Tom Latham

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. I object.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. The Essential Air Service program ensures that small and rural communities have access to the national air transportation system. This program plays a key role in the economic development of many rural communities by ensuring that air service continues. Does the program need reform? Absolutely. That's why last year we capped the program to existing communities and have removed the requirement that larger and more expensive planes must be used in the program. In addition, the authorizers instituted a $1,000 per passenger subsidy cap and limited participation in the program to communities that have more than 10 enplanements per day. This amendment would be devastating to at least 150 rural communities. In places like Iowa, it plays an essential role as far as the economic development of those communities. With that, Mr. Chairman, I urge defeat of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATHAM. I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. This program was authorized just last year. The funds that are being cut here are for safety inspectors, and we've had explosions in Iowa. The gentleman referred to very tragic pipeline explosions elsewhere around the country. We have seen a number of these explosion incidents. We simply cannot compromise safety in this regard. It's a small increase and consistent with the authorization that was just passed by this Congress. I can tell you from personal experience, in a little town of Alexander, about 5 miles outside of town, it's been several years ago, but a pipeline exploded, and basically we had to evacuate about a 15- mile area, and it was a huge issue. Fortunately, no one was killed in that explosion. But I'll just say that this is a very important function and that we need to have these inspectors. We need to have a focus on pipeline safety. And so again, I would recommend a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and therefore it violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states, in pertinent part: ``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.'' The amendment gives affirmative direction in effect and imposes additional duties. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. LATHAM. Madam Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. LATHAM. If the gentleman would yield, I would just say that I would hope the authorizers come back with a robust number for you, and that we'll be happy to try to work with the gentleman.

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Zachary Benjamin of Fort Dodge, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5 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. Zachary's project involved creating a rock and rain garden at Kennedy Park in Webster County. Zachary completed this project while going above and beyond the required merit badges. The work ethic Zachary 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 Zachary 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 Seth Kleinwort of Madrid, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5 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. Seth's project involved funding and erecting 21 flags on Memorial Day Weekend along Highway 17 to pay tribute to our nation's heroes. Seth completed this project while going above and beyond the required merit badges, earning a staggering total of 50 badges. The work ethic Seth 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 Seth 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 Brandon Theisen of Granger, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5 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. Brandon's project involved a complete reinstallation of a retaining wall at Jester Park, which included removing an existing wall and constructing a new one. The work ethic Brandon 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 Brandon 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. Chairman Aderholt, thank you very much. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5855, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2013, and I commend the chairman and the ranking member and the staff for doing a really excellent job of crafting a bill that both strengthens our security and reduces government spending. I'm pleased the committee adopted an important amendment, which I cosponsored, which would waive Federal grant requirements to allow the retention of firefighters hired in our local communities. This is a critically important provision for maintaining response capabilities throughout the Nation. I also want to highlight the fact that despite spending reductions elsewhere in the bill, we were fully funding FEMA's stated requirements for disaster relief, including flood-related grants. Congress has long recognized the Federal role in disaster relief and prevention efforts, since the first disaster relief bill was passed in 1803. The funding contained in the bill today is important because it continues the move away from ad hoc disaster legislation, and toward including relief in mitigation funding in our regular appropriations. This assistance is vitally important for the safety net for communities at risk for natural disasters. Throughout the summer of 2011, I saw firsthand the flood damage along the Missouri River in western and southwestern Iowa and spoke with Iowans whose lives were disrupted by that disaster. The flood dealt serious damage to properties along the river and took a breathtaking toll of nearby communities. Hazard mitigation and other disaster assistance funding is absolutely necessary to help them rebound from this tragic flooding. With that, Mr. Chairman, I urge all Members of the House to support final passage of H.R. 5855.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mollie Emerson of Rockford, 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, Mollie redecorated patient rooms at doctor offices in her community to help patients feel more comfortable when visiting the doctor. The work ethic Mollie 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 Mollie and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her in obtaining the Gold Award, and will wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the AbilityOne program, which in the last several years has helped more than 50,000 Americans who are blind or who have significant disabilities gain skills and training that ultimately led to gainful employment. The AbilityOne program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating community- based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life. I am proud to acknowledge an important local partner of the AbilityOne program, Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa in Des Moines. It is one of 207 regional Goodwill organizations throughout North America and across the world. Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa has been serving Iowa communities since 1955 with a dedicated mission, a clear vision and a strong set of values to empower people with significant disabilities to achieve greater independence, education and employment. With the support of the AbilityOne program, Goodwill's training and job placement programs help clients and their families live more independently while allowing them to make positive contributions to their communities. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons I strongly support the AbilityOne program and Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa in Des Moines. I also want to commend the dedication and commitment of President Marlyn McKeen and her staff for helping individuals who are blind or have a significant disability find employment opportunities. Their work helps people live fuller lives and become more active members of society. I also commend each AbilityOne employee who works every day to improve their lives and make our country a better place to live.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Des Moines- based law firm, Nyemaster Goode, for being named among our nation's Top 30 Employers by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. In earning this recognition, Nyemaster Goode is also nominated to receive the 2012 Freedom Award from the ESGR. The ESGR is an agency within the Department of Defense that supports employers who facilitate career opportunities for members of the National Guard and Reserve. The Freedom Award is the DoD's highest recognition given to employers for ``exceptional support'' of Guard and Reserve employees. Nyemaster Goode is one of only 30 employers selected to be nominated for this award out of the staggering 3,236 nationwide nominations received this year. In September, up to 15 recipients will be announced and honored in Washington, D.C., at the 17th annual Freedom Award Ceremony. Since its establishment in 1996, only 160 employers have been honored with this prestigious award. The honor that is bestowed on finalists of the Freedom Award is put best by the ESGR in stating, ``Employers named as finalists for the award distinguish themselves not only for adhering to the employment and reemployment rights of Guard and Reserve members, but for actively creating opportunities to assist and support the service of both Guard and Reserve employees and their families.'' Nyemaster Goode's unwavering support of our citizen warriors has truly placed the firm as a shining example to our nation's most prominent businesses. Mr. Speaker, the commitment Nyemaster Goode has shown to the members of the Guard and Reserve is a testament to the respect Iowans share for our men and women in uniform. It is with great pride that I thank Nyemaster Goode for representing Iowa through their efforts, and I wish them luck in September. I trust my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating Nyemaster Goode for their remarkable achievement, as well as thanking all the members of the United States Armed Forces, at home and abroad, for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Katie Jacobson of St. Charles, 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, Katie built habitats for the bats in her community that are losing their roosts to deterioration. The work ethic Katie 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 Katie and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her in 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 the retirement of ``Farm Safety 4 Just Kids'' founder Marilyn Adams, and to express my appreciation for her dedication and commitment in her years of service to the young people of Iowa. In 1986, Marilyn tragically lost her eleven-year-old son in a farm accident in rural Earlham, Iowa. In dealing with the tragedy, Marilyn saw an opportunity to spare other families from the pain her family had gone through and began Farm Safety 4 Just Kids one year later in 1987. Since founding FS4JK 25 years ago, Marilyn has seen her program educate over six million people across North America on farm safety. Over the course of 25 years, more than 35,600 volunteers have donated over 280,000 hours of their time to protect the lives of children in the farming community. Today, FS4JK has more than 120 local chapters across both America and Canada that offer farm safety presentations in their communities. Last year alone, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids held more than 1,100 local events for a staggering 170,000 children. What Farm Safety 4 Just Kids has accomplished in the last quarter-century is nothing short of amazing. But those who know Marilyn won't be surprised to hear that she credits the program's remarkable success to the efforts of her family and her support network that have stood behind her since 1987. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Ms. Adams for her sincere devotion to positively impact the lives of others in her community, state, and country. Marilyn's commitment to a cause greater than herself is a testament to the high-quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans. While Marilyn's daily contribution to FS4JK will surely be missed, she leaves behind an organization stronger than ever with a dedicated staff that are committed to its mission. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the United States House in congratulating Marilyn, thanking her for her noble efforts, and wishing her a long, happy and healthy retirement as she enters this new chapter of her life.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Matthew Gibbons of Johnston, 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. Matthew's project involved designing and completing a courtyard for St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church in Des Moines. The work ethic Matthew 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 which are core Iowa values. It's truly an honor to represent Iowa in the United States Congress and I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating Matthew in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking. I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Chair, because of limited funding resources, the Subcommittee was not able to provide funding, as requested by the Office of Juvenile Justice, for a needed evidence-based competitive juvenile justice demonstration grant program. This type of a program would allow for new, innovative practices that may well lead to comprehensive change which, in turn, would likely produce better outcomes in treating at-risk juveniles. A number of Members requested that the Subcommittee consider amending the Administration request to provide, within existing levels of funding in this bill, competitive grant program funding for qualified non-profit, private youth and family service organizations that can provide an Integrated Continuum of treatment services and programs for at-risk youth and their families. We believe this approach is still important because it is estimated that 70 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system suffer from mental health issues, substance abuse, and/or learning disabilities. Most of these juveniles require an integrated, comprehensive treatment in order to allow them to succeed within their peer groups and families, in school, on jobs, or in their communities. Just as important, the families of most at-risk juveniles also require services and treatment programs to ensure that a juvenile's home environment is addressed. There is a wide range of existing national, regional and state-wide, nonprofit qualified youth and family serving organizations that can provide evidenced-based, integrated continuum treatment services and programs for at-risk juveniles and their families. However most, if not all, of the existing program funding opportunities only provide funding for limited services and treatments for at-risk juveniles. They do not allow, where necessary, services and treatment programs for the families of juveniles. Using an integrated continuum is critical to providing programs and services (including mental health and drug treatment), for both juveniles and their families, that will result in juveniles being permanently returned to improved home environments and becoming productive citizens. Early evidence suggests that an integrated approach is preferable to isolated and limited programs, because the integrated approach shows more promising potential for keeping youth out of the juvenile justice system and avoiding further arrest and recidivism. Mr. Chair, I hope we can work with you, through the process, as your bill moves forward, to see if we can find a way to dedicate some resources to this integrated continuum of comprehensive services and treatment programs for both at-risk juveniles and their families.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize six members of the Des Moines Police Department, Sergeant Michael McTaggart, Reserve Officer John Carter, and Senior Police Officers Colin Boone, Aaron Cawthorn, Jeremy Sprague, and Robin Swank, for being named Iowa's TOP COPS for 2012. In the early morning of August 28th, 2011, these officers responded to a report of a car accident in Des Moines to find a vehicle on its side completely engulfed in flames. Inside the car, the cries for help of three teenage girls could be heard. Fighting jagged metal and fire hot enough to melt glass, Des Moines' finest didn't hesitate in risking their own lives to save the lives of the three trapped young girls. The quick action of these officers embodies the professionalism the Des Moines Police Department instills in its officers, but it's the selfless courage displayed immediately by these law enforcement professionals that truly makes this story inspiring. All six officers involved in the rescue were awarded the DMPD's highest honor, the Medal of Valor. For their display of courage, the National Association of Police Organizations bestowed these officers with Iowa's 2012 TOP COP Honorable Mention award. This award is a tribute to outstanding law enforcement officers who display actions above and beyond the call of duty. Each year, TOP COPS are nominated nationwide by their fellow police officers, but only one case from each state is selected to be honored with this award. Each state's TOP COPS are invited to an award ceremony in Washington D.C., which is attended by celebrities, politicians and members of the national law enforcement community alike to pay tribute to these local heroes. Mr. Speaker, the extraordinary heroism displayed in the face of danger by these police officers is nothing short of awe-inspiring. These members of the Des Moines Police Department are a testament to the high quality of our state's law enforcement community. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the United States Congress in congratulating Jeremy, Robin, Colin, Aaron, John and Michael, and thanking all of Iowa's police officers for their selfless efforts in protecting communities across our great state. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Kayla De Weerd, a 14-year-old 4 H'er of Hull, Iowa, who has been named the state's top high school youth volunteer for 2012 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is our country's largest youth recognition program based entirely on volunteer community service. Since 1995, 345,000 American youths have participated in this program, with only 102 state honorees chosen each year. Kayla's path to this prestigious award began with her efforts through Reach Out Iowa, a federally funded grant that supports young people who benefit their local communities through service. To accomplish this goal, Kayla started a nutrition and physical activity program at her junior high school. Kayla gave presentations to her fellow classmates warning of the dangers of obesity and how to live a responsible, healthy lifestyle to avoid the long-term consequences of inactivity. In addition to arming her peers in the fight against obesity, Kayla also educated others to effectively implement similar programs in more schools across her community. Kayla and her mother, Deb, traveled to Washington D.C. earlier this week to accept this great honor. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Miss De Weerd for her sincere dedication to positively impact the lives of others in her community and beyond. Kayla's commitment to a cause greater than herself is a testament to the high-quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans both young and old. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the United States Congress in congratulating Kayla, thanking her supportive family, and thanking all of those involved in this wonderful project for their life-changing efforts. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Hannah Jorgensen, a 13-year-old, 4 H'er of Adair, Iowa, who has been named the state's top middle school youth volunteer for 2012 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is our country's largest youth recognition program based entirely on volunteer community service. Since 1995, 345,000 American youths have participated in this program, with only 102 state honorees chosen each year. Hannah's path to this prestigious award began with her efforts through Reach Out Iowa, a federally funded grant that supports young people who benefit their local communities through service. To accomplish this goal, Hannah worked with her peers to create and provide pillowcases and care packages for the emergency homeless shelter, MICAH House in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Hannah felt the MICAH House mission of ``providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment for families and single women who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness'' was the perfect partner to assist in her efforts. Shortly after working with the children of MICAH House, Hannah quickly made plans to do much more than she originally had planned. Through her efforts with MICAH House, Hannah discovered that the facility was sorely in need of books for children, most notably educational books related to agriculture. Hannah made it her personal mission to raise enough money to donate a total of 500 books to be split between MICAH House and the inner-city schools she would visit while in Washington, D.C. Hannah persuaded the members of the Corn & Soybean Association of Adair County to reach into their own pockets, as well as recruit the help of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Soybean Association to raise a total of nearly $1,000. With this support, Hannah doubled her initial goal and sent each location a total of 500 new children's books to be read and enjoyed for years to come. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Miss Jorgensen for her sincere dedication to positively impact the lives of others in her community and beyond. Hannah's commitment to a cause greater than herself is a testament to the high-quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans both young and old. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the United States Congress in congratulating Hannah, thanking her supportive family, and thanking all of those involved in this wonderful project for their life-changing efforts both at home in Iowa, and in our nation's capital.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the renowned, family-owned Iowa building company, Neumann Brothers, for turning 100 years old this month. Since its founding in 1912 by then 28-year-old Arthur Neumann, Neumann Brothers, Inc. has played an integral role shaping the landscape of the state we love. It's no exaggeration to say that you can look down any street in downtown Des Moines and recognize a building that has been touched by the expertise of Neumann Brothers. A full century in business is quite a feat, but it is no surprise Neumann Brothers' reputation for putting their customers first through keeping deadlines and being accountable have earned them a stellar rapport with Iowa communities. Thankfully, Neumann Brothers is no longer limited to erecting buildings with mules and steam power. Instead, the company has continually remained on the cutting edge of building technologies and techniques. Neumann Brothers continues that tradition today through their innovation in constructing the most important buildings in our state, and recognition through dozens of awards and the continued patronage of its customers. From the reconstruction of William Penn University in 1916, to recently converting Des Moines' century-old public library into the headquarters of the World Food Prize, the contribution of the Neumann Brothers to Iowa's rich history is incalculable. Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that Neumann Brothers has become synonymous with Iowa's most treasured buildings. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating this company on the milestone of their 100th birthday. I wish Neumann Brothers another hundred years of success and thank them for their contribution to Iowa's history and landscape. Thank you.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize West Des Moines Crossroads Park Elementary student Drew Minard, for his brave efforts to combat bullying in his school, state, and country. Bullying is a problem for millions of school children every day in every corner of America. As adults we are well aware of the damage and pain that bullying causes, but it is the children of our country that live through this grim reality every day. Eleven-year-old Drew Minard understands the state of bullying firsthand and is using his talents, perspective and his big heart to motivate students across Iowa to change this reality, rather than accept it. The 2012 documentary ``Bully'' is being viewed by millions as a heartbreaking look into our nation's bullying problem, but to Drew the film was his call to action. Drew knows that the solution to bullying does not lie with a select few, but instead lies with each and every one of us. When it comes to bullying, as Drew says, ``There is no such thing as an innocent bystander.'' To get his fellow students actively involved in combating bullying, Drew launched a student-led bully prevention initiative called ABC, or Anti-Bullying Club, for sixth-graders at Crossroads Park. ABC currently boasts roughly 30 members that gather to write and perform anti- bullying lessons that are presented at school assemblies. ABC also creates and places posters around the school to encourage students to speak out against bullying and report acts of bullying to an authority figure immediately when witnessed. The members of ABC are also readying a ``Declaration of Non-Bullying'' that they hope every student will sign to affirm their commitment to putting a stop to bullying in their school. Drew readily acknowledges that bullying is not just specific to Crossroads Park, and he plans to expand ABC to other elementary schools in his area and beyond. Mr. Speaker, the actions Drew has shown to a cause greater than himself speaks volumes of his selfless commitment to assisting others. Drew is a testament to the high quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans both young and old. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the United States Congress in congratulating Drew, thanking his supportive family, and thanking all the members of ABC, and the staff of Crossroads Park Elementary, for their life-changing efforts now and in the future.

Mr. LATHAM

Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dr. John Byrd as the President of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. This month, President Byrd announced that he will be retiring at the conclusion of the upcoming 2012 2013 academic year as Simpson's 22nd president. Dr. Byrd has been involved with higher education in numerous ways for more than 30 years and has been Simpson's president since 2005. Over his long career, Dr. Byrd has acquired valuable experience in academic services, planning and strategic services, institutional research, student affairs, financial aid and enrollment management. Dr. Byrd originally received his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, before earning is Ph.D. in health education from Southern Illinois University. It goes without saying that President Byrd will certainly be missed on the Simpson campus. It was through Dr. Byrd's leadership that Simpson initiated a new strategic planning process to accompany new faculty initiatives. President Byrd's legacy will be felt for years to come through his work to increase diversity on campus as well as overseeing the college's plans for building renovation and construction. Dr. Byrd will leave Simpson next year with a completed Kent Campus Center, expanded Blank Performing Arts Center, updated Pfeiffer Dining Hall, as well as a new activities quad well under way. Outside of Simpson, Dr. Byrd is known for his extensive involvement in the community, most notably the Indianola Rotary Club. Dr. Byrd also serves his community in his capacity as a member of the Village Advisory Council, Greater Des Moines Committee, as Secretary of the Board for the Iowa College Foundation Board of Governors, and as Chair of the Executive Committee for Iowa Campus Compact. I want to thank President Byrd for his many years of service to the students and employees of Simpson College. It is an honor to represent all the great people of Indianola in the United States Congress, and I know that my colleagues in the House will join me in wishing Dr. Byrd, and his wife Nancy, happiness and good health as they enter this new chapter of their lives together.