Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chair, on Friday, April 4, I missed a rollcall vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 160. Amendment No. 3 Offered by Mr. Cicilline

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, April 1, I missed 3 rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on Nos. 149 and 151, and ``yea'' on No. 150.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler Thorne. Tyler 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 135, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Tyler 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, Tyler has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Thorne 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 Sid Reyes. Sid 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 135, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Sid has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Sid 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, Sid has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Sid completed necessary maintenance on the outdoor classroom at Hawthorne Elementary School in Kearney, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sid Reyes 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 Theo Rogers. Theo 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. Theo has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Theo 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, Theo has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Theo built fire pits for a church camp in Far West, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Theo Rogers 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 Jordan Fotheringhame. Jordan 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 135, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jordan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jordan 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, Jordan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jordan constructed a picnic shelter at Mac Porter Park in Kearney, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jordan Fotheringhame 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 Byron Meador. Byron 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 135, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Byron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Byron 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, Byron has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Byron constructed a set of stairs to the outdoor classroom at Hawthorne Elementary School in Kearney, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Byron Meador 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 Anthony Deffenbaugh. Anthony 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 865, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Anthony has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Anthony 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, Anthony has earned the rank of Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Anthony has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Anthony redesigned the trailer for the Blue Springs High School marching band, including the welding, fabricating and assembly of the parts needed to properly protect the instruments during transportation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Anthony Deffenbaugh 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 Knipp. 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 865, 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 earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Jack has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jack led fellow members of his swim team in putting together a class for basic swim lessons, providing a valuable life lesson to the children he taught. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jack Knipp 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 Donovan Chambers. Donovan 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 865, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Donovan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Donovan 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, Donovan has earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Donovan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Donovan led a food drive at his church, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, on behalf of the food pantry for Sacred Heart-- Guadalupe Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Donovan Chambers 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 Carter R. Thompson. Carter 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 310, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Carter has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Carter 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, Carter has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, has become a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow, and serves as his troop's Senior Patrol Leader. Carter has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Carter cleared a trail and replaced a vandalized handrail at the organized campground at Longview Lake in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Carter R. Thompson 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 Daniel J. Gilbert. Daniel 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 865, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Daniel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Daniel 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, Daniel has earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, has become an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow, and earned the Ad Altari Dei religious award. Daniel has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Daniel dismantled an old playground set, then expanded and mulched the playground area at the Hope House in Lee's Summit, Missouri, in order to prepare the site for a new playground. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel J. Gilbert 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 Calfee. 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 75, 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 Calfee 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 Ronald and Linda Farmer of Macon, Missouri. Ronnie and Linda were married on March 14, 1964 and will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on March 9, 2014. Ronnie and Linda were married at the Christian Church Parsonage in Kirksville, Missouri. Ronnie would work for 48 years at Con-Agra, starting when he was a junior in high school up to his retirement in 2010. He was also very involved with the Boy Scouts and American Legion baseball. Linda has also served a very important role in her community, serving as a member of the Garden Club among other civic boards, while also playing an instrumental role in preserving the history of Macon, including the Colonel Blees Museum. Additionally, she currently serves on the Macon City Council. Whether taking long road trips across the country, riding roller coasters at Six Flags and Worlds of Fun here in Missouri, or just taking in a Cardinals' game at Busch Stadium, Ronnie and Linda have enjoyed life together and look forward to what the future has in store. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, along with Ronald and Linda Farmer's three sons and their wives, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many friends and family, in congratulating them on this significant occasion and wishing them many more years of happiness together.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Zachary Watson. 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 314, 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 Watson 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 DeMolay International, a youth service organization based out of Missouri's 6th Congressional District, on celebrating its 95th Anniversary. DeMolay International is an outstanding leadership and philanthropic organization. Since Frank Sherman Land, a business leader and community volunteer, started DeMolay International in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 18, 1919, the organization has grown exponentially. The innovative and charitable work conducted by the organization now touches the lives of millions in all fifty states, as well as, Washington, DC, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, The Philippines, Australia, Italy, Romania and Serbia. Frank Sherman Land believed in working with others and creating strong bonds that will last a life time. DeMolay International is sponsored by and works closely with The Masons, which are a philanthropic fraternal organization that brings men together to make better communities through charitable work. Throughout history, DeMolay International has stayed true to its seven values of love of family, respect for other people's beliefs, courtesy towards all, brotherhood, honoring one's promises, cleanness in thought word and deed, and love of country. The men who serve in this organization vow to practice and live their lives by these core beliefs. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing DeMolay International for their many contributions to Kansas City and their dedication to service.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Owens. Ryan 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. Ryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ryan 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, Ryan has become a Member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Ryan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Ryan worked with First United Methodist Church of Maryville, Missouri, to set up a perpetual community assistance program and completed multiple projects as models for the program. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Owens 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 Zane Alexander Smith. Zane 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 216, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Zane has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Zane 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, Zane has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Zane repainted three signs for VFW Post 919 in Trenton, Missouri. This facility's signs were in need of aid and the VFW holds a special meaning to Zane due to his involvement with the Civil Air Patrol and military veterans. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Zane Alexander Smith 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 Tuesday, February 25, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on #63 and #64.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lukas James Erickson. Lukas 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. Lukas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Lukas 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, Lukas has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Lukas designed and constructed a privacy picket fence and rebuilt two long planter boxes at the outdoor classroom of Eugene Field Elementary in Maryville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Lukas James Erickson 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 Chair, I want to thank the chairman of the committee for working with us today. I rise in support of H.R. 2804, the ALERRT Act. This legislation represents a very important effort to bring some common sense and transparency to an out-of-control regulatory process that is stifling job growth, especially among small businesses. I am especially pleased that legislation which the Committee on Small Business worked on, H.R. 2542, the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, was incorporated into the ALERRT Act. Again, I want to thank Chairman Goodlatte for working with the committee on the title of this bill. For over 30 years, agencies have been required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or RFA, to examine the impacts of regulations on small businesses. If those impacts are significant, agencies must consider less burdensome alternatives. The problem is that agencies still fail to comply with that law, and the result is unworkable regulations that put unnecessary burdens on America's best job creators, which are small businesses. In numerous hearings over the years, the Small Business Committee has heard about the consequences that burdensome regulations have on farmers, homebuilders, manufacturers, and many others. Instead of using their limited resources to grow and create jobs, small businesses have to spend more time and money on regulatory compliance and paperwork. The Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act is going to eliminate loopholes that agencies have used to avoid compliance with the RFA. Most importantly, it requires agencies to generally scrutinize the impacts of regulations on small businesses before they are finalized. Examining whether there are less burdensome or less costly ways to implement a regulation just makes common sense. Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens frees up scarce time, money, and resources that small businesses can use to expand their operations and hire new employees. The Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act is bipartisan legislation. It has strong support among the business communities. It simply requires agencies to do their homework before they regulate. If agencies do their work, more Americans are going to be working.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Grant Bess. 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 314, 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Grant Bess 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 Harrison Ramsden. Harrison 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 314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Harrison has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Harrison 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, Harrison has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Harrison Ramsden 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 Scott Patton. Scott 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 314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Scott has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Scott 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, Scott has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Scott Patton 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 Jordan Bennett. Jordan 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 444, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jordan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jordan 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, Jordan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jordan built a planter and a bench in the vegetable garden at Harvesters Community Food Network, a local food bank in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jordan Bennett for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.