[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 152 (Friday, September 20, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7858-H7860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         FINANCIAL SERVICES ARBITRATION IS BETTER FOR CONSUMERS

  (Mr. BARR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to explain my opposition and vote 
against the bill that was on the floor earlier today, H.R. 1423, the 
Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act. I would like to highlight its 
negative impact on financial services.
  Financial services providers and their customers use arbitration to 
settle disputes because it is easier, faster, and less costly for 
consumers than litigation. Forcing parties into litigation would 
dramatically extend the time before a customer is made whole and would 
significantly increase legal fees for all parties.
  These increased costs are ultimately passed along to consumers 
through higher fees and fewer options, and they would negatively impact 
any American who has a bank account, credit card, or retirement plan. 
We have had that debate before.
  Dodd-Frank directed that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 
promulgate a rule on mandatory arbitration. While Congress overturned 
that rule in 2017 because it would adversely impact consumers, the 
Obama administration's own study found that the average consumer 
receives approximately $5,400 through arbitration and only $32 through 
a class action lawsuit. That means the average customer who prevailed 
in arbitration received 166 times more than the average class member in 
class action settlements.
  Mr. Speaker, my time has expired, but I would urge opposition to this 
wrongheaded idea in the United States Senate.

                              {time}  1200
                RECOGNIZING BURMA BEAL'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2019, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Flores) is recognized 
for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.
  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Burma Beal of 
Bryan, Texas, who turned 100 years old on September 15, 2019.
  Burma Faye Ellis Beal was born September 15, 1919, in Jewett, Texas, 
to Wade and Susan Ellis. She grew up in Jewett and was known as the 
girl who climbed to the top of the water tower when she was just 12 
years old. She graduated from Jewett High School as salutatorian in 
1936, where she played tennis and participated in the Texas State 
tournament for this sport.
  In 1937, Burma graduated from the Austin Beauty School. Just a year 
later, she married Oren Beal. Together, they would have 3 children, 6 
grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
  After moving to Bryan, Texas, Burma owned and operated Burma's Beauty 
Shop for 46 years. In that time, she forged many strong friendships. 
Burma was deeply involved in her community and her church, Central 
Church in Bryan-College Station.
  Burma and Oren also loved supporting the Texas A&M Aggies and were 
season ticket holders for football and basketball games for more than 
35 years.
  Through their church, Burma and Oren took part in the Adoptive 
Grandparent Program, in which they befriended students at Texas A&M. 
They formed such a strong bond with one young Aggie that she asked 
Burma and Oren to be a bridesmaid and groomsman in her wedding.
  Burma is well-known among her loved ones for two things: her love for 
Coca-Cola and her world-famous peanut brittle. She has collected many 
pieces of Coca-Cola memorabilia and still drinks a Coke every day. 
Also, every year, from October until Christmas, Burma is known for 
making delicious peanut brittle to give to friends and family, as well 
as her doctor, the postman, the staff at her HEB store, bankers, 
pharmacists, and many more. Her recipe is so good that, when her son-
in-law took it to the Texas State Fair, it won third prize.
  Burma has a giving spirit and aspires to bring joy to others. During 
her nineties, she made regular trips to nursing homes to visit with 
their residents and went grocery shopping for a homebound neighbor. 
Even now, as a resident of Crestview Retirement Home in Bryan, she 
spreads cheer to her friends. She prays for a long list of people every 
night and spends her time showing Jesus' love to others.
  Mr. Speaker, Burma Beal has lived a long life filled with love, joy, 
and service to others. I am proud to recognize her on this joyous 
occasion, and I know that her family and friends love her and are proud 
of her. I wish Burma many more years of health and happiness.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to recognize Burma Beal's 100th birthday.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue to pray for our 
country, for our veterans, for our military men and women who protect 
us, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.


                  Honoring Sergeant Major James Sartor

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Major James 
Gregory ``Ryan'' Sartor of Teague, Texas.
  Sergeant Major Sartor was killed on July 13, 2019, after he sustained 
injuries from enemy fire in Faryab province, Afghanistan.
  Sergeant Major Sartor was born September 23, 1978, in Teague, Texas, 
to James Sartor and Mary Teresa ``Terri'' Pryor. He was an excellent 
football player and graduated from Teague High School in 1997.
  After graduation, he moved to College Station to work, where, in the 
fall of 2000, he met the love of his life and future spouse, Deanna 
Unger. They married in 2002 and were blessed with three children: 
Stryder, Grace, and Garrett.
  Shortly after Sergeant Major Sartor and Deanna started dating, he 
joined the United States Army. He was deployed to Iraq for the first 
time in 2002 as an infantryman assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. 
In 2005, Sergeant Major Sartor became a Green Beret and was assigned to 
A Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Airborne, in Fort 
Carson, Colorado. He was stationed there with his family for the last 
14 years.
  During his career, Sergeant Major Sartor was deployed several times, 
returning to Iraq in 2006, 2007, 2009, and from 2010 to 2011. He also 
deployed to Germany and Israel in 2008, to Africa in

[[Page H7859]]

2012 and 2013, and to Afghanistan in 2017 and 2019. Sergeant Major 
Sartor's service made him a highly decorated soldier.
  Sergeant Major Sartor received more than 20 awards and decorations 
for his bravery during his service to our country. His awards include 
the following: the Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the 
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation 
Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the 
Army Achievement Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation Award, the Joint 
Meritorious Unit Award, the Valorous Unit Award with two oak leaf 
clusters, the Meritorious Unit Citation with one oak leaf cluster, and 
the National Defense Service Medal.
  He also earned the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab with the title 
of Honor Grad, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Senior Parachutist 
Badge, the Special Operations Diver Badge, and the Dive Supervisor 
Badge.
  Posthumously, Sergeant Major Sartor has also received a Purple Heart 
and a Bronze Star.
  Sergeant Major Sartor was described as a ``beloved warrior who 
epitomized the quiet professional. He led his soldiers from the front, 
and his presence will be terribly missed.''
  Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Major Sartor was a fearless leader and a 
decorated soldier. His selfless devotion to protect our country will be 
forever remembered. Furthermore, he will be forever remembered as a 
devoted husband, a father, a son, a soldier, a selfless servant, and a 
loyal friend to many.

  All Americans thank him and his family for their service and their 
sacrifice for our country. His sacrifice truly reflects the words of 
Jesus in John 15:13: ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man 
lay down his life for his friends.''
  The loss of Sergeant Major Sartor serves as a reminder of the 
sacrifices the men and women of our Armed Forces make each day to 
preserve the freedom for this great Nation. We are forever in debt to 
these committed individuals who serve our country.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Sartor family. We also lift up the family and friends of Ryan 
Sartor in our prayers.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
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 protect 
us, and for our first responders who keep us safe here at home.


                    Honoring Matthew Randell Gurule

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Matthew Randell Gurule 
of Belen, New Mexico, who passed away on August 17, 2019.
  Matthew was born on January 12, 1987, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to 
Matthew and Sandra Gurule. In 1996, Matthew moved to central Texas with 
his mom and his sister. He graduated from China Spring High School in 
2004 and joined the United States Marine Corps on November 7, 2005.
  Matthew served many tours of duty during his time in the Marine 
Corps. He deployed to Iraq in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and to Afghanistan 
in 2009. He was highly decorated and received many awards, including: 
the Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Sea 
Service Deployment Ribbon with two stars, the Afghanistan Campaign 
Medal with one star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, 
the Iraq Campaign with one star, the Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal, the NATO Medal International Security Assistance Force 
Afghanistan, a Certificate of Appreciation, a Letter of Appreciation, 
and Rifle Marksman Badge.
  After his time in the Marine Corps, Matthew wanted to work alongside 
his father at Albuquerque Downs. He attended the Lookout Mountain 
School of Horseshoeing in 2012 and obtained his certification as a 
horse farrier. Looking to expand his skills, Matthew changed career 
fields and most recently was a mason at Cameron's Custom Homes.
  Matthew had a number of interests and hobbies, which included 
singing, dancing, and cooking. He was noted for making a good batch of 
salsa, steak, baked potatoes, and green chile spaghetti. Matthew also 
enjoyed reading, especially about historical subjects such as the 
Knights Templar and the Mongol Empire.
  Matthew was taken from this Earth too soon. He was last seen on July 
27, 2019, leaving the Isleta Casino in Albuquerque. His car was later 
discovered burned and abandoned in the desert. After not hearing from 
Matthew for several days, his mother, Sandra Miller, traveled to New 
Mexico to look for her son. She discovered that his credit cards were 
fraudulently being used, and she was able to obtain video surveillance 
of the criminals who were using them. Her work led to the eventual 
arrest of the two people charged with Matthew's murder. His body was 
later found in the New Mexico desert on August 16, 2019.
  Through their senseless act of violence, these criminals have caused 
an enormous amount of pain for all those who knew and loved Matthew. In 
this time of tragedy, I am deeply moved by Sandra's love for her son. 
As a father and grandfather, I can only imagine the grief felt by 
Sandra. I am in awe of her extraordinary efforts to find her son and 
bring his killers to justice. I commend her for her work and the 
example she gave of the eternal love a parent has for their children.
  Mr. Speaker, Matthew Gurule's life was defined by his service to our 
country. He will be forever remembered as a loyal son, a brother, a 
veteran, a selfless servant, and a friend to many.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Gurule family. We also lift up the family and friends of Matthew 
Gurule in our prayers.
  I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the Nation's 
Capitol to honor his life and legacy.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country, for our veterans, and for our first responders who keep us 
safe and secure.


                  Honoring Dr. John Joseph Koldus III

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. John Joseph Koldus 
III of College Station, Texas, who passed away on August 12, 2019.
  Before continuing with my recognition of Dr. Koldus, I would like to 
provide background on Texas A&M University in College Station and its 
core values.
  In the front of the academic building on the campus of the 
university, there is a statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, the sixth 
president of the university. That statue contains the following 
inscription: ``Lawrence Sullivan Ross, 1838-1898, Soldier, Statesman, 
and Knightly Gentleman; Brigadier General C.S.A., Governor of Texas, 
President of the A&M College.''
  The key words in this inscription are ``soldier, statesman, and 
knightly gentleman.'' They reflect some of the key ways that Texas 
Aggies live the Texas A&M core values of excellence, integrity, 
leadership, loyalty, respect, and selfless service.
  Moving on to my recognition of Dr. Koldus, John was born February 10, 
1930, in Gary, Indiana, to John Joseph Koldus II and Helen Kukoy 
Koldus. He was an outstanding athlete and lettered in football, 
basketball, baseball, and track. He was named the Most Athletic Boy in 
the Gary School District.
  After graduation, he worked at U.S. Steel on Lake Michigan, just as 
his father had done. John then realized that higher education was a way 
to improve himself, and he attended Arkansas State University. At 
Arkansas State, he was a middleweight Golden Gloves champion and 
lettered 2 years in baseball and 3 years in football, capturing many 
individual records for the school.

  In 1953, John graduated from ASU and was commissioned as a second 
lieutenant in the United States Army. John served in the Army until 
1955.
  Following his military service, he began teaching at Blytheville High 
School in Blytheville, Arkansas. John taught from 1955 to 1959, and 
during the summers he attended the University of Arkansas in 
Fayetteville to complete his master's degree and to begin his doctorate 
studies.
  During his time as a teacher, John met Mary Dell Hooker. Their first 
date was a tennis match, and their competitive athletic spirits 
fostered a strong relationship. They married on May 31, 1958.
  In 1973, John began his 20-year career at Texas A&M University in 
College Station, Texas, as vice president of student services. John was 
instrumental

[[Page H7860]]

in guiding the university through an era of incredible growth and 
change, as tens of thousands of women began attending the university, 
and by creating a unique culture which provided Aggie students with 
extensive leadership opportunities. In his role as vice president of 
student services, John had a deep and impactful relationship with the 
students of Texas A&M.
  He had oversight of a number of organizations, including the Corps of 
Cadets, Recreational Sports, the Memorial Student Center, Student 
Activities, Student Affairs, Student Health Services, and Student Legal 
Services. During his time at Texas A&M, the number of student 
organizations doubled to more than 700. John also taught classes and 
served on many academic committees for graduate students.

                              {time}  1215

  In his 20 years at Texas A&M, John was a recipient of 15 significant 
awards, including the Association of College and University Student 
Personnel Administrators' Distinguished Service Award, The Association 
of Former Students' Distinguished Achievement Award for Student 
Relations, the Buck Weirus Spirit Award, and the National Association 
of Student Personnel Administrators Region III Outstanding Service to 
NASPA Award in 1984.
  In 1985, this latter award was named in his honor as a reflection of 
his impact on student services all across this Nation. John's impact on 
the university was so meaningful, that when he retired in 1993, he was 
the recipient of the President's Medallion of Achievement, and he was 
named Vice President Emeritus of Texas A&M University.
  The Student Services Building was also renamed the John J. Koldus 
Building, and the Texas A&M Foundation also created the John J. Koldus 
Quality of Student Life Endowment. Although neither he nor Mary Dell 
were graduates of Texas A&M, in 2006 they were bestowed by proclamation 
the title of ``Texas Aggies.''
  In the beginning of this recognition, I discussed the attributes--
soldier, statesman, knightly gentleman, and the core values of Texas 
A&M University: Excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and 
selfless service. The reason I discussed these attributes and these 
values is this:
  Dr. Koldus was a soldier, a statesman, a knightly gentleman, and he 
personified A&M's core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, 
loyalty, respect, and selfless service. More importantly, he helped 
share and model those attributes and values to the Texas A&M student 
body through his mentoring capabilities. His skills in this regard were 
noteworthy as he mentored thousands of Aggies who started their 
education at A&M as, what I would call, ``diamonds in the rough.''
  I want to continue discussing this subject, because I was one of 
those persons who arrived at A&M pretty rough around the edges. Early 
on, as an Aggie student, Dr. Koldus identified me as a person who might 
have some promise, and he invested his time and leadership skills into 
my education. His mentoring and friendship had an indelible impact on 
me as he tried to mold me to be a soldier, statesman, knightly 
gentleman, and he helped me live and adopt those significant Aggie core 
values.
  The bottom line is that John Koldus had a huge impact on tens of 
thousands of Texas Aggies, and upon me. He was a great friend, and I 
miss him dearly.
  Mr. Speaker, John Koldus' life was defined by his service to his 
family, to our country, and to Texas A&M University. He will be forever 
remembered as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, 
a veteran, a mentor, a selfless servant, and a friend to thousands, if 
not tens of thousands.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer deepest and heartfelt condolences to the 
Koldus family. We also lift up the family and friends of John Koldus in 
our prayers. I have requested the United States flag be flown over our 
Nation's Capitol to honor his life and legacy.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue to pray for our 
country during these difficult times, for our military who protects us 
abroad, and for our first responders who keep us safe at home.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________