[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 184 (Monday, November 18, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H8944-H8949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING RICK PERRY
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Rose of New York). Under the Speaker's
announced policy of January 3, 2019, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy)
is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I am here tonight with a number of my
colleagues from Texas because Governor Rick Perry, as we Texans refer
to him, will be stepping down in a few weeks as the Secretary of Energy
of the United States of America.
I have had the honor of serving on his staff, working with him on a
number of projects, including a book, and working on his campaigns. He
has been a State Representative in Texas, the Agriculture Commissioner
in Texas, Lieutenant Governor, Governor of Texas, but I always think of
Rick Perry first and foremost as a proud Texan, an Aggie, an Eagle
Scout, a husband, an Air Force veteran, a father, and a grandfather.
But for me personally, I always remember the Governor as a friend, a
loyal friend who would help those who needed it, whether it was a
veteran, suffering after battle, who needed a home, which the Governor
and his lovely bride, Anita, would welcome them into their home, or
whether it was praying for me when I had cancer as a staffer for
him. Governor Perry literally called me from a Presidential debate to
check on me while I was going through chemotherapy. And he stood with
me and my family through it all. He is above all a good and decent man.
There are few people in this world who cause you to want to charge
the hill behind him, and you know it will be for fighting a just cause,
but Governor Perry is one of those people. And he learned this from his
family and his community.
Governor Perry grew up in Paint Creek, Texas, with no indoor plumbing
for the first 5 years of his life in 1950s west Texas. His dad, Ray,
was a World War II veteran, who along with Perry's wonderful mom,
Amelia, were ranchers in Texas. And his wife Anita, whom he met in
elementary school, was his high school sweetheart and has been the love
of his life and by his side ever since. He is a proud dad to Griffin
and Sydney and granddad to their wonderful children.
Governor Perry is fairly famous for being an Aggie. He received his
bachelor of science degree in animal science from A&M. He was
commissioned to second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force upon
graduation. He was a member of Squadron 6 and served as a junior and
senior Yell Leader and was immersed in all aspects of Aggie student
life. A strong supporter of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, Governor
Perry has been a speaker at countless Aggie musters since 1990 and was
the principal speaker at the main campus ceremony in 2002. And he was
also the key note speaker at the 125th anniversary celebration of the
Corps of Cadets in 2001. He exemplifies the Aggie values, selfless
service, respect, loyalty, integrity, and excellence in leadership.
Before I yield to my colleague, I would be remiss if I did not note
that it was 20 years ago today that the historic tradition at Texas
A&M, the A&M bonfire that is always built in preparation for and lit
the night before the game against the University of Texas, one of the
greatest rivalries in sports, which is long overdue for renewal, 20
years ago today it collapsed at 2:42 a.m. where 11 students and one
former student died and 27 others were injured. Fifty-seven Aggies were
working on the bonfire at the time when they heard a crack, and it
collapsed. My wife was a senior at the time. And as we commemorate
Governor Perry tonight, we also commemorate the lives of those great
Aggies who were carrying on the spirit of that great institution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber).
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I rise today to honor Rick Perry in his final days as Secretary of
the Department of Energy. It makes sense that those lined up to speak
would be from our shared home State, the great State of Texas. We have
served with him. We have benefited from Rick's leadership. We call him
friend. Much can be said and will be said of Rick Perry in these next
few weeks.
As already mentioned, Rick is a fifth generation Texan, an Aggie, Air
Force pilot, state representative, agricultural commissioner,
lieutenant governor, longest serving Texas Governor, Secretary of
Energy. He will be rightfully lauded for a life well given to public
service.
In every stage of his life, Rick Perry sought to do the best for
Texas and for the people of this Nation. As a state representative, he
was one of the most effective legislators pushing for more strict
budgeting. As Agricultural Commissioner, Perry showed his skill at
sales and started what would be a lifelong career as the number one top
salesman for the great State of Texas.
As Governor, Rick helped make Texas a destination for business and
industry and for families and people. There is a reason why we still
see an average influx of people, a thousand a day in our great State.
As Secretary of Energy, we continue to see the benefits of Rick
Perry's unabashed love of Texas and these United States. Thanks to his
leadership, the United States is now the largest energy producer in the
world with a greatly expanded footprint in the international market.
Still, my favorite story which defines the man that is Rick Perry is
one told by a former rival turned friend, and that would be Senator
Rick Santorum. Former Senator and Presidential candidate Rick Santorum
told of the regular frantic note taking of candidates while they were
on the debate stage, all except for Rick Perry. Instead, Rick
recounted, Perry only wrote one note. It was when Rick Santorum told
about the health difficulties his beloved daughter, Bella, had faced
from her birth.
Following the debate, Rick said the two men spoke and Rick said as he
looked over Perry's shoulder at the single note written, it had three
words: ``Pray for Bella.'' That, Mr. Speaker, is a man of faith,
compassion, and integrity. It speaks to his character. It speaks to his
effectiveness. It speaks to his dedication to public service and to his
love of this great country.
I am grateful for having served under Governor Perry in the State
house for 4 years and with Secretary Perry in the Department of Energy.
The great State of Texas and our Nation are better for his service.
As Rick Perry moves away from public life, his leadership will be
missed, but the legacy he leaves behind will endure.
I thank my friend, Governor Perry, for all he has done. I thank Anita
for loaning Texas and then America a true Texas treasure, a true
statesman, and a truly fine individual. Rick and Anita both deserve a
rich time together. Blessings to them both and please enjoy the private
life.
{time} 1945
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr.
Babin), my friend.
Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman so much for yielding to
me.
Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to rise today in honor of
Energy Secretary Rick Perry, a devoted statesman, a proud Texan, and a
longtime friend of mine.
In his early years, Governor Perry became an Eagle Scout and was
taught what a strong work ethic looked like, and he has practiced it in
every office he has held since, and those are numerous.
I first met Rick Perry back when he was Agriculture Commissioner for
[[Page H8945]]
Texas in the mid-1990s. In the 25 years since, he and I have worked
together in various roles, including working together on the campaign
trail. As a matter of fact, Governor Perry appointed me to the Lower
Neches Valley Authority, where I served the State for many years. My
son Leif, a Navy SEAL, is also friends with Governor Perry's Navy SEAL
son-in-law.
I had the privilege of working with Rick Perry when he served as the
longest-serving Governor of Texas in history, where he successfully
earned the reputation as one of the most successful Governors that our
State has ever had.
While serving as Governor of the great State of Texas, he oversaw
incredible economic growth, low unemployment rates, low taxes, the
creation of thousands of jobs, and commonsense reform that has brought
tremendous success to our State. Texas has become a mecca for out-of-
State Americans looking for jobs and prosperity.
His tremendous leadership in Texas and his role in the expansion of
America's energy sector helped carry him to the position of Secretary
of Energy, which he leads now with character and strength, expanding
our economy while protecting our environment.
I was proud to work alongside him on energy reform, and I will
continue to push strong energy policies that he has advocated for at
the Department of Energy.
Rick Perry has dedicated his life to the service of his State and
this country while living as a devoted man to God and to his family.
Mr. Speaker, I have the utmost respect for Governor Perry, for what
he has accomplished and the way in which he has done so.
May God bless him, his beautiful wife, Anita, and the rest of his
family, and may God bless Texas and the United States of America.
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for those kind remarks.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams), my
friend.
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. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for those great
remarks about the Governor.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
I am happy to come to the floor tonight to reflect on a great Texan,
a great American, Secretary Rick Perry.
It has been an honor to have served the people of Texas alongside
Secretary Perry. In fact, my first political race in 2002 was alongside
then-Governor Perry, who had succeeded Governor Bush when Governor Bush
won the Presidential election and Governor Perry was running for his
first full term as Governor. Then, as we know, he went on to serve a
full 14 years as Governor of the State of Texas.
He began serving our country as a C-130 pilot in the United States
Air Force. More recently, he has been leading the United States
Department of Energy. With each task, Secretary Perry has shown true
leadership and fought to uphold the Constitution.
Most recently, as Secretary of the Department of Energy, Secretary
Perry was dedicated to putting forward innovative ideas while reducing
Federal overreach and the regulatory burden on Americans.
Back in 2007, in the Subcommittee on Energy and the full Committee on
Energy and Commerce, I worked to prevent a mandate on light bulbs that
I thought was ill-advised. I thought it would be better to let the
consumer make these determinations rather than the government. I
continued this fight during the appropriations process to delay
rulemaking at the Department of Energy.
Then, after assuming office, Secretary Perry took steps to protect
consumer choices and rolled back the mandates on light bulbs. I
appreciate Secretary Perry's efforts in this area to reduce Federal
overreach.
Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to wish the departing Secretary and his
wife, Anita, the very best, the very best for their family as they
embark on this new journey.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Secretary Perry for many years of dedicated
service to our State and our country. As the song says, ``God bless
you, Texas.''
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for his remarks.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Taylor), who
represents the town in which my lovely bride grew up, Plano, Texas.
Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my well-wishes to
Governor Rick Perry. I think a lot has been said about his career, so I
will just share a few stories about him.
I was in the Texas House chamber when he gave his farewell address,
and he noted that he had served his first three terms in the Texas
House as a Democrat and had changed parties to become a Republican to
run for Texas Agriculture Commissioner. His comment was, ``I probably
made both parties happy,'' when he made that change, which I think was
a pretty funny comment. It certainly brought down that house.
I got to know Governor Perry when he was Agriculture Commissioner. I
had just graduated from high school, spent a gap year, spent some time,
in Austin, and I had the privilege of working for him as an intern in
his Intergovernmental Affairs Department. There, I learned that to
craft good policy, it takes time, effort, focus, and hard work.
I worked with him on NAFTA. I worked with him on aquaculture. I
worked with him on high-speed rail, where he asked me to go back and
double-check the numbers to make sure that he was making the right
decision when he became the first statewide elected official opposing
high-speed rail in Texas.
I was certainly a beneficiary, having represented Collin County for
almost a decade, for what Rick Perry has done for the Texas economy.
Between 2007 and 2014, in that 7-year period, Texas created 1.4 million
new jobs, more than the entire country combined.
Clearly, Rick Perry's efforts to keep taxation low, keep regulation
reasonable, and keep litigation at a minimum, those three things that
he drove over and over and over again--I think we can all remember how
many times he said that, whether it was on the stump, whether it was in
legislation, that he was trying to get these three things done, and how
successful our State has been as a result of that.
I will also share that Governor Perry had a special knack. He was a
very
[[Page H8946]]
smart man in many ways. The very first bill I filed in the Texas
Legislature was a bill to increase military voting. This bill was
something that I knew the Governor cared about because his staff would
ask about it occasionally.
I remember the second to last day in the legislative session of 2011.
I was literally walking across the floor of the Texas House, holding
the bill in hand. I saw Governor Perry out of the corner of my eye, and
he actually reached over and grabbed me, and he said: Where's my bill?
I said: The bill I am holding, Governor?
He said: Good. Go get it filed with the clerk.
And I went in and filed it.
It was that kind of ability to know intuitively what he needed to
focus on and how he needed to focus on it that I think made him such an
effective leader and one that we all respect.
We are so grateful for Governor Perry's service. We are so grateful
that Anita would lend him to us and for the service that he has given
to our State and to our Nation. We are all truly grateful for him.
Mr. Speaker, I say to Governor Perry: Partner, we will see you over
the next ridge.
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for joining us
here this evening and lauding the service and accomplishments of
Governor Perry, Secretary Perry.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Olson), my
former colleague in the United States Senate and my friend.
Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend from Austin, Texas,
for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, on March 4, 1950, in the Texas Panhandle metropolis of
Haskell, Texas, Rick Perry was born. Haskell lately has a population of
3,322. That was too much big city for Rick Perry, so his family moved
to Paint Creek, Texas, current population somewhere around 324.
As was mentioned, he became an Aggie yell leader. He said he knew A&M
was where he had to go because: ``I was probably a bit of a free
spirit. . . . I would have not lasted at Texas Tech or the University
of Texas. I would have hit the fraternity scene and lasted about one
semester.''
As was mentioned, he served our country in uniform, flying a C-130
Hercules, a large aircraft that carries cargo all over the world that
has the same engine as my P-3 Orion I flew in the Navy, the Allison
T56-A14. We share that common bond.
Rick was elected to serve in the Texas House in 1984. He became what
was known as a pit bull. The Texas House has a place they go called the
pit to have strong, strong, strong debates. Rick wanted to go off on
people who wanted to spend, spend, spend. The pit bulls in Texas had a
raging bull in Rick Perry.
In 1990, he became our Agriculture Commissioner. In 1998, he allowed
American history to be changed in a very positive way. He ran against a
guy named John Sharp to become our Lieutenant Governor. It was very
close, Aggie versus Aggie. Rick won by about 1.7 points, but that
victory enabled George W. Bush to leave his beloved Texas and become
America's 43rd President. Governor Bush knew he could leave with Texas
in great hands of prosperity and with a bright future, and Rick Perry
did not disappoint.
As our longest-serving Governor with 14 years in Austin, Texas, on
his watch, great things happened in our State that are the models for
America and the world.
He got true medical liability reform passed in Texas that changed our
provision of healthcare for our citizens because doctors were fleeing
our State because of unjustified lawsuits. They came back in droves
when this bill was passed and became an amendment to our constitution,
all because of Rick Perry's leadership.
He changed our energy market to a market with competition, driving
prices down and giving people the cheapest, most reliable energy in
America.
{time} 2000
He had Texas squared away, so when America went into recession in
2007, our State, one State, created half the private-sector jobs in
America over 2007 and 2008.
And he also got a big start with technology, a place in Houston
called Celltex, which uses human beings' own stem cells to repair
broken bones and long-term injuries. They are thriving, and that is all
because of Governor Rick Perry.
On March 2 of 2017, the Senate confirmed him to be America's
Secretary of Energy. He tried to make D.C. just like Texas. On his
watch, the only viable carbon capture-enhanced oil recovery operation
in the entire world, in Texas 22, the Petro Nova project with NRG, was
started.
On his watch, we started exporting American crude oil all over the
world.
On Rick Perry's watch, we have sent liquified natural gas--we call
that liquid ``American freedom''--all over the world, helping allies in
need, allies like India, like South Korea, like Japan, and like Eastern
Europe break the hold on energy that comes from Russia or OPEC.
I will close with a statement from a Texas legend that applies
directly to Governor Rick Perry. Bum was talking about Earl Campbell,
the famous Heisman Trophy winner, a Hall of Famer in the NFL who played
for the Houston Oilers for just under a decade. Bum was asked: Is Earl
in a class by himself? And Bum's answer applies to Earl and applies to
Governor Rick Perry. Rick may not be in a class by himself, but
whatever class he is in, it don't take long to call the roll.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Rick and Anita for their service to America and
the great State of Texas. They will never, ever be forgotten.
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Texas. I know that he
appreciates the Governor's military service because he, too, is a
veteran. I thank him for his service, and I thank him for the kind
remarks for the Governor. I know he will cherish and appreciate those.
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from west Texas (Mr.
Arrington), who represents my father's alma mater, Texas Tech
University, and ask his indulgences after the NCAA basketball
championship.
Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend and fellow Texan,
Mr. Chip Roy.
Get your guns up, Mr. Roy. I thank you for that introduction, and I
thank you for hosting tonight's Special Order for our friend and
fearless leader for Texas and for this great Nation, Rick Perry.
It is, I think, pretty telling that every Texan who has taken the
mike to pay tribute to our friend Rick Perry has spoken with the
fondness of a deep friendship, and I think that is a tribute to
Secretary Perry. He was a man who could connect with just about
anybody--not because he had the special political gift; it is because
he had genuine love for people. That was his gift. I am glad that God
saw fit to allow him to deploy that as our Governor, as Secretary, and
in public service for many, many years.
My favorite Rick Perry quote: If you want to make America great
again, make it more like Texas.
Mr. Speaker, in the summer of 2017, Energy Secretary Rick Perry
unveiled a vision for our Nation, not only to become energy
independent, but energy dominant. Predictably, some in the mainstream
media responded by dismissing it as overly ambitious and unrealistic.
The Washington Post said about his vision that it was ``dominated by
misleading claims.'' The Los Angeles Times said that the plan
``threatens the entire planet.'' Not only did their criticism miss the
mark on both accounts, but, fortunately, for the American people, they
were definitively disproven by our friend and fearless leader,
Secretary Rick Perry.
We were once a nation reliant on foreign sources of energy. Today, we
are on track to become a net energy exporter by 2020. By 2025, U.S. oil
production is expected to equal that of Saudi Arabia and Russia,
combined.
Under Secretary Rick Perry's leadership, the United States has become
a net exporter of natural gas for the first time since 1957. In fact,
the U.S. is on track to more than double its LNG export capacity by the
end of this year.
Not only were we able to increase our energy production and export
capacity in these United States, we have done it while leading the
world in reducing
[[Page H8947]]
carbon emissions, decreasing our output of CO2 by 42 million
tons, while, at the same time, the European Union increased its carbon
by about the same amount, China increased theirs by almost three times
the amount that we reduced our carbon, and India twice as much of an
increase to our decrease.
I would say that is a heck of a track record for our Texas Secretary
of Energy.
Mr. Speaker, our Nation's energy security is and always will be a
matter of national security. And thanks to the skilled leadership of
Secretary Perry, I am proud to say that America is, indeed, safer and
more secure today than, well, than it was before he took office.
I am especially proud, Mr. Speaker, that our Nation's leading voice
for energy dominance was born and reared in west Texas, right smack in
the middle of my district, Texas 19.
I think Mr. Roy would agree with me that, if you are a Texan, no
matter what your title is and how far up the chain you go in political
leadership, the Governor is always the highest title of all. So I am
going to call him Governor Perry. I can't wait to refer to him as
Governor Perry again.
Rick Perry is a fifth-generation Texan. He is from Haskell, USA,
which is 50 miles north of Abilene.
I remember introducing him once in Lubbock, saying that there are
some people and politicians who have street cred, and then there are
some who have farm-to-market cred. Where I come from, Mr. Speaker,
farm-to-market cred is more important.
He had a bead on all things rural America because he was rural
America. He understood that the small towns and the highways and the
byways of this country were not just producing our food, fuel, and
fiber; they were producing a people with a substance and a character
that this Nation desperately needed.
He understood that west Texas, where he hails from and where I hail
from and have the honor of representing, that our greatest contribution
wasn't as the energy basin or as the breadbasket, but as the backbone
of American traditional values. I so appreciate that. Nobody was a
greater champion or a stronger voice.
We heard his background tonight. I want to thank him for his service
to our country wearing the uniform. He served at Dyess Air Force Base,
which is the largest B-1 bomber base in the country, and it is also in
my district.
Of course, he went on to serve as State representative, agriculture
commissioner, Lieutenant Governor, and, of course, the longest serving
Governor in the history of Texas.
I think Mr. Roy would agree with me that he was the quintessential
Texas Governor. He had that boldness, that optimism, that indomitable
spirit that embodied Texas. He had that Texas swagger. He was
confident, but he was humbled to know that he needed the right team and
that he needed help from everybody to take Texas to that next level.
Nobody could sell Texas like him. I mean, he recruited some of the
best and brightest talent from around the world. He brought businesses
in of all sectors from around the world. He was a true believer in the
Texas miracle, and we are all the better in Texas for his leadership.
Like all good west Texans, I would say to Mr. Roy that the bottom
line is he was a salt-of-the-earth guy, and he was a straight-shooting
guy.
Let me do a little straight shooting for the American people with
respect to what kind of nation the United States is on account of his
leadership over the last couple of years: U.S. energy production
reached a record high; the U.S. has become the largest crude oil
producer in the world; American natural gas production hit a record
high for 2 straight years, both in 2017 and 2018.
When Americans look back on this era in our history, they will know
the powerful, lasting impact of Governor Rick Perry and what he has
done in terms of handing this country to the next generation of
Americans: more prosperous, more free, and more secure. They will know
that our producers in west Texas and across this country were empowered
to unleash a new era of American energy dominance. They will know that
this kid from Haskell, Texas, was at the helm during this historic
transformation.
So from one small town west Texas boy to another, I thank Rick Perry
for his service; I thank him for the sacrifices that he has made; I
thank him for his love for this country; I thank him for his passion
for everything good about America; and I thank him for putting that on
display with the way he operated, the way he led, and just who he is--
just who he is.
Mr. Speaker, I say to Anita Perry: We know--Mr. Roy and I both, and
everybody who has been called to service understands--that she and her
children have made a tremendous sacrifice. I just want to say God bless
her in this next phase of her life with Rick. I pray that he brings
great joy to your lives and to the life of your family.
My last quote is from the first President of Texas Tech University.
It goes like this:
Everything that is done on these west Texas plains ought to
be done on a big scale. It's a part of the country that lends
itself to bigness.
Mr. Speaker, Rick Perry was a small town kid with a big heart, and he
has made a big impact on these United States. So God bless Rick Perry,
God bless this great Nation, and go west Texas.
Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas for those
inspiring remarks about our mutual friend, the former Governor of
Texas, although he will always be the Governor of Texas in our hearts.
I know he will appreciate those sentiments.
As someone who--my father grew up down the road in Sweetwater, Texas,
and is a west Texan, just down the road from where he grew up, and you
can share those experiences. There is something special about that part
of the world, the people and what it means. I think the United States
could learn a lot from spending some time with the good people of west
Texas.
I would point out, following what was just said, in 2016, when
Governor Perry was thinking about running for President, at that time,
he was on the stage, and to his right, when he announced his
Presidential campaign, was Marcus Luttrell, a retired member of the
Navy SEALs, who was the only survivor of a 2005 attack by the Taliban
in Afghanistan. He wrote a book about his experience, called ``Lone
Survivor,'' as you know, which has become a movie.
To Mr. Perry, to the Governor, our friend, Mr. Luttrell is more than
a military veteran and best-selling author. He is practically a member
of the family. Now, why is that?
{time} 2015
Well, as Perry said, ``He is not just the lone survivor. He is a
second son.''
Marcus was in physical therapy in San Diego in 2006 when he met the
Governor and his wife, Anita, who were there on vacation. And they
reconnected in Texas where Mr. Luttrell was from, and Mr. Perry took
Mr. Luttrell into his home.
He is living there. He is the Governor, and he took Marcus into his
home to live with him while he was dealing with post-traumatic stress
disorder. They are now friends, and Governor Perry is the godfather of
Mr. Luttrell's children. That is who he is. Mr. Speaker, you know that,
I know that, and those of us from Texas know that.
I would point out how great this world would be if the E.U. or the
U.N. would hire the Secretary to go be in charge of energy for the
world. Can you imagine if we were able to export LNG from Texas to
China and to India and the places that are polluting the world? Imagine
if we could export the kind of entrepreneurship and capability that
Texans are doing that are driving the world's economy.
Literally, the tip of the spear for the world's economy is the great
State of Texas. And it is largely due to the spirit of the people of
Texas which is exemplified by that great Governor.
I would make a few points here. The philosophy of the Governor when I
worked for him was, ``I have been guided by a simple philosophy: that
job creation, not higher taxation, is the best form of revenue
generation.'' And I think this body could learn a lot from that. Follow
the model of Texas.
That philosophy served the people of Texas well. In his tenure he
added more than 2.2 million jobs, or Texas did. According to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, that is nearly four times the national average
during the same
[[Page H8948]]
timeline. Twenty-three percent in Texas, versus 6 percent in the United
States as a whole.
Twenty-nine percent of all new jobs in the United States came from
Texas. Employment grew three times faster in Texas than in California,
New York, Florida, Illinois, or Pennsylvania. Texas led wage growth
across all income levels. Ninety-five percent of all jobs in Texas paid
above the minimum in 2013 when he was at the height of being Governor.
He grew Texas' economy to become the world's twelfth largest economy.
Today it is the tenth under current Governor Greg Abbott.
It wasn't just about the growth, but as the Governor said in his 2005
address to the people of Texas: ``Our challenge is to make sound,
strategic investments that withstand the test of time.''
It was his fiscal conservatism, though, that I think a lot of people
looked to the Governor, is how he led that great State, unlike this
body, balancing our budgets, and doing so while growing our great
economy.
He understands what everyone in Washington can't seem to wrap their
head around, that you can't spend money you don't have. While this body
racks up $100 million of debt per hour, Texas balances its budget while
leading the world in job creation.
While Perry was Governor, Texas cut spending, balanced the budget,
and grew the Texas economy exponentially. The State of Texas, under
Perry's leadership, finished the `13-'14 legislative session with a
$2.6 billion surplus; things we can only dream of here in Washington
right now.
He fought tax hikes, passed the largest school property tax rate
decrease in Texas State history at the time; passed extensive property
tax breaks for disabled veterans and their spouses; and championed the
idea that the people, not the government, are the drivers of growth and
innovation.
Governor Perry oversaw perhaps the largest transformation of energy
technology and policy in Texas history, setting the foundation for
extraordinary achievements to come. Breakthroughs in hydraulic
fracturing, which some people use as the bogeyman, creates the engine
of the prosperity our Nation is now feeling and that is now being
exported around the world.
We are sitting in this great Chamber with lights fueled by natural
gas. That is what Texas is doing. That is how Texas is leading the
world. It led to an oil and natural gas surge in Texas growing by
roughly 260 percent and 50 percent respectively.
Texas is producing more oil than Iraq and Afghanistan, leading the
way for America to achieve energy independence, which we only could
dream of a mere decade or 15 years ago.
The State's wind power sector hardly existed when the Governor came
to office, but Texas became the Nation's leader in wind energy
generation during his tenure in his all-of-the-above approach.
Perry took the same progrowth mentality to Washington during his time
as Secretary of Energy. As Energy Secretary, Perry focused not only on
securing American energy independence, but on our stability and
capacity to export LNG, liquefied natural gas, around the world.
Because of his leadership, the U.S. will be able to provide allies
and partners with affordable energy that will drive economic growth and
prosperity around the world. America has seen this historic growth
while leading the world in total CO2 emissions reduction
since 2005.
When the Governor stepped down from Texas, briefly thinking he was
done with public service before being pulled back as the Secretary of
Energy--that is why I am not sure he is done with his public service
yet, by the way--``Texas is a State,'' he said, ``where nothing is
impossible. Where the sons and daughters of migrant workers can aspire
to own the farm; where the children of factory workers can build new-
age manufacturing facilities; and where the son of tenant farmers''--as
was the Governor--``can become Governor of the greatest State in the
Union.
``In Texas, it's not where you come from that matters, it's where you
are going. Texas doesn't recognize the artificial barriers of race,
class, or creed.
``The most vivid dreams take flight from the most humble beginnings,
and so it was for me,'' said the Governor.
``As many of you know, I grew up in a place called Paint Creek. When
I was young, we didn't have electricity or running water. Mom bathed us
in a number two washtub. And we attended the Paint Creek Rural School,
where some of the teachers lived on campus. Their profession was
literally their life, and they inspired me,'' he said.
``In fact, I'm proud to say I graduated in the top 10 of my class of
13 students,'' he added. ``I can assure you none of my teachers knew
they were instructing a future Governor.
``But they also have a motto at the Paint Creek School that
summarizes the endless possibilities for its students: `No dream too
tall for a school so small.' ''
This is the story of Texas. This is the story of America. When will
we go back to that story again? When will we talk about those
aspirations that America represents, that that flag represents, that
this body represents, instead of the games that we play in this place
rightly known as the swamp?
He said: ``In this, the people's House,'' referring to the Texas
House, ``we're in the business of making dreams possible. Every dream
counts, every child matters. . . . And in Texas, every child has a
chance. That is the Texas we have built together, a Texas of unlimited
opportunity. There's a reason more people move to Texas than any other
State, because this is the best place to find a job, raise your family,
and pursue your dreams.
``In some respects, this has been true for a long time,'' he said.
``In the early 1800s, Americans headed west, leaving their troubles
behind to find a second chance.''
That is what my family did. Maybe what your family did, my friend
from Texas.
My family came from Georgia to Dripping Springs, Texas, in 1853. My
great-great-great grandparents are buried just a few miles down the
road from where my wife, Carrah, and I have 10 acres outside of Austin,
Texas. They came there seeking a better way of life. My great-great
grandmother was born in San Marcos, and she married my great-great
grandfather who was a Texas Ranger battling Comanches and Comanche
incursions at the time signing up in Hays, and Travis, and Blanco
Counties. It was a tough country.
There were no handouts. There was no government to go seek some
refuge from. You just had to grab yourself up by your bootstraps--yes,
we still like that phrase and we still use it in Texas--and figure out
how to survive.
``They planted roots; tamed a harsh land; won a revolution; founded a
republic; survived droughts; wildfires and hurricanes; discovered
crude; started great universities; and took mankind to the Moon.''
In his tenure alone, the Governor said: ``We have been tested by the
disintegration of the space shuttle; Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike;
devastating wildfires; the spread of Ebola; and a humanitarian crisis
at the border.
``Each time, Texans have responded to these tests with great
character. As long as there has been a Texas, there has existed a
people whose character has been refined by fire, whose souls are
resilient, who respond to tragedy with grace, and who look to the
future with hope.
``What we have done together is preserve Texas as a land of
opportunity, making our economy more diverse and jobs more plentiful.''
I could go on. I will just close out here by saying, all of that is
applicable to this, the United States of America. All of that is who we
are. And we would do well to remember that again. It is the greatness
of this country that we must return to.
The Governor, when he served in the Air Force, flew C-130s. And one
time as the Governor, he was over in Iraq or Afghanistan--I don't
remember which--and he was flying in a C-130, rattling around as you do
you when you fly in those planes. He landed, and as he always did when
he was flying around, he went up and talked to those guys flying the
plane, because he would have rather been in that cockpit than whatever
he was doing as Governor. And he went up there and he talked to them,
and then he started looking; they went and looked at the manifest and
the history of the airplane, and he
[[Page H8949]]
had flown that C-130 in the 1970 when he was a pilot in the Air Force.
That is who he was. He wanted to go find out and he wanted to talk to
those guys.
When the Governor ran for President in 2011-2012, I worked on his
Presidential campaign. I had been working in his office, and that was
when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, as I referenced earlier.
As I said earlier, he called me from a debate stage--literally going on
stage--to make sure and check on me and check on my health and see how
I was doing during chemotherapy. That is just who he was. That is who
he has always been.
When he was launching his campaign in Charleston, South Carolina, I
unfortunately had to miss that. I was going to be there, but I was at
MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston starting treatment. But when he
announced, he used a phrase: `` . . . making Washington, D.C., as
inconsequential in our lives as possible.''
It is what I aspire to do here as a Member in this body. Not because
there are not great things we can do in this body, but because the
greatness of this country lies outside of this body. It lies outside of
this city. It lies in every town, in every community, in every school,
in every business, in every hospital, all around this great country
where people wake up every day to make lives better.
Too much of our focus is on what happens here. Too many Sunday
mornings are about what is happening on ``Meet the Press'' instead of
what is happening in the church pew, instead of what is happening down
the street.
Too many people are looking to the VA to solve problems for the
veterans instead of wondering, who is the veteran 5 miles down the road
who needs help right now?
We solve problems like the Cajun Navy coming over to Houston, like
the people of Texas rising up in the wake of floods after hurricanes to
solve problems for real people in real time.
Instead of mortgaging our future with fake promises that we can't
afford while this body has show votes--no matter who is in charge, by
the way--on resolutions and bills, and never sits here and has the real
debates and the real work of what we need to do.
The real work is going on outside of this body. Governor Perry
represents the greatness of this Nation. Both his life story and who he
is, he embodies the greatness of this country.
I wholeheartedly endorse making Washington, D.C., as inconsequential
in the lives of Americans as possible, because our country will be ever
greater as the State of Texas has been ever greater under his
leadership and since our inception as a State in leading this country
and leading this world.
I thank the Governor. I thank his lovely wife. I thank his family. I
look forward to seeing what he is going to do next.
And with that, and on behalf of all Texans and my colleagues here in
the House, I yield back the balance of my time.
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