Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jared Saleski, son of Paul and Elizabeth Saleski, a fine young man who has exemplified the optimum qualities of citizenship and leadership by actively participating in the Boy Scouts of America and earning the most prestigious award, the Eagle Scout. He is scheduled for his Eagle Court of Honor on May 25, 2004. Jared has been very active with his troop from the age of six, participating in many Scout activities. In that time, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader, Den Chief, Troop Guide, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. He progressed through the rank of Tenderfoot Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life. Jared has earned forty-one merit badges in his career with the Boy Scouts. Besides these achievements, he has earned the religious emblems presented from the Catholic Church of Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius VI. Jared is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, Chapter Seven and a Fire-Starter member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He has attended camp at Camp Naish and six sessions at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, Missouri, as well as a Packard High Adventure Camp in Salida, Colorado. Jared's Eagle Scout Project was to construct a concrete driving slab for the barn at the Immacolata Manor Home for women in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jared Paul Saleski 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 Nathaniel Stitt, 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 333, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nathaniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities and earning numerous merit badges. He has held such leadership positions as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Nathaniel has also been on staff at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for the past four years. For his Eagle Scout project, Nathaniel built drying racks for the Volunteer Fire Department at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathaniel Stitt 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 Seth Thomas Johnsen, 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 135, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brian has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 4 years Brian has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 26 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol and Senior Patrol Leader, 4-year camper at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, and as a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O- Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Tommy organized the Scouts and Leaders into teams for the purpose of cleaning and painting fire hydrants in the City of Kearney to the color of safety yellow. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Seth Thomas Johnsen 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 Eric G. Anderson, 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 1024, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities and earning a number of merit badges. For his Eagle Scout project, Eric built a one-hundred fifty-foot vinyl fence at the Earnest Shepard Center in Liberty, Missouri. Eric will be graduating from Liberty High School this month and will begin his college career next fall at the Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Eric G. Anderson 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 Myers, 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 320, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Justin has been very active with his troop by participating in many Scout activities, earning numerous merit badges, and serving in a variety of leadership positions. He has held such positions as Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader, as well as Troup Guide. Justin has attended camp at Saukenauk Scout Reservation as well as Camp Maumee and Polar Bear Camp. He has also attended a High Adventure in Elk Horn, Colorado and a National High Adventure in the Northern Tier Bissett. Justin's dedication is quite impressive as he has been a member of four separate Councils through his career in the Scouts. For his Eagle Scout project, Justin organized the materials for him and his fellow Scouts to construct a safe and enjoyable playground area for the children of the Clay County Christian Church. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Justin Myers 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 Eric Adlard, son of Mark and Laura Adlard, 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 846, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in numerous scout activities. Over the years Eric has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Troop Historian, Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Eric holds such special scouting honors as Arrow of Light, Faith in God, On My Honor, Order of the Arrow, Foxman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and World Conservation Award. Eric holds twenty-six merit badges. For his Eagle Scout project, Eric built three concrete pads for the baseball bleachers at Cecil Baker Memorial Field in Buckner, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Eric Damon Adlard 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 James Parker Southworth, 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 135, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. James has been very active with his troop for the past seven years, participating in numerous Scout activities. Over the years James has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions such as Patrol and Senior Patrol Leader, five-year camper at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, and Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He has also earned thirty Merit Badges. For his Eagle Scout project, James organized a project to teach tree pruning techniques to other Scouts and Leaders and then pruned the trees around the four mile walking trail in Kearney, Missouri. James will be serving the United States of America by enlisting in the Marine Corps and will be leaving by the end of this month for his induction. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Parker Southworth 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 Ms. Brittany Sanders of Kansas City, Missouri. Ms. Sanders has been named one of the two top youth volunteers in Missouri for 2004 in the ninth annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. This is an extraordinary honor; more than 20,000 young people across the country were considered for recognition this year. The Prudential Spirit of Community Award was designed to emphasize the importance our Nation places on service to others, and to encourage young Americans of all backgrounds to contribute to their communities. Brittany was nominated by St. Charles. Borromeo Parish School in Oakview, Missouri. As a seventh grader at St. Charles Borromeo Parish School, she organized a youth service club in honor of her best friend who died from brain cancer. Brittany began with small projects on her own, donating her birthday and Christmas gifts to sick children, cleaning up her block, collecting canned goods for a food pantry, and volunteering. ``Kristin's Kids Club'' has grown from 10 to 400 members, and has undertaken a wide range of community service projects. Brittany developed a newsletter and Web site to support the club's activities, and is now spending a lot of time and effort starting similar groups in other cities and States. She has raised thousands of dollars for a variety of causes, such as the poor children of Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending this exemplary young lady for her dedication to community. Brittany is an outstanding role model and an exceptionally fine asset to the Sixth District of Missouri. I am proud of her and wish her well in any future endeavor she chooses.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the members of the Clay/Platte Development Corporation who are meeting today to celebrate the past years' successes. They represent the kind of community leadership that is necessary for strong and thriving communities. Established in 1982, in conjunction with the Clay County EDC, its mission is to provide economic development assistance to businesses in Platte and Clay counties. By proactively seeking businesses and providing them with much needed capital, the Clay/Platte Development Corporation is a cornerstone for business growth in the Northland. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending both the past and present members of the Clay/Platte Development Corporation. Their contributions to the people of Missouri's Sixth District are important and commendable.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Randall G. Hobbs, Senior Auditor for the United States Department of Agriculture, the Great Plains Region, in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Hobbs has been responsible to the Inspector General for development of policies and for providing leadership, supervision, and coordination of audit activities relating to the Department's programs and operations. The Regional Inspector General for Audit plans, directs, and supervises the performance of all auditing activities. Senior Auditor Hobbs has played a major role in all of these activities. Mr. Hobbs began Federal service with the Internal Revenue Service in January 1979. He then accepted a position as a regulatory auditor with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in March 1979 and worked there until September 1983. In April 1984, Randall Hobbs began his career with OIG as an auditor in the Great Plains Region in Kansas City, Missouri. During his career, he was recognized for using advanced audit techniques, pioneering efforts in controls over automated systems, and in leading audits in various USDA agencies. Mr. Hobbs, who became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Missouri in 1984, was invaluable as OIG began to become heavily involved in financial statement audits in the early 1990s. Mr. Hobbs worked on financial statements audits of the Farmer's Home Administration (now part of Rural Development). Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Mr. Hobbs for his outstanding career and wishing him well in retirement.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The amendment requires that vehicles be covered, still be covered by the State-established minimum insurance levels for vicarious liability. The bottom line is, if we limit vicarious liabilities, they are still going to be covered by the minimum standard. There is never going to be an instance where the vehicle goes out there and is not insured. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I had several and, unfortunately, due to the speed in which amendments were moving this morning, we are not going to get to all of them. We have the House majority whip, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt) who wanted to speak on this, and also the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns). Mr. Chairman, this amendment I think makes sense. It is a consumer amendment. It is going to save consumers $100 million annually. The fact that a company can be liable simply because they own the vehicle even though they were not involved I think is ridiculous. The bottom line is that this is still going to require that vehicles be covered by the State-established minimum levels for insurance. There is never going to be a situation where a vehicle goes out there or someone goes out there that there is not a lease to State minimum standard. That is still going to be in place. What this simply says, there is unlimited liability in this situation where we have a vicarious liability law in a State. We are trying to put together some sort of a national standard. I think it makes sense. I think it is good for the consumer, and it is going to make a big difference. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I am here today to correct an inequity as I see it 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 liability without fault, on companies simply because they own a vehicle involved in an accident. Whether or not the vehicle is at fault is irrelevant. These vicarious liability lawsuits cost consumers nationwide over $100 million annually. These laws apply to 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 from these laws and then 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 that the provisioning 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. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher), the amendment cosponsor.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Justin Bearden, 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 65, 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 9 years Justin has been involved with scouting, he has earned 28 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, and troop guide. Justin has also been inducted into the Order of the Arrow as an Ordeal member. Justin's Eagle Scout project was the restoration of the exterior of the Patterson Assembly of God Parsonage. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Justin Bearden 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 Bethany Smith, a very dedicated and enthusiastic member of my Washington, D.C., congressional staff. Bethany has served my office for 7 months, as well as serving as a staffer and intern for Congressman Pete Sessions. As our office scheduler, she has established a passion for working on the Hill. Bethany holds dear the people she has worked with as a Hill staffer. My office and I greatly value Bethany's hard work and commitment. Constituents have grown to know her attention to detail, knowledge of many issues, and personal touch that should not go unrecognized. Her dedication to the Sixth District of Missouri has shown through over the past few months, which is evident by the appreciation of all she works with. It is unfortunate for countless people that Bethany will be leaving the House of Representatives, as she has left her unique stamp on many. I, as well as my office, wish Bethany the very best in her future career with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bethany Smith for her many important contributions to myself, my staff, all those she has worked with on the Hill, and for all those she has served. She will be missed by many.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Derek Scott King, 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 167, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Derek has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Derek has been involved with scouting, he has earned 33 merit badges and is a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic- O-Say. Derek has also attended the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia and the Junior Leader Training Conference at the Pony Express Council. For his Eagle Scout project, Derek built a new sign for the Alta Vista Baptist Church. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Derek Scott King 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 Joseph William Michael, 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 167, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Joseph has been involved with scouting, he has earned 38 merit badges and is a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He served on Cub Scout Camp staff for 5 years. Joseph has also attended the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia and the Junior Leader Training Conference at the Pony Express Council. For his Eagle Scout project, Joseph built a stadium canopy for the Winston High School baseball field. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph William Michael 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 Kenneth E. Lee, 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 167, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kenneth has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Kenneth has been involved with scouting, he has earned 39 merit badges and is a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He served on Cub Scout Camp staff for 5 years. Kenneth has also attended the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia and the Junior Leader Training Conference at the Pony Express Council. For his Eagle Scout project, Kenneth built a handicap ramp for the Winston United Methodist Church. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kenneth E. Lee 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 have the honor today to recognize the life of Marshall W. Pile, Jr., who passed away on February 3, 2004. As a husband, father, farmer, and public servant, Mr. Pile will be missed by many. A long-time resident of Missouri, Marshall Pile was born on June 13, 1928 in Saline County, Missouri. Marshall was a veteran, serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. On November 10, 1951 he married Mary Frances and they eventually settled in Gentry County, Missouri. They had five children, Jeff, Jan, Anne, Peggy, and Dana, and six grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his daughter Dana and his parents. While Mr. Pile spent much of his time farming, he was also very involved in the local community as well as other organizations. Mr. Pile served the City of Albany as City Alderman and Mayor. He was Presiding Commissioner of Gentry County at the time of his death. Mr. Pile was also active in the Missouri Cattleman's Association, was a past president of the Missouri Association of Counties, and a long-time member of the Albany Rotary Club. Marshall was a good friend to me and to many in the state of Missouri. He was very knowledgeable on issues pertaining to agriculture and county government. I know I relied on his advice and counsel many times. He always had a common sense approach and stood for what was right. I offer my condolences to his wife, Mary, children Jeff, Jan, Anne, and Peggy, and their families. In this time of sorrow, may the thoughts and prayers of friends and family comfort them and may his memory bring them peace.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brian McCalmon, 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 370, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brian has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 12 years Brian has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 34 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, troop guide, den chief, and troop bugler. Brian earned the honor of Brave, Warrior, and Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and served on staff at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. For his Eagle Scout project, Brian planted new pine trees at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church and removed four diseased trees. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brian C. McCalmon 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 have the honor today to recognize the life of Bill L. Kratz, who unexpectedly passed away on January 25, 2004. As a husband, father, Christian, and public servant, Mr. Kratz will be missed by many. A life-long resident of Missouri, Bill Kratz was born on May 12, 1938, in Shelbyville, Missouri. On September 17, 1961, Bill married Patricia Lohman, and they settled in Independence, Missouri. They had two children, Dana and Keith, and eight grandchildren. Mr. Kratz served in the National Guard from 1961 to 1966 and was also employed by General Motors, from which he retired in 1989. After retirement, Mr. Kratz took an active role in the community by serving on the planning commission for the city of Independence since 2000 and assisted in the 2000 census. Mr. Kratz was also active in his church, Messiah Lutheran Church, serving as an elder, chairman of the Adult and Family Board, chairman of the Board of Social Ministry, vice president of the congregation, and president of the congregation. I offer my condolences to his wife, Patricia; children, Dana and Keith; and their families. In this time of sorrow, may the thoughts and prayers of friends and family comfort them and may his memory bring them peace.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kevin Allen Poehler, 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 87, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kevin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the twelve years Kevin has been involved with scouting, he has earned 29 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Quartermaster. Kevin is also a Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Kevin planned and installed a brick driveway entrance and sidewalk for the Cameron Depot Station for the Historical Preservation Society of Cameron, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin Allen Poehler 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 Larry R. Cooper, Assistant Regional Inspector General for the United States Department of Agriculture Great Plains Region. Mr. Cooper has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership and service and is being honored for his 35-year commitment to the USDA and the people of the Great Plains region. Mr. Cooper began his career with the USDA Office of the Inspector General in 1969 as an auditor for the Kansas City office. He was quickly promoted and became Supervisory Auditor in 1976 and Assistant Regional Inspector General for the Great Plains Region in 1987, a position he has dedicated himself to for the past 16 years. In this position, Mr. Cooper planned, directed, and supervised the performance of all auditing activities. During his career with the USDA, Mr. Cooper was recognized for using advanced audit techniques, pioneering efforts in controls over automated systems, and innovatively suing statistical sampling. Mr. Cooper was honored for his performance by both the agency and the President's Council and Efficiency. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career of Larry R. Cooper, who exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service to the United States Department of Agriculture Great Plains Region and the people of the United States of America.