Billy Long

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Hoover Case on having the Ozark Empire Fair Foundation's annual Gold Buckle Gala dedicated in his honor. The Ozark Empire Fair Foundation was established in 2003 as a non- profit organization working to preserve Southwest Missouri's vast agricultural history and to sustain and better the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Since 2004, the Foundation has held an annual gala to recognize the efforts of outstanding 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors and to award grants and scholarships to local youths. In the ten years the event has been held, the Foundation has awarded almost $600,000 to local youths and raised over $521,000 in funds to be used for fairground improvements. Each year, the Gold Buckle Gala is dedicated to a philanthropist that has shown outstanding support of the Foundation's goals. This year's recipient, Hoover Case of Marshfield, MO, has proved more than deserving. Case, a longtime auctioneer, created a mentoring program, Brangus for Kids, as a way of giving back to the purebred world and connecting kids with potential show animals. Case has also shown great support and love for the annual fair by being an involved volunteer. It is because of Case's continued dedication and commitment that the Foundation is able to impact the lives of so many. I would like to thank Hoover Case for his continued support and devotion towards the Ozark Empire Fair and Ozark Empire Fair Foundation and congratulate him once again on having this year's Gold Buckle Gala held in his honor.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Glendale High School senior Spencer Haik for being the first Class 4 athlete to win the 1,600-meter run state title three years in a row. Spencer led the race from start to finish and finished a full two seconds ahead of the competition. Spencer finished with a personal best time of 4 minutes, 9.41 seconds. He also won the 3,200-meter state championship. Furthermore, I want to congratulate Spencer on his win at the Nike Festival of Miles in St. Louis on June 5. His time was 4:04.55, which is to date the second fastest 1600-meter in the Nation this year. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Spencer's coaches, Ron Hamilton and Jeff Berryessa, for their dedication and leadership. I wish Spencer the best as he continues his track career at Columbia University. I am honored to recognize Spencer Haik for his Class 4 State Championship in both the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, a famous Missouri artist will be on display in August in a national outdoor show called Art Everywhere US. Missouri's Thomas Hart Benton, 1889-1975, is a well-known artist and quintessential painter of the American experience. Benton was born in Neosho, Mo., into a family of lawyer-politicians who, in Benton's words, ``drank heavily, ate heartily and talked long over fat cigars.'' His great-uncle had been a United States Senator; his father was a Congressman. As a teenager, Benton was a cartoonist for the Joplin American newspaper. In 1934, Benton was featured on one of the earliest color covers of Time magazine, which praised him as one of a gifted trio of regional painters--including Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry--in touch with the spirit of America. One of Benton's greatest works is his mural at the Missouri State Capitol: ``A Social History of Missouri.'' When Benton published his autobiography in 1937, writer Sinclair Lewis noted, ``Here's a rare thing, a painter who can write.'' In August, Benton's ``Poker Night'' will be displayed nationwide via Art Everywhere US. Completed in 1948, this painting was based on a scene from the play ``A Streetcar Named Desire,'' which was made into a movie. Art Everywhere US is a collaboration between leading museums and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. Earlier this year, leading museums identified 100 great American artworks and submitted that list for online public voting. On June 21, the museums announced the 58 artworks--paintings and photography--that will appear in August on donated advertising spaces in airports, malls, and movie theaters, as well as billboards and buses. The Art Everywhere US portfolio spans American history, from John Singleton Copley's 1778 painting ``Watson and the Shark'' to contemporary art. Among the top vote-getters was Grant Wood's ``American Gothic,'' inspired by the artist's visit to a small town in Iowa in 1930. Other artists in this national show include Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, James Whistler, and Andy Warhol. Missouri is honored that Neosho-born artist Thomas Hart Benton is part of this stellar group and that millions of Americans will be able to see his work this summer, along with other masterpieces.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rogersville High School senior Alec Palen on his Class 3 State Championship Golf title and for being named to the Missouri All-State Team. Alec shot a two-day score of 145 to win the championship. His final putt was an uphill 8 footer on the 18th hole to clinch the victory for him. With his help, Rogersville High School finished second overall, a best in school history. The team shot a combined score of 640, only 3 behind first place Pembroke Hill. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team's head coach and father of Alec, Brett Palen, and Athletic Director Rod Gorman for their dedication and leadership. I am honored to recognize Alec Palen for his Class 3 State Golf Championship and being named to the All-State Team.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rogersville High School sophomore Gunnar Allison for winning the Class 3 Discus State Championship. Gunnar threw 167' 11" to clinch his first state championship. Gunnar also won second place in the shot put competition. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Gunnar's Head Coach Doug Smith and Athletic Director Rod Gorman for their dedication and leadership. I wish Gunnar the best in the rest of his track and field career. I am honored to recognize Gunnar Allison for his Class 3 State Championship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Willard Public School District on being named one of the Nation's Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). Chris Church has served as the band director for 32 years at Willard High School. Out of 1,200 students who attend Willard High School, more than 500 are involved in band, choir or both, with more still involved in other fine arts programs such as visual arts and theater. Willard was one of three schools from Missouri to be honored. While other school districts' music programs are hit with cutbacks, music education funding has been protected at Willard. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers, students, administrators and the community of Willard for the support they have provided. I am honored to recognize Willard Public School District on their efforts which led to the community being named one of the Nation's Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM foundation.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sarcoxie High School Archery Team for winning their second state championship in a row. Sarcoxie started their archery program last year, winning a state championship their first year in existence. As a team, this year they shot a score of 3396, breaking the record they set last year by 57 points. Sarcoxie's archery team competed against 81 other schools. They competed in a field of over 1,300 archers with 51,000 arrows shot during the competition. Sarcoxie is a Class 2 school that competes in the high school division against all high schools in Missouri, regardless of size or enrollment. I would also like to recognize the individual performances by Hunter Berry, Brice Dobbs and Ariana Goddard. Hunter broke the Missouri all- time high male score with 296 points. Brice finished 5th in the high school male division with a score of 287 and Ariana finished 3rd in the female division with 286 points. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team's head coach, Kaycia Woolsey, the assistant coach, David Woolsey, and athletic director, Jeff Kabance for their dedication and leadership. I am honored to recognize the Sarcoxie High School Archery Team for winning their second straight state championship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Walnut Grove High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 1 Girls State Championship. The Lady Tigers clinched back-to-back state championships after defeating North Andrew with an impressive final score of 84-49. Members of the team include Heather Harman, Lexi Harman, Madisyn Freeze, Karsyn Hejna, Miranda Allison, Megan Shuler, Audree Crain, Ellen Hayter, Raylie Hejna, Shelby Harman, Carrigan Comstock, Mikayla Louderbaugh, and Katelynn Garoutte. Through their hard work and discipline on and off the court, the Lady Tigers developed into a truly great championship team. The Lady Tigers ended the season 28-4. I also want to commend Head Coach Rory Henry for a job well-done on developing such a strong basketball program. I am proud to recognize the school and the players on their victory, and applaud the hard work that has brought them so much success. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Walnut Grove Lady Tigers as they celebrate their Class 1 Girls State Championship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Crane High School Lady Pirates Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 2 Girls State Championship. The Lady Pirates clinched back to back state championships after defeating the Skyline Lady Tigers with a final score of 67-52. Members of the team include Allie Hagler, Lexie Vaught, Kylee Moore, Kylie Vaught, Justeen Mahan, Shelby Roder, Riley Israel, Emma Lander, Karen Belin, Loni Johnson, Jalee Johnson, Addie Reel, Hailey Powell, Jenna Scroggins, Madison Fulp, and Tabitha Bishop. Through their hard work and excellence on and off the court, the Lady Pirates developed into a truly great championship team. The Lady Pirates ended the season 30-1, remaining undefeated in their Class 2 division. I also want to commend Head Coach Jeremy Mullins and Assistant Coach Billy Redus for a job well-done on developing such a strong basketball program. The Crane community is justifiably proud of this extraordinary group of young and talented student-athletes. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Crane Lady Pirates as they celebrate their Class 2 Girls State Championship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ozark High School Junior ROTC Drill Teams for being named national champions at the 2014 U.S. Army JROTC National Drill Championships. Ozark High School represents the 3rd Brigade of the Army Cadet Command, which is comprised of teams from 10 states. The 3rd Brigade consists of 119 Army JROTC programs, and Ozark was one of just six honored to compete in the 2014 National Drill Championship. The Ozark Unarmed Team placed first overall in their division with a total score of 3,833 points. The Ozark Armed Team placed second overall with a score of 3,690 points. The Ozark Rifle Team won their third consecutive National Championship. Of the 1700 plus schools that have JROTC, there is only one school, one city and one state that can claim two National Championship teams in the same year. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the instructors of the JROTC program and the family members of the students who support them. I am honored to recognize the Ozark High School JROTC for their National Champi onships this year and wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic High School Tigers Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 4 State Championship. The Tigers clinched the title with a thrilling finish, making a three pointer with only seven seconds left for a final score of 45-42. Members of the team include Dylan Bekemeier, Brock Yocum, Chase Hoffmann, Josh Vaughn, Dillen Ramsey, Dakota Fortner, Canyon Smith, Jordan Kerr, Cole Hurst, Cody Geiger, Tim Brazeal, and Cory Lafferty. Through their hard work and determination on and off the court, the Tigers developed into a truly great championship team, earning back to back state titles. The Tigers ended the season 27-4, remaining undefeated in their district. The Tigers were also the Central Ozark Conference Champions for the 2013-2014 season. I also want to commend Head Coach Trevyor Fisher for a job well-done on developing such a strong basketball program. The team, with the help of its coaches and the support of their families and community, persevered through the turmoil of the season and the trials of the state championships. Together, they grew as individuals and as a team, and their successes show what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and belief. The Republic community is justifiably proud of this extraordinary group of young and talented student-athletes. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Republic Tigers as they celebrate their consecutive Class 4 Boys State Championships.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Kevin Baker, an American History teacher from Springfield, Missouri, who led his 30th annual school trip to Washington, D.C., this spring. On March 11, 2014, Kevin completed his 30th school trip to Washington with a group of nearly 100 students from Pershing Middle School in Springfield, Missouri. While in Washington, the students visited the Capitol, Library of Congress, Smithsonian museums, and the many monuments along the National Mall celebrating our heritage. It is no easy task to plan and coordinate a trip involving such a large number of students and parents, but the support of the Springfield community helps make these trips a continued success, including the help of Anne Lanzilotta, the group's tour guide for the last 28 years, and his fellow teachers Scott Corn and Cale McAninch who have assisted him on the annual trips for the last 15 years. Kevin's passion for American history runs through his family. His wife Valerie and two sons Tristan and Trevor have attended multiple trips and not only encourage his efforts, they enjoy them. Kevin continues the tour of the capital because he wants all of his students to experience the history of our country through the monuments, museums, and memorials, as well as to share that love for country, that awestruck feeling he received every time he traveled to Washington. He credits his work ethic to the examples set by his parents, Luther and Joyce, and the support he received growing up from his younger brother Dwight. Kevin hopes that these annual trips will motivate or inspire some of his young students to return to Washington as elected officials and embrace new ideas for the future of our great nation. He credits the Springfield community for making so many of these trips possible. The education of a child is a once in a lifetime experience, and the immersion into our history and political process makes the efforts well worth it.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bob Hammerschmidt of Springfield, Missouri on receiving the 2014 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Ozarks Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Distinguished Citizen Award was created by the Boy Scouts of America in order to recognize noteworthy and extraordinary leadership of citizens in communities across the United States. This award is only given out every few years to honor business and community leaders who have made substantial impacts in their communities and its residents. The Distinguished Citizen Award is a very prestigious award, which Bob Hammerschmidt undoubtedly deserves. Currently, Bob Hammerschmidt is the president of the Springfield Region of Commerce Bank. Commerce Bank is located in Springfield, but its professional reputation precedes it throughout the state of Missouri. He is also the former council president of the Ozark Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Bob's community service includes an extensive and impressive list of organizations that have benefited by his service to the communities in which he has lived over the years. Bob Hammerschmidt exemplifies the values taught by scouting, including the scout oath and law. These qualities include service to the community, good citizenship and strong leadership. Bob Hammerschmidt's track record makes it easy to see why his peers unanimously selected him as the recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award. I am honored to recognize Bob Hammerschmidt for his service and leadership to the community.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hannah Luce, Samantha Plouviez, and Meredith Waites on receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouting. Being honored with the Girl Scout Gold Award is the culmination of a lot of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to serving others. Through their efforts, Hannah, Samantha, and Meredith have made our communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Girl Scouts today benefit from tangible outcomes such as a strong sense of self, practical life skills, healthy relationships, and feeling empowered to make a difference. In Southwest Missouri, Girl Scouts give back to their community with thousands of hours of community service each year. Folks in Southwest Missouri should be proud to know that the Girl Scout program remains strong and provides a significant opportunity for girls today to learn and grow. I too am proud and honored to know that young girls like Hannah, Samantha and Meredith in the 7th District of Missouri are demonstrating positive values and strong leadership skills--and will continue to do so for years to come. I again want to congratulate Hannah Luce, Samantha Plouviez, and Meredith Waites on receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Congressman Mel Hancock as he is inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians. Mel was a dear friend, neighbor, and dedicated statesmen during his years of public service in the United States House of Representatives. His legacy will forever be a part of Missouri through the Hancock Amendment and his service to the people he represented. Mel spent his time in public life advocating for the proper scope and role of government as an instrument to protect our individual liberties. He understood that government is a useful tool, but when it is given too much power it can be used to undermine the interests and freedom of the average person. Like our founders, Mel was a wise, just, and honorable man who worked tirelessly to advance the cause of liberty for which so many of our ancestors have sacrificed so much to promote. In 1977 Mel founded the Taxpayer Survival Association, a not-for- profit organization dedicated to advancing a constitutional amendment to limit taxes. He invested his personal effort, travelling across Missouri collecting signatures to put a ``Tax and Spending Amendment'' on the ballot. Through his hard work, the ``Hancock Amendment'' was added to the Missouri Constitution in 1980. Since then, Mel's leadership to secure the Hancock Amendment for Missouri has served as an inspiration for other legislative efforts around the nation. After the passage of the Hancock Amendment, Mel continued his service to his state and his neighbors after being elected to represent Missouri's 7th District in Congress in 1988. During his time in Congress he served on the House Ways and Means Committee and advocated a balanced budget amendment for the federal constitution. Mel was a voice of prudence and reason in an unreasonable era. He left Congress in 1996 to return to his home in Southwest Missouri, as was befitting a true citizen representative. Mel's towering stature had earned the deep gratitude of the people he served and would have ensured his continued re-election. However, Mel believed that terms in office should be limited and had given his promise to the people that he would not serve more than four terms in office. With Mel Hancock, a promise made was a promise kept, something that Washington would do well to learn from today: Only occasionally in life are we privileged to know someone as worthy of honor and emulation as Mel Hancock. Mel's well deserved induction in the Hall of the Famous Missourians is testament to a man who was a remarkable member of the House of Representatives and a true friend. May he forever live in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Paul Kincaid for his service to Missouri State University and on receiving the Virginia Carter Smith Recognition Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education District VI. Paul serves as the chief of staff and assistant to the president for university relations at Missouri State University. Paul serves as an important voice in the public affairs mission of the university, which is to instill in students the knowledge to be productive and competent leaders in the pursuit of careers in public affairs. The Virginia Carter Smith Recognition Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VI is given to professionals who have shown outstanding service to CASE and who have retired or plan to retire. Paul plans to retire from Missouri State University in October. I am honored to recognize Paul Kincaid for his service to Missouri State University and his 39 years working in higher education public relations. I know that education is a once in a lifetime experience, and with people like Paul at the university, its students are being prepared to excel in their chosen career paths.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Leggett and Platt CEO David Haffner for receiving the 2014 Richard M. Webster Citizen of the Year Award by the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. Haffner is the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Leggett and Platt, a Carthage-based business with annual global sales of over $4 billion. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of the Board, Haffner served as Leggett and Platt's president from 2002 until 2013, and its Chief Operating Officer from 1999 to 2006. Leggett and Platt, Inc. is one of the largest manufacturing companies in the United States and is listed on the S&P 500. Today, it manufactures a diversified line of products ranging from bedding materials, steel wire products, commercial fixturing, and commercial vehicle products. Through David Haffner's leadership, Leggett and Platt continues to expand its global reach with over 18,000 employee-partners and 130 facilities in 17 countries. Even as Leggett and Platt expands globally, David Haffner and the entire Leggett and Platt team never forget its importance to the Carthage community. I am certainly proud to recognize David Haffner for receiving the 2014 Richard M. Webster Citizen of the Year Award, and I hope the leadership principles practiced by David continue to inspire the Leggett and Platt team and the Carthage community.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Texas for yielding to me. Every day, Federal agencies spend money advertising various programs without mentioning where the funding for these programs or their ads are coming from. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously said that sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants. The Taxpayer Transparency Act is about shining a light on how taxpayer dollars are spent by requiring executive branch agencies to disclose that these advertisements are paid for at taxpayer expense. Simply, this bill extends similar requirements already imposed on the House and the Senate to the executive branch. It is time for government to start working for the people again. By providing more transparency in their spending, executive branch agencies will have to answer to the people. Americans have every right to know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent. As Members of Congress, we should all support an open and honest government, and this legislation does that by requiring executive branch agencies to be transparent with spending taxpayer dollars which promote Federal programs. I urge the House to support this bill and look forward to further action by our colleagues in the Senate.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Coach Steve Jenkins on his 600th career win as head coach of Evangel University's men's basketball program. Coach Jenkins reached this impressive feat in his 32nd season at Evangel University, a small Christian college in Springfield, Missouri. With this win, Coach Jenkins is now only the seventh active coach in the NAIA-I division to reach 600 wins. Through his 30-plus seasons as head coach, Coach Jenkins' teams reached the NAIA national tournament 11 times, including a National Championship in 2002. His teams have captured seven Heart of America conference titles. He was honored as the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 2002, and was named Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year on six different occasions. Coach Jenkins was inducted into the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013. On March 18, 2014, he will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. Coach Jenkins' legacy at Evangel University extends beyond his record as a basketball coach. A 1974 Evangel graduate, Coach Jenkins lettered in baseball for 4 years and basketball for 3 years. After pursuing graduate studies, he soon returned to Evangel in 1977 as head baseball coach for 6 seasons, and assistant basketball coach for 5 seasons. He was named head basketball coach in 1982, and on December 5th of this season, coached his 1000th game at Evangel University. In 1998, Coach Jenkins added the responsibility of being the men's golf coach, and is serving in that capacity for the 16th year. He has garnered two Heart of America Coach of the Year honors for men's golf. Steve and his lovely wife Rhonda, also a graduate of Evangel, have three grown children-- Sarah, Jon, and David--and six grandchildren. Coach Jenkins' exemplary devotion to coaching is only matched by his devotion in the classroom, his love of his family, and his strength in his faith. The Springfield community is justifiably proud of Coach Jenkins and the Evangel basketball program. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on his well-deserved victory.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Navy Diver 1st Class Caleb Huff for his service to our nation and on receiving the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) 2013 Active Duty Sailor of the Year. Caleb is based with the Navy Experimental Dive Unit located in Panama City, Florida. The mission of his unit is to develop solutions to enhance and improve manned operations in undersea and other extreme environments through biomedical research and testing and evaluating equipment and procedures. Caleb was one of nine contenders selected from NAVSEA enlisted sailors to compete for the 2013 Active Duty Sailor of the Year. He won this tremendous honor after being interviewed by the NAVSEA committee over a five-day competition. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Caleb's family. His wife, Emily, and son, Mason, cheered him on as he competed for this honor and continue to provide him with support at home. I am honored to recognize Caleb Huff for his service to our nation and on being awarded the NAVSEA 2013 Active Duty Sailor of the Year.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, which is February 7-14, 2014. Congenital Heart Defects affect nearly two million Americans and are considered one of the most common birth defects within the United States. Each year approximately forty thousand babies are born in the United States with Congenital Heart Defects, while many remain undiagnosed for months or even years after birth. This dangerous condition can cause sudden cardiac death if left undiagnosed, which is especially harmful in young adolescent athletes who unknowingly suffer from this defect. This week not only serves to raise awareness of Congenital Heart Defects to increase screenings and funding for research, it serves as a dedication to the millions of Americans diagnosed with Congenital Heart Defects, the challenges their families face, and for the families of those who have sadly lost loved ones to this condition.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, today I have the honor of introducing my friend, Reverend Dr. Andrew Chaney. Reverend Chaney is a third-generation minister. He serves as the senior minister at the historic First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, a church that is a special place to me and my family. Reverend Chaney serves as an important spiritual voice for me and the Springfield community. Congress has a longstanding tradition of beginning each session day with a prayer. I am privileged and honored to have the opportunity today to welcome Reverend Dr. Andrew Chaney to the people's House as he opened today's session with a prayer.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Stephen Kleinsmith, superintendent, and Zac Rantz, director of communication, of Nixa Public Schools, on receiving the 2014 Leadership Through Communication Award. It is important to keep the channels of communication open and the Leadership Through Communication Award recognizes a school district for their outstanding efforts in communicating with the families and communities they serve. It is jointly awarded by Blackboard, the National School Public Relations Association, and the American Association of School Administrators. This award is open to all school districts throughout the United States and Canada. The Nixa Public Schools have engaged with their community to create a two-way street of communication. They have created a constant cycle of school administration transparency and community feedback. When he joined the school district in 2000, Dr. Stephen Kleinsmith made communications a top priority. He has worked closely with Zac Rantz in revamping the Nixa Public Schools' communication systems. They have utilized social media, technology, direct messaging, and face-to- face interaction to engage with the Nixa community. They not only reach out to the parents of their students, but the local business community and taxpayers without children in the schools as well. The Nixa Public Schools have served as an example to school districts all throughout the State of Missouri. I am proud of the initiative that Dr. Kleinsmith and Mr. Rantz have taken to make the Nixa Public Schools the best in communicating with their community. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on this tremendous honor.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the outstanding career of Dorothy Barker. On November 26, 2013, Dorothy retired after an incredible career in sales and real estate. She began working with me at Billy Long Auctioneers and Realtors in 1988 and has been with Murney Associates, Realtors since 2002. Dorothy is a beloved member of the community. She has been very active in her church, the Evangel Temple in Springfield, Missouri. She is also a proud and loving mother to three and grandmother to eight. I am extremely proud of the work that Dorothy has accomplished. I am honored to have been able to work side by side with her for so many years, and anybody that has worked with Dorothy would be sure to agree with me. Dorothy has truly brightened the lives of many throughout her successful career.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, a constituent emailed my office this morning, and then she followed up with a call. She is fed up with ObamaCare. She is battling cancer, which requires travel to a neighboring State. She told me her health insurance had been canceled due to the President's health care law. She was able to find a new plan, but will no longer be able to see her cancer doctor in Little Rock. She said: My doctor and I are very concerned about the future treatment if I have to change docs. How many other Americans can no longer go to the treatment centers they need for lifesaving care? This is absurd. I have decided to continue my lifesaving treatments in Little Rock but will likely go bankrupt in the process. Just a little more stress the Obama plan has placed on thousands of Americans undergoing lifesaving treatment. I am angry not only for myself, but for everyone else who is going through this. Mr. Speaker, we need to honor the promise President Obama made to the millions of Americans who like their plans but are now receiving cancelation notices.