Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew Helm, 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. 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 Helm 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 Grant Sampson, 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. Grant has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Grant 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 Grant Sampson 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 yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 238 repeals a 21-year-old prohibition on the use of Federal transit funds to tunnel in the San Fernando Valley area west of Los Angeles. In 1985, an explosion of naturally occurring methane gas blew up a department store in the Wilshire Boulevard Corridor in Los Angeles, injuring 22 people. As the gentleman from Minnesota aptly pointed out, concerned about the safety of tunneling in the area of Los Angeles, the city council created a task force to investigate the explosion. The task force identified methane risk zones along the Wilshire Boulevard Corridor. The fiscal year 1986 transportation appropriations bill included a legislative provision that prohibits the use of Federal transit funds associated with the Los Angeles project for tunneling in or through an identified methane risk zone. The appropriations provision was written very broadly, binding future funds provided by Congress and affecting all parts of the Metro Rail subway project, including future extensions. The prohibition prevented any transportation planners in the Los Angeles area from considering any transportation improvements that might involve tunneling in the very broadly congested Wilshire Boulevard Corridor. For me, Mr. Speaker, the need for this bill to be passed simply highlights the dangers of legislating an appropriations bill. H.R. 238 undoes something that should never have been done in the first place. In November 2005, a panel of engineering experts reported that tunneling along the Wilshire Boulevard Corridor can be done safely if proper procedures and appropriate techniques are used. This bill, H.R. 238, will repeal the current prohibition on tunneling in that corridor. This legislation was first introduced by Congressman Waxman in December of 2005 as H.R. 4653 and was passed by the House in September of 2006. However, the Senate failed to act on the legislation, which is the reason we are back here on the floor today. I do support H.R. 238, and I urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Though many have made light of the schedule we have had for the past few weeks, the grueling schedule of naming a lot of Federal buildings, it doesn't mean that any of these individuals are any less deserving or should not be honored. Today in committee in the Transportation Committee, we named a courthouse in Missouri, my home State, after Rush Hudson Limbaugh, Sr., who practiced law in the State of Missouri for over 80 years and was highly revered. Today on the floor, we are honoring somebody that, going through his accomplishments and what he has done in life, is somebody that truly should be recognized. H.R. 187, which was introduced by Representative Oberstar of Minnesota, chairman of the Transportation Committee, designates the Federal building and the United States courthouse and customhouse at 515 West First Street in Duluth, Minnesota, as the Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building and United States Courthouse and Customhouse. The building honors Judge Heaney's dedication to public service. As the gentleman from Minnesota pointed out, he served with great distinction during the Army in World War II and acquired a law degree from the University of Minnesota law school after his time. Judge Gerald W. Heaney engaged in private practice then just after the war, from 1946 to 1966. Judge Heaney's career as a judge began then in 1966 with an appointment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Judge Heaney had a reputation for championing equal justice for underprivileged and vulnerable citizens. Judge Heaney retired after 40 years of service on August 31, 2006. I support this legislation, Mr. Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back 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 January 29, 2007 I had to tend to some family matters and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 58, 59, and 60. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all votes.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, today we will be considering H. Res. 62, a resolution congratulating the Grand Valley State University Lakers for winning the 2006 NCAA Division II Football National Championship. And although I will be supporting this resolution out of respect for my friend and colleague, Congressman Peter Hoekstra, I would like to take a moment to recognize the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats. This is the second consecutive year Northwest Missouri State University has made a run for the championship. Unfortunately, the football Gods were not kind to them at the championship game this year. However, the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats are an exceptional football team with great team spirit. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats football team for an outstanding 2006 season, and I look forward to cheering them on to the NCAA Division II Football Championship again next year.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Lee's Summit Journal in Lee's Summit, Missouri. This newspaper will be celebrating its 125th anniversary of publication this month. Over the past 125 years, this newspaper has provided valuable services to its readers in their local communities. As a staple of the community for all these years, the newspaper went through growth and expansion along with the community it serves. From its humble beginnings of being a 4-page paper, to its current publication schedule of twice a week, this newspaper has been and continues to be a stabilizing force within the community. Since its inception in 1887, the Lee's Summit Journal provided quality news coverage for its reading community. Even through tough times, such as a fire which destroyed the newspaper office, the Lee's Summit Journal continued to deliver quality and reliable news service to the community. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Lee's Summit Journal. The services the outstanding staff of the Lee's Summit Journal have provided over these 125 years have been an essential part of the community.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David Leininger, 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 495, 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 Leininger 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 David in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jacob Klingensmith, 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. 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 Klingensmith 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 Jacob in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Douglas McLain, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Douglas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Douglas 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 Douglas McLain 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 Douglas in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler Sandoval, 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 495, 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 Sandoval 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 Tyler in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jarrett Lowe, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jarrett has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Jarrett 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 Jarrett Lowe 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 Jarrett in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brandon Hochstedler, 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 98, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brandon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brandon 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 Brandon Hochstedler 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 Brandon in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Peter Fehner, 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 180, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Peter has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Peter 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 Peter Fehner 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 Peter in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joey Saunders, 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 357, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joey has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joey has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. It is with extreme pleasure that I commend the dedication Joey has shown. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joey 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 proud to represent Joey in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brad Bailey, 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 357, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. I join with his family and friends in expressing best wishes on his significant achievement. I commend Brad on attaining such a high honor and his superior contributions in his community. In addition, Brad has shown much patriotism by serving me in two of my offices as an intern. I am sure he will continue to hold such high standards in the future. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brad Bailey 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 Brad in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sam McCalmon, 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 495, and in 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 McCalmon 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 Sean in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tim Leininger, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Tim has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Tim 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 Tim Leininger 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 Tim in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Austin Abarr, 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 45, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Austin has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Austin 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 Austin Abarr 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 Austin in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William Dunker, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. William has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years William 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 William Dunker 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 William in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Michael Dunn, 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 45, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many 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 Dunn 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 Michael in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Martha C. Stonum of Lawson, Missouri. Martha will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 31, 2007, and it is my privilege to offer her my warmest regards on achieving this important milestone. Mrs. Stonum was born in Lathrop, Missouri where she began her education in a one-room school house, before ultimately attending William Jewell College. Mrs. Stonum is a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to two sons, one step son, four grandchildren, two step grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three step great- grandchildren, and one step great-great-grandchild. Mrs. Stonum is still an active member of her community, visiting her beauty shop and church weekly. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Martha C. Stonum. It is an honor to represent her in the United States Congress, and I wish her all the best for many more birthdays in the future.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Zachary R. Bode, 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. 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 R. Bode 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 Zachary in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize David I. Hon, 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 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 I. Hon 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 David in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. GRAVES

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Evan S. Knoll, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Evan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Evan 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 Evan S. Knoll 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 Evan in the United States House of Representatives.