Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alan P. Lessenden. Alan 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. Alan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alan 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, Alan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alan P. Lessenden 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 Tyler Kurt Wheeler. 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 314, 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 32 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Tyler has led his troop in various positions including Senior Patrol Leader and is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. Tyler has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout Project. Tyler designed and led the construction of a walking bridge over a creek in the Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Kurt Wheeler 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 Collins Alan Beatty. Collins 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. Collins has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Collins has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 36 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Collins has led his troop in various positions including Assistant Patrol Leader, has earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is an Arrowman in the Order of the Arrow. Collins has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Collins removed old landscaping and planted new shrubs along a walking trail at Chinn Elementary in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Collins Alan Beatty 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 Colt A. Nutter. Colt 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 1171, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Colt has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Colt has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 65 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Colt has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Colt led a crew of 16 scouts and adults in cleaning brush and trees from Keller Cemetery in Clay County, Missouri. Additionally, the team fenced and gated the cemetery and recovered burial stones lost in the overgrowth. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Colt A. Nutter 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 K. Donner. 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 1376, 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jordan K. Donner 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 E. Cockriel. 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 351, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Adam E. Cockriel 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 Chase Lee Beeler. Chase 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. Chase has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Chase 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, Chase has led his troop in various positions including Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, has earned the rank of Foxman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow. Chase has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Chase designed and constructed six benches out of recycled telephone poles and installed a flag pole for Hillcrest Transitional Housing in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Chase Lee Beeler 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 Craig Scott Griswold. Craig 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 345, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Craig has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Craig 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, Craig has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Craig designed and constructed new stairs and landings for the One-Room Schoolhouse operated by the Putnam County Historical Society at the City Park in Unionville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Craig Scott Griswold for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nathan T. Itao. Nathan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nathan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Nathan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan T. Itao 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 James Allen Bibens. James 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. James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years James has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 36 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, James has led his troop in various positions including Patrol Leader, has earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow. James has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. James designed and constructed a large cook box for food storage and cooking utensils for campers at Heartland Presbyterian Center in Parkville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Allen Bibens 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 rollcall No. 659, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly endorse the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. As Chairman of the Small Business Committee, over the past two years, we have held over a dozen hearings on federal procurement issues which resulted in eleven contracting reform bills being voted out of Committee with bipartisan support. At the same time that our Committee was developing legislation, the HASC's Panel on Business Challenges in the Defense Industry was holding hearings and roundtables examining many of the same issues. I appreciate the leadership of Mr. Shuster and Mr. Larsen in this effort, and I was pleased to be part of one of these roundtables. The Panel and my Committee share a common understanding of issues facing small business participation in contracting and the health of the industrial base, which is the basis for the package of about thirty-five provisions that were included in the House-passed version of the NDAA. As HASC's Panel and my Committee found, the federal government marketplace is full of great opportunities for small businesses to succeed, if only we give them the chance. The federal government spends over half a trillion dollars each year on private sector contracts; small businesses deserve a chance to compete for the work, because they bring efficiency and cost-savings to the taxpayer and create jobs while doing it. This year's NDAA makes substantial reforms to small business contracting which will benefit small contractors throughout the Nation and is supported by nearly 30 trade associations. The small business provisions in the NDAA will help make sure existing small business goals are actually met, empower small business advocates, and crack down on fraud. Most importantly, this legislation ensures that small businesses have greater opportunities to compete. Government contracting offers a unique opportunity to invest in small businesses while also stimulating our economy, considering small businesses create the majority of new jobs. The passage of the conference report is a victory for the 27 million small businesses hard at work throughout America.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the distinguished service of my neighbor to the north, Congressman Leonard Boswell. And as was just pointed out, he was born in Missouri's Sixth Congressional District, which is the district I represent, in Harrison County. I think that's a fact that has probably dogged him throughout his career in Iowa politics, but we're very happy to have him actually born there. But I got to know Leonard through his hard work on matters related to aviation. And as has been pointed out today, Leonard is obviously a former military helicopter pilot, but he later got his fixed wing license, and most recently he's been flying a Comanche and a Zenith, but he's been a great advocate for all of general aviation. I've worked with him on countless pieces of legislation, large and small, to advance the interests of general aviation. In the FAA reauthorization, which we just finished this year, or parts of last year, there was an important provision in it to allow residential through-the-fence agreements at general aviation airports, and this provision would not have survived the process without Leonard's efforts. He's been a leader in opposing user fees, which is one of the number 1 issues to those of us in general aviation and to general aviation pilots, and ensuring the continuation of programs such as the Block Aircraft Registration program. He has been an instrumental voice and established something that's very important to me, and that's the General Aviation Caucus. He's been very instrumental in the process of getting over 190 members, which is one of the largest caucuses here in the House of Representatives. And whenever I needed somebody to have courage to stand up for good policy even when it wasn't necessarily good politics, Leonard was always there, and I could always count on him to stand with me on those issues. I was also thrilled that Congressman Boswell attended the greatest little air show in the country, which is in my hometown of Tarkio, Missouri. And he has come there as a friend and, obviously, an aviation enthusiast, but I am hopeful he will join us again this year, July 13, for the show. Leonard has served his country in uniform and, obviously, as a Member of this House of Representatives, and he's served capably and very honorably. And on behalf of general aviation enthusiasts across this Nation, I want to thank you for everything that you have done to help those folks out. It's been an honor to work with you, and it's an honor for me to be able to call you my friend. Thank you very much, Leonard.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kent Fisher, a dedicated public servant and community leader from Atchison County, Missouri. Kent Fisher has served as Atchison County South District Commissioner since November of 1998, filling a two-year unexpired term followed by re-election to three subsequent four year terms. During his tenure as an elected official, Kent has served Atchison County's citizens through numerous natural disasters and reconstruction efforts including Presidentially-declared disasters for flooding and ice storms. He has been an instrumental part of the reconstruction efforts, collaborating with local, state and federal agencies to secure grant funding and ensure the county rebuilds and prospers. Kent has been involved with various organizations for the betterment of the citizens of Atchison County and Northwest Missouri, including serving as a board member of Community Services of Northwest Missouri, the Fairfax Kiwanis Club, Fairfax Lodge #483, Scottish Rite Bodies of St. Joseph, and the Moila Shrine Temple. Kent is also a Leadership Northwest Missouri Graduate, and Past President of the Northwest Missouri Commissioners Association. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kent Fisher for his service to the citizens of Atchison County and Northwest Missouri. It is an honor to have had the opportunity to work with Kent for the betterment of Atchison County and Northwest Missouri. It is an honor to serve Kent in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Barbara Koirtyohann upon her retirement and to reflect on her years of service to her community. Barbara has served as the longtime Director of Public Affairs at Hallmark Cards, Ltd. Her influential leadership has extended beyond Hallmark as well, lending her talents as co-chair of the Postal Affairs Committee with the Greeting Card Association and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Public Affairs Council. Beyond her profession, Barbara has also contributed to her community through many civic and charitable organizations in Kansas City. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, supporting the efforts of the Truman Medical System; as an Advisory Board member for the Hope House, a domestic violence shelter in Lee's Summit; and as a member of the Missouri Mansion Preservation Board, working to preserve and maintain the Missouri Governor's mansion in Jefferson City. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, her daughter Cindy and grandson Lucas, and all her friends and family in commending Barbara Koirtyohann for her accomplishments and her leadership professionally and her dedication to her community.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kolby Dean Goff. Kolby 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 418, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kolby has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kolby 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, Kolby has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Kolby designed and constructed an outdoor classroom at his sister's elementary school, building a nature learning center and an life-size outdoor checkerboard. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kolby Dean Goff 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 Andrew Tully. 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 414, 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 the God and Country Award. Andrew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Andrew completed many renovations at the First Baptist Church of Bogard, Missouri, including a utility room, handrails, enclosed an exterior staircase, and other small projects to help congregants enter and use the church facility. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Tully 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 David Dominick Costanzo. David 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 271, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. David has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years David 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, David has become a member of the Order of the Arrow and joined the Tribe of Mic- O-Say. David has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. David renovated his council ring at Gashland United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, by removing weeds and overgrown vegetation, laying down weed fabric and overlaid it all with ornamental gravel. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Dominick Costanzo 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 John Catton. 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 1367, 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 earned the 50-Miler Award. Daniel has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Daniel designed and constructed the installation of storage units for Triality Tots, an organization that provides high quality educational opportunities for children with special health needs or developmental delays. Daniel plans on pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel John Catton 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 Moore. Jacob is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Royal Rangers and earning the most prestigious award of the Gold Medal of Achievement. Jacob has taken an active part with the Royal Rangers through his church, Blue Springs Assembly in Blue Springs, Missouri. The Royal Rangers provide young men the character development and leadership formation needed to thrive in today's world. Attaining the Gold Medal of Achievement demonstrates Jacob's dedication and commitment to the Royal Rangers. I am sure that Jacob will continue to hold such high standards in the future. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob Moore for his accomplishments with the Royal Rangers and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Medal of Achievement.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Aaron Riley Bradshaw. 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 271, 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 refused to see his autism as a handicap, but rather as an opportunity to grow and thrive as an individual. His journey to the rank of Eagle Scout has been an inspiration for his friends, fellow scouts and especially his family, all of whom are extremely proud of what he has accomplished as an Eagle Scout. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Aaron Riley Bradshaw for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievement of Dan Anderson of Blue Springs, Missouri. Dan was the principal of the Blue Springs Freshman Center in Blue Springs, Missouri, and is the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals' Principal of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Dan's ability to excel and impact in the ever-demanding role of principal and lead educator in all aspects of education. Mr. Speaker, Dan's impact in the areas of collaborative leadership, curriculum, instruction and assessment, and his personalization of the learning environment are stellar and recognized by his fellow educators, parents, and community. The selection was made from more than 600 high school principals throughout the Great State of Missouri. The Blue Springs Freshman Center is unique with 1,100 freshmen students within the Blue Springs School District. Dan was able to effectively position the talent of his team, motivate excellence in his school's curriculum, and clearly communicate purpose with the families and community in Blue Springs. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Dan Anderson's outstanding professionalism and commitment to educating the American youth. I join with Dan's colleagues, family, friends, and students in congratulating Dan on his outstanding achievement, and wish him good luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on July 25, 2012, the Committee on Small Business held a hearing examining how, despite the harrowing recession and tough economy, some small business owners have grown by innovating and strategically adapting their business models in order to find success. In the days leading up to the hearing, the Rumford Industrial Group, a small firm in Centerville, Ohio, sent me a letter highlighting their successes as well as noting the tough choices their company must make every day. As our Nation's job creators, small businesses, continue to struggle with economic uncertainty, I rise today to submit the Rumford Industrial Group's statement as a testament to the perseverance, innovation, and hard work accomplished by America's small business men and women every day. Their commitment to their businesses, employees, and communities is critical to this nation's future success. Rumford Industrial Group, Centerville, OH, July 20, 2012. House of Representatives, House Small Business Committee, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Graves: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our successes and our concerns during this challenging time. Rumford Industrial Group is a small industrial distribution company located in Dayton Ohio. Incorporated in 1980 by Jim Rumford we are your typical sales organization. The economic climate in 1980 wasn't very favorable for starting a company. Interest rates were around 18% and banks just weren't lending anyway. We've made investments over the years to stay ahead of the competition and as our company grows, we hire. Our group currently numbers 40 over a 5 state territory. As a sales organization it is our responsibility to provide certain functions to support our sales staff. These include but aren't limited to: Office/warehouse (of which we're about to break ground on a new 8500 sq ft facility); accounting/ bookkeeping department; shipping/receiving capabilities; customer service; order taking; marketing department; technical support; sales consultants; application company. By having a fully functional office to support our sales field we are able to increase our presence in our industrial accounts by making our sales staff more efficient. This increases our sales and allows us to expand our internal and external organizations. In 2009 when the economy tanked we lost 40% of our business. We chose to use our savings accounts to keep people employed instead of laying them off. We believe most small businesses in this country would do the same if they had the option. We were fortunate when in August of 2010 business started picking up and we were able to gain back 25% of the previous year's losses. Still down but not as far. In 2011 we were up 25% over 2010 and so far for 2012 we are running at a 35% increase in business. How are we managing this? Well, we went back to the basics. We started calling our customers, knocking on doors and sending email newsletters to let the customer base know about our capabilities. Basically we implemented a great marketing campaign. Typically in economic downturns our business does very well as we rebuild and salvage component equipment in the industrial sector. This last downturn didn't just close factories and facilities, they were torn down. Automotive plants that covered hundreds of acres of land are gone. The industries that support big business were just gone. We were fortunate to survive and one of the main reasons for this is that we carry no debt By not having debt to service we can focus on our mission of effectively educating employees and customers on providing reliable lasting solutions for the repair and reclamation of buildings, structures, machinery and equipment. I'd like to make an important note. Our success and our survival as a small business is in no part due to the actions of the government. Indeed, the government could have eased lines of credit for small businesses and reduced the paperwork burden to obtain temporary financing, but it either did not happen or the bureaucracy was too burdensome. During the economic downturn between 2008 and 2011, we tried to expand our business into the military, specifically the Army. Our focus was to improve the preservation and maintenance of Army equipment and we had numerous meetings with Army officials. Unfortunately, the Army has little focus on reducing the life cycle cost of their equipment and focuses more on quick fixes, thus spending more on maintenance and equipment over time. Indeed, there are few in the government capable of making life cycle determinations during acquisition decisions. After three years of trying to have meaningful discussions and meetings to change the Army's maintenance focus, we returned to our basic commercial roots working with companies who are interested in saving money. We are disappointed by a general lack of business acumen in the government. The tax code needs to be completely abolished and rewritten to either a fair or flat tax where everyone pays their fair share, not just the wealthy. In discussions around our community here are some bullet points that other small business owners would like to see us share with you. 1) Keystone Pipeline needs to be completed. 2) Fracking needs to be allowed to move forward. 3) SBA--Guarantees were put in place during the financial crisis and then removed. We'd like to see them reinstated. 4) Obamacare is proving to be burdensome, expensive and doesn't solve the health care problems. 5) Frustration with lack of federal budget and imbalance in receipts vs. expenditures. 6) Extend Bush tax cuts for all. This gives us the ability to make plans. 7) The unceasing attacks by the administration and certain members of Congress on the hard won success of numerous small business men and women who are the backbone of employment in our nation is despicable. To call successful small persons wealthy and to add additional tax burdens such as the Obama Health Plan will hurt employment and investments. 8) We would like the paperwork associated with small business loans significantly reduced. Small businesses can grow and improve the nation's unemployment situation if we have the same access to capital at rates similar to large companies. There is a difference between low risk and no risk and too many financial institutions have taken the no risk approach. Rumford Industrial Group is proud of its accomplishments. We have weathered poor economic conditions through hard work and sacrifice, reducing debt, and by making prudent financial decisions. It has not been easy and many of the government's policy decisions have not improved conditions. We look for actions the House Small Business Committee can take to reduce burdensome rules and regulations that will help small business gain faster access to credit, reduce bureaucratic oversight, and promote a tax structure that encourages small businesses to grow in both revenue and employment. Small business is the cornerstone of the great American success story where personal sacrifice can lead to a better life for all the citizens of America. With Respect, Stephanie Rumford.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 584, I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the City of Weston, Missouri, as the residents celebrate the 175th anniversary of the founding of their community. Weston was a mid-nineteenth century Missouri River port community, the second largest port on the river, second only to St. Louis. In 1850, over 300 steamboats a year docked at the Port of Weston. The population soared to 5,000, surpassing both Kansas City and St. Joseph. Floods, fires, and the Civil War contributed to a decline in population, but not in spirit. In 1972, a major portion of the early town was designated an Historic District and placed on the National Register of Historic Places having retained a substantial portion of its early residences and commercial structures. Weston is a gem in the 6th Congressional District featuring antebellum homes, museums, walking tours, and a historic shopping district. Many of the antique, home furnishing, gift shops and restaurants are located in buildings built prior to the Civil War. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in celebrating with the City of Weston during their 175th anniversary festivities.