Beth Van Duyne

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate thirty- three students from the Hurst Euless Bedford Independent School District. These incredible students have been selected to receive the District's Awards of Excellence for the 2021-2022 school year. Through their talent, hard work, and unmatched dedication, this year's group of recipients earned awards in a variety of fields that include visual and performing arts, business and industry, science, mathematics, and communications, among others. It is an honor to highlight the following young men and women for their unique talents: JaNya Chandler, Elise Pham, Christian Amayat, Nicholas McDaniel, Patrick Hannigan, Nathaniel Taylor, Peytonn Stevens, Christopher Coleman, Emma Brambila, Payton McAdams, Rachel Chen, Matthew Nguyen, Leticia Aguilar, Maurecia Bessman, Analicia Alonzo, Kaylee Flippin, Courtney Wash, Wyatt Stafford, Thomas Haak, Mizan Mohammedt, Ellion Norwood, Maverick Ganzo, Nicholas King, Amirah Wooden, Isabella Cruz, Ethan Anderson, Sophie Hawkins, Ethan Rangel, Taylor King, Edith Lara, Colton Neuville, Tanvi Rajpurohit, and Sean Powell. In addition to recognizing the students, I would be remiss if I did not thank their mentors who ensured they remained diligent and focused in their efforts, It is a privilege to recognize the following teachers from L.D. Bell High School, Buinger CTE Academy, KEYS High School, and Trinity High School for their vital role as educators: Sarah Coronilla, Kathleen Chase, Susan Kaufman, Benjamin Maughrner, Doyle Bellville, Jo Ann Antinone, Michael Dean, Allen Matthews, Nora Borgan, Julie Quinn, Evan Hoffman, Christopher Dunn, Kristen Smith, Cathy Kazyaka, Sarah Keith, Latonya John, Ken Davis, Derek Thom, Jo Ann Antinone, Jay Fitch, Courtney Miller, Jay Fitch, Sandra Hone, Travis Clark, Christopher Bruhn, Susan Alcala, Eric Oglesby, Blanca Diaz, Canndace Harris, Kendal Fries, Tamara Haddad, and Hildegard Lombardo.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my resolution condemning the anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Colleyville earlier this year. And I thank my colleagues from Florida and New York for their kind words today. On January 15, we witnessed a heinous attack, not only on our community in north Texas, but on the entire Jewish community when a terrorist entered the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue and took four worshipers hostage. It was disturbing to see such hate enter our peaceful community in Colleyville and threaten the lives of the worshipers who had welcomed this man with open arms. Many questions remain on how or why this act of evil occurred, but let's appreciate our law enforcement for ultimately protecting the lives of those in harm's way. Also, I thank Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker for his courageous actions that led to the safe escape of his fellow hostages in the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue that day. I am grateful so many of my colleagues joined in support of this resolution condemning the terrorist attack and reaffirming our commitment to combat hate, bigotry, anti-Semitism, and violence against Jewish Americans. Specifically, I thank Representative Marc Veasey for his kindness and work in securing many bipartisan supporters. H. Res. 881 clearly establishes our unequivocal support for the Colleyville community, the hostages, and all those affected by the terrorist act. It also commends the Federal, State, and local law enforcement and emergency responders who all pulled together for our community that day. This resolution will not only condemn this act of hate but bring light to the anti-Semitism plaguing our country. As you have heard from comments from my colleagues from New York and from Florida, Jewish Americans make up a disproportionate percentage of the antireligious crimes in America, and that must end. No American of any religion should experience fear in a house of worship. Thank you to all who joined me in this effort and made this the most supported piece of legislation in the 117th Congress. We look forward to seeing this pass on the House floor today, putting aside our differences and uniting in the face of hatred.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of the Texas-Twenty-Fourth Congressional District, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Thomas Terrell, Captain, United States Marine Corps, of Southlake, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Terrell was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1961 and served until 1967. Terrell served several tours in Vietnam, to include at Chu Lai, Dong Ha, Phu Bai, and Quang. At Dong Ha Combat Base in 1967, Terrell and his fellow Marines came under an intense enemy artillery attack, during which Terrell moved three wounded Marines to safety and maneuvered under enemy fire to assess and check upon the welfare of his Marines during the attack. Terrell was awarded the Bronze Star with ``V'' device denoting valorous actions as well as the Purple Heart. After leaving the Marine Corps, Mr. Terrell has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. Mr. Terrell holds several ministerial roles in local churches, taught for several years at the Happy Hill Christian Academy, and is a member of the Texas Real Estate Commission's Broker-Lawyer Committee. Mr. Terrell's career is marked with heroism and 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. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Robert Shafer, Second Lieutenant, United States Army, of Dallas, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Shafer enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served until 1950 as an engineering and construction officer. Shafer was deployed to New Guinea, the Ryuku Islands, and Okinawa during World War II, helping build infrastructure and airfields in support of the war effort. Shafer and his men were routinely subject to Japanese bombing runs and sniper fire. He later served during the Korean War as an operations officer and platoon training officer. His decorations include the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the American Theater Medal. After leaving the Army, Mr. Shafer has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. Shafer worked as a Boy Scouts of America leader, a leader within his church, and has helped organize and assist with his church's food pantry. Mr. Shafer's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation and the citizens of the Texas Twenty-Fourth Congressional District, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Stephen LeClaire, Airman 1st Class, United States Air Force of Bedford, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. LeClaire enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961, having served in an engineering unit until being honorably discharged in 1967. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the Air Force, Mr. LeClaire has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He has served on several boards, commissions, and committees. Among these are as a member of the commission for Boy Scouts of America Troop 499, a volunteer for Boy Scouts of America Troop 387 for 7 years, a soccer coach for the YMCA, an organizer for the Ronald McDonald House charity, and a member of the HEB Community Emergency Response Team. Mr. LeClaire's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Air Force and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Michael Esquivel, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, of Grapevine, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Esquivel was commissioned as an officer upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1988 and served as an infantry officer during Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War. He later became a civil affairs officer, seeing combat with the 82nd Airborne Division and 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. His decorations include the Bronze Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. After retiring from the Army, Mr. Esquivel brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He has served as an instructor at Tarrant County Community College, helping launch its Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program, a founder of the Northwest Campus Community Market which helps distribute food across the community, a member of Team Rubicon, and volunteers with his wife with dog rescue groups such as the Society for Companion Animals and the DFW Pet Loss Support Group. Mr. Esquivel's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas 24 Hometown Hero of the week, Lexi Missimo, a Southlake native representing the United States Women's National youth team. Last season while playing for the University of Texas, Lexi showed courage in the face of public pressure by standing proudly for our country's national anthem. While many chose to bend the knee, Lexi stood with pride to honor the country she loves, and her beloved late grandfather who selflessly served in the military. We live in strange times--it is now more acceptable to kneel for our flag than to stand. Lexi displayed bravery by refusing to cower to public pressure, not for any political purpose, but simply out of love for country. Lexi is an all-American kid--one who is proud of the country she calls home and those who serve to protect it. I look forward to seeing her represent our country this summer with the Under 20's national team, and one day, fulfill her dream to play for the senior team. I thank Lexi for her courageous actions. May they inspire the rest of the country to show pride in our great Nation.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Kent Hopkins, Petty Officer 3rd Class, United States Navy, of Euless, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Hopkins enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960, having served until 1964 as an aircrewman with VF-9, serving on the P-3 Orion maritime surveillance aircraft. Notable assignments include serving as a part of Joint Task Force 8 during Operation Dominic nuclear testing in the Johnston Atoll in 1962. Other assignments include maritime surveillance of Soviet military assets in the Far East during the height of the Cold War. After leaving the Navy, Mr. Hopkins has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He has served on several boards, commissions, and committees. Among these are as a member of Lions Club, Optimists Club, a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America, a former governor of the DFW Colony of the Society of Mayflower Descendants, Mr. Hopkins has also served as a precinct chairman and election judge, as well as a volunteer for several local-area churches. Mr. Hopkins' career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Navy and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Harold Culver, Sergeant, United States Army, of Bedford, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Culver enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968, serving as a communications specialist with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. On May 5, 1968, a Vietnamese 122mm rocket was launched at his position, wounding him. His decorations include the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Mr. Culver's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Edward L. Peters, Petty Officer 1st Class, United States Navy, of Grapevine, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Peters enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1972, serving in waters in the Middle East, the Northern Atlantic, the Caribbean, and two deployments to Guantanamo Bay. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. After leaving the Navy, Mr. Peters brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He has served on several boards, commissions, and committees. Among these are the Board of Directors, Tulip Track Council I of the Girl Scouts of the USA, the Board of Directors for the Grapevine Shield Foundation which fundraises for fallen and injured first responders, an active volunteer for the Grapevine Police Department with over 5,500 hours volunteered since 2010, and an active volunteer for the Lions Club, Kiwanis, the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, the Grapevine Masonic Lodge, and the Grapevine Elks Lodge. Mr. Peters' service is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Navy and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Alexander Sagcal, Lieutenant Junior Grade, United States Navy, of Carrollton, Texas for his honorable service he performed in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Sagcal was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy in 1986, serving until 1990. During his years in the Navy, he served aboard the USS Sumter as a main propulsion assistant officer, an auxiliary officer, an electronic material officer, and the ship's assistant 1st Lieutenant. After leaving the Navy, Mr. Sagcal has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. Mr. Sagcal currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce; Member of the Board of Directors, Coppell Chamber of Commerce; Ambassador- Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors--CFBISD Educational Foundation; Vice-President Historic Downtown Carrollton Association; and is active with the St. Mary Immaculate Church. Mr. Sagcal's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Navy and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Matthew Ostergaard, Major, United States Army, of Lewisville, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Ostergaard enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1992, eventually becoming a commissioned officer in the infantry, retiring in 2017. During his years in the Army, he served in Operation Joint Guard in Bosnia and in Operation New Dawn in Iraq. His decorations include the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars to denote serving in different phases of the Iraq War, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of second award, the Army Commendation Medal with one silver and two bronze Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of 7 subsequent awards, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters to denote 3 subsequent awards, the Army Good Conduct Medal with bronze clasps to denote 3 subsequent awards, as well as the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Badge, and Parachutist Badge. After retiring from the Army, Mr. Ostergaard has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He is active within his church, serving in its hospitality ministry, as an assistant leader with the local Cub Scout pack, and volunteers with several veteran organizations in the Dallas- Fort Worth area. Mr. Ostergaard's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Aubrey Bruce Stacy, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, of Colleyville, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Stacy was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army in 1966 and spent over 20 years as an infantry officer before retiring in 1989. During his time in service, he was deployed to Vietnam, where in 1967 his platoon was ambushed by the Viet Cong. Stacy successfully led his men in a charge on the enemy's well-fortified position, and in another firefight took point position to maneuver his platoon to safety out of the kill zone. In 1969, Stacy managed to move several of his wounded troops from the assault area while under attack from the Vietnamese despite being wounded himself. Stacy's actions during the war earned him the Silver Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster denoting a second award, the Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster denoting a second award, the Bronze Star with V device denoting valorous actions, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster denoting subsequent awards, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. After retiring from the Army, Mr. Stacy has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He has served as President of the Colleyville Rotary Club, the Board of Directors of the Fort Worth Air Power Council, and a permanent member of the 82nd Airborne Association. Mr. Stacy's career is marked with heroism and consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the Citizens of the Twenty-Fourth District of Texas, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Bryan Bradford, Specialist, United States Army, of Grapevine, Texas for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Bradford enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1989 and served until 1993 as a radio operator. Bradford was deployed to the Middle East in 1991 as part of Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War. His decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of second award, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of a third award, the Good Conduct Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze star denoting participation in two campaigns, and the National Defense Service Medal. After leaving the Army, Mr. Bradford has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. Mr. Bradford has worked as a certified nutritionist, certified health coach and has been the Chief Nutrition Officer at Sunflower Shoppe for 27 years, which has been a service to the citizens of Colleyville and Fort Worth by providing the means to live healthier lifestyles. Mr. Bradford's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation and the citizens of the Texas-24, the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation is hereby presented to Alphonse Franklin Le Grand, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, of Coppell, Texas, for his honorable service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and for his continued dedication to his community. Mr. Le Grand was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1956, having served until 1978 as a navigator/bombardier for Strategic Air Command bombers. Le Grand was deployed to Vietnam during the war as the lead navigator for the AC-119 Stinger gunship, leading search and destroy operations on North Vietnamese positions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters in lieu of subsequent awards, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Le Grand has brought the same love he had for his country and poured it into making his community a better place. He has served on several boards, commissions, and committees, among these are as an officer for the Knights of Columbus, leadership positions within the Boy Scouts of America, and as a member of the Catholic Church Pastoral Council. Mr. Le Grand's career is marked with heroism and is consistent with the finest traditions of the United States Air Force 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 thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, tens of thousands of men and women will fill the streets of our Capital to march for the lives of the unborn and to advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable Americans. These men and women are advocating for an end to abortion, but they are not just seeking policy solutions. I know many of the devoted participants in the March for Life and about all the work they do in our communities to make sure that no woman ever feels alone or that abortion is her only option. They staff pregnancy centers, host diaper drives, provide information on adoptions, and organize childcare for young mothers. They are doing the work of making their cities and neighborhoods a place where no one is alone and there is a support system for every mother. There is sensitive and compassionate help available to those facing an unwanted pregnancy. Mr. Speaker, as we march for life this weekend, we march for a greater future for all of us, one that values the unborn and sees the potential in every life. I am proud to support, champion, and stand with these efforts.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Jason Moloney and the Southlake Fire Department for their selfless acts of service to protect our State during the recent wildland fire deployments. Over the holiday season, Southlake Fire Department personnel took part in two different deployments as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System to assist with wildland fires in the Texas panhandle. The fire covered nearly 24,000 acres and stretched 23 miles long. Southlake Fire Department Lieutenant Jason Moloney fearlessly served as the Strike Team Leader of a specially trained team, which included five wildland brush trucks and a command vehicle. During the second deployment, the strike team was deployed on January 4 and was safely demobilized on January 9. While Lieutenant Moloney was on the front line, his wife, Velvet, worked tirelessly treating COVID- 19 patients as a respiratory therapist and taking care of their two young children. Both Jason and Velvet served to protect our State and sacrifice time at home during the holidays as a family. Madam Speaker, I thank Lieutenant Moloney and the entire Southlake Fire Department for their dedication, bravery, and providing world class service to our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor America's heroes as they protected the faithful members of Texas-24 in their place of worship over the weekend. We witnessed a terrorist threat in our community, as he held four worshippers hostage in the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. The brave men and women of our community selflessly rose to show our neighbors and our country that we will always stand together in unity to support each other. We proved this as the Colleyville Police Department responded immediately to the threat. Local churches showed their support as Good Shepherd Catholic Community Church opened its doors to take in the evacuees and families of hostages until the situation was resolved. Pleasant Run Baptist Church also opened its doors for others and displayed prayer signs for their ``brothers and sisters at Beth Israel.'' We are grateful for everyone who stepped up to serve their neighbors, and commend the resilience of the four who were held hostage against their will, including Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, whose courageous actions led to the safe escape of his fellow hostages. As we await further details, we ask for your continued support and prayers for the Colleyville community and the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5665. Bringing this bill to the floor is nothing more than empty theatrics from Democrats. Our Nation has delivered more freedom, opportunity, and liberty to more people around the world than any nation in our history. We have served as the arsenal of democracy and a liberator of oppressed people because we are a good and just nation founded on fundamental, God-given liberties. Included among those, as part of our very first amendment, is the freedom of speech. Our Nation has lost precious treasure of our fellow countrymen to free people from the horrors of Islamic fundamentalism. We need only look at what has happened to women in Afghanistan since Biden's disastrous and botched departure. Women are being stoned to death in the street for having the gall to be educated. Women are forced into marriages with blood-thirsty Taliban savages to serve as breeders of the next jihad. The fight against these kinds of atrocities deserves plainspoken and hard truths be told. Instead, the other side would like to sterilize free speech and determine what words are allowed under their Orwellian tyranny. Our Nation and the world deserve so much better than this ridiculous attempt to stifle free speech. There is tremendous evil in this world. Every day that evil is trying to infiltrate and undermine our exceptional Nation. I will never shy away from calling out evil ideologies, and I will never back down from speaking against them and how they are used to oppress women, children, and the vulnerable. We must stay committed to opposing heinous acts of violence directed at any religious group around the world, but the fact is, the State Department is already doing this. This bill brought to the floor today is for one purpose only: to appease the hurt feelings of Members who themselves have well- documented backgrounds of anti-American and anti-Semitic remarks. I rise against this bill just as I will rise against any attempts to weaken our rights, diminish our liberties, and distract this body from dealing with real issues to strengthen our Nation and empower our people.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas 24 Hometown Hero of the Week, my hometown hero, Irving Chief of Police, Jeff Spivey. Chief Spivey will be retiring this year after selflessly serving our community for 35 years working to strengthen community relations and serving in roles from patrol to criminal investigation. Irving is a better, safer city because of his dedication. He pioneered peer support services, formed a mental health response unit, and led a departmental reorganization. Madam Speaker, I thank Chief Spivey for his service and the lasting impact he has made on our community.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Vitton of Dallas, TX who served in the U.S. Navy and completed over 4,600 military flight hours. Over the weekend, I had the honor of awarding James the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Captain Vitton was commissioned in 1984, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1986. James courageously flew 341 combat hours during the Iran/Iraq War and served as the Flight Engineer Division Officer, Aircraft Division and Assistant Operations Officer. Among many of his positions during his Operational Level of Warfare tenure, Vitton planned and trained in over 30 major joint/combined operational exercises, including career highlight, Operation TOMODACHI: Maritime Operations Center Director of Japan's relief efforts following the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It is an honor to recognize the distinguished veterans of TX 24 and to preserve their stories for future generations of Americans through the Congressional Veteran Commendation. I thank James for his service and the sacrifices he made to protect our great nation.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Edward Reyes of Carrollton, TX who served in the U.S. Army and served as an infantryman in Vietnam. Last weekend, I had the honor of awarding Edward the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation. We honor him for his courage and bravery when entering the Army in June 1969 and being honorably discharged in May 1971. Since then, Edward has made a great impact on his community by serving as the President of Vietnam Veterans of America Dallas Chapter, working in law enforcement, serving on the Executive Board of Directors of the American Legion Post 453, and serving in various other organizations. Edward has always put others first and continues to make a lasting impact on the lives around him. It is an honor to recognize the distinguished veterans of TX 24, like Edward, and to preserve their stories for future generations of Americans through the Congressional Veteran Commendation. I thank Edward for his service and the sacrifices he made to protect our great nation.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard G. Stewart, Jr. of Irving, TX who served in the U.S. Navy. Over the weekend, I had the honor of awarding Richard the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Throughout his outstanding 24-year military service record, Richard was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, among many others. Richard retired from the Navy in 1994 and went on to serve his community in various more ways. It is an honor to recognize the distinguished veterans of TX 24 and to preserve their stories for future generations of Americans through the Congressional Veteran Commendation. I thank Richard for his service and the sacrifices he made to protect our great nation.

Ms. VAN DUYNE

Ms. VAN DUYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Merrel Franklin (Frank) Adams, Jr. of Southlake, TX who served in the U.S. Marine Corp and USMC Reserves during his 20 years of service. Over the weekend, I had the honor of awarding Frank the 2021 Congressional Veteran Commendation. Frank courageously flew during the Vietnam War and served seven months with the infantry as a Forward Air Controller, Air Liaison Officer and Battalion Operations Officer. Among many of Frank's accomplishments during his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross while flying the A4 Skyhawk, which saved American troops who were trapped by enemy fire, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for repelling enemy attack and causing many enemy casualties and 6 Air Medals for missions over North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Frank also received the Purple Heart for injuries he received when he was shot down by enemy ground fire. When he ejected, he had to outrun and fire upon the enemy until he was rescued by a helicopter. It is an honor to recognize the distinguished veterans of TX 24 and to preserve their stories for future generations of Americans through the Congressional Veteran Commendation. I thank Frank for his service and the sacrifices he made to protect our great nation.