Blaine Luetkemeyer

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a small-town newspaper in my district, the Unterrified Democrat, on their 150th Anniversary. The Unterrified Democrat began publication in Osage County, Missouri on July 3, 1866. The Unterrified Democrat was founded by southern Democrat Colonel Lebbeus Zevely. His inspiration to publish the newspaper was to showcase his opposition of the political ideology of his day. While Colonel Zevely may have been a southern Democrat that did not mean that he was a Confederate supporter. Colonel Zevely firmly believed in preserving the Union. The Colonel was known to be a stubborn man and therefore was given the nickname, Unterrified Democrat. From this nickname, came the name of the newspaper. The Unterrified Democrat was passed down through multiple generations of the Zevely family. In 1969, the Zevely family sold the newspaper to Norman and Jane Troesser. Then in 1979, the Unterrified Democrat was purchased by Bradley H. Lockenvitz. In 1980, Ralph and Jerry Voss purchased the Unterrified Democrat. Ralph and Jerry Voss had bought the Osage County Observer in 1969 and with the purchase of the Unterrified Democrat merged the two newspapers together. When the Voss family purchased the Unterrified Democrat there was some consideration to changing the name as there were occasional discussions about if the newspaper had political leanings. Ultimately, the decision was made to continue on with the Unterrified Democrat name as the Osage County residents were familiar with that name. According to Jerry Voss, the name Unterrified Democrat has pizazz that creates interest and recognition. In 1978, Ralph Voss decided to become a public servant and run for the local judge. For twenty-three years, he served on the bench. In 2003, Ralph returned to working at the newspaper. During his time as judge, Jerry ran the Unterrified Democrat. To this day, the Voss family works together to stuff the newspaper with advertising inserts. Ralph and Jerry's grandchildren help with the delivery of papers to the local businesses. As a successful small business and a staple of the Osage County community I ask you to join me in recognizing the Unterrified Democrat as they celebrate their 150th year of circulation.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a veteran and small businessman in my district, Mr. Larry Horstdaniel as he celebrates his 63rd Anniversary as a barber and serving the Jefferson City community. Along with his entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Horstdaniel served valiantly in the Korean War. After growing up in Westphalia, Missouri, Mr. Horstdaniel attended Moler Barber School in St. Louis, MO. In the 1950's he moved to Jefferson City, Missouri and began working as a barber. In 1971, Mr. Horstdaniel opened his own barber shop at 224 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Missouri. He has been located in the same location since 1971 and has become a staple of the local community. Mr. Horstdaniel says that he only does two things, ``cut hair and grass.'' At the age of 88 years old, he continues to work most of the week, but does take Wednesdays off, to mow his lawn, and also Sundays. In 2014, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon visited Mr. Horstdaniel for a haircut and to honor him for his service in the Korean War. Mr. Horstdaniel was awarded a Korean War Service Medal from Governor Nixon for his sacrifice to our nation. Mr. Horstdaniel says that his favorite aspect of his job is that he gets to meet a variety of people with great stories and backgrounds. He says that, ``Each day is different. It's what keeps me here. The politicians in town are what have kept me in business over the years.'' When asked what Mr. Horstdaniel's secret to life is, he said, ``Drink two scotches every evening before your meal, and you'll live to be 100!'' He also stated that he has just a few years left working in the barbering industry, as he plans to retire when he is 90 years old. As an honorable veteran of our armed forces, a successful businessman and a cornerstone of our community, I ask you to join me in recognizing Mr. Larry Horstdaniel as he celebrates this 63rd Anniversary of his business.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and Visitation Inter-Parish School in Vienna, Missouri. The parish will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary on June 17, 2017 and the school will be celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2018. Reverend John Goeldlin, a Catholic missionary priest, became the first priest to provide Catholic services to the community during the mid-1850's. In the year 1859, the community of Vienna came together for its first Catholic worship service. Then in 1867, the first official Catholic church was built for the parishioners of Vienna. Vienna, Missouri is a small town with around 614 residents and they were thankful for a parish in their community. As the congregation began growing, a new church was built in 1885 to accommodate the additional parishioners. Reverend John Fugel was assigned in 1896 to lead the church and would remain the priest at Blessed Virgin Mary Parish for the next 40 years. In 1903 the first county Catholic newspaper, called the Home Adviser, was founded by Reverend Fugel. Starting in 1904 and finishing in 1909, Reverend Fugel led the parishioners in building a new Catholic church. This structure is still being used today. On September 8, 1909, Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish was dedicated by the parishioners and Reverend Fugel. Currently, Reverend Matthew Flatley is the parish priest. For the children in the surrounding community, education was important so the first Visitation Inter-Parish School was established in 1893. The parishioners of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish celebrated the opening of their new Catholic school building in 1926. To ensure its students would have a solid Catholic education, in 1953, the parish decided to build a convent for the Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood who would teach the children. Throughout the years, Visitation Inter-Parish School has helped shape the lives of more than 1,000 students. The Visitation Inter-Parish School will be celebrating their 125th Anniversary in 2018. I ask you to join me in recognizing Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish and Visitation Inter-Parish School on this momentous occasion of their 150th and 125th Anniversaries. The historic past and promising future of support, love, and encouragement that the church and school have provided to the community will not be forgotten.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Miller County Sheriff Bill Abbott on his upcoming retirement. As a native and resident of Miller County, I also happen to be one of Sheriff Abbott's constituents. Sheriff Abbott is retiring from his position in December 2016. Sheriff Abbott has dedicated more than sixteen years of service to Miller County residents since his appointment to office on April 6, 1999. The enthusiasm Sheriff Abbott has for his job hasn't been lost over the years he has served. Even with that enthusiasm, Sheriff Abbott realizes that it is time for a change. As a Miller County resident, Sheriff Abbott has remained committed to his county, the people who reside in the county, and the state of Missouri. He comes from a family of public servants, some of whom served in law enforcement and his mother, Kathryn, who worked in the dispatch office. He credits his success as Miller County Sheriff to the support he has received from his family and community members. Sheriff Abbott's goal when he attained the position was to restore the public trust in the sheriff's office. Around 640 square miles are encompassed within the Miller County Sheriff's Department jurisdiction. Sheriff Abbott currently has eight road officers covering that area day and night and, additionally, has two detectives that also contribute their time to road work. There have been some difficult cases during his time as sheriff, including seven infant deaths in just a year and a half time span. While there have been some tough cases, there were also many good moments as well. Under Sheriff Abbott's leadership, several positive changes in the jail and courthouse have occurred. Throughout the updates at the jail and courthouse, Sheriff Abbott was committed to using vendors from the Miller County area. It was important to him to keep everything local. Sheriff Abbott attributes the successes of the sheriff's office to the good staff and continuing support from the community. With this retirement, Sheriff Abbott will be able to enjoy more time with his wife, Linda, and their children, Gayle, Gwen, Chad, and Courtney. He will also undoubtedly treasure the extra moments he can spend with his fifteen grandchildren. I know Sheriff Abbott is also looking forward to working more with the cattle that he and his son own. I ask you to join me in recognizing Sheriff Bill Abbott for his more than sixteen years of service to the Miller County Sheriff's Department, the residents of the county, and the entire state of Missouri.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Brianna Haller of the Fatima High School Comets for her first place win in the 2016 Missouri Class 2 Girls Individual Cross Country State Championship. Brianna and her coach should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for bringing home the state championship to her school and community. I ask you to join me in recognizing Brianna Haller of the Fatima Comets 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 win in the 2016 Missouri Class 4 Girls Individual Cross Country State 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 of the Washington Blue Jays for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Fatima High School Comets Cross Country team for their first place win in the 2016 Missouri Class 2 Girls Cross Country State Championship. This 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 Fatima Comets Cross Country team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Peter Lucido of the Francis Howell North High School Knights for his first place win in the 2016 Missouri Boys Swimming and Diving State Championship. Peter 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 Peter Lucido of the Francis Howell North Knights for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Festus High School Tigers Cross Country team for their first place win in the 2016 Missouri Class 3 Boys Cross Country State Championship. This 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 Festus Tigers for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the designation of Miller County, Missouri as a Purple Heart County and its inclusion as a part of the Purple Heart Trail. The Purple Heart Trail is a system of roads and monuments throughout the United States that pay tribute to veterans that have been awarded the Purple Heart. The system was established in 1992 by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. As a Purple Heart County, signs along Miller County roadways will now provide a visual reminder of those who have paid the price for others to live and travel freely throughout our country. The Purple Heart was established by George Washington to honor members of the military that have been wounded or killed in service to their country. As a lifelong resident of Miller County, I am proud to live in a place that prioritizes honoring those who have paid the price to secure our liberty. Our nation owes so much to the brave men and women that have placed their lives on the line for our nation's future. The Purple Heart Trail is an important reminder of that debt of gratitude shared by all Americans. I ask you to join me in recognizing Miller County on this important designation, and in thanking all Purple Heart recipients and veterans for their service to our country.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I first would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Hurt) for his hard work on H.R. 5424. Since joining this body, Mr. Hurt has been a tireless advocate for small business creation, capital formation, and working with families across Virginia and throughout the United States. He is to be commended for his efforts. Today, Mr. Speaker, we will consider his legislation, H.R. 5424, the Investment Advisers Modernization Act. This bill makes long-awaited and sensible changes to the 76-year-old Investment Advisers Act. H.R. 5424 also streamlines requirements for private equity funds and sophisticated investors in private equity funds. As I said on the floor yesterday, there should be no room for regulation that serves only to appease bureaucratic demands. Capital should be used to create jobs and further growth, not fulfill meaningless and unproductive regulatory requirements. Private equity plays a vital role in our economy. I have seen it firsthand in my district and across Missouri, and hope my colleagues recognize that private equity is responsible for saving and creating jobs in each of their congressional districts. Capital is the lifeblood of businesses. At a time when investment returns are down and options are limited, when investment advice is more expensive and may soon be out of reach for many Americans, and when our economy continues to stagnate, we need to take measured steps to streamline regulations and free equity. That is the way you fuel an economic recovery. This bill came to us from constituents who we have been listening to during all of the different times that we go home and talk to them. They said these are the rules and regulations that are strangling their ability to do business. The ranking member just talked about a shadow banking system. I would argue that we have a shadow regulatory system that is producing rules and regulations at a furious clip, and without understanding the consequences of those rules and regulations. H.R. 5424 will make modest but meaningful changes to existing law. This is a bipartisan bill that received support from the majority of the minority during the Financial Services Committee markup. It is legislation that merits support from all my colleagues, and that is because H.R. 5424 is about modernization, capital formation and, ultimately, American jobs. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. I thank the gentleman from Virginia for his leadership on these issues and Chairman Hensarling for bringing this bill to the floor.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman and friend from Texas, the chairman of the Rules Committee, for that eloquent introduction. I also thank him for all of his hard work on his committee as well as bringing this important bill to the floor. I also want to recognize my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee, Mr. Garrett, Mrs. Wagner, Mr. Emmer, and Mr. Hurt, for their tireless efforts on behalf of our Nation's investors and small businesses. Mr. Speaker, today or tomorrow, the House will consider legislation that will allow small businesses and those starting or investing in small businesses to access needed capital without being subject to burdensome and unnecessary regulation. As we have seen throughout the financial services sector and across our economy, one-size-fits-all rules are damaging our Nation's businesses, financial institutions, and, as a result, American workers and their families. Main Street has been crushed under the weight of this administration's regulatory regime, as even the ranking member admits. H.R. 2357, composed of three bills that passed the Financial Services Committee earlier this year, simplifies registration requirements for small companies and facilitates access to capital without triggering costly regulatory expenditures. H.R. 5424, the Investment Advisers Modernization Act of 2016, eliminates duplicative requirements for investment advisers, allows for greater capital formation and development, and streamlines elements of the 76-year-old Investment Advisers Act. I recently met with a company in my district that relied upon private equity to stay afloat and continued to employ my constituents. Capital should be used to create jobs and spur economic growth and, as the chairman mentioned in his opening remarks, to help Americans realize the American Dream. Capital should not be used to fulfill meaningless and unproductive regulatory requirements. Our economy sits in idle. It is time to put it in drive. Regulation should serve to protect taxpayers and not hurt them. It should enhance the economy, not stymie it. There is no room for regulation that serves to appease bureaucratic demands. Mr. Speaker, I come from the business world, and in another life I was a banker on the regulatory side of the table as well as a bank examiner. I have seen the impact of rules and regulations on small businesses and communities, and my community as well. I have looked across the table and helped those small businesses get started. Capital is the lifeblood of these small businesses being able to start businesses, help employ people, and be able to help people have jobs and enhance the communities that they come from. It is extremely important. These discussions that we are having today are important from the standpoint of enhancing our ability as a nation to continue to thrive and grow, and to stymie what is hurting ourselves. The statistics are there. Small businesses have been deteriorating. We have lost more small businesses in the last several years than we have had. So, therefore, why do you think we have the jobs problem that we have today? It is pretty evident to me. This rule and the underlying bills we will consider during the remainder of this week will move us towards an economic recovery and a more responsible regulatory environment. I want to, again, thank my colleagues on the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Rules for their work on these issues and for their advocacy on behalf of our Nation's investors, small businesses, and employees.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Professor Carol Robertson. She has been selected to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is a prestigious award that will be presented in Washington, DC at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall. In addition to Professor Robertson having the opportunity to attend various recognition events and development activities, she will also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. A citation from President Obama will be presented as well. Professor Robertson is one of only one hundred and eight teachers to receive this award for the 2014-2015 school year. Professor Robertson is receiving this award for her work at Fulton High School where she was a science teacher for twenty-eight years. She retired from Fulton High School following the 2015-2016 school year. Professor Robertson also taught as an adjunct professor at Central Methodist University from 2007 through 2014 and Missouri State University from 2014 through 2016. She started teaching as an adjunct professor at Westminster College this school year. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching was established by Congress in 1983. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government specifically for educators that teach mathematics and science. Since the establishment of the program, over 4,600 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to their students and school districts. Professor Robertson has had a lifelong interest in science and is passionate about teaching the next generation the importance of engaging in the study of science. Throughout her teaching career, she has seen some of her students obtain a Ph.D. which affirms the dedication with which she teaches. She has utilized partnerships with researchers to enhance the experience of her students. Through those partnerships, students have been able to explore Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Arabidopsis, or maize. This research allowed her students to have real-life applications. Professor Robertson received her B.S. in Science Education and a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri. I ask you to join me in recognizing Professor Robertson on her achievement and this honor of receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Mrs. Arlene Taylor who retired on Thursday, September 1, 2016 after thirty-eight years with various departments within the Missouri State Government. Mrs. Taylor most recently worked as a Personnel Officer for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations/ Human Resources. Previously, she worked for the Missouri Department of Social Services and the Missouri Department of Corrections. For thirty- two of the thirty-eight years, Mrs. Taylor has enjoyed working in the human resources field. Throughout her time working in human resources, Mrs. Taylor has served many employees. Some of her responsibilities have included career counseling, assisting employees preparing for retirement, explaining benefits, and helping employees with disability retirement. Mrs. Taylor grew up in Linn, Missouri and has called Jefferson City, Missouri home for the last thirty-four years. Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Taylor has been a member of Cathedral of St. Joseph, Missouri Farm Bureau, and the Daughters of Isabella. She has also been involved with the Jefferson City Apartment Association and Women's Auxiliary Officer. Mrs. Taylor enjoys participating in various craft classes in her spare time. She also loves to travel with her husband, Joe. With this retirement, Mrs. Taylor will now be able to spend more time with her husband of thirty-three years, Joe. She'll also treasure more moments with her daughter, Kathryn Taylor; son, Brian Taylor and daughter-in-law, Dawn Taylor. I ask you in joining me in recognizing Mrs. Arlene Taylor on her retirement. The commitment she has shown to the State of Missouri and to the employees she has helped throughout her human resources career is a commendable accomplishment.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a business in my district, Flat World Supply Chain, LLC. It is celebrating their 10th anniversary on September 16, 2016. In 2006, this business was founded by St. Charles County residents, Jeff Rothermich and Kirk Ferrell. Two employees and one client made up the first Flat World Supply Chain office that was located in St. Peters, Missouri. Today, there are sixty-three employees at the current office location in O'Fallon, Missouri. It has several hundred clients throughout the United States in addition to many international clients. Currently, Flat World Holdings includes four operating companies; Flat World Supply Chain, Prologue Technology, Ram International, and Ram Custom Crating. Flat World Supply Chain provides solutions that are delivered through proprietary software that is customizable to each client's needs. The software has the ability to integrate with almost any Enterprise Resource Planning or operating system. Prologue Technology was founded by Rothermich and Ferrell in 2008; this service provides a custom technology tool that typically involves logistics and improving business processes through various technologies. In 2011, Flat World Hospitality was created to expand their logistical services to the hotel and hospitality industry. The year 2013 was an exciting year for Flat World Supply Chain as it moved to their current office location in O'Fallon, Missouri. In 2015, Flat World Supply Chain purchased Ram International, a St. Louis based international freight forwarder and U.S. Customs House Brokers that was founded in 1982, and Ram Custom Crating, a custom crating company that specializes in building wooden crates for export of any size for transport around the world. In January of 2016, Flat World Supply Chain, Ram International, Prologue Technology, and Ram Custom Crating formed Flat World Holdings as their operating company. The Flat World Supply Chain office expanded in July 2016 to welcome Ram International freight forwarding and U.S. Customs House Brokerage staff into the expanded office. Flat World Supply has been recognized on numerous occasions, starting in 2014 with being named the ``Fastest Growing'' privately held company in St. Louis by the St. Louis Business Journal. In 2014 and 2015, it was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the ``Fastest Growing'' companies in the United States. Small Business Monthly recognized Flat World Supply Chain as ``Leader in Technology'' in 2015. I ask you to join me in recognizing Flat World Supply Chain on their 10th anniversary. The services it provides and commitment it has to its clients is what sets Flat World Supply Chain apart in this field. Best of luck in the future to the owners of Flat World Supply Chain, Jeff Rothermich and Kirk Ferrell.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Ms. Katherine Schack. She has been selected to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This is a prestigious award that will be presented in Washington, DC at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall. In addition to Ms. Schack having the opportunity to attend various recognition events and development activities, she will also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. A citation from President Obama will be presented as well. Ms. Schack is one of only one hundred and eight teachers to receive this award for the 2014-2015 school year. Ms. Schack is receiving this award for her work at Lakeview Elementary where she taught 2nd Grade. During her twelve years as an educator, she has taught first and second grade in the Wentzville School District at Lakeview Elementary School. In 2014, Ms. Schack became the first K-8 Mathematics Coach/Content Lead in her district. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching was established by Congress in 1983. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government specifically for educators that teach mathematics and science. Since the establishment of the program, over 4,600 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to their students and school districts. Ms. Schack has been involved in local district level committees throughout the years, including: Mathematics Curriculum Writing Team, Assessment Writing Team, and Curriculum Review Committee. During her years in the classroom setting, she served as a Singapore Math trainer which required serving the district's ten elementary schools. Most recently, this past year Ms. Schack took the lead in establishing and implementing the district's New Teacher Math Curriculum Training and Beyond Math In Focus Training. Currently as the K-8 Mathematics Coach/ Content Lead, she works closely with teachers to increase student engagement, allow for problem solving within and beyond the classroom, and aid in creating a structure of learning in the classroom. I ask you to join me in recognizing Ms. Schack on her achievement and this honor of receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Dr. Don Claycomb. He retired as President of State Technical College of Missouri on June 30, 2016. Dr. Claycomb dedicated over two decades of service to the college. Dr. Claycomb is currently the longest-serving public college president in Missouri. At the beginning of his career, Dr. Claycomb was a high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. During those years of teaching, Dr. Claycomb was introduced to State Technical College of Missouri. During the years Dr. Claycomb has been president there have been numerous name changes for the college. When he first started working there in 1993, the name was Linn Technical Junior College; it was then changed to Linn Technical College. Then in 1996, the name was changed to Linn State Technical College. In 2013, the Missouri General Assembly passed HB 673 that would change the college's name to State Technical College of Missouri as of July 1, 2014. Throughout the name changes for the college, Dr. Claycomb stated, ``We have maintained the main purpose of preparing students for the workforce.'' At Dr. Claycomb's hiring, the original board members charged him with specific goals, which he attributes to his success while president of the college. They first asked him to improve staff morale which Dr. Claycomb passionately started working on and believes it is a continuous process. Secondly, he was tasked with developing sound financial practices for the college. In the years that Dr. Claycomb has been president, there have been strong audits for the college. Their third goal was to continue the effort to define the college as a legal entity that is separate from the Linn R-2 school system. These goals helped Dr. Claycomb successfully lead the college into what it is today. In 2015, Dr. Claycomb was chosen as one of the few to receive the Missouri Pioneers in Education from the Missouri State Board of Education and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This was awarded to him in acknowledgement of over fifty years of an outstanding career and contributions to public education. At the 2016 commencement at State Technical College of Missouri, Dr. Claycomb received an honorary degree from the college. Also at commencement, it was announced that the Information Technology Center would be renamed the Dr. Donald M. Claycomb Information Technology Center. Dr. Claycomb's wife Linda's statement explains why these awards were given, ``This wasn't a job for Don Claycomb, Don lives and breathes this place. It's in his blood.'' Dr. Claycomb will get to spend more time with his family now that he is retired. He will celebrate his 27th wedding anniversary this summer with his wife, Linda. She holds a doctorate and teaches nursing education at Columbia College at the Columbia and Lake of the Ozarks campuses. Dr. Claycomb has appreciated his wife understanding his job and the time it took him away from the family. Dr. Claycomb and Linda have five children and five grandchildren. He looks forward to spending more time with them. In addition to his family, Dr. Claycomb enjoys collecting antique tractors, reading books, and gardening. These hobbies will fill his days now that the new president has taken the helm of State Technical College of Missouri. I ask you to join me in recognizing Dr. Claycomb on his retirement from State Technical College of Missouri after twenty-three years of commitment to the college, students, and community.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chairman, how does the Federal Government get rid of an industry it doesn't like? Simple. It cuts that industry off from the financial services sector--the lifeblood of every business in this country. It sounds impossible, doesn't it? However, that is exactly what the FDIC is doing in conjunction with the Department of Justice. By this point, we are all familiar with Operation Choke Point. It is the program designed to force legally operating and licensed entities out of business by choking them off from the financial services they need. What started with nondepository lenders has spread to many other industries. Reports indicate that the FDIC and DOJ continue to pressure financial institutions that service the gun, ammunition, and tobacco industries. These are legal industries, and it is my belief that no joint FDIC and DOJ operation should broadly target lawful commerce. I want to be very clear. I strongly support the FDIC and other Federal banking regulators' authority to monitor financial institutions and identify risky behavior. But what cannot be tolerated is the Federal Government abusing its authority to target entire industries, including those that obey the laws and live within the rules. This isn't a Republican issue; this isn't a Democratic issue; it isn't a liberal or a conservative issue. This is an issue of the DOJ, FDIC, and potentially other banking regulators stepping outside the law. We worked on a bipartisan basis to inform the DOJ, FDIC, and others of the consequences of Operation Choke Point, but those concerns have fallen on deaf ears. Operation Choke Point is still happening. In the last few months, I have heard from a debt buyer in California, a tobacco shop in Florida, and, just this week, a veteran-owned shooting sports company in Virginia. I am now concerned that Operation Choke Point-like tactics have spread beyond the FDIC to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Despite Comptroller Curry's remarks on the dangers of de- risking, we continue to hear from financial institutions that OCC examiners are applying pressure in an effort to force banks to drop longstanding customers and correspondent banking relationships for no valid reason. I would like to remind my colleagues that similar amendments to prohibit the use of funds for Operation Choke Point were attached without opposition to appropriations bills in fiscal years 2015 and 2016. In February, the House passed a bipartisan vote of 250-169 H.R. 766, the Financial Institution Customer Protection Act. That legislation included measures that would prohibit Operation Choke Point through increased transparency and responsible governance. This amendment is an important step in ensuring that the FDIC and other Federal banking regulators continue their job, but do so without abuse of power. I ask my colleagues for their support of this amendment which, again, has generated no opposition and has been adopted by voice vote in previous years. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Chair, as somebody who has been on both sides of the table with regard to financial services--as a regulator and on the other side of the table as a businessperson--I think I have a unique perspective on what is going on here. We also have a couple of reports from the Oversight and Government Reform Committee that took the emails of both of these agencies--their own emails--and showed them to be engaged in Operation Choke Point activities with the intent not to go after somebody who is doing something illegal, but to go after people who are doing something legal. That is the difference. I support, as the gentleman indicated a minute ago, some of the activities of the regulators in going after bad actors. I support that 110 percent. As a former regulator, I am with the gentleman all the way. My problem is what is going on with Operation Choke Point as we are going after legal businesses that are doing legal business. That is a big difference because their own emails indicate their own, internal attorneys--the legal authorities in their own agencies--questioned their own ability to be doing what they are doing. This should send a chill down the spine of every single American when you have the Department of Justice's own attorneys telling them we shouldn't be doing this because this is not legal. Yet this is the legal entity that is supposed to be leading our country and providing us protection with the law, itself. It is interesting because the FDIC has already implemented a lot of these changes that we requested in our bill. In committee--and to me, personally--they admitted what was going on and said: We are going to fix our problems. They admitted Operation Choke Point was going on and that they were targeting legal businesses that were doing legal business. They said: We can't have that. We are going to stop it. The problem is it is continuing to go on, as I indicated in my testimony. Just this week, there was another one. I have an email address that takes information from individuals who have been wronged by Operation Choke Point activities. They are in legal businesses, doing legal business. And we got another hit just this week. Over the last several months, we have had numerous hits from different businesses across the country. Yet we have continued to see this happen. I ask for the support of the amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Mr. Warren Krech. ``Mr. Jefferson City'', has retired after 30 years in Jefferson City radio and over 40 years in the radio industry. Warren most recently spent his time entertaining listeners as the morning news and talk host on KWOS News Radio 950. A native of South Dakota and graduate from the University of Minnesota, Mr. Krech found his love of radio while serving in the United States Army--specifically with the American Forces Radio & TV in East Africa. Warren and his family moved from Wisconsin to Jefferson City, Missouri in 1984. When Mr. Krech moved to Missouri, he worked for Frank Newell at KJMO. While some consider broadcasting to be a nomadic business, Warren wanted to settle his then young family in the Jefferson City community. Throughout his radio years, Mr. Krech sat in the DJ chair, but found his niche when he was able to enter talk radio format. For 23 years, Warren has worked with John Marsh at KJMO and KWOS. During Operation Desert Storm, Mr. Krech and John Marsh, hosted a ``Tape from Home'' at the local mall where people could come record their comments for friends and family who were serving in the military. Mr. Krech is the current and three time winner of the News Tribune's ``Readers' Choice'' award for favorite local radio personality. Additionally, Warren is an active local emcee and speaker for charities including: Samaritan Center, Special Olympics, and Heart Association. Mr. Krech has been host of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for 13 years on KOMU-TV. With this retirement, Mr. Krech will now be able to spend more time with his wife, Marcia, who is a retired Jefferson City teacher. He has a daughter, Sarah, who lives in St. Louis and a son, Ben, who lives in Washington, DC. Warren also enjoys the St. Louis Cardinals, running, cycling, gardening, and his two cats. I ask you in joining me in recognizing Mr. Warren Krech on his retirement. His commitment to the radio industry and his local community makes this a commendable accomplishment.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine, Mr. Warren Krech. ``Mr. Jefferson City'', has retired after 30 years in Jefferson City radio and over 40 years in the radio industry. Warren most recently spent his time entertaining listeners as the morning news and talk host on KWOS News Radio 950. A native of South Dakota and graduate from the University of Minnesota, Mr. Krech found his love of radio while serving in the United States Army--specifically with the American Forces Radio & TV in East Africa. Warren and his family moved from Wisconsin to Jefferson City, Missouri in 1984. When Mr. Krech moved to Missouri, he worked for Frank Newell at KJMO. While some consider broadcasting to be a nomadic business, Warren wanted to settle his then young family in the Jefferson City community. Throughout his radio years, Mr. Krech sat in the DJ chair, but found his niche when he was able to enter talk radio format. For 23 years, Warren has worked with John Marsh at KJMO and KWOS. During Operation Desert Storm, Mr. Krech and John Marsh, hosted a ``Tape from Home'' at the local mall where people could come record their comments for friends and family who were serving in the military. Mr. Krech is the current and three time winner of the News Tribune's ``Readers' Choice'' award for favorite local radio personality. Additionally, Warren is an active local emcee and speaker for charities including: Samaritan Center, Special Olympics, and Heart Association. Mr. Krech has been host of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon for 13 years on KOMU-TV. With this retirement, Mr. Krech will now be able to spend more time with his wife, Marcia, who is a retired Jefferson City teacher. He has a daughter, Sarah, who lives in St. Louis and a son, Ben, who lives in Washington, DC. Warren also enjoys the St. Louis Cardinals, running, cycling, gardening, and his two cats. I ask you in joining me in recognizing Mr. Warren Krech on his retirement. His commitment to the radio industry and his local community makes this a commendable accomplishment.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. Sinema), a distinguished member of the Financial Services Committee and a sponsor of the bill.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2121) to amend the S.A.F.E. Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to provide a temporary license for loan originators transitioning between employers, and for other purposes, as amended.