Randy Weber

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, it seems that some of the things that we are hearing from the opponents of the bill are that the committee is going to be stacked with people from industry, from the States. It is as if the people from industry can't be trusted, people from States can't be trusted. Then we hear the theme that there was not a single Democratic vote to get this bill out. It almost sounds like the Affordable Care Act to me where people--recent revelations are one of the proponents has said that Americans were too stupid to understand, so that's why the Affordable Care Act had to be passed, and it couldn't have transparency because it would never have passed Congress. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1422. The Science Advisory Board, called the SAB--I guess we would say this is a ``sad SAB story''--was established by Congress to review the science behind the EPA's decisions and to advise Congress and the EPA on science and technical matters. Unfortunately, the SAB is no longer functioning as designed, without the impartiality and expertise needed to be an effective arbiter of EPA's use of science in its regulations. Why no transparency, Mr. Speaker? That is what we have got to ask. The American public deserves transparency. These are taxpayer dollars we are talking about. The membership of the SAB has excluded individuals from the State agencies and private sector. Again, I would remind us that these are the people who build communities and industries in neighborhoods, in cities, in towns, and in States. Can you say 10th Amendment? States have all the rights reserved. They are the building block. Communities, citizens, industry is the building block of this country. This is a country that has a government, not a government that has a country. So, as the EPA continues its regulatory assault on America's economy, it is critically important that Congress act to improve the quality of EPA's use of science in its decisions. This bill, this legislation, will do just that. It will improve the quality of SAB's membership. It will increase public participation in its scientific reviews. It will allow for dissenting opinions among its members and limit the SAB's activities to questions of science, not policy. And I want to say thank you to Congressman Stewart and Chairman Smith for bringing this important legislation to the floor today. It is very important that we get on top of this. The American people deserve transparency, they deserve a seat at the table, and they deserve nothing less.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the things that make America great are the things that America makes. Now, how do we do that? We have a stable, reliable, affordable energy supply. Mr. Speaker, I want you to think with me here for a second. We have to have a strong America. Whether it is a typhoon or whether it is a hurricane or whether it is famine or flood or pestilence or civil war-- no matter what it is--when the world has a catastrophe and they dial 911, who is it who answers? It is the Americans--isn't it?--with our military, with our might, with our goodness, I would argue. So I would argue that, for the world to be a safer place, we must have a strong America. How do we do that? Like I said, a stable, reliable, affordable energy supply. Mr. Speaker, this is not just about jobs and the economy. This is about a strong America that leads this world and makes the world a safer place to live in. I would further argue, Mr. Speaker, that you are seeing the result of an administration's policy. Around this world, we are seeing the results of people who understand that the current policy is weak, ineffective, and to be trampled upon. It is bewildering to me and, quite frankly, to many Americans that the President and his administration continue to stand in the way of the potential that this country has to offer with respect to domestic energy production for the reasons I just stated. In fact, the President has canceled lease sales and has effectively closed off 85 percent of our offshore resources from exploration. Yet the majority of Americans support tapping these resources so that we can make our country more energy independent--and again, so the world is a safer place to be. This country needs a President who will empower our energy sector, not suffocate it. I always say, as I did in my opening remarks, that the things that make America great are the things that America makes. Mr. Speaker, when more things are made in America, more Americans will make it in America. When government gets out of the way, we can create thousands of good-paying jobs and a whole lot of affordable, reliable, dependable, secure energy. Then and only then, when more things are made in America, more Americans will make it in America. The energy sector, as the gentleman said, is one of our Nation's leading job creators, and much more can be done to unleash our energy in these United States. Just look at my home State of Texas. Texas has been responsible for close to half of all new jobs created in the United States since the end of the recession. Texas has allowed the energy industry to flourish while, at the same time, protecting the environment. Shale gas development, which is booming because of innovations like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling--despite this administration--is leading to billions in new investments in my district alone, billions in my District 14 on the gulf coast of Texas, for example. Chevron Phillips Chemical Company is investing $6 billion to build two polyethylene plants in Sweeny, Texas, bringing 400 new permanent jobs and 10,000 new construction jobs to my district alone. You all know polyethylene is used to produce common plastic products we use every day, and it is derived from natural gas. In addition to many other projects, two companies in my district are waiting to invest billions--with a ``b''--of dollars in liquefied natural gas export facilities, which would bring an untold number of new construction jobs to my State and the Nation. It is a puzzle to me that this administration, instead of encouraging more of this kind of private investment nationwide, has decided that what we need now are more regulations. Are you kidding me? Just this past March, the administration announced that it is in the process of developing regulations on methane emissions from various sources, including from hydraulic fracturing sites. This is despite the fact that methane emissions have fallen by 11 percent since 1990. Such government overreach, which, undoubtedly, will also encompass emissions from cattle--if you can believe that--will raise costs for consumers, destroy jobs, and hurt energy production. This administration is so extreme it is proposing to regulate cow emissions. Now, in Texas, we call that a lot of bull. This Obama administration is out of touch with everyday Americans and is out of control with energy regulations. The administration's announcement on methane emissions is just one small piece of a much larger regulatory strategy. Take the EPA, for example. The EPA is requesting millions of dollars to conduct a study of hydraulic fracturing, which is a technology that has been safely utilized by the oil and gas industry in Texas since at least 1947. In at least three cases, the EPA has blamed hydraulic fracturing on water contamination. In all three of those cases, they were forced to retract their conclusions. Therefore, I suspect the purpose of their study is only to justify further regulatory actions. Most importantly, we cannot forget that the administration is planning to repropose a new rule on ozone this December. When originally proposed in 2010, this regulation was widely cited as the most expensive regulation in history, which would cost hundreds of billions of dollars and put over 80 percent of our Nation out of compliance--80 percent of our country in nonattainment when it comes to ozone regulations. Mr. Speaker, I would offer that the EPA needs to use common sense when it comes to the common sense of their nonattainment. Unlike our counterparts in the Senate, the House has passed legislation to expand domestic energy production. It has acted to hold the Obama administration accountable for its regulatory agenda. On June 26, with my support, the House passed H.R. 4899, Lowering Gasoline Prices to Fuel an America that Works Act. If enacted, this legislation will require the administration to move forward on the new offshore production that the gentleman was referring to in areas that are projected to contain the most oil and natural gas resources by requiring new lease sales and by streamlining permitting. I could go on and on and on. I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, even though, when he was running, the President said he had an all-of-the-above energy strategy, the truth is it is none of the above. He is in the process of killing the coal industry. Make no mistake. Fossil fuels will be next. Let me close by saying I call on the President, as the gentleman did, to permit the Keystone pipeline. Let it get built. Let America continue to be an energy leader in the world. Let America be solid and strong, and let us, once again, have a safe world.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer a very simple and fiscally responsible amendment that should be supported by all Members of this body to prevent the DOE from moving forward on a loan guarantee to an offshore wind project. Let me hasten to add that Texas is the leading State for producing wind energy in this great country. You know, Mr. Chairman, earlier this month, the Department of Energy approved a $150 million conditional loan guarantee for the Cape Wind offshore wind energy project. This project consists of 130 wind turbines, each 440 feet in height, spanning an area the size of Manhattan, and it is located in the Nantucket Sound off the coast of Massachusetts. This project would be funded and built primarily by foreign businesses and would fail to create significant local employment opportunities. Rather than using local businesses in the State of Massachusetts, or even in the United States, Cape Wind has outsourced the building of turbines to Denmark and the production of turbine foundations to Germany. It doesn't take more than a simple Google search, Mr. Chairman, to find out that this offshore wind project has been mired in controversy and litigation for the past 13 years. Federal agencies were recently required by the courts to conduct more scientific reviews to better assess Cape Wind's impacts to the environment. Cape Wind's litigation troubles are far from over as project opponents--which include the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, the Town of Barnstable, and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head--can appeal the project after the court rules on the agencies' response. In addition, there remains an outstanding appeal of the Cape Wind project brought by the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound and the Town of Barnstable against Massachusetts' regulators, the utility NSTAR, and Cape Wind. According to the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound's president and CEO: Our case that alleges NSTAR was coerced into signing a no- bid contract that violates Federal law, discriminates against affordable green power producers from out of State, and burdens small businesses and municipalities with unnecessarily high electricity costs. Mr. Chairman, this loan guarantee is a wasteful gesture by DOE to support a project that falls into the same category as Solyndra, the ``solar energy giant'' that received over $500 million in taxpayer money before its spectacular crash and burn 3 years ago. We cannot afford to have another failure like this occur paid for by our constituents. Mr. Chairman, by supporting this amendment, the House can send an important message to this administration that every penny of taxpayer money is precious. If Cape Wind has merit, then it should be built on those merits from solely private dollars and not on the backs of American taxpayers. I urge adoption of this amendment, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I yield to the gentleman from Idaho.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Chairman Simpson, and I thank the chairman for including language in the committee's report, which would require that the Army Corps of Engineers also look to strategic seaport designations when allocating funding for additional work. However, the President's budget for FY 2015 proposes to cut the maintenance budget for the Sabine-Neches Waterway by 35 percent over last year. No other area of the country, at least that I have been able to identify, has seen such a dramatic cut to its maintenance resources in the President's budget. This simply does not make sense. The Sabine-Neches Waterway is located between Texas and Louisiana. It is responsible for the third highest tonnage volume of foreign trade in the Nation and supplies 55 percent of our Nation's strategic petroleum reserves. Refineries located there manufacture 60 percent of our Nation's commercial jet fuel and a significant majority of our military's jet fuel. It is also used by the U.S. military to transport cargo to and from overseas deployments via the Port of Beaumont and Port Arthur, which are located along the waterway and handle over 33 percent of military cargo. Reducing resources to maintain waterways and harbors like this will restrict commerce, increase costs, and jeopardize safety at a time of increasing trade volume. I believe this cut is extremely shortsighted. Will the chairman agree that Congress needs to hold the administration accountable in how it allocates precious taxpayer resources for economically significant national infrastructure? Will the chairman work with me and others to ensure that harbors and waterways that play a critical role for our economy and national security are a priority in the allocation of maintenance resources?

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2014. If enacted, this legislation would authorize NASA programs and set funding levels for fiscal year 2014. It supports the development of space exploration technology like the Space Launch System and critical NASA functions at the Johnson Space Center, which just happens to be located just outside my district. It also sets a clear goal that NASA's human spaceflight program should focus on missions below low Earth orbit. It is time for NASA to focus scarce taxpayer resources on NASA's core mission: the development of capabilities necessary for manned missions to the Moon and beyond. As NASA no longer has the ability to transport American astronauts into space, it is also important that NASA continue development of systems to transport American astronauts to and from the international space station. We cannot afford to continue paying millions of dollars for seats on a Russian aircraft. Mr. Speaker, on another front, I would argue that NASA is critical for four more reasons: First, STEM--science, technology, engineering, and math. Imagine inspiring and encouraging young American students to shoot for the stars. NASA does just that. Second, the technological advances afforded by NASA and its mission would once again make us, as my colleague from Maryland said, the envy of the world and give us the competitive edge in attracting new ideas, new talent, new businesses. And third, and very importantly, Mr. Speaker, I would argue that any military commander knows that whoever occupies the high space in a military conflict will most likely win that conflict. Mr. Speaker, there is no other ultimate high ground than space. Fourth and lastly, I would tell you that it is about international security. What do I mean by that? Think with me for a moment, Mr. Speaker. When the world has a catastrophe, whether it is a hurricane, a tsunami, whether it is war or floods, pestilence, famine, whatever it is, when the world has a catastrophe and dials 911, who is it that answers? It is us, isn't it, with our military might. We have to have a strong America. NASA ensures that we have a strong America. A strong America ensures that we have a safe world. When America is that strong, safe world leader militarily and in innovation, this world will be a safer place. NASA is critical, Mr. Speaker, and so are the brave, innovative men and women of NASA, and they deserve a clear mission and a roadmap from the administration and from us, the United States Congress. That is why I support this legislation. As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I look forward to continue working to ensure that precious taxpayer resources at NASA are not wasted, but prioritized in support of NASA's core mission so that it can remain the world's premier space exploration agency. I am Randy Weber. There you have it.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to congratulate Joe and Flo Hall, of Lake Jackson, Texas, on the celebration of their 60th Anniversary this month. Mr. Joe Hall married Ms. Flo Broussard on May 1, 1954. Though they both grew up in the Lake Jackson area, they did not go on their first date until after Joe returned from World War II, serving our country in the United States Army. It was true love. After they were wed, their marriage was blessed with three adopted children that they raised while living throughout the United States. Now that they have settled back in Lake Jackson, Texas, they get to spend well-deserved time with their six grandchildren, great- grandchild, and the many children that are lovingly entrusted to their care by friends. Mr. Speaker, 60 years is a long time, and this truly is a Diamond Anniversary. To share these many years with the love of your life is a tremendous blessing. Mr. Speaker, the institution of marriage provides the strength that holds our communities together. Maintaining a marriage requires sacrifice, understanding, patience and sometimes forgiveness by both husband and wife. Marking the 60th anniversary of a marriage is a very special occasion for not only the couple, but also for the family, friends and community they have touched. Mr. Speaker, Joe and Flo's lives and love have been a model of excellence and are an inspiration to us all. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 60 years of happiness and wishing Mr. and Mrs. Hall all the best in the future.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I want to start by saying that I want every father and son to be able to fish year-round in our Federal waters. Nine days is a problem--it absolutely is a problem--and I look forward to working with both the gentlemen from Florida and Georgia to ensure open access to our Federal waters. I am also upset with NOAA and their continuously low stock assessment and flawed assessment methods. My opposition to this amendment comes from the negative impacts that it will have on head boat captains in the EFP. This is a pilot program. The Texas gulf coast, the area that I proudly represent, has a strong fishing heritage. Recreational and commercial fishing supports nearly 40,000 jobs in my State and generates $4.2 billion in sales. I have talked to fishermen in my district, Mr. Chairman, and they are against this amendment. They don't believe that the bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., should be telling--I agree with the gentlelady from Maine--regional fishing councils and local fishermen how to manage their fishery. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is comprised of local fishermen and folks that have lived on the gulf their whole life. This council is developing and testing a very successful pilot program, where head boat captains have access to the water year-round--not just 9 days, year-round. Under this program, they catch the same amount of fish but have the flexibility and freedom to go out when it is most convenient for their customers. I have heard from my constituents, and they want this program to grow, like the gentlelady said. This amendment would gut that pilot program and kick people out of the water. Mr. Chairman, as a proud conservative, I believe that fishery management decisions should be made at the local level. Given the challenges our fishermen face, Congress should ensure local councils have all the tools in the fishery management toolbox available to them. I will vote against this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Would a motion be in order to suspend the rules and bring up an amendment that was in the previous section at this time?

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Chair, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank my friend, the gentleman from Florida. Madam Speaker, I will tell you what the gentleman from Florida is describing is American and Israeli blood on the hands of terrorists who now have American cash in their back pockets. It is unbelievable. The history is that, since 2003, the Palestinian Authority has provided government salaries to Palestinians imprisoned in Israeli jails--let me again say--with Israeli blood on their hands. These are prisoners who have actively participated in terrorist activities. According to the Palestinians' language of their own law, ``Anyone imprisoned in the occupation's, or Israel's, prisons as a result of his participation in the struggle against the occupation'' is eligible for a monthly salary. Let me be clear. Prisoners may qualify for a government salary if--and only if--they have killed an Israeli and/or participated in terrorist activities. As an extra, dare I call it, ``bonus,'' if their crimes are so extensive as to warrant imprisonment for 5 years or more, the government salaries will continue until 3 years following their release from jail. Salaries are also given to the families of suicide bombers or to those who die ``while participating in the struggle.'' Originally, these salaries were set at a minimum of $250 per month, American dollars. The payments were increased by 300 percent in January of 2011. At present, the PA is paying up to $15 million in government salaries to those convicted of crimes each month. It seems like a pretty good deal to me. Commit a terrorist attack and get yourself caught and imprisoned by the Israelis, and you can win free food, shelter, education, medical care, and a salary that is significantly higher than what you can collect on your own in the outside world. How are we to believe the sincerity of a government that incentivizes violent acts of terror against the very nation with which they are supposedly negotiating a treaty for peace? In a meeting with the Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat, while in Ramallah, I told him that actions speak louder than words-- that they need to stop glorifying terrorists and, instead, glorify peace and renounce terrorism, that they need to admit that Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state. He was not a happy camper. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority doled out $100 million in salaries to 4,762 prisoners last year. An additional $46 million has already been allocated this year, and we are only 4 months into the year. Let me tell you that that averages out to $2,400 per prisoner per month--all for participating in terrorism. What is worse is that we are helping the Palestinian Government in their efforts. Did I mention they have got Israeli and American blood on their hands and American cash in their back pockets? Approximately 85 percent of all international aid money sent to the West Bank and Gaza goes to government salaries. In spite of multiple congressional freezes on government aid, President Obama has continued to use his waiver authority to release millions in American taxpayer dollars to that same Palestinian Authority. In fact, since 2008, we have averaged $500 million a year in bilateral assistance. How does that protect our Nation or our very best ally, Israel? Where is the sense in that? In the words of the Texas revolutionary, Lieutenant William Barret Travis: I call on you, members, in the name of liberty, patriotism and everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid. We have got to stop this foolishness. We require foreign contractors, vendors, and employees to be properly vetted prior to receiving government grant funds to ensure that we are not unintentionally contributing to terror around the world. Why are we allowing it to happen here, for heaven's sake? You are right, Congressman Yoho, at a time when our constituents are pulling out their receipts, drafting their tax returns, planning their annual budgets, we should be ever more diligent on spending their tax dollars. The Appropriations Committee must ensure that the language they craft and the authority they give safeguards against us ever contributing to the financial well-being of those who seek the destruction of our allies or our great Nation. Foreign aid is not a right; it is a gift from the American people. Terrorists with blood on their hands, we don't want to support terrorists with American and Israeli blood on their hands and with American cash in their back pockets. We must not let that happen. I am Randy Weber, and you know I am right.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. It is not a right.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the 90th birthday of Mr. Rayford Guzardo of Nederland, Texas. Mr. Guzardo is a remarkable and respected member of our community on the Texas Gulf Coast. His life and career exemplify a selfless and tireless commitment to his family, community, and to our great nation. This weekend, Mr. Guzardo will gather with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to celebrate a life of what is rightly called a member of our greatest generation. Rayford Guzardo was born on April 6, 1924 in Nederland, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Air Force after the start of World War II, after he served in Italy. He flew heroically as a tail gunner on a B-24 ``Liberator'', and bravely weathered a year's captivity as a prisoner of war when is plane crashed during a mission over Hungary. Upon returning home from his military service, he married his lovely wife, Virginia, in 1949. Together, they built a family and a business in Nederland. Never opposed to honest, hard work, Rayford labored long hours as the owner of the family business; a local feed store that supplies the Jefferson County community with everything from livestock feed and garden necessities, to knowledge and know-how which he offered with traditional southern hospitality. Rayford has dedicated his life to family, community and to the Lord, our God. He has spent the past 90 years setting an example of courage, honor, loyalty and kindness to which we can all aspire. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Rayford Guzardo on this milestone. I thank him for his outstanding service to our nation. I am proud to join his friends and family in celebrating his 90th year, and I wish him continued health and happiness.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birthday of my friend and treasured member of the gulf coast community, Mr. Simon Urbanic, who will turn seventy years old on March 15, 2014. Simon is a resident of League City, Texas along with his lovely wife, Pamela. Born on Galveston Island in 1944, Simon has committed himself to being a successful business owner, principled conservative and devoted follower of Christ. He also served our country honorably in the United States Navy as an Opticalman 3rd Class. Simon continues to be a devoted servant in Galveston County, serving on several boards in the area. As an area realtor, Simon has worked tirelessly to help many-- including my family--find a house to call home. Not only has he served others through his work and church, he has also worked tirelessly to promote the Republican Party and conservative ideals. Simon is a dedicated and passionate volunteer for the Republican Party, the Galveston County Republican Network and other conservative political causes. A passionate learner of conservative thought, Simon is dedicated to organizing conservative ideology in Texas. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Simon Urbanic on this milestone. I thank him for his many contributions to Galveston Island, Texas District 14, and the United States. I am proud to join his friends and family in celebrating his 70th year. Simon is a friend of mine and a friend of Galveston County and I wish him continued health and happiness.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my support for the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. As many Americans know, this pipeline will provide an immediate boost to our economy and strengthen national security. That is important. Ask the Ukrainians. This pipeline will create over 40,000 jobs, foster a more energy independent North America, bolster our Nation's weakened infrastructure system, contribute approximately $3.4 billion to our GDP, and generate needed tax revenues in several States. After a thorough review of the pipeline proposal, the State Department determined it would have no significant negative environmental impact. The Department's inspector general also concluded that the pipeline's environmental impact study was sound. This is the latest in a slew of reports rejecting the administration's excuses on Keystone. Mr. Speaker, this President has vowed that this will be a year of action. House Republicans urge him to act. He should immediately approve the Keystone XL pipeline and put Americans back to work. I am Randy Weber, and there you have it.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Absolutely. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Tim Huelskamp, for the opportunity to speak out today in support of marriage and also what I am going to call unmarriage, and we will talk a bit more on that later. Do you know, Mr. Speaker, children are the only thing God can use to make adults, so we had better give Him a ready supply. I would submit to those of us who are following this and listening that marriage has been the strong foundation of our culture and our society. Our government recognizes marriage because of the benefits it extends to our society. A healthy marriage creates stability, and it creates security, Mr. Speaker. A healthy marriage ensures a committed relationship with a mom and a dad to raise, to teach, and to instill values in those children. A change in attitude towards marriage over the past several decades has been slowly corrupting our marriage culture. But it is important that we continue to recognize the important institution that is marriage and allow the conversation on its public policy interest to continue in the States. This past week, sadly, Eric Holder, the Attorney General, has once again thwarted the Constitution, thwarted the separation of powers, and thwarted the popular will of the people when he announced that the Department of Justice--and I use the word loosely--would extend recognition of same-sex marriages nationwide, including my beloved Texas that has adopted a constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman for our specific public-policy interests. We adopted that in Texas by over 76 percent of the vote in 2005. Last summer, as we know, Congressman, you have already referred to it, the Supreme Court made yet another mistake. The Federal definition of marriage in the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, was ruled unconstitutional in the United States v. Windsor case. As a result of the vagueness contained in that decision, Federal agencies began developing interagency guidance that surpasses the limits set by our very own Constitution, set by the Supreme Court, and set by Congress. While some of those agencies are referring to State law, Mr. Speaker, in determining a couple's marital status based on where the couple resides, called the State of domicile, other Federal agencies are using the State of celebration or where a couple is married when they enforce Federal laws. This latter practice is unconstitutional. Agencies do not have the authority to create law and, therefore, agencies, which are following ``the State of celebration'' in determining the recognition of marriage, they undercut State laws and inherently influence the debate within the borders of those States. That is why I have introduced the State Marriage Defense Act. This act solves that problem. It provides that a marriage will not be recognized by the Federal Government if it is not recognized by the State in which the person lives, aka, the State of domicile. Every American's marital status in the eyes of the Federal Government would be the same as in the eyes of the State where he or she lives. That would simplify the law and do away with the confusion on the part the Federal agencies at least in that one regard. So again, I have introduced the State Marriage Defense Act of 2014, which simply provides that a relationship will not be recognized as a marriage by the Federal Government if it is not recognized by the State in which that certain person lives. That is it in a nutshell. My bill, the State Marriage Defense Act of 2014, is a states' rights bill. We in Texas don't want other States telling us--or the Federal Government for that matter--telling us how we should live, and we don't intend to tell them how they should live. And now about what I call ``unmarriage.'' Federal Government: leave marriage alone and leave it to the individuals who live in, contribute to, and build families at the local level. Federal Government: divorce yourselves from this notion of dictating to the States. That needs to be an unmarriage. I have been married to the prettiest gal this side of the Atlantic, Tim, for 37 years, and she is my girlfriend of 39 years. I understand that marriage is a commitment. It is a tremendous institution, and it undergirds our very society. I am glad to participate in National Marriage Week and to stand up and fight for states' rights. I am Randy Weber, and there you have it.

Mr. WEBER of Texas. You know, I wish I could, Tim. Sadly, I think they have gone around the Constitution, gone around the Supreme Court, and gone around the Congress. I would say we have a constitutional crisis on our hands because here is an administration that is out of control, an Attorney General that is out of control, and, sadly for the executive branch, for someone who taught constitutional law, that is a scary notion to me because I can just assure you that I have read the Constitution many times over, and I don't have a clue where they get the authority, other than people have been silent and not stood up against that kind of what I would call ``want to be kingship.'' So I hope that enough people stand up and say enough is enough, get back to the basics and back to the Constitution. Again, as I said, unmarry this notion that the Federal Government has got to be in on our everyday lives.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to celebrate the retirement of John Lee Blankenship. For the past 43 years, Mr. Blankenship has made it his life's work to protect and serve the citizens of Brazoria County. In February 1971, John Blankenship enrolled in the Angleton Police Department Academy because several of his friends were officers. Six months later, John graduated from the Academy and joined the ranks of the Angleton Police Department. John's sense of duty did not stop with the Angleton PD; he also joined and became a member of the Angleton Volunteer Fire Department. As years went by, John's dedication enabled him to move up the ranks to become Criminal Investigator for the Brazoria County District Attorney's office in 1984. Nine years later, John was again promoted, this time to Chief Investigator. Throughout his career, John had received numerous recognitions for his achievements in law enforcement. In 1983, he was awarded the Investigator of the Year Award by Brazoria County Sheriffs Department. In 2001, John was named an Officer of the Year Finalist by the 100 Club of Brazoria County. Most recently, in 2013, John was awarded the Chuck Dennis Memorial Award, Prosecutor Investigator by the Texas District and County Attorney's Association. While retirement may take some getting used to, John and his wife of 44 years, Maggie, have plans to take an Alaskan Cruise, as well as a road trip in his motorhome to various destinations throughout the United States. It is my great hope that you will enjoy retirement with your darling wife, two beautiful children, Mindy and Chara, and their families including your four wonderful grandchildren. Thank you, John, for your 43 years of service. Your commitment and dedication to God, family, the citizens of Brazoria County, and the great State of Texas has been unparalleled and for that we recognize you today on the floor of the 113th Congress.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember a fellow Texan, Dona Barbour Worrell of Brazoria and Spring Branch who passed away Saturday, January 11 2014. Dona was the daughter of Susan Louise Poole and Dr. Joel Lane Barbour of Bay City, Texas. She was the youngest of two children. She was also the granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson Poole, the president of the Bay City Bank and Trust from 1909-1929. Mr. Poole owned a 5,000 acre ranch in Matagorda County, where Barbour spent a lot of her childhood. In 1929 Poole formed a partnership with Allen Ranch, creating the Allen-Poole Cattle Co. They shipped cattle by rail to Oklahoma and Kansas, and at its height, the Allen-Poole Cattle Co. shipped more cattle than any other ranch in Texas except for the King Ranch. The Poole Ranch was very much a part of her life and an integral part of her family. Dona attended Trinity University, where she met her husband, Thomas Alfred Worrell. The two were married in 1960. Shortly after their marriage, Tommy took a part in the movie, ``The Alamo,'' starring John Wayne. Dona's life ultimately leads her and her family back to Texas. They split their time between San Antonio and the Poole Ranch in Brazoria, Texas, where they owned and operated shows at various dude ranches. Dona touched the lives of many people, including close friends and famous Hollywood actors. James Drury, who is best known for his role in The Virginian as well as General Douglas MacArthur and his wife Jean, who arranged for Dona to attend a coalition at West Point, just to name a few. Dona is survived by her husband Tommy, (Thomas) Worrell; Son, Todd Worrell and spouse, Marty Worrell and children from a previous marriage, Daniel Lane Worrell, Dylan Thomas Worrell and Bethany Kirsten Worrell; Daughter, Heather Worrell and her partner, Kellye McKinna and their children, Thelen Lane McKinna-Worrell and Ella Kathryn McKinna- Worrell; and daughter Sunni Worrell Duncan, her spouse, Daniel Duncan their children from a previous marriage, Austin Thomas Soward, Hunter Brian Soward, and Courtland Shea Duncan. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brother. Dona was a strong Texan, deeply devoted to her husband and family, she will be greatly missed.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support and deepest thanks for a fine young man and outstanding soldier from my congressional district--Corporal Donny Daughenbaugh, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.). Corporal Daughenbaugh was hit with a bullet in the face, and miraculously survived the injury. After a long and grueling rehabilitation, he has made it his life's mission to give back to veterans facing similar situations. He is now the Assistant Vice President and National Spokesperson for the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. A 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization, it was established in 2004 to provide severely wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families, with emergency financial assistance and other support services to help them recover from injuries and rebuild their lives. The Coalition has also provided several grants to various programs benefiting veterans in Texas, which is home to approximately 1.7 million veterans. On December 9-13, the Coalition will host ``The 7th Annual Road to Recovery Conference and Tribute'' in Orlando, Florida to help hundreds of military veterans and their families adjust to civilian life. Although he may never fully recover from his injury, Corporal Daughenbaugh has been able to inspire others through his story of resilience. The bullet lodged in his brain is a constant reminder of his service to our nation as a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps. Together with Coalition CEO David Walker, Corporal Daughenbaugh is rebuilding an organization that rebuilds lives. In just one year, they have transformed an organization with a righteous mission into a leading national organization that gives hope to veterans. Their mission: ensuring our war-weary nation does not lose sight of its obligations to those protecting our freedoms. The Coalition is addressing a serious challenge facing our nation: helping thousands of returning veterans reintegrate into American society by creating a safety net that would help returning veterans avoid the high rates of unemployment (averaging 17.9 percent nationwide), suicide (24 per day), divorce (60 percent), etc. Unfortunately, these true American heroes often receive little or no support from the nation for which they sacrificed so much. Because of a shortage of funding and an interminable bureaucratic backlog at the Veterans Administration, they wait for roughly a year, on average, to receive disability pay and benefits. Thousands never receive the proper care for PTSD, because it still remains a largely misunderstood condition. The Coalition is an organization standing in the gap--and their work is already producing impressive results through public and private partnerships across the nation. One of these successful endeavors is with a Dallas-based international restaurant chain, Bennigan's, and their ``Wall of Heroes'' initiative. Through the promotion, Bennigan's customers are invited to purchase a drink, write a note, and upload a picture in honor of anyone currently serving or those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Corporal Daughenbaugh also has been a guest of honor at multiple ``Happy Hour with a Hero'' events sponsored by Bennigan's--and his story has also been featured on their Wall of Heroes site. America has been a nation at war for the longest period of time in our history--bringing a new set of challenges, not only our military fighting force, but to a generation of young veterans. Many are facing unprecedented physical and psychological trauma while transitioning back to civilian careers. Over 1 million veterans are expected to make that transition this year. Through his work with the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, Corporal Daughenbaugh is inspiring thousands of young veterans who are on a road to recovery from their injuries. I applaud his work and dedication. He is indeed a true American hero.

Mr. WEBER of Texas

Mr. WEBER of Texas. I thank the gentleman from Illinois, our distinguished deputy whip. Mr. Speaker, this House disagrees on almost every issue brought before it. However, this is one issue on which this House agrees: we all agree that we must never allow a nuclear-armed Iran. Repeatedly, this Congress has passed resolutions condemning a nuclear Iran as well as having passed multiple pieces of legislation strengthening an Iranian sanctions policy in the hopes of halting their progress. A number of resolutions calling for sanctions, increased scrutiny and the cessation of enrichment have also passed the U.N. Security Council. Yet instead of tightening the sanctions policy--a policy which has forced Iran to the negotiations table in the first place--this administration seems hell-bent on easing those sanctions and on allowing the release of billions of dollars in assets and finances to Iran. Even more incredulous, we still don't have a finalized deal, much less even know the details of what they are planning. As a result of this administration's easement, Iran is already threatening an oil price war within OPEC, and companies around the world are jockeying to play in a country that still has no restrictions upon enrichment or upon nuclear weaponization. The terms of the so- called ``deal,'' still under negotiation, allow Iran to continue enrichment, directly violating multiple U.N. resolutions, directly violating U.S. stated policy, and directly violating international stated policy. The Institute for Science and International Security recently published a report indicating that Iran was a mere few months away from reaching that nuclear threshold. However, this administration's negotiations do nothing regarding dismantling systems obviously aimed at weaponization. They do nothing regarding the removal of uranium enriched beyond civilian needs. They do nothing regarding work on delivery systems or ballistic missiles, and they do nothing to stop the enrichment currently taking place. In essence, Iran has received everything it has wanted, and we have gotten nothing. Christmas has come early in Iran. The Iranian Government, Mr. Speaker, is not to be trusted. It has been demonstrated time and time again. If we intend to keep our country safe and strong, we cannot grant concessions without first verifying behavioral changes from politically unstable countries like Iran. We tried that tact, Mr. Speaker, in North Korea. How has that been working for us? Members of Congress should refuse to stay silent on this issue. It is time for the Senate to step up to the plate and pass the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act. It is way past time for our administration and our negotiators to take a hard-line stand against this evil. Here is a plan to do that. Let's demand some action. I will give you seven things: (1) Demand that Iran stops human rights violations and releases all political hostages, including Americans like Pastor Saeed Abedini, former U.S. marine Amir Hekmati, and ex-FBI agent Robert Levinson; (2) Stop the exportation of terrorism and renounce terrorism; (3) Stop all the centrifuges; destroy them; and allow unlimited access from the IAEA; (4) Publicly apologize to America and Israel for calling them the large and small Satan; (5) Recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state; (6) Withdraw from Syria if they want to prove that Iran is serious. (7) Wait a year to show the world they are serious, and perform those six functions. We want action, Mr. Speaker, not promises. As former Senator Phil Gramm once stated: If the lion is going to lie down with the lamb, then we want America to be the lion. We want to use our strength, to show our strength, to negotiate from a position of strength. To do anything else may make Israel the sacrificial lamb. This current administration needs to understand that this deal is a bad deal. I am Randy Weber, and there you have it.