Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Zachary Bischler. 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 Bischler 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 Clayton Shruga. Clayton 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. Clayton has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Clayton 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, Clayton has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Clayton Shruga 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 Alexander M. Forbes. 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 444, 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 repainted parking lines at Christ Temple North Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander M. Forbes 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, as a general aviation pilot myself, I was shocked when the FAA Air Surgeon, Dr. Fred Tilton, announced a forthcoming guidance to require additional testing for pilots, as was mentioned, with the arbitrary numbers of a BMI of 40 and a neck size of 17 inches. Not only did he indicate in December that the FAA would move forward with this new guidance on sleep apnea, but that it would challenge Congress by saying: If Congress passes a law to force industry consultation, we will be compliant; but until they do so, we will move forward with our guidance. Today, Congress is acting against the FAA's egregious assumption that these pilots pose a safety risk if untreated. When it comes to the general aviation community's safety record, there is simply no data or evidence to suggest that sleep apnea--or any other medical issue for that matter--is the cause behind general aviation accidents. In fact, most of these accidents happen as a result of weather. GA pilots know that, every time they get into a plane, they are taking their own lives into their hands as well as the lives of others. So, naturally, pilots are not going to knowingly put themselves into an unsafe situation. What is so absurd about this process is just the medical certification in general. The FAA requires GA pilots--or any pilot for that matter--to go through certification every 2 years for a third- class medical and certification every year for a first- or a second- class medical, but there is nothing in that process that guarantees a pilot's fitness to fly within that time period. It is up to the pilot to determine his fitness to fly himself or herself, and he or she knows best. General aviation supports 1.2 million jobs, and it contributes $150 billion annually to the GDP. There are 223,000 general aviation aircraft out there serving 19,000 small and regional airports. It accounts for 27 million flight-hours, and it serves 166 million passengers every year. It is more important than most people realize, and adding burdensome regulations like the FAA is proposing on sleep apnea do nothing but discourage further participation, at least in general aviation. This rule would also have some dramatic effects on commercial aviation, which is also facing a pilot shortage in and of itself. Based on these arbitrary benchmarks, a pilot is going to be required, as was pointed out, to get further examinations and sleep tests, which is going to slow the process down that much more. The outcry from the pilot community, both in general aviation and in commercial, has led to the introduction of this bill, H.R. 3578. It requires the FAA to go through the normal rulemaking process, which allows for public comment and requires them to analyze the impact of the regulation. The FAA should follow the rules, plain and simple. That is all we are asking. They should listen to pilots and take their viewpoints into account. I want to thank Chairman LoBiondo and all of the others for sponsoring this piece of legislation and for joining me to make sure the FAA goes through the proper channels in issuing this regulation. Similar legislation addressing sleep apnea for truckers was passed by both the House and Senate last fall, and it was signed by the President. I hope my House colleagues will join me in supporting this similarly commonsense piece of legislation.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alexander M. Moyer. 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 444, 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 planted prairie grasses and placed gravel in a water runoff guide at Park Hill High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander M. Moyer 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 A. Ryan IV. Will 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. Will has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Will 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, Will has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Will organized and completely renovated the Girl Scouts storage facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Additionally, I am proud to say Will has been accepted into the United States Military Academy Class of 2018. I am sure he will serve his country with the same dedication as fellow north Missourians and West Point graduates, Generals John J. Pershing and Omar Bradley. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending William A. Ryan IV 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 Daniel Bybee. 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 177, 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. Scott planned and led his troop in a tree-planting project in conjunction with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Scott Daniel Bybee 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 E. Lee. 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 444, 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 replaced a gate at Harvester's Community Garden in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob E. Lee 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 Joshua D. McPherson. Josh 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. Josh has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Josh 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, Josh has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Josh installed a bench and placed landscaping rock at Park Hill Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joshua D. McPherson 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 Alexander Miles Burns. Alexander 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 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alexander has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alexander 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, Alexander has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander Miles Burns 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 Jackson Mohr. Jackson 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. Jackson has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jackson 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, Jackson has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jackson built a loafing shed to protect the horses at the Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, a local equine center for youth and adults with special needs. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jackson Mohr 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 Dawson Mohr. Dawson 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. Dawson has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Dawson 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, Dawson has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Dawson erected a playground at the Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, a local equine center for youth and adults with special needs. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dawson Mohr 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 Zachariah Franklynn Pixler. Zachariah 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 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Zachariah has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Zachariah 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, Zachariah has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Zachariah Franklynn Pixler 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 Aaron Darrah. Aaron 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. Aaron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Aaron 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, Aaron has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Aaron Darrah 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 Alexander R.V. Battles. 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 360, 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 helped bring awareness to his local blood bank after receiving a blood transfusion himself that saved his life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander R.V. 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 Evan Joseph Heronemus. Evan 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 218, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Evan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Evan 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, Evan contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Evan Joseph Heronemus 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 Martin Heronemus. 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 218, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Seth Martin Heronemus 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 Wednesday, December 4, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Nos. 618, 619, and 622. I would have voted ``nay'' on Nos. 620 and 621.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler Scott Koch. 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 303, 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 attended Philmont Scout Reservation in 2012 and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Tyler has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Tyler constructed a bridge for the Platte Falls Conservation Area in Platte County, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Scott Koch 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 Kanoe Cardell Newell. Kanoe 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 303, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kanoe has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kanoe 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, Kanoe attended Philmont Scout Reservation in 2012 and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Kanoe has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Kanoe constructed benches for a park in Gladstone, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kanoe Cardell Newell 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 Monday, December 3, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 615, No. 616, and No. 617.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Landon Hansen. 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 4008, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Landon Hansen 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 Dant Pfaff. 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 303, 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 attended Philmont Scout Reservation in 2012 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 constructed four dog houses for the Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Carson Dant Pfaff 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 Monday, December 2, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 612 and No. 613. I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 614.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Phillip Christopher Ruark. Phillip 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. Phillip has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Phillip 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, Phillip has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Phillip performed needed maintenance work in Wallace State Park in Cameron, Missouri, including raising the necessary funds and installing a handicap-accessible bench. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Phillip Christopher Ruark for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.