Randy Weber

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, my Gulf Coast district in Texas, better known as the Energy Capital of the World, depends on Representative Pfluger's district, the fracking district, to keep our energy industry running. I guess one could say that while most districts lack it, Representative Pfluger's district fracks it, and my district cracks it. This is a part of the energy process. Hydraulic fracturing isn't just important. It is absolutely critical. It is the very reason why the Democrats talk about how we lead the world in all the oil and drilling and stuff we have done because it is the reason American producers of oil and natural gas are leading the way. It is because of fracking. It does things like my colleague talked about. It keeps the heater going in the winter and keeps the air-conditioner going in the summer. How about it keeps the lights on, lowers energy costs, and creates jobs, all the while strengthening our economy? It is not just energy security. It is national security. Leave it to our friends across the aisle to try to shut it down. We are going to make sure, for which I thank the chairman and August Pfluger, that that never happens. For the future of this great Nation, we must stop radical, climate-obsessed Presidents from ever placing a Federal moratorium on fracking because that would destroy America as we know it. Thankfully, we now have President Trump back in the White House, a leader who actually understands just how vital our energy industry is. We also have Chris Wright at the Department of Energy, a man who helped fuel America's fracking revolution and made us the energy powerhouse we are today. Make no mistake, the Green New Deal crowd isn't giving up yet. The second they get the chance, they will be right back at it, trying to dismantle our oil and gas industry. That is why I proudly support my good friend Representative Pfluger's bill, the Protecting American Energy Production Act, to make sure that fracking remains protected, no matter who sits in the Oval Office. Madam Speaker, we all know that energy security is national security. I hope my friends realize that.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my fellow Texan calling for sanctions on the International Criminal Court officials who dare to target U.S. citizens or our allies, especially our ally, Israel. Mr. Speaker, the ICC is nothing more than a kangaroo court. Their absolute blind obsession in pursuing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu notwithstanding Hamas' unspeakable atrocities reveals the ICC's true loyalties. Their actions signal a dangerous complicity with terrorist groups, like Hamas, as well as others I might add. The ICC's ignorance of reality disqualifies them from passing judgment on those defending themselves against pure evil. I can't say that strongly enough: against pure evil. It is that pure and simple. The ICC doesn't get it. I have been to Israel since the horrific October 7 attacks, Mr. Speaker. On the other hand, the ICC has not only not witnessed firsthand, as I have, the devastation and terror inflicted on innocent lives, they have not been there. Our message is clear: The ICC is a disgrace. It is a sham, and its officials need to find real jobs. They have no authority to target Americans or our allies, especially Israel, and we won't stand for it, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to passing this bill and encouraging the Senate to pass it in time for President Trump to sign it on day one.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce on an incredible milestone--180 years of outstanding service to our community. Since its founding in 1845, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce has been an absolute cornerstone of economic development, business growth, education, and enhancing the quality of life in the Galveston area. The chamber proudly represents over 750 members across diverse sectors, including small businesses, education, research, healthcare, government, nonprofit organizations, and religious groups--truly embodying the spirit of collaboration and progress. As the oldest chamber of commerce in Texas, we are blessed to have this remarkable institution in our community and in my district. It is under the outstanding leadership of President Gina Spagnola and her exceptional team, and the chamber continues to make an enduring impact on Galveston and beyond with her leadership. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate President Gina Spagnola and the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce on 180 years of absolute excellence.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, Dr. Burgess has been quite a mentor, quite a friend, and quite an example. As he and Laura proceed on their next step in their history and their work for Texas, I want them to know from us, our deepest gratitude and thankfulness. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve alongside him and get to know him and to watch him. He probably doesn't know this, but I have a little bit of a sense of humor, and he does too, and we really appreciate that. Brenda and I will be praying for him and Laura, for his family, for God's blessings over this new chapter in his life. We hope it is filled with joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control, as Galatians 5 lays out in the fruit of the Spirit. We love what he has done to serve this Nation faithfully, and he is leaving a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. God bless Dr. Burgess, and may God continue to bless Texas and the United States because of him. We are grateful for him. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Dr. Burgess).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield to Danny Davis from Illinois for his comments.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia, Chairman Morgan Griffith.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield to another gentleman from Texas, Keith Self.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas, Jake Ellzey.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I am like you with whatever pact you all made. We didn't want him to leave, but do you think his beautiful bride, Laura, had something to say about that?

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Will the judge yield for a question?

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter) to come up and share with us.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I now recognize the gentleman from Waco, Texas, Mr. Pete Sessions.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Fischbach).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I now recognize our friend from California, Ms. Barbara Lee.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott) for his comments.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky, Mr. Brett Guthrie.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank the gentleman, an admirer of the Republic of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank Chairman Babin for his great remarks, his heartfelt words, because he shares the sentiment of all of us, Dr. Michael Burgess. I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) for his remarks.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we are here tonight to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of one of our good friends, a great Texan, a great mentor, a great Member of Congress, our friend and our colleague, Dr. Michael Burgess. Sadly, Dr. Burgess is stepping away from these hallowed Halls to hang up his boots back home. I am not quite sure we are going to let him do that. We are going to give him grief over that, but he is leaving these hallowed Halls of Congress to hang up those great boots back home in the great State of Texas--check this out--after 22 dedicated years of service, not just to this institution, but to the people of America and the people of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Michael Burgess has exemplified the very best of what it is not only to be a Texan, but to be a physician, a husband, a father, and a Congressman. He is the real deal, Mr. Speaker, with unshakeable resolve and a servant's heart. I have watched him up close and personal these last 12 years. With absolute unshakeable resolve and a servant's heart, Michael Burgess has tackled some of the most challenging issues facing our Nation. He has always had the needs of Texans and Americans at the forefront, both of those, Texans and Americans. As one of the very few physicians in Congress, Dr. Burgess' expertise has been an absolute guiding light on healthcare policy, and his unwavering advocacy for the unborn has been a testament to his absolutely deep moral convictions. Dr. Burgess, let me say: Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Mr. Speaker, I could tell you things about him from being with him in a Texas lunch and knowing him personally and watching him up close and personal as he sits on what we call ``The Texas Row'' back here. I don't have enough time to tell you about the stories and the discussions we have had and what it revealed about the man, Dr. Michael Burgess. I could be here for a long time. I don't know how much time you have, Mr. Speaker, but I can be here for a long time. In Texas, we believe in rolling up our sleeves, getting the job done, and never backing down from a fight. Let me tell you all: That epitomizes one Dr. Michael Burgess, who has done that right here in what I call these hallowed Halls of Congress. His dedication to conservative principles and his commitment to values that make not only Texas strong, but this country strong, has left an indelible mark on this institution. Michael, we are sad that you are leaving. I am still not sure we are going to let that happen, but bless you, brother. As you return to the Lone Star State, we know that you will continue to embody the spirit of Texas, where faith and family and freedom remain at the center of everything we do. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Michael Burgess epitomizes that. He really epitomizes that. So, Dr. Burgess, as you step into the well-deserved next chapter, we must also recognize the support of your beautiful wife, Laura, who has been your steadfast partner throughout these 22 years of service. You know what they say, behind every great leader is a strong family, but it is one that he built. It is one that he built, and his bride, Laura, has shared in those sacrifices that come with public service, standing by him with grace and strength. Before I begin to conclude, I do want to yield to my friend also from Texas, Dr. Brian Babin, for his comments as we absolutely salute Dr. Michael Burgess and applaud him and just absolutely love the work that he has done. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia, Buddy Carter.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable couple who have been pillars of our community in Friendswood, Texas. The Glines Family, as some of the earliest residents of our beloved town, have left an indelible mark on the fabric of our society. Billy and Jackie Glines share a love story that reads like a fairytale. They met in 1957, and it wasn't long before sparks flew. Their first date in July of that year set the stage for a lifelong romance. By late October, Billy was called to serve our great country. Knowing he had found his soulmate, Billy was determined to marry Jackie before someone else did, for he knew he would ``never find another girl like her.'' On Christmas leave from basic training, Billy and Jackie had a quaint ceremony on December 23, 1957. Their love was tested early on, as Billy soon departed for Germany to serve as an Advanced Weapons Support Commander. Their bond only grew stronger over the miles and years. In November 1960, they welcomed their first child, Kimberly, followed by Britt in April 1964. Kimberly and her husband, Stan, have two children, while Britt and his wife, Shannon, have three. The Glines family legacy continues to thrive through these wonderful families. Billy's career journey led him to establish the Mustang Auto Shop with his brother-in-law, a business that remains in operation today, serving the Friendswood community. Jackie, after initially working at a weight loss facility, found her calling as a secretary at Accident Insurance Company from 1958 to 1960. She paused her career to raise her children, then dedicated 30 years as a beloved school secretary at her son's elementary school. Last Christmas, Billy and Jackie celebrated 67 years of enduring love and commitment. Their contributions to Friendswood are immeasurable, and their story is an inspiration to us all. I first learned about this remarkable story through an excellent article authored by Ashley Forrest and published by Angela Knight in Friends of Friendswood Magazine July 2024 Edition. Their work in capturing and preserving the legacy of local families like the Glines deserves heartfelt appreciation. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent folks like Billy and Jackie Glines, whose lives are a testament to the values we hold dear--love, dedication, and service. Their story is a shining example of the American spirit, and their enduring marriage is a beacon of hope and stability in our community. Here's to Billy and Jackie Glines, for their steadfast love, their service to our country, and their unwavering commitment to our community. May they continue to share many more happy years together.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.