H2042 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 24, 2012 exercises, and the same government We’ll also see the return of the Death RECESS that thought giving half a billion dol- Tax to its pre-Bush levels, when the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lars to Solyndra was a good idea. maximum rate can be 55 percent of ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair In 1900, Americans paid about 5.9 per- your estate. I believe there should be declares the House in recess until 2 cent of their income in taxes, and Tax no taxation without respiration; that p.m. today. Freedom Day came about 22 days into is, you have to be breathing. It is Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 10 the year. It is a far cry, my colleagues, wrong to tax a business or a family minutes p.m.), the House stood in re- from what we have to endure in taxes farm when it’s transferred from parent cess. today. to child. This tax has hurt family If you think 111 days to reach Tax farms and family businesses where f Freedom Day is excessive, just wait till children have been forced to sell the b 1400 next year. We are on the cusp of a tax business or farm because they could Armageddon. I like to call it a not afford to pay the Death Tax. AFTER RECESS Taxmageddon. It’s scheduled to hit on Federal Reserve Chairman Ben The recess having expired, the House January 1, 2013. It will be the largest Bernanke has referred to all these ex- was called to order by the Speaker pro tax increase in memory, possibly ever, piring tax provisions as a ‘‘massive fis- tempore (Mr. CULBERSON) at 2 p.m. a $494 billion tax increase in 1 year. cal cliff.’’ f When we talk about taxes, we usually When we talk about taxes, we usually project the increase or decrease in rev- project the increases over 10 years, but PRAYER enue over a 10-year budget horizon. But this is going to be immediate in the Reverend Joel Osteen, Lakewood this $494 billion tax increase isn’t over year 2013, January 1. Church, , , offered the a 10-year budget window; it is an imme- There has been a failure of leadership following prayer: diate massive tax increase in 1 year. from the White House. The President’s Father, we thank You that You show Where do these tax increases come budget is full of election-year gim- Your goodness and Your favor to the from? There are a number of tax provi- micks and unwillingness to try to ad- United States of America and to those sions that are set to expire at the end dress the upcoming Taxmageddon. In- who govern it. We ask that You bless of this year. Unless action is taken to stead, the President doubles-down on this House of Representatives and each extend these provisions or make them his election year rhetoric, he doesn’t Member who serves in it. Help these permanent, it will lead to an unheard address expiring taxes, and instead pro- lawmakers to search their hearts so of tax increase in January. poses a slew of new taxes on American that they may serve with dignity and About one-third of the tax increases companies. honor and that through them our Na- will come from the expiration of the You do not raise taxes during a reces- tion will achieve the destiny that You Bush tax cuts from 2001 and 2003. These sion. Raising taxes will halt what little have set before us. Give them wisdom tax cuts reduced the marginal rates for economic growth we had over the last as they make good decisions, courage all Americans and expanded the child 3 years and return us to the days of that they will hold fast to Your truth, tax credit, reduced the marriage pen- double-digit unemployment. and compassion that all should prosper alty, and increased the tax breaks for from their laws. education costs. The majority of the f We receive Your presence here today. tax benefits in these tax cuts were tar- Father, we pray that these lawmakers geted towards the middle and lower in- SAN JACINTO DAY will remain mindful of You and that come tax folks. About a quarter of the tax increases The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. they will honor You in everything they do here. will come from the expiration of tem- WOMACK). The Chair recognizes the In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. porary payroll tax cuts that were cre- gentleman from Texas (Mr. GENE ated just 2 years ago. GREEN) for 5 minutes. f Another quarter of the tax increases Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. THE JOURNAL will come from the expiration of the al- Speaker, today I rise to commemorate ternative minimum tax. With all of the 176th anniversary of the Battle of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The this talk about creating the Buffett San Jacinto. Last Saturday, the State Chair has examined the Journal of the rule, the President seems to forget that of Texas celebrated April 21, 1836, when last day’s proceedings and announces we already have the Buffett rule in the Texas forces led by General Sam Hous- to the House his approval thereof. AMT. The AMT was created in 1969 to ton dealt a decisive blow to General Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- ensure that 155 high-income households Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. nal stands approved. paying zero Federal income taxes Several weeks after the signing of f would pay income taxes. Unfortu- the Texas Declaration of Independence nately, it was never indexed to infla- in March 1836, roughly 900 members of PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE tion. So more and more Americans be- the Texas Army overpowered a much The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the come entangled in the AMT, and today larger Mexican Army in a surprise at- gentleman from the Northern Mariana the AMT threatens to hit most Ameri- tack. Islands (Mr. SABLAN) come forward and cans in the middle class and is regu- Texas soldiers ran and shouted, ‘‘Re- lead the House in the Pledge of Alle- larly patched to protect taxpayers, but member the Alamo’’ and ‘‘Remember giance. never repealed. Unless it is dealt with, Goliad.’’ Some 700 Mexican soldiers Mr. SABLAN led the Pledge of Alle- it will impact millions of middle class were killed and 730 captured, while giance as follows: taxpayers. only 9 Texans died. General Santa I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the In 2013, we get a brand new tax, cour- Anna was captured the following day. United States of America, and to the Repub- tesy of ObamaCare. There will be a 3.8 He signed the peace treaties that or- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, percent tax on wages and salaries over dered the Mexican Army to leave indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. $250,000 and investment income over Texas, paving the way for the Republic f that same amount. While this seems of Texas to become an independent like it won’t affect most people, this country and later a State in our great WELCOMING REVEREND JOEL tax can apply to unearned income, like country. OSTEEN capital gains from selling your home, The battle was memorialized along The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without which will affect middle class families Buffalo Bayou and San Jacinto River objection, the gentlewoman from Texas when they sell property. Like the AMT with the San Jacinto Monument in (Ms. JACKSON LEE) is recognized for 1 tax penalty, this tax is not indexed to east Harris County. It is in our con- minute. inflation, which means that more and gressional district. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. more Americans will be affected by God bless Texas and God bless the Speaker, it gives me a great amount of this tax over time. United States of America. privilege today to welcome two humble

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 Apr 25, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24AP7.011 H24APPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE April 24, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2043 spirits in Pastor Joel Osteen and Co- I’m delighted to host Pastor Joel are indeed being seen in millions of homes Pastor Victoria Osteen, and to recog- Osteen and his co-pastor, his wife, Vic- around the world. nize their entire family and their de- toria Osteen, for what they are doing Currently Joe’s services can be seen in lightful children, Alexandra and Jona- not only for their church and their nearly 100 countries. is than. Two humble spirits. members, but really what they’re doing nondenominational—there are no crosses or As was reflected in his prayer, Joel for harmony and the spirit of America. other visual representations of Jesus—instead, Osteen has taught us to embrace God’s Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the focus is on the message as delivered by grace and mercy, and for those who the achievements of a native Houstonian Joel Joel and his co-pastors. He wants to teach will listen, to stand in the sunlight of Osteen, his wife of 21 years Victoria Osteen, people on the redemption of Jesus Christ. joy as one looks toward the hopeful- as well as, Joel’s parents John and Dodie ness of the future. Osteen. Their Church Lakewood was estab- Joel has been preaching to millions of peo- I am delighted that Lakewood start- lished in 1959 in my district the 18th Congres- ple around the world. He has a strong mes- ed in a feedstock store in the 18th Con- sional District in Houston, Texas. sage of unity and encourages diversity and gressional District. The story is told Joel was born in Houston on March 5, 1965 acceptance. Joel is arguably the most popular that there were spiders and a lot of and has become an internationally known preacher in the country. Lakewood Church is dust, organized by his wonderful fa- televangelist, theologian, speaker and writer. the largest congregation in the United States, ther, , and his mother, He was born into a family dedicated to serv- averaging more than 43,500 in attendance per Dodie Osteen, two who loved each ing their community. In 1959, six years before week. The congregation in Houston meets in other dearly but really loved the Lord. his birth, Joel’s parents, John and Dodie a 16,000-seat former sports arena. Out of that wonderful union came Osteen, founded the Lakewood Church in On any given Sunday over 7 million people five children. And out of that wonder- Houston, Texas. Joel bore witness to his par- watch his services. And his ability to embrace ment, as John Osteen preached for over ents’ commitment to the church and the com- technology has allowed even more viewers to 40 years, as the love of his wife, Dodie munity that they served. witness his services. Currently the church has Osteen, provided a comfort at his side, Joel has married a woman who shares his 48 million podcasts with over 1 million people they built a wonderful church called level of commitment. His wife Victoria is also downloading their podcasts every week. the Oasis of Love. his co-pastor and together they have two chil- But John was taken from us suddenly I commend Joel Osteen, his wife Vic- dren Alexandra and Jonathan. toria, his family and his Lakewood in 1999. A young man by the name of John Osteen was not only a founder but Joel was at school. But, knowing how Church team ministry who have also the Pastor of Lakewood Church and as much he loved his family, he came worked together to put forward a mes- the years progressed he along with Dodie was home, just happening, a month or so sage that has engaged the hearts and able to develop a loyal local following. John ago or a few years before, working with minds of millions. was a prolific writer and authored 45 books his father’s ministry, and gave a ser- and his wife, Dodie joined him in his passion JOEL’S STORY mon for the first time one week before for writing. She also published a book which Joel Osteen is currently in negotia- his father died. Maybe it was the father described her battle with metastic cancer of tions with a major network to anchor a telling the son that now it is your the liver. Dodie’s survival was a miracle and a primetime reality series based on the time. As we look to the future, Pastor Joel blessing for all who heard her story. inspirational themes of his Sunday ser- Osteen, who has published many books, Joel, who has always been strongly com- mons. The show will orginate from continues to be a humble spirit, is mitted to his family, left for university; how- Lakewood Church and tell the stories known to have the largest and most ever, he returned home early and continued to of ordinary people meeting extraor- growing church in American history help his family with the church. Joel had found dinary challenges. and, as well, continues with a humble his calling in life, and gave his first sermon Joel Osteen is a native Houstonian spirit. His phrase that ‘‘Our God is a one week before his father’s death. That mo- and the Pastor of Lakewood Church, good God who desires to bless those ment set his future destiny—he was called to which according to Church Growth who are obedient and faithful to him’’ pastor Lakewood Church. Today is America’s largest and fastest is one that we’re reminded of. He con- Before that, Joel believed the next step for growing church. the church was television and he worked with- tinues to ensure that those who are in On July 16, 2005 after completing $95 out ceasing behind cameras and as a pro- need have a sense of inspiration and million in renovations, Joel moved ducer of the church’s broadcasts. Young Joel hope, and he continues to preach this Lakewood Church into its new 16,000- had a vision and the Osteens, as a family, word around the world. seat home—the former Compaq Center. worked towards that vision to bring their He asks for all of us, and he asks for It is the largest regularly-used worship church into the homes of millions of people America and the world, to become all center in the United States. that God created you to be, and con- around the world as a conduit to deliver the tinues to emphasize that we are better word of the Lord. Each week Joel delivers God’s mes- than we think. As he was the product In 1999, Joel reached his 34th birthday and sage of hope and encouragement to of John and Dodie Osteen, he is now, in that year he along with his family had al- more than 38,000 attendees. along with his wife and along with his ready celebrated many successes. Sadly, they According to Nielsen Media Re- mother, continuing to shine a light. also had to come together that year to mourn search, Joel is the most watched inspi- We’re delighted to have him today the loss of their patriarch, John Osteen, who rational figure in America. because we need a light in America. As died of a heart attack. His weekly sermon is broadcast into he reaches those who are seeking light, At the time of his father’s death, Joel had to every U.S. television market where it we ask Pastor Joel Osteen, in his decide what to do next. He had spent his life is viewed by 7 million Americans each books, in his message, to continue to dedicated to supporting the mission of the week and more than 20 million each bless us. He is, in fact, someone who Lakewood Church. He could have chosen a month. His weekly broadcast is also warmly says: America is a great coun- different path in life but had remained stead- seen in almost 100 nations around the try, but we’re better when we work to- fast in working with the congregation for so world. gether. long. Thank you, Pastor Osteen, for keep- Instead of leaving the church upon his fa- In 2004, his first book, Your Best Life ing the dream alive, that of your father ther’s death, Joel decided to pick up the torch Now, was released by Time Warner and mother, of a church that was start- lit by his parents and stepped into his father’s debuting at the top of the New York ed in 1959. Thank you as well for open- shoes as Pastor of Lakewood Church. The Times Bestsellers List and quickly ris- ing the doors of your church to every- rest is history. ing to #1. It remained on the New York one that would come. But more impor- Within the space of 9 years, Joel has trans- Times Bestsellers List for more than 2 tantly, every background, race, color, formed the Church and left his mark on his- years and has sold more than 4 million or creed is welcome in those pews, now tory. According to reports, Lakewood Church copies. some 16,000. And that was a former bas- under Joel Osteen’s leadership has become Joel was named as one of ’ ketball stadium, or arena, but yet now America’s largest and fastest growing church. ‘‘10 Most Fascinating People of 2006’’ and he people come and worship. The Osteen family has lived their vision; they was selected as the ‘‘Most Influential Christian

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:33 Apr 25, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K24AP7.012 H24APPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2044 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 24, 2012 in 2006’’ by the readers of Church Report deeper in faith, knowledge, love and rela- program by the Public University Hon- Magazine. tionship with Him. We desire to express the ors organization. This achievement spirit of Jesus through the individual mem- PREPARED FOR GOD’S CALLING will be published in ‘‘A Review of 50 bers of the body; through uplifting public Public University Honors Programs’’ Joel, the son of John Osteen, a highly re- worship and intimate small group fellowship; spected minister of the Gospel and the found- and through committed prayer and dedica- later this month. er of Lakewood Church, attended Oral Rob- tion to God’s will. We strive to offer a wel- The University of South Carolina erts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he coming environment for truth-seekers irre- Honors College was established in 1978 studied radio and television communications. spective of knowledge, experience, and back- and has more than 8,000 alumni spread In 1982, Joel returned to Houston and ground. We want to follow God wherever He across the world. Since its founding, founded Lakewood’s television ministry where leads to make a difference in others’ lives by USC Honors College students have won identifying individual talents and preparing he produced John Osteen’s televised sermons over 363 national awards, including the people for kingdom service locally, nation- Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, and oth- for 17 years until January 1999 when his fa- ally and globally. We desire to do this with ther passed away suddenly from a heart at- humility and love giving God the glory! ers. tack. Community: God wants me to be a MEM- The 2011 incoming Honors College For many years, John Osteen encouraged BER of His family—This is the purpose of class had an average SAT score of 1427 Joel to preach, but he always declined prefer- fellowship. Following Christ is not just a and an average weighted GPA of 4.61. ring to work behind the scenes. But, in early matter of believing; it also includes belong- Congratulations, Dr. Steve Lynn, dean 1999 Joel felt compelled to accept his father’s ing. The Christian life is not a solo act. God of the Honors College, and university has given us the church as a spiritual family president, Harris Pastides, on their invitation and he preached his first sermon on for our own benefit. Your are members of January 17th of that year. Little did anyone leadership and accomplishments. God’s very own family . . . and you belong in In conclusion, God bless our troops, know that would be the last Sunday of John God’s household with every other Christian Osteen’s life. Two weeks later, Joel began (Ephesians 2:19). and we will never forget September the preaching and later that year was installed as Loving God: God wants me to be a MAG- 11th in the global war on terrorism. the new Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church. NIFIER of His name—We are called to wor- f ship God. O Magnify the Lord with me, and A NEW VISION FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM 1410 let us exalt His name together (Psalm 34.3). b Almost immediately, weekly attendance There is an inborn urge to worship in every CELEBRATING THE 25TH ANNIVER- began to grow at an extraordinary rate and in human being. If we don’t worship God, we SARY OF WE THE PEOPLE 2005, Joel moved Lakewood Church into its will find a replacement. We may worship our present location, the former Compaq Center, a job, family, money, a sport, or even our- (Mr. SABLAN asked and was given 16,000-seat arena that was once home to the selves. That is why the very first command- permission to address the House for 1 professional basketball ment says. ‘‘Thou shalt have no other god’s minute and to revise and extend his re- team. Now, with his wife Victoria, and the before Me.’’ (Exodus 20:3) marks.) leadership staff at Lakewood, the innovative Loving Others: God wants me to be a MES- Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, this year SENGER of His love—Once we have been we celebrate the 25th anniversary of church is poised for the new millennium. born again, we become messengers of the Joel’s extraordinary success can be found in We the People: The Citizen and the Good News to others. It is part of the job de- Constitution. Since We the People his core message: ‘‘That our God is a good scription for every believer. For God was in God who desires to bless those who are obe- Christ, restoring the world to himself, no began in 1987, more than 30 million dient and faithful to Him through Jesus longer counting men’s sins against them but high school students and 90,000 teach- Christ.’’ blotting them out. This is the wonderful ers have participated in this valuable It is Joel’s deepest desire that his own life message He has given us to tell others. We program that promotes the under- be an example of that principle and that every- are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to standing of the constitutional prin- speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ one who hears this message of hope and en- ciples that shape and guide our Nation himself were here pleading with you, receive and instills a sense of civic responsi- couragement would choose to accept God’s the love He offers you—be reconciled to God goodness and mercy and to become all that bility in young people. (2 Corinthians 5:19–20). This year, more than 1,000 students God wants them to be. Loving Others: God wants me to be a MIN- from every part of our country will JOEL’S BACKGROUND ISTER of His grace—A responsibility of take part in the National Finals here Born in Houston, Texas, Osteen married every Christian is service. God expects us to use the gifts, talents, and opportunities He in Washington. The competition will Victoria L. Iloff on April 4, 1987. They have gives us to benefit others. Each one should test students’ knowledge of the U.S. two children, Jonathan and Alexandra. use whatever gift he has received to serve Constitution and the Bill of Rights, Joel, son of John and Dolores (Dodie) Pil- others, faithfully administering God’s grace showcasing their intelligence, deter- grim, is one of five children. His older siblings, in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10). mination, and teamwork. Paul, Lisa, and Tamara, and his younger sis- Imitating Christ: God wants me to be a I want to recognize 24 exceptionally MODEL of his character—The goal of disci- ter, April, are also involved in full-time ministry. talented and hardworking students Joel’s half-brother Justin does missionary pleship is becoming just like Christ. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose from Saipan Southern High School in work out of New York. the Northern Mariana Islands who re- Joel’s father, John Osteen, a former South- them to become like His Son (Romans 8:29). In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul describes specific turn to the Finals as repeat regional ern Baptist pastor who became Charismatic in areas where we are to model the character of champions. Working together and the late 1950s, founded Lakewood Church on Christ . . . set an example for the believers striving for excellence are defining Mother’s Day, 1959. in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in pu- traits of this time. I congratulate them Osteen’s father developed Lakewood into a rity. Notice that maturity is not measured and their teachers and coaches, and by one’s learning but by one’s lifestyle. body of approximately 6,000 members with an wish them all success in this year’s We active television ministry, conferences, mis- f the People competition. sionary support and food distribution. Currently, Osteen and several Lakewood USC HONORS COLLEGE NAMED f Church personnel travel across the nation, TOP HONORS COLLEGE IN NATION HONORING THE LIFE OF CHUCK presenting programs in large arenas. The (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina COLSON event, titled ‘‘A Night of Hope,’’ includes wor- asked and was given permission to ad- (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- ship music led by the church’s music ministry, dress the House for 1 minute and to re- mission to address the House for 1 a testimony by Joel’s mother Dodie and a ser- vise and extend his remarks.) minute and to revise and extend his re- mon from Osteen. In 2007, the tour expanded Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. marks.) to include stops in several other countries, in- Speaker, based upon their rigorous cur- Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, this past cluding Canada, England, Northern Ireland riculum, retention and graduation weekend, Chuck Colson, a former and . rates, honors housing, study abroad Nixon administration lawyer, founder MISSION/VISION OF LAKEWOOD programs, and enrichment opportuni- of Prison Fellowship, and a good friend, LAKEWOOD CHURCH ties for students, the University of passed away. Vision Paragraph: Lakewood seeks to be- South Carolina Honors College was re- I first got to know Colson through come a vibrant community for God growing cently named the number one honors his incredible ministry. I knew of his

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:31 Apr 25, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24AP7.007 H24APPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE