Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the outstanding work being done every day in Des Moines, Iowa by members of the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard. As we are well aware, the U.S. Air Force has recently proposed a reduction of hundreds of Iowa Air Guard positions and the retirement of the Wing's F-16 aircraft, included in cuts to the Air National Guard nationwide. In the face of this uncertainty, the fine men and women that make up the 132nd Fighter Wing have done what Iowans do best--let their work ethic speak for itself. I am honored to congratulate them on the four major national level awards they have attained in the last six months alone. The awards include the NGAUS Distinguished Flying Unit, Major General John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy, Maintenance Effectiveness Award in the Medium Category, and the ARC Logistics Activity of the Year Award. These awards affirm the 132nd as the Top Logistics Readiness Squadron and Top Maintenance organization in the entire Air National Guard. Yesterday, this House passed H.J. Resolution 117 with my support which contained a crucial provision that places a moratorium on the proposed retirement of the 132nd Fighter Wing's F-16s, along with other proposed aircraft retirements from the Air National Guard. I do not believe that the Air Force's recommendation to close this fighter wing was based on thorough cost-benefit analysis. I will continue working to ensure that defense spending decisions are based on solid data and strengthening our national security, and working to fight for the permanent protection the members of the 132nd Fighter Wing deserve. Mr. Speaker, the men and women that comprise the nationally acclaimed 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines are some of the most experienced in the Air Force. They are crucial contributors to our nation's security, both at home and abroad, and this body is wise for standing with them and pressing for more accountable decision making by the Pentagon. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Iowa Air Guard on their recent achievements as we look forward to many more to come. May God continue to watch over all of our soldiers, and their families, across the world and here at home.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Iowa National Guard's own Red Bulls for being awarded the Citizen Patriot Unit Award by the U.S. Department of Defense. The Citizen Patriot Award for Distinguished Service is a prestigious award that is given annually to only one individual and one military unit across the entire Department of Defense. The Iowa National Guard's Red Bulls, formally known as the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, set themselves above the rest through their substantial contributions to the security and defense of the nation while serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Red Bulls have a storied history as some of the most dependable soldiers in the Army, and the Citizen Patriot Award truly reflects the nation's gratitude for what they have accomplished together. In July 2010, the Red Bulls' unit departed Iowa in one of the largest single deployments since World War II. After arriving in Afghanistan in November of that year, Task Force Red Bulls conducted comprehensive counter insurgency operations and also partnered with the Afghan National Security Forces. These men achieved the mission goals they were assigned at the highest possible standard amidst the painful loss of four servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Sergeant Brent M. Maher of Honey Creek, Specialist Donald L. Nichols of Shell Rock, Staff Sergeant James A. Justice of Grimes, and Sergeant 1st Class Terry L. Pasker of Cedar Rapids are Iowan heroes who will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I am in awe of the Red Bulls' commitment and sacrifices in order to make our country safer. Each and every member of this elite unit represents the best of Iowa's work ethic and patriotism. They make me proud to be an Iowan, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Red Bulls on attaining the Citizen Patriot Unit Award and welcoming them home. We will forever appreciate their extraordinary service.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Iowa's own Coach Liang Chow for placing West Des Moines, Iowa among our nation's premier training destinations for aspiring Olympic gymnasts through his world-class coaching. Coach Chow's life in gymnastics began nearly 10,000 miles away from West Des Moines when he was just five years old in Beijing, China. For more than a decade Liang represented China's national men's gymnastics team and won numerous competitions across the globe, including the World Cup master championships in 1990 and earning a bronze medal at the 1989 world championships. Unfortunately, a back injury before the 1992 Olympic Games forced him to retire prematurely from the sport he loved. However, in every challenge lies opportunity. Liang took advantage of an opportunity to move to Iowa in 1991 and hasn't looked back. Coach Chow began attending the University of Iowa on an English scholarship where his gymnastics experience led to his selection as the university's assistant coach of the men's program. Chow coached five of his gymnasts to the national men's team in his first year. After his exemplary coaching skills became evident, Coach Chow was offered a full time coaching role with the University of Iowa women's gymnastics program. Chow accepted, but soon realized that his coaching technique could reach new heights if his students were a bit younger, to better mold their early gymnastic development. After searching across the country for an ideal location to open his own gym, Chow knew Iowa was where he was meant to be. In 1998, he secured a small warehouse and opened his first gym. By 2003, he expanded to his current facility, which includes two gyms and spans 11 acres. Since 1998, Coach Chow's gym maintains a steadfast philosophy of hard work mixed with fun, which emphasizes the journey just as much as the destination. It is in his gym and through his philosophy that Liang Chow has become an international name by coaching American gymnastic icons like Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas to Olympic gold. Mr. Speaker, Coach Chow's contribution to gymnastics and to Iowa cannot be understated. His unwavering commitment to his dreams and the dreams of his students truly embodies Iowa's spirit. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Coach Chow on his stellar career, and I wish him the best of luck in the future as he continues to proudly represent the best of America and her heartland.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gabby Douglas of West Des Moines, Iowa for her outstanding accomplishments in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Gabby will be remembered by history as the first African-American individual all-around champion and as the first American gymnast to earn a gold medal in both the individual all-around and team competitions in the same Olympics. Gabby has been training in West Des Moines under former University of Iowa gymnastics coach Liang Chow for nearly two years. Originally from Virginia Beach, Gabby has dedicated her life to gymnastics since enrolling when she was just six years old. In 2010, Gabby felt it was time to take her training to the next level and moved halfway across the country to train under Coach Chow and make her Olympic dreams a reality. While Gabby's move was not an easy decision for her mother Natalie, or her two sisters Arielle and Joy, Gabby's move to Iowa has been a wonderful experience thanks to her host parents, Travis and Missy Parton of West Des Moines. Gabby quickly became another daughter to her host parents and another sister to their four daughters, Hailey, Leah, Lexi, and Elissa. In London, Gabby's two mothers stood side by side as they cheered Gabby to a first place finish and into the history books. Gabby Douglas has shown America, and the world, that anything is possible through hard work and dedication. She has taken her newfound fame with elegance and humility, attributing her success to her supportive families and unwavering faith in God. It is no surprise to those who know Gabby that her infectious positive attitude and incredible athletic ability has captured the nation's attention. Gabby returns to America both as a champion and as a role model for millions of young Americans. Mr. Speaker, witnessing the historic achievements of Gabby Douglas has captivated the nation and the world. Miss Douglas has represented the very best of Iowa's work ethic and people on the international stage, and it is a great honor to represent Gabby and the Partons in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating Gabby, thanking her supportive families, and welcoming all of our athletes home from a truly historic Summer Olympics in London.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Edward and Darlene Lundquist on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. Their milestone took place Saturday, September 8, 2012. Mr. and Mrs. Lundquist have been a happy couple since their days as high school sweethearts in Corning, Iowa. Never ones to waste time, Edward and Darlene eloped in neighboring Missouri on September 8, 1942 and haven't looked back. Edward and Darlene have resided in Osceola, Iowa since 1959 when they purchased a lumberyard that is now in its third generation. In addition to building their successful business, Mr. and Mrs. Lundquist have also raised three children--Nancy, Jim and Alan--who have blessed them with eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with another on the way. The Lundquists continue to be a visible and important part of their community, and it is an honor to represent them in the United States Congress. Edward and Darlene's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. I salute this lovely couple on their 70th year of life together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tyler Hanson of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his project, Tyler planned, organized, and painted badly faded curbs, light poles and parking lines at his local church. His project also included adding handicap accessible parking spaces in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The work ethic Tyler has shown in his Eagle Project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Tyler and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Tiffany Johnston of Graettinger, Iowa for being named a national recipient of the 2011 Teacher Mentor Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators. Ms. Johnston is one of only six individuals nationwide who received this great honor. Over the past six years, Ms. Johnston has been educating high school students at Graettinger-Terril High School as well as Iowa's new agriculture teachers through the Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators New Teacher Program. Ms. Johnston's passion has reinvigorated our state's agricultural education through updated methodology and countless hours of dedication. During the 2010 Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators Summer Conference, Ms. Johnston teamed up with fellow Iowa agricultural educator, Tara Fastert, to help other new teachers in the profession. Together they would help develop a new teacher program to provide teachers with more resources and ideas for their lesson plans, as well as introduce them to cutting-edge online resources to assist in further professional networking. Ms. Johnston's work to establish partnerships within an agricultural education program, starting at the local level, has culminated to her nationwide recognition through the Teacher Mentor Award. Mr. Speaker, the commitment Ms. Johnston has shown to Iowa's agriculture, educators, and students is unparalleled. Her efforts embody Iowa's proud traditions of quality education and hard work, and it is an honor to represent Tiffany in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on this remarkable achievement and will wish her continued success in educational excellence.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for allowing me the time here to speak, and I rise in support today of H.R. 6233, the Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act. As we all know, farmers and ranchers are really suffering from one of the worst and most widespread droughts to have occurred in decades. While over half of Iowa has been designated as a disaster area because of the drought, farmers at home are really hurting and really feeling the pain of the drought. While the forecasts are not good for the future as far as rain and the conditions appear to be worsening every day out there--the temperatures near 100 degrees--we're at a critical point. Congress can't legislate rain like we'd like to, but we can certainly provide farmers the certainty that they need to address the disaster, which is the worst in decades. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the livestock producers have no safety net to fall back on because the disaster programs expired last year. Extending these programs to the end of fiscal year 2012 will give farmers the confidence and the certainty to prepare for what's going to be a very difficult year. We're all pushing as hard as we can, doing everything possible to get a new farm bill done, and I would encourage everyone to work to that end. In the meantime, this is what we have to do. We need to do this immediately to give certainty to those livestock producers all over the country that are facing a very, very difficult situation with the drought. So again, Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6233. Let's move this today and then get on to a new farm bill.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brittany Wiebbecke of Nashua, Iowa for being awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest award that a high school-aged Girl Scout can earn. This is an extremely prestigious honor, as less than 6 percent of all Girl Scouts will attain the Gold Award's rigorous requirements. To earn a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must complete a minimum of 80 hours towards a community project that is both memorable and lasting. For her project, Brittany assisted a local animal rescue center by providing supplies and learning materials for new pet owners. The work ethic Brittany has shown to earn her Gold Award speaks volumes about her commitment to serving a cause greater than herself and assisting her community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman and her supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Brittany and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on obtaining the Gold Award, and will wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Edward Donovan, and his wife, Vergene Donovan, on the special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. This special day will take place on August 24, 2012, and they will be celebrating this landmark occasion on August 26th in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Donovan met by chance in southern California in July of 1942. A 19-year-old Edward approached a pretty 18-year-old girl named Vergene on the street and asked if he recognized her from Iowa. She confirmed she was from Spirit Lake, and the two spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know each other over soda at a nearby drug store. When Edward made it home that night, he told his best friend he had met the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Edward proposed to Vergene on their second date, and they have never looked back since saying ``I do'' in Long Beach, California on August 24, 1942. After moving back to Iowa, Edward began work with a small fishing supply company known as Berkley and Company in 1950. Over his time with Berkley, Edward's creativity, passion and coordination helped lead the company to international expansion and dominance in the fishing industry. Edward would eventually leave Berkley as the Executive Officer of Operations in 1987. Meanwhile, Vergene discovered a strong passion for politics and continues to be involved with the Dickinson County Republican Party and Republican Women. Edward and Vergene currently reside in rural Orleans, Iowa and have raised four children--Edward, Jim, DeEtte, and Scott. Their children have blessed them with nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great- grandchildren. The Donovan's continue to be an active and important part of their community and it is truly an honor to represent them in the United States Congress. Edward and Vergene's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. I salute this lovely couple on their 70th year of life together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Diana Zhang for being named a state winner of the Library of Congress's Letters about Literature program. Letters about Literature is a national reading and writing program that is sponsored by the Library of Congress. The program asks students to write to the past or present author of a book that has affected their life. Approximately 59,000 young readers from across the country submitted letters last year to compete for the state-level awards for 2012. A panel of judges that can include published authors, editors, publishers, librarians, teachers, and even state officials chose Diana's letter as a state winner. Diana wrote a letter to author Catherynne M. Valente to explain how Valente's two novel series, The Orphan's Tales, affected her life. Valente's acclaimed novels spoke to Diana, and now Diana's letter to Valente has earned her recognition in her community as well as here in Washington. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman demonstrates the rewards of harnessing one's talents and sharing them with the world. Diana's efforts embody the Iowa sprit and I am honored to represent her and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating her on her achievement and will wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise once again to recognize the Des Moines-based law firm, Nyemaster Goode, for being named a recipient of the 2012 Freedom Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Nyemaster Goode was nominated in 2011 by Doug and Kristina Stanger. The Freedom Award is the greatest honor bestowed on employers by the Department of Defense for ``exceptional support'' of Guard and Reserve employees. In 2011, the ESGR received an incredible 3,236 nominations from across the Nation, in the hopes their employer would be chosen among the Nation's best companies for Guard and Reserve employees. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Nyemaster Goode would receive this prestigious award with 14 other companies from across the country that will be honored in Washington, D.C. this September at the 17th annual Freedom Award Ceremony. Nyemaster Goode can now count itself among the 175 elite employers that have won this award since its establishment in 1996. Doug and Kristina Stanger, both members of the Army National Guard, nominated Nyemaster Goode because they knew firsthand that the efforts the company took to accommodate our citizen soldiers were truly something special. Doug and Kristina felt that Nyemaster Goode represented the ``perfect example'' of how employers should go above and beyond to support our local heroes in their companies and communities. After weighing the merits of more than 3,200 nominations, the Department of Defense has wholeheartedly agreed with the Stangers and proudly recognized Nyemaster's job-well-done on a national level. Mr. Speaker, Nyemaster Goode's receipt of the 2012 Freedom Award highlights the rewarding Iowa traditions of hard work and commitment to our neighbors. I thank Doug and Kristina for their nomination of Nyemaster Goode, and I thank Nyemaster Goode for setting a pristine example for employers across our great Nation. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me again in congratulating Nyemaster Goode for their outstanding accomplishment and wish them continued success in the years ahead. May God continue to watch over all of our soldiers and their families, across the world and here at home.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding once again. I will be submitting a letter here from 16 national farm groups in support of this legislation. I would also like to respond--the gentlewoman talked about farm families, that parents can still let their children be involved in the farming operation. That statement to me just shows a total misunderstanding and miscomprehension of what agriculture is today. Yes, you have family, Mom and Dad, but the highest percentage of all farms today are in partnership with their brothers, with their sisters. If their grandparents are still involved, if their parents are involved in that farming operation, this rule would have prohibited any child from working on the farm and being part of a family operation. Or, if you're a subchapter S corporation, any of the things that are so common today--partnerships, small business corporations--that these family farm operations are, it would have totally prohibited our youth from getting the kind of education, getting the knowledge, getting the experience that they can derive working with their parents on a family farm operation. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday I had the opportunity to travel to three county fairs, one in Bedford, one in Red Oak, and one in Avoca, Iowa. It brought back so many memories from my own youth to go to those fairs and see young people showing livestock, either 4-H or FFA, and to see the experience, the love they have for those animals, the love of the farm and agriculture that they are developing in their youth. This is extraordinarily important. While some people may dismiss the importance of this bill, it will prohibit, even in the proposal that was made, but also anything like it from happening. That's what's very, very important, to give those families out there the certainty, to give the 4-H and the FFA, the educational programs in agriculture today, a chance to continue this great legacy of agriculture and of family farm operations. That's really what this is all about. Mr. Speaker, I, again, ask for support of all the Members for this bill. It is extremely important for family farms. July 24, 2012. The Honorable, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: This afternoon the House of Representatives will debate and vote on H.R. 4157, the Preserving America's Family Farms Act. The undersigned organizations support preserving the ability of youth to gain training and education by working on the farm. Accordingly, we urge all members of the House to vote in favor of H.R. 4157. The safety of all workers is of utmost importance; however, in September 2011, the Department of Labor introduced regulations that took caution beyond recognition. The proposed regulations were overly burdensome to agriculture producers and would have limited, if not eliminated, training opportunities for youth in rural America. Fortunately, the administration listened to the concerns of farmers and ranchers by withdrawing the regulation in April. However, the threat to family farms still exists. H.R. 4157 protects an agricultural way of life from future child labor regulations that could limit the ability of youth to learn valuable skills by working on the farm. While we all respect the obligations and responsibilities of the Department of Labor to ensure the safety of youth working on farms as delineated in the Fair Labor Standards Act, we believe that the approaches taken need to be well reasoned and not detrimental to the family farm or the youth participating in farm work. Thus, we urge all members of the House to vote in favor of this bill when it reaches the floor. Sincerely, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Feed Industry Association, American Horse Council, American Seed Trade Association, American Soybean Association, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, International Association of Fairs and Expositions, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Council of Agricultural Employers, National Cotton Council, National FFA Organization, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, United Fresh Produce Association, U.S. Apple Association.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I'm pleased to stand today in support of H.R. 4157, Preserving America's Family Farm Act. This is a very bipartisan bill that I think really gets to what we're concerned about in agriculture today. Anymore these days, it seems like armies of Federal bureaucrats are drawing up new regulations, often with little or no consideration or understanding of the very industries that they're trying to regulate. While some regulations do serve a legitimate purpose, others do little more than create uncertainty and additional costs for hardworking taxpayers, farmers, and small business owners. I believe if we want to put America back in business, back to work, one of the first things we must do is crack down on overregulation. I've introduced a proposal called the Regulatory Accountability and Economic Freedom Act that would take a number of steps to reverse our government's direction and overregulation. Unfortunately, we're standing here today to fight one of those misguided regulation attempts. Last September, the Department of Labor proposed rules that would have dramatically limited the ability of America's youth to contribute to work on their family's farm or agricultural operations, and it would have restricted, if not completely eliminated, educational training opportunities for youth in rural America. As a result, I introduced H.R. 4157 as the solution to block the DOL's overly burdensome regulations. We can't allow Federal bureaucrats, many of whom have never set foot on a farm, to tell Iowa farm families how they can run their operations. As a person who grew up on a family farm and later became a farmer myself, I can attest to the valuable skills that are developed through days of bailing hay and detassling cornfields and showing cattle at the county fair. I, like so many thousands of youth across this country today, utilized my own farm experience to learn the often difficult lessons of hard work, character development, problem solving skills, and leadership. Life on the farm is never easy, but the valuable lessons learned while producing America's food, feed, and fiber make for a rewarding way of life. I think it goes without saying that the safety and well- being of all farmworkers, especially our youth, is of the utmost importance to our Nation's farmers and ranchers. However, the regulations proposed by the DOL went beyond all common sense and would have destroyed opportunities for youth across the agricultural economy. This bill will ensure the Department cannot reissue a proposed rule substantial in nature to its version released last year. Our youth deserve an opportunity to learn and grow through on-farm experience, and my bill ensures that that opportunity will remain available. And I urge support for Preserving America's Family Farms Act.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jason Wittmuss of Waukee, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Jason's project involved remodeling a gardening shed for Wildwood Hills Ranch, a summer camp program for low-income youth. The work ethic Jason has shown in his Eagle Project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Jason and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate native Iowan Lieutenant General Dennis Hejlik of the United States Marine Corps on his illustrious 44-year military career that will be coming to a close on Monday at an awards dinner at the Marine Barracks in Washington, DC. Before he was a three-star general and commander of Marine Corps Forces Command, Lieutenant General Hejlik, then known around town as Dennis, grew up on a farm near Garner, Iowa, with his nine brothers and sisters. He would go on to graduate from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1965 and attend North Iowa Area Community College before beginning his military career when he enlisted in the Marines Corps in 1968. Four short years later, Lieutenant General Hejlik was commissioned through the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course. Since joining the Marines, Lieutenant General Hejlik has gone on to become an honor graduate of the Basic School, the Amphibious Warfare School, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Naval War College. Lieutenant General Hejlik has earned numerous decorations for his service over the last four decades including the Defense Superior Service Medal with Gold Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Leftwich Award, just to name a few. Since his humble beginnings in Iowa, his time with the Marine Corps has brought him to all corners of the globe, most recently culminating to his current position as the commander of Marine Corps Forces Command in Norlfolk, Virginia and Marine Corps Forces Europe in Boblingen, Germany. Mr. Speaker, our country owes Lieutenant General Hejlik a great debt of gratitude for his decades of service and sacrifice. His unwavering commitment to serving his country and fellow Americans embodies the Iowa spirit. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in thanking Lieutenant General Hejlik and congratulating him on his truly stellar career. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors as he begins a new chapter in his life.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ryan Hanson of Ames, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. The work ethic Ryan has shown in his Eagle Project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Ryan and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Benjamin Hurd of Ames, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained over the past century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. The work ethic Benjamin has shown in his Eagle Project, and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank, speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Benjamin and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to vacate the request for a recorded vote on the Landry amendment to the end that the Chair put the question de novo.

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the further consideration of H.R. 5972, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise and report the bill back to the House with sundry amendments, with the recommendation that the amendments be agreed to and that the bill, as amended, do pass.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit. The veterans homeless program is a very good program. We all understand that. In this bill--and everybody should listen--we provide $75 million for 10,000 new vouchers already. So there's no question that we are meeting the need. This is the same as last year, and what we have in the bill is the President's request. Let me say that again. What we have in the bill for veterans vouchers is what the President asked for. I will also say, it's interesting at this time to bring this motion. We have been through subcommittee markup, we have gone through full committee markup, we have been on the floor of this House for 2 days, and no one's ever raised this issue because everyone understood that we had fully met the funding requirements for the veterans homeless vouchers. So now it's an interesting time to bring this amendment or this motion. And I will tell the folks, if, in fact, we find out there is an additional need before we get to conference, there isn't anybody in this House that won't support it. But we have fully funded the needs. This has been a full vetting process, and now, at the last moment you come up with a motion that is not necessary because everyone supports these vouchers. This is a good, balanced bill, and I urge a ``no'' vote on the motion to recommit. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.