Beth Van Duyne

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Dessie Radu of Bedford, Texas in celebration of her 100th Birthday. Mrs. Dessie Radu is a valued member of the Bedford community who has bettered the lives of countless people throughout North Texas. Whether she is spending time with her large family, catching up with lifelong friends, or talking with someone she doesn't know yet, there is no doubt that she leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Dessie spent years traveling the world with her husband, Major (Ret) John Radu II, as he served our Nation for 24 years in the United States Air Force. Following in his father's footsteps, Dessie's son John Radu II served 4 years in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. Today, we come together to recognize the 100 years Dessie has spent with us, and the impact that she has and continues to make on our lives. Mr. Speaker, please join me--and Dessie's many family, friends, and loved ones--in recognizing Dessie and wishing her a happy 100th birthday.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. President's Biden's policies have caused a massive surge of 370,000 unaccompanied children to come to our southwest border since he took office. Where is the outrage? Where are the tears? According to an HHS whistleblower, the U.S. Government has become a middleman in a large scale, multibillion-dollar child trafficking operation run by bad actors seeking to profit off the lives of children. Where is the outrage? Where are the tears? We have seen from Members on the other side of the aisle that they are claiming that this bill is going to somehow hurt children. Are they reading the reports of minors as young as 9 who are being brought over illegally and are working the midnight shift, the graveyard shift, in meatpacking plants? Again, where are the tears? Where is the outrage? H.R. 2 stops future surges and protects children by treating unaccompanied children from Mexico and the rest of the world in the same manner, enabling their safe return home to their families after they are screened for indications of trafficking or a credible fear of persecution. I was on the city council for 6 years, and I was mayor for 6 years of a city of about 250,000 people. I saw the cost of illegal immigration firsthand at the local level. I saw the toll that it put on our local cities and communities in housing, in schools, in crime, in resources. I was lucky enough to be able to partner with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and we saw at that time more illegal criminal aliens that were deported from our city per capita from any other city in the country. What did we see from that? Our crime dropped, and people who lived in low-income areas, minority areas, were the ones who benefited the most, because they were being targeted by that crime. The American people did not vote for this chaos. They voted to have control over our borders. What we have seen from this administration is they continue to take every single tool out of the toolbox that is able to actually secure our borders. The American people sent us to D.C. to secure our borders and put an end to the worst humanitarian crisis our Nation has ever seen. It is absurd that we are even here today having to pass a bill to force this administration to enforce the laws and do its most basic job, which is to enforce our laws, secure our border, and protect our Nation.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Little of Irving, Texas as she celebrated her 90th birthday last Sunday. Mary Little is an established woman who has accomplished so much in her lifetime. Today, we come together to recognize the 90 years Mary has spent with us, and the impact she has and continues to make on our lives. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mary and wishing her a happy 90th birthday.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize North Texas teacher Denise Jones. Denise has faithfully served Birdville Independent School District for over 50 years as an administrative assistant and educator. Denise is a dedicated, loving and loyal teacher who cares about her students and their well-being. Joining Birdville ISD in 1972 as a senior in high school, Denise has shown unwavering commitment to the school district and her students. 2023 marks her 50th year as an educator working across numerous grade levels and subjects. This year also marks her 25th working in the special education department. Denise believes regardless of what may be happening in the world, teaching children kindness should always be a priority. I think I speak for everyone in Birdville ISO and in Texas-24 when I say thank you to Denise for devoting 50 years of her life to educating our children and securing their future. I congratulate Denise on earning this recognition for all her tireless and dedicated work.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lucy Billingsley, a trailblazer in the real estate space and a legendary North Texan. Lucy has been selected to receive the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award from Texas Woman's University. In 1978, Lucy and her husband Henry founded the Billingsley Company to manage their growing real estate portfolio. Thanks to their innovative approach and grit, the Billingsleys have become some of the most sought-after developers in Texas, and their company has received numerous awards for design excellence. In addition to her work as a commercial real estate developer and business owner, Lucy has remained civically involved and has served our community through her involvement on numerous boards and advisory committees. Lucy's tenacity has brought great economic opportunity to North Texas, and her civic leadership has forever bettered our community. Lucy has received many other prestigious accolades for her work, including being inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, the Junior Achievement of Dallas Business Hall of Fame, the North Texas Commercial Association of REALTORS Hall of Fame and was awarded the 2013 H. Neil Mallon Award presented by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Lucy also has been recognized by Commercial Real Estate Women as a distinguished leader in commercial real estate. I thank Lucy for going above and beyond for our community, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved award. Her selflessness and devotion do not go unnoticed.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julie Schatz of Comp Group. Julie is a leader in the complex, intricate industry of construction management. She has been identified and awarded Associate of the Year by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). CFMA is a figurehead in the construction industry by virtue of its support for financial managers through networking, educational, and informational services. CFMA grants more opportunities and resources to empower advanced, innovative development of infrastructure in the prosperous district of TX-24. The Associate of the Year award goes to an individual that substantially impacts the DFW chapter of CFMA. Julie has established her commitment, contribution, and influence in the industry as she has emerged as a prominent leader. Her unwavering work ethic and devotion to advocating for her clients yield noteworthy results in the expedition of development projects. Congratulations to Julie on earning this high recognition for all her impressive work.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kyra Coker of National Roofing Partners. Kyra is a pioneer in the intricate, multidimensional industry of construction management. She is an esteemed awardee for Construction Financial Professional of the Year from the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). CFMA is a figurehead in the construction industry by virtue of its support for financial managers through networking, educational, and informational services. CFMA grants more opportunities and resources to empower advanced, innovative development of infrastructure in the prosperous district of TX-24. Kyra goes above and beyond by fostering innovative perspectives, judicious contributions, and collaboration within her company and community. She has been acknowledged as a prominent leader and mentor to her company. Kyra's remarkable professionalism and sense of community have allowed her company to thrive. Congratulations to Kyra on earning this high recognition for all her impressive work.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Timothy Hess of Azteca-Omega Group. Timothy is a champion in the multidimensional, elaborate industry of construction management. He is a distinguished awardee for Executive of the Year from the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). CFMA is a figurehead in the construction industry by virtue of its support for financial managers through networking, educational, and informational services. CFMA grants more opportunities and resources to empower advanced, innovative development of infrastructure in the prosperous district of TX-24. Timothy has made a significant impact on his company, industry, and colleagues in North Texas. He has been recognized by CFMA as a leader within the community that empowers his cohorts and initiates an efficient, responsible workplace atmosphere. Timothy's exceptional professionalism has permitted his company, community, and industry to flourish. Congratulations to Timothy on earning this high recognition for all his impressive work.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carolyn Brister of Momentum Mechanical. Carolyn is a groundbreaker in the complex, multifaceted industry of construction management. She is an honorable awardee of the Chairman's Coin and the Bob Moulder Award from the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). CFMA is a figurehead in the construction industry by virtue of its support for financial managers through networking, educational, and informational services. CFMA grants more opportunities and resources to empower advanced, innovative development of infrastructure in the prosperous district of TX-24. Carolyn paves the way to progress the mission of CFMA off the back of her prudent contributions and momentous partaking. The Chairman's Coin is awarded to exceptional professionals that exemplify their service and distinction to CFMA. Carolyn has earned her marks amongst an elite group of associates. Congratulations to Carolyn on earning this high recognition for all her impressive work.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and welcome to Washington, D.C., a group of dedicated nursing and respiratory therapy students and professionals from West Coast University and American Career College. West Coast University first opened its Dallas, Texas, campus in 2012 and has since established a state-of-the-art facility in Richardson, providing important education to thousands of students. These colleges play a vital role in expanding access to nursing education and addressing workforce shortages among healthcare professionals across the United States. They are committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet our country's rising demand for care. As the daughter of a nurse, I know firsthand that our healthcare workers are our heroes. My mom worked the graveyard shift so she could be there to tuck my brother and I into bed and be home for us when we woke up. Please join me in welcoming these fine students to our Nation's Capital as they share with Congress their experience, passion, and perspective on providing quality nursing and healthcare.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Mohamed Ebeida, founder of the Marvels Program. Dr. Ebeida is a pioneer in introducing STEM and group collaboration opportunities in North Texas for the Muslim community and beyond. Dr. Ebeida is the founder of the youth Muslim robotics team known as the Marvels of Irving. He is a research scientist at Sandia National Laboratories and has used his knowledge to enrich the STEM community in Texas-24. Dr. Ebeida helped introduce FIRST, an international STEM learning robotics program, for North Texas schools to participate, collaborate, and compete in. He also hosts the First Technical Challenge, which is a head-to-head competition in the area of robotics, for 35 teams in our community to partake in. Dr. Ebeida has brought together and emboldened the Muslim community and countless youth in North Texas to express themselves through STEM. I thank Dr. Ebeida, for going above and beyond for our community. His selflessness and dedication do not go unnoticed.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Bob Harris, Co- founder of Level Pathways. Level Pathways is a nonprofit group in Irving that encourages homeless youth by facilitating employment, medical, food, clothing, and educational resources. Level Pathways was founded to give homeless youth in high school a chance to live a new life, graduate, and develop into productive citizens. Bob works with multiple organizations and nonprofits to provide fundamental resources to curb homelessness. On top of being CEO of Level Pathways, Bob also has more than 12 years of experience operating Wilderness Trek Christian Camp and Texoma Youth Camp. He has been working for nonprofit organizations in North Texas for more than 30 years. Bob is an active member of our community working to end homelessness and allocate structural resources for underprivileged youth to excel. I thank Bob for going above and beyond for our community. His selflessness and dedication do not go unnoticed.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 497, the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act. The people of north Texas have expressed their opposition to President Biden's authoritarian COVID-19 vaccine mandate for a variety of reasons. Today, I would like to highlight the concerns that I have heard from firefighters and EMTs back home. The Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate is not only an overreach of government power, it has also become a public safety threat. Since the vaccine mandate took effect, fire and EMT departments in north Texas have struggled to fully staff their departments. This administration claims the vaccine requirement is in place to ensure patients have access to safe and essential care, but what about the people who experience a medical emergency, dial 911, and must wait longer for care due to staffing shortages? Our local firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs provide lifesaving care. A fast response time can quite literally make the difference between life and death. It is already difficult to recruit and retain people to work in these stressful roles. The Federal Government shouldn't make it any harder. The healthcare system is being overburdened by this unnecessary mandate, which has only worsened the EMS staffing shortage. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to cosponsor this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 497 today.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Nicole Maucere Jackson, founder of Fairy Godmothers. Her initiative is to provide widowed and single parents with presents during the holiday season. Nicole's movement is to make these parents feel loved, embraced, and seen during the holiday's by providing them with presents from the Fairy Godmothers. Christmas of 2020 was Nicole's first being a widow after her husband, Craig, suffered a tragic car accident in July leaving her alone with her 2 children. She quickly realized the hardships of being a widow during Christmas morning, so she started Fairy Godmothers to bridge this gap and show support for those parents. Fairy Godmothers have helped over 760 parents since Nicole initiated this movement. I commend Nicole, for going above and beyond for families in our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shraavya Pydisetti, a senior at Coppell High School who established the non- profit organization, Project Querencia. Project Querencia has completed over 170 projects and helped over 38,000 people since June 2020. Shraavya wanted to make an impact within her community, and the COVID-19 pandemic allowed her to conceptualize a new way to make a difference. Shraavya brought a group of students together in Coppell and this action led to the creation of Project Querencia to help their community during those unwavering times. The initiative has provided more than 6,000 appreciation packages for essential workers, individuals in old age homes, janitors, lunch ladies, bus drivers, and more. The project has also hosted clothing and food drives, cooked meals for the homeless, crafted handmade cards for cancer patients, have made numerous donations, and many more community first initiatives. Shraavya's non-profit organization has expanded to over 250 members in 10 chapters. I commend Shraavya, for going above and beyond for our community. Her selflessness and dedication do not go unnoticed.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Anna Salton Eisen, a founding member of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville. After the hostage situation at the synagogue, Anna became a champion for speaking out against antisemitism. Anna has spoken across Texas to educate communities about the history of antisemitism. She is the daughter of 2 Holocaust survivors and has continually researched the Holocaust and its legacies. The attack at Congregation Beth Israel gave her the opportunity to use her knowledge of antisemitism and its historical context to make a difference in our community and communities across the nation. Anna will attend this year's White House Hanukkah Ceremony to be an advocate and representative of the Jewish Community in North Texas. I commend Anna, for helping lead our community to recovery following the attack and for all she does to speak out against antisemitism.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Landis, the founder of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream in Dallas, Texas. Howdy Homemade was founded with the idea to create more jobs for individuals with special needs by uniting with delicious ice cream. Howdy Homemade was created in Dallas, Texas in December of 2015. Tom founded his business with the purpose of giving the special needs communities meaningful employment opportunities in a positive environment. Tom gives people with intellectual or developmental disabilities confidence, structure, and a sense of pride by working at Howdy Homemade. Tom has since created over 168 jobs throughout the U.S. and is consistently giving individuals with special needs an outstanding employment opportunity in a reinforcing environment. I commend Tom for going above and beyond for our community. His selflessness and dedication do not go unnoticed.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the Citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2022 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Gary Lee Dillahunty, Sergeant, United States Marine Corps, of Southlake, Texas for the honorable service he performed while in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community. ML Dillahunty enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968, serving as a Motor Transport Marine during the Vietnam War, billeted as the staff driver for 3 different general officers during his tenure in Vietnam. His decorations include the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. The selflessness Mr. Dillahunty demonstrated in the U.S. Marine Corps continues with his service to community. He has worked as a general contractor for most of his life and extended his professional knowledge towards helping many in his community with projects around their homes and helping many build their dream home. Mr. Dillahunty's service is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the Citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2022 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Neil M. Larimer, Colonel, United States Marine Corps, of Southlake, Texas for the honorable service he performed while in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued service to his community. Mr. Larimer was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956, serving as an artillery officer with the Second and Third Marine Divisions during the Vietnam War. He saw combat while in convoy operations in South Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat ``V'' device indicating valorous actions in combat and the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in a roadside bomb blast. His other decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and Parachutist Badge. The selflessness Mr. Larimer demonstrated in the U.S. Marine Corps continues with his service to his community. He has volunteered on the Executive Swimming Committee for the Amateur Athletic Union and as a Lector with his local Catholic church. Mr. Larimer's service is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of H.R. 23 which rescinds the additional funding for the already inflated IRS. I think we can all agree that the last thing Americans need right now is a government who is actively working against them. One of the most outrageous provisions in the Democrats' so-called Inflation Reduction Act was giving the IRS 72 billion taxpayer dollars to hire 87,000 additional agents whose job would be to stalk transactions of everyday Americans and attack small businesses. Middle-class Americans and the small businesses that fuel our economy have been unable to catch a break over the last 2 years. That ends today. There is simply no reasonable rationale to make the IRS larger than the Pentagon, State Department, FBI, and Border Control together. If we are adding an additional 87,000 agents, why don't we send them to the southern border to help our border agents who are already overwhelmed and understaffed? I stand with my colleagues today in support of H.R. 23 to block the intrusive and unnecessary 87,000 new IRS agents. Americans deserve a government that will work for them, and stopping this funding is a first step in the right direction.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 22 North Texans who have gone above and beyond representing our country--and our community--around the world as Fulbright scholars. These North Texas leaders were hand-picked for the highly prestigious Fulbright Program based on their exemplary merit: Anastasia Badillo, Madisen Caster, Saltanat Childress, Christine Cho, Rahul Dadwani, Katherine Dau, Susannah Dibble, Cristina Flores Rodriguez, Pablo Gonzales, Dimitar Grantcharov, Apurva Gunturu, Jon Paul Heyne, Gretta Hotz, Shirin Khakoo, Courtney Kobos, Josiah Lindquist, Connor Mitchell, Kathleen Painter, Elizabeth Parker, Jose Ma Rios, Nikitha Vicas, and Joshua Yudkin. Through international educational exchange, they forged lasting relations between the United States and fifteen countries across the globe. I am immensely proud to represent such active and determined scholars, peacekeepers, and American heroes. I look forward to seeing the positive results of their hard work abroad.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. I rise today to recognize Aurelie Migault, a Coppell native and West Point Swimmer who was recently named USAA Athlete of the Week. Aurelie made her community proud by attending our nation's prestigious military academy. Her dedication to service and love for country is a testament to the kind of young woman Aurelie is. Just last week, she made us immensely proud once again by breaking two West Point Academy records in the 100 and 200 meter breaststroke, making her a USAA Athlete of the Week. I'd like to thank Aurelie for her commitment to our country at West Point and for representing North Texas in sport with her exemplary talent. I look forward to seeing many more achievements from Aurelie both in and out of the pool.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an American hero and community leader in North Texas. Don Graves is a World War II veteran and one of the few remaining men who witnessed the famous scene of the American flag planted on Iwo Jima. Don endured the horrors of war that February morning 77 years ago, literally shedding blood, sweat, and tears in service to the country he loves. I can only imagine what emotions were raised upon seeing the stars and stripes of our flag being raised above that volcanic island. Capturing that infamous image in his heart and mind, Don has since taken it to teach and inspire the next generation of Americans. Whether it is sharing his story with students, performing flag ceremonies at local schools, or singing the national anthem in front of 40,000 fans at Texas Rangers games, Don has gone above and beyond to ensure our community in North Texas never forgets the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation. On behalf of our entire community, I would like to thank Don Graves for his bravery in the face of evil and his continued service to North Texas. I am excited to see how your inspiring life transforms our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization that has gone above and beyond to better our community in North Texas. For the past 35 years, GRACE has served as a steward of God's blessings and resources by providing food, clothing, financial assistance, and other necessities to North Texans struggling with a limited income or recent emergency. Through decades of support from our community, GRACE has grown to include programs providing low cost medical services, transitional housing, and general emergency assistance. Without the compassion and selfless service demonstrated by GRACE, our community would undoubtedly be a different place altogether. I would like to thank GRACE for putting others ahead of themselves and ensuring members of our community are taken care of.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. John the Apostle Catholic School in North Richland Hills, Texas, for being just one of seven private schools in the state to receive the 2022 Blue Ribbon School Award from the Department of Education. Last week, St. John Catholic held its award ceremony to celebrate this well-deserved accolade. Looking at their exemplary students, teachers, and curriculum, it is no surprise they won this award for a second time. National Blue Ribbon Schools officially recognized St. John Catholic for its diverse student population, outstanding outdoor program, and exceptional Institute for Excellence in Writing. On behalf of our entire community, I would like to thank St. John Catholic for equipping the next generation of North Texans with the tools necessary to create a better future for North Texas and the entire country. I am excited to see what the incredible students of St. John Catholic will accomplish in the near future.