Rod Blum

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor musician Hannah Duncan of Belle Plaine, Iowa. She was selected to participate as a violinist in the 2018 National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA). The National Youth Orchestra is organized by Carnegie Hall in New York for young musicians aged 16 to 19 years old. Hannah will travel and train with the world's leading conductors and musicians. Hannah competed with 1,000 applicants to attain one of the approximately 120 positions available in this orchestra. While training, the orchestra will travel to east Asia where they will play five concerts in a two- week span performing in Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, and Daejeon. Aside from sharpening their musical talents, the intent of the National Youth Orchestra is to reach an intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful relations with young artists in the host countries through music. I have full faith that Hannah will represent herself and the First District of Iowa with honor.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Andrew Schneider who attained the Eagle Scout Award. Becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, has only been accomplished by approximately four percent of all Boy Scouts. The process requires earning at least 21 merit badges which takes years to fulfill. Receiving his Eagle Scout rank demonstrates that he is a strong, dedicated, and proven leader. With this accomplishment, it is my hope he will continue to serve as a role model for younger boy scouts. Thank you to Mr. Schneider for making a positive impact in northeast Iowa.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on July 11, 2018 due to the Vice President's visit to the First District of Iowa. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 320 and YEA on Roll Call No. 321.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student and citizen from Robins, Iowa. Mr. Kaleb Cook earned the title of a High School State Honoree granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for being part of Iowa's top youth volunteers of 2018. Annually more than 29,000 students across the country participate in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. Mr. Cook was recognized as a State Honoree. He will receive $1,000 in awards, an engraved silver medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C. With students like Mr. Cook, communities in Iowa and across the country will remain strong. We congratulate Mr. Cook on his accomplishment and look forward to inviting him to Washington, D.C

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael Roling of Dyersville, Iowa. The highest honor in the Boy Scouts is achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Only 4 percent of all scouts meet the requirements to earn the Eagle Scout Award. A Scout, such as Michael, requires tremendous dedication and hard work to rise through the ranks. In earning this title, Michael spent over 100 hours building a beautiful archery shelter, on display for his community to enjoy. He deserves special recognition for this important accomplishment. The challenges he faced earning this rank will serve him well in his mission of greater service to his family and community. I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, due to flight complications, I was unable to arrive in Washington in time to cast my vote on June 20, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 275; YEA on Roll Call No. 276; NAY on Roll Call No. 277; and YEA on Roll Call No. 278.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, due to flight complications, I was unable to arrive in Washington in time to cast my vote on June 19, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 269; YEA on Roll Call No. 270; and YEA on Roll Call No. 271.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 1869) to reauthorize and rename the position of Whistleblower Ombudsman to be the Whistleblower Protection Coordinator, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment that prioritizes the completion of the flood mitigation project on the Cedar River in the First District of Iowa. Ten years ago this week, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, experienced a devastating flood that resulted in billions of dollars' worth of damage. In 2014, Congress authorized the Army Corps of Engineers to complete a flood risk mitigation project on the Cedar River to prevent future floods. Two years ago, in the midst of another historic flood in Cedar Rapids, the 2016 WRDA included my amendment that prioritized the completion of the Cedar Rapids project. However, we are having the same discussion 2 years later for the 2018 WRDA. The Federal Government has let down my constituents in Cedar Rapids and has not fulfilled its duty to provide the necessary resources to complete the flood mitigation project to protect this city. Working with my Iowa colleagues in the House and the Senate, I have attended countless meetings and sent numerous letters to the Army Corps and the Office of Management and Budget urging movement on this most important project, but it has yet to start. It is past time the government fulfills its promise to my constituents in Iowa. This project is shovel ready, and Cedar Rapidians deserve completion to protect this vibrant city from future natural disasters. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, due to travel complications, I was absent for the votes that occurred on May 21, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 207; Yea on Roll Call No. 208; and Yea on Roll Call No. 209.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievement of the two-person West Delaware High School team that competed at the National Auto Skills Competition in New York, NY. Teammates Caleb Zehr and Sam Ruba, both seniors at West Delaware, placed 2nd in the Nation with the guidance of their instructor Jason Guyer. The West Delaware team spent two days competing against 29 other teams attending the competition. The first day consisted of tests on tools, measuring instruments, vehicle components, and job interview skills. The following day, each team was put to the test by diagnosing and repairing various problems on an assigned car. After assessing each team, Caleb and Sam earned the highest standing in the history of West Delaware High School's participation in the National Auto Skills Competition. These students are bright, hard-working individuals that represented their high school and community in high regard. I wish them the best in their future automotive industry endeavors.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exemplary student from the 1st District of Iowa. I am pleased to announce that Caleb Kleman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been accepted to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Mr. Kleman is an outstanding student-- ranking in the top 1 percent of Iowa Assessments each year of his high school career. In addition to awards such as Academic Numerals, Academic Letter, and Academic Certificate, he is recognized as an AP Scholar with distinction in his third year. Mr. Kleman's academic recognition is well deserved as he ranks 5th of 309 students in his class with a weighted GPA of 4.492 while enrolling in over ten advanced placement courses. Further developing his leadership skills, Mr. Kleman attained the position Vice President of the National Honor Society, Section Leader of Marching Band, and First Chair of both Jazz Band and Concert Band. His participation in the band as a first chair trumpet player for four years led to performances at All-State competitions. Serving as Captain of the Cross Country team, he developed skills identifying potential conflicts, problem solving, and team building. I have full confidence in Mr. Kleman's ability to successfully pursue a degree in engineering while serving as a vital asset to the U.S. Army.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th birthday of a veteran, artist, neighbor, wife, mother, and grandmother, Grace Milroy of Vinton, Iowa. Mrs. Milroy has a family of four children, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren to celebrate this special day with her. She is a family oriented woman who was married for 68 years to Boyd Milroy, and together they made a beautiful family and life. During World War II, she was stationed in Washington, D.C. working in the Office of Correspondence. Beginning in 1942 until the end of the war, she wrote letters to families that no family hoped to receive. The letters, unfortunately, were to inform the families that their loved ones in the service would not make it home. The most memorable she described was to the parents of a chaplain who was killed in action. While it was a tiring endeavor, she understood the importance of each letter and wrote as much information as the rules would allow to all recipients. After the war, she returned to Iowa where she attended college and met her husband. She was an artist in her free time, creating cross stitch projects and quilts. She even won awards for her exemplary work, and her family describes Grace as independent and hardworking. I'm proud to be able to say Happy 100th Birthday to this amazing woman, Mrs. Grace Milroy.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a young leader, Ms. Mallory Margaret Nesmith, for being accepted to the United States Air Force Academy. Academically, she is outstanding by earning a high- weighted GPA of 4.122 while participating in challenging AP courses. She was selected as one of two ambassadors from a class of 82 students to be an AP Ambassador for the course Advanced Placement United States History, APUSH. Additional honors granted to Ms. Nesmith include English Student of the Year for two years, Student of the Quarter, Member of Mu Alpha Theta, and Junior Escort. Aside from her academics, she is a long-term leader of the Lego Club Library for the past seven years. She partakes in drama and band where she performed and earned awards at the state and national level. With her involvement as Vice President in the Distributive Education Clubs of America, a high school leadership program, she received one district, two state, and one national award. These accomplishments are only a handful amongst her participation in additional extra curricular activities, academic clubs, and community organizations. Growing up with a father in the Air Force, Ms. Nesmith understands the importance of comradeship amongst her fellow peers. Throughout her life, she has formed relationships with people that she now calls family. The ability to create lasting relationships with people of different backgrounds, and in new situations, displays a character worth having as a leader in the Air Force. With the extensive accomplishments Ms. Nesmith has thus far, I have confidence in her ability to achieve her goal to become valedictorian at John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, and in coming years, complete pilot training. She is a determined, confident, and sharp leader who will serve her country proudly.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exemplary student from the 1st District of Iowa. I am pleased to announce that Caleb Kleman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Mr. Kleman is an outstanding student-- ranking in the top 1 percent of Iowa Assessments each year of his high school career. In addition to awards such as Academic Numerals, Academic Letter, and Academic Certificate, he is recognized as an AP Scholar with distinction in his third year. Mr. Kleman's academic recognition is well deserved as he ranks 5th of 309 students in his class with a weighted GPA of 4.492 while enrolling in over ten advanced placement courses. Further developing his leadership skills, Mr. Kleman attained the position Vice President of the National Honor Society, Section Leader of Marching Band, and First Chair of both Jazz Band and Concert Band. His participation in the band as a first chair trumpet player for four years led to performances at All-State competitions. Serving as Captain of the Cross Country team, he developed skills identifying potential conflicts, problem solving, and team building. I have full confidence in Mr. Kleman's ability to successfully pursue a degree in engineering while serving as a vital asset to the U.S. Navy.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable woman and native Iowan from Marshalltown, Iowa. Ms. Sherry Kolbe has dedicated her career to the National Association of Private Special Education Centers. NAPSEC advocates for the needs of children with severe disabilities. Having served as the Executive Director for 28 years, Ms. Kolbe has impacted the lives of hundreds of children. We congratulate Ms. Kolbe as she prepares for retirement. After years of hard work, she deserves the utmost respect for her distinguished career and should be assured that new leadership at NAPSEC will benefit from her outstanding example.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young man, Jared John King who attained the Eagle Scout Award. Becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, has only been accomplished by approximately four percent of all Boy Scouts. The process requires earning at least 21 merit badges which takes years to fulfill. At the age of 15 and a freshman in high school, Mr. King should be proud of his accomplishment. Receiving his Eagle Scout rank demonstrates that he is a strong, dedicated, and proven leader. With this accomplishment, it is my hope he will continue to serve as a role model for younger boy scouts. Thank you to Mr. King for making a positive impact in northeast Iowa.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Wartburg College wrestling team for winning this year's NCAA Division III National Championship. Wartburg College is located in Waverly, Iowa and this is their third-straight title out of the fourteen they have won in NCAA National Championship history. These young men have sacrificed much of their lives to hold this title--spending more time in the gym and more time practicing to continue improving. Through their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, they have made their family, friends, Wartburg College, and northeast Iowa proud. With that being said, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Wartburg College wrestling team, Coach Keller, Coach Ortner, and the Wartburg College community, on their well-deserved championship. Go Knights.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to make the gentleman from Virginia aware that I have no further speakers and I am prepared to close. I enjoy my colleague from Virginia's rather dry sense of wit and humor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 188, the Eliminating Government-Funded Oil-Painting Act, a bill introduced by Senator Bill Cassidy. In years past, the Federal Government spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on portraits of government officials. Taxpayer funds should be invested in programs that benefit taxpayers and our country, not oil paintings of Cabinet members to boost their egos. That is why today we consider S. 188, the Eliminating Government- Funded Oil-Painting Act, otherwise known as the ``EGO Act.'' The EGO Act makes clear, once and for all, that government agencies cannot spend taxpayer dollars on oil paintings. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC, December 6, 2017. Hon. Gregg Harper, Chairman, Committee on House Administration, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: On September 13, 2017, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform ordered reported H.R. 1701, the ``Eliminating Government-funded Oil-painting Act'' with an amendment, by voice vote. The bill was referred primarily to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, with an additional referral to the Committee on House Administration. I ask that you allow the Committee on House Administration to be discharged from further consideration of the bill so that it may be scheduled by the Majority Leader. This discharge in no way affects your jurisdiction over the subject matter of the bill, and it will not serve as precedent for future referrals. In addition, should a conference on the bill be necessary, I would support your request to have the Committee on House Administration represented on the conference committee. Finally, I would be pleased to include this letter and any response in the bill report filed by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as well as in the Congressional Record during floor consideration, to memorialize our understanding. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Sincerely, Trey Gowdy.

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration, including an exchange of letters on the House companion bill, H.R. 1701, between the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 188) to prohibit the use of Federal funds for the costs of painting portraits of officers and employees of the Federal Government, as amended.

Mr. BLUM

Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.