Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Harrison J. Shipman. Harrison 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. Harrison has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Harrison 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, Harrison has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Harrison designed and constructed a memory garden at Weston Christian Church in Weston, Missouri. Harrison honored the memory of 70 late members of the church with bricks with their names inscribed on them, Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Harrison J. Shipman 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 Sparks. 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 249, 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 earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is a member of the Order of the Arrow. Tyler has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Tyler designed and constructed 6 raised historical gardens at Watkins Mill State Park outside of Kearney, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Sparks 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 Andrew Hutchinson. 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 332, 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 achieved the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Andrew has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Andrew provided maintenance at St. Robert's Bellarmine Church in Blue Springs, Missouri, by replacing the outside steps and repainting a shed for the church. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Hutchinson 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 Saint John's Lutheran Church of Corning, Missouri, as they celebrate their sesquicentennial anniversary. Since being founded as the Deutsch Evangelish Lutheraner St. Johannes in 1860, the St. John's congregation has remained a pillar of the community. The efforts of the community to save the church during the historic floods of 1951 and 1993 highlight the importance of this church to the surrounding area. The historical nature of the church was recognized in 2008 when it was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Saint John's Lutheran Church of Corning, Missouri for their 150 years of service to the Corning community.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, on Monday, July 26, 2010 I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes No. 467, No. 468, and No. 469. Had I been present I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 467 and ``yea'' on No. 468 and No. 469. On Tuesday, July 27, 2010 I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes No. 470 through No. 475. Had I been present I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 470 and No. 473 and ``yea'' on No. 471, No. 472, No. 474, and No. 475.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

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

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I tell you what, I would rather not withdraw the amendment, but I would take just a voice vote. I would like to say if I can, I just appreciate the chairman's willingness to work with me on this, and I understand what he's saying, too, and I respect it. But thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding to me.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Graves-Boswell amendment. I would like to thank the gentleman from Iowa for offering this amendment with me and for his support. Our amendment prohibits the FAA from using funds in this act to terminate an existing residential through-the-fence agreement at public-use general aviation airports. It also prevents the FAA from withholding funds from the sponsor of a GA airport, solely because that sponsor enters into a residential through-the-fence agreement. To kind of explain this, the sponsor can be the airport authority, it might be the community, it might be the municipality, it might be the county in many cases. What a residential through-the-fence agreement is is an agreement between the airport sponsor and a person who might own residential property adjacent to that airport. These agreements simply provide the property owner and their aircraft access to the airport. It is very important to note that this amendment does not require a GA airport to enter into one of these residential agreements. If an airport or that airport authority--city, county, municipality--if they feel that such an agreement is not beneficial to the airport or they simply don't like the idea, then they don't have to enter into an agreement. It's always been that way. It's up to those communities. Those communities, the municipalities, counties, they own the airport. The Federal Government doesn't. What this amendment simply does is keep that option out there on the table. Most recently the FAA began targeting public-use airports that have residential through-the-fence agreements. In some cases, the FAA has withheld annual Airport Improvement Program funds from GA airports solely because the airport has a residential through-the-fence agreement. Airport Improvement Program funds are those funds that are deposited into the general aviation trust fund from taxes on aviation fuel. That's where it comes from. They go to these airports to make improvements, to expand airports, whatever the case may be; but the FAA has withheld those funds simply because an airport has entered into one of these agreements. Residential through-the-fence agreements can safely coexist with GA airports. The FAA's policy banning all of these residential agreements remains, I think, misguided and unjustified. Rather than work through these on a case-by-case basis, the FAA finds it more convenient just to prohibit them altogether. Our amendment will prohibit the FAA from enforcing this policy just in fiscal year 2011. What I am trying to do is hopefully give us some time so we can find a more permanent, long-term solution. This amendment does not prohibit the FAA from deeming an airport to be out of compliance. If an airport violates any of the criteria that are out there, they could still hold them accountable. They simply can't do it solely because the airport has entered into a residential through-the- fence agreement. Again, Mr. Chairman, just to try to put it in basic terms, these airports belong to the cities and the counties. They don't belong to the Federal Government, and I think it's wrong that the Federal Government would withhold funds from them simply because they entered into one of these agreements. It should be up to the city; it should be up to the community or whoever the airport authority is and not up to the Federal Government. I rise in support of the Graves-Boswell amendment. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Iowa for helping out with this. He has been a strong general aviation advocate for many, many years and obviously very active in this issue. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I very much appreciate the chairman's willingness to work with me on this and to move forward. This is going to be a process that is going to take some time. We need to come up with some thoughtful consideration. What I'm trying to do today with this amendment, though, is just prevent us from doing some irreparable damage to these airports and to these agreements in the meantime, just this year. It's just for this fiscal year, just to slow this process down and to address some of the FAA's concerns.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and as a cosponsor of H. Res. 1401, a resolution recognizing the important contributions of air traffic controllers in maintaining a safe and efficient aviation and airspace system. Today we are honoring men and women who dedicate their professional lives to improve aviation safety and protect the traveling public. Air traffic controllers must perform their mission with perfection because mistakes put lives at risk. I think they do an outstanding job. In particular, I would like to recognize Ms. Jessica Hermsdorfer at the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and Terminal Radar Approach Control facility. On November 14, 2009, Ms. Hermsdorfer calmly helped guide back to the airport an aircraft that had hit multiple birds and experienced engine trouble, directing other aircraft out of the way and assisting the stricken flight to land safely. Her quick actions helped save the lives of the more than one-hundred passengers on board the aircraft. As a Member of Congress and as a pilot, I am proud to honor and recognize the outstanding work of Ms. Hermsdorfer and all of our air traffic controllers across the nation. They truly provide a valuable public safety service. Again, I rise in support of H. Res. 1401 and urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brad Rowald. Brad 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 447, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brad has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brad has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges and contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project, but also earned the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brad Rowald 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 Joseph Paul Homan. 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 312, 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 earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and a four- year Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship to the University of Missouri-Columbia. Joseph has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Joseph planted landscaping, painted fire lanes and refurbished the flag pole at Lutheran High School of Kansas City, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph Paul Homan 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 Grosdeck. 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 447, 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 and contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project, but also earned the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Grosdeck 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 Kevin Hadley. Kevin 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 447, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kevin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kevin has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges and contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project, but also earned the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin Hadley 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 Jordan M. McCloud. Jordan 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 1179, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jordan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jordan 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, Jordan has earned the rank of Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and the World Conservation Award. Jordan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jordan constructed a fire ring and installed erosion prevention measures at New Hope Retreat Center outside of Holt, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jordan M. McCloud 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 Dylan Cochran. Dylan 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 1179, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Dylan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Dylan 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, Dylan has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and the World Conservation Award. Dylan has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Dylan constructed and installed a bench along the Maple Woods Conservation Area trail route. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dylan Cochran 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 Richard J. Wilding. Richard will be retiring July 31 after 19 years on the Mid-Continent Public Library Board of Directors. Richard has served as Director of Libraries for the past four years, providing the leadership and vision that has provided the Kansas City area with a fiscally sound library program and expanded the Mid- Continent Public Library system into the largest in the State of Missouri. Richard has also taken an active part in the construction and renovation of libraries throughout Clay, Jackson and Platte Counties throughout his many years serving as Business Manager, Assistant Director and Director of Libraries. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Richard J. Wilding for his accomplishments with the Mid-Continent Public Library System and in wishing him the best of luck in the years to come.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Zachary Aulgur. Zachary 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 395, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Zachary has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Zachary has been involved with scouting, he has not only contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project and earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Zachary Aulgur 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 Nathan Schlaud. 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 395, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project and earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Schlaud 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 Baker. 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 395, 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 contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project and earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Baker 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 Leighton Stuart. Leighton 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 395, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Leighton has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Leighton has been involved with scouting, he has not only contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project and earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Leighton Stuart 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 pleasure that I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Mr. S. Preston Williams of North Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Williams has been awarded the Alexander Doniphan Community Service Award for carrying on Doniphan's legacy through a lifetime of service in the areas of military, law, conservation, and community involvement. Mr. Williams proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps during World War I. He served with the 3rd Marine Division in the South Pacific, seeing action in Bougainville, Guadalcanal, and Guam. Following his return to the United States, Mr. Williams continued to serve his country as an instructor at Camp Pendleton. He was released from service in December of 1945. Mr. Williams is a distinguished leader in the legal profession. He is a former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Clay County and served as Assistant Attorney General under Missouri Governor John Dalton. He strongly supports the development of the legal profession through his membership in several Bar Associations. In 1998, he served as president of the Clay County Bar and in 1999, he was honored as Dean of the Bar by the Missouri Bar Association. Mr. Williams is also involved in the conservation of wildlife. He is an avid member of Ducks Unlimited and served in leadership roles from 1979 until 1986. In February of this year, Ducks Unlimited named Mr. Williams the first recipient of the S. Preston Williams Conservation Award. Mr. Williams is a strong figure in his local community. He has served as councilman in North Kansas City and has been president of the North Kansas City Historical Society. He received the North Kansas City High School Alumni Hall of Fame award in 2004. He has also served as a member of the Mayor's Corps of Progress and the Law Alumni Board of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Mr. S. Preston Williams for his selfless acts of generosity through volunteerism. I know Mr. Williams's colleagues, family, and friends join with me in thanking him for his commitment to others and wishing him happiness and good health in his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Garrett Hull. Garrett 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. Garrett has been very active with his patrol, participating in many activities. Over the many years Garrett 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, Garrett has earned the rank of First Sergeant and attended the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Familiarization Course at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi. Garrett has also contributed to his community by commanding his unit's color guard. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Garrett Hull 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Daren Woodward. Daren 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 1137, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Daren has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Daren 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, Daren has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Daren collected materials and renovated a fence for the City of North Kansas City, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daren Woodward 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, everyone agrees it's critical to restructure the regulatory oversight of our Nation's financial sector to help prevent future crises. Unfortunately, not only does this conference report fail to achieve this most basic goal, it also creates harmful new hurdles for small businesses. As ranking member of the House Small Business Committee, I cannot support this legislation. Some of my colleagues are quick to state publicly that small businesses are going to bring us out of this economic downturn, yet they turn their backs on small firms and promote policies that severely hinder their growth. Through this legislation, Congress is once again ignoring the voice of the entrepreneur. The conference report includes a massive new government bureaucracy that supporters claim will protect consumers from overzealous sellers of credit. However, the breadth of the rulemaking authority is astounding and will likely affect millions of credit transactions between small businesses and their customers. Even if the new agency only controls credit offered by regulated financial institutions, the additional burdens will raise the cost of credit for small businesses. Of further concern is the language in the current bill that makes commercial end users who hedge their exposure to risk susceptible to unnecessary margin requirements through the use of cash collateral. Forcing sophisticated end users to increase capital set-asides to cover margins will ultimately raise the cost of products purchased by small businesses. Given the state of the economy, raising the costs on small businesses is one of the worst things that can be done. The adverse long-term consequences of this legislation is nothing short of startling. At a time when American small businesses need it most, this bill may seriously restrict their access to capital. Additionally, this legislation will negatively affect small business investment companies from allowing regulators to decide whether these institutions can obtain capital from banks. In closing, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this ill-conceived conference report. If Congress expects small businesses to help turn around the economy, we have got to focus on developing legislation that helps them do just that.