Blaine Luetkemeyer

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Blair Oaks High School on their victory in Missouri's Class 3 Volleyball State Championship. The team claimed the Class 3 title for the third straight year by beating the Ursuline Bears in a tightly contested match. After falling behind early, Seniors Gabby Horn and Autumn Bax led the Lady Falcons to an improbable comeback in the final three sets. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home another state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Blair Oaks volleyball team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to offer this amendment today with the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) as a cosponsor, who was here a minute ago. I am confident it will garner bipartisan support. My amendment would prohibit funds from this bill from being used to support a shareholding increase for China at the International Monetary Fund, the IMF. The IMF is the world's lender of last resort and plays a critical role in ensuring multilateral cooperation on a wide array of financial matters. As the IMF's largest shareholder, the U.S. is the only member to wield a veto over important decisions at the Fund. This includes decisions that change countries' shareholding weight at the institution. Across administrations, the U.S. has advocated for the IMF to support fiscal responsibility among borrowers, responsible governance of exchange rates, and transparency in sovereign lending. These principles support global financial stability, but they have now been put at risk by China's dictatorship. Put simply, the emergence of China as the world's largest official creditor has saddled countries around the world with opaque and onerous debt that the IMF has been called upon to resolve. None of this lending complies with international rules and norms like those established by the Paris Club and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Although Chinese lending to developing countries has declined since its heyday in 2016, it still racked up $79 billion in commitments across the board in 2021. Much of this lending is shifting from infrastructure to emergency lending. In other words, China itself is adopting a role that the IMF has been traditionally playing. Moreover, China's flouting of international lending standards mirrors its nontransparent management of its domestic currency, the renminbi. It is shocking, but undeniably true, that the IMF has limited insight into the exchange rate regime of the world's second largest economy. This is why my amendment is so important. The IMF is finishing a review of its shareholding by the end of this year. China continues to argue that its shares, referred to as a quota at the Fund, don't accurately reflect its weight in the world economy. It has pushed and will continue to push for a greater say on the board of IMF. My argument boils down to this: Shareholding at these institutions is not about the size of a country's economy, but, rather, its commitment to international rules and good-faith cooperation. As long as China dismisses every principle of the IMF's foundation, we cannot reward it with a stronger voice at the Fund. It would be absurd to increase its shareholding weight at the IMF when it is refusing to restructure much of its predatory lending to the Fund's borrowers. The Treasury Department represents us at the Fund, and I am pleased that it has conveyed Congress' skepticism toward a quota increase for China. However, there is no formal agreement at the IMF yet. This amendment will help ensure that boosting China's influence is off the table. The amendment also sets a marker for future shareholding reviews, where my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee and I will insist on real accountability from Beijing. China would have us believe that the U.S. threatens global cooperation by denying it a more prominent seat at the table, but the opposite is true. It is China's disregard for transparency making our opposition to its influence at the IMF and other multilateral organizations absolutely vital. I would add that China's abuse of human rights at home, including its genocide of the Uyghurs is yet another reason why legitimizing Beijing at an international institution is unacceptable. We must draw a line in the sand, which is what my amendment does. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chair, I would just argue that the Treasury Department is in charge of various activities with regard to the governance of these boards, whether the World Bank, IMF, et cetera. These are entities that we fund. We are on these boards, and these boards direct funds that we have put in these entities. It is our job to make sure that the Treasury Department does its job, which is to monitor this, be on the boards, behave in a responsible fashion, and also to stop the nonsense going on around the world with bad actors such as Iran and this situation where I am talking about here with China. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time, as well.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Francis Howell High School on their victory in Missouri's Class 5 Softball State Championship. The team claimed the Class 5 title for the first time and exacted a measure of revenge by beating the same team they lost to in last year's championship game. Senior Lorin Boutte led the way to an 8-0 victory by tossing a four-hit shutout and adding a grand slam for run support. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Francis Howell softball team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Fatima High School on their victory in Missouri's Class 3 Softball State Championship. The team claimed the Class 3 title for the second consecutive year by beating St. Francis Borgia 12-2. Senior Taylor Baumhoer led the way in the circle to finish her season with a sub-1.00 ERA as Fatima cruised in five innings. The Lady Comets have now won 68 of their 75 games in the past two seasons. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home another state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Fatima softball team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Jefferson College located in Jefferson County in Missouri, as the community celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The Community College District of Jefferson County was approved by voters on April 2, 1963. Senator Earl Blackwell of Hillsboro sponsored Senate Bill Number Seven, which made possible the formation and financing of public junior colleges in Missouri. Jefferson became the second junior college district in Missouri to be approved. Seventeen months later, the first courses were offered at Hillsboro High School with 14 faculty members and 303 students. Jefferson College moved into its first permanent building on the Hillsboro campus in September of 1965 and held its first commencement in June of 1966, where 31 graduates received associate degrees. In 1967, Jefferson College became the first community college in Missouri to be designated as an area vocational school. Today, in addition to the Hillsboro campus, the college has sites in Arnold and Imperial. Over 3,500 full and part-time students span 25 different fields of study, including education, nursing, and the liberal arts. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, please join me in wishing the community of Jefferson College a well-deserved congratulations on their 60th anniversary.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Bruce Grotewiel on receiving the Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. This December, Mr. Grotewiel will mark 50 years of service to the greater Jefferson City and Columbia area. His dedication has not gone unnoticed, and his service could not be more deserving of this recognition. Throughout his career as a first responder, Mr. Grotewiel has been on the front lines helping those who need it most, and for that we cannot thank him enough. The great courage and moral judgment he exhibited over the course of his professional and volunteer career should forever be appreciated. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Mr. Grotewiel's five decades of service to the people of Missouri.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Potosi High School's Mr. Greg Kester on receiving the 2024 Missouri Teacher of the Year Award. Throughout his nearly three decades as a teacher at Potosi High School, Mr. Kester has played a significant role in shaping generations of Missourians. Countless families in my district share an immense appreciation for Mr. Kester's dedication to our children's education and community's success. His decades of public service have made him an invaluable member of our great state. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Greg Kester for being named the 2024 Missouri Teacher of the Year.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the naming of the portion of U.S. Highway 50 from Bahner Quarry Road to Tower Road the ``SGT James L. Shipley Memorial Highway.'' Sergeant Shipley was a great man who served his country valiantly during the Second World War. At only 19 years of age, Mr. Shipley made the decision to go to his local recruiting station and serve his country during a time of war, which led to him becoming a crew chief and mechanic for the 332nd Fighter Group. Little did Mr. Shipley know this decision would place him in one of the most respected military organizations from World War II which would pave the way for African Americans' service in the armed forces. After Germany's surrender, Sergeant Shipley returned home to Tipton, Missouri where he ran a farm and operated a gas station along U.S. Highway 50 with his loving wife Mildred. While working hard to support his family, Sergeant Shipley frequently made time to share his experiences with community groups and schools in the area. Sergeant Shipley's long and storied life charts several important chapters in our state's and country's history. The ``SGT James L. Shipley Memorial Highway'' will stand as an important reminder of his tremendous dedication to his community and country for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating the ``SGT James L. Shipley Memorial Highway.''

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating St. Elizabeth's Baseball Team on their victory in Missouri's Class 1 Championship game. The Hornets claimed the Class 1 title for the third time in 5 years and fifth in their program history. In an exhilarant game, the team broke open the 1-1 score with an incredible 5 runs in the top of the third inning. They never trailed and played so well that the game was cut short at the end of the sixth inning due to the ``run rule'' mercy rule. The Hornets should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the St. Elizabeth Baseball Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Timberland High School's Emilia Labruyere on her victory in Missouri's Class 5 Discus State Championship. Emilia claimed the Class 5 title, becoming the Wolves' first female track and field state champion. Her incredible, winning throw of 42.14 meters matched both her personal best and school record-winning toss of the same distance a month prior. Emilia should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Emilia Labruyere for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Eldon High School's Zoe Martonfi on her victories in Missouri's Class 3 1600 Meter Run, 800 Meter Run, and 300 Meter Hurdles State Championships. Zoe claimed her first ever state titles at the Class 3 championships. Not only did she win one race but conquered her next two events as well. Zoe led the pack in the girls 1600-meter run, then won the 800- meter run less than two hours later in addition to the 300-meter hurdles. Zoe should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championships to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Zoe Martonfi for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Father Tolton's Olivia Andrews on her victory in Missouri's Class 2 3200 Meter Run State Championship. Olivia claimed the Class 2 title with the impressive time of 11:02:24, achieving a school record and Class 2's fastest time of the season in the 3200-meter run. She ended her high school career with a bang as she dominated her last race before she heads off to college next year. Olivia should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Olivia Andrews for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Lutheran St. Charles Track and Field Team on their victory in the Class 3 State Championship. Lutheran St. Charles claimed the Class 3 title in an impressive team effort. With only one member of the team a returner to the state competition, the team's plethora of young talent bodes well for its future. Although their title seemed secure after 15 events, they finished strong and brought home the championship. The Cougars should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year, and I'd like to wish the team luck as they move up to succeed in Class 4 next year. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Lutheran St. Charles Cougars for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Columbia Independent's Scholar Bowl Team on their victory in Missouri's Scholar Bowl State Championship. Asher, Sophie, Elijah, Emily, and Graham conquered the tournament, averaging an impressive 150 points higher than their opponents in each round. As winners of the first team state championship in their school's history, the Lions should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Columbia Independent's Scholar Bowl Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Columbia's Rock Bridge Track and Field Team on their victory in the Class 5 Track and Field Team State Championship. Rock Bridge claimed the Class 5 title in 2021, 2022, and now in 2023. The Bruins fought through an intensely close state championship. They worked incredibly hard, entered the final event up 15.5 points, and finished strong to win the title. The Bruins should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Rock Bridge Bruins for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Fort Zumwalt South Girls Soccer Team on their victory in Missouri's Class 3 Soccer State Championship. The team claimed the Class 3 title for the third time in the first ever three-peat in girls' soccer by a Missouri public school. Isabel Montileone and Audrey Smith scored beautiful first-half goals to give the Bulldogs the win as they defeated Smithville 2-1. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Fort Zumwalt South Girls Soccer Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Russellville's Trinity Riggs on her victory in Missouri's Class 2 Shot Put State Championship. Trinity claimed the Class 2 title for the Indians, ending her high school career with an incredible throw of 11.93 meters. She should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Trinity Riggs for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Liberty High School's Morgan Cannon on her victory in Missouri's Class 5 Javelin State Championship. Morgan claimed the Class 5 title with an incredible throw of 45.21 meters. She fought through her shoulder pain and singlehandedly won 10 of her team's 18 points. Morgan should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Morgan Cannon for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lutheran St. Charles' Elle North on her victory in Missouri's Class 3 400 Meter Dash State Championship. Elle claimed the Class 3 title with an impressive time of 57:75. As the only Cougar returning to the state meet after qualifying as a freshman last year, she was a key contributor to her team's state championship title. Elle not only won the 400-meter dash; she also was the runner-up in the 200-meter dash. Elle should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to his school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Elle North for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Osage High School's Madison Kessler on her victory in Missouri's Class 3 Pole Vault State Championship. Madison claimed the Class 3 title in the pole vault competition, clearing the impressive height of 3.28 meters. Madison should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home the state championship to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Madison Kessler for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 111, the Providing Accountability through Transparency Act which the House will be voting on today. This commonsense bill has been a bicameral effort for several years and I'm hopeful it will pass the House today so it can finally be sent to the President's desk for signature and become law. Since the creation of the Administrative Procedure Act in 1946, federal agencies have been required to keep the public informed of their respective rulemaking processes. All rules and regulations are also published in the Federal Register, so there's a lot to keep up with. The federal government produces hundreds of rules, regulations, and laws every year. And most of these government agencies unfortunately have a habit of creating long-winded and convoluted rules that frankly don't make sense unless you're an expert in that field. American small businesses have enough to worry about--especially in this economy. They don't have the time or resources to keep track of the latest in government red tape or figure out if they need to abide by agency suggestions that are often confused for laws. And that regulatory burden shouldn't be on them. In my capacity as Vice Chair of the House Small Business Committee, I'm constantly hearing from small business owners who have run into issues like this. And I'm sure many of my colleagues have also heard from constituents who need help navigating the American regulatory maze. The Providing Transparency Through Accountability Act is a straightforward, commonsense solution to this problem. This bill would simply require agencies to create a short, plain language summary and a website link to make it easily accessible so that all Americans can easily find and understand the rules being proposed by the administration. Giving Americans--and especially small businesses--a one-hundred- word, plain language summary for an otherwise convoluted government rulemaking provides much needed streamlining and transparency. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will vote for this bill to help the small business owners who create jobs and economic growth nationwide focus on running their businesses, not sifting through long-winded government documents. I thank Senator Lankford for getting this bill across the finish line in the Senate. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of the Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 300th anniversary of Old Mines French Project in Washington County, Missouri. Over the last 300 years, The Old Mines has built a rich history and countless achievements. Before Missouri became a state, the French, led by Philippe de la Renaudiere, began the mining of lead which became known as the Old Mines village. Due to its French heritage, the Old Mines became a main area of Missouri where the French language and culture is practiced. The French were mostly Catholic which led to the creation of the St. Joachim Church, one of the oldest standing churches in Missouri. It is also where the celebration of 300 years will be held. The Old Mines are a unique part of Missouri history, and this milestone is a perfect example of a community supporting their collective heritage and taking pride in their home. I certainly join them in being proud to call rural Missouri home. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Old Mines community and the people of Washington County on the Mines' 300th anniversary and their exceptional place in Missouri's history.