Billy Long

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harry S. Truman Elementary School for receiving the prestigious honor of being named a National Blue Ribbon School. Harry S. Truman was one of 329 schools nationwide to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School. This national award recognizes schools that practice exemplary teaching and learning. For 34 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has been rewarding excellence in students and faculty and to date fewer than 8,500 schools have been granted this honor. Harry S. Truman Elementary was granted this award in large part due to their high academic performance on standardized tests. This is a distinguished award that recognizes the academic success of a school. I am honored to recognize Harry S. Truman Elementary School for their hard work and dedication in educating our future leaders of Missouri. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District I ask all of my colleagues to join me to congratulate Harry S. Truman Elementary School.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Rick Ziegenfuss, for receiving the 2016 Missourian Award. Rick is the city administrator for Hollister, Missouri. The Missourian Award recognizes native Missourians for their outstanding accomplishments in business, civic, arts or politics. It is important that we strive to better the community we live in and it is apparent that Mr. Ziegenfuss from Missouri's 7th Congressional District has continually done that. The Missourian Award, created by local Springfield business and community leader Ralph Slavens and his late wife Corrine, is a prestigious award that acknowledges the most accomplished citizens of Missouri and to receive the award one must have been born in the state of Missouri. I am proud of the initiative that Mr. Ziegenfuss has taken to make the great state of Missouri the best it can be. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on this tremendous honor.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Calvary Baptist Church of Republic, Missouri, for the celebration of their 50th anniversary on October 28, 2016. Calvary Baptist has been an integral part of Republic, Missouri, since 1966. From very humble beginnings in an old schoolhouse to the large modern facilities, Calvary has been involved in enriching and aiding the people of Republic. Over the decades the small group that started Calvary Baptist has now grown to over 1,700 people that comprise the membership of Calvary Baptist Church. Over the years, hundreds of men, women, and children have placed their faith in Christ through ministries of Calvary Baptist Church. For 50 years, Calvary has been a leader in the church community by reaching out to those in need physically and spiritually and by providing food, finances, and counseling as well as caring for the hurting, grieving, and lonely. Calvary Baptist has been very involved in sharing the good news of Jesus with many in other countries as well. Every year several groups travel from Republic to other states and foreign countries to perform work-related projects on facilities, orphanages, and rehabilitation centers and to conduct Bible programs for children, teenagers and medical and sports camps. Mr. Speaker, Calvary Baptist deserves this body's utmost respect for its desire to be an integral part of the Republic community and providing an outlet for so many to help others. I encourage my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in extending to the church our deepest appreciation for their efforts which have contributed so greatly to the people of southwest Missouri, other states, and around the world.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, on September 20, 2016, I was away from the Capitol and was unable to vote on any legislative measures on this date. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 670, the Special Needs Trust Fairness and Medicaid Improvement Act, Roll Call Vote Number 521, had I been present I would have voted yes. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5785, Roll Call Vote Number 522, had I been present I would have voted yes. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5690, the GAO Access and Oversight Act, Roll Call Vote Number 523, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Mr. LONG

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

Mr. LONG. Mr. Chairman, Table Rock Lake, near Branson, Missouri, is one of the premier destinations in the Ozarks, especially for my constituents in the Seventh Congressional District. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently undertaking a revision of the lake's Shoreline Management Plan and has in place a moratorium on dock permits to halt development around the lake. What this means is, if you purchased a home or land in this area with the hopes of putting in a dock, you can no longer do so. If you already have a dock and it needs to be updated, you can't even update it. I have met with the Corps and the lake community throughout this process, and the overwhelming consensus from my constituents is that their voices are not being heard on this issue that will have far- reaching effects for those living on the lake and for its economy. My amendment would extend the public comment period to ensure that those directly impacted by the shoreline plan will have a say in it. My amendment also lifts the moratorium on dock permits and extends the timeframe of the final plan to ensure that the Corps has enough time to incorporate the community's concerns into its updated plan. I am proud to work with Senator Blunt and Chairman Shuster on this commonsense issue. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Walnut Shade, Missouri resident Sarah Hubbard for being awarded the Fulbright Scholarship by the U.S. State Department. The Fulbright Scholarship program was established by Congress in 1946 and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This scholarship was designed to build positive relationships with other countries while allowing recipients to live the day-to-day experiences of other cultures. Sarah Hubbard will join the already 370,000 past participants in this program. This scholarship is a merit based scholarship that is highly competitive. Founded originally by Senator J. William Fulbright, this grant aims to have educational research and teachings extend beyond the United States. Sarah Hubbard, who attended John Brown University, will be an English Teaching Assistant and placed in Turkey. She has presented at research conferences since her freshman year and is the first student in John Brown University history to receive the award. I am honored to recognize Sarah Hubbard, and I congratulate her on receiving the Fulbright Scholarship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jonas Arjes, the Executive Director of the four-year-old Taney County Partnership. Jonas was recognized as the 2016 Professional Economic Developer of the Year at the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) conference on June 15th. Jonas started off his career in the restaurant business by managing the Plantation restaurant in Branson in the mid-1990s before going on to own and operate a Schlotzky's Deli franchise from 2000 to 2007. In August 2007, Jonas became a risk and benefits adviser with the Branson insurance firm Akers & Arney, where he worked until 2012. In January 2012, Jonas was named the Executive Director of the Taney County Partnership. As Executive Director, Jonas is currently leading Branson through a strong reinvestment cycle with more than $300 million in new investments for 2016. Some of the projects that Jonas has played a critical role in include the Ball Parks of America Baseball Resort for players and coaches from the 10U to the 13U level, the Air Service Development committee which has raised millions of dollars to secure air service to Branson, and Project Bigfoot, a 225-foot free fall tower attraction. Mr. Speaker, Jonas Arjes is a shining example of the business acumen that makes America the great country it is. I would like to extend my thanks, both personally and on behalf of the 7th District, for his integral role in the economic development of the Branson area. I urge my colleagues to join me as I congratulate Jonas on this well-deserved award.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Springfield, Missouri resident Rachel Schober for being awarded the Fulbright Scholarship by the U.S. State Department. The Fulbright Scholarship program was established by Congress in 1946 and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This scholarship was designed to build positive relationships with other countries while allowing recipients to live the day-to-day experiences of other cultures. Rachel Schober will join the already 370,000 past participants in this program. This scholarship is a merit based scholarship that is highly competitive. Founded originally by Senator J. William Fulbright, this grant aims to have educational research and teachings extend beyond the United States. Rachel Schober, who attended Missouri State University, will be an English Teaching Assistant and placed in the Czech Republic. She is currently a graduate assistant at the Ozarks Writing Project, an affiliate of the National Writing Project, and has also spent the past two years visiting schools in the area and helping students and teachers improve classroom performance. I am honored to recognize Rachel Schober, and I congratulate her on receiving the Fulbright Scholarship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carl Junction, Missouri resident Chin-Yee Chew for being awarded the Fulbright Scholarship by the U.S. State Department. The Fulbright Scholarship program was established by Congress in 1946 and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. This scholarship was designed to build positive relationships with other countries while allowing recipients to live the day-to-day experiences of other countries. Chin-Yee Chew will join the already 370,000 past participants in this program. This scholarship is a merit based scholarship that is highly competitive. Founded originally by Senator J. William Fulbright, this grant aims to have educational research and teachings extend beyond the United States. Chin-Yee Chew, who attended Lyon College, will be an English Teaching Assistant and placed in Vietnam. I am honored to recognize Chin-Yee Chew, and I congratulate her on receiving the Fulbright Scholarship.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jeff Kester, current board president of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS, on being presented the R. Layne Morrill Award by the Member Boards and Associations of the Missouri REALTORS. The R. Layne Morrill Award aims to recognize one person who has made it their goal, through political involvement, to advance REALTORS in Missouri's legislative agenda. Jeff Kester has spent 21 years as an advocate for Missouri REALTORS. I am honored to recognize Jeff Kester, and I congratulate him on receiving the 2016 R. Layne Morrill Award.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, on September 6, 2016, I was away from the Capitol and was unable to vote on any legislative measures on this date. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5578, the Survivors' Bill of Rights Act, Roll Call Vote Number 479, had I been present I would have voted yes. On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3881, the Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act, Roll Call Vote Number 480, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carl Junction, Missouri, Postmaster Sharon Clark for her eight years of service as Carl Junction Postmaster and to congratulate her on retirement. After holding the position for the past eight years, Sharon retired from her position on June 3rd of this year. Since her arrival in February of 2008, Sharon has overseen the post office in its upgrade to ``First Class'' post office status. During her tenure she has also increased the visibility, and engagement of the post office in the Carl Junction community. During her time serving as postmaster, Sharon had made many meaningful contributions, including Carl Junction's success in the annual ``Stamp out Breast Cancer'' campaign. This is a nationwide annual contest each October between post offices to sell the most breast cancer awareness postage stamps to aid in funding breast cancer research. Since Sharon's first year in 2008, the Carl Junction post office has ranked in the top ten for selling these stamps and has won this national competition each of the last three years. This achievement could not have been done without her hard work and determination. In addition to her role as postmaster, Sharon has been active in the Carl Junction community. She serves in several capacities including Carl Junction Bright Futures, Habitat for Humanity, Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation, Carl Junction C.A.R.E.S., and the Carl Junction Eastern Star. Sharon also serves on the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and plans to use her retirement to be ``more active'' in the community. Mr. Speaker, Sharon Clark's work as Carl Junction Postmaster has set a great example of public service for the people of Carl Junction. I am proud to recognize citizens like her in Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, and I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on her well-deserved retirement and service.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Seneca High School student Sarah Hill for being awarded the 2016 Hamilton Scholars Award for outstanding academic accomplishments and community service. The Hamilton Scholars Award is presented nationally by the Alexander Hamilton Scholars, a non-profit organization designed to build leaders of character who improve our nation and our world through their service, innovation, and excellence. To be considered for the Hamilton Scholars Award, one must be a high school junior who has demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, commitment to community service, and leadership potential. 35 to 40 students are selected each year to complete a rigorous three year program designed to provide them with practical tools for success in college and the post-college world. Students like Sarah who qualify for this incredibly selective honor exemplify top-tier diligence and academic talent. Sarah has displayed the ability to not only excel in the classroom, but to balance her academics with such extracurricular activities as being president of her Future Business Leaders of America chapter and district, president and founder of her school's Junior State of America, and her involvement in other such organizations as Student Council, National Honor Society, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sarah for this distinguished achievement and wishing her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mark Arnce, of Joplin, Missouri, who has been accepted by the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists as a delegate to the Congress of Future Scientists and Technology Leaders. The Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders is an honors- only program that is designed to motivate and direct the top students in the United States. It is specifically for students who aspire to be scientists, engineers and technologists, and helps to provide a path and mentorship for students to accomplish those dreams. It takes place in the University of Massachusetts over 3 days, and helps to spark meaningful dialogues and exchanges of ideas between future leaders in the fields of science and technology. To be considered for acceptance as a delegate, applicants must be recommended by either a teacher or member of the Academy based on a proven track record of academic excellence. Students must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and represent all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It is an incredibly selective opportunity, and those students who qualify for selection have done so because of their hard work and diligence to their studies, not to mention their impressive intellect. Mr. Speaker, Mark Arnce, who attends Carl Junction High School, has shown that he excels in his studies, and has demonstrated a passion for a career in science. He will soon be representing Missouri at this conference, and I have the utmost confidence that he will do an excellent job. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for this achievement and wish him luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Neosho High School student Ashley Hobson for her being accepted as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors-only program that is designed to motivate and engage the top students in the United States. Specifically, it's designed for students aspiring to become physicians or medical researchers, and provides a path and mentorship for students to accomplish their goals. To be considered for acceptance as a delegate, applicants are either recommended by a teacher or member of the Academy based on a proven track record of academic excellence. Delegates represent all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, and must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Students like Ashley who qualify for this incredibly selective honor exemplify top-tier diligence and academic talent. Mr. Speaker, Ashley Hobson has not only demonstrated that she is qualified to represent Missouri through her strong academic performance, but has also displayed a true passion for medical science and medicine that will serve her well in future endeavors. I wish Ashley the best of luck in all her future endeavors. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating her for this achievement.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cole William McClintic, of Hollister, Missouri, on his recent achievement of the Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) top rank of Eagle Scout. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. It is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication, requiring countless hours of service, training and learning. An extremely exclusive honor, especially when considering that less than two percent of the 112 million scouts since the BSA's founding in 1910 have achieved the Eagle Scout distinction. Cole has been a member of the BSA since first grade, and has been involved ever since. He has held 5 elected positions across his years in the scouts, with roles ranging from troop historian, to quartermaster, to troop leader. Due to his impressive career as a scout, Cole is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, which is the BSA's National Honor Society, a group made up of those scouts deemed to truly embody the ideals that Boy Scouts strive to display. Mr. Speaker, by attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, Cole has set himself on the path to achieve future success, and I'm proud to count him among my constituents. His dedication in completing the required benchmarks and community service requirements to reach the Eagle Scout rank are indicative of his ability to accomplish whatever goals he sets his mind to. I wish Cole luck with all his future endeavors, and urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on this momentous achievement

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Faith Wen, of Strafford, Missouri, for recently being named a member of the 52nd Class of the U.S. Presidential Scholars. The U.S. Presidential Scholars program was established in 1964 with the intent of honoring the top high school graduates in the nation. It is an extremely prestigious award that is only granted to 161 graduating seniors, who are considered for admittance based on their proven track record of academic excellence. Applications to the Presidential Scholars program are by invite only, as applicants are either nominated by earning exceptional standardized test scores or by being specifically nominated by a Chief State School Officer. Faith had to pass a rigorous selection process on her way to receiving this honor. As one of 4,000 initial candidates from over 3.3 million graduating seniors, Faith had already distinguished herself as a high achieving student. By being selected as one of 800 semifinalists, and then finally as one of the 161 award recipients, Faith has proven to be worthy of one of the highest academic honors attainable by a high school student. Mr. Speaker, Faith Wen has earned the honor of being a U.S. Presidential Scholar through a combination of tireless effort, dedication to her studies and impressive intelligence. I'm proud to count such a remarkable young woman among my constituents. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I urge my colleagues to join me in extending congratulations to Faith, and wishing her luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ryan Gattermeir, who has recently been named President of the Missouri Association of REALTORS. The president serves as a part of the 5-member leadership council for the Missouri Association of REALTORS, which is an advocacy group representing the interests of realtors in our state. The president serves on a volunteer basis for a one year term, and is a role that is instrumental in the day-to-day operations and policy goals of the organization. Ryan has long been an influential force in the Missouri real estate community. Growing up as the son of a realtor, he has been immersed in the industry since he was young. After graduating from Westminster College in 1996, he went to work with his father's real estate business. Eight years later, he struck out on his own and was met with great success. In addition to his thriving real estate business, Ryan is on the Board of Directors for the National Association of REALTORS, as well as chairing five committees in the local Missouri chapter. Mr. Speaker, Ryan Gattermeir has built a long and successful career in the real estate industry, and has proven to be a capable leader among his peers. I'm confident that he will represent the realtors of Missouri to the very best of his ability and will spare no effort in advocating on their behalf. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ryan on his appointment, and wish him luck over his term as president.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ian Cochran, of Rogersville, Missouri, who has been accepted by the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists as a delegate to the Congress of Future Scientists and Technology Leaders. The Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders is an honors- only program that is designed to motivate and direct the top students in the United States. It is specifically for students who aspire to be scientists, engineers and technologists, and helps to provide a path and mentorship for students to accomplish those dreams. It takes place in the University of Massachusetts over 3 days, and helps to spark meaningful dialogues and exchanges of ideas between future leaders in the fields of science and technology. To be considered for acceptance as a delegate, applicants must be recommended by either a teacher or member of the Academy based on a proven track record of academic excellence. Students must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and represent all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It is an incredibly selective opportunity, and those students who qualify for selection have done so because of their hard work and diligence to their studies, not to mention their impressive intellect. Mr. Speaker, Ian Cochran, who attends Springfield Catholic High School, has shown that he excels in his studies, and has demonstrated a passion for a career in science. He will soon be representing the future of the state of Missouri at this conference, and I have the utmost confidence that he will do an excellent job. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for this achievement and wish him luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pruthvi Patel, of Springfield, Missouri, who has been accepted by the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists as a delegate to the Congress of Future Scientists and Technology Leaders. The Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders is an honors- only program that is designed to motivate and direct the top students in the United States. It is specifically for students who aspire to be scientists, engineers and technologists, and helps to provide a path and mentorship for students to accomplish those dreams. It takes place in the University of Massachusetts over 3 days, and helps to spark meaningful dialogues and exchanges of ideas between future leaders in the fields of science and technology. To be considered for acceptance as a delegate, applicants must be recommended by either a teacher or member of the Academy based on a proven track record of academic excellence. Students must have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and represent all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It is an incredibly selective opportunity, and those students who qualify for selection have done so because of their hard work and diligence to their studies, not to mention their impressive intellect. Mr. Speaker, Pruthvi Patel, who attends Greenwood Laboratory School, has shown that he excels in his studies, and has demonstrated a passion for a career in science. He will soon be representing the future of the state of Missouri at this conference, and I have the utmost confidence that he will do an excellent job. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for this achievement and wish him luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Neosho High School student Hannah Stansbury on her being accepted as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors-only program that is designed to motivate and direct the top students in the United States. Specifically, it's designed for students aspiring to become physicians or medical researchers, and provides a path and mentorship for students to accomplish their goals. To be considered for acceptance as a delegate, applicants are either recommended by a teacher or member of the Academy based on a proven track record of academic excellence. Delegates represent all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, and must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Students like Stansbury who qualify for this incredibly selective honor exemplify top-tier diligence and academic talent. Mr. Speaker, as a perennial Honor Roll student at her high school, Hannah Stansbury has displayed elite academic qualifications, which will undoubtedly serve her future aspirations well. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating her for this achievement. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I wish Hannah the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carl Junction High School student Seth Towery, of Joplin, Missouri, on his being accepted as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors-only program that is designed to motivate and direct the top students in the United States. Specifically, it's designed for students aspiring to become physicians or medical researchers, and provides a path and mentorship for students to accomplish their goals. To be considered for acceptance as a delegate, applicants are either recommended by a teacher or member of the Academy based on a proven track record of academic excellence. Delegates represent all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, and must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Students like Towery who qualify for this incredibly selective honor exemplify top-tier diligence and academic talent. Mr. Speaker, Seth Towery has displayed the ability to not only excel in the classroom, but to balance his interests in science and medicine with his athletic endeavors. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for this achievement. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I wish Seth the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor McAuley Catholic High School student Starr Thuerauf, of Joplin, Missouri, on her being accepted as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors-only program that is designed to motivate and direct the top students in the United States. Specifically, it's designed for students aspiring to become physicians or medical researchers, and provides a path and mentorship for students to accomplish their goals. To be considered for acceptance as a delegate, applicants are either recommended by a teacher or member of the Academy based on a proven track record of academic excellence. Delegates represent all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, and must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Students like Thuerauf who qualify for this incredibly selective honor exemplify top- tier diligence and academic talent. Mr. Speaker, Starr Thuerauf will undoubtedly represent Missouri with distinction during her time as a delegate to this Congress. She has not only shown a strong academic capability during her time at school, but is also a well-rounded individual with a deep interest in the medical field. I would like to extend my personal congratulations for her achievement, and on behalf of the 7th District of Missouri, wish Starr the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. LONG

Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hollister High School student Kaylin Hunzicker, of Neosho, Missouri, on her being accepted as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is an honors-only program that is designed to motivate and direct the top students in the United States. Specifically, it's designed for students aspiring to become physicians or medical researchers, and provides a path and mentorship for students to accomplish their goals. To be considered for acceptance as a delegate, applicants are either recommended by a teacher or member of the Academy based on a proven track record of academic excellence. Delegates represent all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, and must have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Students like Hunzicker who qualify for this incredibly selective honor exemplify top-tier diligence and academic talent. Mr. Speaker, Kaylin Hunzicker has not only demonstrated that she is qualified to represent Missouri through her strong academic performance, but has also displayed a true passion for medical science and medicine that will serve her well in future endeavors. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating her for this achievement. On behalf of Missouri's Seventh Congressional District, I wish Kaylin the best of luck in all her future endeavors.