Blaine Luetkemeyer

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1047, the Housing Assistance Efficiency Act, introduced by the gentleman from California (Mr. Peters). This bill makes a technical correction to the 2009 HEARTH Act amendments to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. H.R. 1047 will accomplish two goals: First, it would restore the ability of nonprofit organizations to administer permanent housing rental assistance provided through the McKinney-Vento Continuum of Care program. Second, it would authorize the HUD Secretary to reallocate any housing assistance provided from the Emergency Solutions Grants Program that is unused or returned or that becomes available after the minimum allocation requirements under McKinney-Vento have been met on an annual rather than on a semiannual basis. In 2009, the HEARTH Act amended McKinney-Vento to combine the Shelter Plus Care program and the supportive housing programs into a single, competitive program. When combining the activities of the previous programs into one, the HEARTH Act also created a new requirement that only States, units of local governments, or Public Housing Agencies--PHAs--could administer rental assistance. Previously, these public entities had used private nonprofit organizations to administer the assistance. H.R. 1047 corrects an unintended consequence of the HEARTH Act by restoring nonprofit participation. The bill maximizes community flexibility to allow existing nonprofits that operate leased housing to homeless families and individuals to continue to manage their McKinney- Vento grants as rental assistance as well as to continue to develop innovative practices that assist homeless families and individuals. Finally, H.R. 1047 reduces a regulatory burden by requiring HUD to reallocate unused Emergency Solutions Grants Program funds only once per year. As I understand from HUD and many nonprofit organizations, there are very few unused funds available; yet, a complicated reallocation program, as required by current law, must be conducted twice a year even if the amount is miniscule. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this commonsense legislation that is supported by the administration and many of the nonprofit organizations that continue to serve homeless populations with limited resources. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1047) to authorize private nonprofit organizations to administer permanent housing rental assistance provided through the Continuum of Care Program under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and for other purposes.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating St. Elizabeth High School on its Bronze Medal Award as a top Missouri High School from U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout the past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you to join me in recognizing St. Elizabeth High School for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Wright City High School on its Bronze Medal Award as a top Missouri High School from U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout the past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you to join me in recognizing Wright City High School for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Francis Howell North High School for its placement in the top 25 Missouri high schools as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you in joining me in recognizing Francis Howell North High School 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 on its Bronze Medal Award as a top Missouri High School from U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout the past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you to join me in recognizing Osage High School for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Hermann High School on its Bronze Medal Award as a top Missouri High School from U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout the past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you to join me in recognizing Hermann High School for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Camdenton High School on its Bronze Medal Award as a top Missouri High School from U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout the past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you to join me in recognizing Camdenton High School for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Francis Howell High School for its placement in the top 25 Missouri high schools as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout this past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you in joining me in recognizing Francis Howell High School 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 on its Bronze Medal Award as a top Missouri High School from U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout the past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you to join me in recognizing Eldon High School for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Festus High School on its Bronze Medal Award as a top Missouri High School from U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout the past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you to join me in recognizing Festus High School for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Silex High School on its Bronze Medal Award as a top Missouri High School from U.S. News and World Report. This school's administration, teachers, and students should be commended for all of their hard work throughout the past year and for their commitment to education. I ask you to join me in recognizing Silex High School for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Jim and Betty Held's ownership of the Stone Hill Winery Company. Stone Hill Winery continues to be one of Missouri's most preeminent businesses, and has received numerous accolades throughout the Helds' 50 years of ownership. Today, the winery farms seven vineyards and purchases grapes from five independent growers in the state; thus, producing more than 250,000 gallons of Missouri grown wine and contributing over $7 million to the state's economy each year. The story of the Stone Hill Wine Company begins in 1847, when it was founded by Mr. Michael Poeschel. The winery quickly grew in popularity and size, and soon became the second largest winery in the United States. In the 1880's, Stone Hill's thriving business allowed Missouri to become the leading wine producing state in the nation. On December 28, 1901 an ornately decorated bottle of Stone Hill Wine Company ``Pearl of Missouri'' Extra Dry Champagne was used to christen the first USS Missouri, Battleship (BB-11). Unfortunately, prohibition would soon take a hit on the state's wine production and Stone Hill; killing the thriving industry in Missouri. This despair would not last long. In 1961, after returning home from his service in the Navy, Jim Held planted a four acre vineyard of catawba grapes near Hermann, Missouri. Only four years later, Jim was asked by the then current owner of Stone Hill to reopen a winery on the property, and on July 5, 1965, the Held's officially reopened the Stone Hill Winery. Since its reopening, the winery has restored the wine industry in Missouri. In 1969, Stone Hill Winery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Several years later, the Held's traveled to Washington, D.C. in 1982 to receive the award for Missouri's Small Business of the Year, presented by President Ronald Reagan. The awards did not end there, as the Held's received Hall of Fame recognition from the Missouri Division of Tourism and the Pioneer Award from the Missouri Grape and Wine Program. Additionally, the winery has been awarded the Missouri's Governor's Cup on nine occasions for producing the best wine in Missouri and has received three C.V. Riley Awards for the Best Missouri Norton, the official state grape of Missouri. In 2014, in honor of his accomplishments and revival of the Missouri Wine Industry, Jim was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia. The Helds have come a long way since first reopening the Stone Hill Winery with only $1,500 to their name. Jim and Betty's hard work and dedication have not only afforded enjoyment for Missourians, but provided jobs across the state. Their award-winning winery has proven to be a staple to Missouri, and its wines continue to be enjoyed by individuals across the United States. I ask you to join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Held for the accomplishments throughout the years and celebrating their 50th Anniversary as owners of the Stone Hill Winery.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Devon Dowler of the Owensville Dutchmen for his first place win in the 3200 Meter Hurdles at the 2015 Class 3 Track and Field State Championship. Devon 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 Devon Dowler of the Owensville Dutchmen for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Michael Karls of the Festus Tigers for his first place win in the 3200 Meter Run at the 2015 Class 4 Track and Field State Championship. Michael 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. He was also chosen as his school's scholar-athlete of the 2014-2015 year by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I ask you to join me in recognizing Michael Karls of the Festus Tigers for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Allison Hinson of the St. Clair Bulldogs for her first place win in Shot Put at the 2015 Class 4 Track and Field State Championship. Allison 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 Allison Hinson of the St. Clair Bulldogs for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Brianna Haller of the Fatima Comets for her first place win in 3200 Meter Run at the 2015 Class 3 Track and Field 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 their 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 Mackenzie Roney of the Herculaneum Blackcats for her first place win in Pole Vaulting at the 2015 Class 3 Track and Field State Championship. Mackenzie 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. She was also chosen as her school's scholar-athlete of the 2014-2015 year by the St. Louis Post- Dispatch. I ask you to join me in recognizing Mackenzie Roney of the Herculaneum Blackcats for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Carl and Heide Hagar on their 50th Wedding Anniversary, which they will be celebrating on July 10, 2015. Carl was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Arkansas. After Carl joined the United States Army, he was deployed to Germany. During his time in Germany, he met his wife, Heide, who was born in Altenmunster, Germany. Through their married years they lived in Germany, Vietnam, and the United States. Carl and Heide settled in Iberia, Missouri and have lived there since 1979. After 22 years of service in the United States Army, Carl retired. Heide worked in the Mess Hall at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for 29 years. They have raised three children, Lou Ann Elmore, Walter Stephen Hagar, and Jeffery Andrew Hagar. Marriage is a sacred institution that represents true love, commitment, and dedication to family. This is a special time to celebrate and showcase the depth of your love and devotion to one another. I ask you in joining me in recognizing Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hagar on this momentous occasion.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Andrew Buehler for his acceptance to attend the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. Founded by President Eisenhower, this program has provided opportunities for over 500,000 potential leaders from around the world. Students accepted to this program are selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential and distinguished citizenship. Andrew's hard work and dedication to his academics made him an exemplar candidate for the program. During his time at the forum, Andrew will participate in a curriculum focused on leadership and educational development with students from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Andrew's selection as a 2015 World Leadership Forum participant is a testament to his achievements, and something that he and his family should be proud of. I ask you to join me in congratulating Mr. Andrew Buehler for receiving this distinctive honor.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Fatima Comets Baseball team for their first place win in the 2015 Class 3 State Baseball 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 for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sara Rhine of the Eldon High School Lady Mustangs for her first place win in the 2015 Class 3 State High Jump Championship, giving her a total of ten state medals. Sara won her fourth consecutive first place high jump title and finished third in the 100-meter hurdles and long jump. Sara 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 Sara Rhine of the Eldon High Lady Mustangs for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 728, which would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7050 Highway BB in Cedar Hill, Missouri as the ``Sergeant First Class William B. Woods, Jr. Post Office.'' SFC Woods was a decorated constituent of the Third district of Missouri who dedicated his life to protecting our country. After graduation from Northwest High School in Cedar Hill, Missouri, he first enlisted with the United States Marine Corps in 1996 as a rifleman, and later enlisted in the United States Army where he attended the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2003 and earned the Green Beret. While in the U.S. Army, SFC Woods was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 during Operation Enduring Freedom. On August 16, 2009, SFC Woods died in Germany from wounds sustained while conducting a mounted patrol in the Ghazni Province, Afghanistan on August 14, 2009. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters. SFC Woods' many awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, among many others. I am honored to name this post office after SFC Woods. His dedication and sacrifices for our country should not go unnoticed, and it is the least I can do to honor such a courageous soldier. I want to thank the entire Missouri Delegation for coming together to cosponsor this legislation, and Chairman Chaffetz for promptly considering this legislation in the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. It would be an honor to name the Cedar Hill post office in my district after this courageous soldier, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.