Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Michael Kinchelo, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Royal Rangers of Northern Missouri and in earning the most prestigious award, the Gold Medal of Achievement. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the eleven years Michael has been involved with the Rangers, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Guide and Senior Patrol Guide. He also was involved in Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Kinchelo for his accomplishments with the Royal Rangers and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Gold Medal of Achievement.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Fish, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Royal Rangers of Northern Missouri and in earning the most prestigious award, the Gold Medal of Achievement. Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 10 years Matthew has been involved with the Rangers, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Guide and Senior Patrol Guide. He also was involved in Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship, Fine Arts Youth Department, and elected as National Scout. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Fish for his accomplishments with the Royal Rangers and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Gold Medal of Achievement.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of President Bush, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and our country's efforts to bring peace and stability to Iraq. I also rise in support of the Pence amendment. This amendment would ensure that we will recoup some of our investment as we work to stabilize Iraq's future. We supplied our troops with the tools they needed to free Iraq from the Hussein regime. Now we must supply our troops with the tools they need to complete the Iraqi reconstruction and return home. Iraq is in the middle of an international terrorism hotbed. If we fail to support our troops and their efforts, Iraq may regress, and the sacrifice would be for naught. I cannot, and will not, let this happen. Our troops have fought too hard to liberate Iraq. Just as our troops make sacrifices for a successful Iraqi government and secure Iraqi economy so must we, the American taxpayers, make a financial sacrifice to invest in the future of a free Iraq. A stable Iraq strengthens the safety of our own homeland, and this security is worth the price. This investment is an investment in the future of democracy.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Michael Richards, 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 412, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 9 years Michael has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Troop- Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, librarian, and Troop Guide. Michael is also a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow where he is a Brotherhood member. For his Eagle Scout project, Michael built picnic tables and hitching posts for two rest areas on the horse and hiking trail around Smithville Lake. His project will be enjoyed by many visitors and horseback riders. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Richards 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 Grant Stanley, 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 354, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Grant has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the nine years Grant has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Troop- Patrol Leader, Bugler, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Troop Guide. Grant is also a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-o-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Grant built a practice pitching mound at the A.J. Wilson Sports Complex in Kansas City North. This involved negotiations with the head of the sports complex, obtaining donations of materials from several sources, drawing up the plans, materials list, project plan, soliciting leaders and boys to help, and supervising the construction. This mound will be used by many baseball teams during practices and games. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Grant Stanley 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 rise today to urge the Small Business Committee to continue working to restore the eligibility for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants to venture backed biotechnology start-up companies. Under the SBIR program, a specific percentage of all Federal research and development grant monies are reserved for small business applicants. These funds provide critical ``seed'' money to new business innovators. However, recent changes in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) interpretation of eligibility standards for SBIR grants now disqualify many start-up biotechnology companies with venture capital backing. Specifically, SBA regulations require that, in order to be eligible for a grant, a small company must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals. Recently, the SBA has interpreted ``individuals'' to mean only natural persons, resulting in the disqualification of companies with venture capital backing from the SBIR program. Home to a burgeoning biotech industry, Missouri relies on the SBIR program to fund early-stage companies. In addition, venture capital plays a vital role in the financial support of the very companies the SBIR program has been designed to benefit. However, this interpretation will prevent the most innovative small biotech companies in Missouri from participating in SBIR grant programs, resulting in an adverse impact on the industry as well as the economy. Clearly, this new interpretation threatens an important funding source for Missouri's start-up biotech companies. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I urge the Small Business Committee to restore the eligibility for SBIR grants to venture backed biotechnology start-up companies so Missourians can take the first steps in this new century to secure a sustainable and beneficial future in the biotechnology industry.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to speak in support of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban. I support this legislation because I support life. I believe that life begins at conception and I will continue fighting to protect our unborn children. Partial birth abortions are wrong. Under Federal law ``live birth'' occurs when a baby is expelled from the mother. During a partial birth abortion the baby is pulled out feet first until the head is the only part in the mother's body, then the baby is brutally murdered. Most partial birth abortions occur in the second trimester, when the child will actually gasp for air when removed from their mother. As a father of three I support all pro-life measures. I understand how precious and beautiful life is, and I am dedicated to protect life at all stages of development. All children should be welcomed in life and protected by law, and as long as I am in a position to fight, I will continue to fight for life.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jared Kutz, a dedicated, loyal, funny, out-going and important member of my Liberty district office. Jared has served in both my St. Joseph and Liberty offices for the last two years. As a constituent liaison he visited the northernmost counties of my district. His work keeping in touch with the people and the concerns of the sixth district was invaluable to me and my office. Jared's easygoing style will be missed by my staff and all sixth district constituents who came in contact with him. Never in his tenure did he have a bad word to say about anyone. His outgoing and down to earth style ensured that he was never among strangers. He represents the very best of what a congressional staffer should be. I know Jared very well from our many trips across the district together. He has worked long hours and sacrificed many of his own priorities to help do the work of the people of the sixth district. I am proud and grateful of the work he did and will miss him dearly. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jared Kutz for his many important contributions to me, Missouri's sixth district and the United States House of Representatives. I also ask that you join me in extending to him our very best wishes for continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kimberly Sue Athie, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership. She has been honored with the award of distinction as the first prize winner in the 2003 Nathan Burkan Memorial Competition for her paper ``Open Source Software Licenses: Tomorrow's Future? Are They Going to be Enforceable in Court?'' The competition is conducted to enhance interest in the impartial study and analysis of copyright and related laws and is sponsored by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Kimberly graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in May 2003, and received her undergraduate degree from Truman State University. While attending law school, Kimberly established herself as a well-rounded student by serving as a Westlaw Student Representative, Editorial Associate for Urban Lawyer, Academic Enrichment Teaching Assistant, was a member of Phi Alpha Delta, and by making the Dean's List. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kimberly Sue Athie for her many achievements and in wishing her the best of luck in her future.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jesse D. McCall, Jr., 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 692, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jesse has been very active with scouting, participating in many troop activities since starting in Boy Scouts in second grade. Jesse has earned 34 merit badges, and served as a scribe, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, tribesman, and a brave in the tribe of mic-o-say. He has also been involved in other activities, including student senate, youth group, sports, and band. For his Eagle Scout project, Jesse painted 331 yellow striped lines and 8 handicap spaces for St. John La Lande Church parking lot. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jesse D. McCall, Jr. 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 Daniel Raymond Klco, 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 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Daniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 13 years Daniel has been involved with Scouting, he has attended several camps, including Rota-Kiwan, Gerber, and D-BaR-A. Additionally, Daniel has held numerous leadership positions, serving as instructor, senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, scribe, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, and formed the position of webmaster. At the 2001 National Jamboree, he was appointed to the position of patrol leader and created the website for the Gerald R. Ford Council's Jamboree Expedition. For his Eagle Scout project, Daniel designed and built two handicap access ramps for the shower house at Camp Shawnee, a Campfire USA Camp. These ramps will allow the camp to better facilitate disabled campers and allow the camp to become handicap certified through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel Raymond Klco 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 Daniel Tyler Griffen, 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 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Daniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 10 years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 31 merit badges. Additionally, Daniel has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as Den Chief and Troop Guide. Daniel also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Arrow of Light Award and Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-o-say. For his Eagle Scout project, Daniel led a group of teens and adults in the cataloguing of about 300 graves in the Little Shoal Cemetery. The catalogue was then donated to the Clay County Archives for the use by the general public. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel Tyler Griffen 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, September 4, 2003, I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, and 468. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 463, ``yea'' on No. 464, ``yea'' on No. 465, ``nay'' on No. 466, ``nay'' on No. 467, and ``nay'' on No. 468.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mr. James Riley Titus Bond, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Titus is a recent graduate of Rockhurst High School and will be continuing his education at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He has distinguished himself as an intern in my campaign office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Through this internship, Titus has had the opportunity to observe firsthand the inner workings of National Government and campaign organization and has gained valuable insight into the process by which campaigns are run. During his time as an intern in my office, Titus has successfully demonstrated his abilities in the performance of such duties as planning events, assisting in Lincoln Days, and assuming various other responsibilities to make the office run as smoothly as possible. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mr. James Riley Titus Bond for his many important contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives during the current session, as well as joining with me to extend to him our very best wishes for continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Megan Lefevour, a very dedicated and enthusiastic member of my Washington D.C. Congressional Staff. Meg has served my office for nearly two years, as well as serving as an intern for the Speaker of the House Hastert. As a Staff Assistant, Systems Administrator, Legislative Correspondent, and Legislative Assistant, she has established a passion for working on the Hill. Meg holds dear the people she has worked with in her many roles as a Hill staffer. I, and others, greatly value Meg'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 two years, which is evident by the appreciation of all she works with. It is unfortunate for countless people that Meg will be leaving the Hill, as she has left her unique stamp on many. I, as well as my office, wish Meg the very best in her future career with education and wish her and Chris all the happiness in their life together. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Megan Lefevour 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 Ms. Stephanie McCray, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Stephanie is a senior public policy studies major and economics and religion minor at Duke University and has distinguished herself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th district of Missouri. Stephanie joined my staff for the 108th Congress as part of the House of Representatives intern program at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., a program designed to involve students in the legislative process through active participation. Through this program, Stephanie has had the opportunity to observe firsthand the inner workings of national government and has gained valuable insight into the process by which laws are made. During her time as an intern in my office, Stephanie has successfully demonstrated her abilities in the performance of such duties as conducting research, helping with constituent services, and assuming various other responsibilities to make the office run as smoothly as possible. Stephanie has earned recognition as a valuable asset to the entire U.S. House of Representatives and my office through the application of her knowledge and skills acquired prior to her tenure as an intern and through a variety of new skills she has acquired while serving the people of missouri and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ms. Stephanie McCray for her many important contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives during the current session, as well as joining with me to extend to her our very best wishes for continued success and happiness in all her future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mr. Houston Wales, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Houston will be a freshman in the fall at the University of Missouri- Columbia and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Houston joined my staff for the 108th Congress as part of the House of Representatives intern program at the United States Capitol In Washington, D.C., a program designed to involve students in the legislative process through active participation. Through this program, Houston has had the opportunity to observe firsthand the inner workings of national government and has gained valuable insight into the process by which laws are made. During his time as an intern in my office, Houston has successfully demonstrated his abilities in the performance of such duties as conducting research, helping with constituent services, and assuming various other responsibilities to make the office run as smoothly as possible. Houston has earned recognition as a valuable asset to the entire U.S. House of Representatives and my office through the application of his knowledge and skills acquired prior to his tenure as an intern and through a variety of new skills he has acquired while serving the people of Missouri and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mr. Houston Wales for his many important contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives during the current session, as well as joining with me to extend to him our very best wishes for continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ms. Sarah Rice, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Sarah is a senior political science major at Northwest Missouri State University and has distinguished herself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Sarah joined my staff for the 108th Congress as part of the House of Representatives intern program at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, a program designed to involve students in the legislative process through active participation. Through this program, Sarah has had the opportunity to observe firsthand the inner workings of national government and has gained valuable insight into the process by which laws are made. During her time as an intern in my office, Sarah has successfully demonstrated her abilities in the performance of such duties as conducting research, helping with constituent services, and assuming various other responsibilities to make the office run as smoothly as possible. Sarah has earned recognition as a valuable asset to the entire U.S. House of Representatives and my office through the application of her knowledge and skills acquired prior to her tenure as an intern and through a variety of new skills she has acquired while serving the people of Missouri and our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ms. Sarah Rice for her many important contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives during the current session, as well as joining with me to extend to her our very best wishes for continued success and happiness in all her future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 426 I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Hefley

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise in strong support of the King amendment. This is a very timely amendment as I held a small business hearing today in my subcommittee dealing with the Endangered Species Act and the problems arising from it. When found in a recent court ruling, once again that ruling pushes common sense aside in favor of alleged endangered species headed toward extinction, and I refuse to sit by and watch judges like those who wish to ban God from our Pledge of Allegiance push farmers and small businesses around. If we do nothing, we are soon going to be adding the American farmer to the list of endangered species. This amendment inserts common sense where it is needed. Our courts act recklessly when they continue to place the concerns of animals and plants ahead of farmers and small businesses. I am taking the battle for common sense directly to the Endangered Species Act, and I welcome the gentleman from Iowa's (Mr. King) efforts to put common sense into the management of the Missouri River.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the life of Deputy Daniel James Percival. His life, though tragically cut short, was enriched by numerous accomplishments in his career, and a loving, caring family. Daniel served the Elbert County Sheriff's Department with dignity and passion. He was a big guy, towering over most at 6'8'' tall with size 18 shoes and was fondly referred to as the ``gentle giant.'' He was recruited for a career with the NFL, however Daniel wanted a career where he could serve and protect people and this is a true testament to the type of person that he was. On October 31, 1996, Daniel was shot and killed in the line of duty, at the young age of 21. Daniel is survived by his loving parents, James and Sharon, and his sister Erin. It is my hopes that his family will always remember how passionate he was about his job and how diligently he served the people of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you help me in recognizing and remembering Deputy Daniel James Percival, his accomplished career, and the remarkable family he leaves behind. God bless them.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the Chamber about the critical need to attract qualified teachers to the education profession. Over the next decade, a large percentage of teachers will retire, depriving our schools and our children of the knowledge and leadership gained through years of experience. This problem affects both urban and rural schools, but especially high-needs schools with large numbers of children below the poverty level. Teachers are saddled with the responsibility of educating our children in their classroom studies, teaching morals and values, and making them productive members of society. Our teachers are instrumental in influencing our children's development, and yet there is little acknowledgment or reward for this responsibility they carry. As the husband of a kindergarten teacher and the father of three, I understand that a teacher who remains in the classroom and has a passion for teaching is a great benefit to our children. We need to find ways to attract young professionals to teaching careers by offering incentives to keep them in the teaching profession and develop them into talented educators. H.R. 438 encourages those going into the teaching profession to stay in a career they are passionate about while affording them the financial ability to do so. Teachers are the foundation of our children's education and development, and, therefore, it is necessary to invest in the well- being of their careers. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 438.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mr. Michael Urban, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Michael is a junior political science major at the University of Missouri-Columbia and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Michael joined my staff for the 108th congress as part of the House of Representatives intern program at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., a program designed to involve students in the legislative process through active participation. Through this program, Michael has had the opportunity to observe firsthand the inner workings of national government and has gained valuable insight into the process by which laws are made. During his time as an intern in my office, Michael has successfully demonstrated his abilities in the performance of such duties as conducting research, helping with constituent services, and assuming various other responsibilities to make the office run as smoothly as possible. Michael has earned recognition as a valuable asset to the entire U.S. House of Representatives and my office through the application of his knowledge and skills acquired prior to his tenure as an intern and through a variety of new skills he has acquired while serving the people of Missouri and our nation. I would also like to commend his interviewing skills and his solo singing rendition of happy birthday for other staffers. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mr. Michael Urban for his many important contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives during the current session, as well as joining with me to extend to him our very best wishes for continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge the impeccable motor carrier safety record of Mr. R.G. Morris of Blue Springs, Missouri. Mr. Morris is a professional motor carrier operator for Yellow Transportation. According to the most recent information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large trucks drove 7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. In motor vehicle crashes, large trucks represented 9 percent of vehicles in fatal crashes, 3 percent of vehicles in injury crashes, and 5 percent of vehicles in property- damage-only crashes. Mr. Morris reached a safety milestone when he recently surpassed one million miles driven without a preventable accident. This outstanding achievement, obtained by few drivers, demonstrates Mr. Morris' commitment to safety. To put this accomplishment in perspective, the average car driver would have to travel around the world forty times to equal this milestone. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. R.G. Morris for reaching this noteworthy milestone. I am proud to have a constituent as dedicated to highway safety as he is, and I wish him continued safe driving in the future.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Samuel Welsh 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Sam has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities such as the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for six years. Over the six years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 29 merit badges. Additionally, Sam has held numerous leadership positions in his troop and has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-o- Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Sam organized a project to clean and paint fire hydrants in Kearney, Missouri. He painted them bright yellow to improve appearance and most importantly, so they could be easily seen in a time of emergency. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Samuel Welsh Johnsen for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.