[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10202-H10205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Poe of Texas). Under the Speaker's 
announced policy of January 3, 2017, the Chair recognizes the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Flores) for the remainder of the hour as the designee 
of the majority leader.
  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 41st President of 
the United States of America, George Herbert Walker Bush of Houston, 
Texas, who passed away on November 30, 2018.
  President Bush was born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts, 
to Prescott Sheldon Bush and Dorothy Walker Bush. He grew up in 
Greenwich, Connecticut, and attended Phillips Academy in Andover, 
Massachusetts, where his illustrious career in leadership and public 
service began.
  On his 18th birthday, President Bush enlisted in the United States 
Navy and became a naval aviator. In the middle of World War II, he was 
commissioned as an ensign just before his 19th birthday, making him one 
of the youngest aviators in the Navy's history.
  Stationed in the Pacific theater on the USS San Jacinto, he piloted a 
Grumman TBM Avenger. On September 2, 1944, while carrying out a mission 
against Japan, his plane was hit by enemy fire and was severely 
damaged. President Bush completed the mission and flew out over water, 
where he was able to escape from the plane and he was later rescued by 
submarine USS Finback.
  After recovering from his injuries, he returned to flying as soon as 
he was able. He flew a total of 58 combat missions, for which he 
received the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, and the 
Presidential Unit Citation.
  Throughout the war, President Bush was encouraged and supported by 
letters from his sweetheart, Barbara Pierce. They had met at a 
Christmas dance in 1941 and quickly fell in love. They were engaged in 
1943 and married on January 6, 1945. Together, they would endure both 
difficult and joyous times, grow a large and loving family, and set the 
record for the longest-married Presidential couple, with 73 years of an 
exemplary commitment to marriage.
  After his marriage to Barbara, Mr. Bush enrolled at Yale University. 
He graduated in 2\1/2\ years on an accelerated track and was elected to 
one of the most prestigious academic societies, Phi Beta Kappa. He also 
served as president of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and as 
captain of the Yale baseball team. He played in the first two college 
world series and maintained a love for baseball throughout his life.
  Upon graduation, the Bush family moved to Odessa, Texas, where 
President Bush pursued a career in the oil industry. He had a 
successful business career, founding two companies that eventually 
prompted the family to move to Houston in 1959.
  In 1966, President Bush ran for and won election to the United States 
House of Representatives to represent the Seventh Congressional 
District of Texas. During his time in Congress, he supported 
influential legislation, including the civil rights bill of 1968 that 
outlawed housing discrimination.
  After 4 years in the House, in 1971, President Bush was appointed as 
United States Ambassador to the United Nations. The Senate unanimously 
confirmed his appointment, and he served as Ambassador for 2 years. His 
time at the United Nations undoubtedly influenced him, as he became one 
of America's greatest diplomats.
  In 1973, President Bush became chairman of the Republican National 
Committee, where he was tasked with guiding the Republican Party 
through the Watergate scandal and the resignation of President Nixon.
  In the President Ford administration, President Bush took on the role 
as chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China. 
Although this was not a diplomat rank, his work greatly benefited U.S.-
China relations. The United States had just recently opened relations 
with Communist China, and President Bush worked to establish a strong 
foundation for that relationship.

  In 1976, the Bush family returned to the United States while he 
served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. His expansive 
knowledge of foreign relations and experience in building morale and 
team work made him a strong leader for the CIA during one of their most 
tumultuous times.
  President Bush worked not only to restore the reputation of the 
Agency in the public eye, but also to improve relations with Capitol 
Hill. His experience as a legislator gave him the background to 
reconcile the CIA with Congress, and in the 357 days that he served as 
Director, he testified before them a record-setting 51 times.
  With a transition from the Ford administration to the Carter 
administration, President Bush returned to Texas and became executive 
committee chairman of First International Bank of Houston. He also 
entered academia, where he spent a year as a part-time professor at 
Rice University and 2 years as director of the Council on Foreign 
Relations.
  In 1980, President Bush was elected Vice President, serving with 
Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989. During his tenure as Vice President, 
he took a hard stance against communism and tyranny, while working to 
end the Cold War without bloodshed. He worked to

[[Page H10203]]

support President Reagan and was one of the most successful Vice 
Presidents in history. His diplomatic finesse, trustworthiness, and 
patriotism made him beloved by the American people and a natural choice 
to run for President.
  In 1988, then-Vice President Bush was elected by our Nation to become 
the 41st President. Inaugurated on January 20, 1989, President Bush 
became the first serving Vice President to be elected President since 
Martin Van Buren in 1836.
  Just 293 days into his Presidency, President Bush witnessed a major 
success in his almost decade-long fight against communism with the fall 
of the Berlin Wall, followed by the collapse of the Soviet Union and 
the end of the Cold War.
  Afterward, President Bush and his administration played a significant 
role in reuniting East and West Germany. Today, Germany is a powerful 
nation and one of our country's strongest allies, none of which would 
have been possible without the skill, diplomacy, commitment, and 
tactfulness of President Bush.
  In a continuation of his fight against oppression and tyranny, 
President Bush was one of Kuwait's strongest allies and advocates after 
its invasion by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. On January 17, 1991, the 
first Gulf war began in an effort to restore the sovereignty of 
Kuwait's Government and the stability of the Persian Gulf. Lasting just 
100 hours, the offensive strategy was a great success, causing the 
Iraqi military to retreat from Kuwait.
  One of the landmarks of President Bush's administration was the 
drafting of the North American Free Trade Agreement, more commonly 
known as NAFTA. This agreement encouraged better trade with our 
Nation's northern and southern neighbors by eliminating tariffs and 
streamlining trade. Since NAFTA's implementation, the American economy 
has grown by 54 percent and has added 25 million jobs.
  President Bush is also credited with signing into law the Americans 
with Disabilities Act. This civil rights legislation prohibits 
discrimination based on disability and requires reasonable accessible 
accommodations.
  While serving only one term as President, President Bush's 
administration was a success and its impacts went far beyond his 
Presidency. Upon retirement, he continued to have influence in 
international affairs and American politics.
  In 1990, the Points of Light Foundation was created by President 
Bush. Inspired by his ``thousand points of light'' speeches that 
encouraged volunteerism and selflessness, the foundation is dedicated 
to engaging people to solve the world's challenges through service to 
others.
  To cement his legacy, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library 
opened in 1997, in conjunction with the Bush School of Government and 
Public Service at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. 
Although he was a graduate of Yale University, President Bush chose 
Texas A&M to be the site of his library and the adjoining Bush school 
because of the school's patriotism, values, military history, and 
commitment to public service.
  Having lived a life of service to others, President Bush was 
committed to educating the next generation who would go on to serve and 
to lead the Nation, not only with academic knowledge, but with Texas 
Aggie values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, 
and selfless service.
  An Aggie at heart, President Bush and Barbara were both beloved by 
our Texas A&M and Brazos Valley communities. As Congressman for the 
17th District of Texas, I am humbled to represent their adopted home in 
College Station, and I am forever grateful for the wisdom and support 
President Bush personally shared with me when I started my path in 
public service in 2010.
  A man of military service, he built a special relationship with the 
Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M and was even made an honorary member of 
the corps. In 2012, President Bush and I were both inducted into the 
Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.
  Also, as an Aggie, I cannot overstate the privilege bestowed upon 
Texas A&M University for our campus to have served as President and 
Barbara Bush's final resting place, along with their daughter Robin.
  Mr. Speaker, President Bush's life was defined by his service to his 
family, to our country, and to the world. He will be forever remembered 
as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a decorated 
veteran, a leader, a mentor, a selfless servant, and a friend to 
millions.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Bush family. We also lift up the family and friends of President 
Bush in our prayers.
  Earlier this week, I introduced and the House of Representatives 
unanimously passed H. Res. 1172, Honoring the life of President Herbert 
Walker Bush. I was humbled to offer this resolution. I have also 
requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol to honor 
his life and legacy.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who serve us, 
and for other first responders who keep us safe here at home.


                   Honoring Texas A&M Corps of Cadets

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Texas A&M 
University Corps of Cadets for receiving the Guardian of the Human 
Spirit Award from the Holocaust Museum Houston on November 14, 2018.
  The Holocaust Museum Houston created the Guardian of the Human Spirit 
Award in 1997 to recognize and thank those who have enhanced the lives 
of others and have worked to better humankind. This year, the museum 
decided to honor the Corps of Cadets because of the many contributions 
made by Texas Aggies during World War II.
  There were 20,229 Aggies who served in World War II, including 14,123 
who served as officers, many of whom you will see in this commissioning 
photo to my left, including five generals.

                              {time}  1300

  This was more than any other school, including the combined totals of 
the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy.
  Almost all of the Aggies who served during the war had been members 
of the Corps of Cadets during their time at Texas A&M, and they 
absorbed the Texas A&M values of leadership, service, and integrity.
  Since the founding of the university in 1876, tens of thousands of 
Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets members have fought to protect the 
liberties and safety of our country. From the Spanish-American War in 
the late 1800s to the ongoing war on terror, Aggies have served to stop 
tyranny and terrorism for freedom-loving persons all over the world.
  During World War II, Texas Aggie corps members were involved in the 
war from the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, where Aggies 
fought and died, to the victory in the Pacific in August of 1945. They 
fought and died on every battlefield of the war.
  During this period, there were numerous acts of exceptional 
sacrifice, including the liberation of German and Japanese 
concentration camps and the heroism displayed by Texas A&M's seven 
Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.
  One of the better known accomplishments occurred on D-day, 6 June 
1944, when Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder, Texas A&M class of 
1932, commanded the U.S. Army 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions, which 
stormed the beach and scaled the 100-foot high cliffs at Pointe du Hoc 
in France. The attack saw a casualty rate of over 50 percent, and 
Rudder was wounded twice. Despite these casualties, Rudder and his men 
established a beachhead for Allied troops to land and begin the 
liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe.
  The service of the Aggies during World War II was recognized by 
numerous civilian and military leaders:
  General Omar Bradley wrote about Rudder: ``No soldier in my command 
has ever been wished a more difficult task than that which befell the 
34-year-old commander of the Provisional Ranger Force.''
  General George S. Patton, the famous three-star general who served 
during World War II, is reported to have said this about Texas Aggies: 
``Give me an Army of West Point graduates and I'll win a battle. Give 
me a handful of Texas Aggies and I'll win a war.''

[[Page H10204]]

  General Douglas MacArthur told A&M President T.O. Walton early on 
during the war: ``Texas A and M is writing its own military history in 
the blood of its graduates, not only in the Philippines Campaign but on 
the active fronts of the southwest Pacific.''
  In 1946, Dwight D. Eisenhower said: ``No more convincing testimony 
could be given to the manner in which the men of Texas A&M lived up to 
the ideals and principles inculcated in their days on the campus than 
the simple statement that the Congressional Medal of Honor has been 
awarded to six former students, that 46 took part in the heroic defense 
of Bataan and Corregidor and that nearly 700 are on the list of our 
battle dead.''
  General Omar Bradley told the graduating class of 1950: ``The men of 
Texas A&M can stand up to any men in the world and compare favorably 
their education and training for leadership--leadership in the pursuits 
of peace, and if it comes to war, leadership in battle.''
  The Aggies' presence in the war was invaluable, and their sacrifices 
are a reflection of our school's values of respect, leadership, 
integrity, loyalty, excellence, and selfless service.
  As a former member of Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, I am humbled by and 
proud of the service and sacrifice of our cadets during the school's 
142-year history.
  Cadets at Texas A&M have long been known as the university's keepers 
of the spirit, and now the corps will also be known as the guardians of 
the human spirit, thanks to the recognition from the Holocaust Museum 
Houston.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the Holocaust Museum Houston for recognizing the 
contributions made by the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets in World War II and 
congratulate the corps for receiving the Guardian of the Human Spirit 
award.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol 
to honor the legacy, values, sacrifice, and service of Texas A&M 
University's Corps of Cadets. As I close today, I urge all Americans to 
continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military 
men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who keep us 
safe at home.


                    Honoring George Maurice Jackson

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Maurice Jackson 
of Bryan, Texas, who passed away on October 7, 2018.
  Maurice was born on November 7, 1953, in Bryan, Texas, to Mary 
Jackson Moore and Buddy Rory Williams. Maurice grew up in Bryan and 
graduated from Bryan High School in 1972, which was the first class to 
be racially integrated.
  Maurice sat on the student board, was a member of the National Honor 
Society, and lettered in football and tennis. He attended college in 
California, obtaining his associate's degree in aerospace studies.
  He eventually returned to the Brazos Valley, where he was heavily 
involved in our community. A devout Christian, Maurice was a member of 
the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Bryan. He served as a 
member of the adult choir and as an usher at that church.
  For over 18 years, Maurice worked at Moore's Printing Company before 
becoming an employee with the Texas A&M University library system, 
where he worked for 18 years.
  In addition to his work and church involvement, he was a dedicated 
volunteer at the Brazos Valley African American Museum, where he served 
as a member of its board of trustees. He served two terms as board 
treasurer and was a member of its many various committees.
  Maurice was recognized this year at the museum's Hometown Teams 
program, ``How Sports Shape America,'' for his contributions as the 
first Black student on Bryan High's tennis team.
  In Maurice's life, he was known for his love of two things: the 
Dallas Cowboys and his wife, Brenda Jackson.

  Mr. Speaker, Maurice's life was defined by his service to those 
around him. He was loved by our community, and he certainly left an 
endearing legacy. He will be forever remembered as a community leader, 
a husband, a father, and a friend to many.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Jackson family. We also lift up the family and friends of Maurice 
Jackson in our prayers.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol 
to honor his life and legacy. As I close today, I urge all Americans to 
continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military 
men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who keep us 
safe at home.


                         Honoring W.S. Edmonds

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor W.S. Edmonds of College 
Station, Texas, who passed away on November 15, 2018.
  W.S. was born on September 22, 1913, in College Station, Texas, to 
W.S. ``Bill'' Edmonds and Ima Lilly Boyett.
  W.S. spent most of his childhood in Brazos Valley, where he attended 
College Station High School and Texas A&M University. He graduated from 
Texas A&M as a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie class of 1938 with a 
bachelor's degree in agricultural administration.
  After graduation, W.S. became a cotton classifier in Bryan, Texas, 
and in New Orleans, Louisiana. He later returned to College Station to 
work for the U.S. Postal Service.
  After the attack on Pearl Harbor, W.S. volunteered to serve in the 
United States Army and went on to work as a courier for the Pentagon. 
His work led him to travel around the world and to deliver the maps 
used for the invasion of Japan. Once the war was over, W.S. continued 
to serve in the Army Reserve and retired as a major.
  During the war, W.S. met Marge McDermott on a delivery trip to San 
Francisco. Called away on duty, he left one night without warning and 
returned to San Francisco more than a year later to find that Marge had 
waited for him to come back.
  W.S. and Marge were married on January 20, 1947. They settled in 
College Station and lived in a house that W.S. built himself.
  By 1950, W.S. and Marge had two children, and W.S. continued to work 
with the U.S. Postal Service. W.S. was an active member of the American 
Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, and watching ``Gunsmoke'' episodes. 
An avid fan of Texas A&M sports, he spent more than 35 years as a 
gatekeeper at Aggie football games and as an usher for Aggie basketball 
games.
  Even in his senior years, W.S. maintained a sharp mind, loved to tell 
stories, and continued to drive his truck until he was 101 years old. 
At the time of his passing at age 105, he was the second oldest living 
Aggie. He attributed his longevity to cornbread, buttermilk, and a raw 
egg during his younger years--and cherry turnovers and V8 juice during 
his later years.
  Mr. Speaker, W.S.'s life was filled with service to our country. He 
will be forever remembered as a selfless servant, a mentor, a husband, 
a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a friend to many.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Edmonds family. We also lift up the family and friends of W.S. 
Edmonds in our prayers.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol 
to honor his life and legacy. As I close today, I urge all Americans to 
continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military 
men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who keep us 
safe at home.


                        Honoring John McDermott

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Professor John 
McDermott of College Station, Texas, who passed away on September 30, 
2018.
  John was born on January 5, 1932, to John and Helen Kelly McDermott 
in New York City, where he lived for 45 years.
  He attended St. Francis College, where he earned a bachelor of arts 
in philosophy, and continued his education at Fordham University, where 
he earned his master of arts and Ph.D. with great distinction in 1959.
  In 1977, John joined the faculty at Texas A&M University to serve as 
the department head of philosophy. Over the years, he became a 
monumental figure in the university's development. In 1983, he was 
instrumental in founding the Faculty Senate and served both as a 
faculty senator from 1983 to 1986 and as charter speaker from 1983 to 
1984. He also founded the Department of Humanities in Medicine and 
organized the Community of Faculty Retirees.

[[Page H10205]]

  During his career, he received many awards from Texas A&M for his 
research, his teaching, and his service to our university.
  John's contributions went far beyond the scope of Texas A&M 
University, however. Throughout his career, he served as the president 
of, founded, or cofounded many prestigious organizations, including the 
Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy, the William James 
Society, and the Josiah Royce Society.
  John's scholarship and labor in the field of philosophy was 
acknowledged in 2016 when he was named as one of the world's 50 most 
influential living philosophers.
  Among John's many accomplishments was his reputation for nurturing 
personal relationships with his five children, six grandchildren, 
great-grandchild, extended family, friends, strangers, and students.
  John and his wife, Patricia, were known to regularly host students at 
their home to learn more about them and to mentor their development.
  I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to meet Professor 
McDermott in early 2007 and to serve Texas A&M University with him. 
During that year and the next, we served as members of two Texas A&M 
administration executive search committees. Even though our ideological 
beliefs were widely divergent, we became great friends and were both 
passionate about the future of Texas A&M University and its students.

  Mr. Speaker, John's life was defined by his service to those around 
him. His scholarship and teaching influenced generations of people 
across the world. He will be forever remembered as a selfless servant, 
an educator, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, 
and a great friend.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the McDermott family. We also lift up the family and friends of 
Professor McDermott in our prayers.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Capitol 
to honor his life and legacy. As I close, I urge all Americans to 
continue praying for our country, for our veterans, for our military 
men and women who serve us, and for our first responders who protect us 
here at home.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________