Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Guest).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Van Duyne).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Burchett).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Johnson).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Murphy).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), the ranking member of the Aviation Subcommittee.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 468, which is the Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021, and I want to thank Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Garret Graves for cosponsoring the bill. H.R. 468 provides airports with some commonsense tools to incentivize the early completion of airport projects using AIP funds, or Airport Improvement Program funds. Under this bill, the use of AIP funds for incentive payments is left to the discretion of the airport operator, but the benefits of incentive payments are already well-known in the surface transportation sector. This bill is going to allow airports to expedite the delivery of airport projects, take better advantage of short construction seasons, relieve operational disruptions that result from such projects and, obviously, save the taxpayer money. This is a commonsense practice that is utilized in so many other Federal infrastructure projects and it does not increase Federal spending. H.R. 468 is supported by the American Association of Airport Executives, the Airports Council International, and the Associated General Contractors of America. This bill was introduced in Congress last year. It passed the House under suspension of the rules, and it was done by voice vote. I am hopeful that we can get this commonsense bill across the finish line this Congress. I would very much urge support of the legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, this is commonsense legislation. It doesn't cost the government any money. And the fact of the matter is, it is already being done in so many other areas of transportation projects. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am a proud sponsor of this bill, the Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act. In 2018, Congress made the recovery process fairer and more equitable for communities when we passed important reforms to the disaster preparation and recovery processes. This bill builds upon those efforts by ensuring that funds spent by disaster victims aren't clawed back by the government. When victims apply--and this is in good faith, mind you--when victims apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and receive it from the agency, those individuals likely need to move quickly to use that assistance for eligible expenses like home repairs to speed up recovery and to begin rebuilding their lives, for obvious reasons. So, these victims should never expect that FEMA is going to come back weeks, months, and sometimes even years later and say: Oops, we made a mistake. Now you, the victim, are going to have to give back those funds that you have already put to good use. To add insult to injury, FEMA's information on how disaster victims can appeal these decisions is incredibly confusing, and it is absolutely insufficient. Remember, this is due to no fault of their own, but many disaster victims are faced with debt collectors and the full force of the Federal Government when it comes to repaying these funds. This is absolutely unacceptable. People acting in good faith to rebuild should not be revictimized after they have properly relied upon FEMA's determination that they were qualified for the assistance that they did receive. This bill, H.R. 539, is going to clarify that if FEMA makes an error, and there is no evidence of fraud, then the victim will not be revictimized. Their debt is automatically viewed as a hardship, and it is waived. In addition, the bill would also require FEMA to report back to Congress, to us, on its error rates and tell us what they are doing to be more accurate. Last Congress, this bill passed on the House floor and had bipartisan support. This Congress, the bill now has a companion version in the Senate, and I hope that we can see this legislation enacted into law this year and truly help disaster victims not only in my district but also across the Nation. Madam Speaker, I encourage support for this bill. It is a good bill, and people don't need to be revictimized. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of female admittance into William Jewell College. Through its history, the progressive institution has prioritized individual expression and creative thinking. Today, William Jewell is recognized for producing innovative thought-leaders making an impact in Missouri communities and beyond. Founded in 1849 in Liberty, Missouri, William Jewell College prides itself in fostering an environment for students of diverse backgrounds to thrive. Jewell holds true to its founding vision as an institution that develops high-achieving leaders who shape a changing world. After four-years, Jewell graduates leave with an arsenal of knowledge, creativity, and fundamental leadership skills. Since the 1920-1921 academic school year, William Jewell has encouraged women to pursue a co-education at the same level as men. More than 12,000 women have walked the halls of William Jewell in pursuit of a world class education. Not only does this milestone recognize the talented pool of William Jewell alumna, but the future female leaders eager to follow in their footsteps. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing 100 Years of Women at William Jewell College. William Jewell's century-long investment in women is reflected in the people of Missouri's Sixth Congressional District's commitment to educational prosperity.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sheila Tracy. After serving 28 years, Sheila Tracy is retiring from her position as President of the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce. With the help of Sheila's leadership, the Northland Regional Chamber has continued to advocate for the needs of constituents in Missouri's Sixth Congressional District and the Northland of Kansas City. Sheila and the Chamber have worked on several large projects to benefit the Northland and my district. Sheila has spent countless hours working to move projects forward that would benefit my constituents, most recently the Buck O'Neil Bridge. I am honored to have collaborated with Sheila during her time as President of the Northland Regional Chamber. Her professionalism and dedication to the Northland and my constituents was a great example of collaboration between local, state and federal leadership. While the Northland Regional Chamber is losing an incredible leader, I am excited for Sheila to begin the next chapter of her life. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Sheila Tracy for her years of service to the people of the Northland and Missouri's Sixth Congressional District. I know Sheila's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking her for her commitment to others and wishing her the best of luck in all her endeavors and many years of success to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher James Llewellyn. Christopher is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 401, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christopher has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 39 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Christopher has been inducted into the Order of the Arrow and is the Sr. Patrol Leader of his troop. Christopher has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project which was renovating the Marian Grotto beside Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher James Llewellyn for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brent Stark. Brent is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brent has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brent has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 29 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Brent has shown his leadership skills by maintaining the role of Patrol Leader, Den Chief and Troop Guide. Brent also holds the rank of Tom Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow. Brent has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project where he and his fellow Scouts and Scouters poured a concrete sidewalk to extend it to provide wheelchair access to the play area, firepit and picnic table. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brent Stark for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Aydnn Augustine King. Aydnn is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 74G, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Aydnn has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Aydnn has been involved with scouting, she has not only earned 37 merit badges, but also the respect of her family, peers, and community. Aydnn has also contributed to her community through her Eagle Scout project. Aydnn cleaned out the Maryville Middle School Band Storage Room and installed two floor ceiling shelving units. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Aydnn Augustine King for her accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joslin Eva Marie Ungles. Joslin is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 74G, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joslin has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joslin has been involved with scouting, she has not only earned 40 merit badges, but also the respect of her family, peers, and community. Joslin has also contributed to her community through her Eagle Scout project. Joslin cleaned up Groves Cemetery by clearing brush piles and dead trees and installed new three rail composite fencing on the grounds of the cemetery. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joslin Eva Marie Ungles for her accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dalylah Alexis Rybolt. Dalylah is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 74G, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Dalylah has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Dalylah has been involved with scouting, she has not only earned 36 merit badges, but also the respect of her family, peers, and community. Dalylah has also contributed to her community through her Eagle Scout project. Dalylah cleaned up Groves Cemetery by clearing brush piles and dead trees and installed a new telescoping flagpole with top solar lighting. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dalylah Alexis Rybolt for her accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Elizabeth Kathyrn Stephenson. Elizabeth is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 74G, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Elizabeth has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Elizabeth has been involved with scouting, she has not only earned 37 merit badges, but also the respect of her family, peers, and community. Elizabeth has also contributed to her community through her Eagle Scout project. Elizabeth cleaned the Nodaway County Community Building, she also primed and painted newly installed walls, sound boards, ceilings, doors and trim in all rooms at the facility. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Elizabeth Kathyrn Stephenson for her accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize a very special member of the Tarkio Community. Joyce Ellen Springer is turning a very independent 90 on Sunday. Joyce Davenport was born on her Mother Helen's Birthday in 1931 in Fairfax, Missouri. She grew up in Fairfax, graduated from high school, married her High School Sweetheart, Robert Hedrick, had two sons and built a family in Fairfax as well. When tragedy struck and Robert passed away, she displayed grit and self reliance as a true child of Northwest Missouri and the Great Depression. She picked herself up, dusted herself off and went from housewife to single working mother in a time when that was not the norm. Whether she was working for the High School Principal as a secretary, as the receptionist for the doctor's office or working at the Exchange Bank she always met challenges head- on and with a warm smile. She was blessed to find another great love in Bill Springer who she married in 1972 and was married to for 43 years until his passing in 2015. It would be easy to dismiss Joyce's life as common or unremarkable. That would be a monstrous error. It would not account for the history that she has lived, the character and strength she has passed on or love she has both given and received. The legacy of Joyce Springer is one of her children, step-children, grand children and great grand children. Joyce has a legacy that anyone should be proud to have and it is undeniable proof of a life well lived. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in wishing Joyce Ellen Springer a wonderful 90th Birthday. I wish her all the peace, happiness and fulfillment that her heart desires, now and in the years to come. I am proud to represent her as a citizen of Missouri's Sixth Congressional District.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Adrianna Ines Aley. Adrianna is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 74G, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Adrianna has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Adrianna has been involved with scouting, she has not only earned 32 merit badges, but also the respect of her family, peers, and community. Adrianna has also contributed to her community through her Eagle Scout project. Adrianna improved the landscape at the First United Methodist Church in her town. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Adrianna Ines Aley for her accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan William Magee. Ryan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 228, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ryan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Ryan has held the positions of Patrol Leader, Quartermaster and Senior Patrol Leader for his troop. He is a member of both Mic-o-say Tribes, where he is a Hardaway Warrior at Camp Geiger and a Brave at Bartle. Ryan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Ryan's Eagle project was renovating the Community of Christ Church flag plaza at Camp Farwesta campgrounds in Stewartsville, MO. He removed the single flagpole and replaced it with three new flagpoles, installed a border and added pea gravel. The added flagpoles allow flags to be flown that represent the different organizations that use the campgrounds. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan William Magee for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cole R. Southard. Cole is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Cole has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Cole has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cole R. Southard for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan J. Pfannenstiel. Ryan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ryan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan J. Pfannenstiel for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.