Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1307, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act, is going to improve our oversight of Federal disaster assistance and projects. By increasing the accountability and transparency in Federal spending following disasters, this bill is going to help ensure that funds are invested more wisely and better able to help Americans who are trying to recover and rebuild their lives. H.R. 1307 is going to require various agencies that offer disaster assistance to publicly report data on disaster spending and obligations. It is critical, as we continue to work to reform and improve our disaster response and recovery programs, that we have the most accurate data available. That is important for our oversight, as well as for the taxpayers in holding agencies accountable. I want to thank the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee Ranking Member, Mr. Meadows, and Mr. Peters, for their work on this legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support it. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As has been demonstrated by the last four bills, the Transportation Committee is doing good work, and we produced four good, bipartisan bills. I am very proud of that. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1307, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3245, and I thank Representative Bucshon for his hard work on this important issue. H.R. 3245 is going to enable entities within the States of Illinois and Indiana to chart a whole new course for the Harmony Way Bridge, which is closed currently. The bridge is not only a critical link between these States, but it is also representative of that strong bond between the people of Illinois and Indiana. That connection is further demonstrated by the fact that all members of the Indiana and Illinois delegations cosponsored this bill. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3245.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, again, you would think that we would have a better idea of what we actually spend on disasters. We obviously don't. This legislation is going to provide the transparency. Mr. Speaker, I think it is a good piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1984, the DISASTER Act, is a bipartisan piece of legislation that requires the Federal agencies across the government to report on how much they simply spend on disasters. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Peters) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Meadows) for their work on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, you would think that we would know how much the Federal Government spends, actually spends, on disasters. We have estimates, but we simply don't know what the actual costs are across the Federal Government. This bill is going to help us get some real numbers. It is going to help us increase transparency for the taxpayer. It is going to help Congress make some much better-informed decisions. Mr. Speaker, I do support this legislation. I would encourage my colleagues to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the Coast Guard is one of the Nation's five armed services, and this bipartisan bill is going to provide the resources to help them carry out their vital missions more effectively. These missions are critical to ensuring maritime safety, stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the country, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our Nation's borders. In order to carry out the tens of thousands of operations each year, the Coast Guard must also replace and modernize their assets--from cutters to icebreakers to helicopters. This bill is going to help them do that. This legislation also takes steps necessary to provide the men and women of the Coast Guard, as has been pointed out, parity with other servicemembers in the Department of Defense. The Coast Guard is the only one of the armed services that is not in the Department of Defense, and the only armed service with law enforcement authority. I agree with the chairman on the bipartisan nature of this bill and how it was put together. I commend Chairman DeFazio and Subcommittee Chairman Maloney, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Gibbs for working diligently and coming up with a very good piece of legislation and a very good bipartisan agreement that we have here today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I pause to call attention to the upcoming retirement of a Missouri leader, advocate, legal scholar, and friend of small business. For twenty years, Mr. William ``Bill'' May has served as executive director and general counsel at the Missouri Outdoor Advertising Association (MOAA). He will retire at the end of 2019. An attorney, Bill May is considered an expert on regulation of out of home advertising in Missouri. His advice and counsel are sought by officeholders and staff, government officials, landowners, and billboard companies. Bill began his career with Pioneer Outdoor Advertising in Springfield; he was promoted to general manager and general counsel. Soon after he assumed leadership of the Missouri Outdoor Advertising Association in 1999, voters faced an anti-billboard statewide ballot measure (``Proposition A'') which was defeated on November 7, 2000. Recognized nationally for his trade association leadership, Bill is an effective advocate for property rights, new technology, and common- sense flexibility for our state to save time and money in carrying out its regulatory duties. As a supporter of law enforcement, I commend Bill and his colleagues in the billboard industry for partnerships to help find fugitives and missing persons and also deliver emergency information. Please join me in congratulating Bill May and his wife Gail for their long service to Missouri and the out of home media industry.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, on July 12, 2019, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on No. 461, 462, 472, and 474. I would have voted NAY on No. 459, 460, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, and 473.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ian Wooldridge. Ian is 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 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ian has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Ian is a member of the Order of the Arrow and holds the rank of Firebuilder in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. Most notably, Ian has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. For his project, Ian constructed shelving units in the storage annex of the Second Baptist Church of Liberty, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ian 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dr. Robert Vartabedian. Dr. Vartabedian is retiring as the President of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, after an exceptional career and distinguished tenure at Missouri Western State University. Dr. Vartabedian has taught at universities across the country. While each was a very different institution, there was one common thread to each of them--Dr. Vartabedian has made each of them better. If you set foot on the Missouri Western campus during his time there, even if you somehow managed to not see it, you could not have helped but felt it. That unspoken `thing' where a new level is being achieved, a new standard is being set, a new normal is being cemented into place. Of course, you can point to Craig Field at Spratt Stadium, the Craig School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship, the Kit Bond Science and Technology Incubator, the Walter Cronkite Museum, or the sea of red that comes with the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. While he deserves credit for those things and they will remain as reminders of his time here, they are not his true legacy. His true legacy is in his students. The next generation of entrepreneurs and thinkers. The new leaders for northern Missouri, the new educators who will carry along his legacy even further. Those students, those lives he has touched directly or indirectly are his true and lasting legacy. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Dr. Robert Vartabedian upon a well-earned retirement. I wish him the very best and a well-deserved rest. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I pause to recognize M. Diane Hays, who passed away on June 20, 2019. It is both fitting and proper to reflect and recognize her life's accomplishments and for all of her efforts in serving the greater Independence, Missouri, community. Russell and Diane Hays started the Coins for Canines program in 1997 after budget restraints barred the city from purchasing a replacement K-9 after its only working dog passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Hays raised funds by placing jugs at local businesses, presenting donation request letters to various groups, and lobbying the Jackson County Legislature for funds derived from the anti-drug sales tax. The funds were used to purchase K-9's, their training, and eventually repair and renovation of the Police Department's new K-9 training center. In 2002 Mr. and Mrs. Hays received the Missouri Peace Officers Association's Citizens of the Year Award. This couple embodies the spirit of volunteerism, and their support of law enforcement illustrates the model of exemplary citizenship. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in offering our condolences to Diane's friends and family, particularly her husband, Russell Hays, their daughters Kim and Lynda, their five grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed in Independence. I would also like to thank the Hays family for sharing Diane's heart and her commitment to our K-9 officers with the community for so many years.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Hilary Salanky. Hilary is a very special woman and leader who is being honored with the Woman in the Workplace Award as a part of the St. Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence. While spending her days teaching at Lafayette High School, Hilary is helping just as much to inspire and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs through her outside of the classroom work with Student Council, DECA, and the Future Business Leaders of America as well as coaching the Boys and Girls track teams. She also manages to find time to volunteer with the Junior League and raise a family. It's not nearly enough to say that she is someone dedicated to improving St. Joseph, but she also manages to multiply her efforts by her dedication to the business leaders of tomorrow. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Hilary Salanky for being honored as the Woman in the Workplace Award winner by the St. Joseph YWCA through serving St. Joseph, the state of Missouri and the Sixth Congressional District. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jo Eyberg. Jo is a very special woman and leader who is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement in the Workplace Award as a part of the St. Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence. When you look at the number of organizations that Jo has volunteered, chaired or donated to, it's far easier to name the organizations she hasn't worked with in St. Joseph. It's humbling when you consider the multitude of lives she has touched over years and years of dedicated volunteerism. To say that Jo is a sterling example of unwavering service to her community and an example of what we should all hope to be is a great understatement. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jo Eyberg for her lifetime of accomplishments serving St. Joseph, the state of Missouri and the Sixth Congressional District. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kylee Strough. Kylee is a very special woman and leader who is being honored with the Workplace Leadership Award as a part of the St. Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence. Kylee is the President of St. Joseph's United Way, which is an organization whose sole purpose is to improve the lives of those living in the St. Joseph community. Under Kylee's leadership, the United Way of St. Joseph is ranked No. 27 out of 1100 United Ways nationwide in per capita giving. Kylee is a fixture in St. Joseph where she serves on boards, committees and throughout the community. For Kylee, it's abundantly clear that ``Live United'' isn't merely a slogan used for public relations for the United Way, but a maxim she truly lives and believes in. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Kylee Strough for being honored as the Workplace Leadership Award winner by the St. Joseph YWCA through serving St. Joseph, the state of Missouri and the Sixth Congressional District. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lori Boyer. Lori is a very special woman and leader who is being honored with the Emerging Leader Award as a part of the St. Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Linda Judah. Linda is a very special woman and leader who is being honored with the Woman of Merit Award as a part of the St Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence. Linda Judah began her career with the Social Welfare Board of Buchanan County as its Executive Director in July 2006. She has over 35 years of experience working with the community in various leadership and outreach capacities. Through Linda's leadership, the Social Welfare Board received recognition as a patient-centered medical home through the National Committee for Quality Assurance for three consecutive three year terms; implemented an electronic medical record system; collaborated with the local FQHC to create an integrated medical unit for the homeless and created ``The Friends of the Free Clinic'' a foundation to help support the financial needs of the Social Welfare Board. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Linda Judah for being honored as the Woman of Merit Award winner by the St. Joseph YWCA through serving St. Joseph, the state of Missouri and the Sixth Congressional District. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Justin Gervy. Justin is 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 362, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Justin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Justin has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Justin has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Justin refurbished donated bicycles and provided them to local families who have been impacted by violent crime. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Justin 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Ladies Union Benevolent Association. The Ladies Union Benevolent Association is a very special employer who is being honored with the Employer of Excellence Award as a part of the St. Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence. For more than 120 years, the Ladies Union Benevolent Association, through the Noyes Home, has been a place where a child who is facing a family crisis feels safe, and can just be a child, until the family is able to get back on its feet. It's where a teen finds friendship, security, and a positive environment to continue attending high school if a parent has become incarcerated or is unable to care for them. Infants, children and teens can live at the Noyes Home for as long as needed while a family strives to find solutions, with service provided until a child turns 18. There is no financial obligation to the family. The Noyes Home is, above all, a home. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating the Ladies Union Benevolent Association for winning the Employer of Excellence Award. They are an exceptional organization in St. Joseph, Missouri, and I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sheila Gilbert. Sheila is a very special woman and leader who is being honored with the Woman in Volunteerism Award as a part of the St. Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence. Sheila has a simple story in which a problem presented itself and rather than sit back, she took action. From that Food for Kids was born. While it may have started as a way to help feed kids in St. Joseph during the summer vacation, it has expanded to provide meals for families as well as providing clothes, shoes and school supplies for those children as well. Sheila and her husband Kenzie have taken their compassion and faith and turned it into a mission to serve their community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Sheila Gilbert for being honored as the Woman in Volunteerism Award winner by the St. Joseph YWCA through serving St. Joseph, the state of Missouri and the Sixth Congressional District. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Allyah Smith. Allyah is a very special woman and leader who is being honored with the Future Leader Award as a part of the St. Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence. To say that Allyah Smith is an exceptional young lady is a definition of understatement. Not only is she an award-winning poet, but she is an exceptional cross-country runner. Allyah has been recognized for her hours of volunteer service in the community winning the coveted Presidential Volunteer Service Award. She has also participated in events to educate students on the dangers of impaired driving. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Allyah Smith for being honored as the Future Leader Award winner by the St. Joseph YWCA through serving St. Joseph, the state of Missouri and the Sixth Congressional District. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Carol Meyers. Carol is a very special woman and leader who is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Volunteerism Award as a part of the St. Joseph YWCA's prestigious Women of Excellence. Carol is a sterling example of dedication to not only St. Joseph, but to the state of Missouri as well. The lives she has touched, the difference she has made throughout St. Joseph and across all of Missouri through her selfless volunteerism is immeasurable. Through Carol's tireless efforts she has become a living, breathing ideal of what we should all strive to be and reaffirms that volunteering can make a difference in the communities in which we live. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Carol Meyers for her lifetime of accomplishments serving St. Joseph, the state of Missouri and the Sixth Congressional District. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David Schormann. David is 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 389, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. David has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years David has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. David has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. For his project, David installed fishing line recycling stations throughout a local lake, to ensure a higher quality of life for wildlife within the area. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Schormann 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Austyn Smelley. Austyn is 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 606, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Austyn has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Austyn has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Austyn has received the World Conservation Award, Paul Bunyon Award, and Ironman Award. Austyn has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Austyn built a series of games for the 6th Grade Center of the North Kansas City School District. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Austyn Smelley for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.