[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 115 (Thursday, July 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4615-H4618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           JOYS AND CONCERNS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Grothman). Under the Speaker's announced 
policy of January 9, 2023, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey) is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.


                             General Leave

  Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, the first job of any government, municipal, 
State, Federal, is to protect her citizens.
  I begin this speech by saying we are not protecting our citizens, 
particularly on the southern border of which Texas is the front line in 
a battle to protect our people.
  We are losing 200 Americans every day to fentanyl poisoning, the 
compounds of which are coming from China, manufactured by the cartels, 
and killing wartime numbers of Americans. In World War II, we lost 305 
Americans every day fighting tyranny overseas. Today, we are losing 300 
Americans every day to fentanyl poisoning and drug overdose. We must 
start there.
  As many of you know, from time to time, I address the House floor 
with my version of a speech that my childhood pastor would give every 
Sunday called ``Joys and Concerns''.
  During this, he would highlight some of the remarkable things that 
people would accomplish in our district. He would also take this time 
to bring up prayer requests, and in that moment we, as a congregation, 
would unite in prayer for community and those in need.
  Today, before we discuss some of my district's outstanding 
accomplishments, I will talk about something that we must unite on as a 
country and as a people, and I will talk about a very important 
experience that I had just this last week.
  We just returned from a weeklong trip to the Baltics, and during that 
visit, my colleagues and I met with senior leadership from Estonia, 
Latvia, and Lithuania, in the Baltics, to discuss critical security 
issues and the daily threats that come with being Putin's neighbor. 
They are the neighbor of Russia and Belarus, a vassal of Russia, and 
they are Russia's neighbor to the West. They share a front line.
  One diplomat said it best: Ukraine isn't just fighting for us; 
Ukraine is fighting instead of us, because his people understand what 
life looked like under Russian rule or Soviet rule, which these days 
looks very much the same.
  They understand the brutality, the oppression, and the attempts to 
wipe away their way of life. While in Lithuania, we visited the Museum 
of Occupations and Freedom Fights. The museum is housed in the former 
KGB headquarters and during World War II, the Gestapo of the Nazis.
  The basement was the prison and execution room, and it is still 
perfectly preserved, as if the KGB just got up and left one day. They 
immediately turned it into a museum. Over 1,000 people were murdered in 
that very basement with bullet shots to the head. Countless more 
withstood brutal interrogation and torture, the pictures of which won't 
be shown here.
  I stood in the execution room where blood stains the ground and 
bullet holes are still visible on the walls. Bodies were discarded up 
the chute and out the window and hidden in mass graves, and political 
prisoners were held there as recently as 1987.
  This is who we are dealing with, a KGB thug ruling Russia. This is 
Vladimir Putin.
  We know that same playbook is being unleashed on the Ukrainian people 
right now and that unspeakable atrocities are being committed.
  Last year, I visited Bucha, a mass grave, where innocent civilians 
were killed during the invasion of Ukraine. Just northwest of Kyiv the 
forces of Vladimir Putin were aimed, intent on erasing Ukraine from the 
Earth. The rise of Russia under Putin's despotic regime is seeking, 
once again, to return to the boundaries of the former Soviet Union.
  This is a threat not just to Ukraine, but a threat to Europe and to 
freedom on our shores around the world. As a man who spent 20 years in 
uniform, the father of a son who wants to spend 20 years in uniform, 
the last thing I want is American soldiers going overseas to fight 
again. That is why we must be strong.
  We cannot do that if we show weakness. That is why it is so important 
that we show strength in the way that Reagan did, peace through 
strength.
  We trundled into World War I and World War II by not being strong, by 
being isolationists. We must be involved in order to prevent that which 
many fear.

  There is no stronger force than the human spirit and steadfast 
pursuit of freedom. We see this every day in the people of Ukraine. 
Those who choose freedom and liberty must always prevail, but we will 
not have a Europe or a world free and at peace until the Kremlin's 
systematic brutality, oppression, and aspirations of global domination 
are systemically dismantled and held accountable.
  In John 10:10, the Bible says, ``the thief comes only to steal and 
kill and destroy,'' and the thief is Satan. History has proved this 
time and time again, and that is exactly what Putin is carrying out in 
Ukraine.
  In just the last 3 months, Russia has conducted targeted attacks on 
critical energy infrastructure across the country eight different 
times, attempting to cut off power and heat to communities, hospitals, 
and schools.
  Last year, a massive dam in a Russian-controlled area of southern 
Ukraine was destroyed, killing hundreds of Ukrainians and destroying 
thousands of homes. They didn't destroy military bases. The destroyed 
civilians and homes.
  Russia has also targeted farmland and grain silos, attempting to 
starve Ukrainians into surrendering.
  I will add a little something about history here. We know what 
happened in the Holocaust. In 1931, Joseph Stalin executed the 
Holodomor. He killed 8 million Ukrainians by starving them of their 
grain.
  Does this sound familiar to today? He is trying to wipe Ukraine off 
the map. He and his Prime Minister have said Ukraine has never existed 
nor will it ever exist.

[[Page H4616]]

  This isn't a war. This is a genocide. By that very definition, over 
19,000 up to 100,000, depending on who says it, children have been 
abducted by Russia since the war began. It is terrifying to imagine 
where these children are now and the trauma they have experienced, but 
they are in Russia. They are being ``Russia-fied.'' They have been 
stolen from their parents. They have been kidnapped to learn Russian 
and the Russian way of life. By definition, that is a genocide: kill, 
steal, and destroy.
  Russia is attempting to erase Ukraine and its people. Putin's 
intentions are clear. We saw it in Georgia in 2008. We saw it in Crimea 
2014. That was not an annexation of Crimea. That was the invasion. 
There is no such thing as annexation of an existing country recognized 
by the U.N. It is an invasion.
  The world responded with appeasement just like they did in 1938, just 
like they did in the Sudetenland. Here, please take this. Take this and 
be happy. You can have this people, you can have these millions of 
people, just please don't go any further.
  People are hoping Putin's global ambition will melt away, but it 
won't. History repeats itself. In fact, it usually repeats itself every 
80 years. Putin is attempting to redraw borders and erase sovereignty 
through brute force, and those Baltic countries know who is next.
  We must be unapologetic in exposing the Kremlin's global ambitions 
for what they are. The preservation of Ukraine's sovereignty and 
existence and the boundaries of the free world are at stake. NATO's 
eastern flank is the next frontier.
  We must be clear-eyed that any friend of Putin is an enemy of 
freedom. Let me point out who Putin's allies are.
  Communist China is bankrolling the Kremlin's imperialism and the 
largest war in Europe since World War II. Their ability to regenerate 
their war machine in the last year is solely due to the input and the 
money from China.
  Iran is supplying drones, arms, and ammunition, an essential lifeline 
to Putin's continued brutality.
  Cuba is sending troops to train in Belarus and Russia, while a 
Russian warship made a port call in Havana just 90 miles from the U.S.
  This administration's response: silence.
  Just last month, Putin visited Pyongyang, was wined and dined by Kim 
Jong-un, and together signed a so-called comprehensive strategic 
partnership pact that promises military and other assistance. These 
alliances should raise every alarm bell we have.
  These are global authoritarian regimes joining together with their 
fellow dictators and war criminals to further threaten the West and 
world order. They are not operating alone. They are operating in 
unison, in three current wars going on right now in the Middle East, in 
Ukraine, and technically in North and South Korea, which was not an 
armistice. It was a cease-fire.
  While the debate over the last few years has focused on arming and 
supporting the Ukrainian people, we also need to speak plainly about 
the need to defeat Putin's Kremlin.
  Some are fearful of this language, fearful it will cause escalation, 
but you can't participate while worrying about that.
  We know one thing of the Kremlin: He only responds to power and 
strength.
  Churchill in 1946 at a university in Missouri, after he had been 
summarily released from his duties as Prime Minister after winning the 
war, along with his allies, came over here and said during the Iron 
Curtain speech that the Russians only understand one thing and that is 
force.
  I wish it weren't true. We all wish it weren't true, but it is true. 
You can't turn your back. You can't bury your head. You can't act like 
it is not happening because it is inconvenient to the rest of the 
world.
  This is a 1938 moment. Will we rise to the task? Will we learn the 
lessons of our history? Or will we allow Russia to topple Ukraine and 
carry on anywhere it wants to in Europe?
  While it may be dissimilar from my usual order, I will start with 
this ``Joys and Concerns'' speech by asking that those in the Chamber, 
silently and to yourself without any extra time, pray for the people of 
Ukraine; pray for those under threat; pray for the families of the 
victims of Putin's atrocities; pray for those who are giving their 
lives so we don't have to; pray that this unprovoked, unprecedented 
genocide comes to an end; that good will triumph over evil and that the 
United States and her allies will always stand on the side of good.

                              {time}  1230

  With all of this going on overseas, I often get asked how we can 
still have hope--hope in the world, hope in our country, and hope in 
man. Folks like those I am about to tell you about are why I have hope. 
They are dedicated to their communities, to our country, and to doing 
the right thing, and it is never in the news.
  The people behind me in the gallery are good Americans doing their 
jobs, going to school, learning about their country, and taking pride 
in their country. Some are celebrating a life of accomplishment, and 
others are just starting their journey. Others, like my daughter 
sitting with me here today, are just starting up a life of adulthood.
  I love the people in my district. They are remarkable but not the 
only remarkable people in our country. Our country is filled with 
remarkable people. Our country is great because of them. We are the 
most caring, giving, sacrificial, and united country that has existed, 
and there is nothing we can't achieve when we come together.
  There is no binary choice of this or that, border or protection, 
border or military, border or protecting our allies overseas. We have 
done it before. We have done it all before, and it is not a could, 
should, maybe. It is a shall. So let's take some time and talk about 
some of the things we have achieved.
  Jimmy Spradley from Midlothian, congratulations on receiving the 
Professional Servant Leader Award from Midlothian ISD. Your inspiring 
leadership has made a significant impact on the students and families 
of Midlothian ISD, enriching our community. Your dedication as 
associate principal, coupled with your kindness and patience, is making 
a lasting impression on our children. Thank you for your unwavering 
commitment and passion.
  Cindy Dolezal from Midlothian, congratulations on earning the 
Paraprofessional Servant Leader Award for Midlothian ISD. Your 
dedication has positively impacted the students and families of 
Midlothian. Our community thrives because of your service and 
commitment to education. Your role is crucial, and your contributions 
as a vital team member are deeply valued. Thank you, Cindy.
  Carlos Rivera from Midlothian, congratulations on receiving the 
Servant Leader in Manual Trades Award for Midlothian ISD. Your efforts 
are making a significant difference in Midlothian and within the school 
district. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.
  Gaya Jefferson from Midlothian, congratulations on being named the 
new executive director of human resources for Midlothian ISD. Your 
commitment to our students, educators, and schools is commendable. The 
experience you bring to this role will benefit the staff at MISD 
greatly. As our community grows, having seasoned professionals like you 
at the helm strengthens us all. Thank you for your dedication to 
improving lives.
  Coach Austin Guest from Midlothian, congratulations to you and the 
Midlothian High School Panthers soccer team for making history with 
your debut State tournament appearance and becoming the 2024 State UIL 
5A State champions. This remarkable achievement is a testament to your 
hard work and countless hours of practice. The Panthers will cherish 
the skills, memories, and friendships gained through the soccer 
program. These experiences provide valuable life lessons and tools for 
future success.
  Zhivonni Cook from Mansfield, congratulations on your retirement from 
the Mansfield Police Department. The people of Mansfield deeply 
appreciate your dedication and years of service. It is an honor to 
recognize you for over two decades of commitment as a public 
information officer. You will be greatly missed.
  Detective Maria Lozano from Ennis, congratulations and thank you. You 
have received the Lifesaving Award from the Ennis Police Department.

[[Page H4617]]

Maria entered a store in Malakoff, which is a small town in our 
district, on her way home to find that a man was lying on the floor and 
unconscious. Maria started CPR. During the event, she noticed that the 
man's pupils were the size of pins.
  Maria, through her training, knew this to be a possible poisoning. 
Maria had a store employee grab her patrol bag, and three rounds of 
Narcan were administered after 8 minutes of CPR. Medics arrived on the 
scene, and the man eventually opened his eyes. He was transported to 
the hospital, and his life was saved, saved from a drug overdose.
  This award honors your courageous and selfless acts as a law 
enforcement officer. Your devotion to duty and keeping our community 
safe is truly commendable.
  Officer Joe Orozco from Hillsboro, congratulations on your retirement 
from Hillsboro Department of Public Safety. Recognizing your 18 years 
of dedicated service in law enforcement is an honor. Your outstanding 
commitment has left a significant impact on our community. The people 
of Hill County greatly appreciate your dedication, and you will be 
missed greatly.
  Fire Chief Ben Blanton from Red Oak, congratulations to you and the 
Red Oak Fire Rescue on 75 years of dedicated service. Your vision and 
leadership are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your commitment to 
your team and the people of Red Oak. The growth and positive impact of 
Red Oak Fire Rescue over the years is a testament to its rich history. 
Many more achievements lie ahead. Serving as your Congressman is an 
honor. I am committed to supporting your community.
  Deputy Roman Johnson from Red Oak, congratulations on graduating from 
the North Texas Council of Governments Police Academy and starting your 
career with the Ellis County Sheriff's Office. Our community is 
fortunate to have you in this role. Thank you for your commitment to 
protect and serve the people of Ellis County. Your desire to make a 
difference in the lives of others is truly admirable. Best wishes in 
your new position.
  Madi Mills from Cayuga, congratulations on receiving the Good Citizen 
Award from the National Daughters of the American Revolution. This 
award highlights your leadership, dependability, service, and 
patriotism. Be proud of your accomplishments and know that great things 
lie ahead as you continue your education.
  Natalie Schwind from Waxahachie, congratulations on achieving the 
Girl Scout Gold Award. This prestigious accomplishment reflects your 
commitment, tenacity, integrity, and work ethic. As you embark on your 
next journey, apply the skills and values you have gained through 
Scouting. Remember, the Girl Scout Promise and Law is a guide to a 
successful and fulfilling life.

  Angelica Stampley from Jacksonville, congratulations on opening your 
new small business, Neon Moon Boarding. Small businesses are the 
cornerstone of America, and your commitment to serving our community in 
Cherokee County is to be commended. Congratulations to all who 
contributed to opening this wonderful business. Supporting small 
businesses means supporting dreams. May your pet boarding business 
prosper for years to come.
  Vicki and Stephen Braly from Palestine, congratulations on reaching 
100 years in the hardware business. Your legacy of dedicated service to 
our community is deeply valued. This significant milestone is a 
testament to your store's positive impact and rich history. May Braly's 
Ace Hardware continue to prosper for years to come. Supporting small 
businesses means supporting dreams.
  Susan Mann from Hillsboro, congratulations on receiving the Lifetime 
Achievement Award from the Texas Library Association and, sadly, your 
retirement from Hillsboro City Library after 41 years of dedicated 
service. Your vision and leadership have enriched the lives of 
Hillsboro citizens and children and inspired many in the field of 
literature. Your passion and dedication to sharing your love of books 
is a testament to your commitment. This honor reflects the profound 
impact you have made throughout your career.
  Brandy Glasgow from Neches, congratulations on being named Employee 
of the Year for Neches ISD. Your inspiring work has made a significant 
impact on the students and families of Neches ISD. Your service and 
dedication to education have enriched our community. As a reading 
interventionist, your leadership and daily passion are leaving a 
lasting impression on our children.
  Ryan Vines from Palmer, congratulations on being named Palmer High 
School Teacher of the Year. Your inspiring teaching has made a 
difference to the students and families of Palmer ISD. Your service and 
dedication to education have enriched our community. Your classroom 
leadership and passion are making a lasting impression on our children.
  Roxanne McElhaney from Palmer, congratulations on being named 
Paraprofessional of the Year for Palmer High School. Your contributions 
have made a difference to the students and families of Palmer ISD. Your 
service and dedication to education have enriched our community. As the 
registrar, your leadership and daily passion are valued and essential 
to our schools. Thank you for your kindness, patience, and commitment.
  Kathy Evans from Palestine, congratulations on your retirement after 
50 years of service with the Palestine ISD Transportation Department. 
Your dedication to the students and families has enriched our 
community. Your leadership and daily passion for ensuring students' 
safe transport and well-maintained buses are greatly appreciated.
  Angela Strong from Waxahachie, congratulations on being named the new 
principal of Clift Elementary School. Your commitment to students and 
educators is commendable. Your advocacy for education has enriched our 
community through your years of service. Your leadership and daily 
passion for ensuring student and faculty success are deeply 
appreciated.
  Dr. Diane Frost from Corsicana, congratulations on your retirement 
after 14 years of dedicated service as superintendent of Corsicana ISD. 
Your support for the students, teachers, and families of Corsicana is 
truly admirable. Your dedication to education and the district has been 
remarkable. Thank you for your service and devotion to our children, 
and best wishes for the future.
  Next, I want to highlight the young men and women who went through 
the rigorous process of applying for a nomination to our Nation's 
service academies. As Members of Congress, we get the distinct 
privilege of helping pick our next leaders. While not everyone who 
applies for the nomination will receive an appointment, the discipline 
and dedication required to get an interview are worthy of recognition.
  As a Naval Academy graduate myself, I know how difficult and tiring 
it is to apply for these academies. It is one of my true pleasures as a 
Congressman to get to make that choice for the next generation of 
leaders in public service and military service.
  From Midlothian High School: Jack Ashley, Ron Howard, Joshua Ramirez, 
and Karson Tompkins.
  From Great Hearts High School: Gavin Knowlton and Micah Nicholls.
  From Mansfield High School: Gracie Speltz and Colton Cox.
  From Alvarado High School: Jade Alford.
  From Whitney High School: Joannah Andis.
  From West High School: Cole Bryant.
  From Maypearl High School: Dustin Chautin.
  From Ennis High School: Joseph Gutierrez.
  From The Highlands High School: Jason Jander.
  You will all accomplish great things for our country.
  I also want to extend a special recognition to the courageous 
students from our district who have enlisted in the military. It is an 
All-Volunteer Force. You have a servant's heart. For you, service for 
something other than self is a mission and lifelong goal.
  My district is home to 30 different high schools. Within those 30 
high schools, there were 114 brave young men and women who raised their 
hands and said: Here am I. Send me.
  Within the coming months, they will be joining our Nation's military 
on the front lines, in harm's way. I want to

[[Page H4618]]

take a moment to recognize their sacrifice. Their commitment and 
bravery exemplify the highest values of service, and we are deeply 
proud of their dedication to our country.
  From Alto High School, enlisting in the Army National Guard, Viviana 
Aguilar.
  From Alvarado High School, enlisting in the Air Force, Lauren Melson; 
Air National Guard, Aaron McGowen; Army, Mason Cheek and Garret Lowrey; 
and Marine Corps, Nicholai Sims and Guillermo Martinez.

  From Cayuga High School, enlisting in the Navy, Molly White, 
Christopher Marcus, and Tristin Wilson.
  From Corsicana High School, enlisting in the Navy, Johnny 
Mirafuentes.
  From Elkhart High School, enlisting in the Army National Guard, 
Hayden Moore; and Navy, Alexis Millyard.
  From Ferris High School, enlisting in the Army National Guard, Marc-
Anthony Calderon, Jr.; Marine Corps--these guys must have gotten 
together and decided this--Luis Sanchez Correa, Leandro Gonzalez, 
Arturo Contreras, Jr., and Tanner Eckert; and Navy, Ladamian Blue.
  From Grandview High School, enlisting in the Army, Christopher 
Gonzalez, Jr., and Jaxson Mackey; and Marine Corps, Caleb Quintero.
  From Hubbard High School, enlisting in the Marine Corps, Trent 
Causey.
  From Jacksonville High School, enlisting in the Marine Corps, Alvaro 
de la Luz, Alex Lainez, and Yael Aldama-Vazquez.
  From Mansfield High School, enlisting in the Air Force, Kevin 
McKinley III; and Army, Gary Frazier, Jr., and Jason Randle.
  From Mansfield Summit High School, enlisting in the Air Force, 
Chrishauna Bee and Kennedy Jefferson; Army, Anna Mootoosammy and 
Beverly Bailey; Army National Guard, Brendan McCollum; Marine Corps, 
Jayden Porter, Michael Reynolds, and Randy Apodaca; and Navy, Logan 
Boyd.
  From Mansfield Timberview High School, enlisting in the Army, Steven 
Kirk, Christopher Gallegos, and Oscar Contreras; Army Reserve, Melissa 
Contreras; and Marine Corps, Christian Wiggins.
  From Maypearl High School, enlisting in the National Guard, Emanuel 
Sanchez.
  From Midlothian High School, enlisting in the Navy, Kaleb 
Borcherding; Army, Payton Brummet; Air Force, Olivia Butterworth and 
Markale Nienhuis; Coast Guard, Grayson Colvin; Marine Corps, Andrew 
Duncan-Moore; Texas Air National Guard, Chelsea Jackson; and Army 
National Guard, Shyanne McBride, Tatum Murray, and Leah Villalobos.
  From Mildred High School, enlisting in the National Guard, Brynleigh 
Perkins.
  From Nimitz High School, enlisting in the Marine Corps, Kinnedee 
Martin, Violeta Montes, and Brian Fernandez; and Navy, Iris Sosa, 
Jabaica Tecumseh, Yandel Flores, and Ashley Estrada.
  I recognize Andrea Alvarado for receiving a Navy ROTC scholarship and 
Emma Huckeba for receiving an Army ROTC scholarship.
  From Penelope High School, enlisting in the Marine Corps, Miguel 
Angel Flores.
  From Red Oak High School, enlisting in the Army National Guard, Chloe 
Draper; Marine Corps, Wyatt Fogle and Reese Tiffany; and Navy, Ahmani 
Cooks.
  From Rice High School, enlisting in the Army National Guard, Laura 
Sanchez; and Marine Corps, Eli Gibson.
  From Sam Houston High School, enlisting in the National Guard, Henry 
Hewton and Regina Balderas; Navy, Erik Quiroz; Army, Alfonso Perez, 
Jr., Cesar Ramirez, Alexandra Sandoval, Jared Ramirez, Ximena Gonzalez, 
and Rene Arevalo Mendoza; and Marine Corps, Roland Tuiel and Isaac 
Nieto.
  From Waxahachie Global High School, enlisting in the Army, Hayden 
White.
  From Waxahachie High School, enlisting in the Navy, Logan Ojeda, 
Jazzmen Roberts, Lizeth Fuentes, and Asia Parrish; Marine Corps, 
Ernesto Alvarado Mata, Hailey Avellaneda, and Rubi Nieto; National 
Guard, Mason Contreras, Vincent Sallie, Skyler Howard, and Carolina 
Suarez; Army, Ella Crow; and Air Force, Thomas Hernandez, Jr., and 
Mateo Martinez.
  From Westwood High School, enlisting in the Marine Corps, Brody Ander 
Latner and Tristan Alexander Fitzgerald; Navy, Jonathan Alexander 
Castillo and Christian James Flores; and Army National Guard, Kurtis 
Michael Brown.
  From Wortham High School, enlisting in the Navy, James Rissmiller.

                              {time}  1245

  These are just a few examples of some outstanding people living in a 
place I am blessed to call home.
  You need not worry about the future of our country. The 114 young men 
and women believe in our country so much, they are willing to put their 
lives on the line.
  When you are told that there is no hope for our country by the media, 
people in this body, that we can't do something, we can do anything we 
set our minds to because we are the United States of America. We are 
the lighthouse of the world. We are the bright, shining city on a hill.
  There are a lot of good people working in Washington. They get a bad 
rap, a lot of elected folks up here, a lot of folks sitting up here 
doing their jobs as clerks here in the House, folks who are working 
very hard every day to make our lives better. They are working hard on 
your behalf, and we have the best system in the world.
  We have great people in our district. It is a real privilege to serve 
them as their Congressman. It is my privilege to honor them on the 
House floor.
  Keep all Americans in your prayers. Keep the Israeli hostages in your 
prayers. Keep joy in your hearts, hope in man, and faith in God.

                          ____________________