Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andy and Dana Kapp, two hard-working constituents from my district. Mr. and Mrs. Kapp are State winners of the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. This prestigious award is to honor those young farmers who are facing many challenges as they begin their career in agriculture. A native of Clarksdale, Missouri, Mr. Kapp graduated with a degree in agriculture from the University of Missouri in 1990. Andy started farming full-time three years later. The Kapps are fourth generation family farmers and have more than 2,000 acres of row crops. Mrs. Kapp works hard to serve the people as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Dana is also involved in several community activities. As a former recipient of the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmer Award, I understand the importance of having young men and women return to the farm to carry on the family tradition. It is the dedication and commitment these young farmers have to pursue the dream of our ancestors, and to carry that dream forward into the next century of agriculture development. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask that you join me in commending Andy and Dana Kapp for their outstanding leadership and contribution to the agriculture community, as well as extending to them our very best wishes for continued success.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements of 21 Northwest Missouri School Districts that have received the State's Distinction in Performance Award. The Distinction in Performance Award is designed to be an incentive for School Districts to focus on improving academic achievement. The criteria for the award, established by the State Board of Education, requires that the School Districts meet certain performance standards in the Missouri Assessment Program test scores, ACT test scores, attendance and dropout rates, and other academic performance records. Of the 524 Public School Districts in the State of Missouri, 157 were given accolades for their achievements in 2002. Twenty-one School Districts in the 6th District were honored with this distinctive award and are as follows: Avenue City School District, Chillicothe School District, Cowgill School District, Gallatin School District, Grundy County School District, Jefferson School District, Lathrop School District, Mound City School District, Mid-Buchanan School District, Nodaway-Holt School District, North Platte School District, Pattonsburg School District, Platte County School District, Rock Port School District, Savannah School District, South Harrison School District, Stanberry School District, Tri-County School District, West Platte County School District, Winston School District, and Worth County School District. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring these exceptional School Districts for their dedications to and achievement in educating the children of the 6th District.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I want to urge my colleagues to focus on returning more Americans to work. Although our economy continues to grow, I believe we should accelerate the economic recovery to help get more Americans back to work as soon as possible by focusing on two priorities, tax relief designed to get Americans working again and frivolous lawsuit reform. High taxes continue to be a burden on American families. Now is the time to accelerate the tax relief we passed last Congress, provide incentives to businesses to invest in new workers, and provide fair investor tax relief to boost our economic recovery. We also look for fairness in the legal system. Frivolous lawsuits not only clog our court systems, but they cause higher prices for consumers and threaten robust job creation. As a result, too many businesses, especially small businesses, are investing too much money and paying excessive and frivolous punitive damages and not enough money invested in health care benefits for workers and new job creation. We must protect the rights of individuals who have been wronged, but we should not permit frivolous lawsuits at the expense of the American worker and consumer. Frivolous lawsuit reform and tax relief are the key to healthy economic recovery and job creation. The sooner we act, the faster we can begin to get Americans back to work.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 470, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues and the Congressional Fire Services Institute to honor a fallen hero Travis L. Brown, on June 6th, 2001, Mr. Brown made the ultimate sacrifice in service for the Dearborn Fire Department and surrounding communities. Mr. Brown had a soft spot for helping people, which was evident in his career as a nurse and volunteer firefighter. During his memorial service more than two hundred firefighters, EMT personnel and members of police departments from Kansas and Missouri came in support of a fallen brother. Many kind words were shared at Mr. Brown's memorial; one colleague best described him as ``...just a great guy, a very caring man.'' Mr. Brown's contributions will be missed dearly, as he is an irreplaceable member of the community. Mr. Brown was just doing his job as thousands of volunteer firefighters do everyday, sacrificing his life for the overall benefit of the community. It is he and the thousands in his field that we thank and appreciate tremendously. Travis L. Brown leaves behind a wife Tammy and five children Amanda, Alissa, April, Roth, and James who will all truly miss this fallen hero. Our condolences go out to their family as we again remember his dedication to his community and his family. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing a true American hero, Travis L. Brown.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Joint Resolution 114, authorization of use of force against Iraq. After the attacks of September 11, Congress reaffirmed our commitment to keep the American people safe from international threats. That commitment faces its first true test as we debate this resolution. We are faced with clear evidence of a threat against the security of the American people. We have several options to deal with this threat. This resolution will provide all necessary options to the President for protecting the security interests of the American people. By giving the President the needed flexibility, Iraq and the rest of the world will know that we are prepared to enforce our demands for disarmament with the use of force. By giving the President this flexibility, the American people can be fully defended from the threat Iraq poses to our national security. It is clear that Saddam Hussein constitutes a grave threat to the security of the United States through his motives, history, technological capabilities and his support for international terrorism. Saddam Hussein is a ruthless dictator who has sworn eternal hostility to the United States. There is evidence that this same dictator has financed and supported international terrorism, including harboring members of al Qaeda. Despite agreeing to fully disarm by ridding itself of weapons of mass destruction, Iraq has worked to actually enhance its weapons program, increasing its stockpiles of biological and chemical weapons and working to build nuclear weapons. Saddam Hussein has used weapons of mass destruction against his neighbors and his own people. He has attempted assassinations of foreign leaders, including an American president. Alone, these facts are very troubling. Together, they present a clear and present danger to the national security of the United States. Saddam Hussein has the motive, has the capabilities and the absence of humanity that is all too clear. Ignoring this evidence would be abandoning our duty to the security of the American people. Now we are faced with this question: How do we deal with this threat? The answer is to leave all options at the President's disposal on the table, including military options. Like everyone in this Chamber, I sincerely hope and pray it will never come to that. Nevertheless, I believe the evidence justifies the President to act in the interests of our national security. This resolution gives the President the necessary authority to deal with this threat.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud sponsor of House Resolution 549, a resolution thanking Prime Minister Tony Blair and the British people for their support in this war on terrorism. Throughout the 20th century, the United States and Great Britain have worked to ensure greater freedom throughout the world. From the victories of World War I and World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Berlin wall, the United States and Great Britain have stood shoulder-to-shoulder against evil and oppression. In times of war and in times of peace, the British and the American people have a special bond that is unique among modern nations. Now the world is engulfed in yet another battle against those who seek to terrorize free people. While the face of evil has changed over the past 100 years, our alliance with the British has grown stronger. Through a military alliance that has spanned both a great ocean and decades of war and peace, we have worked together to fight for freedom and restore peace to a world always threatened by tyranny. The strength of our alliance has been enhanced by the strength of the leadership of both nations. Winston Churchill proclaimed to Nazi Germany and the world that Britain would never fall to totalitarianism. Shortly before the United States was attacked in Pearl Harbor, Churchill proclaimed to Britain and the world: ``Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.'' On September 11, we all witnessed the terrible capabilities of our enemy. But with the help of Great Britain and many other devoted allies, the United States refused to stand down in the face of this deadly enemy. Prime Minister Tony Blair rallied his people and worked tirelessly with countries around the world to assemble support for the cause of freedom. His leadership in this war has been exemplary. The Prime Minister understands that this war is not about ideology or religion. He understands that the threat posed to America is the same threat posed to his own people. Like America, there is always a voice of opposition, but, again, he understands that this war is about protecting that voice. Because the voice of dissent is one part of the voice of freedom. From the initial horrors of September 11 to the new phase of the war on terrorism, Prime Minister Tony Blair has stood with America and the cause of freedom. I am personally grateful for his leadership, and I am proud to sponsor this resolution thanking him and the British people for their sacrifices of yesterday and their sacrifices to come. With the leadership of President Bush and Prime Minister Blair, I look forward to a future where the American and British people live in peace and in a world free from tyranny.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize State Senator Larry Rohrbach of the 6th senatorial district of Missouri. Senator Rohrbach has served the Missouri State Legislature for 18 years. He was first elected to the State House in 1982 and then to the State Senate in 1990. Senator Rohrbach has served his constituents well, representing them as chair of the Insurance and Housing Committee and Vice Chair of the Appropriations, Interstate Cooperation, and Ways and Means Committees as well as a Member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Parks and Tourism Committees. Senator Rohrbach has always been a champion of the people. He has continuously proven himself as the taxpayers' watchdog and a fiscal conservative. Too many legislators gauge their success on the volume of legislation that they have passed; however, Senator Rohrbach's most impressive legislative accomplishments are the numerous pieces of weak legislation that he has fought to defeat while serving the people of the 6th Senatorial District and the great State of Missouri. Senator Rohrbach has always been a good friend and partner in the Republican Party. He has proven himself time and time again as a leader in the Missouri Legislature and as a tireless defender of the virtues of his constituents. In the time that I have known Senator Rohrbach, he has never sacrificed his principles; and in that regard, Senator Rohrbach has earned my unwavering respect and regard. He is a true patriot. Mr. Speaker, please help me to recognize a great friend and an outstanding servant to the people of Missouri, State Senator Larry Rohrbach.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, America awoke to the worst terrorist attack in history. As we went to work and school, we left with a feeling of security that we have long since forgotten. By the time we returned to our families, our lives and our Nation had forever changed. It had been many years since America felt so insecure, so vulnerable. On that morning, the American people's resolve was put to the ultimate test. Everything appeared to be so uncertain that day. Who would do such a thing? Why would they do it? Is there more to come? How can I protect my family? But there was much that was certain that day. America made a promise to the victims and their families, to future generations of Americans, and to the world. The American people promised that this action would not go unanswered. We promised that this action would only strengthen and unite us, not divide us. We would respond forcefully to those who were responsible while tending to our neighbors, our fellow countrymen. Together, you and people across northwest Missouri and our Nation donated blood for the victims, and donated money for their families. Together, we prayed for those who lost so much that day. We prayed for our soldiers who stood ready--preparing to defend our freedom. As we stop to remember that terrible day, some of the pain and fear has subsided. But our determination to defeat those who seek to terrorize us must never fall victim to the passage of time. In the coming months, the American people will face a choice: Live up to our responsibility by making tough choices and sacrifices to continue our assault on terrorism, or quit now and hope that they choose to stop planning future attacks. The American people should never have to endure such a tragedy again. As we have learned over the past year, we can do something about it. We must never mislead ourselves that we have to wait to be attacked again to continue our defense from terrorism. The more than 3,000 lives lost is all the justification we need to have to defend against a certain threat of terrorism. The United States must remain vigilant and prepared, so that we remain forever free.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, America awoke to the worst terrorist attack in history. As we went to work and school, we left with a feeling of security that we have long since forgotten. By the time we returned to our families, our lives and our Nation had forever changed. It had been many years since America felt so insecure, so vulnerable. On that morning, the American people's resolve was put to the ultimate test. Everything appeared to be so uncertain that day. Who would do such a thing? Why would they do it? Is there more to come? How can I protect my family? But there was much that was certain that day. America made a promise to the victims and their families, to future generations of Americans, and to the world. The American people promised that this action would not go unanswered. We promised that this action would only strengthen and unite us, not divide us. We would respond forcefully to those who were responsible while tending to our neighbors, our fellow countrymen. Together, you and people across northwest Missouri and our Nation donated blood for the victims, and donated money for their families. Together, we prayed for those who lost so much that day. We prayed for our soldiers who stood ready--preparing to defend our freedom. As we stop to remember that terrible day, some of the pain and fear has subsided. But our determination to defeat those who seek to terrorize us must never fall victim to the passage of time. In the coming months, the American people will face a choice: live up to our responsibility by making tough choices and sacrifices to continue our assault on terrorism, or quit now and hope that they choose to stop planning future attacks. The American people should never have to endure such a tragedy again. As we have learned over the past year, we can do something about it. We must never mislead ourselves that we have to wait to be attacked again to continue our defense from terrorism. The more than 3,000 lives lost is all the justification we need to have to defend against a certain threat of terrorism. The United States must remain vigilant and prepared, so that we remain forever free.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with our stated policy towards Taiwan and the apparent military buildup by the mainland Chinese. Mr. Speaker, according to a recent report to Congress issued by the Department of Defense, China's military ``offensive capabilities improve as each year passes, providing Beijing with an increasing number of credible options to intimidate or actually attack Taiwan.'' This warning by the Department of Defense only adds to my concern over the long standing ambiguity of United States policy towards Taiwan. The policy of ``strategic ambiguity'' has served the interests of the United States in years past, but recent developments constitute a review in current United States policy. According to the report, in March of this year, China announced a 17.6 percent increase in military spending. This is a significant increase when it is not facing significant threats from abroad. The report also states, ``Beijing is pursuing the ability to force Taiwan to negotiate on Beijing's terms regarding unification with the mainland . . . it also seeks to deter, deny, or complicate the ability of foreign forces to intervene on Taiwan's behalf.'' This report is very troubling. However, even more troubling is that while our stated policy indicates an acknowledgment of ``one-China,'' it does not address what the United States` policy should be if Taiwan were attacked by China. Because of our current policy of ``strategic ambiguity'' that dates back to the 1970's and the unanswered questions it generates, I am urging President Bush to conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. policy toward Taiwan. With the apparent aggressive military buildup by the Chinese, the warnings reported by our own Defense Department, and our policy of ``strategic ambiguity'' towards the China-Taiwan relationship, it is time to review our policy toward Taiwan to unambiguously account for the possibility of a military conflict between mainland China and Taiwan and the United States response to such an action.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of the Chase Candy Company, whose tradition and taste in the production of candy has been enjoyed for over a century. The Chase Candy Company has been making candy since 1876. Dr. George Washington Chase, who at the time was looking for additional sources of income, created the Missouri-based company. Originally the Chase Company sold fruit and produce, but after listening to the advice of his son, Dr. George Chase soon transformed the business into a candy company. The Chase Candy Company was family owned until 1944 when the Chicago-based investment firm F.S. Yantis bought the company for $1 million. After the acquisition, the production of Chase Candy moved to Chicago, but in 1961 moved back to the Missouri River Town, St. Joseph, where it remains today. The Chase Candy Company's most popular product, the Cherry Mash candy bar, entered stores in 1918. This famous treat is america's third oldest candy bar and the best selling cherry candy bar. Cherry Mash and other wonderful Chase products may be found in grocery stores, convenience stores, and mass merchandise outlets mainly in the Midwest, as well as online. I proudly display and offer Cherry Mash to visitors in my Washington office and wanted to extend my most sincere thanks to the St. Joseph, Missouri-based candy company for their gracious support. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Missouri's own Chase Candy Company, and its 20 full-time employees for the years of dedicated service and production of some of the world's best tasting confections.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mr. Niles Jager, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Niles is a senior economics major at Depauw University and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Niles joined my staff for the 107th 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, Niles 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, Niles 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. Niles 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. Niles Jager 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. Meghan Foster, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Meghan is a senior psychology major at Texas Christian University and has distinguished herself as an intern in my Washington Office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Meghan joined my staff for the 107th 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, Meghan 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, Meghan 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. Meghan 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. Meghan Foster 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. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mr. Josh Woolsey, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Josh is a senior at the University of Central Florida and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Josh joined my staff for the 107th 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, Josh 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, Josh 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. Josh 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. Josh Woolsey 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 Mr. Brock Banks, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Brock, the son of Paul and Jane Banks of Weston, Missouri, is a student at Maur Hill Prep High School and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Brock joined my staff for the 107th 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, Brock 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, Brock 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. Brock 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. Brock Banks 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 Mr. James Mackle, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. James is a senior political science major at Furman University and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington Office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. James joined my staff for the 107th 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, James 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, James 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. James 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. James Mackle 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 Mr. Fletcher Cox, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Fletcher is a senior communications major at William Jewell College and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Fletcher joined my staff for the 107th 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, Fletcher 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, Fletcher 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. Fletcher 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. Fletcher Cox 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 Mr. Joe Orscheln, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Joe is a senior at Southern Methodist University and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Joe joined my staff for the 107th 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, Joe 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, Joe 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. Joe 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. Joe Orscheln 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. Emily Gore, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government. Emily is a junior political science major at the University of Missouri-Columbia and has distinguished herself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Emily joined my staff for the 107th 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, Emily 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, Emily 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. Emily 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. Emily Gore 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. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of Missouri State Representatives Dan Hegeman and Charlie Shields, whose legislative achievements will be honored by the Northwest Missouri Republican Club on July 26, 2002. As a member of the Missouri State Legislature since 1991, Mr. Hegeman represents Missouri's 5th District. A dairy farmer by trade, Mr. Hegeman is involved with a number of community organizations including: the Andrew Buchanan Community Council of American Cancer Society; Northwest Missouri Area Health Education Center Board; and, the Savannah, Maysville, and Albany Chambers of Commerce. Mr. Shields, also a State Representative, is from Missouri's 28th District. In 1992, Representative Shields was named ``Outstanding Freshman Legislator'' by House Republicans and in February of 2002 was named Legislator of the Year during the Republican State Lincoln Days in Springfield. As a project coordinator for Heartland Health System in St. Joseph, Missouri, Mr. Shields has done important work in the areas of elementary, secondary, as well as, higher education, mental health advocacy, and community development. Please join me in honoring Missouri State Representatives Dan Hegeman and Charlie Shields for their tireless work in representing their communities and their outstanding dedication to the great State of Missouri.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the rededication of the Carroll County Courthouse on June 29th, 2002, located in Carrollton, Missouri. This year will mark the 100th year that the courthouse has served the good people of Carroll County. Serving as a place for the community to gather and for the dispensation of justice, the courthouse has stood the test of time. Within its walls, juries have served, county government has convened, and elections have been tallied ensuring that the will of the people of Carroll County is carried out. Although age and time have been kind to the courthouse, it was not until recently that the courthouse was renovated to include new elevators and restrooms that make it fully accessible to all the people of the county. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Rededication of the Carroll County Courthouse.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of The Missouri Officers Association, which represents over 900 Federal, State, and local police officers. I would like to honor this organization in this, their 70th year, for their charitable work and dedication to scholarship and community. The primary focus of the officer's association is to provide low cost training to police agencies across the State of Missouri. Another very notable deed is the provision of an immediate $1000 death benefit to families of fallen officers. Beyond their efforts in the law enforcement community, the association organizes two scholarship programs. The first is a yearly college scholarship that awards $1000 to five Missouri students and the second is an essay contest for eighth grade students, which awards six students cash awards totaling $1200. The philanthropic work of this organization also extends to the community through a variety of donations to groups such as Concern of Police Survivors, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, The Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial, The National Law Enforcement Memorial, The Missouri Police Chiefs Foundation and many others. The law enforcement community is of paramount importance to our cities, our states and our Nation. This organization represents some of Missouri's finest members of the law enforcement community and is worthy of the esteem of this body. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the great work of The Missouri Officers Association on their 70th anniversary.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of J. Frank Moore III, president of the International Association of Lions Clubs. Under the leadership of President Moore the Lions Club has emphasized youth outreach and implemented several programs designed to recognize the accomplishments of young people. At a recent event held in Independence, MO, President Moore honored over 400 young men and women who performed community service projects in Jackson, Platte, Clay, and Cass Counties. These young people were presented with certificates, scholarships, and other awards to recognize their achievement. As we are all well aware, the guidance of the Nation's youth is of paramount importance to the future stability and continued success of our great country. The work of Mr. Moore, in providing leadership and guidance to our young people, is important, noble, and worthy of esteem by this body. Please join me in honoring President J. Frank Moore III for his tireless work to support our Nation's young people.