Congratulating Florida Winter Olympic Medalists

Floor Speech

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Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I appreciate very much my good colleague from Florida. Wow, very impressive, too, all those stats.

Madam Speaker, I rise today and thank my fellow Texan (Mr. Roy) for this Special Order that we are going to do on our Texas Rangers' 200th anniversary. I rise today to celebrate one of our country's most storied law enforcement agencies, the Texas Rangers.

Since its creation 200 years ago as a force to defend settlers on the frontier of Texas, the Rangers have been a central part of my State's rich, rich history.

This group of remarkable men and women have seen their fair share of legends themselves. Men like John Coffee Hays, who helped tame the vast wilderness of Texas and protect settlers in the early days; John B. Jones, who brought law and order during a time when the West was still very wild; Frank Hamer, who took down the infamous Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. In fact, my district, the 36th Congressional District, which includes Houston over to Louisiana, is home to a few legendary Texas Rangers itself.

Major James T. Thomas grew up in Newton, Texas, right down the road from my hometown of Woodville, Texas. He is the first known Texas Ranger to hold a doctoral degree and is a forensics expert. His fellow Rangers say that he is the epitome of what it means to be a Texas Ranger: a man who is devoted to his faith, to his wonderful wife, and is a great father to his children, and is a loyal friend and colleague.

I am also proud to represent other legends of the Texas Rangers. Brandon Bess, is known for using modern techniques like genetic targeting to solve cold cases that are decades old. Texas Ranger Joe Haralson, is the longest-serving Ranger in history. It is a great privilege to represent heroes like these three men.

Throughout history, the Texas Rangers have protected Presidents and dignitaries, captured bandits and burglars, and solved some of the most complicated criminal cases ever. They have always served their communities and the Lone Star State with distinction and bravery.

Madam Speaker, I thank them for their dedicated service, and may God continue to bless the Texas Rangers and our beloved Lone Star State.

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