higgins: mr. speaker, i rise today to recognize teacher appreciation week. we know that a good education is critical for today's youth to have a successful future. we owe our thanks to the teachers who dedicate themselves to providing this. the need for education begins early, setting children on a positive path for learning at a young age. as students get older, it is essential to provide them with the skills, especially math, science, education, that will give them the ability to compete in a globalized economy. mr. speaker, congress should use this week to recommit ourselves to fund and support programs that improve education for our children. education is the most powerful tool we have to fight poverty in our neighborhoods, improve opportunity for our youth, build stronger communities and to create more successful tomorrows. i yield back the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. for what purpose does the gentleman from texas rise? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute. the speaker pro tempore: wi