Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kenneth Riley, a Staff Sergeant in the Army retiring following more than 30 years of military service. He joined the Army in 1976 through the delayed entry program, and after high-school graduation in June 1977 he was called to active duty. After finishing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was deployed to Karlsruhe, Germany until October of 1979. Upon returning Mr. Riley was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. After serving 6 years of active duty, he was discharged in June of 1980 at which time he entered the Army Reserves. Mr. Riley served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2004, 2005-2006, and 2009-2010, eventually retiring in November of 2010. Mr. Riley has been married to Mrs. Helen Riley for 32 years. They have two children, Tabitha Brown and Tanya Riley. Mr. Riley has 6 grandchildren with another on the way. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Kenneth Riley, a true patriot that has dedicated a major portion of his life to serve his nation. It is truly an honor to serve Mr. Riley in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Hayden White. Hayden 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 692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Hayden has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Hayden 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, Hayden has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Hayden renovated and constructed extra storage space in the basement of the Dillingham-Lewis Museum in Blue Springs, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Hayden White 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 Kyle Dowell. Kyle 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 692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle 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, Kyle has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Kyle constructed 15 duck nest boxes for the Jackson County, Missouri, Department of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle Dowell 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 Ryan Wist. 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 692, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Ryan constructed extra storage space in the basement of the Dillingham-Lewis Museum in Blue Springs, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Wist 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 the Liberty Lady Jays Varsity Soccer team on defeating Ursuline Academy, by a score of 2-1, to win the Class 3 State Championship for the second straight season. The Lady Jays finished their incredible season by posting a strong record of 27-3, while scoring a total of 147 points and only allowing 29 points. In the Championship game, they finished spectacularly by scoring the winning goal with one second left on the clock of the first overtime period. The dedication and teamwork displayed by the Lady Jays is impressive and evident in their success. I want to recognize the great leadership of the team, including Head Coach Tom Rottjakob and the work of his assistant coaches. I also want to recognize the work of the school administrators, Superintendent Mike Brewer, Principal April Adams, and Athletic Director Jason Cahill, as additional keys to success. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating the achievement of the Liberty Lady Jays Varsity Soccer Team on winning their second consecutive State Championship. It is an honor to represent this team in Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 439, the Kind Amendment to H.R. 2112, I voted ``aye'' when I intended to vote ``nay.''

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nathan Charles Darrah. 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 692, 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. Nathan reclaimed and built over a mile of hiking trail around Lake Jacomo in Jackson County, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Charles 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 Michelle Meierhoffer of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Michelle is active in the community through her work and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Emerging Leader. Michelle Meierhoffer is a recent addition to the Saint Joseph community, and in her three years here has already garnered awards and appreciation through civic and professional endeavors. Pfizer Pharmaceuticals has recognized her contributions as a Sales Representative with numerous awards, including the company's top honor. She has lent her considerable energy and imagination to the Junior League and the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. She embodies her own words to others to ``do their best and think outside the box to obtain their goals using new and exciting means.'' Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Michelle Meierhoffer. She has already made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Diane Hargrave of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Diane is active in the community through her work and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Woman in Support Services. Within her 23 years of service to the Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, Diane has continually excelled at a complex set of responsibilities. She has assisted with five successful federal and state inspections, and has served several facility leaders on her journey to her current title as Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer. Diane holds the complete history of the facility in her hands, and has been praised for her assistance through a major leadership reorganization. Her knowledge of the facility has been instrumental for hospital leadership navigating service delivery in the complicated public mental health care setting. Diane has guided coworkers to top administrative leadership positions, while helping NMPRC maintain rigorous accreditation--and all with humor and generosity. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Diane Hargrave. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jan Saxton of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Jan is active in the community and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award: Woman in the Workplace. In 1945, after every member of Jan's family worked to save all their earnings through the great depression, her father decided the time was right. Every penny saved was invested into the dream of rebuilding a spot of family entertainment, a golf course. A small lot at 9th and Jules in St. Joseph, provided land for rent. Used lumber and materials started a modest 18 hole course. Jan graduated from Lafayette High School and with the help of her grandmother, Pearl Summers, was put in charge of the business. The little course thrived, yet before the end of the third season, the land was sold. After her brother and Guy Saxton returned home from the service, she married Guy, her high-school sweetheart. Soon they purchased land to build what is now Cool Crest. His engineering and carpentry skills, and her gardening and ``people skills'' made for the perfect combination that we still enjoy today. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jan Saxton. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Madeleine Misemer of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Madeleine is active in the community and in her school and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Future Leader Award. Leadership is a hallmark of Madeleine's high school career. While earning high academic honors each semester, she remained involved in Student Council and was a delegate to the Missouri Association of Student Council Summer Leadership Workshop. Madeleine has been enrolled for three years in the Leadership Class and has also been a DECA leadership conference delegate. She is often seen at athletic events supporting her peers, and is a member of the varsity tennis team. Her lengthy list of service activities includes chairman of the blood drive and steering committee member for the Senior Citizen's Prom. She is also a natural tutor and mentor, leading activities for struggling students. Madeleine's nominator states, ``Her high morals and ethics are not to be questioned . . . others trust her judgment, and she sees the bright side to all situations.'' Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Madeleine Misemer. She is an amazing individual and a tremendous asset to our community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alison Schieber of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Alison is active in the community and she has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Woman in Volunteerism. As President of the Allied Arts Council, Alison is also serving on the Missouri Citizens for the Arts Board to advocate for the advancement of the arts through education. A Sustainer of the Junior League of St. Joseph, Alison is also a member of the Community Action Committee and a spokesman for the St. Joseph Public Library Modern Library Campaign. Alison is lauded for her ability to lead by example, understanding the important role the arts play in childhood development. Her advocacy for the arts led to her work with the Missouri Citizen's for the Arts as a lobbyist, working to remove the sunset clause on the Cultural Entertainment tax. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Alison Schieber. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Muriel Redmond of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Muriel is active in the community and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award: Woman in Volunteerism. After her marriage, Muriel became active in St. Joseph's Hospital Guild, continuing her interest founded while a student nurse. With her dedicated involvement, she accepted leadership positions, including president. Muriel started the Candy Striper program in 1947, being the first instructor. Muriel's lifelong interest in the medical field included membership in the Medical Auxiliary. She has been an active member in the Flower Society, Girl and Boy Scouting, and P.E.O. She is a member of Y Women and a supporter of the Abuse Shelter. As a member of St. Joseph's Cathedral Church and the adjoining school, she supported her children's education with two periods as president in the PTA. She remains active in the Quarter of A Century Nurses and at her present residence, the Living Community of St. Joseph; she was a founder of the Needles and Pins group. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Muriel Redmond. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sally Schwab of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Sally is active in the community through her work and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Woman in the Workplace. As Team Leader and Chaplain for Spiritual Health Services at Heartland Health, Sally is a 25-year employee who is continually described by her coworkers as analytical, caring and loyal. She serves as national president of her professional organization, the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., and has received numerous awards, including the Buchanan County Medical Society's Humanitarian Award. She also leads the Ethics Committee and works throughout regional hospitals to advise chaplains and provide education toward meeting patients' spiritual needs. Sally teaches Clinical Pastoral Education students, has led an educational process on advanced directives, and serves on several organizations including the P-20 Council and the Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care Association. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Sally Schwab. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Clifton Gunderson LLP of Saint Joseph, Missouri. This business has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Employer of Excellence. Innovate leadership programs for women help create an atmosphere of achievement at Clifton Gunderson LLP. The Women's Initiative Now (WIN) program helps provide leadership skills, business skills and personal growth opportunities for female employees. Flexible work arrangements help the team balance work and family goals. The St. Joseph office is led by a female partner--the nation's first and only female company CEO--and 50 percent of office partners and 100 percent of senior managers are female. The Career Development Network program strategically pairs an experienced individual with someone in a similar area as a mentorship, and to form an individual career development plan. Through these efforts, Clifton Gunderson LLP demonstrates its commitment to promoting a culture that continually develops female leadership. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Clifton Gunderson LLP. This business is a tremendous asset to the St. Joseph community and I am honored to represent this business in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The legislation we have before us is a short-term extension of programs that helps our Nation's small businesses. Last week, the House passed the bill by voice vote to extend these programs for 4 months until the end of the fiscal year. Unfortunately, that bill was used as a vehicle to pass the PATRIOT Act authorization. So we have a new bill before us today. Like the bill the House passed last week, this legislation extends the authorization of the Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs until the end of the fiscal year. These two programs provide R&D dollars to small businesses to create jobs, spur innovative ideas to the market, and solve Federal agency problems, all at no additional cost to the government. Secondly, the bill extends for 2 months, until July 31, 2011, the authorization of several other programs of the Small Business Administration. Among them is the pre-disaster mitigation program that provides loans to small businesses so they can implement technology that will reduce the impact of disasters on their operations. With the recent devastation we have seen in the Midwest, including in my home State of Missouri, and with the hurricane season right around the corner, it's imperative that this program continue for small firms who wish to bolster their disaster plans. Mr. Speaker, this is bipartisan legislation that has the support of the administration, as well as the leadership of both parties on the other side of the Capitol. It is important that we do not let these programs lapse, because they will expire if we do not pass this legislation today. This is the last day. I urge my colleagues to support our Nation's small businesses and vote ``yes'' on S. 1082. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1082) to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. I ask unanimous consent that all Members shall have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. I thank the ranking member. In closing, just let me reiterate this is a simple, short-term extension of programs that are very important to our Nation's small businesses. We aren't changing any policy here. We are just extending them until hopefully we can work out the differences with the other body on the other side of the Capitol. Again, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on S. 1082 and keep these programs running so we can hopefully work out these differences.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Colby Harrison Scroggins. Colby 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. Colby has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Colby 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, Colby has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Colby refinished the floor of the Firemen's Memorial in Cameron, Missouri, and also constructed two 8' 10' planters on either side of the memorial. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Colby Harrison Scroggins 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 Walter Thompson. Walter 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 161, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Walter has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Walter 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, Walter has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Walter Thompson for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth inachieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Eric Brian Hallmark. Eric 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 900, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Eric 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, Eric has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Eric Brian Hallmark 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 yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, America's 27 million small businesses drive U.S. economic growth and innovation. Those small companies have created 64 percent of our net new jobs over the past 15 years. Strong and vibrant economies are built from the ground up, and as our Nation's entrepreneurs are making decisions to take risks and invest they need to know that their elected officials are looking out for them and providing them with the certainty they need to have confidence moving forward. That confidence will result in increased economic output, new jobs, and a better way of life for all Americans. The legislation we have before us is a simple extension of programs overseen by the Small Business Administration through September 30, 2011. The current authorizing legislation expires at the end of this month, and we need additional time to continue our legislative work. Chief among the programs we are extending today is the Small Business Innovative Research Act, the largest Federal Government small business research and development initiative. Earlier this month, the Small Business Committee held a markup of legislation that would fully authorize the SBIR program through 2014. This bipartisan legislation passed our committee by voice vote, and we are ready to bring this legislation to the floor to provide our small entrepreneurs with the certainty that they need to move forward. Unfortunately, the long term SBIR reauthorization introduced by our counterparts in the other body has been stalled and the prospect of them passing that legislation still remains unclear. We have reached out to the other body and are continuing a constructive dialogue on finding a solution to fully authorize the SBIR program as well as other important small business initiatives. It is my hope that we can continue to work in a bipartisan and bicameral way to pass this long-term reauthorization. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on S. 990, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jesse T. Reynolds. Jesse's service to this Nation during World War II exemplified the highest characteristics of the service men and women who bled and died to preserve freedom. Jesse was aboard the USS MacDonough when it was anchored in Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7, 1941. Jesse was among the first to spot the incoming Japanese aircraft that morning and informed the only officer on board of the pending attack. After Pearl Harbor, Jesse was assigned to the newly commissioned USS Radford, where he served in support of the Battle of Guadalcanal and in the Battle of Kula Gulf, where Jesse helped rescue the survivors of the USS Helena. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jesse T. Reynolds for his accomplishments with the United States Navy and for his service to the United States of America during World War II.