[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H725-H726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING OFFICER WILLIAM EPPERSON

  (Mr. Weber of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage 
and selfless service of Officer William Epperson of the Oyster Creek 
Police Department.
  Mr. Speaker, on the night of November 17, 2025, Officer Epperson 
responded to a house fire with two residents trapped inside. Heavy 
smoke was pouring from the home, and the living area was only 
accessible by an exterior stairwell.

[[Page H726]]

  When the front door was locked and conditions were too dangerous to 
enter, Officer Epperson did not give up. Hearing calls for help, he 
broke a smoke-filled window and pulled a woman to safety. He then 
returned to assist her husband, who had limited mobility, helping him 
also escape the burning home.
  Officer Epperson then ensured no one else was inside and went door to 
door, warning the nearby neighbors, all while suffering smoke 
inhalation himself.
  Mr. Speaker, without Officer Epperson's bravery, lives would have 
been lost that night. His actions reflect the very best of law 
enforcement and the very best of Texas. God bless Officer Epperson.


               Honoring Lieutenant Colonel Ian O'Sullivan

  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, we honor a leader whose 
service has left a lasting mark on the Texas coast and on the safety of 
millions of Texans. I am speaking about Lieutenant Colonel Ian 
O'Sullivan, who has been instrumental in advancing the Coastal Texas 
Project, what folks back home called the Ike Dike. Under his leadership 
at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Galveston District, this project 
moved from concept toward construction.
  Just recently, the House included $5 million to advance pre-
construction engineering and design for the Ike Dike. That funding 
moves the project forward, Mr. Speaker, as it heads to the Senate, and 
it supports a comprehensive coastal resiliency strategy that protects 
lives, restores ecosystems, and strengthens our economy.
  Those numbers only happen, Mr. Speaker, because of leaders like Mr. 
O'Sullivan, leaders who understand the mission, discipline, and follow 
through on what they promised.
  From combat deployments overseas to mega projects right here at home, 
he has served with honor and excellence.
  On behalf of the people of southeast Texas, I thank Lieutenant 
Colonel O'Sullivan for his leadership, his service, and his commitment 
to protecting our coast.
  May God bless Lieutenant Colonel O'Sullivan, and may his next chapter 
be as impactful as the one he leaves behind.

                          ____________________