Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, February 6, 2007 I missed rollcall votes 29, 30, and 31 due to inclement weather in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all votes.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nicholas B. Hanser, 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 and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nicholas 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 Nicholas B. Hanser 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 Melissa Boosman, 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, Troop 1262, and by earning the most prestigious Gold Award. Less than 1 percent of all Girl Scouts in the United States earn this prestigious award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. It symbolizes outstanding accomplishments in the areas of leadership, community service, career planning and personal development. Melissa has been very active with her troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Melissa has been involved with Scouting, she has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of her family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Melissa Boosman for her accomplishments with the Girl Scouts of America and for her efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Corey Dylan Jepson, 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 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Corey has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. He has held several leadership positions in the troop including Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader. Not only has Corey had many accomplishments within his troop, but he has also earned the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Corey Dylan Jepson 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 James Clifford Seward, 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 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. He has earned many awards and has held many leadership positions including librarian, historian and assistant patrol leader. Not only has James had many accomplishments within his troop but he has also earned the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Clifford Seward 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 James Johnson of Chillicothe, Missouri. On February 3, 2008, James will retire as Chief Executive Officer of the Hendrick Medical Center in Chillicothe, Missouri. Jim joined Hendrick Medical Center in 1998 as Chief Executive Officer and brings more than 35 years of health care experience to his position. While in Chillicothe Jim has been active in many community organizations as a leader, a volunteer and a board member. He was president of Rotary, Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA and is the current president of the Livingston County Community Foundation. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing James Johnson, whose dedication to Hendrick Medical Center and the city of Chillicothe has been truly inspirational. I wish James and his family the best of luck in the future and I am honored to serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joshua Aaron Dick, 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 374, and in 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 Alex 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 Joshua Aaron Dick 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 Gary Baumann, of Savannah, MO. On December 31, 2007, Gary retired from the United States Department of Agriculture--Rural Development with 21 years and 5 months of Federal service. Gary started his career with USDA in 1975 as an Emergency Loan Assistant County Supervisor working for Farmers Home Administration in the Savannah, Missouri, office. Gary made many moves across northwest Missouri with USDA during his tenure, working in the Savannah, St. Joseph, Maryville, Bethany, and Maysville offices. On October 15, 1995, Gary was reassigned to Community Development Manager of the USDA--Rural Development area office in St. Joseph, MO, where he worked Community Development in a 5-county region consisting of Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, DeKalb and Platte Counties. Gary worked in the St. Joseph Office until he retired at the end of 2007. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Gary Baumann, whose dedication to USDA and northwest Missouri has been truly exceptional. In my time in Congress, USDA Rural Development has been a great resource to work with, and it is people like Gary who have made that relationship between my office and USDA Rural Development what it is today. I am honored to serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joshua E. Catton, 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 and in 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joshua E. Catton 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. Mr. Speaker, the Republican motion to recommit on this legislation is as straightforward as it is reasonable. All you have to do is read it and see exactly what it does. As written, it would simply amend the legislation forthwith to give greater priority for housing decisions under the HOPE VI program to give men and women who have served our country on the battlefield rather than men and women who have acted in violation of our laws. Mr. Speaker, under current law, public housing authorities may use discretion when determining whether or not it is in the interest of the community to provide public housing to certain felons, including those convicted of drug-related criminal offenses. This bill under consideration on the floor, however, incentivizes public housing authorities when applying for HOPE VI grant funding to give convicted felons preferential treatment. There is absolutely, absolutely no reason why we should be encouraging local public housing authorities to place convicted felons at the head of the line, especially when so many, so many of the American veterans live today without adequate housing. We should be encouraging public housing authorities to assist these men and women first and foremost and in a manner that recognizes their tremendous service to this country. Veterans have acute housing needs, Mr. Speaker. According to the most recent Veterans Affairs reports, there are over 310,000 homeless veterans. The frustrating part about this is we are talking about our veterans. These are people that served our country, were willing to give their lives for our country, and I think they deserve to be heard on this bill. The National Association to End Homelessness estimates that veterans represent roughly a quarter of all homeless people in America. My home State of Missouri has an estimated 4,800 homeless veterans and ranks fourth in the Nation of the highest percentage of veterans that are homeless, according to a recent report. Mr. Speaker, I can talk about figures all day long; I can go on and on about this and that. The bottom line is we are talking about veterans. These are men and women who have served their country, and they served their country with great distinction. They are willing to put their lives on the line, and now they aren't at the front of the list? We would put somebody who has knowingly, knowingly violated our laws ahead of somebody who has stood up for this Nation? To me, Mr. Speaker, it's very frustrating. The motion to recommit includes veterans in the category of those considered hard to house. It helps address the pressing housing needs of America's past and present heroes, Mr. Speaker. There are some out there, Mr. Speaker, that hold our veterans in contempt. That is a fact. There are some that do it, but I don't, and we don't. We don't hold our veterans in contempt, Mr. Speaker, and they should be at the front of the line. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, because that is what it does. Towards that end, I encourage every one of us, every one of us in this Chamber to support this motion so that men and women who step forward in the service of our country and in defense of our freedom and in defense of that flag, Mr. Speaker, are the ones given preferential treatment. They should be the ones getting preferential treatment, not folks who have violated our laws. If there is any preferential treatment to be given, it ought to be given to those folks. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I was having a hard time hearing what the gentleman was saying. Mr. Speaker, we are after the veteran here. They will take precedence.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mr. GRAVES. Yes, sir, in its current form, I am.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, it's going to give preference to that veteran. If they are a veteran, then they are going to get it. Vote for the motion and show the support for the veterans.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, they can still receive assistance; they won't get preferential treatment. Support the veterans.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Eric Michael Barmann of Platte City, Missouri. Eric is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Eric 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 Eric Michael Barmann 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 Sean Patrick Ashcraft of Holt, Missouri. Sean 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 494, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Sean has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Sean 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 Sean Patrick Ashcraft 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 Jason Scott Barmann of Platte City, Missouri. Jason is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jason has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Jason 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 Jason Scott Barmann 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 Alexander E. Cooper of Platte City, Missouri. Alexander is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alexander has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Alexander 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 Alexander E. Cooper 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 Daniel Jesus Bermejo of Faucett, Missouri. 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 351, 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Daniel Jesus Bermejo 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 Philip Shiner of Platte City, Missouri. Matthew is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. 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 Phillip Shiner 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 Zachary Kirk Holbrook of Platte City, Missouri. 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 351, 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 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 Kirk Holbrook 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 Kevin Michael Wilbur of Platte City, Missouri. 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 351, 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, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin Michael Wilbur 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 Quintin Phillip O'Dell of Platte City, Missouri. Quintin is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Quintin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Quintin 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 Quintin Phillip O'Dell for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.