Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, with that, I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1684, as amended.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the Disaster Assistance Support for Communities and Homeowners Act of 2017 would allow FEMA to provide technical assistance to some community associations regarding their application for disaster assistance. The bill also seeks recommendations from FEMA on how condos and co-ops may be eligible for disaster funds to repair common areas which are affected by these disasters. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) for working with the committee on this issue. The House passed similar language last year as part of the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to please support H.R. 1684, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2258) to require that certain standards for commercial driver's licenses applicable to former members of the armed services or reserves also apply to current members of the armed services or reserves, as amended.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, or FAST Act, authorized the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to exempt veterans from certain requirements in order to obtain a commercial driver's license if they had qualified experience while serving in the armed services or Reserve components. H.R. 2258 would extend this exemption to individuals who are currently serving in either the armed services or Reserve components. This is a bipartisan bill that will help current members of the armed services or Reserve components find employment in the private sector. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2258, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, with that, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize J. Michael Gilliland. Michael 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 692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Michael 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, Michael has led his troop as the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and become a member of the Order of the Arrow. Michael has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Michael constructed a round rail fence around an underground shelter at the Rotary Youth Camp in Lee's Summit, Missouri, making it safer for wheel-chair bound campers to access the shelter in an emergency situation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending J. Michael Gilliland 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 the outstanding achievements of Chief Steve Westermann. Chief Westermann is one of the most respected fire district chiefs and is retiring from the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District. I join with his family, fellow firefighters, and the citizens of the central Jackson County in congratulating Chief Westermann on his many years of success, contributions to the community and retirement. Chief Westermann started his career as a volunteer in 1972 while in high school. In 1977, he was hired as a Fire Inspector with CJC, creating the Fire Prevention Bureau and beginning the first in-school education programs. In 1979, he was promoted to assistant chief, and in 1981 left to take a position as the Assistant Chief / Fire Marshall in Chesterfield MO. In 1985 he returned to CJCFPD as a fire apparatus engineer and was soon promoted to deputy chief. In 1988, Chief Westermann was appointed Chief Fire Executive (CFE), the fourth in CJCFPD's history. Along the way, Chief Westermann has also been elected or appointed to serve in leadership and executive positions on countless local, state, and national organizations and committees, dedicated to making the communities we serve, and the fire service as a whole, stronger and safer. While serving as CFE, Chief Westermann moved CJCFPD forward in all areas and created an organization that is recognized and respected across the country. CJCFPD grew from 18 to 133 career staff, assumed complete responsibility for emergency medical services, achieved an Insurance Services Office rating of 2, significantly expanded fire and EMS training, added Station 5 and a state of the art training facility. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and the rest of the community, family and firefighters in applauding Chief Steve Westermann's outstanding achievements and contributions to the community, and the State of Missouri. We wish Chief Westermann and his family the very best in years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Landon Beyer. Landon 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 1333, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Landon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Landon 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, Landon has served his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Landon has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Landon constructed a boardwalk path in the Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri, to help preserve a muddy section of the trail. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Landon Beyer 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 Carson Schutter. Carson 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 1333, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Carson has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Carson 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, Carson has served his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Carson has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Carson removed an old foot bridge and built a new, extended foot bridge in Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Carson Schutter 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 Tanner Cook. Tanner 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. Tanner has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Tanner 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, Tanner has served his troop as the Den Chief, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O- Say. Tanner has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Tanner led a team in designing and constructing an outdoor worship center at Antioch Community Church in Kansas City, Missouri, leveling the area with paving stones, building a retaining wall, 15 benches, fire pit, and a walking path to the worship center. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tanner Cook 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 Nathan Riley. Nathan 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. Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nathan 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, Nathan has served his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Nathan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Nathan led a team in constructing a 52-foot free span truss bridge, first by removing the old, deteriorated wooden bridge, then designing and constructing two concrete revetments, assembling 2,800 pounds of steel trusses, decking the bridge, and having it all laid into place by a 90-ton crane. The project earned Nathan the Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year award from the Heart of America Council. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Riley 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 Kollin Lars Williamson. Kollin 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 1333, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kollin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kollin 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, Kollin has served his troop as the Patrol Leader, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Kollin has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Kollin led a team in restoring a section of trail in the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve in Parkville, Missouri, laying down mulch for a two hundred foot portion of the trail. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kollin Lars Williamson 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 Jack Schleeter. Jack 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. Jack has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jack 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, Jack has served his troop as an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, become a member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic- O-Say. Jack has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jack constructed two 8 x 12 foot planters outside St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Liberty, Missouri, filling the planters with 6 bushes and 24 perennials. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jack Schleeter for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for is efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on May 22, 2017, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on No. 269 and No. 270

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pause to thank and honor the Clay County Sheriff's Office for their efforts in serving Smithville following the March 6, 2017 tornado. The EF-2 rated tornado left a trail of destruction up to 1,000 feet wide and 18 miles long. In Smithville, over 60 houses were damaged with several completely destroyed, resulting in over 65 tons of debris. Miraculously, no injuries were sustained during the storm. After the storm, officers from the Clay County Sheriff's Office helped set up a perimeter, went door-to-door making sure residents were safe, and helped protect the neighborhood with a 24/7 presence in the days that followed. Their experience and training in emergency management was crucial as the city and residents began to put their lives back together. The effect of the Sheriff's Office on the neighborhoods affected by the tornado cannot be understated, whether through making the victims feel safe from scroungers or looters or by helping residents with their physical needs throughout the recovery. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and the community of Smithville in thanking Sheriff Paul Vescovo and the officers and staff of the Clay County Sheriff's Office for their service following the March 6 tornado and wishing them God's blessings and protection in the years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pause to thank and honor the Clay County Park Rangers for their efforts in serving Smithville following the March 6, 2017 tornado. The EF-2 rated tornado left a trail of destruction up to 1,000 feet wide and 18 miles long. In Smithville, over 60 houses were damaged with several completely destroyed, resulting in over 65 tons of debris. Miraculously, no injuries were sustained during the storm. After the storm, officers from the Clay County Park Rangers helped set up a perimeter, went door-to-door making sure residents were safe, and helped protect the neighborhood with a 24/7 presence in the days that followed. The effect of the rangers on the neighborhoods affected by the tornado cannot be understated, whether through making the victims feel safe from scroungers or looters or by helping residents with their physical needs throughout the recovery. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and the community of Smithville in thanking Interim Park Security Manager John Davis and the rangers and staff of the Clay County Park Rangers for their service following the March 6 tornado and wishing them God's blessings and protection in the years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pause to thank and honor the Smithville Police Department for their efforts in serving Smithville following the March 6, 2017 tornado. The EF-2 rated tornado left a trail of destruction up to 1,000 feet wide and 18 miles long. In Smithville, over 60 houses were damaged with several completely destroyed, resulting in over 65 tons of debris. Miraculously, no injuries were sustained during the storm. After the storm, officers from the Smithville Police Department helped set up a perimeter, went door-to-door making sure residents were safe, and protected the neighborhood with a 24/7 presence in the days that followed. The effect of the police department on the neighborhoods affected by the tornado cannot be understated, whether through making the victims feel safe from scroungers or looters or by helping residents with their physical needs throughout the recovery. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me and the community of Smithville in thanking Chief Jason Lockridge and the officers and staff of the Smithville Police Department for their service following the March 6 tornado and wishing them God's blessings and protection in the years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP). Formed in 1942, NASBP is a national trade organization representing firms employing licensed surety bond producers and allied professionals. NASBP producers specialize in providing surety bonds for construction contracts and for other purposes to companies and individuals needing the assurance offered by surety bonds. The NASBP bond producer stands as the bridge between the construction firm and the surety company and works closely with the construction business to position the business to meet underwriting requirements to obtain surety credit for bonded work. Surety bonds are a time-honored, vital component of federal and state procurement systems, where a furnished surety bond evidences a contractor's qualifications to undertake the contract sought and taxpayer funds are protected through the surety bond's guarantee of performance. Mr. Speaker, I want to again extend my good wishes and recognize NASBP on its 75th Anniversary, and I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to do the same.