Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brett Agee of Liberty, 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 376, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brett has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years that Brett has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader on two occasions, Librarian, Quartermaster, Chaplain Aide, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Instructor. Brett has earned 31 merit badges, the 12 Month Camper Award, the 100 Nights Camper Award, and the religious award: Ad Altare Dei. Brett is an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow and a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. His Tribal Name is Swift White Tail Buck Standing in Clover. For his Eagle Scout project, Brett led a group of Boy Scouts that built room dividers for use at the Earnest Shepherd Youth Center in Liberty. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Brett Agee 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 Leo E. Fuhr, District Director of the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Leo retired on December 29, 2004 after many years of distinguished service to our district, state, and ration. Leo Fuhr first joined the United States Department of Agriculture in August of 1974. His first assignment was just north of here in Keosauqua, Iowa. After leaving Keosaqua, he moved on to Warrensburg, Missouri and our state has been fortunate to have his services ever since. After completing his tenure in Warrensburg, Leo served in Maryville, St. Joseph, Trenton, and then Brookfield. In March of 1986, Leo became District Director and remained in that position until his retirement on December 29. As a farmer myself, I can tell you that his lifelong dedication to agriculture will be missed by all. I also want to recognize his wonderful family, especially his wife Jeanette, their daughter Brenda, who recently graduated from Truman State University, and their son Brian who is currently serving our nation with the U.S. Army in Iraq. Leo himself is no stranger to military service; from September 1966 until August 1999 Leo served in the National Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Leo E. Fuhr. Mr. Fuhr truly exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service to northwest Missouri, and I am honored to call him one of my constituents. Congratulations on a job well done.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I, proudly pause to recognize Jonathan Klamm of Liberty, MO, 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 376, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jonathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the years that Jonathan has been involved with Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader on five occasions, Quartermaster on four occasions, Den Chief, Troop Guide, and Instructor. Jonathan has earned 32 merit badges, the 12 Month Camper Award, the 100 Nights Camper Award, the World Conservation Award, the BSA 50 Miler, and the Religious Award: the Ad Altare Dei. He is an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow, and a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. His Tribal Name is Curious Golden Squirrel, and his blood brother is Cameron Brenton. Jonathan's Eagle Scout Project consisted of leading a group of Scouts and Scouters to make improvements at the Earnest Shepherd Youth Center in Liberty. In addition to these outstanding achievements, I am also proud to recognize Jonathan's work towards my election to the 109th meeting of this most honorable Congress. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Jonathan Klamm 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, recently, after years of debate over the government run tobacco program, this body ended a system that limited per-acre tobacco sales to protect prices for growers and others holding quotas. As a compromise, we agreed to a buyout that provides tobacco quota holders $7 per pound on their allotment paid out in equal installments over 10 years. These installments are paid out of a Tobacco Trust Fund to quota holders and eligible producers; however, the Tobacco Trust Fund is also designated to pay for program losses incurred by USDA. We must not let bureaucratic red tape shortchange the promise we have made to these quota holders and eligible producers. We have an obligation to ensure that they receive what they have bargained for. There are many questions that need to be resolved. We need to clarify and ensure that USDA will follow the intent of Congress. The agriculture committees in the House and Senate should hold hearings to resolve the following issues before we move forward. Issues that should be addressed include: Whether the buyouts are assignable to other parties; are there restrictions on quota holders selling their shares in the private market if they need their payments now and cannot wait 10 years; and what safeguards are in place to assure that these allotments are paid out over the next 10 years? The projected estimates for this program are $10.1 billion over 10 years, with the program fully offset by funds from the Tobacco Trust Fund. We have made a promise to these holders and producers, and we must not let misguided direction reduce that promise.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Donald Sherman of Independence, 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 82, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Donald has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Donald 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 Donald Sherman 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 Justin Reynolds of Independence, 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 82, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Justin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Justin 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 Justin Reynolds 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 Kyle Marcolla, 2004 graduate of Chillicothe High School. Kyle accepted a golf scholarship at the University of Missouri--Columbia where he is currently a member of the Men's Golf Team. Kyle is an outstanding golfer, and I know the University of Missouri is excited about his commitment to the fine golf program in Columbia. I also suspect that Chillicothe High School's Golf Coach John Musser wishes that Kyle could remain on his team for many more years, as he has proven time and again that he belongs to an elite class of high school golfers. Kyle was named a Midland Empire All Conference golfer in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004: his entire career at Chillicothe High School. He was a 3A State Qualifier in 2001, District Champion in 2002 and 2004, and 3A All State Top 15 in 2002, 2003, and 2004. In 2003, Kyle won a grueling competition to become Missouri State Champion. The St. Joseph News-Press named him Golfer of the Year in 2003 and 2004. In addition to these accolades, Kyle is the holder of several state golfing records. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Kyle Marcolla and wishing him continued success. Kyle is a great role model for aspiring golfers in our state, and I am proud to serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Earley, 2004 graduate of Chillicothe High School. This year Christopher completed a distinguished career as a wrestler at Chillicothe High School, under the tutelage of coaches Dave Kinnen and Ken Stull. Christopher was named to the All District Wrestling Team in 2003, and a State Wrestling Qualifier in 2003 and 2004. During his senior season Christopher enjoyed a great deal of success, as he won the Coach's Award, was named to the Midland Empire All-Conference, and won the District Wrestling Championship. Christopher was also a four- year letterman in wrestling. His academic achievements are equally impressive, as he was the recipient of four consecutive academic letters at Chillicothe High School as well. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Christopher Earley and wishing him continued success. Christopher is a great role model for student-athletes in our state, and I am proud to serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lukas Johnson, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Lukas has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Lukas 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 Lukas Johnson 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 Nathan Olson, 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 214 and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities and earning 30 merit badges. Nathan is an Ordeal member in the Order of the Arrow Camping Honorary and is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Nathan supervised the pouring of a concrete slab foundation for the bleachers at St. James Catholic Church baseball field. In addition, he supervised the pouring of two additional slabs for players and coaches to stand behind the backstop. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Olson 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 Ann Schlueter, a dedicated member of my congressional staff who will be leaving my office on November 30, 2004. Her work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to Missouri's Sixth Congressional District will be sadly missed. I consider myself fortunate though, because Ann will soon start a new career as Atchison County Economic Developer, which means that my home county will continue to benefit from her expertise and commitment to service. Ann has been affiliated with my office for over three years now, and has held just about every position available. She began her service as an intern in my Liberty, Missouri district office in 2001, and since then has held the positions of caseworker, scheduler, and field representative among others. In January of 2003, she began working in my Saint Joseph, Missouri district office and I know her colleagues there will miss her just as much as I will. While she excelled at every task, in my mind the highlight of Ann's tenure on my staff was her organization of the Tarkio Fly-In on June 5, 2004. Ann has also excelled outside of the office. She is a graduate of Tarkio High School and the University of Missouri--Columbia. Ann and her husband Matt currently reside in my hometown of Tarkio with their son Aaron, who was born in 2003. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ann Schlueter for her many important contributions to myself, my staff, and Missouri's Sixth Congressional District. Ann exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service and I am extremely proud of her accomplishments. While she is leaving my congressional staff, I am proud that I will still be able to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nicholas John Ropchock of Blue Springs, 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 603, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nicholas 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 Nicholas John Ropchock 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 today to recognize two outstanding constituents of Missouri's Sixth Congressional District: Jeff and Rachel Lance. Jeff and Rachel will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on December 1, 2004. Jeff and Rachel first met in the spring of 1979, when Rachel was working in a grocery store bakery that Jeff frequented. They soon fell in love, and were married December 1, 1979. On May 11, 1983 the Lance family grew as Jeff and Rachel welcomed their son Joshua into the family. Their daughter Kristen followed to complete the family on July 28, 1989. Today, Joshua is a senior at the University of Missouri- Kansas City and will graduate with a business degree next year and Kristen is a sophomore at Liberty High School. The Lance family has regularly attended Pleasant Valley Baptist Church since the early 1990s, and I know Joshua and Kristen feel fortunate to be raised in a Christian home by such fine parents. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Jeff and Rachel Lance on their 25th wedding anniversary. Jeff and Rachel truly exemplify the qualities of commitment and dedication, and I am honored to call them my constituents and represent them in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Eric Shupe of Independence, 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 82, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Eric 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 Eric Shupe 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, on Saturday, November 20, 2004, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 541 and 542. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 541, H.R. 5382, the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 542, H.R. 4818, the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brad Knipp of Blue Springs, 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, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brad has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brad 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 Brad Knipp 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 Geoffrey Kudlacz, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Geoffrey has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Geoffrey 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 Geoffrey Kudlacz 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 Spencer Cope, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Spencer has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Spencer 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 Spencer Cope 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 Jeffrey William Haynes of Kearney, 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 397, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jeff has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the nine years Jeff has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Scribe, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Jeff attended H. Roe Bartle each year since becoming a member of Troop 397, and is a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Order of the Arrow, and Brotherhood. For his Eagle Scout project, Jeff disassembled and removed the old playground equipment in Lion's Park in Kearney; and then assembled and installed new playground equipment. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeffrey William Haynes 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 Nicholas W. Kreeger of Kearney, 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 397, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nick has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the thirteen years Nick has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Den Chief, Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Nick attended H. Roe Bartle Camp for five years, becoming a member of the Tribe of Mic-O- Say. He was elected to the Order of the Arrow in 1997, Ordeal in 1997, and Brotherhood in 1998. For his Eagle Scout project, Nick rebuilt a sidewalk at the daycare of the First Christian Church in Kearney. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nicholas W. Kreeger 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 Alex Stamos of Blue Springs, 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 138, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alex 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 Alex Stamos 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, on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes No. 532 and No. 533. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 532, H.R. 1417, the Copyright Royalty and Distribution Reform Act; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 533, a bill to improve access to physicians in medically underserved areas.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Soendker of Blue Springs, MO, 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 138, and in 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 the respect of his family, peers, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Soendker 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 Dr. Dan Colgan, Saint Joseph School District Superintendent of Schools. Last Friday, October 8, 2004, Dr. Colgan received the Russell C. Hill Award at the 2004 Learning for Life Conference in Florida. The Russell C. Hill Award is the highest recognition for individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to character education at the local, State, or national level. The award itself is named after Russell Clinton Hill, a Texas businessman who dedicated himself to the cause of character education. Learning for Life supports schools and other youth-oriented organizations that strive to prepare young people to take on the complex issues that face our society and nation today. Learning for Life is such a successful program, because it encourages self- confidence, motivation, self-worth, and other positive personal values. A big part of the program's success in the Saint Joseph area is due to the participation of Dr. Colgan and his colleagues on the Pony Express Council of the Boy Scouts of America, a dedicated group of citizens committed to the principles of character development. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dr. Dan Colgan, recipient of the Russell C. Hill Award. Dr. Colgan truly exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service to northwest Missouri, and I am honored to call him one of my constituents.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alexander Coble Kreeger of Kearney, 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 397, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 10 years Alex has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Den Chief, Patrol Leader, Bugler, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Alex attended H. Roe Bartle Camp for 6 years, becoming a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was elected to the Order of the Arrow in 2000, Ordeal in 2000, and Brotherhood in 2001. For his Eagle Scout project, Alex cleaned and repaired the Lion's Club garage in Kearney. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander Coble Kreeger for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.