Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 1 minute to another member of the Small Business Committee, the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler).

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 2, legislation to repeal the job- destroying health care law that was rushed through Congress last year. The American people have repeatedly voiced their frustration over the way the health care law put the government between patients and their doctors. They have protested this law's outrageous Federal mandates and high taxes. They have demanded that reform of our Nation's health care system focus not on bigger government, not on more bureaucrats, but on targeted, commonsense changes that encourage competition and better choices. But instead of listening to the people, Washington gave them a law that piles more than $500 billion in tax increases on families and small businesses. This law will force as much as 80 percent of all small businesses to give up their current coverage and could cost our economy 1.6 million jobs, 1 million of which could come from small businesses. All of these new regulations and restrictions included in the law will make it more difficult for small businesses to hire new workers, expand their operations, and offer competitive wages. With unemployment still hovering above 9 percent, families and businesses simply cannot afford more regulations and red tape from Washington. It is going to make jobs more scarce and further slow our economic recovery. My Republican colleagues and I repeatedly tried to reach across the aisle to craft a better bill when this was pushed through. I was disappointed that rather than listen to their counterparts, the American people, those in charge when this was pushed through chose to put a completely partisan, widely unpopular bill through the people's House. We now have an opportunity to give the people what they want by repealing this law and replacing it with meaningful reforms that will cut costs and increase access without creating big problems for businesses or piling more unsustainable debt on future generations. I urge my friends and Members to vote in favor of repeal of this legislation, and join me in implementing better solutions for improving our Nation's health care system. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. I don't have any more speakers, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gibson). (Mr. GIBSON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from New York (Ms. Hayworth).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentlelady 30 additional seconds.

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Mulvaney).

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alan Robert Wilkin. 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 397, 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 earned the rank of Assistant Patrol Leader. Alan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Alan helped record names and other information for Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kearney, Missouri in an effort to help genealogists and locate one particular lost plot for the trustees. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alan Robert Wilkin 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 Francis Burke. 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 397, 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 has earned the rank of Senior Patrol Leader. Daniel has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Daniel designed and constructed an open shelter for Jesse James Park in Kearney, Missouri, a task that included many long weekends this past fall. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel Francis Burke 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 Robert Joseph Pence. Robert 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 397, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Robert has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Robert 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, Robert has earned the rank of Assistant Patrol Leader. Robert has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Robert aided the City of Kearney, Missouri by repainting many of the town's fire hydrants. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Robert Joseph Pence 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 Tanner Joseph Dalman. Tanner 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 397, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Tanner has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Tanner 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, Tanner has earned the rank of Senior Patrol Leader. Tanner has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Tanner designed and constructed an open shelter for Jesse James Park in Kearney, Missouri, a task that included many long weekends this past fall. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tanner Joseph Dalman 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 would like to state my position on the following votes I missed. On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, I missed rollcall votes 628, 629, 630. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 628, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 629, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 630.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize John Trout. John 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 45, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. John has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years John 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, John has earned the God and Country award and represented the United States at Peak 2010, an international Scout Jamboree in Darby County, England. John has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. John built an outdoor patio for the Juda House, a long-term homeless shelter in St. Joseph, Missouri. John also designed a playground and ornamental flower garden for the Juda House. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending John Trout 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, on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 I missed rollcall votes 608, 609, 610. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on those rollcall votes.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to celebrate the birth of Melia Enne Woodward. Melia was born on Friday, September 10, 2010, to her proud parents, Ryan and Kristin Woodward of Fruita, Colorado. Melia entered the world at 12:32 p.m. at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, weighing a healthy 7 lbs. 0.7 oz. and 19.5 inches long. Melia also joins her sister, Elliana Kaye Woodward. Melia also has proud grandparents, Susan Kaye Tanner of Laramie, Wyoming, Cheryl Farmer of Sidney, Nebraska, as well as Bruce Woodward of Maryville, Missouri, to spoil her. Also looking after her from heaven is the late Darrell Earnest Hall of Sidney, Nebraska. Melia is also the nephew of Travis and Sarah Woodward of Kansas City, Missouri, Nathan Woodward of Maryville, Missouri, Sarah Hall of Grand Junction, Colorado, Zach Hall and Zane Hall both of Sidney, Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in celebrating the birth of Melia Enne Woodward. I see great things in Melia's future considering her parents' and grandparents' great emphasis on family values, service and patriotism. I wish Melia the best life has to offer.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brandon George Hecht. Brandon 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 332, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brandon has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Brandon 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, Brandon has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Brandon designed and constructed an outdoor classroom for a local day care, providing an excellent opportunity for the students to learn about nature and the world around them. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brandon George Hecht 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 proudly pause to recognize Ethan J. Smith. Ethan 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 332, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ethan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ethan 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, Ethan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Ethan painted and renovated the Pink Hill Park playground prior to that park hosting the Wall That Heals traveling Vietnam War Memorial exhibit. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ethan J. Smith 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 proudly pause to recognize Hank David Gamel. Hank 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 1494, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Hank has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Hank 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, Hank has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Hank has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Hank designed and constructed a sign for the entrance of the Church of the Annunciation in Kearney, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Hank David Gamel 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 proudly pause to recognize David S. Ameryun. 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 180, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David S. Ameryun 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 proudly pause to recognize Timmothy Hans-Robert Hiller. Timmothy 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 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Timmothy has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Timmothy 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, Timmothy has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Timmothy Hans-Robert Hiller 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 proudly pause to recognize Timothy James Parnacott. Timothy 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 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Timothy has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Timothy 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, Timothy has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Timothy James Parnacott 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 proudly pause to recognize Benjamin James Patrick Huber. Benjamin 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 180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Benjamin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Benjamin 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, Benjamin has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Benjamin James Patrick Huber for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.