Jason Smith

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brandon Norfolk of Leadington, Missouri for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest honor attainable in Boy Scouts. Only a small percentage of scouts reach the level of Eagle Scout, which requires years of dedicated effort. Community service, leadership, and family values are the most important aspects of scouting, and are essential to becoming an Eagle Scout. Brandon has embodied these principles as an active member of Scout Troop 423, serving the organization by holding numerous responsibilities and positions within the troop. He has been a Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Junior Scout Master, and First Vice Chief of the Order of the Arrow, as well as a member of the Order's ceremonial team. In addition, he is a veteran camper, having attended a high adventure camp at the Florida Sea Base. Brandon has also shown himself to be a proud American with great respect for our Armed Forces. For his Eagle Scout project, Brandon constructed a gazebo in the Park Hills Veteran's Park. The gazebo housed decorative metal signs that were colored differently to represent the emblems of the military branches. He has also volunteered to be a part of many Veterans of Foreign Wars flag retirements. Outside of scouting, Brandon is an active musician, participating in the marching band, concert band, and jazz band. He is also a member of the National Honors Society. After high school, Brandon plans to study criminal justice or conservation in hopes of one day becoming a Missouri Conservation Agent. For these accomplishments and contributions to his community, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Brandon Norfolk on his achievement of becoming an Eagle Scout and recognize him before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harrison Beffa of Troop 586 from St. Louis, Missouri for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest honor attainable in Boy Scouts. Only a small percentage of Boy Scouts reach the level of Eagle Scout, which requires years of dedicated effort. Community service, leadership, and family values are the most important aspects of scouting, and are essential to becoming an Eagle Scout. After overcoming a difficult battle with brain tumor, Harrison grew from this struggle into the exceptional young man he is today. He is a proud American, a helpful, honorable citizen, a strong Christian, and a leader by example. A native of Hillsboro, MO, Harrison's Eagle Scout project involved building wagons for summer campers at Camp Rainbow, a foundation that provides camping experiences free of charge to children undergoing cancer treatment as well as to survivors. Throughout his career as a Boy Scout, Harrison has earned 25 merit badges, camped for over 76 nights, completed over 75 hours of community service, was elected into the Order of the Arrow, and served in a number of leadership roles such as Patrol Leader, Scribe, and Order of the Arrow Representative. It is my great pleasure to congratulate Harrison Beffa on his accomplishment of becoming an Eagle Scout before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Clifford and Erma Campbell of Bucyrus, Missouri on receiving this year's Century Farm Award. Receiving this honor is no easy task, and the Campbells have exemplified hard work, perseverance, and dedication to the community throughout their lives. The farm was originally owned by Clifford's grandparents, Edward and Ethel Campbell. The farm was purchased in 1910 and has been in the family for 106 years. Qualifying to be a Century Farm is a great feat. The farm must be in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and the original tract of land has to be more than 40 acres. These farms represent an important part of American heritage, feeding generations upon generations and greatly improving the quality of life of Missourians. Their integrity and determination serve as an example of the great work that farmers do for our country. I applaud the hard work and achievements of the Campbells and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future. It is my pleasure to recognize the Campbell family before the House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce of Farmington, Missouri. The application to form the chamber was signed by Edward B. Effrein as President; Charles S. Fitz as Vice-President; and Mack F. Denman as Secretary-Treasurer. The Chamber became a legal and active organization on July 2, 1941. Its mission has broadened over the years: to promote good government, hold meetings for the discussion of current questions, and improve the quality of life for the residents of Farmington. The Chamber was instrumental in bringing Trimfoot Shoe Company to the city as a major employer. In the 1950s the Chamber pushed for commercial development along the U.S. Highway 67 Bypass which today is known at Karsch Boulevard. The Chamber was instrumental in the creation of an industrial park; advocated for a state prison in Farmington; worked for educational issues; and led efforts to continue economic growth. It campaigned for the Farmington City Civic Center, improvements for the Farmington Regional Airport, construction of the Farmington Water Park and most recently, the construction of the new Farmington Public Library. The Chamber also led a team effort to have St. Francois County become a Certified Work Ready Community. From its year-long observance of Farmington's 200th anniversary in 1997 to its annual celebration of Country Days, the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to focus on what's best about Farmington. Its outstanding efforts led the Missouri State Chamber of Commerce to honor it as the 2014 Chamber of the Year. In the years ahead, the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce will continue to help Farmington be one of the best communities in Missouri to live and work. It gives me great pleasure to recognize the impressive 75-year history and the promising future of the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Charlie Green, Jr. of Sikeston, Missouri for his admirable career of service to the community. He has been an exemplary religious leader, businessman, and civil activist in Sikeston for over three decades. Growing up in Sikeston, Bishop Green attended Lincoln High School where he was the captain of the basketball team. After high school, he served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army before working as a clerk typist in the Army Material Command for Captains. Following his military service, Green earned his degree in marketing and management from Missouri University in St. Louis, as well as his degree in Life Underwriter Training Council from St. Louis University. He also holds a bachelor's and master's degree in theology from Cross Roads Divinity School, and earned his doctorate in theology from Triune Biblical University in Kelso, Washington. In 1974, Green returned to Sikeston after the death of his father to serve as the pastor of Green Memorial Church of God in Christ. After six years as pastor, he was elected as presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ in 1981. He is also the founder and president of Green Memorial Biblical University. Additionally, he has served the community as president of the Sikeston Branch of the NAACP, member of the Board of Directors of Bootheel Legal Services, and founder of the Sikeston Community Credit Union where he serves as chairman of the Board of Directors. For these accomplishments and contributions to his community, it is my great pleasure to recognize Bishop Charlie Green, Jr. before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding tradition of the Carol Moore Memorial Jazz Festival at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri. This year commemorates the 30th jazz festival, begun in 1987. Music instructor Carol Moore championed the festival in its early years and helped it grow to its current prominence. Ms. Moore died of cancer in 2008 and the festival was renamed in her honor in 2010. In the years since her death, the jazz festival has been chaired by MAC faculty members Dr. Kevin White, Dan Schunks, and Michael Goldsmith. The festival features a day of jazz performances by hundreds of students from dozens of schools. This year 42 bands will perform from districts as far away as Arkansas and Kentucky. This festival not only promotes jazz music and inspires current jazz students, it also serves as an effective means to introduce the community and potential students to the college. In addition, the festival brings world class jazz artists to the area to perform in concert with the community's Kicks Band. These artists have included saxophonist ``Blue Lou'' Marini of Blues Brothers fame, Delfeayo Marsalis of the famed Marsalis musical dynasty, trumpet player Jon Faddis, a protege of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, and trumpet master Doc Severinsen, who performs at the 30th festival. For its impressive tradition and significant artistic contributions to the community, it is my pleasure to congratulate the Carol Moore Memorial Jazz Festival on its 30th celebration and to recognize all those involved before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the United Methodist Church of Ellington, MO. The occasion was marked by four services held at the church: a morning Dedication Service, an Afternoon Service, a Youth Service, and an Evangelistic Service held later in the evening, presided over by Pastor Sandy Estes. United Methodist Church was founded in 1887 by five trustees, Marian Copeland, Leon Daniels, P.B. Smith, U.G. Barnes, and Jefferson Wadlow. It was originally located on Cemetery Hill on land donated by Copeland. As the church grew, so did the congregation, eventually surpassing the capacity of the original property. In 1909, the church founded the Women's Missionary Society, who purchased the land on which the current church stands today. The cornerstone of the church was laid in 1913, and the construction concluded with a Dedication Ceremony on August 20, 1916. Although the building has since been renovated, much of the Sanctuary is original, including the stained glass and bell tower, which still rings every Sunday service. The surnames of the five original trustees are still common to the Ellington area, a true testament to the enduring legacy of the United Methodist Church. The church has long served as a staple in the local community, offering a valuable service and place of worship for citizens. Thus, it is my pleasure to recognize its impressive history before the House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Matt Franks for his outstanding achievement of being named the 2015 United Bowhunters of Missouri Conservation Agent of the Year for the Missouri Department of Conservation Ozark Region. Matt has earned this award after only six years of serving as a Howell County Conservation agent, displaying his exemplary determination and enthusiasm for Wildlife Code enforcement since joining the Conservation Agent Training Academy in 2009. Matt has exhibited exceptional Wildlife Code enforcement presence throughout his six years as a Howell County Conservation Agent, making 19 arrests related to archery violations in the first two months of the 2015 archery season. In addition to Matt's admirable work ensuring conservation laws are adhered to, he has also served as an influential community leader and role model for local youth. Matt has led numerous educational-involvement programs for youth over the last year, including bird hunting clinics and youth gigging classes. He has also hosted events for the National Wild Turkey Federation Hunting Heritage Program for young hunters known as Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship. Finally, he has served as a judge for Future Farmers of America public speaking contests, and assisted with their trap shooting team. His involvement and contributions to the Howell County community make Matt an excellent selection for the United Bowhunters of Missouri Conservation Agent of the Year from the Ozark Region. For this award and his outstanding career achievements, it is my pleasure to recognize Matt Franks before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, the great outdoors and hunting traditions of the United States are a way of life for folks all over our great country. Throughout our history, they have been championed by Presidents George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, and Teddy Roosevelt, who established national forests, game preserves, and national parks. The SHARE Act continues these great traditions. My amendment, which adds Mark Twain National Forest to the list of forests provided in the section, assures the residents of Missouri that no executive order, no executive action, or no bureaucrat sitting in Washington, D.C., who has never set foot on Mark Twain National Forest will write a rule inhibiting the ability to hunt or fish in our national forests. This amendment secures our freedom to be avid sportsmen. Folks in Missouri don't want an overzealous administration to be able to come in and dictate to the hunters and anglers of Missouri by executive fiat. Over 1.3 million Missourians hunt or fish, and many go to the Mark Twain National Forest each year. It covers roughly 2,331 square miles, 1.5 million acres, most of which reside in Missouri's Eighth Congressional District. I ask the body to support the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is just a commonsense amendment that adds the Mark Twain National Forest to the several other forests that are mentioned in the four other States. I ask the body to support the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the numerous hunters in my district who have called me, very frustrated, every hunting season that the National Forest Service, with no cause, no rationale, and no reason, closes down their access to hunt in the Mark Twain National Forest. With gates, locks and chains, they limit the residents of central and southeast Missouri. I have been contacted by numerous folks in my district about not having proper postings of corridors within the National Park System whenever they decide to change its random gates. What this amendment would do is it would require the National Forest Service to publish signs of any hunting corridors that they decide to close. I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman).

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harrison Colbert from Steelville, Missouri for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest honor attainable in Boy Scouts. Only a small percentage of Boy Scouts reach the level of Eagle Scout, which requires years of dedicated effort. Community service, leadership, and family values are the most important aspects of scouting, and are essential to becoming an Eagle Scout. After winning a difficult battle with cancer seven years ago, Harrison grew from this struggle into the exceptional young man he is today. He is a proud American, a helpful, honorable citizen, a strong Christian, and a leader by example. Harrison's Eagle Scout project involved collecting photos of tombstones in the Steelville Cemetery and uploading them to an online data base, known as Billion Graves, accessible to the public so individuals could locate their loved ones. Prior to his project, the Steelville Cemetery had no records of who was buried where, or any listing of the deceased whatsoever. Harrison's contributions and commitment to the Steelville community have helped prepare him as a leader who will excel in his future collegiate and professional careers. It is my great pleasure to congratulate Harrison Colbert on his accomplishment of becoming an Eagle Scout before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Corben Crites of Farmington, Missouri for his outstanding achievement of receiving his Eagle Scout Award. This award is not easily attained and cannot be achieved without a steadfast determination to succeed. In order to receive this award, Corben completed an Eagle project that exemplifies patriotism and his commitment to serve others. To help better meet the needs of Farmington area students, Corben constructed a 166-foot walkway and two benches in a designated student pickup area at the Farmington Senior High School. At a young age Corben has shown values such as honesty, loyalty, and civility that inspire others. He has shown commitment to good citizenship, physical fitness, and education. By learning important survival skills and first aid, he has made himself an asset to our community, as well as the nation. Corben is a role model for young and old alike and it is my pleasure to recognize his achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding achievements and successful career of Cecil Hulsey from Farmington, Missouri. After more than sixty years of helping friends and neighbors find affordable homes and reliable insurance coverage, Cecil Hulsey has decided to retire at the age of ninety. As a native of the Farmington area, his devotion to his hometown was evident even as a young bombardier on a B-29 during World War II. Showcasing his salesmanship and hometown pride, he convinced his fellow crew members to name their plane the ``City of Farmington.'' Stationed in Guam during the war, Mr. Hulsey and the ``City of Farmington'' would officially fly 27 missions, once flying five missions in nine days. After the war, Mr. Hulsey began a career selling insurance following a recommendation from his family doctor that prompted him to interview with a local insurance agent. After nine years of exclusive work in the insurance field, he entered the real estate business in 1957. Over the years, Mr. Hulsey has been an active member of the community not only as a businessman, but as a community leader. He was a member of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, acting as secretary for both organizations. His efforts even helped to begin the construction of a new high school in Farmington. For his many contributions to the Farmington community and his personal successes, it is my pleasure to recognize Cecil Hulsey before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, 175,268. That is the number of pages of Federal regulations on the books that are breaking down the backs of small businesses, farmers, and families across our entire country. Some of the folks across the aisle may say that there aren't any unnecessary regulations, there aren't regulations that cause an undue burden on families, there may not be any that are outdated. Let me give you a list of a couple that I came across just in the last couple of years. I spoke to some dairy farmers in my congressional district. Not too long ago, according to the EPA, if they stored more than 1,320 gallons of milk, they had to prepare the same kind of hazardous spill requirement that these large oil companies do with oil spills. Just a few years ago, we had the Department of Labor try to say whether my nephews or anyone's kids or grandkids could perform common chores on the family farm. We also had the EPA trying to implement ambient air quality standards that are so unrealistic that literally the Mark Twain National Forest in southeast Missouri would be considered in some areas a nonattainment zone. And I can tell you right now that I would rather breathe the oxygen in southeast Missouri than in any of the big coastal cities on the East or the West side. We have also seen this administration act with the stroke of a pen to try and implement rules that could not be passed by legislation in Congress, such as cap-and-trade when the Democrats controlled the House in 2010. Now the President is trying to implement those environmental policies, which would ultimately double and triple the utility rates of people on fixed incomes in southeast Missouri. We had an issue where the National Park Service implemented a rule saying that a local Baptist church in south-central Missouri could not perform their water baptism service along the Current River, an act that they had been doing for decades. This was a rule that came up. Mr. Chairman, as I have stated, there are multiple rules--and I could go on and on--that are unnecessary, outdated, and causing an undue burden on businesses. This is the opportunity where citizens across the country can come before this commission and request rules to be seen and to be looked at that would actually make government smaller, more efficient, and accountable. I am asking this body to help support the SCRUB Act so we can reform government regulation at the Federal level like we have done at the State level when I was there.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report. Right now there are over 120 antidumping and countervailing duty cases against China. When China violates the rules of international trade, small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Missouri and across America are harmed. The ENFORCE Act included in this report would strengthen America's ability to identify and go after those who break international law. One company in Missouri found itself unfairly competing against an illegal product originating from China, but using a fake address. The ENFORCE Act allows this company to now take real and meaningful action against foreign perpetrators. This spring, as the Ways and Means Committee worked on TPA, there were many constructive conversations about what our trade enforcement bill was going to look like. I am grateful to Speaker Ryan, Chairman Brady, Mr. Tiberi, and Mr. Boustany for their willingness to work with me to get the ENFORCE Act included in this bill. It was a team effort, and the bill we have before us reflects that. American workers and American products can compete with anybody in the world. When countries cheat, our manufacturers are significantly harmed. This bill helps end those unfair practices. I urge my colleagues to support the conference report.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chris Corman for being awarded the American FFA Degree as a member of the National FFA Organization. Chris is a member of the Willow Springs Chapter of the FFA and, with four of its other members, received this prestigious award. FFA is an intercurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership consisting of 629,367 members, aged 12-21. Chris is among the 463 FFA members from Missouri that received the American FFA degree, marking the highest number of recipients from any state. As a past recipient of the American FFA Degree, I offer my highest congratulations as I understand the hard work and effort required to reach this goal. In order to obtain the American FFA Degree, a member must begin their pursuit of the award during their freshman year of high school through participation in every level of the organization and leadership events. As a former member of FFA, I can proudly say that my experience in the organization was invaluable learning about leadership skills and public speaking. It is my pleasure to recognize Chris Corman for receiving this prominent award before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrew Letterman for being awarded the American FFA Degree as a member of the National FFA Organization. Andrew is a member of the Willow Springs Chapter of the FFA and, with four of its other members, received this prestigious award. FFA is an intercurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership consisting of 629,367 members, aged 12-21. Andrew is among the 463 FFA members from Missouri that received the American FFA degree, marking the highest number of recipients from any state. As a past recipient of the American FFA Degree, I offer my highest congratulations as I understand the hard work and effort required to reach this goal. In order to obtain the American FFA Degree, a member must begin their pursuit of the award during their freshman year of high school through participation in every level of the organization and leadership events. As a former member of FFA, I can proudly say that my experience in the organization was invaluable learning about leadership skills and public speaking. It is my pleasure to recognize Andrew for receiving this prominent award before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kyle Weigand for being awarded the American FFA Degree as a member of the National FFA Organization. Kyle is a member of the Willow Springs Chapter of the FFA and, with four of its other members, received this prestigious award. FFA is an intercurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership consisting of 629,367 members, aged 12-21. Kyle is among the 463 FFA members from Missouri that received the American FFA degree, marking the highest number of recipients from any state. As a past recipient of the American FFA Degree, I offer my highest congratulations as I understand the hard work and effort required to reach this goal. In order to obtain the American FFA Degree, a member must begin their pursuit of the award during their freshman year of high school through participation in every level of the organization and leadership events. As a former member of FFA, I can proudly say that my experience in the organization was invaluable learning about leadership skills and public speaking. It is my pleasure to recognize Kyle Weigand for receiving this prominent award before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kaleb Stolba for being awarded the American FFA Degree as a member of the National FFA Organization. Kaleb is a member of the Willow Springs Chapter of the FFA and, with four of its other members, received this prestigious award. FFA is an intercurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership consisting of 629,367 members, aged 12-21. Kaleb is among the 463 FFA members from Missouri that received the American FFA degree, marking the highest number of recipients from any state. As a past recipient of the American FFA Degree, I offer my highest congratulations as I understand the hard work and effort required to reach this goal. In order to obtain the American FFA Degree, a member must begin their pursuit of the award during their freshman year of high school through participation in every level of the organization and leadership events. As a former member of FFA, I can proudly say that my experience in the organization was invaluable learning about leadership skills and public speaking. It is my pleasure to recognize Kaleb Stolba for receiving this prominent award before the United States House of Representatives.