Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Benjamin Duddy, 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 444, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Benjamin has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the years Benjamin has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 28 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol, Den Chief, and Troop Scribe. Ryan is also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. His tribal name is Little Silent Stalking Snowy Owl. Ben is also a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. For his Eagle Scout project, Benjamin constructed over 160 feet of fencing around a fishing pond. This safety fencing was erected to allow handicapped campers access to enjoy the pond and minimize the danger of accidentally entering the water. The project included distribution of 4 tons of gravel and reconstructing trail access to the pond. All of Benjamin's hard work took place at the Tall Oaks Youth Camp in Linwood, Kansas. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Benjamin Duddy for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Robert Alexander Borgardts, 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. Robert has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Robert 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 Robert Alexander Borgardts for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Robert in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mitchel Wayne Bush, 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. Mitchel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Mitchel 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 Mitchel Wayne Bush for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Mitchel in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Colby John Buehler, 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. Colby has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Colby 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 Colby John Buehler for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Colby in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Parker Long, 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 444, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Parker has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Parker has been involved in scouting, he has earned 30 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Parker is also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and will become a Warrior this summer. For his Eagle Scout project, Parker constructed a new fire pit at the Parkhill Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Parker Long 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 Heather Knudson on winning the National Associated Christian Schools International (ACSI) Spelling Bee. Heather placed second in the regional ACSI Spelling Bee, which took place February 24, in Dallas Texas. Heather then went on to win first place in the National Spelling Bee on May 12, 2007 in Washington, D.C. The contest brought in 46 of the top spellers from around the country, which was narrowed down from 15,000 participants. By correctly spelling the word, ``syzygy'' which means, an alignment of three celestial objects, as the sun, the earth, and either the moon or a planet, Heather won a laptop computer, a $200 saving bond and the distinct honor of placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Heather is an outstanding and bright young woman. She has recently completed the eighth grade at Life Christian Academy in Kansas City. Extremely dedicated, she studied approximately 2,500 words in preparation for the contest. She was able to remember her winning word, which she studied years ago, because it is such an unusual word. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating the achievement of Heather Knudson on winning first place in the National Associated Christian Schools International Spelling Bee. It is an honor to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nicolas E. Bennett, 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 444, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nicolas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Nicolas has been involved in scouting, he has earned 30 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Troop Quartermaster, and Patrol Leader. Parker is also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, he chose the name of Fast Cheetah, and achieved the rank of Fire Builder. For his Eagle Scout project, Nicolas helped with the re-construction of a Rosary Garden for St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church of Gladstone, MO. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nicolas Bennett, 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 Hatler, 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. 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. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Hatler 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 congratulate the Beverly Living Center in Maryville, MO, upon receiving the prestigious ``Ten Karat'' award, selected by Beverly Enterprise, to honor living centers that have consistently shown excellence through areas such as quality standards, employee retention, recognition and development. The Beverly Living Center opened in 1977 as a 108-bed skilled nursing facility and in 1986 added an assisted living community consisting of 16 apartments known as ``Maryville Chateau.'' This facility excels in a wide variety of assistance and rehabilitation areas, including physical, occupational, speech and joint replacement therapy. Also, I want to recognize the great leadership by the Executive Director Kim Bram. I also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Beverly Living Centers employees as additional keys to success. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending the Beverly Living Center, an exceptional employer in Missouri's Sixth Congressional District for winning the ``Ten Karat'' award. The Beverly Living Center's commitment to excellence is inspiring, and I am honored to represent so many of its fine employees and officers in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize John Igo, 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. John has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years John 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 John Igo 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, I rise to celebrate the life of one of Kansas City's legendary figures. Lamar Hunt made a positive and lasting impression on Kansas City. He was a man who seemingly touched every life that crossed his path. He was known for his easy-going, engaging personality. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the way he treated people. Mr. Hunt was an innovator. He is credited with making the National Football League what it is today. He coined the term ``Super Bowl'', championed the 2-point conversion and brought American soccer into the mainstream. He was inducted into 3 different professional sports halls of Fame--football, tennis and soccer. His beloved Kansas City Chiefs played in the American Football League and won the Super Bowl in 1969. The Chiefs are as much a part of Kansas City as barbeque and jazz, thanks to Mr. Hunt's leadership. Mr. Hunt though was an innovator in other ways too. He built both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun as state of the art theme parks in Kansas City. He also built the Subtropolis Office Complex in the limestone caves around Kansas City. Mr. Speaker, simply stated, Lamar Hunt was a giant among men.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. House Concurrent Resolution 123 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will be held June 8, 2007. This event is cosponsored by the U.S. Capitol Police. The Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities through athletics. The U.S. Capitol Police will host the opening ceremonies for the torch run, which will take place on the west terrace of the Capitol. Once lit, the torch will be carried to Fort McNair. An estimated 2,000 law enforcement representatives from more than 60 local and Federal law enforcement agencies will participate in this year's event. Congress has traditionally supported this worthy cause by authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds. I encourage my colleagues to join the law enforcement community in supporting the Special Olympics and join me in supporting this resolution.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I think the gentleman from Minnesota said it all. Mr. Speaker, 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. 1036, as amended, was introduced by Representative Don Young from Alaska on February 13, and it requires the Administrator of General Services to convey a small GSA property to the publicly owned Alaska Railroad. The parcel of property is known as the Fleet Management Center. It is located in Anchorage, Alaska. It is currently being utilized as a GSA motor pool, but it is necessary for the planned expansion of the rail yard there in Anchorage. H.R. 1036 requires the Administrator to sell the property at either fair market value or to exchange the property for a like valued piece of real estate. The value of the property will be determined by an independent appraisal commissioned by the GSA and paid for by the Alaska Railroad Corporation. This bill requires that all the proceeds from the sale be deposited into the Federal Buildings Fund. Mr. Speaker, I support this measure, and I urge my colleagues to do so. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I would love to stand with the gentleman from Minnesota and the gentlewoman from Texas in urging our colleagues to vote for this. He was a good individual.

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Latham).

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1505 designates the United States courthouse located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, IA, as the James A. Leach United States Courthouse. The bill honors Congressman Leach's dedication to public service. Congressman Leach began his long and distinguished career of public service as a congressional staffer in the 1960s. He later served as a foreign service officer and as a delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. In 1976 Congressman Leach was elected to the House of Representatives. He served in the U.S. House for 30 years, from 1977 to 2007. During his time in Congress, he chaired the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs, and the Congressional Executive Commission on China. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jeremy Allen Patania, 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 857, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jeremy has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Jeremy 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 Jeremy Allen Patania 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 celebrate the birth of Charlotte Kathryn Woodward. Charlotte was born on Thursday, January 11, 2007, to her proud parents, Travis and Sarah Woodward of Bowie, Maryland. Charlotte entered the world at 6:33 a.m. at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland, weighing a healthy 8 lbs. 11\1/ 2\ oz. and 20.8 inches long. Charlotte also has proud grandparents, Lewis and Kathy Rice, of Maryville, Missouri, and Cheryl and Duane Farmer of Sidney, Nebraska, as well as Bruce Woodward of Maryville, Missouri, to spoil her. Charlotte is also the niece of Ryan and Kristin Woodward of Stafford, Virginia; Nathan Woodward of Maryville, Missouri; Robert and Sarah Rice of Chillicothe, Missouri; and Nathaniel Rice, of Maryville, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in celebrating the birth of Charlotte Kathryn Woodward. I see great things in Charlotte's future considering her parents' and grandparents' great emphasis on family values, public service and patriotism. I wish Charlotte the best life has to offer.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Shawn Graybill, a very dedicated and enthusiastic member of my Congressional staff. My office and I greatly value Shawn's hard work and commitment. Constituents have grown to recognize his attention to detail, knowledge of many issues and personal touch. His dedication to the Sixth District of Missouri has shown through over the years, which is evident by the appreciation of all with whom he works. A native of Tarkio, Shawn began his career within my office as an intern in June of 2002 while completing his undergraduate degree from Park University. He has served admirably whether it was working on constituent casework or as a field representative for Clay County. Shawn also worked on my re-election campaign as my campaign manager. As anyone in politics knows, these types of jobs involve long hours and time away from your family. I appreciate his wife, Laura, for sharing her husband with me over the last 5 years. Shawn will be leaving my office to serve as an Assistant Director for the American Truck Historical Society. In addition, Shawn and Laura are about to become first-time parents. It is my understanding that their daughter will share the name of my favorite President, Ronald Reagan. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Shawn Graybill for his many important contributions to myself, my staff, all those he has worked with and for all those he has served. It is truly an honor to represent Shawn in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize an outstanding individual, Christina Porrello of Kansas City, Missouri, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Art, a double major, from William Jewell College, on May 5, 2007. The commencement ceremony was held at the Mabee Center for Physical education shortly after the graduating class observed the campus tradition of the last walk around the quad at approximately 1:45 p.m. Christina has been very active in pursing her degree, while also participating in many Delta Zeta sorority activities. Christina intends to teach art or special education classes. Also, I want to acknowledge the support of her parents, Joe and Sandie Porrello, and her siblings Andrea, Connie Jo and Joe Jr. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Christina Porrello on her achievement and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. It is an honor to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to the death of my grandmother. On Wednesday evening and Thursday May 2 and 3, 2007, I was granted an official leave of absence and thus missed rollcall votes 284 through 301. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall votes 288, 293, 296, 297, and 299 and ``yea'' on rollcall votes 284, 285, 286, 287, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294, 295, 298, 300, and 301. In addition, on May 7th I missed rollcall votes 302, 303, and 304 because of flooding in my district. My services were being utilized in the district helping fill sandbags to prevent any further flooding. I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote 302 and ``yea'' on rollcall vote 303 and 304.