Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joel Leighton Roney. Joel 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. Joel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joel 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, Joel has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joel Leighton Roney 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 Thomas Andrew Geisinger. Thomas 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. Thomas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Thomas 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, Thomas has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Thomas Andrew Geisinger 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 Bret Michael Bussinger. Bret 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. Bret has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Bret 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, Bret has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bret Michael Bussinger 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 Scott Davis Geisinger. Scott 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. Scott has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Scott 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, Scott has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Scott Davis Geisinger 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 Charles E. Kruse. Charlie has served as President of the Missouri Farm Bureau since 1992 and will be retiring from office on December 7, 2010. Since first being elected to President in 1992, Charlie has served for nine terms and has overseen the tremendous growth of the Missouri Farm Bureau. Under Charlie's leadership, membership has reached 100,000, a successful web portal has been developed, and historic new highs have been reached in both the Life insurance and Town and Country insurance sections. All the while, Charlie has maintained an outspoken passion for Missouri farmers, defending their values and promoting their efforts in both Jefferson City and Washington. Even though retiring from the Farm Bureau, I am sure Charlie will continue to fight for Missouri farmers for many years to come. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, his wife Pam, and all their children and grandchildren, in commending Charles E. Kruse for his accomplishments and for his efforts put forth in serving Missouri farmers.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Duncan Ireland. 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 81, 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 Junior Assistant Scout Master in his troop and Tom Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Andrew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Andrew devoted over 160 hours to a shelter house at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, restoring it back to its original architecture and cedar composition. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Duncan Ireland 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 Christian A. Spinler. Christian 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 205, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Christian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christian 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, Christian has earned the rank of Senior Patrol Leader in his troop and the World Conservation Award. Christian also has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Christian designed and constructed a wooden fence around the trash dumpsters at his troops sponsoring church, Good Shepherd Christian Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christian A. Spinler 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 Christopher Adam Mershon. Chris 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 98, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Chris has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Chris 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, Chris has earned the rank of Patrol Leader in his troop and is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Chris has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Adam Mershon 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 Bryan Edward O'Toole. Bryan 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. Bryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Bryan 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, Bryan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bryan Edward O'Toole 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 Brock Reynolds Wenzel. Brock 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 714, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brock has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brock 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, Brock has shown an incredible determination by earning his Eagle Scout while only 12 years old. Brock has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Brock tore out the old handicap-accessible ramp at the American Legion Hall in Edgerton, Missouri and constructed a new ramp with a lower slope. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brock Reynolds Wenzel 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 Donna C. Nash. Donna has served as Platte County Collector since 1982 and will be retiring from office on February 28, 2011. Since first being appointed to office by Governor Kit Bond in 1982, Donna has been elected as Platte County Collector seven times. During her time in this role, she has sought to provide Platte County the technology and leadership needed to become a top-tier county in Missouri. Her office was the first in Missouri to allow taxpayers to pay their taxes via credit card or online and print their receipt online. She has also provided leadership as the first female President of the Missouri County Collectors Association as well as being involved with the Missouri Association of Counties, the National Association of Collectors, the Treasurers and Finance Officers, and the National Association of Counties. She has generously donated her time to such causes as the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Red Cross, among many other organizations she has supported through the years. I personally would like to thank Donna for her support and insight during my time in office and for being the first Platte County official to endorse me when I first ran for Congress in 2000. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, her husband Karlton, their two children, and three grandchildren, in commending Donna C. Nash for her accomplishments and for her efforts put forth in serving Platte County, Missouri.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 2010 Missouri Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Dennis Fisher. Dennis has served as the Superintendent of Park Hill School District since 2005. Under Dennis' leadership, Park Hill has become one of the most distinguished school districts in Missouri. The school district was the first in the state to receive the Missouri Quality Award and has continued to receive the Distinction in Performance Award each year from the state. Dennis has also provided leadership to numerous professional advisory committees, helping school districts throughout the state provide a higher quality of education to the leaders of tomorrow. Dennis is respected by not only his staff and students, but also the parents and community. He is a leader in the community and plays an active role in the development and betterment of the area. Under his direction, the staff and students strive to the highest of character. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dr. Dennis Fisher for his accomplishments and for his efforts put forth in serving the students of Park Hill School District.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jacob R. Cogan. 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 249, 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 earned the rank of Senior Patrol Leader in his troop and the World Conservation Award. Jacob also has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jacob planted flowering shrubs above a retaining wall and installed a park bench at Benner Park in Weston, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob R. Cogan 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 James Green. 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 38, 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 numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, James contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. James planned and constructed a picnic shelter for visitors and staff at the Saint Joseph Fire Museum in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Green 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 Tyler Rader. 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 394, 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 numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Tyler has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Tyler constructed two outdoor benches to allow people who come to the local Harvesters food pantry a place to sit and eat. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Rader 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 Christopher Lee St. Clair. Chris 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 175, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Chris has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Chris 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, Chris has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Lee St. Clair 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 Stephen Lacina. Stephen 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 394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Stephen has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Stephen 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, Stephen has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Stephen designed and placed landscaping the Veteran's War Memorial in Dearborn, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Stephen Lacina 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 Jean-Luc Tierney. Jean-Luc 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 394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jean-Luc has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jean-Luc 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, Jean-Luc has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jean-Luc constructed two outdoor picnic tables to be used by his high school teachers. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jean-Luc Tierney 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 Parker Steven Spaw. Parker 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. Parker has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Parker 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, Parker has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Parker solicited donations for and volunteered his assistance towards refurbishing the family resource center for IMPACT ministries in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Parker Steven Spaw 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, it is with great pride that I recognize the legacy of the Vietnam War veterans from the state of Missouri through The Wall That Heals which will be displayed in the City of Blue Springs from September 30th to October 3rd. The Wall That Heals is a mobile, half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located here in Washington, D.C. and has been seen by millions of people in more than 300 cities and towns throughout the U.S. The exhibit was first inaugurated on Veterans Day, 1996 by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and offers the opportunity for those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War to be honored by family and friends in their respective communities. I would like to thank Mayor Carson Ross, the Blue Spring City Council, local business leaders, and all the volunteers who dedicated great effort to bringing this distinct honor to Missouri. The traveling exhibition will allow veterans, families and friends in our community to honor our local heroes who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Madam Speaker, the dedication and service these men and women gave in the name of freedom in Vietnam is humbling, and it is an honor to represent them in Congress. I ask my colleagues to join me in saying thank you to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial fund for commissioning this monument and to encourage more cities and towns to sponsor this exhibit honoring our veterans.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nathan Middleton. 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 235, 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 designed and constructed ten wood duck boxes for Happy Holler Conservation Area in Andrew County, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Middleton 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 Christopher McLain. Christopher 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 394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christopher 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, Christopher has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher McLain 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. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 5297, the misleadingly named Small Business Jobs and Credit Act. We have again missed an opportunity to help small businesses around the country that are in desperate need of less regulation and of more certainty about the future. This legislation has three basic parts: It has a $30 billion government bailout provision with no guarantee that the funds are actually going to go to entrepreneurs; Another part is it has a slew of major changes to the Small Business Administration programs that actually discourage job creation; Third--and this is the one that amazes me the most--it has a tax component that combines some very limited small business benefits with even bigger penalties on the dreaded 1099 reporting mandate in the health care law. To better explain that last part, during the month of August, when I went around and listened to small businesses and to some of the problems that they are having, one of the biggest complaints I heard about was this 1099 reporting for small business with any purchase of over $600 or more. In this bill, it increases the penalties on reporting for that. So it was just amazing to me that this was actually included in this. As the ranking member of the Small Business Committee and as a small business owner myself, I have spent months talking to entrepreneurs and examining their ideas on what Washington can do to encourage a stable recovery. I can tell you right now that this legislation is not what they want. It is not what they need to create and grow their businesses. Small business owners aren't looking for more government intervention and more wasteful spending. They are looking for some certainty. Small business owners are looking for a commitment from Washington leaders that their taxes are going to stay the same. They need a commitment that they won't be bombarded with more job-killing regulations. Most of all, they need to feel confident that they can hire new workers and can invest in their businesses without the fear that next week, next month or even next year, Washington is going to turn its back on them. Instead of creating jobs like my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are promising, all this so-called ``small business bill'' will do is create disappointment. In fact, this bill actually removes a very critical job creation requirement from one of the SBA lending programs. The truth of the matter is that this is just another bailout bill that will generate billions of dollars for financiers and not one penny for workers. If we are serious about creating jobs and about encouraging small business expansion, we must work together to develop fiscally responsible policies that work for small businesses and families. I urge my colleagues and other Members to vote against this legislation. Instead, join me in implementing a better solution that will help small businesses without imposing more debt and regulations. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joshua L. Roumph. 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 235, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Joshua constructed signs for the program buildings and entrance for Camp Farwesta, the host site of Camp Quality, a year-round support facility for children diagnosed with cancer. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joshua L. Roumph 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 Nick van der Drift. Nick 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 235, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nick has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nick 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, Nick has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Nick reached out to local businesses and citizens and successfully collected funds and supplies for the Community Service League of Blue Springs, Missouri, benefitting hundreds of those in need. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nick van der Drift for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.