Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tamara Cash of Kansas City, Missouri. Tamara 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 America, and earning the most prestigious award of Girl Scout Gold Award. Tamara has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. In order to receive the prestigious Gold Award, Tamara has completed all seven requirements that promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values and leadership skills. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tamara Cash for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Girl Scouts Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Emily Becker of Blue Springs, Missouri. 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 America, and earning the most prestigious award of Girl Scout Gold Award. Emily has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. In order to receive the prestigious Gold Award, Emily has completed all seven requirements that promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values and leadership skills. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Emily Becker for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Girl Scout Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Elizabeth Cruz of Liberty, Missouri. Elizabeth 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 America, and earning the most prestigious award of Girl Scout Gold Award. Elizabeth has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. In order to receive the prestigious Gold Award, Elizabeth has completed all seven requirements that promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values and leadership skills. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Elizabeth Cruz for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Girl Scout Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Stacey Elliott of Liberty, Missouri. Stacey 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 America, and earning the most prestigious award of Girl Scout Gold Award. Stacey has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. In order to receive the prestigious Gold Award, Stacey has completed all seven requirements that promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values and leadership skills. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Stacey Elliott for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Girl Scouts Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kyle E. Bowman, 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 314, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Kyle started his journey with the Boy Scouts seven years ago earning 28 merit badges. Over the years Kyle has been involved in scouting, he has held many leadership positions such as historian, librarian, patrol and assistant patrol leader. Kyle is an Ordeal in the Order of the Arrow and is a Foxman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Kyle has attended H. Roe Bartle Reservation for three years and has also camped at Camp Nash on four separate occasions. For his Eagle Scout project, Kyle designed and constructed two horse mounting platforms for Heartland Presbyterian Center. Madam Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention the strong family foundation Kyle has supporting him. His proud parents Mark and Britt Bowman, as well as his sister, Amanda. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle E. Bowman 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Katherine Hoffman of Trenton, Missouri. Katherine 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 America, and earning the most prestigious award of Girl Scout Gold Award. Katherine has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. In order to receive the prestigious Gold Award, Katherine has completed all seven requirements that promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values and leadership skills. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Katherine Hoffman for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Girl Scout Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Melissa Fuerst of Blue Springs, Missouri. Melissa 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 America, and earning the most prestigious award of Girl Scout Gold Award. Melissa has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. In order to receive the prestigious Gold Award, Melissa has completed all seven requirements that promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values and leadership skills. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Melissa Fuerst for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Girl Scout Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Emily Bunge of Saint Joseph, Missouri. 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 America, and earning the most prestigious award of Girl Scout Gold Award. Emily has been very active with her troop, participating in many scout activities. In order to receive the prestigious Gold Award, Emily has completed all seven requirements that promote community service, personal and spiritual growth, positive values and leadership skills. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Emily Bunge for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Girl Scouts Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I don't have any other requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5492 authorizes the Smithsonian Institution to construct greenhouses at its facility in Suitland, Maryland. The bill authorizes $12 million to construct the greenhouses. The Transportation Committee has researched the proposed cost of and the need for this greenhouse facility. We have done our due diligence on this project. This greenhouse facility will produce the plants for the entire Smithsonian Institution complex, which is the world's largest museum complex. In addition, the facility will house the orchid collection held in trust by the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian currently conducts these activities at an aging facility located at the Armed Forces Retirement Home here in the District of Columbia. Because the retirement home is redeveloping the site, the Smithsonian will no longer be able to use the greenhouse facility located there. These new greenhouses will enable the Smithsonian to continue producing its own plants after it loses access to the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Satisfying the Smithsonian's requirements for plants on the open market doesn't make sense economically. Given the wide variety of plans required for the National Zoo and museums, it is more cost effective for the Smithsonian to grow its own plants rather than to purchase them. The cost of this project is appropriate given the need for the greenhouse facility, as well as the work necessary to construct this particular type of greenhouse. I support the resolution. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Samuel Lee Ayers, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Samuel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Samuel has been involved with scouting, he has not only 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 Samuel Lee Ayers 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler Evan Arthur, 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 314, and in 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Evan Arthur 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Albert Gandy, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Matthew has been involved with scouting, he has not only 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 Matthew Albert Gandy 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to personal reasons. On Tuesday, February 26, 2008 I missed rollcall votes 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall votes 72, 73, 74, 76 and 77, and ``aye'' on 75.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kyle William Downs, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle has been involved with scouting, he has not only 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 Kyle William Downs 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kyle Edward Bowman, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle has been involved with scouting, he has not only 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 Kyle Edward Bowman 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kyle Joseph Krug, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle has been involved with scouting, he has not only 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 Kyle Joseph Krug 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jordan Michael Raisher, 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 314, and in 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jordan Michael Raisher 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kenneth Tucker Gorman, 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 314, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kenneth has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kenneth has been involved with scouting, he has not only 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 Kenneth Tucker Gorman 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David Alan Clizer, 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 314, and in 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Alan Clizer 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the Record my position on the following votes I missed due to personal reasons. On Monday, February 25, 2008, I missed rollcall votes 69, 70, and 71. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all three votes.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition for Athletic Director, Dr. James C. Redd. On February 10, 2008, Dr. Redd was enshrined into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Jim excelled as a student athlete throughout high school and college, thereby earning First Team Defensive Lineman and Second Team Offensive Tackle awards at Northwest Missouri State University. After graduating with a double major in Physical Education and Social Science, Jim returned to the sidelines, this time as a graduate assistant at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Before returning to his alma mater as head coach of the Bearcats in 1976, Jim earned a master's degree in Physical Education and School Administration. Within three years he was selected as the MIAA Coach of the Year. In 1986, Jim decided to take a sabbatical from a 17-year coaching career and return to school, this time completing his doctorate in education from Oklahoma State University-Stillwater. Upon graduation, Dr. Redd returned to Northwest Missouri State to coordinate the graduate program in Health and Physical Education, and eventually to serve as Director of Athletics for Northwest. In 2001, Dr. Redd retired from Northwest State University. However, by May 2002 he was appointed Director of Athletics and Physical Education Chair at William Jewel College in Liberty, Missouri, a position he still holds. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Jim Redd, as he will be forever remembered for his athletic and educational achievements as a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Ryan Joe Turner, 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 215, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. James started his journey with the Boy Scouts as a tiger cub. Over the years James has been involved in scouting, he has earned 27 merit badges, and also completed the achievements for his Bronze Palm. For his Eagle Scout project, James installed handrails at McMurry United Methodist Church. Madam Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention the strong family foundation James has supporting him. His proud parents Rochelle Fee and James Kelly Turner, as well as his grandfather Robert Axtell who was the most influential person in James' scouting life. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Ryan Joe Turner 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

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievement of John P. ``Pete'' Michael of Kansas City, Missouri. Pete has been awarded the President's Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition requires more than four thousand hours of volunteer service over a lifetime. Madam Speaker, Pete Michael has worked tirelessly on behalf of the children of the great state of Missouri for nearly all 74 years of his life. Pete has served as a police officer and Squadron Commander of the Civil Air Patrol. As a pilot, he has devoted countless hours to flying sick children to Shriners Hospitals to receive emergency care. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Pete Michael's selfless acts of generosity through volunteerism and his example which inspires all walks of life throughout our great Nation to help one another.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, February 7, I missed rollcall votes 32, 33, and 34 due to a delay in my flight. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on 32 and 33 and ``yea'' on 34.