Van Taylor

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, it is my privilege to honor twelve distinguished military veterans from Texas' Third Congressional District who answered the call to serve their Nation honorably, both in uniform and following their return to civilian life. The recipients of the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation exemplify the time-honored qualities of patriotism, service before self, and bold leadership. Following their time in service, their efforts in our community have earned these fine individuals recognition as the recipients of this prestigious commendation. Their stories of sacrifice will encourage future generations to pursue a life dedicated to the very values we cherish as Americans: faith, freedom, and democracy. One such hero is Specialist Paul Huff of McKinney, Texas. Paul Huff entered the United States Army in 1962 and was assigned to the 5th Missile Battalion, 517th Artillery Division in Abilene, Texas following his completion of basic training. Following his promotion to Fire Control Specialist, Paul was assigned to the United States Army Signal School and later served under the United States Army Intelligence Training Center in Fort Ritchie, Maryland. Mr. Huff was promoted to a Specialist E-6 rank and was assigned with the Signal Corps in Vietnam and Thailand. In 1967, Paul returned home to his wife and children. For his service, Specialist Huff was awarded the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with the Palm Unit Citation Badge. Upon reentering civilian life, Paul worked in the computer and data processing field before later retiring. Since that time, Paul has dedicated his life to assisting veterans and furthering the cause of those who have worn the uniform as evidenced by his role as President of the Collin County Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 1122), and active membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Allen Post 2195), American Legion (Bill Bryan Post 110), and the Association of the United States Army (Audie Murphy Chapter). In his role as Treasurer for the Disabled American Veterans (McKinney Chapter 38), Paul also serves as a certified DAV Chapter Service Advisor where he has assisted many veterans obtain Compensation and Pension benefits from the Veterans Benefits Administration. Mr. Huff further demonstrates his ability to benefit the lives of those around him by giving selflessly of his time with the Veterans Center of North Texas, an all-volunteer organization that serves as a free resource center for veterans offering health, employment, housing, mental health and benefits assistance. Mr. Paul Huff has continuously found new ways to exhibit service before self to those within our community and deserves our unwavering gratitude for his many efforts. Today a grateful Nation thanks Specialist Huff for his exceptional service and congratulates him on this recognition. May his steadfast example of leadership inspire others to live a life of service to a cause greater than themselves. It is my extreme honor to award him the 2019 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 569.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Principal Jill Stafford for being named the Principal of the Year for Region 10 by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Having dedicated 27 years of her professional career to her students, Ms. Stafford has displayed her passion for education and commitment to her community. For the last 7 years Ms. Stafford has served as the principal of Lowery Freshman Center in Allen, Texas. Ms. Stafford goes above and beyond each and every day for both her students and her colleagues. As students face the daunting transition into high school, it is critical that they have the unmatched support of strong leaders like Principal Stafford to keep them motivated and on track. I ask my colleagues and the House of Representatives to join me in thanking Principal Jill Stafford for her hard work and congratulate her on this well-earned recognition.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate thirteen Plano ISD schools on receiving the National PTA School of Excellence designation. This recognition program, created by the National Parent Teacher Association, works to support and celebrate partnerships between PTAs and schools across the nation. Plano ISD is setting an incredible example, with a current Parent Teacher Association membership of more than 16,000 parents. With the help of their PTA's, Plano ISD is cultivating crucial relationships between teachers, parents, and the surrounding community. Their dedication to improving the learning environment for students in and outside of the classroom serves as a crucial reminder of volunteerism and its role in shaping a community. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these thirteen Plano PTAs on their success of putting students first and championing a quality education. PLANO ISD National PTA Schools of Excellence Award Recipients Barksdale Elementary PTA, Boggess Elementary School, Bettye Haun Elementary School, Gulledge Elementary School, Harrington Elementary PTA, Hickey Elementary School, Huffman Elementary School, Hughston Elementary School, Mathews Elementary, Mitchell Elementary School, Pearson Early Childhood School, Robinson Middle School, Wyatt Elementary School.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 13 Plano ISD schools on receiving the National PTA School of Excellence designation. This recognition program, accredited by the National Parent Teacher Association, works to support and celebrate the partnership between PTAs and schools across this great land. Plano ISD is setting an incredible example with a current PTA membership of more than 16,000 parents. With the help of their PTAs, Plano ISD is cultivating crucial relationships between parents, teachers, and the surrounding community. Their dedication to improving the learning environment for students in and outside the classroom serves as a crucial reminder of the volunteerism and its role in shaping a community. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these 13 Plano PTAs on their success of putting students first and championing a quality education.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 3246, the Traveling Parents Screening Consistency Act. As a new Member of Congress, I endeavor to listen to my constituents. As a new Member, I have actually had over 300 individual meetings with my constituents in the last 8 months. I have had 24 Coffees with Your Congressman. One of my constituents, a mother from Fairview, Texas, took advantage of this Coffee with Your Congressman opportunity and came and told me about her problems that she was having with TSA as a new mother trying to get her breast milk through to feed her child. This I realized was a problem not just for her, but many mothers across my district and really many mothers across this entire country. I have heard story after story, as I have worked on this legislation, telling about how the TSA is just not consistent with how they are applying their rules. So this bill seeks to create clear and consistent rules that parents can understand as they travel our Nation's airports. This is important legislation to help streamline that very important process to both keep us safe and make it easy to travel. I want to thank my colleague very much from across the aisle, Congresswoman Rice. I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Rogers, and I also want to thank Senator McSally for carrying this piece of legislation in the other Chamber. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to, hopefully, passing this today, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3246.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jim Malatich for his over forty years of dedicated efforts in serving our community. During his time in human services, Jim worked as the former Director of the Adult Public Mental Health Programs for Travis County, and as the Chair for the Mental Health Directors Consortium for the Texas MHMR Centers. Mr. Malatich is widely credited with piloting a wrap-around program for people needing mental health, substance abuse, and medical services long before the concept was commonplace. Further, during his time in Dallas, he implemented and chaired the Adult Community Resource and Coordination Group, the North Texas Behavioral Health Authority Provider Advisory Council, and the Collin County Criminal Justice Plan. Most recently, Jim has served as the Chief Executive Officer for Hope's Door New Beginning Center, an organization offering intervention and prevention services to individuals and families affected by intimate partner and family violence. Jim is an active member of the Texas Council on Family Violence State Board of Directors; the Board of Directors of the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance; the Advisory Board of the Collin County Council on Domestic Violence; and the State Policy Development Board. Now as Jim prepares to enjoy his much-deserved retirement, our entire Collin County community extends its most heartfelt thanks and best wishes.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Harrington Public Library in Plano, Texas. The first library to ever call Plano Home, Harrington opened its doors in 1969. With a collection of over 15,000 volumes, Harrington offers our community a multitude of classes ranging from languages, Test prep, money management, and much more. I would like to thank the library, their staff, and volunteers for all of their hard work in cultivating a strong appreciation for literacy, learning, and imagination. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Harrington Public Library on 50 years of serving the city of Plano.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital for being named the Physician Hospital of the Year by Physician Hospitals of America. Located in Plano, Texas, The Heart Hospital ranks as one of the top performing cardiac surgical programs in the entire nation and provides Collin County with the highest level of cardiac health care. Since opening in 2007, The Heart Hospital has worked day in and day out to save lives and ensure compassion to everyone who enters their system. Our community is proud to be the home of this state-of-the-art facility and its many astounding health care providers and staff. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating The Heart Hospital-- Plano on their recent success and thanking them for all of their hard work.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Baylor, Scott & White The Heart Hospital for being named Physician Hospital of the Year by Physician Hospitals of America. Located in my hometown of Plano, Texas, The Heart Hospital ranks as one of the top-performing cardiac surgical programs in the entire country and provides Collin County with the highest level of cardiac healthcare. Since opening in 2007, The Heart Hospital has worked day in and day out to save lives and ensure compassion to everyone who enters there. Our community is proud to be the home of this state-of-the-art facility and its many astounding healthcare providers and staff. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating The Heart Hospital of Plano on their recent success and thanking them for all their hard work.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate the University of Texas at Dallas on 50 years of educating students in North Texas. In 1969, Texas Governor Preston Smith signed legislation to officially establish the University of Texas at Dallas as part of the UT system. Not only has UTD grown immensely in the last 50 years, but our community takes great pride in the universities tier one status. Today, UTD offers over 140 degrees, and helps young people follow their dreams by providing them with a top-notch education. What was once vast prairie land has become a hub of higher learning and opportunity for students across the country. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the University of Texas at Dallas on a wonderful 5 decades of academic excellence.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate the University of Texas at Dallas on 50 years of educating students in north Texas. In 1969, Texas Governor Preston Smith signed legislation to officially establish the University of Texas at Dallas as part of the UT system. Not only has UT grown immensely in the last 50 years, but our community takes great pride in the university's Tier One status. Today, UTD offers over 140 degrees and helps young people follow their dreams by providing them with a top-notch education. What was once vast prairie land has become a hub of higher learning and an opportunity for students to learn across the country. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the University of Texas at Dallas on a wonderful 5 days of academic excellence. Whoosh.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, in 1914, Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church was established as Frisco, Texas' first African American church. Pastored by Reverend Jack Hamilton, the congregation spent its first several years gathering out of Reverend Hamilton's home. In 1920, services would be moved to its current location on Ash Street in Frisco. The original building and lot were donated by Rev. Hamilton, and in 1924 a new building was erected in the same space. During the week, the building would serve as Hamilton Elementary, a school for African American students in the community. While the school would close its doors in 1964, the church would remain as a consistent source of spiritual unity within the growing and closely knit community. In the late 1960s and 1970s, the building would be renovated under the leadership of Reverend Arthur Maxwell, who led the church for thirty-three years. Today, the church proudly stands under the leadership of Rev. Henry Thomas. While Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church has undergone many changes in its 105-year history, its overall mission has stayed the same. Madam Speaker, today I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hamilton Chapel Baptist Church for serving as a place of praise and worship in the Frisco community for the past 105 years.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Lynette Lackey for her thirty-five years of dedicated service to the federal government and to the North Texas veterans community. Mrs. Lackey began her career with the United States Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Texoma prior to transferring to the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham, Texas, where she worked in various administrative positions. Eventually, Lynette would be assigned as the Congressional Liaison for the VA North Texas Health Care System, the second largest VA health care system in the country. As the assigned Congressional Liaison for the fourteen Congressional offices in the system, Lynette was responsible for responding to inquiries from a served population of over 134,000 veterans, over thirty-eight Texas counties and two counties in southern Oklahoma. Lynette is often lauded throughout the region for her efforts to assist veterans, their families, and Congressional staff in navigating the often-complicated VA healthcare system. Mrs. Lackey consistently strives to solve the most complex veteran issues, always with the focus of providing the best possible outcomes for those she serves. Lynette has justifiably earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues in the community. Now as Mrs. Lackey prepares to enjoy her well-deserved retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with her husband of thirty- eight years, Dean, and her children, Jack and Aubrun, and Cole and Leslie. Lynette also anticipates welcoming her first grandchild this fall, taking on the title of ``Lolly'' and becoming part of the ``Lolly and Pop'' duo of love and support surely to surround their newest addition. The North Texas veteran's community and all those who have had the honor of working with her over the past twenty-two years, thank Mrs. Lynette Lackey for her steadfast service and wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Allen Independent School District for being named a District of Distinction by District Administration Magazine. Allen ISD serves thousands of students grades K through 12 in a rapidly growing community. In an effort to meet growing needs of the community, Allen ISD launched a STEAM Center to provide a unique learning environment to help foster an interest in STEAM amongst students. The brand-new facility offers students hands-on learning experiences ranging from indoor robotics labs to outdoor discovery gardens. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me today in congratulating Allen ISD, their staff, parents, and students for being named District of Distinction and commend them on their dedication to cultivating a passion in students for learning more about science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, from its inception, the Islamic Republic of Iran had an anti-American bent: what it did in our Embassy, its attack on the Marines in Beirut in 1983, its efforts in Iraq. In 2003, I was part of the invasion force. I saw with my own eyes the Iranian efforts to destabilize Iraq, and they continue to do that there today. They continue to support the Assad regime in Syria. They continue to overthrow the regime in Yemen, support the Houthi rebels attacking Saudi Arabia. Around the Middle East, Iran has become the enemy of freedom and democracy. If America is going to succeed, we need to have allies; we need to have friends. We need to support those allies and those friends. Making sure that Saudi Arabia or UAE have the weapons that they need to fight back against Iran's terrorism and warmongering around this region is mission-critical for the survival of our Republic. Mr. Speaker, I stand against this resolution.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the service of Frisco Police Chief John Bruce, who completed his last days as acting chief in May. Chief Bruce has been with the Frisco Police Department for more than 23 years. After accepting the position as police chief in 2013, he has been responsible for ensuring the safety of more than 185,000 residents. The Frisco community appreciates Chief Bruce's willingness to serve those around him. His dedication to protecting his community has not gone unnoticed. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Chief Bruce for his service and wishing him the best of luck in his journey ahead.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate the Prosper High School Men's Lacrosse team on bringing home their first state championship title by defeating the Smithson Valley Rangers 11 to 5. This team proved their ability to stay composed while overcoming obstacles under pressure. Winning is not just about talent, skill, or the type of cleats you wear; winning is about character on and off the fleld alongside hard work and commitment to one's team. The Prosper Eagles showed their dedication to these values from the very beginning. I know I speak on behalf of our entire community when I say, the city of Prosper is beaming with pride. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Prosper High School Men's Lacrosse team on their successful season. 2019 Prosper Men's Lacrosse Team Parker Haven Mikey Nader Jack Delano Zane Williams Luke Teigen Garrett Elliott Lee Rowden Sam Osborne Tucker Faircloth Nolan DaRosa Cabe Parham Christian Acosta Connor Hill Cole Garvin Broc Tullis Carson Fearin Zach Eckstein Brandon Pierce Cole Schmitt Landon Silerio Bryce Murrin Tyler Trampas Michael Vandershuit Justin Endicott Aeden Fenley Ryan Myers Hunter Sheffield Peyton Marshall Hayden Stout Will Honeycutt Nathan Typrin Cole Spurr Coach Corey Caputo

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Prosper High School men's lacrosse team for bringing home their first State championship title by defeating the Smithson Valley Rangers 11-5. The team proved their ability to stay composed while overcoming obstacles under pressure. Winning is not just about talent, skill, or the type of cleats you wear. Winning is about character, on and off the field, alongside hard work and dedication to one's team. The Prosper Eagles showed their commitment to these values from the very beginning. I know I speak on behalf of the entire community when I say the city of Prosper is beaming with pride. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Prosper High School men's lacrosse team on their successful season.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate twenty four young women from high schools across Plano, Texas who were presented with the Gold Award by the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas for their dedication to our community. The most prestigious accolade to earn, the Gold Award requires each young woman work tirelessly on a community project of their choice for up to eighty hours. I want to thank each of these Girl Scouts for their exemplary service within Collin County and for demonstrating that age should never deter one from leading within their community. It is with great pleasure I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these young ladies on their success. 2019 Plano Texas Gold Award Recipients Mary Julienne Ragasajo, Mahnoor Muhammad, Sarah Cawthon, Katherine Xiong, Tahirah Jones, Vennela Challagondla, Neha Jayarajan, Jiarong Joygce He, Madeline Osborne, Gauri Nukala, Sydney DeWolf, Madeline Polimerou's, Olivia King, Elizabeth Kokal, Regina Romero-Garza, Bianca Weimer, Carley Nelson, Kate Ohman, Joceyln Gillis, Rani Kumar Sarah Newman, Riya Danait, Kennedy Easter

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate 24 young women from high schools across Plano, Texas, who were presented with the Gold Award by the Girls Scouts of Northeast Texas for their dedication to our community. The most prestigious accolade to earn, the Gold Award requires each young woman to work tirelessly on a community project of their choice for up to 80 hours. I want to thank each of these Girl Scouts for their exemplary service within Collin County and for demonstrating that age should never deter one from leading within their community. It is with pleasure I ask my colleagues to congratulate these young ladies on their success.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Peter Vargas for his twenty years of dedicated service to the City of Allen, Texas. Mr. Vargas earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Education from the University of North Colorado in 1972, and a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver, in 1978. Following his graduation, Paul began his career in municipal management in the City of Arvada where he swiftly rose from serving as an Administrative Assistant to Assistant to the City Manager. He would later hold the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Englewood, Colorado, and eventually be selected as the City Manager in Laredo, Texas. Mr. Vargas would later serve as the Executive Director of the City of Dallas' Trinity River Corridor Project, prior to joining the City of Allen in 1999 as City Manager. As Allen's long-time City Manager, Peter has worked tirelessly to improve the City's financial stability, raise the bond rating, and improve and increase the City's capital infrastructure program. Such efforts to create a high-quality, sustainable community have led to Allen's national recognition as a ``Community of the Year'' and ``20 Best Places to Live in America.'' Peter is also known for championing the development of regional economic development programs with area governments in our fast-growing region. Peter is often lauded throughout North Texas for his efforts to build sustaining relationships with partners in both the public and private sectors. His unique ability to work in tandem with Allen's citizens and City employees to ensure that expectations are exceeded has earned him the respect of his colleagues and all those in the community. While the list of professional associations and accolades for Mr. Peter Vargas is impressive, perhaps his proudest achievement is serving as husband to Cheryl Dyer Vargas, and the father to his daughter, Jenna. The Allen community and all those who have had the honor of working with Peter over the years have been witness to the tremendous growth and success of the region due in part to his vision. Today, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Peter for his dedicated and tireless efforts to make Allen a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We wish Peter well as he begins this next chapter in his life.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to come before my colleagues today to recognize those young men and women from Texas' Third Congressional District who have accepted an appointment to one of our prestigious United States Service Academies. The United States Services Academies have a long-standing tradition of offering its students the highest caliber education and officer military training in the world. Each of the individuals recognized today began their journey of service by applying through their Member of Congress or qualified source via a highly competitive process. However, only a select few are found to meet the necessary standards set forth by the Academies. These outstanding students have proven they are the gold standard by demonstrating their excellence in academics, athletics, and commitment to their community both inside and outside of the classroom. I am confident these young men and women will achieve great success while further developing the qualities of leadership, honor, and self- sacrifice as they prepare to lead our Nation's Armed Forces. As one who has worn the uniform, I thank these young patriots for their courage and commitment to our Nation. It is my privilege to congratulate these leaders as they embark on a new mission of service to America.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of House passage of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution--prohibiting the government from denying the right to vote to citizens on the basis of sex. In the year of 1893, the first attempt to organize the Women's Suffrage Movement in the state of Texas took place in Dallas, with the formation of The Texas Equal Rights Association. Twenty-six years later Texas became the first state in the south to ratify the 19th amendment. From raising families, to organizing political movements, to fighting over seas, our country could not thrive without the influence of so many strong and determined women. It is with great admiration that I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the pioneering efforts of women 100 years ago that are still shaping our nation today.

Mr. TAYLOR

Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2480, the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which includes my provision asking for a study of forced child marriages in the United States. It is shocking to think that the Tahirih Justice Center estimates that, between 2000 and 2015, more than 207,000 children were married in this country. In Texas alone, 40,000 minors were married between 2000 and 2014. I hope we can all agree that marriage should be between consenting individuals and that children should not be married without their consent. I was proud, on a bipartisan basis in Texas, to end forced child marriages in Texas. I know that States, red and blue, have addressed this problem and solved it. But we need to work harder here in the United States Congress. I am grateful to my colleague from Washington for accepting this amendment to work on studying forced child marriage in the 43 States that have not adjusted their laws to end what I would consider to be a barbaric practice. I look forward to supporting this bill.