Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 657 was introduced by Mr. Walz of Minnesota on September 17, 2007. The resolution expresses the heartfelt sympathy of the House of Representatives for the victims of severe flooding in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin during August of 2007. These storms took the lives of 14 people, injured countless others, and damaged or destroyed thousands of homes and devastated businesses and institutions. In addition, this resolution conveys gratitude to local, State and Federal officials and emergency personnel who responded swiftly to the crisis. Their selfless actions saved lives and helped their communities in their efforts to recover from this disaster. Additionally, this resolution is a fitting commendation to the generous and selfless support of local citizens, businesses and volunteer organizations. They have shown their heroism and compassion for their fellow citizens while facing such destruction. The citizens of the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin will work hard to rebuild and make every effort to ensure the recovery of their communities. In recognition of their efforts, this resolution reaffirms our support to help the victims of the flooding rebuild their homes and lives. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy, and to their families. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to associate myself with the words of Mr. Kind and Mr. Walz. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3068, introduced by Subcommittee Chairwoman Norton, adds an additional level of security to our Federal buildings by prohibiting the Federal Protective Services from awarding contracts to convicted felons. I would like to commend Chairwoman Norton for her commitment to the security of Federal buildings, government employees and visitors. She probably has more than anybody else in the House. The protection of the employees and visitors at Federal buildings remains a high priority. This legislation will increase the standards of safety and security for Federal properties across this country. The Federal Protective Service serves as one of the first lines of defense for our Federal buildings. We entrust the security of Federal courthouses and buildings and their employees and visitors to FPS personnel. From day-to-day security screening, to protection from riots and terrorist attacks, the FPS force plays a vital role in facilitating the work of the Federal Government. The Federal Protective Service employs more than 1,000 trained employees and more than 15,000 contract security guards. H.R. 3068 prohibits FPS from contracting with security firms that are owned or operated by convicted felons. It's a very simple measure. The security of Federal buildings must be managed by those that have the best interests of the American people in mind. This legislation will ensure the integrity of the forces protecting our Federal buildings, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3068. Mr. Speaker, I think this is a fantastic idea, and again, I want to applaud Chairwoman Norton for the work that she's done on this, again, to push it through. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I don't have any other speakers and I am going to talk about the bill, but I know it is Ms. Norton's bill and she may want to say something before I do. I would reserve the balance of my time and would like to speak after her if that is all right.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nathan Michael Kelly, 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 by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Nathan has been involved in scouting, he has earned 47 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Historian, Bugler, Scribe, Patrol Leader, Librarian, Assistant Patrol Leader and Chaplain. For his Eagle Scout project, Nathan completed a landscaping project around a mausoleum at the Blue Springs Cemetery in Blue Springs, Missouri. Nathan has also earned several special awards including the 12 Month Camper Award, Internet Safety Award, Leave No Trace Award, Snorkeling Award, World Conservation Award, and the 50 Miler Award. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Michael Kelly 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 Wyatt Hoffman, 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, Venturing Crew 2633, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Wyatt has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Wyatt has been involved in scouting, he has earned 28 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Chaplain's Aide. Wyatt is also a Hardway Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For his Eagle Scout project, Wyatt generated community support for soldiers in Operation Iraqi Freedom through providing care letters and boxes of morale support items currently in short supply with the US Armed Forces. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Wyatt Hoffman 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. Chairman, I first would like to thank Ranking Member Chabot and Chairwoman Velazquez for moving forward with this bill. Mr. Chairman, this bill is critically important to small businesses. I am glad I could be a part of this very important process. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Access to capital is essential to their survival and growth. I want to thank you for your support and thank them for their support on these provisions. I also want to note the bipartisan nature of how the Small Business Investment Expansion Act passed through committee and is here before us on the House floor. Some initial concerns were brought up over the legislation. I am pleased to report that those concerns have been resolved due to the open and transparent manner in which this bill is being considered. Lastly, I would like to thank the staffs of Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Chabot for all their hard work on this issue. This bill has been a work in progress for roughly 3 years. I appreciate all the work that they have done on my behalf. This is a very important issue to me, my constituents, and small businesses everywhere. I am very glad to see it before the House today. The Small Business Investment Expansion Act improves small business access to capital. Whether it is from the Small Business Administration, SBA, or through private investment, capital helps small companies bring their products to market and succeed. With an economy dependent on the success of small companies and firms, it is essential to pass this legislation. I want to speak to title V of this bill for a brief moment. The language included in this title deals with the SBA affiliation rules and has been an issue of utmost importance to my constituents and to me over the past few years. Private investment in small business is a good thing and should be encouraged, not discouraged. The language will exclude the employees of these private investors when determining the size of a small business, thus allowing them continued access to important programs under the SBA. This is important because many small firms and capital intensive fields rely on private investment to continue the very promising research and development that has attracted such development. The SBA has a number of programs that have proven vital to the success of small businesses and want to ensure our small businesses have continued access to them. American innovation is what drives this country and its economy, and as Members of Congress we need to create an environment that will keep American innovation at the forefront of the global market. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I work to advocate on behalf of small businesses. The passage of this bill is a tremendous help to the competitiveness of those small firms, which is why I support its passage. Again, I would like to thank the chairwoman and ranking member.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Thomas David Adams, 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 261, and in 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Thomas David Adams 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 Damon Joseph Arredondo, 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 261, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Damon has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Damon 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 Damon Joseph Arredondo 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 Jacob Adam Hendricks, 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 261, and in 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob Adam Hendricks 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 Christopher Brandon Goodale, 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 261, and in 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Brandon Goodale 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 Colton David Price, 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 261, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Colton has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Colton 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 Colton David Price 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 Conor Frederick Killen, 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 261, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Conor has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Conor 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 Conor Frederick Killen 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 Brendan William Waters, 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 261, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brendan has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Brendan 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 Brendan William Waters 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 Coday, 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 214, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Kyle's Eagle Scout project involved the construction of a pergola in the outdoor classroom of St. James Catholic Church and School. 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 Coday 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 Micah R. Coomes, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Micah has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Micah 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 Micah R. Coomes 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 Seth Krause, 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 100, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Seth has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Seth's Eagle Scout project was to arrange for the purchase and installation of a 25 foot flag pole outside the local community gymnasium. Over the years Seth 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 Seth Krause 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 Michael Thornton, 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 138, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Michael's interest in working with community and veteran affairs inspired him to clean and preserve over 200 headstones of fallen soldiers at Ashland Memorial Cemetery. Over the years Michael 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 Michael Thornton 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 Bryce Frazier, 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 138, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Bryce has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Bryce 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 Bryce Frazier 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 Mr. Eric Langhorst, of Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Eric Langhorst is the recipient of the 2007-2008 Missouri Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. Eric Langhorst has been an educator for fourteen years. For the past seven years, he has taught history at South Valley Junior High School In order to effectively communicate with his students, Mr. Langhorst incorporates technology, debate, and guest speakers into the curriculum. Mr. Eric Langhorst currently serves as the social studies department chairperson for South Valley Junior High School as well as being on the district's technology team. In addition, he also serves on the Clay County Board of Directors. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Eric Langhorst, whose dedication and service to the people of Liberty has been truly exceptional.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jason McCollum, 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 in 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 McCollum 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 Spencer Frazier, 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 138, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Spencer has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Previously, he volunteered his time to work with the Second Harvest Food Bank where he organized an effort to make 35 quilts for the Backpack Buddies program, Over the years Spencer 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 Spencer Frazier 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 yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 606 introduced by Mr. Ellison of Minnesota. This resolution recognizes the city of Minneapolis, first responders, and the citizens of the State of Minnesota for their selfless actions in responding to the collapse of the Interstate Route 35W Mississippi River bridge. The first responders to the scene acted without hesitation, risking their safety in the dangerous conditions, to rescue the victims of this tragedy. This resolution honors their sacrifice in the immediate aftermath of the bridge collapse and their commitment to save lives, regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves. Additionally, this resolution is a fitting commendation to the people of Minneapolis for their heroism and compassion for their fellow citizens. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to those affected by this tragedy and to their families. I support the resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to reasons beyond my control. On Monday, September 4, 2007, I was tending to personal matters and thus missed rollcall votes 847, 848, 849. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all votes.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Edward John Deml III, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Edward has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Edward 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 Edward John Deml III for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.