[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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