What John R. Carter said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of William ``Wallace'' Vernon, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and community leader whose life exemplified faith, integrity, and selfless service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mark Silbert, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, engineer, and community leader whose life was defined by intellect, integrity, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to those around him.”

“Oceanography and Engineering before beginning a distinguished career with ExxonMobil. As a Project Manager, he played a key role in overseeing the design and construction of offshore platforms, earning the respect of his colleagues through his expertise, leadership, and dedication.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Centex Technologies as it celebrates 20 years of innovation, growth, and service to the people and businesses of Central Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, Colonel Gary D. Dennett (Ret.) has devoted his life to service to this country, through thirty-one years in uniform and thirty-one concurrent years with the Department of Defense, and through his continued commitment to our veterans and the Central Texas community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Specialist Fourth Class Albert Fountain King, Jr., a United States Army veteran who served his Nation with honor and who was laid to rest on July 1, 2026, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Joshua Baer, a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader whose contributions transformed Central Texas into a global center for innovation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Larry David Hamby, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, and community leader whose life was defined by hard work, integrity, faith, and service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant James Dawson, a proud World War II veteran whose courage, selflessness, and devotion to our Nation exemplified the highest ideals of American service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend Donald ``Don'' Kent, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Marine, entrepreneur, artist, and faithful servant whose life reflected the values of faith, family, and service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Corporal Donald Ray Simons, a United States Army veteran who served his Nation with honor and who will be laid to rest with the dignity and military honors he earned through his faithful service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Eva Charlotte Hahn, whose extraordinary journey embodied courage, resilience, faith, and an unwavering love of freedom.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Staff Sergeant Kristin Davis of the Burnet County Sheriff's Office for her dedicated service to the people of Burnet County and Central Texas, on her retirement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major Daniel Jin-Su Sprouse for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service to the United States Army and our Nation. A native of Fishers, Indiana, Major Sprouse currently serves as a Congressional Budget Liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller.”

“Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. President Trump's budget request included funding for the account in fiscal year 2027.”

“Mr. Chair, I rise in favor of these amendments en bloc. It includes bipartisan amendments that both sides have agreed to. These are noncontroversial and raise awareness to a variety of issues.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life and legacy of Richard A. ``Dick'' Brown of Conroe, Texas, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and journalist whose dedication to family, service, and community will be long remembered.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 25 years of service by Annunciation Maternity Home, an extraordinary ministry dedicated to affirming the dignity of every human life by caring for both mother and child during and after pregnancies.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life and legacy of Dell Ingram-Walker, an extraordinary healthcare leader and dedicated public servant, whose impact on pediatric healthcare and her community will not be forgotten.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Temple, Texas, an institution whose century-long service has strengthened not only the spiritual lives of its congregation, but also the character and community of Central Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Penelope ``Penny'' Ann Briggs Brown of Conroe, Texas, who passed away on February 14, 2026. Penny was born on August 13, 1941, in Washington, D.C.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable achievement by one of the finest companies in the great state of Texas, Firefly Aerospace of Cedar Park, on the one-year anniversary of their historic Blue Ghost Mission 1 lunar landing.”

“Moon in 1972, Firefly's team has opened a new chapter of commercial lunar access that will strengthen our national security and scientific leadership. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, I am proud to support the federal investments that helped make this success possible.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nancy Patterson, a U.S. Army veteran and accomplished leader in public education, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration. With more than two decades of experience, Ms.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life, service, and ultimate sacrifice of Officer Elijah Monroe Garretson, a devoted public servant whose courage and commitment left a lasting legacy on the Copperas Cove community and Central Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pastor Dan Wooldridge as he retires after more than five decades of faithful ministry. Since 1972, Pastor Wooldridge has pastored churches across Texas, offering spiritual guidance, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his calling.”

“Mr. Speaker, I proudly recognize Susan Kamas for her remarkable career and decades of service to the people of Central Texas. After fifty years in the workforce development field, including thirty-seven years leading Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, Susan retired in February 2025, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership and community impact.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Round Rock High School Marine Corps JROTC Academics Team, who achieved a historic first-place finish at the 2025 JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl (JLAB) National Championship.”

“Mr. Speaker, I salute the life and legacy of 1st Lieutenant Charles W. ``Woody'' McCook, a World War II hero and devoted patriot, who joined the angels in July of 1948.”

“Mr. Speaker, I commend Tim Mikeska for being named Taylor's Outstanding Citizen. This well-deserved honor recognizes a lifetime of tireless service and outstanding contributions to the City of Taylor and the Central Texas community.”

“As CEO of Mikeska's Bar-B-Q Inc., Tim has carried on a proud family tradition bringing the bold flavors of Texas barbecue to tables across the country, and even internationally to Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the United Kingdom.”

“Mr. Speaker, I proudly salute Major Matthew N. Topitzer for his outstanding service to the United States Army and for the remarkable professionalism he has demonstrated throughout his military career.”

“Mr. Speaker, Captain Michael P. Farrell has lived a life defined by service to his country and his community, and I am honored to recognize him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.”

“Mr. Speaker, Brandon Crook has devoted his life to caring for service members, veterans, and their families, both in and out of uniform. His commitment to others reflects the finest traditions of the United States Navy, and I am honored to recognize him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and I am privileged to present Mr. David Schmitz with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. He has exemplified the meaning of service to our country, both as a leader in the U.S. military and as a civilian.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize the distinguished service of Mr. Dick Chapin, who truly embodies the highest ideals of the United States Armed Forces through his courage and commitment to leadership.”

“Mr. Speaker, Mr. Frank Espinosa, Jr. has exemplified the highest ideals of service, both in uniform and throughout his civilian life, and I am proud to recognize him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation.”

“Logan with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his exemplary service to our Nation, first in uniform and later through decades of extraordinary civic and philanthropic leadership.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Joseph Alan Mathis, Sr. with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in honor of his exemplary service to the United States, both in uniform and through decades of continued commitment to his community.”

“Mr. Speaker, Mr. Marion Joseph Brown, Jr. has demonstrated the highest ideals of service, both in his two decades of military duty and in his continued commitment to his community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise and salute the extraordinary military career of Shannon Book and am proud to award him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Throughout his years of service and beyond, his presence, energy, and sincerity set him apart from other individuals.”

“Mr. Speaker, I agree with everything my friend said. Mr. Luttrell is an amazing guy. I rise today with a heavy heart on behalf of the people of Texas, the 31st District, and the Hill Country of Texas, the most beautiful part of our State.”

“Mr. Chair, I rise in favor of this en bloc package. It includes bipartisan amendments that both sides have agreed to. I appreciate Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz working with us on this amendment.”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in favor of the amendment. It includes various priorities related to veterans' health care and benefits and calls for improvements to our military bases.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize and salute a great Texan, Representative Terry Wilson, U.S. Army, Retired, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His life and career reflect hard work and selfless service to his nation and Central Texas Enlisting in the Army after graduating from high school, COL Wilson honorably served on Active Duty for 29 years and the Texas National Guard for 3 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the 20th anniversary of the ROCK On Veterans program, a pioneering initiative of the Ride On Center for Kids (ROCK) in Georgetown, Texas.”

“Mr Speaker, I am proud to honor Commander Jon Lux, U.S. Navy, Retired, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Commander Lux's commitment, strength, and leadership reflects the very best of Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Lt. Col. Jeff Davison, U.S. Air Force, Retired, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Over his two-decade long career in the Air Force, he embodied the courage, honor and commitment that make our military the world's premier fighting force.”

“Mr. Speaker, I proudly present Colonel Garry Patterson, U.S. Army, Retired, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. A ``Soldier for Life,'' COL Patterson embodies the values of selfless service and true leadership.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to award Master Sergeant Duane C. Bygum, Jr., USMC and USAF, Retired, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His unwavering commitment to our country and community is a shining example of honor and duty.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the extraordinary career of Command Sergeant Major Angela Wilson, U.S. Army, Retired. Throughout her life, she has dedicated herself to her country, fellow heroes, and neighbors.”

“The Caring Place, speaking to schools about selfless service and visiting veterans at homes and local events. LTC MacMillan works tirelessly for youth in her community, both as a Scout leader for over 21 years and through her involvement with the American Legion's mentorship, scholarships, and outreach programs.”