Pete Sessions

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. The bill that we are talking about, again, is a large bill, $400 billion worth of spending, very few committee markups, committee hearings. We heard that they could not negotiate with the President because they didn't want to have to make tough decisions to fit within a box the package that would be, I think, best for the American people, $400 billion more worth of spending. Borrowed money is difficult for the United States, and it's my hope that sometime during this process that my friends the Democrats are going through that they will recognize that borrowing money is a sad way to run the business.

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

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the students of Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas, Texas for their commitment to reducing the number of ``cheese'' users at school. ``Cheese'' is a deadly combination of black tar heroin and over-the-counter drugs. The addictive combination has taken the lives of numerous teenagers in the Dallas area in the past few years. Since the first case of cheese was discovered at Thomas Jefferson High School in 2005, it has been considered the epicenter of the cheese epidemic and garnered national attention for the issue. However, a group of students--known as the ``Street Team''--decided to take action against this deadly drug trend in their school. These students took the initiative to create and implement a program that catered to the specific environment at their school. With the support of the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (GDCADA) and the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), they embarked on a multi-faceted social norms campaign to educate their peers and change the perception of cheese usage on campus. By correcting the perception of cheese use, they were able to also change behavior. I applaud the effort of the ``Street Team,'' the students of Thomas Jefferson and the faculty who have supported them to reduce cheese use on campus.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, because there were no hearings held on this subject, many, many Republicans are coming down to the floor today to give their feedback and thoughts on this issue. Our next speaker is one of the most thoughtful and caring Members of Congress. I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Fort Worth, Texas (Ms. Granger).

Mr. SESSIONS. I give the gentleman 30 additional seconds.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this completely closed rule and to the ill-conceived underlying legislation. Madam Speaker, the gentleman from Colorado, who has extended me the time, well understands, as a freshman, that we have a good number of new Members to this body and who will be making a decision and voting for very important public policy decisions. It's my hope today that I will be able to gather together an argument, not to rebut the gentleman, but to show him and many of his other new colleagues, my new colleagues, why the statement ``cost effective and common sense'' does not apply to the SCHIP bill that the gentleman brings forth today. Madam Speaker, 2 weeks ago I questioned my Democrat colleagues about their claim to be the most honest, open and transparent House in history when they tout that that is what the leadership of this body is attempting to accomplish. Once again, I will question that claim, because we're provided with a product and a process that is none of the above. I know that the gentleman on the Rules Committee had a chance, just last night, to hear a debate in the Rules Committee about this SCHIP bill. And I believe that that hearing would produce enough evidence to suggest that this bill is neither cost effective nor common sense. Since the beginning of the 111th Congress, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have had no regard--no regard--for regular order and continue to cram legislation through this body without Republican input. When I came to the floor last month to oppose the previous version of this legislation, I explained my opposition on the way that it had been brought to the floor without a single legislative markup. So unfortunately, the new Members of this body, unless they serve on the Rules Committee, have not heard the real facts of the case. The real facts of the case, unfortunately, have not changed. In fact, neither Republican leadership nor Republican members on the Energy and Commerce Committee have had any opportunity to participate in crafting this 280-plus pages piece of legislation. I will repeat that. Republican members or Republican leadership have had no chance to craft any part of this 280-page legislative bill. On January 12 of this year, my Republican colleagues and myself sent to President Obama and Speaker Pelosi, which I would like included in the Record, a letter outlining what Republicans would like to see the majority party, the Democrats, consider before expanding the current SCHIP program. We still, as of this morning, have received no answer, no answer, to a forthright and open letter. In responding to this, we are simply asking today on the floor of the House of Representatives for the opportunity not only to be heard but also to make sure that the newest Members of this body have a chance to know the facts of the case. And in reauthorizing this program, the first priority should be, should be, to make sure that our Nation's poorest uninsured children are covered. The intent of the program is that. And we must first fulfill that goal. Currently, at least two-thirds of the children who do not have health insurance are already eligible for Federal help through either SCHIP or Medicaid. The second priority is to ensure that SCHIP does not replace or significantly impact those who already have private health insurance and replace it with a government-run program. Speaking of common sense, why would you take someone who has private health insurance and move them to a government-run program? Madam Speaker, if this legislation passes, we know that there are 2.4 million children who will be moved from private insurance to SCHIP, a program that reimburses physicians 30 to 50 percent less than private health insurance. As a matter of fact, last night in the Rules Committee, there was in the debate that took place an acknowledgment from the Democrat side lead who said, yes, he did understand. They're even having problems getting physicians who will accept the patients because of the reduction in the reimbursement. Common sense would tell you that alone is not cost effective nor common sense. More to my point about the newest Members of this body understanding the facts of the case because regular order did not take place, how would we expect them to know what they were going to vote on? Congress should be encouraging superior health care for our Nation's children, not undermining it. That is common sense. Furthermore, a citizenship verification standard is critical to ensuring that only U.S. citizens and certain legal immigrants are allowed to access taxpayer-funded benefits, not illegal immigrants. The underlying legislation takes out from the law and offers no safeguards to ensure a check that it will be for American children before illegal immigrants. Once again, cost effective, and once again, common sense for the new Members of this body. The Democrats' proposed $32.8 billion expansion of a program that has yet to accomplish its original intent is typical of my friends on the other side. My friends, the Democrats, continue to push their government-run health care agenda, ``universal coverage'' as they call it, even though this legislation moves 2.4 million children currently on private health coverage to an inferior public program with less access. Common sense says you should not be doing that. So, then, with physicians scaling back on Medicaid and SCHIP due to the extremely low government reimbursement rate, why would we want to subject 4 million more children to this type of care? Once again, the standard of common sense. I don't know that this bill passes that hurdle. Madam Speaker, it seems likely that my Democratic colleagues are putting their agenda first, not our children's health care. In the days where Congress is faced with a second $350 billion financial services bailout and a proposed $1.2 trillion stimulus package, is the Federal Government in any financial shape to be financing health care costs for children who are already receiving priority health insurance? Once again, the test of common sense and cost effectiveness would fail this legislation. The current legislation before us recklessly increases entitlement spending by at least $73.3 billion over the next 10 years. That is increasing it due to the new entitlements. That is neither cost effective nor common sense. This expansion will allow SCHIP to grow at an annual rate of 23.7 percent over the next 5 years. Once again, not cost effective and not common sense. Based on the Treasury Department's financial report, the government has $56 trillion in unfunded liabilities, the majority of which are in the Federal Government's health care program. Why not do something that would be for the Nation's poorest children rather than trying to push 2.4 million more children, unless you have a political agenda rather than a public policy agenda? Each year that Congress fails to act on a solution, the long-term problem grows by $2 to $3 trillion. Do my friends on the other side of the aisle not see the writing on the wall? Where is common sense? Madam Speaker, last week, a bipartisan group of Members voted against the Democratic Party's $1.2 trillion stimulus package. Not only was the Democrat plan full of wasteful government spending that would not stimulate the economy, but my friends on the other side of the aisle shut out Republicans from the process much as they are doing today. The American people are hurting. And the economy is struggling. Americans know that we cannot borrow and spend our way back to a growing economy. Republicans have a plan for fast-acting tax relief that will release the resources and creativity of the American people to create 6.2 million new jobs. Madam Speaker, I ask my Democrat colleagues, if the American people had the choice between fast-acting tax relief and slow, wasteful government spending, which would they choose? Trust me. A number of Democrats and every single Republican knew the answer on this floor. It is common sense to vote ``no.'' This so-called ``stimulus bill'' includes $524 billion in spending provisions, $3 billion in prevention and wellness, including $400 million for STD prevention, sexually transmitted disease prevention, and $600 million to buy new cars for government workers. That will make sure we don't have to ask for reform out of the Big Three auto makers. We will just buy them at the current rate. The bill includes $150 million for building repairs for the Smithsonian, $1 billion for follow-up on the 2010 Census that does not even begin until April 1, 2010, $1 billion for Amtrak which has not turned a profit in 40 years, $400 million for global-warming research, and another $2.2 billion for carbon-capture demonstration projects. The list goes on and on and on. The American people deserve to know how their hard-earned tax dollars will stimulate the economy, not government spending where Washington gets fatter, but those with good explanations so that the American people have confidence, not only in Congress, but in their own individual Member of Congress who casts that vote. If expanding SCHIP to families making $80,000 a year isn't enough, as this bill does, last week my Democrat colleagues voted in favor of making Wall Street millionaires and billionaires, like the former Lehman Brothers CEO, who was reported to have earned nearly half a billion dollars in compensation, eligible for public health subsidies. Approximately $100 billion of our friends', the Democrats', $1.2 trillion stimulus is the bailout for the failing Medicaid program. One such bailout provision is section 3003, which expands Medicaid eligibility to all individuals currently receiving unemployment benefits, regardless of their personal income or financial assets. Boy, once again that standard of common sense and cost effectiveness that my good friend from Colorado talked about is simply not there. Madam Speaker, why are our friends, the Democrats, trying to force American taxpayers to pay for free health coverage for the very same executives who helped create the financial crisis in the stimulus package able to get this help? Adding another trillion dollars to the Federal deficit and swelling the number of persons dependent on subsidized, government-run health care is hazardous to the health of the American economy and an unfair burden to place on our grandchildren. The American people want more than just welfare. They want freedom. They want jobs. They want a real stimulus package and a real SCHIP bill. That's what this Congress is failing to provide. The American people want more innovation, more efficiency, more accountability, and they want cost effectiveness and common sense. Evidently, this body is in short supply of each of those items under this leadership. The American people hate waste in government, but our friends, the Democrats, who are the majority party, are spending like never before, delaying even the thought of addressing the underlying programs of the already burdensome Medicaid and SCHIP programs. My friends on the other side of the aisle seem to be playing with money that does not even exist. We are printing it at this time. The printing presses are alive and working 24 hours a day, just simply first to meet the $700 billion bailout, and then to prepare for the $1.3 trillion stimulus package that is prepared for the President's signature soon. So what's next? A $32.8 billion expansion of SCHIP, and finally, the massive omnibus which is expected this week or next. We should be demanding more accountability. We should be demanding cost effectiveness, and we should be demanding common sense. That's what the American people want, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, we need a fast-acting tax relief bill that will stimulate the economy and create jobs. We cannot borrow and spend our way out of this crisis. We need to secure the original intent of the current government programs before expanding additional programs. I came to Congress to protect the American taxpayer, which is why I encourage my colleagues to oppose this rule and the underlying legislation. Washington, DC, January 12, 2009. President-elect Barack Obama, Presidential Transition Office, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, Capitol, Washington, DC. Dear President-elect Obama and Speaker Pelosi: Thank you for expressing your desire to work with us to address the needs of the American people. We recognize that reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is an early legislative priority, and we hope that you will consider this legislation to be one of the first opportunities for bipartisan cooperation. During the last Congress, significant efforts were made in an attempt to address concerns raised by House Republicans about how the underlying bills would impact uninsured children. Despite the progress that was made, there are still a few outstanding issues that we hope you agree should be addressed when we work to reauthorize the program this year: Serving Eligible Low-income Children First SCHIP is intended to serve those that are neediest first. As low-income families continue to face more economic insecurity, providing access to affordable health care coverage, regardless of any job change or displacement, should be our first priority. The legislation should demand success from the states in enrolling poor and low-income children below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, especially those who are currently eligible for Medicaid and/ or SCHIP, but are not yet enrolled. Demanding success from the states could be as simple as requiring that states meet a threshold of enrollment before further expansions. Nearly all the states have demonstrated over the past year to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that meeting this standard is indeed possible. Furthermore, in the current economic environment, several states have indicated that they will be experiencing shortfalls that could impact their ability to provide Medicaid benefits and services. Asking states to expand their SCHIP program before they are able to finance their existing Medicaid program would be a mistake. Expanding SCHIP to higher income families will only exacerbate the real access to care problem in the Medicaid program. Citizenship Status We believe that only U.S. citizens and certain legal residents should be permitted to benefit from a program like SCHIP. We also think it is fair to say that both parties believe that our immigration system is broken. That is why it is so important that the legislation include stronger provisions to prevent fraud by including citizenship verification standards to ensure that only eligible U.S. citizens and certain legal residents are enrolled in the program. Protecting Private Insurance Options We agree that those with private coverage should not be forced into a government-run plan. SCHIP legislation should focus expansion efforts on children who are currently uninsured instead of moving children who have private health insurance options into government-run health insurance. Moving a child from private health insurance to government- run health insurance should not be part of your stated goal of providing SCHIP for 10 million children, a number we assume to be targeted towards low-income uninsured children. Stable Funding Source In order to guarantee access to the program and long term stability, SCHIP should be funded through a stable funding source, not budget gimmicks. Further, the legislation should not include extraneous provisions unrelated to SCHIP that limit patient choice or prohibit access to quality medical care. Our nation's Governors need a stable SCHIP program so they may properly budget. Every American faces the crushing burden of a declining economy. This should not be a time Congress raises taxes, especially on the poorest Americans, to finance program expansions as part of the SCHIP reauthorization bill. We believe these to be critical elements to improve this vital program that if fully incorporated would dramatically increase bipartisan support for the legislation. Thank you for the consideration of this request. We look forward hearing from you and working with you towards a bipartisan agreement. Sincerely, Robert B. Aderholt, Steve Austria, Michele Bachmann, Spencer Bachus, J. Gresham Barrett, Roscoe G. Bartlett, Joe Barton, Judy Biggert, Gus M. Bilirakis, Rob Bishop, Marsha Blackburn, Roy Blunt, John A. Boehner, Mary Bono Mack, John Boozman, Charles W. Boustany, Jr., Kevin Brady, Paul C. Broun, Henry E. Brown, Jr., Ginny Brown- Waite, Michael C. Burgess, Dan Burton, Steve Buyer, Ken Calvert, Dave Camp, Eric Cantor, John R. Carter, Bill Cassidy, Jason Chaffetz, Howard Coble, Mike Coffman, Tom Cole, K. Michael Conaway, Ander Crenshaw, John Abney Culberson, Geoff Davis, Nathan Deal, David Dreier, Mary Fallin, Jeff Flake, John Fleming, J. Randy Forbes, Jeff Fortenberry, Virginia Foxx, Trent Franks, Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, Phil Gingrey, Louie Gohmert, Bob Goodlatte, Kay Granger, Sam Graves, Ralph M. Hall, Doc Hastings, Dean Heller, Jeb Hensarling, Wally Herger, Peter Hoekstra, Duncan Hunter, Bob Inglis, Darrell E. Issa, Lynn Jenkins, Sam Johnson, Walter B. Jones, Jim Jordan, Steve King, Jack Kingston, Mark Steven Kirk, John Kline, Doug Lamborn, Christopher John Lee, Jerry Lewis, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Cynthia M. Lummis, Daniel E. Lungren, Donald A. Manzullo, Kevin McCarthy, Thaddeus G. McCotter, Patrick T. McHenry, John M. McHugh, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Jeff Miller, Sue Wilkins Myrick, Devin Nunes, Pete Olson, Erik Paulsen, Mike Pence, Joseph R. Pitts, Todd Russell Platts, Ted Poe, Bill Posey. Tom Price, Adam H. Putnam, George Radanovich, Harold Rogers, Mike Rogers (MI), Thomas J. Rooney, Peter J. Roskam, Paul Ryan, Steve Scalise, Jean Schmidt, Aaron Schock, F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Pete Sessions, John B. Shadegg, John Shimkus, Bill Shuster, Michael K. Simpson, Adrian Smith, Lamar Smith, Cliff Stearns, John Sullivan, Lee Terry, Glenn Thompson, Patrick J. Tiberi, Fred Upton, Greg Walden, Zach Wamp, Lynn A. Westmoreland, Ed Whitfield, Joe Wilson, Robert J. Wittman. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Lewisville, Texas, Dr. Burgess.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 1\1/ 2\ minutes to the gentleman from Marietta, Georgia, Dr. Gingrey.

Mr. SESSIONS. I yield the gentleman 15 additional seconds.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 2\1/ 2\ minutes to the gentleman from San Dimas, California, the ranking member of the committee, Mr. Dreier. (Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Lafayette, Louisiana (Mr. Boustany).

Mr. SESSIONS. I yield the gentleman an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, if I could please inquire as to the time remaining on both sides.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, due to the time inequity at this point, I would like to reserve my time.

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, we have had a series of Members who have come to the floor--Republican Members--who have talked, I believe, very adequately about the frailties of this bill. The frailties of this bill are obvious. The gentleman representing the Democratic majority has indicated that there were two tests laid forth--cost-effectiveness and common sense. I believe that the feedback from the Members of Congress on the Republican side have enunciated and have talked about several things that are important. First of all, no hearings were held. Second of all, no Republican or bipartisan feedback was allowed in this bill. Thirdly, it is a huge expansion that will place this great Nation in terrible financial circumstances for the future. It expands a program that was working well for poor children. Lastly, it will move 2.4 million children from a private-run insurance program to a government-run insurance program. We think that is a failure. We believe the two tests have not passed. In closing, I want to say that I oppose this closed rule. With the current program not expiring until March 31 of this year, we have seen enough Members question the underlying legislation, and it deserves to be debated, I believe, openly and, I believe, in the committees of jurisdiction before we take a vote to pass on such a large expansion of a government program. This legislation spends billions of dollars to substitute superior, private health care coverage with an inferior government-run program. It enables illegal aliens to fraudulently enroll in Medicaid and SCHIP. The majority party knows that, and so does every Member of this body. The legislation increases the number of adults on SCHIP, allowing even more resources to be taken away from low-income, uninsured children who need it the most and what this legislation should be about. Madam Speaker, this legislation moves us closer and closer and closer to not only financial insanity but also to a government-run health care program and further away from access to quality health care, which is what this should be about. It should be about quality health care for poor children. That is not what we are doing here today. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the rule and ``no'' on the underlying piece of legislation because, today, unlike before today, each of my colleagues has had a chance to hear the facts of the case. The facts of the case are compelling. The test that was established by our Democrat majority colleagues about cost- effectiveness and commonsense simply does not hold water. For these reasons on these issues, I believe that the Republicans have stated the case of why we should not only vote ``no'' but why this is a bad deal not just for the taxpayers but for the children it was intended to help. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of my dear friend, Raymond L. Hargrove. He was a great American, a believer in the free enterprise system, and a kind and generous man. Born and raised in Texas, Mr. Hargrove was a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Schreiner Institute. In 1964, he founded Hargrove Electric Company, which quickly became one of most successful businesses in Dallas. He founded the Greater Dallas Electric League and served as its first president. He was always active in our community and leaves a legacy of public service and philanthropy. He deeply believed in serving this great Nation and giving selflessly for the greater good. As a member of the United States Navy, he proudly served in World War II. His generosity extended to numerous causes such as the Salvation Army, United Way, Children's Medical Center of Dallas, and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. Mr. Hargrove recognized the courage of our law enforcement men and women and did as much as possible to support them. He was also a passionate advocate of the Texas Rangers, serving as a Director Emeritus for the Texas Rangers Association Foundation. He cared deeply for his family, friends, and community, and it was evident to all who knew him. I am honored to have known him and called him my friend. He will be greatly missed. May the peace of God be with those he loved and sustain them through this hour of sorrow.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of my dear friend, Trammell Crow, Sr. He was a legendary real estate developer, a lover of the arts, and a generous philanthropist. Born in East Dallas, Mr. Crow came from humble beginnings working various odd jobs in high school from cleaning bricks to delivering new cars. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, Mr. Crow took a job with Mercantile National Bank while taking night classes. At age of 24, he became the youngest certified public accountant in Texas and joined Ernst & Ernst as an entry-level auditor. Wanting to serve his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and reached the rank of Commander before returning to Dallas in 1942. Upon his return, Mr. Crow partnered with John Stemmons and assisted with the development of the Trinity Industrial District. His work ethic and dedication propelled him to great success and led to the establishment of an internationally recognized company. Mr. Crow's mark on Dallas can be easily seen in the Dallas skyline. The Dallas Design District, the Hartford Insurance Company Building, Dallas Market Hall, Stemmons Towers, Bryan Tower, San Jacinto Tower, and the Dallas Infomart are only a few examples of his many development projects. In addition to his successful career, Mr. Crow deeply believed in giving back to his community. His generosity extended to numerous nonprofits and causes including Southern Methodist University, where the Crow building in the Cox School of Business educates the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. Mr. Crow was one of America's greatest developers. His life story is one that demonstrates the American Dream is achievable with hard work and dedication. Throughout his professional career, he overcame the odds, conquered obstacles and achieved tremendous success. He cared deeply for his family, friends, and community and it evident to all who knew him. I am honored to have known him and called him my friend. He will be greatly missed. May the peace of God be with those he loved and sustain them through this hour of sorrow.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Senior Corporal Norman Smith of the Dallas Police Department. He was shot and killed on January 6, 2009 while trying to serve a felony warrant in South Dallas. Senior Corporal Smith had over seventeen years of service with the Dallas Police Department; fourteen of those years with the elite Gang Unit, facing some of the toughest criminals in Dallas. Although he had many years of service, Norm approached the job with the fire and drive of a rookie, never giving less than one hundred and ten percent. He was deeply committed to fighting crime and his passion and dedication were evident to all who knew him. His fair treatment made him one of the most respected officers in the City of Dallas as well as among former gang members. Underneath his tough demeanor, he also offered hope to those seeking a new life outside of gangs. Different parts of the city affectionately referred to him as the General, Soprano, Big Swede, Normando, and the White Russian. Norm is considered irreplaceable by his fellow officers in the Gang Unit. He was by definition a true warrior. Prior to his tenure with the Dallas Police Department, Norm proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine and worked with Kaufman and Dallas Counties Sheriffs Departments. He is survived by his wife of eighteen and half years, Lieutenant Regina Smith; a daughter, Clenique L. Williams; and a son, Karlis Smith. Norm loved Regina deeply and treated her like a queen. He was her best friend and did everything with her. It was evident to all that the love they shared was special. The Dallas Police Department and the Dallas community have suffered the loss of a remarkable officer, dedicated crime fighter, and an outstanding American that committed his life to public service. May the peace of God be with those he loved and sustain them through this hour of sorrow.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Korean American Day on January 13, 2009. The Dallas Korean Society, Korean American Foundation, and Korean American Coalition collaborated to designate this special day to celebrate the Korean community in Dallas. Their unique traditions and customs add to the growing diversity of Dallas and culturally enrich our neighborhoods. These organizations provide valuable assistance in helping immigrants assimilate to American culture and serve as a vocal and powerful advocate on behalf of the Korean community. They empower individuals to actively engage themselves in American society and participate in various civic organizations. While we celebrate our cultural differences, we are united as Americans and our firm belief in freedom and democracy. Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating the Dallas Korean Society, Korean American Foundation, and Korean American Coalition on their dedication and efforts to making this event a success.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ron Shelton, elected Chairman of the Board for 2009 for the National Apartment Association (NAA). Ron has been a part of the multi-family housing industry for twenty- eight years. His career began with Lincoln Property Company where he started as a part-time grounds person while attending the University of Texas at Arlington. He quickly moved up the ranks into a leadership role that oversaw properties in Dallas and Houston before leaving to become Vice President of Operations for SBC Realty Company in 1989. Since then, he dedicated thirteen years to the Apartment and Investment Management Company (AIMCO) and subsequently moved over to Amalgamated Management Corporation. Ron is committed to quality rental housing and meeting the housing needs of the public. He has served in numerous roles such as chairing the New Technology Task Force, President of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas and the NAA's Education Institute. His career exemplifies his enthusiasm for NAA's mission. As Chairman Elect, Ron's hard work, skills, and insight garnered from his many years of experience will greatly benefit the NAA. Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in expressing our best wishes to him on this special day.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of my dear friend, Michael C. Barrett. He was a brilliant attorney, involved civic leader, and philanthropist always looking for ways to give back to his community. Although born in Salt Lake City, Michael was a Texan at heart. He was raised in Sherman, Texas and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1974 and the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 1977. His academic excellence in law school earned him the American Jurisprudence Award and membership with the Journal of Air Law & Commerce. After graduation, Michael practiced with various firms before deciding to start his own firm, Barrett Daffin Frappier Turner & Engel, in 1990. As the founder and Chairman, he turned this Texas-based company into one of the nation's leading mortgage banking law firms. He was a pioneer and a leader of the mortgage banking industry, serving as a trusted advisor on mortgage banking issues for the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Legislature. Aside from his professional career, Michael was an enthusiastic supporter of many local nonprofit organizations and causes like the Addison Police Department and veterans support groups. His generosity extended to nonprofits such as Hope's Door, KickStart, Dallas Junior Forum, and the Special Olympics. In 2007, Michael founded the BDF Homeworks Foundation, which encourages employees to become more involved in their local community by providing volunteer and contribution opportunities. Not only did this provide valuable financial support to nonprofits, but also boosted the esprit de corps among employees. Michael was always full of life and had an amazing ability to captivate people's attention with his stories. He was as wise as he was generous and loving. He cared deeply for his friends and family and will be greatly missed. May the peace of God be with those he loved and sustain them through this hour of sorrow.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Cathy Bryce, the Superintendent of Schools of Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) who stepped from this position on December 19, 2008. After serving in various administrative roles in surrounding school districts, Dr. Bryce joined HPISD in July of 2001. In this role, she quickly demonstrated her ability to work with the community to develop a comprehensive education program and build broad based support for a large bond issue. She sought higher standards for student achievement and better school accountability. Dr. Bryce has a well earned reputation as an advocate for children and has made every effort to help children reach their fullest potential. Dr. Bryce's commitment to community service extends beyond parameters of the school district. She is actively involved in the Dallas YWCA, Dallas Museum of Natural Science, and the Park Cities Rotary Club among many other local organizations. Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating her and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate United Parcel Service (UPS) and its employees for its generosity. For the past nine years, UPS has consecutively led the nation in donations to United Way. This year's annual campaign raised over $53 million for United Way and with a matching contribution by the UPS Foundation, the total is expected to exceed $60 million--more than any other participating company. In total, over the past twenty-five years UPS has contributed over $924 million to United Way. Their charity extended beyond their financial contributions. Employees gave generously of their time with over 900,000 hours of community service through the Global Volunteer Month and UPS's Neighbor-to-Neighbor program. The emphasis on philanthropy and improving local communities through its partnership with United Way can be seen at all levels of the organization. Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in expressing our heartiest congratulations to UPS on this remarkable achievement and for their commitment to helping others.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christina Melton Crain who is being recognized by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) with the dedication of a unit after her namesake. Christina was first appointed to the Texas State Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ) in April 2001 and in February 2003 she became the first woman in Texas history to lead the nine-member board as its new Chair. Under her leadership, she worked closely with the TDCJ, determined to make its operations more efficient and effective. Her passion stems from her professional career as an attorney where she encountered numerous cases of minors that had been negatively impacted by a parent under correctional supervision. She personally committed herself to the GOKIDS (Giving Offenders' Kids the Initiative and Direction to Succeed). Initiative, which launched in 2004 and is dedicated to reaching out to the offenders and their families. Christina foresaw a safer and better Texas and a brighter future for all Texans and took every effort to make this goal a reality. The State of Texas has greatly benefited from her dedication, passion, leadership and her vision. Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating Christina on her hard work and dedication that has led to this great honor.

Mr. SESSIONS

Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.