[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 202 (Thursday, December 7, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H6732-H6734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF ALLISON GETZ
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of
January 9, 2023, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber) is recognized for
60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to
honor the extraordinary life of one Allison Getz, who was a friend, a
public servant, and a true Texan who has left a tremendous mark on
southeast Texas.
Allison's public service wasn't just a job, Mr. Speaker. It was a
calling. From chairing events like the Spindletop Ball to leading
organizations such as the Symphony League, Temple Emanuel, and the Fire
Museum of Texas, she demonstrated a deep commitment to the betterment
of our community.
For the last 9 years, she served as Jefferson County tax assessor-
collector. Her innovation and modernization efforts as tax assessor
earned her the prestigious title of Tax Assessor of the Year for the
entire State of Texas in 2021, and that is no easy task.
I speak for southeast Texas, Mr. Speaker. We are forever indebted to
Allison's tireless devotion and dedication. Allison had always said
three things when she talked with anyone. She said, ``How can I help?
Is there anything you need?'' and she always finished with, ``I
appreciate you.''
She was known for her huge heart, her love for her husband, Mike, her
parents, children, grandchildren, and, most of all, southeast Texas.
Brenda and I were deeply saddened to learn about her passing on
October 10, 2023. Our prayers are with her family during this very
difficult time.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable public servant, let's remember
Allison Julia Getz with a great deal of gratitude. May her legacy
continue to inspire us to continue the work of service and compassion
she so fervently championed.
We are grateful for Allison's dedication to community. We will miss
her. She will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Joseph ``Joe'' Ruta
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I also rise to honor the life and
legacy of one Joseph ``Joe'' Ruta, who passed away on October 14, 2023,
at the age of 96.
Joe Ruta was born on February 25, 1927. He was one of the dwindling
members of the Greatest Generation. Like so many others of his time, he
actually lied about his age to join the Army during World War II. Joe
served in Germany as an ambulance driver at Dachau concentration camp,
where he saw firsthand the horrors of the Holocaust.
Upon returning home, he married Victoria Damico and became a truck
driver. Vicky and Joe were married for 75 years, Mr. Speaker, having
two children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. One of
those grandchildren is my chief of staff, Jeanette Whitener. She is a
jewel.
Joe was an avid card player, enjoyed doing puzzles, and especially
enjoyed time spent with his family. He was an amazing husband and an
amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He served this
country and his family with pride, generosity, and devotion.
Joe will be missed by his family and everyone who knew him. Another
from the Greatest Generation is now gone.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of William ``Bill'' Biggs
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy
of William ``Bill'' Ambrose Biggs III, who passed away on November 16,
2023.
Bill Biggs was born in Abilene, Texas, on February 19, 1937. At the
age of 11, he and his family, Mr. Speaker, moved to Austin, Texas,
where his local adventures would make Tom Sawyer green with envy.
Bill graduated from Austin High School in 1955 and went directly to
the University of Texas, where he graduated with a degree in chemistry
in the year 1959. He also earned his MBA from Texas in 1961.
Following graduation, Bill went on Active Duty in the United States
Army in 1962. During his military career, he earned his Ranger Tab,
graduated from the Army War College, and rose to the rank of colonel in
the U.S. Army Reserve before retiring in 1988. His final commendation
was the Legion of Merit.
Perpetually in motion, after the Army and retiring from his
successful business in Pennsylvania, Bill returned to school, earned
his J.D., juris doctor, from the St. Mary's School of Law in San
Antonio, and graduated in 2020.
He was a tremendous husband, father, grandfather, brother, son,
entrepreneur, citizen, soldier, and devoted Texas Longhorn. Bill will
be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.
Bidding Farewell to Bob Harvey
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bid farewell to a
true titan of Texas, a man whose dedication has left an indelible mark
on the landscape of the greater Houston region, Bob Harvey, the
president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership.
[[Page H6733]]
Bob is retiring at the end of 2023. Over the past decade, under his
steadfast leadership, the Houston metro area has witnessed
unprecedented growth and prosperity.
A lifelong Houstonian, Bob dedicated each waking day to championing
the city's expansion, working hand in hand with the business community
to foster opportunities for every single Houstonian.
The Greater Houston Partnership is so much more than the Chamber of
Commerce for one of America's great cities. Under Bob's guidance, the
partnership became a beacon for economic development, advocating for
policies that sustain the thriving business environment while enhancing
the overall quality of life for all its citizens.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in
congratulating my friend, Bob Harvey, on a well-deserved retirement.
I thank Bob for his service to our dynamic region and our beloved
State of Texas. Blessings to him and his lovely wife, Vicki, and three
great kids, Michael, Tom--who worked for us--and Mary, as he embarks on
the next chapter of a life well lived.
Honoring the Incredible Life of John Paul Spees, Sr.
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the incredible life
of one Mr. John Paul Spees, Sr., a man whose journey from Gary,
Indiana, through Lake Charles, Louisiana, to the great State of Texas
left an indelible mark on our community.
Born in 1936, he went to be with Jesus on December 1, 2023.
Paul was a proud Navy veteran. Paul served 2 years on the USS
Randolph. His dedication to our great country was surpassed only by his
devotion to his family.
{time} 1215
In 1958, he married his beautiful wife, the former Sheila Sarver, and
together they were blessed with four children, of which we get the
privilege of knowing Kelly and her great husband, Paul; four children;
fourteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to God, family, and country, Paul loved skeet shooting--
at the world championship level, I might add--tinkering with cars, and
sharing his musical talents on the piano and accordion. Now, we know
where Kelly gets it from.
Mr. Speaker, though, we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well-
lived with Kelly and Paul and all their family. We commend Paul Spees'
legacy of love, laughter, and service.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Robert Moody
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and
legacy of a businessman and philanthropist, Robert Moody, who was known
to many of us as Bobby.
Bobby's journey was one of resilience, integrity, and an unwavering
commitment to family and community in the city he cherished, which I am
privileged to represent, Galveston, Texas.
Bobby's legacy is etched in the successes of businesses he shepherded
for over six decades. His leadership transformed National Western Life
Insurance Company and American National Insurance Company into industry
leaders, providing financial security for millions.
Yet, Bobby's heart beat the strongest for our Galveston community,
with a passion that is reflected in the creation of Moody Gardens and
the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute, both testaments to his
philanthropic vision.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bobby's devotion to his family
was unparalleled. As a loving father, grandfather, and a great-
grandfather, he effortlessly blended business acumen with the warmth of
family life.
As we bid farewell to such a stalwart leader, a compassionate
patriarch, and a beacon of generosity, let us hope, pray, and carry
forward Bobby's legacy of resilience, empathy, as well as community
stewardship. The island city of Galveston and the Moody family have
lost a guiding light, Mr. Speaker, but Bobby's spirit lives on in the
institutions he built and in the countless lives that he touched.
Celebrating 125 Years of Port Arthur, Texas
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 125 years
of Port Arthur, Texas, a community with a storied history, located in
the 14th Congressional District of the great State of Texas.
The city of Port Arthur began as a dream, quite frankly, of a
railroad man named Arthur Stilwell, who envisioned it as a trade and
tourism center and a port town that eventually wound up bearing his
name.
From tankers navigating the waves to an oil boom that echoed with
promises of prosperity, Port Arthur has been a beacon on the Gulf
Coast. Refineries proudly claiming, ``we oil the world,'' the allure of
Pleasure Island, a Cajun influx adding spice to our culture--I know
that is true because my bride grew up in Italy. She can cook that Cajun
food--and a museum on the Gulf Coast honoring our famous folk, Port
Arthur is a tapestry of history as rich as the soil beneath our feet.
Earlier on, Port Arthur became the heartbeat of the petrochemical
industry. In 1901, following the game-changing gusher of Spindletop,
Gulf Oil Corporation set up shop, followed by Texaco in 1902.
This marked the dawn of a new era.
By 1957, we had become the center of the world's prosperous oil
refining facilities, fueling not just our city, not just our State, but
the world.
Today, Port Arthur is home to over 55,000 hardworking, salt-of-the-
Earth folks. It is truly something special.
May I add that as your Representative of Port Arthur, I am grateful
every day to stand before you as the voice of Port Arthur here in the
hallowed Halls of Congress. Representing a community with such a rich
history, where resilience and progress echo from every corner, is an
honor beyond measure.
Here is to 125 years of Port Arthur's pride, their progress, and that
enduring southeast Texas spirit that defines us. Happy anniversary,
Port Arthur.
Congratulations to Norman Reynolds, Jr., on His Retirement
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Groves
City Marshal, Mr. Norman Reynolds, Jr., on the occasion of his
retirement.
This is the end of an era for the Groves Police Department. Norman
Reynolds, Jr.'s, journey into law enforcement is a tale deeply
intertwined with his family's legacy. A third-generation police
officer, Norman joined the ranks through the encouragement and wise
counsel of his father, Norman Reynolds, Sr.
With over 41 years of dedicated service, Mr. Speaker, Reynolds has
not only become the longest serving law man in southeast Texas, but
also a steadfast pillar in the Groves Police Department.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Marshal Reynolds for his unwavering service, his
commitment to keeping our community safe, and for leading the Groves
Police Department with dignity, as well as honor.
On behalf of a grateful community, it is my absolute honor and
privilege to honor City Marshal Norman Reynolds. I join his wife,
Becky, and his family and friends and colleagues in extending him best
wishes in his retirement.
Crisis at the Border
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about the border for
just a second.
Joe Biden and company have allowed this situation at our southern
border to escalate from a crisis to a full-blown catastrophe. It was
announced just this past Tuesday, CBP saw more than 12,000 encounters
with illegal immigrants along the border.
Let that sink in. Twelve thousand in one day crossed the border--
those are the ones they know about--that American taxpayers are having
to pay for, I want to add. It is unconscionable.
Under this administration's failed policies, every town is a border
town, Mr. Speaker, and the rest of the country is beginning to feel the
strain that my home State of Texas has felt for so long under a
constant stream of illegal migrants encouraged by President Biden's
wide-open border.
That is why I introduced H.R. 6477, a bill that would effectively
reimplement the remain in Mexico protocols established by and under
President Trump.
It would crack down on the rampant abuse of the asylum system that
has enabled so much of this problem. My bill would also hold the
administration responsible for knowing the whereabouts and the status
of illegal migrants throughout the parole process,
[[Page H6734]]
and I urge my colleagues to cosponsor it.
Congratulations to Alvin Community College for Educating Generations
from Texas
Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly acknowledge
and celebrate the remarkable achievement of Alvin Community College.
Let me hasten to add that it is where I met my beautiful bride of 47
years 49 years ago in the cafeteria there at Alvin Junior College, or
what was called Alvin Junior College.
Alvin Community College, once again, for the seventh time, ACC has
been recognized by their prestigious Aspen Institute as one of the top
150 community colleges in America.
The Aspen Institute's recognition, citing ACC's achievements in
teaching, degree completion, workforce success, and equitable outcomes
underscores the college's commitment to student success. Don't I know
it.
As an ACC alum, I can personally attest to the transformative power
of this institution. It laid the academic groundwork for my future and
even, more importantly, became the serendipitous backdrop where I met
my beautiful bride. Did I mention that, Mr. Speaker? I think I did.
Mr. Speaker, let me just say that I thank Alvin Community College for
not only educating generations of folks from Texas 14th Congressional
District and the neighboring communities, but I congratulate them for
continuing to shine as one of the best in the Nation. ACC rocks.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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