Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Caleb Prettyman. Caleb 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 75, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Caleb has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Caleb 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, Caleb has earned the rank of Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Caleb has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Caleb sanded and repainted all 24 of the fire hydrants in Barnard, Missouri, and installed locater antennas on them so that they may easily be located in the event of an emergency. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Caleb Prettyman 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 Trenton Yates Calton. Trenton 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 397, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Trenton has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Trenton 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, Trenton has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Trenton Yates Calton 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 I. Hutton. 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 87, 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 earned the rank of Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Jacob has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jacob planted landscaping around the sign for the First Christian Church of Cameron, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob I. Hutton 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 Garrett Nicholas Downey. Garrett 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 397, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Garrett has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Garrett 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, Garrett has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Garrett Nicholas Downey 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 Donald F. Harrison, a teacher at Parkview Elementary in Cameron, Missouri, who was recently named America's Top Teacher by Live with Kelly and Michael. Donn is more than just a teacher in Cameron. He also serves as a crossing guard, a volunteer firefighter, and an EMT for Cameron. He also serves as the unofficial voice of Cameron, announcing track meets, basketball games and any other church and school events he can make. Known for his affinity towards bowties and Chuck Taylors, Donn's nomination created an instant sensation in Cameron. Every business in town changed their signs to encourage folks to vote for Donn, `Vote for Donn' yard signs sprung up across town, and social media posts drove the vote for Donn. Winning this award not only earned him a well- deserved vacation and new car, it also provided the Cameron R-I School District with computers to facilitate the classroom experience. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, his wife, Lynette, and their family and friends in commending Donald F. Harrison for his accomplishments in and out of the classroom and for his efforts put forth in achieving this high distinction.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, July 22, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on #450, #451, and #458. Additionally, I would have voted ``NAY'' on #452, #453, #454, #455, #456, and #457.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 21, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on #448 and #449.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I want to associate myself with the words of my colleagues, who just spoke obviously on the need to do this and the need for a long-term transportation bill. I remember Chairman Oberstar working diligently to try to do that in the six, seven extensions, I think, that we had at this time and never did come up with a transportation bill. That is why we are working so hard to make sure we have a good bipartisan bill. I do rise in support of H.R. 3038. It is going to extend the current transportation law until December 18, 2015, until we can get that long- term bill in place. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, I believe it is critical for Congress to come together on this bipartisan, long- term, surface transportation reauthorization bill. In my home State of Missouri, we have nearly 35,000 highway miles and over 10,000 bridges that are begging for our attention. Last month, I had a hearing focusing on the transportation needs of rural America. Our roads and bridges demonstrate why we need a strong Federal highway program. A network of efficient, interconnected roads is critical to moving people and goods and to the overall health of this economy. That is why I am committed to working with Chairman Shuster, Chairman Ryan, and others to get a reauthorization bill done. Federal surface transportation programs are set to expire at the end of this month, and Congress has to act to ensure that these programs continue and that the solvency of the highway trust fund is addressed. State and local governments need to be able to plan for projects with confidence. They need certainty not just for the next 5 or 6 months, but for the next 5 or 6 years. This bill enables us to continue our bipartisan efforts on a reauthorization bill, which we hope to accomplish by the end of the year. We have a tremendous opportunity to secure that bill that is going to improve, rebuild, and modernize our Nation's transportation system, and it is time that we come together to do that. I want to thank both of the chairmen on their work on H.R. 3038.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, July 10, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on #431 and #432 and ``YEA'' on #433.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), my good friend.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2559) to designate the ``PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway'' in the State of Texas.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to urge my colleagues to support this bill. I think what we are trying to do here is very fitting. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 2559.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2559, which names a segment of Interstate 10 between mile markers 535 and 545 in Kendall County, Texas, after Private First Class Milton A. Lee. PFC Milton A. Lee joined the Army in San Antonio in 1967 as a member of the 101st Army Airborne Division and served in Vietnam as a radio telephone operator. PFC Lee was killed in action at the age of 19 and is buried at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. H.R. 2559 is supported by all the local elected officials, community leaders, and veterans organizations. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2559. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew McLean. Andrew 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. Andrew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Andrew 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, Andrew has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and became a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow. Andrew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Andrew completed a garden around a statue of Mary at Little Sisters of the Poor, an elder care facility in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew McLean 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 also want to thank, in addition to this patch, I want to thank Chairman Shuster and Chairman Ryan for their very hard work towards a long-term reauthorization of the Federal highway bill. Mr. Speaker, my home State of Missouri has nearly 35,000 highway miles and over 10,000 bridges that are practically begging for our attention. As chairman of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, every single day I hear about the need to improve and repair our roadways in this country. As you can imagine, this isn't a simple task. This is a job that is going to take years to complete. It requires the hard work and cooperation of thousands of men and women and relies on partnerships between the stakeholders, local governments, and Washington. Most importantly, though, a task of this magnitude requires that those responsible for planning each project, the State and local governments, are able to do so with confidence. They need certainty not only in this year's budget, but also the budgets for the next 5 or 6 years. This 2-month extension does not come under ideal circumstances, but it is going to ensure that States are reimbursed for their expenses on Federal projects, and it is going to give us the time to craft a bipartisan long-term reauthorization that we so desperately need. Long-term reauthorization is critical for everyone who plays a role in improving our Nation's highways and bridges. For too long, they have been forced to operate off of short-term extension after short-term extension, and this makes the already difficult job of maintaining our roadways nearly impossible. This Congress, we have a huge opportunity to secure a long-term highway bill that is going to improve, rebuild, and modernize America's highway system. It is time that we come together to do just that, and I hope this extension gives us the time to come up with that agreement that we need. Again, I want to thank both chairmen for their hard work, and I look forward to finalizing a much-needed long-term reauthorization.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on May 13, I missed a Roll Call vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on #221.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Payton Rodgers. Payton 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 125, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Payton has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Payton 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, Payton has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Payton Rodgers 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 Officer Jacob Baldwin, a police officer and hero with the Pleasant Valley Police Department, on being awarded the Pleasant Valley Police Service Purple Heart, in recognition of his injuries in the line of duty. After serving in the United States Air Force, Officer Baldwin continued his devotion to service by becoming a member of the Kansas Air National Guard, serving in the 284th Air Support Operation Squadron. Through his four deployments to Africa, Kuwait and Iraq and his time with the Pleasant Valley Police Department, Officer Baldwin has gone above and beyond his call of duty. On December 13th, Officer Baldwin sustained severe injuries from a gunshot wound. While wounded, Officer Baldwin exemplified selflessness and bravery by notifying proper authorities of the situation at hand so they could apprehend the suspect before he brought harm to another member of the community. Throughout his many years of meritorious service and commitment to the force, Officer Baldwin has inspired his fellow officers and many in the community which he protects. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Officer Jacob Baldwin for his admirable service to the Pleasant Valley Police Department and his selfless dedication to protecting the residents who reside in the city.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Adam S.J. Battles. 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 360, 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 earned the rank of Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and became a Member of the Order of the Arrow. Adam has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Adam built eight wooden benches for parents and spectators to sit on while watching events at the Northland Therapeutic Riding Center in Holt, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Adam S.J. Battles 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 Seth Argyle. Seth 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 125, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Seth has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Seth 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, Seth has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Seth Argyle 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 Alex Argyle. 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 125, 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alex Argyle 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, last week, on April 21-23, I missed Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on #162, 163, 164, 167, 170, 171, and 173. I would have voted ``NAY'' on #165, 166, 168, 169, and 172.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on March 23 and 24, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on #130, 131, 132, 133, and 134. I would have voted ``NAY'' on #135.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, last week, March 16-19, I missed a series of Roll Call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on #113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 121, 125, 126, 127, and 128. Additionally, I would have voted ``NAY'' on #120, 122, 123, 124, and 129.