employee training and cutting edge technologies for their clients. By doing so, they help ensure well-run community associations and well-informed board members and residents. I extend my appreciation to Associa's employees and to the volunteers in community associations around the country for their service to their clients and communities.