Blaine Luetkemeyer

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize the Blair Oaks Falcons football team's remarkable achievement of clinching the Class 3 championship. They ended their season with a 13-1 record and a come-from-behind 38-28 victory against Seneca High School. This championship is the culmination of all the work they put in and the great talent on this team. This championship marks the sixth in program history and the fourth won within the last seven years. Coach Todd LePage and these student- athletes continue a tradition of winning at the highest level. This championship exemplifies what you can accomplish with unwavering determination, consistency, and teamwork. I extend my sincerest congratulations to the Blair Oaks football team, coaches, and fans. Winning a championship is a collective effort that requires all hands-on deck. Their community recognizes and highly values their dedication and passion for football.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize the Father Tolton softball team for their remarkable achievement of clinching the Class 4 championship. Their 24-10 season record and 5-0 shutout victory over Belton in the title game, is the culmination of all the work they put in and the great amount of talent on this team. It is worth noting that this state championship is the second in Father Tolton's program history. Their last softball state championship came in 2020. This championship serves as an example of the upward trajectory of where the program is headed. I extend my sincerest congratulations to the Father Tolton softball team, coaches, and its supporters. Winning a championship is a collective effort that takes an all-hands-on deck approach. The community recognizes and highly values their dedication and passion for softball.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the St. Elizabeth Hornets softball team for their remarkable achievement of capturing the Class 1 state championship. Their commanding victory over Gallatin in the title game, with a final score of 11-1, is a testament to their hard work and extraordinary talent. Under Coach Oligschlaeger's leadership, the Hornets showcased consistency and greatness by going 30-2. What makes winning 30 games even more impressive is that they played most of their games against schools in larger classifications. When postseason play began, the dominance continued. They astonishingly outscored their opponents 78-7. This championship adds to the legacy of the St. Elizabeth softball program, marking the fifth in its history. The continued success of this program is an excellent example of what happens when a community comes together to embrace and support its school. I extend my sincerest congratulations to St. Elizabeth's players, coaches, staff, and fans. The shared effort of hard work, determination, and perseverance has brought honor to the school, town, and Mid-Missouri region. This St. Elizabeth softball team season shows what can be achieved when a community comes together to support a common goal.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Benjamin ``Ben'' Basye and his 43 years of dedication to serving this country. Ben served as a Navy pilot in the United States Pacific Fleet during World War II and in the Korean War. For his time and service during World War II, Ben was awarded multiple medals including the World War II Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. In 1949, he was one of the first Navy Pilots to land a jet on a carrier. He did this in a Grumann F9F Panther Jet Fighter during the earliest stages of catapult take-off and landing operations. As a reservist, he served as a Consulting Engineer and Maintenance Officer. He retired from the Navy on his 60th birthday in 1987 at the rank of Captain. Ben dedicated is life to improve the United States education system. Mr. Basye earned a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, to which he then served 37 years as an engineering professor in higher education. He wrote two books regarding his time in the military and education system and the values that should be upheld in these great American institutions. Ben Basye was the embodiment of American ideals and exemplified at an extraordinary level what it means to be an American. Ben was willing to make any sacrifice, including the ultimate sacrifice, required to defend the values of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to commemorate the life and service of a proud American, Veteran, and family man, Charles Benjamin Basye.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Benjamin ``Ben'' Bayse and his 43 years of dedication to serving this country. Ben served as a Navy pilot in the United States Pacific Fleet during World War II and in the Korean War. For his time and service during World War II, Ben was awarded multiple medals including the World War II Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. In 1949, he was one of the first Navy Pilots to land a jet on a carrier. He did this in a Grumann F9F Panther Jet Fighter during the earliest stages of catapult take-off and landing operations. As a reservist, he served as a Consulting Engineer and Maintenance Officer. He retired from the Navy on his 60th birthday in 1987 at the rank of Captain. In addition to his service in the Navy, Ben dedicated is life to improve the United States education system. Mr. Bayse earned a Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, to which he then served 37 years as an engineering professor in higher education. He wrote two books regarding his time in the military and education system and the values that should be upheld in these great American institutions. Ben Bayse was the embodiment of American ideals and exemplified at an extraordinary level what it means to be an American. Ben was willing to make any sacrifice, including the ultimate sacrifice, required to defend the values of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to commemorate the life and service of a proud American, veteran, and family man, Charles Benjamin Bayse.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of my constituent, Aaron David Attebery, who passed on April 4, 2024, after a long battle with cancer at the age of 35. While his illness was painful and debilitating, he never let it diminish his spirit and contributions to his family, friends, and community. Aaron lived in the state of Missouri most of his life. He earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout as a youth and attended the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO, and graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri S&T. Aaron began his career working with the John Deere Company where he worked to improve diesel engine performance. He later went on to work for Black & Veatch where he met the love of his life, his wife Rachel Attebery. Aaron will be missed by all, and his legacy will be felt by all who were lucky to know him.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, on this occasion of Bruce Sowatsky's retirement, I recognize his outstanding contributions to the community of St. Charles, Missouri, with great honor and appreciation. Bruce's dedication to improving the lives of children and families has left an enduring mark on our community, and his efforts have touched the hearts of countless individuals. As Executive Director of the Community & Children's Resource Board, Bruce's leadership has been instrumental in expanding vital services for children and youth, ensuring they can access the support and resources they need to thrive. His commitment to advocating for children's mental health and well-being has greatly impacted many lives. His legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come. On behalf of the constituents of Missouri's 3rd Congressional District, I extend my sincerest gratitude to Bruce Sowatsky for his commendable service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the Blair Oaks Falcons baseball team in clinching the MSHSAA Class 4 State Championship. Under Coach Mike DeMilia's leadership, the Falcons displayed excellence throughout their playoff run. During their run, they notably defeated three of the MHSBCA's top-five ranked teams, including the 32- win Benton High School Cardinals. Blair Oaks' rich tradition in baseball has been furthered with this fourth state title in the program's history, marking their second championship in the last five seasons. I congratulate the Blair Oaks team for their hard work and perseverance and for serving as a source of school and community pride. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Blair Oaks baseball team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Iberia Rangers for their remarkable achievement of clinching the Class 2 state championship in high school baseball. It is worth noting that this state title marks Iberia's second in program history. In the championship game, led by a complete game thrown by Noah Riemensnider, the Rangers beat Maysville 7 to 3. Their win capped off an undefeated 28-0 season. This victory adds another illustrious chapter to the Rangers' legacy and serves as a source of pride for the community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Iberia Rangers Baseball team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Jacqueline Applegate, President of Bayer Crop Science North America on her retirement. In the words of her colleagues, Dr. Applegate has been an excellent member of the Executive Leadership Team for the Global Crop Science division of Bayer. Dr. Applegate is a scientist by training and began her career at Bayer as a process development chemist at a manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Missouri after graduating from Iowa State University with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Dr. Applegate served as Global President of Vegetable Seeds and Environmental Science, and as the Culture and Change Management Lead for the Bayer/Monsanto integration. Throughout her career she's made a positive impact everywhere she's been. Dr. Applegate oversaw more than 11,000 employees and was responsible for the commercial performance of the Crop Science business in the United States and Canada, which is a segment worth more than $8B in net sales. Dr. Applegate made significant impacts throughout her career, whether through her commitment to assist in the career elevation for each team member or in opening opportunity for the youth who will lead agriculture in the future. The greatest leaders we have not only take on the issues of today, but they also lay the groundwork for a better tomorrow. Dr. Applegate certainly fits that description. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Dr. Applegate for her service to America's farmers and agriculture around the world, and in wishing her a happy retirement on an unforgettable career.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Duchesne High School on their victory in Missouri's Class 1 Boys' Soccer State Championship. The Pioneers claimed the Class 1 title for the first time in 20 years with a narrow 1-0 victory over Dubourg. Junior Zach Hubert came off the bench to net the game's only goal, as goalie Ben Burke led the defense in recording its ninth shutout of the season. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home a state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Duchesne Boys' 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 Barbara Griffith on winning Community Living, Inc.'s 24th Annual Legacy Ball Legacy Award. A resident of Saint Charles, Missouri, Barbara began working in the disabilities field in 1978 and has been involved in various capacities with numerous disability service organizations ever since. Serving as Executive Director and then President and CEO of Community Living from 1998 to 2022, her passion has always been to build awareness and bring about positive changes for people with disabilities. People like Barbara remind us that there are many Americans working every day to improve the lives of their fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Barbara Griffith for her achievement.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating MaDonna Barnes on winning Community Living, Inc.'s 24th Annual Legacy Ball Volunteer of the Year Award. A resident of O'Fallon, Missouri for over twenty years, MaDonna has demonstrated an outstanding dedication to serving her community. In just six years, MaDonna has contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to Community Living in order to improve the lives of those she serves. People like MaDonna remind us that there are many Americans working every day to improve the lives of their fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing MaDonna Barnes for her achievement.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and thank him for managing the floor today. I was supposed to do that, and I got stuck in a snowstorm and slid all the way here, but I am here and glad to be here. Before us today are a number of bills that originated in the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee which I chair. I commend the sponsors for their diligent commitment to crafting meaningful policy. Congressman Meuser's China Exchange Rate Transparency Act of 2023 will provide much-needed transparency to China's use of tools to impact the exchange rate, and their actions to threaten the core mission of the IMF. Ensuring China plays by the same rules of the road as everyone else has been and will continue to be a focus of my National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee. H.R. 803, the PROTECT Taiwan Act, has been a project dutifully undertaken by Congressman Lucas. This legislation will send an unwavering message that if the Xi Jinping regime is seeking to provoke a war in Taiwan, China will face a new reality, exclusion from the international community. I thank Congressman Lucas for this strong bipartisan solution to China's aggression. Finally, as we heard from Vice Chair Congresswoman Kim, H.R. 540, the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2023, will ensure that Taiwan's voice is properly heard at the IMF. Ultimately, the decision to apply for membership into the IMF, and subsequently the World Bank and other international financial institutions, belongs to Taiwan. However, if they so choose to apply, the United States should be unequivocally supportive. I thank the gentlewoman for her unwavering support to defend Taiwan and ensuring that the international financial institutions which my subcommittee oversees prioritize Taiwan policy at the IMF. I also thank Chairman McHenry for his work on the full committee.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Tony Thieman on the Wentzville, MO Citizen of the Year Award. Mr. Thieman has long been a staple of the Wentzville community. In addition to his involvement in multiple community organizations, Mr. Thieman has reinvested in downtown Wentzville by buying several old buildings, renovating them, and then leasing them out to local businesses. Tony also volunteers his time to neighbors by plowing their driveways and mowing their fields when in need. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Tony Thieman as the Wentzville, MO Citizen of the Year.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Tom Schmitz on 44 years of service to Leonardo DRS and our country. At the end of this year, Mr. Schmitz will retire from his position as the Director of Business Development--Navy Sales. Born and raised in St. Louis, Mr. Schmitz began his career in shipbuilding in 1979 and has seen the U.S. confront some of our greatest military challenges, all while overseeing the placement of DRS Marlo products on every Navy submarine and surface combatant. Mr. Schmitz now retires as the most senior employee at DRS Marlo in High Ridge, MO. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Schmitz's exceptional career and wishing him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Duchesne High School on their victory in Missouri's Class 1 Boys' Soccer State Championship. The Pioneers claimed the Class 1 title for the first time in 20 years with a narrow 1-0 victory over Dubourg. Junior Zach Hubert came off the bench to net the game's only goal, as goalie Ben Burke led the defense in recording its ninth shutout of the season. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home a state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Duchesne Boys' 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 Luke Sievers on his victory in Missouri's Class 5 Individual Cross-Country Championship. Luke claimed the Class 5 title by setting a course-record time of 14 minutes, 51.9 seconds in the 5,000-meter race to secure his first high school cross-country victory and lead the team to a win in the Team Championship. Luke should be commended for all his hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home a state championship to his school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Luke Sievers 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 Catholic High School on their victory in Missouri's Class 5 Girls' Team Cross-Country Championship. The Trailblazers claimed the Class 5 title, becoming the only school in the state to win state titles in three separate classes. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home this state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Father Tolton Girls' 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 the School of the Osage on their victory in Missouri's Class 2 Girls' Team Golf Championship. The Indians claimed the Class 2 title for the second consecutive year by beating Incarnate Word by 32 strokes. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home this state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Osage Girls' Golf Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr.Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Rock Bridge High School on their victory in Missouri's Class 5 Boys' Team Cross-Country Championship. The Bruins claimed the Class 5 title. having not one but two top- three finishers. They won by just 8 points, meaning that every student- athlete's determination was essential in clinching this victory. 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 Rock Bridge 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 St. Charles West High School on their victory in Missouri's Class 3 Girls' Team Cross-Country Championship. By claiming the Class 3 title, the Warriors are now state champions for the second consecutive year. Every member of the team performed admirably, beating out their closest competition by nearly 100 points. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home a state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the St. Charles West Girls' 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 Hanna Maschhoff on her victory in Missouri's Class 2 Individual Golf State Championship. Hanna claimed the Class 2 individual title for the School of the Osage, making it her fourth time receiving all-state honors. Hanna shot a two-day total of 153 to hold off the second-place finisher by one stroke. She should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home another state championship to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Hanna Maschhoff for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the St. Dominic Girls Golf Team on their victory in Missouri's Class 3 Team Girls' Golf State Championship. The Crusaders claimed the Class 3 title by dominating their competition. By the end of the first day, the team held a 17-shot advantage and never looked back as they went on to win by 42 strokes. The team should be commended for all their hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home a state championship to their school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the St. Dominic Girls' Golf Team for a job well done.

Mr. LUETKEMEYER

Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Alexandra Volkalt on her victory in Missouri's Class 3 Individual Cross-Country Championship. Alexandra claimed the Class 3 title to earn her second straight championship for Southern Boone High School. She stayed with the pack for most of the race until she pulled away near the end to finish first by two seconds. Alexandra should be commended for all her hard work throughout the past year and for bringing home another state championship to her school and community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Alexandra Volkart for a job well done.