Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, again, I know there's a lot of confusion out there, and I hope there's staff listening and there are Members listening in their offices. Again, the Cleveland Air Show, I fly a lot of air shows, and this is one of my favorite air shows. And it's an extraordinary aviation community because it used to be home to the Cleveland air races. And again, this never, at any time, lessens security one bit. In fact, it makes security stronger because the TFR around an airshow is even tighter than a normal TFR. It's bigger, it's deeper, and you can't even turn a prop without getting permission during an airshow while it's going on. So there will never ever be a time that this stadium is not underneath the TFR. I'm not trying to pull the wool over anybody's eyes. I'm being straight up on this thing. It's a problem, and we need to fix it. So there's no reason why two events can't go on at the same time, if that ever is a problem. And it has been in the past. We just don't want it to be in the future.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, in closing, I want to thank the Rules Committee for making this amendment in order. I very much want to thank the chairman for his willingness to work with us on this issue in the future, and I look forward to that. With that, Mr. Chairman, I withdraw my amendment.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I would first like to start out by saying that I appreciate the Rules Committee making this amendment in order. And while I am going to withdraw the amendment, I think it's very important to talk about this because it's a very important aspect of the Interstate Commerce Act. Just to give you a little bit of background, in 1994 when we were doing the FAA reauthorization bill, Congress recognized the importance of airports to interstate commerce and enacted legislation to prevent State and local governments from imposing discriminatory taxes on airport users to fund local projects unrelated to airport infrastructure improvement, maintenance, and operations. However, for nearly 20 years, State and local governments have taken advantage of a loophole by applying the burden of the tax not only to airport users but all similar entities within that taxing jurisdiction. This has allowed State and local governments to completely circumvent the intent of Congress and levy discriminatory taxes against interstate travelers, in particular, rental car customers. The intent of the 1994 law is very clear. Targeted taxes imposed at airports are to be used at airports for airport-related projects. We must not continue to allow State and local governments from circumventing these restrictions. Right now, Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Yes, and again I think it's just simply because they don't realize there's still a TFR there. And I probably should have done a better job of explaining that. If in the future it becomes a problem, I want there to be good security. I'd be more than willing to work something out.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, this is an amendment which deals with a TFR, a temporary flight restriction, that complicates things at the air show in Cleveland. There are actually several air shows that this is a problem with, but the Cleveland Air Show happens to be the worst one. The reason I am doing it is because I do a lot of air shows and fly in a lot of air shows, and I am intimately familiar with how the TFRs work. The problem we've had in the past is when the Cleveland Indians play at Jacobs Field, there is a stadium TFR right now, which is a temporary flight restriction for any stadium with a game going on, whether it's football, baseball, whatever. That TFR is 3\1/2\ miles in radius and 3,000-feet deep. Well, with the airport so close to the stadium, if there is a rain- delay game that is postponed and rescheduled and you have the air show in Cleveland, which is one of the most historic air shows around the country, it completely eliminates that air show. The irony is that the stadium there, the Cleveland Indians' stadium, only seats 43,000 people; and there are 90,000 people at the air show. So it creates a problem. What I am trying to do is clarify and allow the air show to go on when there is a game going on. Now, here is the irony. This is the most important part. There is what we call an air show TFR, temporary flight restriction. It's more restrictive than a stadium TFR. In fact, an air show flight restriction is 5 miles in radius, and it's 12,000-feet deep. It completely encompasses the stadium TFR. So if there is a game going on at the same time as an air show, they are still going to be completely protected, and it is going to be completely encompassed within that TFR, and they can both proceed. If, for some reason, the air show ends early and the game is still going on, then it will immediately revert back to the stadium TFR, and everybody is happy, and we move forward. There is never a single point in time when there is no protection over that stadium. It has always been a problem, and we are just trying to clarify so the people of Cleveland can continue to do the air show.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I want to rise in very strong support of the gentleman's amendment. Having flown for over 20 years, I've had firsthand experience with low altitude or low-level obstacles that are out there. I had to make some last-minute corrections just to avoid them. If we had some way to understand where those obstacles are, a very simple method, it would greatly improve safety. Just in the crop duster world alone, we've had nine deaths in the last 10 years from obstacles that are unmarked, unlighted, and we don't have any idea where they are. I would very much be in support of this amendment. I thank the gentleman for offering it.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alexander Christian Nason. 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 376, 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 earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and the position of Senior Patrol Leader in his troop. Alexander has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Alexander planned and supervised the construction of a storage closet for Liberty United Methodist Church in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander Christian Nason 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 Elliott J. Kieffer. Elliott 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 1214, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Elliott has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Elliott 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, Elliott has served as the Tamegonit Lodge Chapter Seven Chief and earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Elliott has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Elliott built a handicap-accessible ramp with handrails for St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, Missouri, providing easy access to the church's educational wing. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Elliott J. Kieffer 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 Kirsten Clemons of Blue Springs, Missouri. Kirsten is the assistant principal of Blue Springs South High School in Blue Springs, Missouri, and is the Missouri Assistant Principal of the Year. Kirsten has also been nominated by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) as a finalist for the 2011 NASSP/ Vicro National Assistant Principal of the Year. This prestigious nomination recognizes Kirsten's ability to excel in the ever-demanding role of assistant-principal in all aspects of education. Mr. Speaker, Kirsten is a major contributing factor to the collaborating leadership success at Blue Springs South High School by devising a comprehensive reading initiative along side the school's 1,400 students and their parents. Put in charge of curriculum and assessment, Kirsten used teamwork and collaboration amongst teachers, students and parents to strengthen the reading program at Blue Springs South High School. Kirsten is a true asset to the Blue Springs School District with her commitment to students, relationship building and long-range goals for students, teachers, and Blue Springs South High School. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Kirsten Clemons' outstanding professionalism and commitment to educating the American youth. I join with Kirsten's colleagues, family, friends, and students in congratulating Kirsten on her outstanding achievement, and wish her good luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Adam Pasley. 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 1051, 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 Pasley 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 Gardner. Jordan is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Jordan's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Jordan has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Jordan can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jordan Gardner for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Megan Hottel. Megan is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Megan's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Megan has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Megan can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Megan Hottel for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lynesia Taylor. Lynesia is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Lynesia's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Lynesia has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Lynesia can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Lynesia Taylor for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Erin Price. Erin is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Erin's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Erin has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Erin can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Erin Price for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Paige Allen. Paige is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Paige's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Paige has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Paige can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Paige Allen for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Allison Felton. Allison is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Allison's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Allison has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Allison can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Allison Felton for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mary McClannahan. Mary is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Mary's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Mary has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Mary can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mary McClannahan for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Emily Mischke. Emily is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Emily's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Emily has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Emily can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Emily Mischke for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Stephanie Scheib. Stephanie is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Stephanie's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Stephanie has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Stephanie can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Stephanie Scheib for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Allison Davis. Allison is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Allison's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Allison has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Allison can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Allison Davis for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Eternity Haynie. Eternity is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Eternity's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Eternity has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Eternity can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Eternity Haynie for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Lindsey Walker. Lindsey is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Lindsey's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Lindsey has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Lindsey can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Lindsey Walker for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sarah Head. Sarah is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Sarah's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Sarah has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Sarah can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sarah Head for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Adriel Benningfield. Adriel is a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Girl Scouts of the USA and earning the high honor of the Gold Award. Adriel's outstanding achievement reflects her hard work and dedication. Adriel has exhibited unique and creative examples of service that have made a difference in her community. I am confident that she will continue to hold herself to the highest standards in the future. This is an accomplishment for which Adriel can take pride in for the rest of her life. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Adriel Benningfield for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of the USA and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Gold Award.