[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 17123-17125]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        ARMY SPECIALIST MATTHEW TROY MORRIS POST OFFICE BUILDING

  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the bill (H.R. 298) to designate the facility of the United States 
Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, 
Texas, as the ``Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office 
Building''.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                H.R. 298

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. ARMY SPECIALIST MATTHEW TROY MORRIS POST OFFICE 
                   BUILDING.

       (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal 
     Service located at 500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar 
     Park, Texas, shall be known and designated as the ``Army 
     Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be 
     a reference to the ``Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post 
     Office Building''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Farenthold) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FARENTHOLD. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 
legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  With the observance of Veterans Day this past Friday, it is timely 
and fitting that we name this post office in Cedar Park for Army 
Specialist Matthew Troy Morris, a Texan and a true American hero who 
gave his life courageously defending freedom.
  I would now like to yield such time as he may consume to my 
distinguished colleague and friend from the great State of Texas, the 
sponsor of this legislation, Mr. Carter.
  Mr. CARTER. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 298, a bill that 
would designate the United States Post Office located at 500 East 
Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the Army Specialist 
Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the high honor of representing the brave men and 
women of Fort Hood, Texas, the largest military installation in the 
world. Every day that I have the opportunity to serve in Congress, I do 
so knowing that my number one responsibility is to give our men and 
women in uniform the support and resources they need to be successful. 
Each time I visit Fort Hood, I see America's finest--the soldiers who 
put it all on the line to allow us to live in the greatest country on 
Earth. Only 3 days ago, we celebrated Veterans Day, a somber reminder 
that freedom is not free. And today, here on the House floor, we 
remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, another 
reminder to all of us that freedom is not free.
  Representing Fort Hood, Texas, also comes with the sober reminder of 
the sacrifice that our young men and women in the military and their 
families make to the cause of freedom. Since September 11, 2001, 384 
Army soldiers have been killed in action from the 31st District in 
Texas, the highest number of any congressional district in the country. 
Central Texans and their families have sacrificed much and know that 
freedom is not free.
  Today, we celebrate the life and remember one of those patriots who 
served our country and gave his all, Army Specialist Matthew Troy 
Morris. Matthew Morris was born on July 16, 1984, in Fairfax, Virginia. 
He attended Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia, where he 
earned an ROTC leadership award. He later attended Cedar Park High 
School in Cedar Park, Texas, and went on to score in the 90th 
percentile on each section of the General Education Development test.
  Specialist Morris enlisted in the United States Army in December 2005 
and attended basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, 
followed by advanced individual training at Aberdeen Proving Ground in 
Maryland. He graduated from AIT in June of 2006 as a power generation 
equipment mechanic and was assigned to Howitzer Battery, 2nd Squadron, 
and the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas.

                              {time}  1710

  Specialist Morris served with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 1st 
Cavalry Division in Balad. Despite the dangerous nature of this work, 
he remained devoted to his mission; and the heroism he demonstrated in 
Iraq earned him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, 
National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, 
and Combat Action Ribbon.
  Matthew Troy Morris was killed on April 6, 2008, when his vehicle 
encountered a makeshift bomb in Balad, Iraq. Matthew was only 23 years 
old. He is the oldest of four children, leaving behind Cory, Katie and 
Sam. Matthew's

[[Page 17124]]

parents are Lisa and Glenn Morris of Cedar Park, Texas. His father, 
Glenn, served our country in the Vietnam war, and we should thank him 
for his service.
  Matthew was engaged to be married to Ms. Julia Richardson. He is 
survived by his grandparents, Nancy Jackson and Joane Walters; his 
aunt, Diane Afflerbach; and uncles John and Brian Walters. The 
sacrifice our military families make often goes unnoticed, and I would 
like the entire Morris family to know that we will never forget Matthew 
and the pain that they have endured at his loss. Our country and this 
House have not forgotten Matthew, and we are proud to celebrate his 
life on this day.
  Matthew Morris exemplified the highest ideals of the United States 
Armed Forces. And although his passing left a void in the lives of 
those who were fortunate enough to know him, they will forever carry 
the memories of this heroic young man close to their hearts.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 298 and ask my colleagues to 
join in honoring an American patriot and hero, Army Specialist Matthew 
Troy Morris of Cedar Park, Texas.
  On Saturday, I was at the dedication of the Veterans Memorial in 
Cedar Park, which holds the likeness of this young specialist, and 
there were hundreds of citizens--probably 500 people--there to 
celebrate that memorial.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of H.R. 298, a bill to designate the facility of 
the United States Postal Service located at 500 East Whitestone 
Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas, as the ``Army Specialist Matthew Troy 
Morris Post Office Building.''
  The measure before us was introduced by Congressman John Carter. In 
accordance with our committee requirements, H.R. 298 has been 
cosponsored by all the members of the Texas delegation. It was reported 
favorably by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on 
November 3, 2011.
  Army Specialist Matthew Troy Morris was born on July 16, 1984, just 
across the Potomac River in Fairfax, Virginia. He was killed while 
serving in Balad, Iraq, on Sunday, April 6, 2008, after only 23 short 
years of life.
  Specialist Morris was a loving son to his parents, Lisa and Glenn 
Morris, and a caring brother to his siblings Cory, Katie and Sam. 
Friends and family describe him as a dedicated soldier and an energetic 
and inspiring young man.
  Matthew Morris joined the Army immediately after high school and was 
assigned to the 2nd Squadron of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment based 
in Fort Hood, Texas. While serving in Iraq, he earned the Bronze Star, 
the Purple Heart, the National Service Defense Medal, and several other 
decorations for heroism. Specialist Morris was a talented young man 
whose courage and sacrifice will forever be remembered.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that we pass the underlying bill to recognize 
Specialist Morris' valor.
  Having no requests for time, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I am truly grateful for the brave and heroic service of Specialist 
Morris and the countless other veterans who sacrifice their time, the 
families that sacrifice their time, and the bravery and courage of all 
our veterans in serving our country and protecting our freedom. It is 
true that freedom is not free; and veterans like Specialist Matthew 
Troy Morris, whom we're proposing to name this post office after, are 
perfect examples of the bravery and courage of the American military.
  Specialist Morris was born on July 16, 1984, in Fairfax, Virginia. He 
later attended Cedar Park High School in Cedar Park, Texas.
  Specialist Morris was in Iraq, serving as part of the Army's 2nd 
Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division based out 
of Fort Hood. Tragically, on April 6, 2008, at just 23 years of age, 
Specialist Morris was killed when the vehicle he was riding in hit an 
improvised makeshift bomb. Specialist Morris left behind his parents, 
three siblings, a fiancee, and dozens of other family and friends. For 
the bravery, courage, and heroism he displayed, Specialist Morris was 
awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and National Service Defense 
Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation is eternally grateful for his sacrifice, and 
I urge all Members to join me in strong support of this bill.
  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 298, 
a bill that would designate the United States Post Office located at 
500 East Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park, Texas as the ``Army 
Specialist Matthew Troy Morris Post Office Building.''
  Mr. Speaker, I have the high honor of representing the brave men and 
women at Fort Hood, Texas, the largest military installation in the 
world. Every day that I have the opportunity to serve in Congress, I do 
so knowing that my number one responsibility is to give our men and 
women in uniform the support and resources they need to be successful. 
Each time I visit Fort Hood, I see America's finest, the soldiers who 
put it all on the line to allow us to live in the greatest country on 
Earth. Only three days ago we celebrated Veterans Day, a somber 
reminder that freedom is not free. And today, here on the House floor, 
we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, 
another reminder to us all that freedom is not free.
  Representing Fort Hood, Texas also comes with the sober reminder of 
the sacrifice that our young men and women in the military and their 
families make to the cause of freedom. Since September 11, 2001, 384 
army soldiers have been killed in action from the 31st district of 
Texas, the highest number of any congressional district in the country. 
Central Texans and their families have sacrificed much, and know that 
freedom is not free.
  Today we celebrate the life and remember one of those patriots who 
served our country and gave his all, Army Specialist Matthew Troy 
Morris. Matthew Morris was born on July 16, 1984, in Fairfax, Virginia. 
He attended Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia, where he 
earned an ROTC leadership award. He later attended Cedar Park High 
School in Cedar Park, Texas, and went on to score in the 90th 
percentile on each section of the General Educational Development Test.
  Specialist Morris enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 2005, and 
attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, 
followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Aberdeen Proving 
Grounds, Maryland. He graduated from AIT in June 2006 as a Power 
Generation Equipment Mechanic and was assigned to Howitzer Battery, 2nd 
Squadron, and the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. 
Specialist Morris served with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 1st 
Cavalry Division in Balad, Iraq. Despite the dangerous nature of this 
work, he remained devoted to his mission, and the heroism he 
demonstrated in Iraq earned him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army 
Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign 
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, 
Overseas Service Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon.
  Matthew Troy Morris was killed on April 6th, 2008, when his vehicle 
encountered a makeshift bomb in Balad, Iraq. Matthew was only 23 years 
old. He is the oldest of four children, leaving behind Cory, Katie and 
Sam. Matthew's parents are Lisa and Glenn Morris of Cedar Park, Texas. 
His father Glenn served our country in the Vietnam War and we thank him 
for his service. Matthew was engaged to be married to Ms. Julia 
Richardson. He is survived by his great-grandmother Ruth Staton Jordan, 
his grandparents Nancy Jackson and Joane Walters, his aunt Diane 
Afflerbach and uncles, John and Brian Walters. The sacrifice that our 
military families make often goes unnoticed, and I would like the 
entire Morris family to know that we will never forget Matthew and the 
pain that you have endured. Our country, and this House, has not 
forgotten Matthew and we are proud to celebrate his life on this day.
  Matthew Morris exemplified the highest ideals of the U.S. Armed 
Forces, and although his passing has left a void in the lives of those 
who were fortunate enough to know him, they will forever carry memories 
of this heroic young man close in their hearts.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge immediate passage of H.R. 298, and ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring an American patriot and hero, Army 
Specialist Matthew Troy Morris of Cedar Park, Texas.
  Mr. FARENTHOLD. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Westmoreland). The question is on

[[Page 17125]]

the motion offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Farenthold) that 
the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 298.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this question will be postponed.

                          ____________________