Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-14

HONORING OFFICER WILLIAM EPPERSON

EnvironmentCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-01-14, Representative Randy K. Weber, Sr. (R-TX-14) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING OFFICER WILLIAM EPPERSON" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered crime and justice.

Full Text

HONORING OFFICER WILLIAM EPPERSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H725-H726] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING OFFICER WILLIAM EPPERSON (Mr. Weber of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and selfless service of Officer William Epperson of the Oyster Creek Police Department. Mr. Speaker, on the night of November 17, 2025, Officer Epperson responded to a house fire with two residents trapped inside. Heavy smoke was pouring from the home, and the living area was only accessible by an exterior stairwell. [[Page H726]] When the front door was locked and conditions were too dangerous to enter, Officer Epperson did not give up. Hearing calls for help, he broke a smoke-filled window and pulled a woman to safety. He then returned to assist her husband, who had limited mobility, helping him also escape the burning home. Officer Epperson then ensured no one else was inside and went door to door, warning the nearby neighbors, all while suffering smoke inhalation himself. Mr. Speaker, without Officer Epperson's bravery, lives would have been lost that night. His actions reflect the very best of law enforcement and the very best of Texas. God bless Officer Epperson. Honoring Lieutenant Colonel Ian O'Sullivan Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, we honor a leader whose service has left a lasting mark on the Texas coast and on the safety of millions of Texans. I am speaking about Lieutenant Colonel Ian O'Sullivan, who has been instrumental in advancing the Coastal Texas Project, what folks back home called the Ike Dike. Under his leadership at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Galveston District, this project moved from concept toward construction. Just recently, the House included $5 million to advance pre- construction engineering and design for the Ike Dike. That funding moves the project forward, Mr. Speaker, as it heads to the Senate, and it supports a comprehensive coastal resiliency strategy that protects lives, restores ecosystems, and strengthens our economy. Those numbers only happen, Mr. Speaker, because of leaders like Mr. O'Sullivan, leaders who understand the mission, discipline, and follow through on what they promised. From combat deployments overseas to mega projects right here at home, he has served with honor and excellence. On behalf of the people of southeast Texas, I thank Lieutenant Colonel O'Sullivan for his leadership, his service, and his commitment to protecting our coast. May God bless Lieutenant Colonel O'Sullivan, and may his next chapter be as impactful as the one he leaves behind. ____________________

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HONORING OFFICER WILLIAM EPPERSON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H725-H726] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING OFFICER WILLIAM EPPERSON (Mr. Weber of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and selfless service of Officer William Epperson of the Oyster Creek Police Department. Mr. Speaker, on the night of November 17, 2025, Officer Epperson responded to a house fire with two residents trapped inside. Heavy smoke was pouring from the home, and the living area was only accessible by an exterior stairwell. [[Page H726]] When the front door was locked and conditions were too dangerous to enter, Officer Epperson did not give up. Hearing calls for help, he broke a smoke-filled window and pulled a woman to safety. He then returned to assist her husband, who had limited mobility, helping him also escape the burning home. Officer Epperson then ensured no one else was inside and went door to door, warning the nearby neighbors, all while suffering smoke inhalation himself. Mr. Speaker, without Officer Epperson's bravery, lives would have been lost that night. His actions reflect the very best of law enforcement and the very best of Texas. God bless Officer Epperson. Honoring Lieutenant Colonel Ian O'Sullivan Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, we honor a leader whose service has left a lasting mark on the Texas coast and on the safety of millions of Texans. I am speaking about Lieutenant Colonel Ian O'Sullivan, who has been instrumental in advancing the Coastal Texas Project, what folks back home called the Ike Dike. Under his leadership at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Galveston District, this project moved from concept toward construction. Just recently, the House included $5 million to advance pre- construction engineering and design for the Ike Dike. That funding moves the project forward, Mr. Speaker, as it heads to the Senate, and it supports a comprehensive coastal resiliency strategy that protects lives, restores ecosystems, and strengthens our economy. Those numbers only happen, Mr. Speaker, because of leaders like Mr. O'Sullivan, leaders who understand the mission, discipline, and follow through on what they promised. From combat deployments overseas to mega projects right here at home, he has served with honor and excellence. On behalf of the people of southeast Texas, I thank Lieutenant Colonel O'Sullivan for his leadership, his service, and his commitment to protecting our coast. May God bless Lieutenant Colonel O'Sullivan, and may his next chapter be as impactful as the one he leaves behind. ____________________