Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cody Daniel Deterding. Cody 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. Cody has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Cody 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, Cody has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cody Daniel Deterding 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 Michael Hoppe. 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 351, 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. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob Michael Hoppe 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 Jeffrey Brendan Lean. Brendan 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. Brendan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brendan 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, Brendan has earned rank of Ordeal Member in the Order of the Arrow and Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Brendan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Brendan designed and supervised the construction of a brick walkway to connect the East Entrance to the Family Life Center at Liberty United Methodist Church in Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeffrey Brendan Lean 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 Logan Cassidy Azevedo. Logan 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. Logan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Logan 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, Logan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Logan Cassidy Azevedo 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 James Thieme. Joshua 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 120, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joshua has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joshua 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, Joshua has earned the Arrow of Light and the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Joshua has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Joshua restored an 19th century cemetery by clearing trees and brush and rebuilding 24 toppled headstones on the cemetery grounds. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joshua James Thieme 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 Jacob Roberts. 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 1180, 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 designed and constructed a picnic area in the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department's Trail of Heroes park, as a place of significant importance to Ryan as both his father and brother are Kansas City Police officers. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Jacob Roberts for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 366) 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. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, we have a big job ahead of us in the 112th Congress. Unemployment remains above 9 percent, and millions of people are out of work. Entrepreneurs are struggling to create jobs and grow their businesses amid threats of higher taxes and more unmanageable Federal mandates. Our economic recovery has been erratic at best. Hard work lies ahead to reduce the uncertainty, to create new jobs and restore confidence in our economy. Today, we are discussing a simple extension of programs overseen by the Small Business Administration through May 31, 2011. Enacting this legislation is a critical first step towards giving small business owners some certainty while we continue to fully examine all of SBA's programs and make necessary changes to improve SBA services. Enacting this legislation will give our new majority the opportunity to explore new and innovative ideas to improve the services offered by the SBA. I am humbled and honored to serve our country's entrepreneurs as the chairman of the Small Business Committee, and I look forward to working with Ranking Member Velazquez to enact a more permanent reauthorization in a timely manner. The two of us have had an excellent working relationship over the past 2 years, and I have no doubt this is going to continue in the future. Madam Speaker, we are all eager to get the work done on restoring America's faith in government and reducing the uncertainty that prevails throughout our economic sectors. We can take this first step by approving this temporary extension and laying the groundwork for a full reauthorization that will bring these programs into the 21st century. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill before us. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, in order to close this debate, let me reiterate that small businesses are going to lead this economic recovery, but we have to provide them with some certainty first. Enacting this legislation before us is going to do just that and let entrepreneurs know that we are back on their side. Once again I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I look forward to working with Ranking Member Velazquez and our colleagues on the Small Business Committee for a more permanent extension. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Collin Ryan Crossley. Collin 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 260, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Collin has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Collin 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, Collin has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Collin led the refurbishing effort for the horseshoe pits in Claycomo, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Collin Ryan Crossley 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 Zach Ildza. Zach 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. Zach has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Zach 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, Zach has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Zach Ildza 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 Mahlon Kruse. Mahlon is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Civil Air Patrol and earning the most prestigious General Billy Mitchell Award. Mahlon has been very active with his patrol, participating in many activities. Over the many years Mahlon has been involved with the patrol, he has not only earned numerous decorations, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Mahlon has earned the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Platte Valley Squadron and further distinguished his record at Hawk Mountain Ranger School and at the National Glider Flight Academy. Mahlon has also maintained an impressive 3.97 GPA and is also planning on serving his country by attending the Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mahlon Kruse for his accomplishments with the Civil Air Patrol and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of the Mitchell Award.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joseph Daniel Moss. Joseph 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 260, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Joseph 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, Joseph has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph Daniel Moss 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 Jeremy Phillip Thon. Jeremy 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. Jeremy has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jeremy 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, Jeremy has earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and became an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow. Jeremy has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jeremy designed and supervised the construction of a handicap-accessible deer blind and nature viewing stand at Smithville Lake, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeremy Phillip Thon 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 Richard Holwick. Dick will be receiving the 2010 Northlander of the Year award from the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce for his service to the Kansas City area community. Dick grew up in the Kansas City area and attended Raytown schools until his family moved north of the river before his senior year of high school. Dick graduated from Oak Park High School and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Accounting. Dick began working for his family's business, Kaw Transport, in 1976, leading it as President from 1982 to 1998, when the company condensed into KTTR and began focusing solely on tanker truck cleaning and maintenance. Dick also showed himself to be a leader for the business community, having served as Chairman for the Northland Redevelopment Corporation, the Clay County Economic Development Council and the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce during times of great economic boon for the Northland. Dick was instrumental in the design and construction of the new Christopher S. Bond Bridge over the Missouri River, providing the Northland with greater and more efficient access to Downtown Kansas City. Dick, ever cognizant of his roots, has also given back to his community by serving as the President of the Liberty Sertoma Club and as a Board Member for the Northland Salvation Army. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, his wife Annie, their children Lindsey, Angela, Evan and Bryan and their grandchildren Austin and Grace in commending Richard Holwick for his efforts to better Clay and Platte Counties and the surrounding communities.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Landry).

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to claim that the health care law is actually going to benefit small businesses despite the mountain of facts that are out there. Specifically, and what was argued earlier, is that the health care tax credit's going to make it easier for employers to offset the costs that are being required to provide health insurance. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Any potential assistance from this tax credit is far outweighed by the tax increases and paperwork burdens that this law is going to pile on small businesses. Madam Speaker, the American people spoke loudly in November. And we need to make sure that we move away from the health care law that penalizes our Nation's entrepreneurs and place a renewed focus on enacting targeted, commonsense reforms that increase access and lowers costs. Madam Speaker, with that I would urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2, and let's get back on track.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Stivers).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from North Carolina, a nurse and the new chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Health Care and Technology, Mrs. Ellmers. (Mrs. ELLMERS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).