Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, Monday, May 16, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes No. 171, No. 172, and No. 173. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 171, H.R. 627, to designate the Linda White-Epps Post Office; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 172, H. Res. 266, supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 173, H.R. 2107, modifying the authorities for the use of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to share with my colleagues a situation that has been brought to my attention. President Obasanjo of Nigeria promised several years ago to withdraw his troops from the Bakassi Peninsula in The Republic of Cameroon. It has not yet been done. As the President of the African Union, Obasanjo has an obligation to set an example for the rest of the African nations. President Obasanjo should withdraw Nigerian troops from the Bakassi Peninsula and return the Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today still afraid for our nation's security. Not because of terror alerts, but because our borders remain porous. The enforcement of our immigration policy is impotent, resulting in a continued flood of illegal immigrants across our borders. It is time for the federal government to stop letting unchecked mass immigration undermine the wages, safety, and benefits in one occupation after another. It is time for the federal government to moderate immigration and to treat American workers, citizen and immigrant, with the respect they deserve. Our constituents did not elect us to help cheapen the quality of their lives by importing foreign workers at six to eight times the historical average. There is no getting around the fact that when we cheapen labor with unchecked illegal immigration, we cheapen our neighbors, both citizens and immigrants alike. Today, I introduce the Emergency Immigration Workload Reduction and Homeland Security Enhancement Act of 2005. This legislation would suspend certain nonessential visas in order to provide temporary workload reduction critical to the success of the immigration component of the recently established Department of Homeland Security. These suspensions would be lifted following the certification by Secretary of Homeland Security to Congress that specific conditions ensuring the department's ability to carry out its enforcement responsibilities have been met. Zealous enforcement of our immigration laws is a critical first step; however, Congress must look at the root causes of our policy flaws. In this era of global terrorism, we must re-evaluate our immigration policy and close these outstanding loopholes to give the Department of Homeland Security the tools it needs to protect our soil. I call on my colleagues to join me in working to reform our immigration policies and to halt the cheapening of America's citizen and immigrant workers. Without real immigration reform, our borders will not be safe and our citizens will be at risk.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Spencer Preston Harris of Platte City, Missouri, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Spencer has been a part of Troop 351 for 5 years, and during that time period he has served in a variety of leadership positions. He has served his troop as Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Librarian, and finally Senior Patrol Leader. During that time period, he earned 45 merit badges and the God and Church Medal. In addition to the numerous leadership positions and merit badges, Spencer is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and spent 5 years at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Spencer also participated in Junior Leader Basic Training and World Conservation, has 38 total service hours, 98 nights camping, and 50 miles hiking. He is truly an exemplary Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Spencer folded, repaired, and boxed 47,000 American Flags that decorate graves at the Leavenworth, Kansas military cemetery. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Spencer Preston Harris 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Travis R. Vogel, 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 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Travis received his Eagle Award on March 5, 2005 at an Eagle Court of Honor in Platte Woods, Missouri. Travis has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Travis has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of his family, peers, and community. He is truly an exemplary Scout. For his Eagle project, Travis remodeled the walls of the VFW basement. Travis installed new window well frames, and installed new siding--which he also painted--on the exterior. His work on the interior included new drywall, patching existing wall surfaces, texturing and painting the walls, and adding a chair rail. The project provided the VFW with a nicer looking space, and the window framing in particular will help the VFW save on energy costs. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Travis R. Vogel 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Steven Todd Orr, 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 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Steven received his Eagle Award on March 5, 2005 at an Eagle Court of Honor in Platte Woods, Missouri. Steven has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years, Steven has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of his family, peers, and community. He is truly an exemplary Scout. For his Eagle project, Steven designed and built a Prayer Path at Platte Woods United Methodist Church, where I might add, his Eagle Court of Honor was held. Steven's work on this project included designing, planning, and implementing the path construction on newly acquired church property. Steven cleared the path area, and installed rock and flagstones, as well as plant life. The project provides church members with a place to pray and reflect. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Steven Todd Orr 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Kuehl of Platte City, Missouri, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Matt has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. During the 4 years Matt has been involved with Scouting, he has worked his way through the ranks and earned 30 merit badges. Matt has held a variety of leadership positions within his troop, serving as Librarian, Quartermaster, and Scribe. Matt is also a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and attended H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for four years. Matt participated in Junior Leader Basic training and World Conservation, has 101 service hours, spent 53 nights camping, and 26 miles hiking. He is truly an exemplary Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Matt purchased and planted three trees at the Platte County Fairgrounds in Platte City, Missouri, mulched and tied the trees for wind resistance, and watered the trees for 4 months to ensure proper growth. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Kuehl 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sawyer Daniel Breslow of Platte City, Missouri, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Sawyer has been a part of Troop 351 for 5 years, and during that time period he has served in a variety of leadership positions. He has served his troop as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Scribe, Librarian, and Quartermaster. During that time period, he earned 50 merit badges and the God and Church Medal. In addition to the numerous leadership positions and merit badges, Sawyer is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and spent 5 years at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Sawyer also participated in Den Chief Training, Junior Leader Basic Training, Snorkeling, Mile Swim, and National Camping. Sawyer also has 68 service hours, 93 nights camping, and 53 miles hiking. He is truly an exemplary Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Sawyer planned and built a large board game table with playing pieces for the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sawyer Daniel Breslow 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ginger Langemeier, a longtime member of my staff who will be leaving my office to work for my distinguished colleague from Nebraska, the Honorable Jeff Fortenberry who represents Ginger's home district. I must confess that my distinguished colleague Mr. Fortenberry was not the first Nebraskan that I had to compete with over Ginger, as she's always been a big fan of the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska's Third District, the Honorable Tom Osborne. Ginger began her political career as an intern on my 1998 Missouri State Senate campaign, and leaves my office after rising through the ranks to become my Deputy Chief of Staff. In between she has served in a variety of different positions, and as always, I am grateful for her commitment and service. My 1998 state Senate campaign was quite an introduction to politics for Ginger. I did not have a large staff, but I did have a large Senate district, and Ginger was instrumental in helping me reach out to all of the voters across a vast geographic area. She also served as my Finance Director, and ever since she has been charged with maintaining our office finances. I also must thank her for her service to my brother Todd. In 2000, Todd ran for state treasurer, and Ginger volunteered for him in her spare time. During the rest of her time, she was busy working at my office in the Missouri State Senate. Later on in 2000, Ginger became the very first employee of Graves for Congress after I filed for election to this seat. In addition to her recurring role as Finance Director, she handled all of my scheduling, and brought to this race the same goal oriented attitude that led me to hire her in the first place. Thanks to her hard work, I was elected to this House in November of 2000, and in January of 2001 when I became a Member of the 107th Congress, Ginger joined my official staff as a legislative assistant. Over the years Ginger has handled just about every issue in my office, and is known particularly for her expertise on agriculture, appropriations, the Missouri River, and crime. At the start of the 108th Congress, I promoted her to the position of Senior Policy Advisor, and in 2004 she returned to Missouri to become my Deputy Chief of Staff. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ginger Langemeier for her dedication to myself and my constituents. While I am sorry to see her go, I know she will be a tremendous asset to my distinguished colleague Mr. Fortenberry and the citizens of Nebraska's First District.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sean David Huntley of Platte City, Missouri, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Sean has been a part of Troop 351 for 5 years, and during that time period he has served in a variety of leadership positions. He has served his troop as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Scribe, and Librarian. During that time period, he earned 43 merit badges and the God and Church Medal. In addition to the numerous leadership positions and merit badges, Sean is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and spent 5 years at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Sean also participated in Junior Leader Basic Training, Snorkeling, and National Camping. Sean also has 46 service hours, 99 nights camping, and 78 miles hiking. He is truly an exemplary Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Sean reconstructed an outside prayer area for United Methodist Church in Platte City, Missouri. Sean redesigned the fire pit, mulched the area, and then rebuilt the outside cross structure. He also constructed a trail and steps as a path to the prayer area. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sean David Huntley 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Charles David Hevalow, 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 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. C.D. received his Eagle Award on March 5, 2005 at an Eagle Court of Honor in Platte Woods, Missouri. C.D. has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years C.D. has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of his family, peers, and community. He is truly an exemplary scout. For his Eagle project, C.D. remodeled the ceiling of the VFW basement. His work included taking down old lighting, ceiling outlets, as well as other miscellaneous items. When this was completed, C.D. installed a suspended ceiling, diffusers, and new can lighting. The project provided the VFW with a nicer looking space which has more light, and which is better insulated from outside noise. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Charles David Hevalow 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the students at Gracemor Elementary School's S.A.G.E. program. S.A.G.E. is the acronym for Students in Academically Gifted Education, and the S.A.G.E. students at Gracemor have been participating in a great program to support our troops called ``Operation Bubble Gum Buddies.'' The S.A.G.E. students at Gracemor have been supporting our brave soldiers and their important mission by collecting bubble gum and other items to send to our troops currently serving in Iraq. Our brave soldiers will not only enjoy these gifts themselves, but they will also share the bubble gum with the children of Iraq. This small, selfless gesture spreads goodwill and establishes an important bond between the future leaders of America--like the students at Gracemor--and the future leaders of a free and democratic Iraq. It was also an inspiration to learn that each student in the program included a personal note along with the bubble gum in each individual care package. I know that the soldiers greatly appreciate hearing from the students, and I would encourage the students to continue with this important task; it is a true testament to the patriotic spirit of the American people. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking the students of Gracemor Elementary who have been participating in ``Operation Bubble Gum Buddies.'' Their dedication to our troops and the children of Iraq are a credit to our Nation, and I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mrs. Jessie Mavity, a resident of my hometown of Tarkio, Missouri. Jessie will turn 100 on April 30, and I am honored to be able to share her story with this esteemed House. Mrs. Mavity was born Jessie May Mather in Tarkio on April 30, 1905 to James Lewis Mather and Ida Jane Lyons Mather. In addition to Jessie, James and Ida Mather had eight surviving children. Jessie graduated from my alma mater, Tarkio High School, in 1924 and then went on to earn a teaching certificate. In September 1925, Jessie married James Henry Frohn. James passed away in 1971, but he and Jessie had four wonderful children: Marilyn Frohn Graves--a cousin of mine--Jackie Frohn Uptergrove, Carolyn Frohn Doleshal, and Gary Frohn. In addition to her children, Jessie has seven grandchildren who reside throughout our great nation: Nicci Wheeler, Bryan Frohn, and Jason Frohn of Fairfax, Missouri; Dawn Myers of Dallas, Texas; Sheila Graves of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jim Doleshal of Sacramento, California; and Rob Doleshal of Oakland, California. Jessie also has five great grandchildren: Dustin and Kellen Myers, Cody Doleshal, and McKenzie and Cody Frohn. In October 1982, Jessie married William Mavity, and while William passed away in 1986, Jessie and William shared a great deal during their four years of marriage. They made their home in Bentonville, Arkansas and Forsyth, Missouri and enjoyed many trips together, both here in the United States and abroad. Throughout her life, Jessie has always been an active member of the community. She worked in the cafeteria at Fairfax High School and at the Fairfax Community Hospital. In addition, Jesse was an active member of the Extension Club, the Fairfax High School Band Mother's Club, and was a founding and active member of the BZN Neighborhood Club. She also spent numerous years as a 4H Leader and was an avid gardener. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Mrs. Jessie Mavity. Her tireless work as a mother and dedicated citizen is truly an inspiration. I wish Mrs. Mavity all the best on her 100th birthday and am proud to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 30 seconds. Quickly, Mr. Chairman, there are no uninsured rental vehicles on the road. Every single rental vehicle out there has to meet the State's minimum requirements for insurance. There is recourse. States put drivers on the road. Rental vehicle companies put cars on the road. They should be responsible for their equipment. Drivers should be responsible for themselves. But there is no uninsured rental vehicles on the road today. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the majority whip.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, think about the statement that the opposition makes, that this amendment releases the rental industry except in the case of negligence. Think about that for just a minute. They should be liable in the case of negligence. They should not be liable for the action of their drivers. The fact of the matter is, there are no uninsured vehicles on the road. In the case of an individual's car, you have a choice of who you are going to loan that car to. A rental company has to rent to a qualified driver. If they have a driver's license and they meet the State's minimum requirements, they have to rent to them. Mr. Chairman, it is frustrating when there is so much misinformation out there about bills like this. There are three points that I want to make and I want to be very clear on. Just remember, rental car companies do not put drivers on the road. States do. Rental car companies put cars on the road. They should not be liable for the action of the drivers. They should be liable for the their negligence or for their equipment, but they should not be liable for the action of their drivers. Second, there are no uninsured rental vehicles on the road today. Those vehicles, before they can even be registered, have to meet the State's minimum requirements for insurance. That is up to the States. Let the States deal with that, just as what was pointed out. But there are no uninsured rental vehicles on the roads today. There is compensation or means for compensation to folks out there who might be harmed. The third thing, and let us be very, very clear on this, this proposal would not exempt rental and leasing companies from the liability involved with their equipment. They are still liable and should be liable for negligence when it deals with their equipment, but they should not be liable for the actions of drivers. If you rent a vehicle in a non-vicarious liability State and drive it into a State such as New York, they are liable, unlimited liability, just because they own the car. That is not right. Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of this and hope my colleagues can support me.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith).

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 15 seconds. Mr. Chairman, vicarious liability does not protect against uninsured drivers. It simply provides higher compensation based solely on the fact that the individual owns the vehicle. We are not absolving these companies of liability if they are at fault. What we are doing is eliminating vicarious liability simply because they own the vehicle. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher) who is a cosponsor of this legislation. (Mr. BOUCHER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I am here today to correct an inequity in the car and truck renting and leasing industry. By reforming vicarious liability to establish a national standard that all but a small handful of States already follow, we will restore fair competition to the car and truck renting and leasing industry and lower costs and increase choices for all consumers. Currently, a small number of States impose vicarious liability or limitless liability without fault, on companies and their affiliates simply because they own a vehicle involved in an accident. Whether or not the vehicle was at fault is completely irrelevant in these situations. These vicarious liability lawsuits cost consumers nationwide over $100 million annually. Vicarious liability laws apply where the accident occurs. It does not matter where the car or truck was rented or leased. Since companies cannot prevent their vehicles from being driven to a vicarious liability State, they cannot prevent their exposure to these laws and must raise their rates accordingly. These higher costs have driven many small companies out of business, reducing the consumer choice and competition that keeps costs down. While this amendment seeks to level the playing field, I want to emphasize, I want to be very clear about this, that this provision will not allow car and truck renting and leasing companies to escape liability if they are at fault. Accident victims will continue to be compensated according to individual State law. This is supported by the NFIB. It is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. I ask my colleagues to support this commonsense reform measure to level the playing field so that consumers are protected. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor today to speak in support of the REAL ID Act. It is clear that in order to secure our country from terrorists we need to reform the requirements and standards for driver's licenses. A valid driver's license is like a hall pass that allows terrorists to easily roam throughout the United States. Indeed 19 terrorists did just that with dozens of legal driver's licenses and identification cards. The hijackers used these IDs to rent cars and apartments, open bank accounts, take flying lessons, and otherwise blend into American society while they planned their attacks. Those terrorists murdered 3,000 Americans and yet this gap still remains open. In every State, the driver's license (and its counterpart, the State ID card) is the primary document used to establish identity and proof of legal residence. Making driver's licenses accessible to illegal aliens gives them the means to pass themselves off as legal residents of the United States. Additionally, the REAL ID Act does not create a national ID card. In addition to establishing standards for the issuance of licenses, H.R. 418 includes provisions to prevent terrorists from gaming our asylum system. Court decisions in recent years have so distorted the asylum process that terrorists are now able to claim asylum specifically because they are terrorists. This legislation represents a critical first step toward gaining control over our borders and protecting American lives. These are common-sense measures that should be implemented immediately. Terrorism may have no borders, but we can certainly make it more difficult for terrorists to cross ours. Having a uniform policy that relies on common sense will do more to keep America open and free than having a policy that relies on hope.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, January 6, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall vote No. 7. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 7. On Tuesday, January 25, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 8 and 9. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both votes. On Wednesday, January 26, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 10-13. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall Nos. 10, 11, and 12, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 13.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Gary Frazer, 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 45, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ryan is currently a senior at Central High School in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and is the son of Gary and Sandy Frazer. Ryan began his scouting career as a Tiger Cub Scout before advancing to Webelo Scout. After completing Cub Scouts, Ryan rose through the ranks of the Boy Scouts, achieving the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class Scout, First Class Scout, Star Scout, Life Scout, and now Eagle Scout. Ryan served his troop in numerous leadership positions, including Librarian, Historian, Scribe, and Patrol Leader. Along the way, Ryan earned 24 merit badges and several awards including the Arrow of Light Award and the 50 Miler Award on three separate occasions for Adventure Trips to Wyoming, Mississippi, and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Ryan is also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, where he holds the name ``Ice Badger.'' For his Eagle Scout project, Ryan led a team of volunteers that renovated the children's playground area at Ashland United Methodist Church in Saint Joseph. The playground area is an integral part of Church life, as it sits in the center of the Ashland United Methodist's courtyard; the playground is used by children attending numerous church classes and activities. Ryan and his team spent over 100 hours completing this project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Gary Frazer 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Loren Bewick of Kansas City, Missouri, 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 271, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Loren will attain the rank of Eagle Scout on Saturday, January 29, 2005 at Gashland United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Loren has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Loren has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of his family, peers, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Loren Bewick 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ross Clayton Woodbury, 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 45, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ross is currently a senior at Central High School in Saint Joseph, Missouri and is the son of Mark and Karen Woodbury. Ross has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Ross started out as a Cub Scout, became a Webelo, completed Cub Scouts and then moved on to the Boy Scouts. During his Boy Scout career, Ross rose through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class Scout, First Class Scout, Star Scout, Life Scout, and now Eagle Scout. Ross earned 25 merit badges and served as Troop 45's Troop Guide. Additionally, Ross was the recipient of the 50 Miler Award on three occasions for Adventure Trips to Wyoming, Colorado, and Canada. Ross was also tapped into the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and was given the name ``Little Iron Ring.'' For his Eagle Scout project, Ross led a team of scouts in association with the Saint Joseph Museum and the Missouri Department of Conservation to preserve Mount Mora Cemetery in Saint Joseph, an historical funeral park where Civil War Generals, Missouri Governors, and Pony Express Riders are buried. Mr. Speaker, it may please the House to know that Mount Mora's designer helped craft the plan for the Washington Monument here in our nation's capital. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ross Clayton Woodbury, 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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David Rall Bradley, 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 45, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Rall is currently a senior at Pembroke Hill in Kansas City, and is the son of David Bradley, Jr. and Suzanne Bradley of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Rall has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Rall started as a Tiger Cub Scout, and then rose through the Boy Scout ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class Scout, First Class Scout, Star Scout, Life Scout, and now Eagle Scout. Along the way, Rall earned 23 merit badges, and several scouting awards such as the Arrow of Light Award and the 50 Miler Award, which he received following an Adventure Trip to the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Rall was inducted into the Honorary Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and also has served as Historian and Quartermaster of his troop. For his Eagle Scout project, Rall led a team of scouts in association with the Saint Joseph Museum and the Missouri Department of Conservation to preserve Mount Mora Cemetery in Saint Joseph, an historical funeral park where Civil War Generals, Missouri Governors, and Pony Express Riders are buried. Mr. Speaker, it may please the House to know that Mount Mora's designer helped craft the plan for the Washington Monument here in our nation's capital. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Rall Bradley III, for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.