Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1536) to designate a human trafficking prevention coordinator and to expand the scope of activities authorized under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's outreach and education program to include human trafficking prevention activities, and for other purposes.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 4 of rule XVI, I move that when the House adjourns this legislative day, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, for morning- hour debate and 10 a.m. for legislative business.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on November 29, 2017 I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on No. 640 and 641.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on November 13, 2017 I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on Nos. 623 and 624. I would have voted ``NAY'' on No. 625.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Troop 412 of the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America as they celebrate their 85th anniversary. Founded in 1932, Troop 412 is chartered through the First Christian Church of Smithville, Missouri. Over their 85 years of service, the Troop has had 181 scouts join the ranks of the Eagle Scouts and conducted immeasurable hours of community service. Aside from their Eagle Scouts, the Troop has also enriched the lives of a countless Scouts, training the boys in the ways of the Scout Oath--Duty to God and Country, Duty to Other People, and Duty to Self--and molding these young men in the Smithville area to become productive leaders in their community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Troop 412 for their accomplishments and for their 85 years of service to the Smithville community.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christian Leech. Christian 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 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Christian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christian 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, Christian has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christian Leech 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize a special member of my staff. After almost seventeen years of service, Alicia Jayne Endicott will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office. Alicia was one of the first members of my staff, joining the team soon after I took office in 2001. She has been an integral member of my constituent services team that entire time. Alicia was tireless in making sure the people of the Sixth Congressional District were treated fairly by federal agencies and that their concerns were heard and justly resolved. Whether helping families with last-minute passport needs, protecting my constituents from overbearing agencies or making sure our veterans received the care and recognitions they earned, her outstanding work and immense knowledge of the issues was incomparable and I am honored to have had her on my staff and my constituents were incredibly served by her efforts. I have received many kind words from constituents praising the outstanding service Alicia has provided. Her professionalism and dedication to this office and my constituents was a great example of how government should work. She would often work nights and weekends, all without complaint. While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Alicia to begin the next chapter of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Alicia Jayne Endicott for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Alicia's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking her for her commitment to others and wishing her the best of luck in all her endeavors and many years of success to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jared Kinate. Jared 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 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jared has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jared 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, Jared has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jared Kinate 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew John Lewis. Matthew 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 251, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Matthew 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, Matthew has served his troop as the Historian and Senior Patrol Leader, earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and become a Brotherhood member in Order of Arrow. Matthew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Matthew leveled the area with paving stones and constructed 40 feet of fence for Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew John Lewis 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William Pellant. William 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 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. William has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years William 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, William has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending William Pellant 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Isaac A. Washburn. Isaac 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 121, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Isaac has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Isaac 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, Isaac has become a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Isaac has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Isaac A. Washburn 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Truman State University on their 150th Anniversary. Since 1867, this fine institution of higher learning has been producing quality graduates who greatly enrich our society with the knowledge and values that have been instilled in them. Founded on September 2, 1867, in Kirksville, Missouri, by Joseph Baldwin, the school was originally known as the North Missouri Normal School and Commercial College and existed to train teachers to serve in public schools. It received several name and mission changes over the years and today, it is known as Truman State University. Building on a tradition of academic excellence, Truman State became the state's only public liberal arts and sciences university in 1985 at the direction of the Missouri Legislature. The recipient of multiple national accolades, the school continues to successfully embody their mission of providing affordable education to exemplary students. Highly selective in the students they accept, Truman State University boasts both the highest retention rate of freshman to sophomore students among public universities in Missouri and the highest public university graduation rate in the state. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the rich 150 year history of Truman State University. This elite public, liberal arts university in rural Northeast Missouri has educated generations of students who have made an exemplary impact both at home and abroad. I commend President Dr. Sue Thomas and the faculty and staff--past, present and future--for their commitment to providing the next generation with a quality education. I am extremely honored to represent this fine institution in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize A.T. Still University--Kirksville College of Medicine on their 125th Anniversary. Since 1892, this fine institution of higher learning has been producing quality graduates who greatly enrich our society with the knowledge and values that have been instilled in them. Founded in 1892 in Kirksville, Missouri by Andrew Taylor Still, ATSU-KCOM is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine. Originally known as the American School of Osteopathic Medicine, ATSU was the first school of osteopathy in the world. The first Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, or DO's, graduated from ATSU-KCOM in 1894 and over 18,000 graduates later, they have practiced in every state and around the world in a variety of medical specialties. While staying true to their osteopathic principles, students at ATSU receive the most comprehensive medical education while training on state of the art equipment. With a focus on rural healthcare, ATSU is a vitally important medical training institution, now more than ever. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the rich 125 year history of A.T. Still University--Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. This elite school has impacted the world with the osteopathic physicians and health professionals it has produced. I commend ATSU President Craig M. Phelps, DO, ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, and the faculty, staff, students and alumni as the school continues to train and produce highly qualified professionals to serve in the medical field for generations to come. I am extremely honored to represent this fine institution in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cameron Garrett Brizendine. Cameron 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 214, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Cameron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Cameron 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, Cameron has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Cameron refurbished signs at the entrance and in the parking lot of Our Lady of Mercy in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cameron Garrett Brizendine 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Isaac David Conner. Isaac 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 495, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Isaac has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Isaac 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, Isaac has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Isaac David Conner 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mason Thomas Lewis. Mason 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 214, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Mason has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Mason 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, Mason has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mason rebuilt and stained a bridge at Immacolata Manor in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mason Thomas Lewis 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Luke Andrew Moyes. Luke 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 495, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Luke has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Luke 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, Luke has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Luke Andrew Moyes 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Zachary Scott Linard. Zachary 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 495, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Zachary has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Zachary 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, Zachary has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Zachary Scott Linard 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jeremiah Joseph Morgan, Jr. Jeremiah 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 1417, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jeremiah has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jeremiah 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, Jeremiah has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jeremiah built a maintenance shed that houses lawn-care and other equipment that will be used to help maintain the grounds of the Eight Witnesses Monument in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeremiah Joseph Morgan, 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 of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Stubbers. James 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 10, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years James 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, James has become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-o-Say. James has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. James designed, and coordinated the construction of two computer tables and a white board for the Valley Park Elementary School in Leawood, Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Stubbers 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ernest Frederick Schowengerdt. Mr. Schowengerdt, a World War II veteran, is celebrating his 95th birthday on September 2, 2017. In 1944, Mr. Schowengerdt joined the Navy to become a pilot and serve his country during World War II. After his discharge in 1945 he continued his passion for flying and got his pilot's and aircraft mechanic's licenses at the Lambert Field Airport in St. Louis. He also continued helping at his family farm in Chamois, Missouri, until the Missouri River's flooding took its toll in 1958. Mr. Schowengerdt continued his career as a plant engineer for the Central Electric Power Plant and later as the Director of Plant Management for Lake Ozark General Hospital where he worked with the Missouri Hospital Association and Nuclear Energy Commission in disposing of hazardous and radioactive wastes. Mr. Schowengerdt has had many life-long interests and passions. He has been involved in music for 76 years, playing numerous band instruments. Mr. Schowengerdt was also a passionate civil servant as he served 2 terms in the Chamois city council and four years as the Osage County Republican Committeeman. He helped organize the Rural Fire Department of Chamois, was the American Legion president, and was involved in many more boards and organizations. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in wishing Mr. Ernie Schowengerdt a happy 95th birthday, and thanking him for his lifetime of dedication to his family, community, and his country.