Emanuel Cleaver

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 50th Anniversary of Primitivo ``Tivo'' Garcia's ultimate sacrifice for another. Primitivo's selfless act of valor and history are well known in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which I proudly represent. In 1943, Primitivo Garcia Loya was born in Chihuhua, Mexico to Antonio Garcia Garcia and Gregoria Loya Lerma. At the age of twenty-two, Primitivo migrated to the United States with his family in search of the American Dream. Primitivo was like many other immigrants who come to the United States; he wanted to work hard, have a family, pursue his passions and buy a home for his mother. He understood that in America, hard work could yield all of those things and began his career as a shipping clerk. He had hoped this job would allow him to marry his fiance and earn enough money to make a down payment on a home for his mother. Between he and his brother's pay, they soon put a down payment on a house for their mother, but Primitivo wanted to earn his citizenship before marrying his bride-to-be. There was nothing more that Primitivo wanted than to become an American Citizen, so he and his brother enrolled in English classes at Westport High School to meet the necessary qualifications for citizenship. It was in this class that Primitivo and his brother, Alfredo, would meet someone who would change their life forever, Mrs. Margaret Kindermann (now Margaret Kelso). Fifty years ago, on November 15, 1967, Primitivo Garcia, and his brother Alfredo Garcia walked out of their night English class and heard a scream. They both realized that a woman was being accosted outside of their school and as Mrs. Kindermann recalled, Primitivo and Alfredo were not ``going to let this happen.'' That night, both Garcia brothers would save their English teacher, Mrs. Kindermann, from impending doom. After rushing to their teacher's aide, the Garcia brothers immediately fought off the attackers, but one of the attackers drew a gun and shot Primitivo. As Mrs. Kindermann recalls, she feared for her life and the life of her 5-month-old, unborn child. Primitivo's and Alfredo's bravery saved two lives that night, but tragically, Primitivo succumbed to his wounds three days later. Primitivo Garcia would become the first local, Hispanic hero in Kansas City because of his benevolent act of sacrifice for his teacher and her unborn child. Former Missouri Governor Warren Hearnes declared Primitivo an honorary citizen of the state as well as declared December 1st to be Primitivo Garcia Day in Kansas City. Parks would later be named in honor of Primitivo's story, memorials dedicated to his legacy, but in 1992, Joe Arce, a local television reporter, did a two-part feature story that continued Primitivo's story. It was this story that sparked community support within the Historic Westside neighborhood to urge the Kansas City, MO School Board to name their newly constructed West Magnet School as the Primitivo Garcia World Language School. A year after Mr. Arce's story, the school was named in Primitivo's honor. It is through the actions of Alfredo and the sacrifice of his brother, Primitivo, that should remind us of our country's legacy of immigrant sacrifice in pursuit of the American Dream. Primitivo simply stood up for what he knew to be right, helping the helpless in their time of need. Primitivo's spirit and legacy will live on through our community's eternal willingness to commemorate this valiant act and I am honored to share his story with you today. Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our heartfelt appreciation to Primitivo Garcia's family. I urge my colleagues to please join me in conveying our gratitude to his family and community for sharing this great man with us, and to allow us to honor his legacy. He is, and will forever be, an inspiration to current and future generations.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2874, the 21st Century Flood Reform Act. When the Financial Services Committee began the process to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, I was very hopeful that we could work across the aisle in a bipartisan manner. Unfortunately, the bill we see here today is not reflective of that approach. Though a number of changes have, in fact, been made to H.R. 2874 since leaving committee, the new provisions still fail to incorporate many of our priorities for reauthorization or address our concerns with the NFIP. Most significantly, Mr. Speaker, in H.R. 2874 is the fact that it will increase cost for policyholders. The bill raises costs on pre-FIRM structures from 5 percent to 6.5 percent. Additionally, the bill will require a $40 surcharge on primary residences and seeks to increase the reserve fund by charging policyholders an additional 1 percent every year. The bill also changes the fee to policyholders who opt to pay their policy monthly. Many of our constituents who live in flood-prone areas are not wealthy. These are hardworking Americans who rely on the NFIP to help offset costs and protect their homes from disastrous flooding. Instead of working to find ways to truly address affordability within the NFIP, the bill proposes to set up a voluntary State affordability program. This proposal then fails to provide States with the administrative costs to set up a program, a cost that may be far too burdensome for many already-struggling States. Even worse, the program would offset discounts for eligible policyholders by charging policyholders who are not able to take advantage of the affordability program--yet again increasing costs for homeowners. Importantly, H.R. 2874 makes no effort to address the debt. Though the NFIP had been self-sustaining for many years, extreme unexpected damage following Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy left the NFIP with over $20 billion in debt. Though some of the debt was, in fact, recently forgiven, the NFIP needed to borrow more from the Treasury following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The NFIP pays over $400 million a year in interest, money that could go towards making improvements in the program or helping enhance affordability. We need to wipe the slate clean and give the NFIP a fresh start. H.R. 2874 fails to provide additional funding for flood maps, maps that, in many jurisdictions, are desperately needed if we are going to have updated maps. This bill also lacks funding for new mapping technology that could help improve the accuracy of the flood maps. In conclusion, the short-term reauthorization of the NFIP expires early next month. I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill and support a long-term NFIP strategy that promotes affordability, stability for stakeholders, and necessary funding for mapping and mitigation.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed votes on Thursday, September 14, 2017. I had intended to vote ``yes'' on rollcall vote 516, ``no'' on vote 517, ``no'' on vote 518, ``no'' on vote 519, ``yes'' on vote 520, ``yes'' on vote 521, ``yes'' on vote 522, ``yes'' on vote 523, ``no'' on vote 524, ``no'' on vote 525, ``yes'' on vote 526, ``yes'' on vote 527, ``no'' on vote 528, and ``yes'' on vote 529

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed votes on July 12 through 14, 2017. I regrettably had to attend and preside over the funeral of a good friend and civic leader in Kansas City. Had I been present I would have voted as follows on H.R. 23: ``Yes'' on rollcall 351 On Motion to Recommit with Instructions: Gaining Responsibility on Water Act ``No'' on rollcall 352 On Passage: Gaining Responsibility on Water Act ``No'' on rollcall 353 Motion to Adjourn ``No'' on rollcall 354 On ordering the Previous Question ``No'' on rollcall 355 On Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 440 For H.R. 2810 Had I been present I would have voted as follows: ``No'' on rollcall 356 Conaway Amendment 2 ``No'' on rollcall 357 Polis, Lee Amendment ``Yes'' on rollcall 358 Jayapal/Pocan Amendment 5 ``Yes'' on rollcall 359 Nadler Amendment 6 ``Yes'' on rollcall 360 Blumenauer Amendment 8 ``Yes'' on rollcall 361 Aguilar Amendment 10 ``No'' on rollcall 362 Rogers (AL) Amendment 88 ``Yes'' on rollcall 363 Garamendi Amendment 12 ``Yes'' on rollcall 364 Blumenauer Amendment 13 ``No'' on rollcall 365 McClintock Amendment 14 ``Yes'' on rollcall 366 Garamendi/Hunter amendment 1 ``No'' on rollcall 367 Buck amendment 3 ``No'' on rollcall 368 Buck/Perry amendment 4 ``No'' on rollcall 369 Hartzler amendment 10 ``No'' on rollcall 370 Gosar amendment 5 ``Yes'' on rollcall 371 Rooney, Murphy amendment 6 ``No'' on rollcall 372 Franks Amendment 13 ``No'' on rollcall 373 Lamborn Amendment 15 ``No'' on rollcall 374 Frankel, Byrne Amendment 17 ``No'' on rollcall 375 Hunter, Wilson Amendment 18 ``Yes'' on rollcall 376 McGovern, Emmer Amendment 43 ``Yes'' on rollcall 377 Motion to Recommit H.R. 2810 ``Yes'' on rollcall 378 Final Passage of H.R. 2810 personal explanation

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true and selfless public servant whose life was tragically taken before his time. Mr. Jeffery Sanders, a lifelong Mayview, Missouri resident and Mayview firefighter was killed in the line of duty on Monday, June 19, 2017, following an on scene accident while wrapping up another call alongside a state highway. I will be praying throughout the coming days for his family, friends, and our community during this difficult time, as well as for Mr. Jacob Hayward, a fellow Mayview firefighter seriously injured in the same heartbreaking accident. Jeff was well known in the close-knit community of two hundred residents, having been a farmer in Mayview all of his life. He and his wife, Connie, raised two wonderful children who continue to live in Lafayette County in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Although he was most proud of being a good husband, father, and grandfather, for more than thirty years, Mr. Sanders dedicated much of his time to the Mayview Fire Protection District. He could always be counted on to make a fire call and help someone in need. In all of his activities, Mr. Sanders demonstrated his dedication and commitment to the greater good of others. He was actively involved with the Mayview Lions Club, the Mayview area 4H, the Antique Tractor Club, and the Odessa FFA Advisory Board. Along with his work as a volunteer firefighter with the Mayview Fire Protection District, he also spent time serving on the Mayview Special Road District. While it is impossible for mere words to capture the essence of a person's life, for these reasons and many more, it is my privilege to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Jeffery Sanders. Mr. Speaker, please join me and our colleagues in expressing our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Connie, all of the Sanders family, the members of the Mayview Fire Protection District, and the community of Mayview for their loss. We join together to honor his professionalism and sacrifice and express our appreciation for his endless commitment to serving the residents of Mayview and the State of Missouri. He was an unparalleled role model to his family, peers and the entire Lafayette County community and we are better because of his life with us.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, sometimes this well feels like the well of sorrow, and such is the case today. I rise to honor a true and selfless public servant whose life was tragically taken before his time. Mr. Jeffery Sanders, a lifelong resident of Mayview, Missouri, and a firefighter, was killed in the line of duty on Monday, June 19, 2017. I have decided that I will be praying through the weekend and next week for his family. Mr. Jacob Hayward was a man who gave a great deal to his community. He was seriously injured also in the same heartbreaking accident. Jeff was well known in the close-knit community of 200 residents, having been a farmer in Mayview all of his life. He and his wife, Connie, raised two wonderful children, who continue to live in Lafayette County in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Mr. Sanders dedicated much of his time to Mayview and its Fire Protection District. He could always be counted on to make a fire call and help someone in need. In all of his activities, Mr. Sanders demonstrated dedication and commitment to the greater good of others. He was actively involved in the Mayview Lions Club, the Mayview Area 4-H Club, the Antique Tractor Club, and the Odessa FFA Advisory Board, along with his work as a volunteer firefighter with the Mayview Fire Protection District. He also spent time serving on the Mayview Special Road District. Mr. Speaker, this family has given a great deal, and we owe a great deal to them.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Ruby Arnold. While it is widely known that Horace Peterson was the visionary and sole founder of the Black Archives of Mid-America (BAMA), it is little known who saved the institution from vanishing, years later. Years after Peterson's accidental death, the BAMA experienced internal tumult that unfortunately played out in the Kansas City media. The unflattering press resulted in funding shortfalls and eventually, the exodus from Vine Street, sometimes referred to as ``The Firehouse.'' As BAMA began to fade in part because it did not have an adequate home, or sufficient funding, nor the extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia, some longtime supporters began to search for funding and a new location. During the spring of 1998, Ruby Arnold, a BAMA diehard board member, began a personal crusade to secure a new home for the organization she held dear. One Monday morning, during a heavy spring rain, Ruby Arnold appeared at the desk on the 29th floor of City Hall. The security guard asked if she had an appointment with anyone in particular. ``I don't have an appointment but I have come to see Mayor Emanuel Cleaver,'' she said. ``I'm sorry but the Mayor is not in,'' Cheryl Richards, an assistant to the Mayor stepped in and stated. She told Ms. Arnold that on Monday mornings, the Mayor attended the Mayors Corp of Progress meeting, a support group of Kansas City business leaders. ``Thank you, I'll wait. It's raining pretty hard, anyway.'' And wait she did. Several hours later, the Mayor and his security walked off the 29th floor elevators where he was greeted by one Ruby Arnold. ``Mayor Cleaver, I need your help to locate a home for the Black Archives. We don't have any money but we need a place large enough to grow.'' The Mayor said, ``Well, I don't know for sure what I can do. You know that the Black Archives was supposed to be in the main museum building on 18th Street but Horace wanted something different that we could not do legally.'' ``All I know is that we need a home for the Archives, and you are the Mayor. I don't know anyone else to ask,'' Ms. Arnold replied, slowly and sadly. A week later, Ruby showed up at the Mayor's office but because she didn't have an appointment, she waited for almost two hours to see the Mayor. Again, when she was taken to see the Mayor, she made an appeal for help. The Mayor had no solution to share with her so he said that he would continue to work on it. She looked him straight in the eye and said, ``Mayor, I know you can do this.'' On the following Saturday, the Mayor held an event for city leaders from Columbus, Ohio on 18th and Vine in the Gem Theater. Ms. Ruby Arnold was there among the elected officials. ``Have you found a place for the Black Archives?'' she asked the Mayor as he sat on the stage answering questions about the 18th and Vine development. ``Well, not yet,'' he replied, ``but I do have an idea. Can we talk later?'' She nodded and said ``Mayor, I know you can do this.'' On Monday morning, as the Mayor expected, Ms. Arnold arrived without an appointment. The Mayor had told the staff to show her in if she appeared at the front desk. This time, the Mayor was anxious to get her into the office to present what he called an intriguing proposal. When she took a seat in his office, the Mayor smiled, and said, ``Good news! I have been in conversation with Terry Dobson, the director of the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department about the old Parade Park maintenance building at 1722 E. 17th Terrace.'' ``Can we get it?'' asked Ruby. The Mayor replied, ``I think so, but we've got to make sure that the tons of horse manure underground does not present a threat since methane gas is a bi-product of manure.'' Ms. Arnold seemed pleased and the Mayor was relieved. ``Thank you, thank you. I told you that you could do it,'' Ruby said as she moved towards the door. The Mayor told her she didn't need to thank him, and with his tongue strangely planted in his cheek, the Mayor added, just stop driving him crazy. Ruby Arnold died before the opening of the new Archives in the summer of 2010, but former Mayor Emanuel Cleaver, then U.S. Representative from Missouri's Fifth District, said, ``This location for the Black Archives was not secured by wishing or hoping, but by the merciful harassment I received from one determined Ruby Arnold. May God bless her remarkable spirit.''

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, while it is widely known that Horace Peterson of Kansas City was the visionary and sole founder of the Black Archives of Mid-America, it is little known who saved the institution from vanishing years later. During the spring of 1998, Ruby Arnold, a diehard board member, began a personal crusade to secure a new home for the organization she held dear. One Monday morning, during a heavy rainstorm, Ruby Arnold appeared at the front desk of the 29th floor of city hall. The security guard asked her if she had an appointment with anyone in particular. ``I don't have an appointment,'' she said, ``but I have come to see Mayor Emanuel Cleaver.'' The assistant to the mayor replied: I'm sorry, but the mayor is not in. A week later, Ruby came by again to see the mayor and waited two hours for an appointment that she did not have to discuss a home for the Black Archives. And then, at a public event the next week, she asked again: Mayor, have you found a place for the Black Archives? Ruby Arnold died before the opening of the new archives in the summer of 2010, but former mayor, Emanuel Cleaver, now the U.S. Representative from the Fifth District, said this location for the Black Archives was not secured by wishing or hoping but by the merciful harassment I received from one determined Ruby Arnold. May God bless her remarkable spirit.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke with a dynamic, impressive young woman, Maryn White, from Lee's Summit, Missouri. Maryn is a 16-year-old sophomore at Lee's Summit West High School. When she was 10 years old, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Despite a lot of pain and a number of major surgeries, Maryn is active in her high school and is raising money for a cure. Maryn was the winner of the Dream Factory of Kansas City. Instead of going on a cruise ship or some tour to an exotic place, she came to Washington to talk to people who are about to vote on her health. She is absolutely infuriated that money is not going to the NIH to continue to do research for a cure. There are thousands of similar stories all over the country. This is not a political matter, this is a matter of life and death for people all over this country. Yes, I am saying that TrumpCare will make America ache again.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed votes on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. I had intended to vote No on Roll Call vote 129, No on vote 130, No on vote 131, Yes on vote 132, No on vote 133, Yes on vote 134, Yes on vote 135, Yes on vote 136, Yes on vote 137.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed votes on H.R. 1362, To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Pago Pago, American Samoa, the Faleomavaega Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin VA Clinic, on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. I had intended to vote ``yes'' on Roll Call vote 127, and ``no'' on Roll Call vote 128.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a doctor and educator from the Kansas City area who recently passed away. Dr. Jared James Grantham passed away on Sunday, January 22nd at the age of 80, after undergoing treatment for cancer. During his time at the University of Kansas Medical Center, he founded their Kidney Institute, and a renal research and training program. As the director of the Kidney Institute at the University of Kansas Medical Center, he pioneered research into Polycystic Kidney Disease. Dr. Grantham's many contributions to this research include the discovery of hydro-osmotic effects of the hormone vasopressin in the kidneys, as well as the discovery that the renal tubules secrete and reabsorb solutes and water, a finding that came from a series of experiments that showed that kidney cysts in Polycystic Kidney Disease patients are in fact distended renal tubules that trap fluid within an expanding cavity lined by a single layer of cells. Dr. Grantham's drive to find a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease was sparked by a memory. His childhood friend, Ronnie Wilkerson, suffered from Polycystic Kidney Disease. Without this inspiration, Dr. Grantham would have never found that renal tubules in the kidney both secrete and reabsorb solutes and water. This eventually led to his confirmation that the cysts are neoplastic growths filled with liquid. In 1982, alongside Joseph Bruening, Dr. Grantham founded the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation to help advance research into this horrible disease. The Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation is the only organization in the United States solely dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for polycystic kidney disease, as well as improve the lives of those who suffer with it. Over the last 30 years, the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation has invested over $40 million in basic and clinical research, nephrology fellowships, and scientific meetings with a simple goal: to discover and deliver treatments and a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease. Before the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation was established, Dr. Grantham was one of the very few researchers studying the disease. In February 1981, the Kansas City Star ran an article entitled ``Research lags on hereditary condition, specialist says.'' This article caught the eye of Mr. Joseph Bruening, a Kansas City, Missouri native and businessman whose wife and daughter both suffered from Polycystic Kidney Disease. In December of 1981, Mr. Bruening mailed a letter to Dr. Grantham interested in contributing funds towards research of this disease. Eventually, the two met and agreed to create a not-for-profit independent medical foundation whose goal was to create a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease. In 2013, the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation made a great stride towards a cure. Tolvaptan, the first drug to show promise in treating this disease, was accepted for priority review by the FDA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to pause for a moment to honor Dr. Grantham, a pioneer of research for Polycystic Kidney Disease. The lives of people with this disease are better off because of his research and vision.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed votes on January 13, 2017 regarding S. Con. Res. 3 and S. 84. I had intended to vote ``yes'' on Roll Call vote 57, ``no'' on vote 58, and ``no'' on vote 59.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed votes on H.R. 5, the Regulatory Accountability Act on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. I had intended to vote ``no'' on Roll Call vote 35, ``no'' on vote 36, ``yes'' on vote 37, ``yes'' on vote 38, ``yes'' on vote 39, ``yes'' on vote 40, ``yes'' on vote 41, ``yes'' on vote 42, ``yes'' on vote 43, ``yes'' on vote 44, and ``no'' on vote 45.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James S. Whitfield, a dedicated community leader and World War II veteran. On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, Jim passed away, after an incredible life of service to our country. Mr. Whitfield, of Independence, Missouri, served as a Commissioner for The United States World War One Centennial Commission as a representative of The American Legion. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served in World War II, traveling the Far Pacific, North Atlantic, Indian oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea aboard the same ship for 33 months to transport troops across the globe. The appointment to the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission was personal to Jim. As a child, he became acquainted with many World War I veterans while delivering milk to them from his father's dairy. Fascinated by their world travels and dedication to our country, they inspired him to enlist when World War II broke out. In 1943, he went to boot camp in Idaho after fulfilling a promise to his parents to finish high school first. The same veterans that motivated him to join the Navy, elected Whitfield to serve as their post commander in The American Legion. That was the start of a very long career of service to veterans of both Missouri and across the country. He became a member of the Legion in 1946 and assumed many distinguished leadership positions, including Executive Director of the National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jim was a Life Member of The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars in the United States, and BPO Elks, all of Warrensburg, Missouri. As an honorary lifetime commander of the Missouri American Legion, Whitfield shares a distinction with only three others, including President Harry S. Truman. Jim was also very active in Missouri Boys State, and received an honorary award from them for over 50 years of leadership and is regarded as having the most prolific service record in the program. Along with his service to the American Legion and Boys State, Whitfield served as Chairman of the Missouri Veterans Commission. During his tenure as the first chairman, the state established seven veteran's homes and a veteran's cemetery system. He served on that commission for 10 years helping establish its influence and direction. He was also a longtime supporter of the Liberty Memorial, dedicated in Kansas City in 1926 as a monument to those who served in World War I. I recall visiting with Jim at a recent Memorial Day ceremony, hosted at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, about our shared interest in honoring those who served our country. Mr. Speaker, please join me and our colleagues in honoring the lifetime accomplishments of Mr. James Whitfield. He served our country while in uniform and for the remainder of years following, helping veterans and future generations alike. I appreciated his friendship and unwavering service. He epitomized America's Greatest Generation.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. I thank the ranking member for allowing me to speak on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I find much greater satisfaction in working on legislation with the subcommittee chairman, Blaine Luetkemeyer, than opposing such; but, Mr. Speaker, I do, in fact, believe that H.R. 5143 would prescribe narrowly tailored reporting and negotiating requirements that must be completed before any international regulatory insurance standard could be agreed on. In the wake of the financial crisis with the passage of Dodd-Frank, the Federal Insurance Office, FIO, was tasked with representing the United States at international insurance forums. Currently, the FIO has been negotiating alongside the Federal Reserve and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, NAIC, on behalf of our country's insurance interests. The Housing and Insurance Subcommittee has held numerous hearings on this topic, giving us ample opportunity to more fully understand the process that is being undertaken at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors as well as with other international bodies. It is critical that Team USA continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the U.S. insurance system, and it is imperative that we do not hamstring their ability to do so. More specifically, the bill contains a number of provisions that would ultimately delay our negotiations abroad. If we limit the ability of our negotiators to do their job, we lose our seat at the international table, which, I believe, will weaken our position. Like most on the other side, I am a strong proponent of the State-based system. Our Missouri insurance commissioner has recently held a national position. In order to effectively communicate our position and advocate for this unique American system, we need to ensure that our international representatives are empowered, and we believe that this actually impacts their role at the table. Additionally, none of the standards that may be decided upon internationally are binding. This is, perhaps, the most significant thing I am saying. As everyone knows, the States would have to approve any standards because we can't impose those standards on them. These standards would have to be agreed to domestically--they would have to go to each and every State--and they won't be approved on the Federal level. This process would include a notice and a comment period. I do believe that this bill does not address a single problem, that it does not fix any broken part of this process that is going on.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a community icon. On this, the 100th anniversary of one of the most influential business leaders Kansas City ever produced, it is my distinct honor to reflect on and remember my friend, universally known as Mr. K, for being the man, the entrepreneur and visionary citizen that he embodied. One century ago today, Mr. Ewing Marion Kauffman was born in Garden City, Missouri. As a young boy, his family moved 45 minutes to Kansas City, where Mr. K would call home for the remainder of his life. Mr. K was a member of the Greatest Generation and served in the United States Navy during World War II. After returning home, he began working for a pharmaceutical company. However, the American Dream and an entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own company in his basement, which he called Marion Labs. That company, which began with only $1,000 in net profits in the first year, grew over the next four decades into a $1 Billion company, employing nearly 3,400 employees, before being bought by Merrell Dow in 1989. As a result of his business acumen, coupled with honesty and integrity in all his transactions, Mr. K was able to forge a business model that not only fueled Marion Labs to great success, but has since been replicated many times by local high-growth companies. Attesting to his entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, a recent study by the University of Bern in Switzerland that traced the ``genealogy'' of Kansas City's technology companies, showed more than 20 existing local companies with direct ties to Marion Labs. Marion Labs didn't just inspire creation of new companies, but many of his former employees patterned their workplace culture on Mr. K's model, built on a sense of trust and belonging that positively influenced performance. Mr. K lived by the philosophies of treat others like you want to be treated; share life's rewards with those who make them possible; and give back to society. When the company was sold, more than 300 employees became millionaires. On a personal level, Mr. K regularly spoke to employees by addressing them by name, introducing them to others and personally hand writing thank you notes to employees. During my time as a City Councilman and Mayor of Kansas City, I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. K and his family. Many of my constituents think of Kauffman Stadium and the Kansas City Royals when you mention Mr. K. He brought the Royals to town in 1968 and his legacy of philanthropy and civic engagement can still be felt today. The Kauffman Foundation is perhaps the most enduring legacy, following the same vision that led Marion Labs to become what is known as a ``Pillar Company'' in the Kansas City community, by not only inspiring new entrepreneurial ventures, but also by training and investing in new businesses. Before his passing in 1993, Mr. Kauffman created a vibrant and sustainable business future for the Kansas City region. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today, on what would have been his 100th Birthday, to pause for a moment to honor one of our country's greatest entrepreneurs, most generous philanthropists, and an innovative and compassionate leader in Mr. Ewing Marion Kauffman. Missouri's Fifth District, our region, and country are better off today because of the life he led.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the World War I Centennial Commission. The United States entered World War I in 1917. More than 4 million Americans served in the Great War, including 350,000 African Americans and the first woman ever to enlist in the United States Armed Forces. In order to properly commemorate and celebrate the brave service these Americans gave to us, the World War I Centennial Commission was established by this body in 2013. In addition to the memorial, the Commission is responsible for planning and executing educational and commemorative activities. I ask the Chair and ranking member to work with me as this bill progresses to find the necessary resources for the Commission to do its work. While it is true that there are no World War I veterans still among us, their sacrifice must not be forgotten.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, sometimes--not all the time, but sometimes--out of chaos we can find our purpose. It is going to be my prayer this night and for the next few nights that this body can see clearly that our purpose is to lead our Nation away from the edge of the mare's nest of fear and a response to fear that creates even more fear. We do so by understanding that words matter. Words matter. They can do damage. I grew up in public housing in Texas right outside of Dallas, Texas, and in the projects they would say: Sticks and stones may break my words, but words can never hurt me. It wasn't true when I was a boy, and it is not true today. Words can hurt; words can horrify; words can hinder; but words can also heal. One of the things we need more today than we have in the immediate past, are words of healing instead of words of hate.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. I thank the gentleman from California. Mr. Speaker, when a nation experiences a tragedy like the one we have just witnessed, it can either further polarize, weaponize, and fragmentize, or it can harmonize and mobilize. The House of Representatives of the United States must choose the latter. When reason fails, as it sometimes does, in my world, it is time to pray. We have multiple religious affiliations in this body, but all of us believe in something that would condemn any kind of violence, even verbal violence. The world is watching what we do, and we shouldn't waste time watching over our ideology. A little boy closed his finger in the door and began to cry. His name was Bob. He began to cry and cry and cry, and his parents ran in. His other brother, Billy, was also crying. The parents thought both of them were hurt, but when they looked at Billy, they said, ``You haven't been hurt. Why are you crying?'' He said, ``I am helping Bob cry.'' This whole Nation is crying, and those of us here, in our hearts, are helping the people of Dallas cry.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure what it is, but something is wrong with us. It makes me sick to my stomach to see a Presidential campaign that is an embarrassment to most thinking Americans. I can't imagine any parent with good sense who would say to his or her child: Why don't you look at the Presidential election. Look and learn as to how to debate. Learn how to disagree with someone and remain on a high level. This is disgusting and it is embarrassing. I just hope the American public is not okay with this. This is not the way the world's leading superpower should conduct its business. The whole world is watching us, and we are watching TV, looking at the worst kinds of things that could be said by human beings from the United States of America. I certainly hope that the American people are not happy with what is going on.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, due to an electronic mishap, I voted incorrectly on H.R. 4498, the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS). I had intended to vote yea on roll call vote 171 on passage of the HALOS Act.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of our own. On Friday, January 22, 2016, Ms. Nicolina (Nicki) Cardwell retired from my office after serving a combined seventeen years for the people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District as a Community Affairs Liaison for eleven years in my Independence District Office and six years with my predecessor. Overall, Nicki dedicated four decades of public service to our community, as a teacher, county employee, and ultimately retiring from Congressional service, spending much of her career based in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. Born May 7, 1947, to an Italian mother, Silva Piva, and a Kansan father, George Morris, Nicolina Rowena Maria Cardwell often reminds folks of her proud Italian heritage. After studying at Central Missouri State University and taking time to raise a beautiful family, Nicki returned to school. At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health, going on to teach in public and private schools in Independence, helping to shape future generations. Nicki has spent much of her adult life as a resident of Independence, Missouri, home to Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States. She is well known throughout the area, as she has been an active volunteer in the community and politically active for causes and individuals she supports. In 1988, Nicki joined the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department, holding a variety of positions over the next ten years, including in the Speaker's Bureau, where she helped introduce thousands of individuals to Jackson County's programs, facilities, and parks. Among many other responsibilities, Nicki assisted with marketing, group events, and public relations while working for the County. In 1999, Nicki joined the staff of my predecessor, Congresswoman Karen McCarthy. While being considered for the position, some of her prior employers called her, ``the best we've ever had dealing with the public,'' and ``a hard worker--very good.'' As she assumed her new role as a caseworker, Nicki handled passports, immigration, and veterans issues among others impacting residents of Missouri's Fifth District. She was often the recipient of great praise from constituents she helped, including in one letter to the editor in which the constituent had faced repeated roadblocks before making his first call to a Congressional office. He wrote: ``. . . I called [the Congressional] office expecting another difficult process. Nicki Cardwell called me back within five minutes. She proceeded to treat me as if I were `family.' I know that she is very busy, but I felt like I was the only one on her agenda. She went beyond the call of duty and even met with me on a Saturday afternoon to complete the paperwork I needed . . . She made me feel very comfortable throughout the entire process. She took a lot of stress off my shoulders, and I would just like others to know how considerate and kind a government employee can be.'' This type of praise was not uncommon for Nicki. Her personnel folder is full of thank you notes and emails referring to her as ``jumping right into the action'', ``could not have been more helpful'', and ``beyond the call of duty.'' Her dedication to constituents led one individual to even refer to her positively as a ``bulldog'' and went on to say ``You're lucky to have such a person on your staff.'' So it should come as no surprise, Mr. Speaker, that when I was first elected to Congress in November, 2004, I knew immediately who my first staff hire would be. The list of civic leaders and elected officials advocating that I hire Nicki was lengthy, but they did not need to convince me. I knew after our conversation that a more passionate and caring caseworker did not exist. Over the past eleven years, Nicki has helped thousands of constituents. She has worked primarily with our veterans and active military personnel, but does not hesitate to jump in to help whenever needed. She often would spend hours listening to constituents in person or on the telephone as they shared their struggles with her, pleased to find an empathetic listener. Her compassion for the men and women in uniform who have served and continue to serve our nation is unparalleled. She regularly attended Stand Downs, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day events with me, or on my behalf. She worked to honor veterans through helping to arrange special events for Vietnam veterans, Korean veterans, World War I veterans, World War II veterans, and Tuskegee Airmen, just to name a few. She created a Veterans Advisory Committee to help serve as a sounding board when important issues arose within the VA system or in proposed legislation. In addition, Nicki spent countless hours every year helping our young people going through the Academy nomination process, giving counsel and advice to those eager to join our prestigious military institutions. Given Nicki's background, she often assisted with many of our special projects as well. There have been too many projects to name them all, but the one that stands out is our annual Congressional Art Contest. Nicki's leadership helped shepherd record participation with nearly 200 pieces of artwork from high school students around the Fifth District being submitted for consideration. She worked personally with principals and art teachers to encourage submissions to guarantee all parts of the District were well represented. She carefully handled and displayed each piece as if it were her own. She helped secure some of our community's strongest advocates for the arts to judge the students' submissions to ensure the winning artwork hanging in the Cannon Tunnel represented the best of our District. Students and teachers alike have come to rely on Nicki's friendship and expertise and they will surely miss her guidance, as will I. In addition to Nicki's primary role as a caseworker, she also regularly represented the office at meetings and events throughout the District. She was a regular at the Independence Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Jackson County Betterment Council, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, the Truman Presidential Library and Museum, and 40 Club to name but a few. She is as well known in our community as anyone and oftentimes when I would join her for an appearance at one of these events, individuals would approach me to share how much they appreciated Nicki's active participation and unequaled dedication to the people of our District. Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues in this Chamber know, we are regularly pulled in many directions as we try to represent the nearly 800,000 constituents in our Districts. Oftentimes, it is our staff, serving behind the scenes, helping to ensure those constituents get prompt attention as they maneuver through the bureaucratic hurdles that regrettably get in the way. There is not a member of this esteemed body who wouldn't be proud to have Nicki Cardwell on their team, and her service has certainly been a blessing for me. She is a loyal, caring, and compassionate individual whose commitment to Missouri's Fifth District will be sorely missed. As she retires to spend more time with her family and loved ones, I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing her lifetime of dedication to our community and country and wishing her continued success. The people of Missouri's Fifth District, including me, are better off because of Ms. Nicolina R. Cardwell.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Chairman, I came to Congress, and because of my own experiences, I only had one ambition other than being a Member of Congress, and it was to take leadership in the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance because, experientially, I thought I had experiences that might help. And secondly, having served as mayor, we dealt a lot with housing in Missouri's largest city. I had this opportunity. And I want to thank Ms. Waters for the opportunity to be the lead Democrat on the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee. I think it was fortunate, maybe even fortuitous, that two Missourians ended up working together, and we were able to, I think, do some things that probably might not have been done otherwise because I think we both have a spirit of working together, and it ended up in a good product. But that wouldn't have taken place without the chairman and the ranking member. I lived in 404-B Bailey public housing in Wichita Falls, Texas. I went by on Christmas, and I just parked there for a long time and looked at the kids running around playing, thinking I used to do that on that same little piece of dirt that we called a yard. I wondered about the kids who were in that unit. Will they eventually have the opportunities that I was blessed to have? Or would they suffer the fate of many others with whom I grew up? I thought in part we might be able to do some things here that will help the little boy I saw running around playing in front of the unit I once lived in with my mother, father, and three sisters. I think we have done this. These are probably the most sweeping changes in HUD regulations in a quarter of a century, perhaps ever; and what we have done is we have remodeled, or refashioned, or recast, or redesigned many of the programs impacting HUD. I do not disagree with Chairman Hensarling that we do have a great deal of redundancy in programs that we run with HUD and USDA. I do think at some point there is a need for us to get things molded a little bit better, but that is not going to take place I don't think any time soon. I support H.R. 3700 because I had the opportunity to understand what these changes mean. I also need to say before I go any further that I don't believe that compromise means capitulation. In fact, I don't think democracy can work without comity and compromise. I think they are inseparable parts of democracy. So there are parts of this bill that I am not as thrilled with, as other parts, but that is what happens in a democracy. Again, I cherish the opportunity to work with people who are willing to move and shake and move and shake and shake and move to get something to the floor. The bill will streamline the inspection and income review process for families living in section 8 units. We are making, in this legislation, some very badly needed changes to the project-based voucher program by allowing a public housing authority, PHA, to project-base up to 20 percent of its authorized voucher allocation, rather than 20 percent of the voucher funding that we give. And then we give PHAs more flexibility with their funds by allowing them to transfer up to 20 percent of their capital funds to the operating fund. Mr. Chairman, what this allows is for people who are on the ground, working with people, understanding where they need to have funds, the opportunity to move those funds around without violating any of the HUD regulations. It helps our foster children by expanding eligibility for the Family Unification Program from the current limit of 21 years of age to 24 years of age, and it increases the length of stay from 18 months to a maximum of 36 months. It also--and I think this is important--expands the eligibility of individuals who will leave foster care within 90 days.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed votes on January 6, 2016, January 7, 2016, and January 8, 2016. Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 2, ``no'' on vote 3, ``no'' on vote 4, ``no'' on vote 5, ``no'' on vote 6, ``yes'' on vote 7, ``yes'' on vote 8, ``yes'' on vote 9, ``yes'' on vote 10, ``yes'' on vote 11, ``no'' on vote 12, ``yes'' on vote 13, ``yes'' on vote 14, ``yes'' on vote 15, ``yes'' on vote 16, ``yes'' on vote 17, ``yes'' on vote 18, ``yes'' on vote 19, ``no'' on vote 20, ``no'' on vote 21, ``no'' on vote 22, ``yes'' on vote 23, ``yes'' on vote 24, ``yes'' on vote 25, ``yes'' on vote 26, ``yes'' on vote 27, ``yes'' on vote 28, ``yes'' on vote 29, ``yes'' on vote 30, ``yes'' on vote 31, ``yes'' on vote 32, ``no'' on vote 33.