Blaine Luetkemeyer

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Mr. John Griesheimer, on his retirement after 36 years in service to the citizens of Franklin County. Since 1982, Mr. Griesheimer has provided dedicated service to his community of Washington, Missouri. It started with his representation on the City Council in 1982 through 1988 before being elected as County Commissioner in 1989 and serving in that role until 1992. Those 4 years of service as a commissioner adequately prepared Mr. Griesheimer for his next elected official roles as State Representative followed by the State Senate. For nearly 20 years he served in the Missouri Legislature and holds the title of being the first State Senator from Washington, Missouri--what an honor! Once his term as State Senator was completed, Mr. Griesheimer continued his dedicated public service to Franklin County as Presiding Commissioner until July of this year. Throughout his commissioner and state elected official duties, Mr. Griesheimer was active in many community organizations: OATS Transit, Washington Lions Club, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Missouri Association of Counties, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Missouri Main Street Connection, Washington Historical Society, and the Washington Bridge Committee. Each of these organizations have shared their great appreciation for the many hours Mr. Griesheimer has spent volunteering his time. With his numerous civic responsibilities, Mr. Griesheimer has seen major accomplishments over the years. In 1986, during his time on the City Council, the Washington City Pool Renovations were completed. In 1997, as he served as Missouri State Representative, Amtrak installed a stop in Washington. Then in 2007, while he was a Missouri State Senator, he helped with the passage of the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Bill for Franklin County. This zoning bill paved the way for the building of the Menards Distribution Center in Sullivan, Missouri. In 2010 the Associated Industries of Missouri acknowledged his great work by presenting him with the Friend of Manufacturing and Industry Award. Of Mr. Griesheimer's biggest supporters over the years are his wife, Rita and their three children. In his retirement, he will enjoy spending more time with his family. He will also continue his service on the statewide OATS Transportation Board and with the Washington Lions Club. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. John Griesheimer on his retirement after 36 years in dedicated service to his hometown, county, and state.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus), who is vice chair of the House Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, and the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty) for their work on this legislation. For years, the Federal Government has slowly expanded its jurisdiction in a number of areas. From healthcare to education, the Federal Government's presence has grown larger and larger. This bill attempts to restore regulatory balance and ensure that the proper authority--in this instance, the State insurance commissioners--can continue to do the job they have done well for more than 100 years. In a pre-Dodd-Frank world, there were more than 30 insurance savings and loan holding companies that owned insurance depository institutions. Federal Reserve supervision of these institutions has driven insurance companies to close their banks. That list includes Shelter Insurance, headquartered just outside my district in Columbia, Missouri. In the wake of Dodd-Frank and the dawn of Federal Reserve supervision, Shelter executives said it was simply no longer cost- effective to run a bank. This was a profitable, well-run bank that served people in the communities I represent that was put out of business by the Federal Government. Mr. Rothfus and Mrs. Beatty have introduced legislation that would mandate more tailored supervision of insurance holding companies subject to Federal Reserve oversight. The legislation will require the Fed to streamline examination procedures and better coordinate with State insurance regulators. To be clear, the legislation does not, Mr. Speaker--and I say again, does not--end Federal Reserve supervision. It merely directs the Fed to better coordinate with the States and develop standards that are more suitable for insurers, something Congress has asked them to do for years. The gentleman from Pennsylvania and the gentlewoman from Ohio worked together and with the Federal Reserve, both before and after the markup, to address various concerns. They are both to be commended for their efforts to work across the aisle and with the regulators. H.R. 5059 is a commonsense solution to Federal overreach and a step toward reduction of bureaucratic redundancy. The bill has received tremendous support, so much that it was agreed to by a voice vote in the Financial Services Committee on July 24. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank Mr. Rothfus and Mrs. Beatty for their ongoing leadership and ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5059.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Harrison Frank of the Russellville Indians for his first-place finish in the 800m Run at the 2018 Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championship. Harrison and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Harrison Frank for a job well done

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Julia Christy and wish her a Happy 90th Birthday. She will be celebrating this milestone on August 16, 2018. Mrs. Christy has enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life; from her childhood home of southeast Missouri to her current place of residency in O'Fallon she has been a blessing to her friends and family and loved by her community. During her time in southeast Missouri she met and married her late husband, Mr. Walter Christy. For over 60 years, they lived, laughed, and loved through the life they shared together. Mrs. Christy treasures the many nieces and nephews that are part of her life. Until her retirement, Mrs. Christy was a dedicated employee at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis. Her parish, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is very appreciative of her dedicated volunteering spirit and commitment to the daily mass schedule. For many years, Mrs. Christy was an active member of her quilting circle. No doubt that those who received her quilts are still cherishing them to this day. Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Mrs. Julia Christy a very Happy 90th Birthday. Best wishes for much happiness and health in the years to come.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, the National Flood Insurance Program is critical to millions of Americans who need access to affordable flood insurance, but it is also in desperate need of reform. The current construct of the NFIP doesn't serve anyone well. Taxpayers are left unprotected, and the program continues to offer antiquated policies and provides insufficient coverage. FEMA continues to hold a monopoly in the flood insurance space, leaving policyholders with no freedom to choose a policy that works best for them. Mr. Speaker, last year, we came together as a body and passed comprehensive NFIP reform. Unfortunately, the Senate has failed to do anything with those even modest reforms that we had in that bill. Tomorrow, we are probably going to pass another bill and kick the can down the road. We will probably do the same thing in November. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this bill because I think it is time to make some reforms. It is time to take a stand and do something to protect the taxpayers who are on the hook for all of what I call the mismanagement of this agency and for these continued risks to individuals who are policyholders of these policies who continue to live in dangerous areas.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Devin Roberson of the Jefferson City Jays for his first-place finish in the Discus Field Event at the 2018 Missouri Class 5 State Track and Field Championship. Devin and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Devin Roberson for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margie Ann Luetkemeyer Luebbert on the celebration of her 90th Birthday. On August 3, 1928, Margie was born to Henry and Regina Luetkemeyer in Meta, Missouri and was a welcomed addition to the families of her beloved grandparents Anton and Anna Luetkemeyer and George and Angela Dickneite. A joyous union of marriage began when Margie married her late husband Fritz on February 4, 1950. Fritz and Margie welcomed 4 children to their family: Kathy, Steven, Mark, and Kristen. Margie enjoys the love of 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way. Throughout the years, Margie worked for Mid-America Bank in Meta. In her retirement, she has been committed to public service in various capacities. The community banks in Meta and Linn have benefited from her banking experience by her service on the board of directors. Margie has also been actively involved with the St. Cecelia Parish in Meta and especially enjoys the yearly picnic. Margie and I share a love of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals along with her favorite college team, the University of Missouri Tigers. The love of sports runs in Margie's family and many of her children and grandchildren are involved in local and college sports such as: baseball, basketball, and softball. She is their biggest cheerleader at their sporting events. Of her many accomplishments, Margie considers one of her greatest to be the organization of the family reunion for the Anton and Anna Luetkemeyer family in Jefferson City in 1992. It was certainly no small feat with the 15 descendants and their families for a total of over 450 people joining the celebration that day. The reunion was such a grand event the local TV station reported on it during their evening newscast. Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Margie Ann Luetkemeyer Luebbert a very Happy 90th Birthday. Best wishes for much happiness and health in the years to come.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 4x800m Relay Team of the Washington Blue Jays for their first-place finish at the 2018 Missouri Class 4 State Track and Field Championship. This 4x800m relay team includes Mikayla Reed, Mia Reed, Morgan Holdmeyer, and Claire Ayers. The 4x800m Relay Team and their coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing the 4x800m Relay Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bryan Candrl of the Owensville Dutchmen for his first-place finish in the Pole Vault Field Event at the 2018 Missouri Class 3 State Track and Field Championship. Bryan and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Bryan Candrl for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Harrison Fran of the Russellville Indians for his first-place finish in the 800m Run at the 2018 Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championship. Harrison and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Harrison Fran for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jasmine Evers of the Eugene Eagles for her first-place finish in the Discus Event at the 2018 Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championship. Jasmine and her coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Jasmine Evers for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Emma Homfeldt of the Calvary Lutheran Lions for her first-place finish in the 800m Run at the 2018 Missouri Class 1 State Track and Field Championship. Emma and her coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Emma Homfeldt for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Anna Heacock of the Festus Tigers for her first-place finish in the 300m Hurdles at the 2018 Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championship. Anna and her coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Anna Heacock for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Gabriel Kurtz of the Camdenton Lakers for his first-place finish in the Javelin Field Event at the 2018 Missouri Class 4 State Track and Field Championship. Gabriel and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Gabriel Kurtz for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mikayla Reed of the Washington High School Blue Jays for her first-place finish in the 800m, 1600m, 3200m Run at the 2018 Missouri Class 4 State Track and Field Championship. Mikayla and her coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Mikayla Reed for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kylie Meier of the Camdenton Lakers for her first-place finish in the 100m and 300m Hurdles at the 2018 Missouri Class 4 State Track and Field Championship. Kylie and her coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Kylie Meier for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Gavin Weathers of the Vienna Eagles for his first-place finish in the Discus Event at the 2018 Missouri Class 2 State Track and Field Championship. Gavin and his coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Gavin Weathers for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I missed roll call vote 306. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 306.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fulton Chapter No. 35, Order of the Eastern Star, on their 100th Anniversary. On September 21, 1917 Chapter No. 35 was founded by first Worthy Matron Anna Christian and first Worthy Patron Howard B. Lang. While the chapter has roots in Fulton, the dedicated members live throughout Missouri and surrounding states. There were 22 original signers who saw the vision of what the Fulton Chapter No. 35 could become. These signers were: Lena Newkomm, Julia Ann Neal, Anna Christian, Charles H. Christian, Selena Loveng, Bertie Fay Jackson, J. Roy Jackson, Gertrude Clatterbuck, Edgar Clatterbuck, Norma Lang, Howard B. Lang, Gertrude M. Brown, Jella D. Brown, Doyle S. Brown, Lulu Beaven, Theodore Beaven, Marie Le Noir, William Meng, John R. Pratt, Harry H. McIntire, Alice Koontz, and Elmer L. Koontz. Currently, the Fulton Chapter No. 35 is 102 members strong. The members of this Masonry organization are dedicated men and women who consistently represent the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together to benefit mankind. Their hard work and charity is constantly felt by the community and dearly appreciated by the many lives they have and continue to touch. They have been active in many charitable causes to benefit the community: Callaway Relay 4 Life, MoChip, Cancer Research, and the Masonic Home to name a few. Since the foundation of the organization, the lessons shared at the meetings have remained scriptural, the purpose beneficent, and the teachings moral. This type of teaching is a nod to the founder of the Order of the Eastern Star, Dr. Robert Morris, who had the vision of using beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples which in turn would be the noble principles Eastern Star members are encouraged to emulate. With this vision, the environment within the Eastern Star organization is dedicated to charity, truth, and loving kindness. I ask you to join me in honoring Fulton Chapter No. 35, Order of the Eastern Star on their 100th Anniversary.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Thomas the Apostle Parish on their 150th Anniversary. They will be celebrating this historic milestone in June of 2019. Since the early 1800's, the St. Thomas area had been visited by Jesuit missionary priests. In 1838 Father Ferdinand Helias, S.J. celebrated the first Mass in the area called ``Indian Bottom'' and went on to establish a strong faith community for many parishioners by founding approximately 20 mission churches in central Missouri. To this day, 7 of those mission churches are still in operation, serving the community members of Westphalia, Rich Fountain, Taos, Loose Creek, and Jefferson City. In 1869, Archbishop Peter Kenrick, Archbishop of St. Louis, officially erected St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. When St. Thomas was established as a town, it was decided to move the church there and construction began in 1883. On October 22, 1884 the new building was dedicated and Father Aloysius Mayer served as the first pastor. Impressively, this is the church still being used today. In 1987, the pipe organ built by the J.G. Pfeffer Company of St. Louis was installed and in 2016 was historically restored. This year the Organ Historical Society recognized the organ as an instrument of national heritage. Generations of families have benefited from the various spiritual opportunities offered at St. Thomas the Apostle. Weekly Sunday school and sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion are a real treasure to those living in this rural community. The Totus Tuus Summer camp offered for children 1st-12th grade gives kids a fun and faith based experience during the summer months. Parish groups cater to a variety of parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish from the Catholic Youth Organization, to Quilters, Knights of Columbus, a Prayer Line, St. Ann's Sodality, and even a bowling alley. The annual parish picnic is a favorite social event for locals and even residents of the surrounding counties. The church property is also home to the town's first school which was built in 1874. In 1903, a new two-story school was built where students were taught for the next 63 years by lay teachers; Precious Blood Sisters of Ruma, Illinois; Sisters of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ; and School Sisters of Notre Dame. Starting in 1962, the school operated as a public school in the Cole R-II School District and then in 1989, it was re-established as a Catholic School. In 2006, the two- story school building was renovated and a new gym was constructed. Throughout the years this school has shaped the minds of many generations and is still providing a positive influence in students' lives today. The City of St. Thomas has seen many businesses come and go throughout the years, but the anchor in the community has been the steadfastness of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating St. Thomas the Apostle Parish on their 150th Anniversary. This milestone is a great testament to the commitment this parish has shown to the Lord, their parishioners, and the entire community.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fulton Chapter No. 35, Order of the Eastern Star, on their 100th Anniversary. On September 21, 1917 Chapter No. 35 was founded by first Worthy Matron Anna Christian and first Worthy Patron Howard B. Lang. While the chapter has roots in Fulton, the dedicated members live throughout Missouri and surrounding states. There were 22 original signers who saw the vision of what the Fulton Chapter No. 35 could become. These signers were: Lena Newkomm, Julia Ann Neal, Anna Christian, Charles H. Christian, Selena Loveng, Bertie Fay Jackson, J. Roy Jackson, Gertrude Clatterbuck, Edgar Clatterbuck, Norma Lang, Howard B. Lang, Gertrude M. Brown, Jella D. Brown, Doyle S. Brown, Lulu Beaven, Theodore Beaven, Marie Le Noir, William Meng, John R. Pratt, Harry H. McIntire, Alice Koontz, and Elmer L. Koontz. Currently, the Fulton Chapter No. 35 is 102 members strong. The members of this Masonry organization are dedicated men and women who consistently represent the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together to benefit mankind. Their hard work and charity is constantly felt by the community and dearly appreciated by the many lives they have and continue to touch. They have been active in many charitable causes to benefit the community: Callaway Relay 4 Life, MoChip, Cancer Research, and the Masonic Home to name a few. Since the foundation of the organization, the lessons shared at the meetings have remained scriptural, the purpose beneficent, and the teachings moral. This type of teaching is a nod to the founder of the Order of the Eastern Star, Dr. Robert Morris, who had the vision of using beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples which in turn would be the noble principles Eastern Star members are encouraged to emulate. With this vision, the environment within the Eastern Star organization is dedicated to charity, truth, and loving kindness. I ask you to join me in honoring Fulton Chapter No. 35, Order of the Eastern Star on their 100th Anniversary.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harper Chapel United Methodist Church in Osage Beach, Missouri. On Sunday, September 23, 2018, the congregation will be celebrating the church's 150th Anniversary. This historical accomplishment is even more impressive when considering Missouri was not quite 50 years a state when Harper Chapel UMC was established near the Grand Glaize and Osage Rivers. In 1868, Mr. Thomas Ezard and Mr. Thomas Harper began a Methodist class that would set the groundwork for Harper Chapel UMC. During the years this class met in various homes and the local log school house. The Southern Methodist Bishop appointed the Circuit Riders who led the class. Then in 1880, the community welcomed their first ``regular preacher'', Tom Rodgers. A new era was ushered in on April 20, 1911 when Asa and Ethel Farmer and E.P. Wade generously donated one acre of land in trust to the Methodist Episcopal Church. This land is the present site of Harper Chapel UMC. On January 12, 1912, the original church building was dedicated and to this day it is still used for weddings and other activities. Thanks to the handiwork of Charles Harper and Carl Knight, the original pulpit is still used in the original church. 87 years after the Methodist class started meeting, under the leadership of Reverend M.A. Thomas, a building program was started to build a parsonage, repair the current sanctuary, and begin plans for a new sanctuary. Due to the success of the building program on October 28, 1956 the new parsonage was dedicated, and on Easter Sunday, April 8, 1963 the new sanctuary was dedicated. The positive impact on the parishioners and surrounding community has been steadfast throughout the years. Vacation Bible School began in 1945 and continues to improve the lives of children and families in the area to this day. The vision of Harper Chapel UMC to--``Intentionally Connect People with Christ and Each Other''--is an inspiration and will be a guiding light for future generations. I ask you to join me in recognizing Harper Chapel United Methodist Church on their 150th Anniversary. This milestone is a great testament to the commitment this church has shown to the Lord, their parishioners, and the entire community.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Hensarling for his commitment to regulatory relief. We wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for his diligence and for the hard work of all of the great folks of the Financial Services Committee, on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of the financial crisis the American people needed regulatory relief that would lift the economy. Instead, Congress responded with a framework that increased the cost of financial products, restricted access to loans, and redistributed credit from the middle-income borrowers to the high-income borrowers. Today, too many consumers are left struggling to get the tools they need to achieve financial independence. S. 2155 is a big step in the right direction. The majority of the provisions included in the bill come from bipartisan House-passed measures, several of which wer included in my CLEARR Act. Despite what rhetoric we might hear today, American borrowers are going to benefit from the relief that extends from this bill. However, the conversation cannot end with S. 2155. While the provisions in this legislation are granting important relief, there is so much more to be done. The Financial Services Committee has marked up more than 100 bills this Congress, many of which have the support of the ranking member and deserve to be considered by our colleagues in the Senate. We have to continue to rightsize regulation so that it is based not just on size or a single arbitrary factor, but on thoughtful analysis of an institution's business model and risk profile. Mr. Speaker, arbitrary figures don't necessarily guarantee a financial system. Mr. Speaker, I thank, again, the chairman for his diligent work on this fine bill, and ask my colleagues to support S. 2155.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his patience on this issue. I want to start by thanking the Senator from Kansas, Mr. Moran, and, more specifically, also thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin) for his hard work on the House companion legislation to S.J. Res. 57. Let me give my colleagues a brief history of the situation we are discussing today. Dodd-Frank, specifically, barred the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from regulating all dealers. The Bureau did it anyway. In doing so, the CFPB didn't adhere to the Administrative Procedure Act, choosing instead to push this rule forward. They pushed it through based not on sound evidence or thoughtful methodology; rather, Bureau staff seem to have conducted the research backwards. They came up with the answer they wanted, and then they wrote the questions. The simple truth of the matter is that the Bureau seized an opportunity to test congressional intent and expand its jurisdiction. Today, we are exercising not just our right, but our constitutional duty, to rescind the indirect auto guidance that is blatantly unprofessional and illegal. And again, the CFPB--let me just reinforce this. CFPB does not have oversight of automobile transactions because Dodd-Frank specifically prohibited it, and they did it anyway. My colleagues and I have stood on this floor time after time and warned of the dangers of this most powerful and completely unaccountable agency. Allowing the Bureau to move forward on such a rule would have been negligence on our part. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time we have seen this play out, and it won't be the last. Across the financial regulatory spectrum, agencies have abused their authority, dodging congressional oversight by promulgating guidance that, in reality, acts as a rule. This has to end, Mr. Speaker. I want to again extend my thanks to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin) for his constant efforts in holding this government accountable and commend the Senate for their action on this and ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in advocating for a more responsible approach to guidance and rulemaking.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jordan McGaughey on receiving the Milken Educator Award. This award was established in 1987 by the Milken Family Foundation to attract, retain, and motivate the finest teaching talent to continue the good work of molding young minds. The Milken Educator Award has been hailed as the ``Oscars of Teaching'' and provides public recognition and financial rewards to those who have the honor of receiving the award. Jordan earned his bachelor's degree in History in 2007 and his master's in Education in 2008 from Truman State University. He now teaches American government classes at Seckman High School in Imperial, Missouri where he has shown outstanding commitment to his students, fellow educators, and the community. His classes stress the importance of valuing diversity, debating hot topics, and using critical thinking to formulate a personal opinion. Students have the opportunity to become more involved in the legislative process when they write their legislators, and in one particular lesson, they develop, present, discuss, and vote on ``new'' constitutional amendments. Jordan's students consistently perform above district and state averages and many have gone on to careers in government and education. To foster an enjoyable learning environment, Jordan uses numerous teaching styles. By rotating between cooperative learning activities, collaborative inquiry-based learning, and traditional lectures, he is able to engage and interact with students effectively. As a Google Certified Educator, he also incorporates Google Classroom, Socrative, and Kaboot technology into his lessons. These education tools create other avenues for students to learn skills that will positively impact their future career choices. In this age of social media, Jordan also utilizes live debates on Twitter to engage students during events like the State of the Union. In addition to his successful career in the classroom, Jordan serves on the district's professional development team and on the American Government curriculum committee. He also mentors student teachers and serves as an instructional coach, giving future teachers the opportunity to learn from someone who is motivated, passionate, and driven. Lastly, Jordan serves the community even further as a member of the Missouri Council for Social Studies and the St. Louis Teacher Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Mr. Jordan McGaughey on this great honor.