Roger Williams

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I rise today urging the administration to delay a harmful rule that would be catastrophic to rural hospitals and healthcare providers in the 25th District of Texas. The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges unseen before in American history. While all businesses have been forced to operate in a new environment, healthcare providers have overcome tremendous hurdles to meet the needs of their patients, despite historical financial losses. Implementation of the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule, or MFAR, would lead to devastating hospital closures in Texas and restrict access to crucial health services. The financial impact alone would cost our State nearly $11 billion and cause local governments to increase taxes, resulting in less care and more red tape. That is why I am leading the fight on behalf of all Texans. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan MFAR Transparency Act to analyze the impact of the rule before blindly moving forward so that our health systems can continue to serve patients during the most dynamic health crisis of our generation. I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, for joining me in this effort. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. The greatest commitment I make to my constituents in Texas' 25th District is to keep them and their families safe. Unfortunately, some State and local governments are choosing to put politics over public safety by passing sanctuary immigration laws that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with Federal immigration officers. Sanctuary laws not only release dangerous criminals back onto our streets, but they also are a slap in the face to the millions of immigrants who went through the legal process to enter the United States and comply with our laws. I believe that individuals who enter our country illegally should never be afforded the same privileges as law-abiding Texans. I support President Trump's decisive and necessary actions to withhold Federal grants from sanctuary jurisdictions that proactively make immigration officers' jobs more challenging by refusing to follow the law. Congress must take additional action to follow in the footsteps of the Trump administration. For that reason, today, I am proud to speak in support of the Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act. This important bill holds State and local governments accountable if they choose to put the public at risk by not following immigration laws. It allows for the victims to sue sanctuary jurisdictions if a crime was committed by an individual who was released back into the public instead of being turned over to Federal immigration enforcement officers. A report by the Texas Department of Public Safety found that 214,000 illegal aliens were charged with over 340,000 crimes between 2011 and February 2020. Many were serious offenses that put the public at risk. There were over 600 homicides, 37,000 assaults, and 3,400 weapons charges, just to name a few. The victims of these crimes deserve to have an avenue to fight back against sanctuary policies. This bill would force State and local governments to choose whether they will change their dangerous policies and get in line with Federal immigration laws or risk being sued when there is a serious crime committed by an illegal immigrant. The Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act is the first step to holding rogue State and local governments accountable for exploiting our broken immigration system. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put the safety of their constituents first by supporting our efforts to get this bill across the finish line. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a great Texan and United States Army veteran, Jamie Willis of Copperas Cove, Texas. Since 2016, Jamie has run Canes for Veterans Central Texas, an organization that creates free walking sticks for veterans in need. While serving our country overseas as a cavalry scout in Operation Desert Storm, Jamie was involved in an accident that left him briefly paralyzed and now disabled, and wrestling with severe depression and PTSD. When he returned home, he would travel to the local VA for treatment where he was issued a cane to use that never held up. So, he decided to make his own out of repurposed Christmas trees. An effort that started out as a necessity three years ago has now grown to a team of 60 volunteers who have made more than 220 canes. Jamie says crafting these canes is his true calling and they have brought him back from the brink of taking his own life--and he has changed the lives of those around him. I want to honor Jamie today and thank him on behalf of the 25th District of Texas for his continued service to our nation. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the 2019 Grandview High School fighting Zebras football team on back- to-back State championship titles. For Texans, high school football isn't just a sport; it is a way of life. Each week in the fall, we gather under Friday night lights and cheer our team on to victory. The young men and women and coaches on our teams spend countless hours running drills, watching film, and getting ready for their moment in history. During the 2019 season, Grandview's dedication paid off, as they defeated the Pottsboro Cardinals 42-35 at AT&T Stadium for their second straight title. On behalf of the 25th Congressional District, I congratulate the fighting Zebras on their victory, and I wish them the very best in the future. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3621. As a business owner and lender, I know firsthand the value that complete and accurate credit reports have in making sound business decisions. For any business that relies on financing, risk-based pricing is essential in order to offer each customer the lowest rate possible. Every time a deal is broken, the cost gets passed along to the next customer. Your handshake is worth something. When you are trying to get a loan, people need to know that your signature is worth something as well. In Texas, a deal is a deal, and you must always live up to your end of the bargain. For those customers who have been financially responsible and always paid their debts on time, they are rewarded with lower rates. For those borrowers who have not paid their debts on time, financial institutions are forced to price in this inherent risk. Whether a person is buying a car, a private jet, or a cow, the lender needs to be paid back in order to be able to continue offering lines of credit to responsible people in their community. Mr. Chair, I am concerned that this bill would take us down a path where lenders are receiving incomplete credit reports that have been scrubbed of all negative information. In other words, hiding information results in greater risk for the lender. This would make borrowing money more expensive for all customers since financial institutions will have a worse picture about who will be able to repay their debts and who will not. Again, I remind you we say and always should remember: A deal is a deal. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the 2019 Westlake High School Chaparrals football team on winning their second State championship title. For Texans, high school football isn't just a sport, it is a way of life. Each week in the fall we gather under Friday night lights and cheer our team on to victory. The young men, women, and coaches on our team spend countless hours running drills, watching film, and getting ready for their moment in history. During the 2019 season, Westlake's dedication paid off as they posted a 24-0 shutout over Denton Guyer at AT&T Stadium for their second State title. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 25th Congressional District in Texas, I congratulate the Chaps on their victory and wish them the very best in their bright futures. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the President George H.W. Bush and First Spouse Barbara Bush Coin Act honoring one of the most remarkable couples in our Nation's history. I am proud to have introduced the House companion bill, H.R. 1173, this Congress with a bipartisan group of 27 lawmakers from the Texas delegation. President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush were examples of selflessness and sacrifice. And like their country they were tough, they were strong and they were kind. From President Bush's naval aviation career where he was the youngest pilot to receive his wings and was later shot down over the Pacific to his small business career, to his tenure as a Texas Congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, ambassador to China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and later as vice president, no one was more prepared to be President than George H.W. Bush. During George H.W. Bush's Presidency, he tore down the Berlin wall, and he kept us safe during Desert Storm. He brought to the White House with him unwavering strength, patriotism, and humility. An example of the latter that comes to my mind, when shortly before the USS George H.W. Bush, or CVN-77 as it is called, was completed, several of us on the board of directors went to President Bush's Houston office and let him know how the ship was doing and it was almost ready. Upon learning of its status, he put his head in his hands and said, ``This is one of the nicest things that has ever happened to me.'' He was the embodiment of a gracious warrior. Tonight I wear this tie that is the tie of CVN-77 to remind me of that event and in his honor. He lived life fearlessly. Later in his life when President Bush turned 80, he celebrated his birthday, dubbed as ``41 at 80`` by jumping out of an airplane at 13,000 feet at College Station, and he did it twice. They were his fourth and fifth jumps, and I was honored to shake his hand upon the landing. For those who knew the Bushes, their love for country was only surpassed by their love of each other. George and Barbara Bush were married for 73 years in one of the greatest love stories of our time. From their very first meeting to the decades of life and family they shared together, the Bushes personified devotion and the truest expression of love. President Bush and I were often able to share our passion for America's favorite pastime while I served as a trustee for the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. Forty-one was a fixture in the world of baseball, and he famously took credit for the phrase ``you da man'' while praising the Houston Astros' Rusty Staub after a game in the sixties. It was one of the very few things he would ever boast about and be braggadocious. He claimed from then on that he never received enough credit for coining that phrase. I also had the great privilege of awarding him the National College Baseball Hall of Fame induction trophy in his Houston office a few years ago for his esteemed and great career he had playing for Yale at first base and playing in the College World Series. Today I even wear this ring as a George H.W. Bush award recipient from the National College Baseball Hall of Fame. President Bush taught my daughters how to play basketball in Kennebunkport preparing them for their future junior high and high school careers. He most notably taught them the ``falling leaf'' shot. I think this is about how it looked, which in his mind would make them all-stars if mastered, while they wore the tennis shoes given to them by Mrs. Bush as they practiced. First Lady Barbara Bush was a force of nature, and she carried the mantle of trusted adviser and family matriarch with unfailing grace. Barbara displayed true dedication to her country and her family in every phase of her life. To this day, one of my most meaningful memories was President Bush often saying thank you for being a friend to my family and a friend to my son. Together President Bush and Mrs. Bush exemplified what all Americans should strive to emulate. They were friends of America, and I was honored to call them friends of mine. I urge my colleagues to support this bill honoring the legacy of two of our Nation's most devoted servants. In closing, I would just like to say this to President Bush, ``Mr. President, you da man.'' In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the 2019 Blum High School Bobcats football team on winning their first ever six-man State championship title. For Texans, high school football is not just a sport; it is a way of life. Each week in the fall, we gather under Friday night lights and cheer our team on to victory. The young men and coaches on our teams spend countless hours running drills, watching film, and getting ready for their moment in history. During the 2019 season, Blum High School's dedication paid off as they rose from behind and secured a 58-52 win over the McLean Tigers at AT&T Stadium. On behalf of the 25th District of Texas, I congratulate the Bobcats on their first State championship victory, and I wish them the very best in their bright futures. In God we trust. Bless our troops. Go Bobcats.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Today's vote to impeach the duly elected President of the United States is truly historical. However, its unique place in history is not for the reasons the Democratic Party and their mainstream media overlords are so desperately trying to convey. Today, will be remembered as the day that the Democrats, claiming a false moral supremacy over the desire of the American people, executed a deliberate and orchestrated plan to overturn a Presidential election. It will be the first time in history that a party paraded out their Ivy League academics to explain to 31 States and almost 63 million people that their voice should not be heard and why their votes should not be counted. I pray for our Nation every day, but today, I am praying for my colleagues across the aisle who arrived at this partisan and self- directed fork in the road and chose the road never before traveled and one that has a dead end. Donald J. Trump is our President, chosen by the American people, fair and square. As we say in Texas: ``It's a done deal.'' Democrats' attempt to change history will never undo that. May God bless the greatest country in the world, the United States of America.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Barr for yielding time to me and for being here today with us so we can talk about what really makes this country so great. I rise today to make the case against socialism because it is not compatible with freedom. If you have got it, they want it. Socialists want the free stuff; capitalists want the good stuff. Let's look back in history at the divide between those who destroyed human potential and those who empowered others to stand on their own feet and make a difference. I have created an all-star team tonight. On the socialist all-star team, you will recognize names like Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, Hugo Chavez, and Fidel Castro, all proponents of socialism who promised their people would be provided for if small amounts of individual liberty were forfeited. Instead, they left men, women, and children starving in the streets and stuffed their pockets with money from other people. These failed socialist regimes drove their countries into the ground, some of which have never recovered. On the capitalist all-star team, you will recognize names like Adam Smith, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Jack Kemp, Henry Ford, and Donald Trump, all proponents of capitalism who promoted the ideas of individual responsibility and free enterprise. Now, this team recognized that what sets America apart from the rest of the world is the drive to reach our fullest potential, coupled with a free-market economy. Risk and reward are a big deal to capitalists. They want a hand up. Guarantees are a big deal to socialists. They want a handout. Capitalism is about taking responsibility for what you create and making it even greater. We are a nation of opportunity and incentive, and because of those principles, we are a nation of hope, where everyone can benefit. Capitalists believe in individual integrity and the dignity of reaping reward from hard work. It is the greatest force in the history of our world for lifting people out of poverty, and we must instill this value in future generations. Now, the version of shiny, progressive socialism that we see touted by Democrats promises equality and prosperity. They sell these lies to everyone, that everyone can succeed if there is a central power regulating fairness. Well, that central power, remember, runs Amtrak and it runs the post office. Now, fairness could not be further from the truth. The government should never, ever be in the business of picking winners and picking losers. I serve on the Financial Services Committee, and I ask most witnesses who testify before us if they are a socialist or a capitalist. Mr. Speaker, can you guess the results? They are, overwhelmingly, capitalists because, under capitalism, individuals own their work because they are incentivized by greater gain. It is a system that rewards innovation because it maintains demand for the best products and demand for the best price. These ideals translate into the core of the American economy. Capitalism is the American Dream; socialism is the American scheme. Neighbor-owned businesses like bakeries, coffee shops, florists, auto repair stores, and boutiques are the lifeblood of our communities. In short, they are simply called Main Street America. And it was built by men and women who wanted to reach for more because, at the end of the day, we inherently possess a desire to dream bigger and to dream bolder. Socialism doesn't work in our small towns. What is happening in Caracas, Venezuela, is not what we want in Cleburne, Texas. In the end, socialism fails because it is based on the false promise of certainty. It is a failed system because it is unable to excite the human spirit. The bottom line is it is a downer. It is a total loser. America will never be a socialist country because the fabric of our Nation is soaked in the moral imperatives of responsibility, pride, and discipline. In closing, I want to ask this body and the millions of people we represent: Which team do you want to be on? Do you want to be on Ronald Reagan's team, or do you want to be on Fidel Castro's team? Let's take the days on, not take the days off. May God bless Texas, my State, and may God continue to bless the land of opportunity, the greatest land in the world, the one we love to call home, the United States of America.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. I join my colleagues tonight in honoring a devoted public servant and friend, Rick Perry. Rick has dedicated his life to making Texas and America even greater, exemplified by his service in the U.S. Air Force and his record as the longest-serving Governor in Texas history. Over two decades ago, I served under then-Governor Perry as his secretary of state, where we worked to create a better Texas. Together, we sold our home State to America and the world by ushering in unprecedented economic growth and creating one of the strongest economies in the United States and, frankly, the world. We would often tell prospects: Texas wasn't open for business; Texas was wide open for business. We traveled across the Nation, visiting our communities and even stopping by a few ballparks along the way, where I played catcher as he threw out the first pitch. I would tell you that he threw more balls than he threw strikes. I also have fond memories of our families spending quality time together over the years. Running the river in Austin wasn't bad either. Rick's principled and sharp leadership has been a great asset to our Nation while serving as the United States Secretary of Energy, paving the way for greater economic growth and energy independence. Who better to serve as Energy Secretary than the former Governor of the leading energy State in our country? It has been an honor to play on his team and to have his support. Mr. Speaker, I wish Rick, Anita, Griffin, Sydney, and their new grandbaby all the best in the next season of their lives. Mr. Speaker, again, I remind Secretary Perry how much I appreciated his call on the night of the baseball shooting to simply tell me, ``I am with you, brother.'' May God bless Texas. May God bless the Perry family. May God bless this greatest country in the world, the one that Rick Perry helped create and maintain, the United States of America.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, it is my greatest privilege to represent our military servicemembers and their families in the 25th District of Texas, and I am humbled to be their voice in Washington. During the month of November, we honor the dedication, the commitment, and daily sacrifices of 2.6 million military family members in the United States. These men and women may not take an oath to defend our liberty, but they are the forces behind our frontlines. They are the faces of courage and the steadfast models of resolve right here at home. Their contributions to our national security are indisputable, and because of them, America continues to shine as a beacon of hope throughout this world. I salute all our military families in the 25th District and across our Nation and thank them for the sacrifices they have made. May God bless all these families. May God continue to bless the United States of America. Most importantly, in God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to congratulate Sergeant David Chambers from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 3rd Calvary Regiment on being named 2019 Soldier of the Year in the Army's Best Warrior Competition. The annual competition tests soldiers physically and mentally, as they compete in urban warfare simulations, fitness challenges, warrior tasks, written exams and formal board interviews. Sergeant Chambers represented the Brave Rifles, Fort Hood, III Corps and United States Army Forces Command with the highest honor and integrity. He also represents the very best of America, and we should all look to his example of patriotism, selflessness and dedication. Fort Hood, or `The Great Place,' is one of the largest military installations in the world, where soldiers like Sergeant Chambers represent the gold standard for the United States Army. The men and women who are stationed there truly remind us of what it means to be an American. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the 25th District of Texas, I want to thank Sergeant Chambers for his service, and congratulate him on receiving this prestigious award. May God bless the United States of America, and those who fight for our freedom.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have been trying to impeach President Trump since he took office, and we all know this. They have made it very clear they deem the President's every action to be impeachable, and, since the beginning of this joke inquiry, they have shown no interest in fair, fact-based proceedings. Impeachment is a monumental step that must be conducted with full transparency, but what we are witnessing here is a violation of due process that should concern every single American. Democrats have held meetings in secret where convenient, one-sided information can be leaked to the public, denying American citizens the right to have their elected Members of Congress present. The dedication to using any and all resources in an attempt to remove a duly elected President is unthinkable and, frankly, a waste of time. The Constitution provides the House with the power of impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors, not for political theater to push an agenda. Madam Speaker, the Democrats have made a mockery of Congress and our democracy throughout this process. The American people deserve better, and this President deserves better. As my colleague from Texas, Al Green, said: President Trump will win again in 2020. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as cosponsor of H.R. 132.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001. Eighteen years ago, the lives of innocent men, women, and children were senselessly taken at the hands of Islamic terrorists under the command of Osama bin Laden. Before day's end, nearly 3,000 civilians, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and servicemembers would perish in the World Trade Center, on United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, and in the Pentagon. Though another year has passed, the pain remains for the families who lost a loved one that fateful day. I pray for all of those people who have lost someone today and pray for them tomorrow, and I pray for those in harm's way who continue to serve across the globe to ensure that we can live safely in the greatest country in the world: the United States of America. Never forget, and may God bless America. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support H.R. 241, the Bank Service Company Examination Coordination Act, commonsense legislation that enables State and Federal regulators to better coordinate their examination activities. The bill allows for the sharing of supervisory information concerning technology service providers, better known as TSPs, between State and Federal regulators. Banks use TSPs in their day-to-day operations for a variety of activities, such as processing payments, taking deposits, or assisting with cybersecurity efforts. As banks are adapting to a more interconnected world, partnerships between financial institutions and TSPs are not only common, but they are necessary. State and Federal regulators each have the ability to examine technology vendors for safety and for soundness, but current law prevents them from sharing the results of their independent examinations, a problem that H.R. 241 corrects. H.R. 241 helps to harmonize the oversight process without adding risk to their financial system. Sharing the results of regulatory examination results between agencies can reveal the weaknesses of an individual institution as well as the larger banking system as a whole. The Financial Stability Oversight Council, which is charged with identifying risks in the U.S. financial system, recommended in their 2017 annual report to enhance coordination between State and Federal regulators. Specifically, the report called on Congress to pass legislation that encourages coordination among the Federal and State regulators in the oversight of third-party service providers. The result would be reducing potentially conflicting and duplicative regulatory oversight, while also promoting more consistent cybersecurity standards. Sharing the results of these TSP supervisory exams allows for agencies to more efficiently use their limited resources, while ensuring that private companies are not subject to an avoidable, duplicative review. I want to thank Chairwoman Waters. I want to thank Ranking Member McHenry, and especially my friend on the other side of the aisle, Congressman Meeks, and all the staff for their diligent work. I am proud of the bipartisan effort in both the 115th and the 116th Congresses that allowed for the passage of H.R. 241 today. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Michael F. Doyle), and I just want to congratulate the Democrats for a hard victory. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman used some words over there that I didn't understand when he said ``generally'' and some other things, but we will talk about that later. But I congratulate them for their victory. I also want to congratulate our players for the Republican team. From March 1 to game day, from 6 to 7:30, they played and practiced, and I thank the gentleman for their involvement. I also congratulate the gentleman from the great State of Florida (Mr. Steube), who was our most valuable player. Mr. Speaker, I asked him to throw strikes, and he threw strikes and did a great job for us. Mr. Speaker, I also want to just remind everybody, this is a bipartisan event--it truly is--and for at least a moment, we come together to share the love of this country and the love of the great game of baseball. I want to thank everybody for participating. The charities were mentioned; the largest amount raised for the charities since we have been playing this ball game, and that is the most important thing. And, also, I want to say to my players, who I dearly love, we come back, I think, September 3. At 6 will be our first practice, September 3, to begin the journey to victory next year over the Democrats. I just close with a quote from the great Satchel Paige, a great Hall of Fame pitcher, who won two games of a doubleheader in 1948. When asked what his best pitch was, was it his curve ball or his fastball, he told the press it was neither. ``It was my `be' ball.'' The press said: ``What is your `be' ball?'' He said: ``When I throw it, it goes where I want it to be.'' And where we want to be next year is right over there holding that trophy, beating the Democrats.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, this week, Texas lost a son and America lost one of our finest patriots. Ross Perot was a leader, risk-taker, and a businessman who embodied the meaning of the American Dream. Growing up in east Texas in what could be described as extreme poverty, Perot sought to make a difference in the lives of many, and he did just that. He was a leading example of the great things that can happen in this great country. He left his home to serve our country in the U.S. Navy and later returned to grow his family and build his business empire. He was a self-made man who always remembered his humble beginnings, graciously giving time and resources to causes in both our Texas community and around the world. He especially loved our men and women in uniform and was one of the first to speak out and do something about the treatment of our POWs. Perot also long warned us about the dangers of our growing national debt and sought to make politics and the economy less complicated. Remember that he would say, ``It's just that simple.'' Throughout his life, he prioritized love of his family and his country. We will all remember his service to our Nation and his fun and feisty spirit. May we all say a prayer for his wife, children, and grandchildren and celebrate the life of this amazing man. God bless Ross Perot. God bless his family. And God bless our country.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, if this unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the majority leader to immediately schedule the Born-Alive bill.

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to honor a great man and even better friend, Mr. Dan Jenkins, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 90. Many of us know Mr. Jenkins as a sports and literary icon. He wrote for ``The Washington Post'', ``Sports Illustrated'', ``Golf Digest'', and the list goes on. He won countless awards and authored more than 20 books, all the while representing our shared alma mater, Texas Christian University. He was a true sports phenomenon, and he greatly impacted my life. In fact, he played a role in my decision to attend and play baseball at TCU. He was a vital member of the Horned Frogs golf team and has always been a regular at TCU sporting events. Just recently, the school named the press box at Amon G. Carter Stadium after him. At 90, you may wonder what kept Mr. Jenkins going all these years. The answer is that he never stopped writing. He was quoted as saying: ``I want to keep my mind active. I don't believe in retirement. Everybody who retires too early dies too early.'' Sadly, no matter what age Mr. Jenkins left this Earth, it would have been too soon. I join the Fort Worth community in mourning an absolute legend in sports and in the media, but I take comfort in knowing his legacy will carry on for generations to come. I hope you join me in praying for Mr. Jenkins' wife, June; his sons, Danny and Marty; and his daughter, Sally, during this difficult time. May God bless their family, and most importantly: Go Frogs. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize a member of the United States Marine Corps from the 25th District of Texas, Lance Corporal Alyssa Joy Plunk. On December 20, 2018, a little over a year into her enlistment, the U.S. Marine Corps took notice of her impressive level of leadership and awarded her the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. During a training operation, she was tasked with transporting a number of people and cargo over 700 miles. Her review stated that her superior proficiency enabled her to negotiate challenging conditions without any incidents. She was awarded for the professional achievement she demonstrated during this operation and for a job well done. I think it goes without saying that the men and women who make up our Armed Forces are a unique bunch that embodies everything that is good about America. They serve our country selflessly, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I appreciate Lance Corporal Plunk's dedication to her country and am proud of all that she has already achieved in a short amount of time. I am praying for her safety while she is deployed and look forward to her return. God bless the United States Marine Corps. In God We Trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this time to honor the life and legacy of my good friend, Jack Barcroft's wife, Faith Christine Barcroft. Mrs. Barcroft resided in Gatesville, in the 25th District of Texas that I represent. At the young age of 39, she passed away on February 20, 2019, from glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is a very aggressive cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. It is the most common type of brain cancer, and almost 200,000 people die of it each year. Madam Speaker, this number is far too high, and it breaks my heart that my dear friend fell victim to it. Before and after her diagnosis, Faith was a loving wife, mother, and daughter. She was often described as adventurous, welcoming, and she always put her family's well-being above her own. This family has experienced an immeasurable loss, and the entire Gatesville community and I are praying for them. While we cannot bring Faith back, we can continue to raise awareness for glioblastoma and the pain it causes families like the Barcrofts. Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent this type of cancer, but we must not give up. We must bring attention to this unforgiving diagnosis and pray that one day, research will uncover a cure. Please keep this loving family in your prayers. May God bless the Barcrofts. In God we trust.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Mr. WILLIAMS. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Biggs for leading this tonight. Madam Speaker, the national debt is the single greatest threat to our national security. Since 1997, Congress has failed to do its job and balance the budget. Earlier this month, the national debt reached $22 trillion. For this reason, I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Andy Biggs' resolution to recognize the national debt as a threat to national security. I commend him for introducing this important resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I also commend Senator David Perdue for bringing it to the U.S. Senate. We must no longer rely on routine debt ceiling increases, nor can we risk the devastating effects that a growing deficit will inevitably have on our military and our national security agencies. In an effort to reduce the deficit and regain responsible spending practices, President Trump has laid out his National Security Strategy that highlights this critical need to reduce the debt through smart, fiscally responsible decisions. While it is clear we cannot undo the past, it is also clear that Federal spending cannot continue to go unchecked and immediate action must be taken. We can no longer defer to future generations to solve our problem and to bear this burden. I will continue to support legislation that cuts unnecessary spending and oppose legislation that recklessly adds to the debt. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get serious and support this important resolution. It is time we stopped writing blank checks, and it is time to stop risking the national security of the United States of America. It is simple: Balance your books. In God we trust.