Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alex Joseph Nelson. Alex 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 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alex 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, Alex has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Alex scraped and spray painted 28 fire hydrants in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alex Joseph Nelson 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 Kellan Campbell. Kellan 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 394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kellan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kellan 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, Kellan contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Kellan remarked 131 curbs for Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, Missouri. Since the cemetery has no headstones, the curbs markers assist families in locating their deceased loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kellan Campbell 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 Cameron Prater. 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 374, 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 scraped and spray painted fire hydrants in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cameron Prater 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 Liam Andrew Huntsucker. Liam 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 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Liam has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Liam 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, Liam has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Liam scraped and spray painted fire hydrants in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Liam Andrew Huntsucker 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 Jacob Matthew Pearson. Jacob 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 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jacob has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jacob 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, Jacob has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jacob constructed a brick patio under an existing bench and pavilion in the playground at First Presbyterian Church of Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob Matthew Pearson 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, on March 15, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on Numbers 114, 115, 116, 117, and 123 and voted ``NAY'' on Numbers 118, 119, 120, 121, and 122.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on March 14, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on Numbers 111, 112, and 113.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to congratulate the Northwest Missouri State University Football Program on their ninth appearance and fifth title in the NCAA Division II National Championship. It isn't every day that a team from the 6th District of Missouri wins a National Championship, but thanks to the Northwest Bearcats it is starting to become a tradition. On December 19, 2015, the Northwest Bearcats took on the Shepard University Rams in a game at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Although the competition was undeniably tough, I never doubted the ability of our team. So when Representative Alex Mooney of West Virginia challenged me to a wager over the game--I gladly accepted. As all of Missouri cheered, the Bearcat football team, under the leadership and direction of Head Coach Adam Dorrel, defeated the Rams 34-7 and sealed their place in sports history as one of only two NCAA Division II teams to win five National Championship titles. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the accomplishments of the Northwest Missouri Football Team for their tremendous undefeated season and title.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Bays. 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 1412, 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 led his troop as an Assistant Patrol Leader. Matthew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Matthew constructed a life jacket loaner board for the Smithville Lake swim beach, providing life jackets for those who may not have their own. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Bays 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 Michael Irwin Sears. 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 1351, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Michael Irwin Sears 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 C. Gager. 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 1412, 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 led his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader and has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Matthew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Matthew installed a concrete pad under a shelter house in a city park in Smithville, Missouri, and worked with the Smithville Parks Board and the Smithville Board of Alderman to secure funding for the project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew C. Gager 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 Ethan Allen Ventress. Ethan 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 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ethan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ethan 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, Ethan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ethan Allen Ventress 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 George Anthony Donnelli. George 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 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. George has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years George 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, George has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending George Anthony Donnelli 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 Nicholas James Kunels. Nicholas 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 1351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nicholas 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, Nicholas has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nicholas James Kunels 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 Grant Corkill. Grant 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 1412, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Grant has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Grant 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, Grant has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Grant planned and led the construction of a perch pole at Smithville Lake for eagles and other birds to rest on within easy sight for bird-watchers. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Grant Corkill 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 Boone Evans. Boone 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 376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Boone has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Boone 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, Boone has led his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader, earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and has become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Boone has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Boone Evans 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 Adam M. Larson. Adam 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 376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Adam has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Adam 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, Adam has led his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader, earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and has become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Adam has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Adam renovated the Dog Park in Liberty, Missouri, removing the old, worn-down apparatuses and installing new equipment. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Adam M. Larson 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 Logan A. Littleton. Logan 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 1412, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Logan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Logan 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, Logan has earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and has become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. Logan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Logan organized and managed a community Haunted Campground event at Smithville Lake in Smithville, Missouri, that hosted nearly 400 kids and helped collect items for the local food pantry and animal shelter. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Logan A. Littleton 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, it is with great pleasure that I pause to honor a constituent of Missouri's 6th Congressional District and someone I am especially proud to call my friend, John A. Dillingham, upon being awarded as the 2015 Northlander of the Year by the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce. John Dillingham grew up with a strong 6th generation Missouri heritage in Clay and Platte County, Missouri, with an education from Wentworth Military Academy, Smithville High School, and my alma mater, the University of Missouri. John also enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with distinction in Korea as a 2nd Lt. in the Lacrosse Guided Missile Battalion of the U.S. Army, was the 2nd Lt. Aide-de-camp, Division Artillery Commander of the 1st Infantry Division, and was presented with the Army Commendation Medal for his service. Corporately, John has been a Vice President of Loans for Traders Bank of Kansas City, Senior Vice President of Garney Companies for 16 years, President of Dillingham Enterprises and has served as an Independent Trustee of Waddell & Reed. John is so widely respected throughout Missouri that he has served Republican and Democrat Governors, Senators, Congressmen and Mayors in positions such as the Kansas City Board of Police Commission, the University of Missouri of Extension Advisory Board, the Kansas City Agribusiness Council, Children's Mercy Hospital, and was a Charter Board Member of the Clay County Veteran's Memorial built in a park named after his good friend, Anita Gorman. He has also served as an Honorary Director of the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Freedoms Frontier National Heritage Area Chairman and the Governance Chairman of Harry S. Truman Library Institute, as well as serving on the Kansas City Crime Commission and the National World War I Museum National Advisory Board. John has also been honored as a member of the Missouri Academy of Squires, an Outstanding Kansas Citian by the Kansas City Native Sons & Daughters, an Outstanding Missourian by the Missouri State Legislature, the Silver Good Citizens Medal by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, an Honorary Director for Life of the American Royal, the Meritorious Service Award from the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, as a Sachem in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, the Silver Wreath Award from the National Eagle Scouts' Association, and the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Speaker, I could list at least 50 more organizations that John has guided and worked with over his very distinguished lifetime. However, I ask that you join me, John's wife Nancy, their sons, Bill and Allen, their families and the entire Northland community in congratulating John A. Dillingham on this accomplishment wishing him God's blessings in the years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Blue Springs South High School football team. This is a group of very special young men who have exemplified the finest qualities of teamwork, devotion and sportsmanship by taking an active part in the classroom and on the field. These Jaguars relentlessly pursued their goal and were rewarded with their third state football title, as well as having a perfect 14-0 season. The Blue Springs South Jaguars defeated the defending champions, Christian Brothers College, 37-28 in the Missouri Class Six state championship. Senior Adam Cofield managed to score an astounding four times. The work and effort these young men have persevered through over the years has not only earned them numerous honors on and off the field, but also the respect of their families, classmates, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the undefeated Blue Springs South High School football team for their accomplishments on the field and for their efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Missouri Class Six state champions.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Stanberry High School football team. This is a group of very special young men who have exemplified the finest qualities of teamwork, devotion and sportsmanship by taking an active part in the classroom and on the field. These Bulldogs relentlessly pursued their goal and were rewarded with the Missouri 8-man high school football championship. The Stanberry Bulldogs defeated North Andrew 46-42 in the Missouri 8-man championship. The work and effort these young men have persevered through over the years has not only earned them numerous honors on and off the field, but also the respect of their families, classmates, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Stanberry High School football team for their accomplishments on the field and for their efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Missouri 8-man football state champions.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Kearney High School football team. This is a group of very special young men who have exemplified the finest qualities of teamwork, devotion and sportsmanship by taking an active part in the classroom and on the field. These Bulldogs relentlessly pursued their goal and were rewarded with their fourth state football title in school history. The Kearney Bulldogs defeated Webb City 17-14 in the Missouri Class Four Championship. Junior Ethan Luft managed to recover a last second fumble on the goal line to secure the victory. The work and effort these young men have persevered through over the years has not only earned them numerous honors on and off the field, but also the respect of their families, classmates, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Kearney High School football team for their accomplishments on the field and for their efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Missouri Class Four state champions.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Fort Osage High School football team. This is a group of very special young men who have exemplified the finest qualities of teamwork, devotion and sportsmanship by taking an active part in the classroom and on the field. These Indians relentlessly pursued their goal and were rewarded with their first state football title in school history. The Fort Osage Indians defeated Chaminade 63-28 in the Missouri Class 5 Championship. Senior Skylar Thompson managed to score an astounding seven times. This capped an outstanding season for Thompson, who was awarded the Thomas A. Simone Award as the best high school football player in the Kansas City area. The work and effort these young men have persevered through over the years has not only earned them numerous honors on and off the field, but also the respect of their families, classmates, and community. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Fort Osage High School football team for their accomplishments on the field and for their efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Missouri Class Five state champions.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joshua Keith Dutcher. Joshua 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 714, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joshua has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joshua 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, Joshua has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Joshua replaced the old wooden street signs with new metal signs in his hometown of Camden Point, Missouri. Thirty-four years prior, his father's Eagle Service Project was to build and install the wooden street signs that Joshua updated. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joshua Keith Dutcher 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 rise today in enthusiastic support for this conference report, which reauthorizes the surface transportation program for 5 years. Mr. Speaker, I would argue that few investments made by the Federal Government are more important than the ones we are discussing here today. We depend on a very well-run transportation network for just about everything we do in this country. Improving that system becomes more critical as we become more mobile as a society. In the immediate future, this conference report is going to allow States to plan and execute some much-needed infrastructure repair. In Missouri alone, long-term surface transportation reauthorization translates into improvements for 35,000 miles of highway and 10,000 bridges. Specifically, this conference report reforms the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and increases transparency within its compliance, safety, and accountability program. These reforms will fundamentally change the way the agency analyzes and develops rules for the trucking industry. This is an industry that we all rely on as Americans, but Federal regulations continue to make it harder and harder for small and independent truckers to do business. The FAST Act also increases efficiency within high-cost construction programs. It uses existing funding to develop a new formula for highway freight projects and creates a competitive grant program for projects of national or regional importance. While this 5-year reauthorization is fully paid for, it doesn't address the long-term funding issues staring down the highway trust fund. That is why we directed research into more sustainable long-term funding sources, including a user-funded model that does more than just rely on the existing gas tax. But, looking ahead, this bill sets the stage for us to continue reshaping and rethinking America's transportation network. It will allow us to modernize roads and transit systems using innovations from the private sector. It is going to help us employ advances in technology and interconnectivity to improve safety on America's highways. Ultimately, this report guarantees that local governments are going to no longer be forced to operate off of one short-term extension after another. This gives the States the certainty and the funding they need to improve their roads, rebuild their bridges, and invest in their infrastructure. I am proud of the bipartisan work that the House and the Senate have done to finalize this long-term Federal reauthorization. I would like to echo the words of the ranking member. This was a very bipartisan bill. Thanks to Ranking Member DeFazio, Chairman Shuster, and Ranking Member Norton, I think we did a fantastic job when it comes to putting the bill together. I look forward to seeing the President sign it.