Jason Smith

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Missouri Veterans Home of Cape Girardeau. For the past 25 years, the administration and staff of the home have made the care of our nation's heroes their number one priority. The Missouri Veterans Home of Cape Girardeau serves as a prominent asset to the well being of our veterans by providing them with medical care, counseling services, and documentation assistance they need and deserve. I am very proud of their service to the community of Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area. For their tireless effort and devotion to serving our veterans in Missouri, it is my pleasure to recognize the 25th Anniversary of the Missouri Veterans Home of Cape Girardeau.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Al West Collision Center of Rolla on their grand opening and ribbon cutting that took place on June 1st. Not only did they host a successful event kicking off the start of their business, but were able to raise money for local charities in the process. Over 100 people gathered at the Al West Collision Center to celebrate their grand opening. The cornerstone of the event was a raffle to win a Dodge Challenger, with one hundred percent of the profit going to two local charities. The first charity the raffle benefited is the Association of United States Army Wounded Warriors which supports wounded and severely disabled Army veterans and their families in the Rolla area. The second charity, the Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprise, assists needy families in a variety of ways from providing them with food to even helping pay the bills. I'm proud of Missouri small businesses who give back to their community such as the Al West Collision Center. For the money that was raised for local charities through their raffle, and to celebrate their recent grand opening, it is my pleasure to recognize the Al West Collision Center of Rolla before the House of Representatives and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 125th anniversary of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church located in DeSoto, Missouri. St. Rose has been home to many life changing events for its parishioners and became a city landmark. St. Rose Church was dedicated on June 21, 1885 in honor of St. Rose of Lima. Starting with just a few worshippers, it today has grown to over 550 registered and active families from the area who attend its services. Having hosted countless baptisms, weddings, and confirmations, St. Rose has long been a place for parishioners to celebrate life and their commitment to God. The church's stone walls, soaring tower, and beautiful stained-glass windows will continue to keep watch over the city of DeSoto and its people for years to come. For the special place it holds in the hearts and lives of many in the community, as well as its place as a landmark in the city of DeSoto, it is my pleasure to recognize the 125th anniversary of St. Rose Church before the House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would prohibit funds from being used to provide defense counsel to foreign terrorists detained at Guantanamo Bay. Simply put, Mr. Chairman, our tax dollars should not be going to defend foreign terrorists. Hard-working taxpayers should not foot the legal bill of noncitizen terrorists who plotted to kill innocent Americans. I recently visited Guantanamo Bay and learned firsthand of the outrageous amount of time these detainees spend with their taxpayer- funded counsel. I have asked the Department of Defense to provide me with the exact amount they have spent in legal defense services for detainees, but I have received no response. Mr. Chairman, I am sure millions of dollars have been spent defending these foreign terrorists. Legal resources provided by the Department of Defense should be prioritized for American servicemembers. The pool of judge advocates that represents detainees at Guantanamo is a stand-alone unit. They are only assigned to act as defense attorneys for suspected terrorists. Meanwhile, there is another pool of military lawyers to represent all other American servicemembers. Why should the DOD resources be assigned to defend foreign terrorists when they could, instead, be used to defend our own men and women in uniform? I am confident most Americans would agree that this money could be better spent within the Department of Defense, perhaps by making sure that our servicemembers are provided their legal counsel ahead of noncitizen terrorists. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Chairman, I want to make it simple. This amendment is quite clear. If you don't want American tax dollars being spent to protect foreign terrorists who plotted to attack and kill innocent Americans, then vote ``yes.'' I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Missouri. Texas County has reported 29 tornados since 1950, five in the last eight years. With this, the Texas County Memorial Hospital saw great need for a way to protect citizens during severe weather, and a great opportunity with their hospital. From there, in 2013, the idea of a community safe room was born. After securing state and federal grants, as well as donations from community members, and just over a year and a half of construction, the project is complete and ready for use. The safe room has 4,000 square feet of climate-controlled space that is designed to withstand 250 mile per hour winds and provide shelter for up to 462 people. The safe room will be great for the Houston area in times of emergency. Additionally, the safe room can be utilized as a meeting space during non-threatening weather times, which provides an even greater asset to the Houston community. For the many years of service to others and commitment to future safety, it is my pleasure to recognize the Texas County Memorial Hospital of Houston before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas Surdyke of Festus, Missouri, for the 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, Thomas completed several steps and a service project exemplifying patriotism and his commitment to serve others. Thomas erected a new flag pole by the football field at St. Pius X High School where he played as a student. In addition to earning his Eagle Scout award, Thomas achieved Order of the Arrow Brotherhood, and received the Parvuli Dei and Ad Altere Dei religious emblems. He was senior patrol leader and librarian during his time in Troop 484. He also served as chaplain's aide on a ten day trek at Philmont Scout Ranch Adventure Base. As a scout, he has learned about service and leadership which were influential in his decision to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to prepare for a career serving as an officer in the United States Army. Thomas 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 30th anniversary of Mo-Sci Corporation headquartered in Rolla, Missouri. Since 1985, Mo-Sci has been at the forefront of innovation in the glass and ceramic products industry. They are also celebrating the grand opening of their new 22,000 sq. ft. facility, Mo-Sci Precision Materials. Mo-Sci was founded by Dr. Delbert Day in order to supply glass and ceramic products for niche market applications. Their founding product was TheraSphere, a glass microsphere component that no other company would manufacture and is used to treat inoperable liver cancer. Starting with only one engineer at a rented desk in a university lab, Mo-Sci has since grown into one of the most successful small glass businesses in existence today and serves more than 2,000 customers with exports to over 50 countries. For their continuous development of new and innovative products, as well as their recent expansion, it is my pleasure to recognize the 30th anniversary of Mo-Sci and their achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of D&L Florist in Houston, Missouri. Since opening its doors in 1990, D&L Florist has been serving the Houston, Plato, and Licking communities, bringing smiles to the faces of area residents in times of sadness and in times of celebration. As a family owned and operated business for 25 years, D&L Florist appreciates the importance of customer service and connection to the community. The service, products, and community spirit of Sheri and her team make D&L Florist such a special part of our area. For the many years of service and commitment to serving others, it is my pleasure to recognize D&L Florist of Houston before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Wal- Mart Distribution Center located in St. James, Missouri, for being named the Wal-Mart Distribution Center of the Year for 2014. This prestigious award is not easily attained as it recognizes just one out of all the Wal-Mart distribution centers in the United States. In order to receive this award, the employees of the distribution center in St. James distinguished themselves through their hard work, dedication, and by setting an example for others to follow. I am very proud of their service to the community of Phelps County and the surrounding area. Their work ethic is truly admirable and it is my pleasure to recognize their achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Madam Speaker, growing up and working on my great-grandfather's farm, I learned many values. One that I was taught is a comparison and, basically, when you are out there working with the hogs, you learn that there is little value in hogwash. I would compare a lot of the facts that we have been hearing today, that are opposing this legislation, as equivalent to hogwash. And I say that under the stipulation that I have heard numerous facts stated of farms the size of 15,000 acres. Well, the average family farm in this country is less than 500 acres. If you look at the Bootheel of Missouri, which I represent, every farm in that area, if you would just consider a 500-acre farm and the price of a 500-acre farm, times that by how many acres they have--say, 500 acres times $10,000. That's $5 million--$5 million. Then you have to put the price of a combine and a tractor to harvest the rice and the cotton. Guess what? They are part of that top 2 percent that the other side says is the wealthiest of the wealthy. Well, guess what? Less than 2 percent of Americans are farmers. Less than 2 percent of Americans are farmers. This legislation, this tax is directly after farmers. Our Tax Code, what is wrong with it, it is disadvantaging rural America, and the death tax is part of that disadvantage. You are seeing people leave rural America because of the Tax Code, and this is a way to fix the Tax Code. When you look at family farmers, 85 percent of their investment is in the land and in the equipment. It is not in liquid assets. And when they get a tax bill, like the Congresswoman from South Dakota who spoke mentioned, they have to either sell their land or they have to take out a loan so they can keep their family business. This is a tax on the American Dream, and this is awful. The folks on the other side of the aisle have never found a tax that they disliked. Folks, we have to stop this.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 45th anniversary of the Rolla Area Sheltered Workshop in Rolla, Missouri. It is a place that empowers individuals to use their skills working in a sheltered environment with caring staff Since its establishment in 1970, the workshop has provided quality employment for individuals with disabilities of all kinds. Beginning in January 1969, the mother of a disabled son saw a need for a sheltered work environment for those who were too old for a State Training School. Together, the mother and two women who were involved with the Jaycettes, developed the idea for a sheltered workshop in Rolla. With the help and support of the entire community, the Rolla Area Sheltered Workshop opened its doors a little over a year later. Today, the workshop has 75 disabled employees who have found an environment where they can work productively and independently. Alongside a supportive staff of eight, the employees work on printed material, collating, sorting the different kinds, packing and labeling bags, among other projects. For the many years of service and commitment to helping others, it is my pleasure to recognize the Rolla Area Sheltered Workshop before the United States 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 David Plank from Salem, Missouri. For over fifty years, David Plank has created beautiful watercolor paintings of birds that have been recognized and admired all over the country. David Plank's talented skills derive from a dedication and passion for the arts, rather than from formal training. All of his drawings are completed in the open air and near the natural habitats of his subjects. David Plank never uses photographs, he captures the posture and attitude of his subjects in his drawings, and then he goes inside and paints. This unique process is what has worked for David for so many years; he estimates he has painted more than 1,400 birds throughout his career. Among his accomplishments, he has painted eleven covers for Bird Watcher's Digest and been featured in exhibits at the Springfield Art Museum and Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. David hopes his paintings will continue to reflect the good feelings and thoughts he has for birds to future generations of onlookers. For his many contributions to the arts and his many successes, it is my pleasure to recognize David Plank before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eric Huber of Fredericktown, 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, Eric completed several steps and a service project exemplifying patriotism and his commitment to serve others. He first worked as an assistant scout master with Troop 408 Scout Master Ken Braun. He also constructed and installed four benches along the hiking trail at Amidon Memorial Conservation Area for his service project. The Missouri Department of Conservation was grateful to Eric, his Scout troop and the volunteers for their contribution to the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area because it will benefit Missouri residents for years to come. At a young age Eric has shown values such as honesty, loyalty, and civility that inspire others. He has shown commitment to good citizenship, physical fitness, and education and he has made himself an asset to our community, as well as the nation. Eric 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 45th anniversary of the Rolla Area Sheltered Workshop in Rolla, Missouri. It is a place that empowers individuals to use their skills working in a sheltered environment with caring staff. Since its establishment in 1970, the workshop has provided quality employment for individuals with disabilities of all kinds. Beginning in January 1969, the mother of a disabled son saw a need for a sheltered work environment for those who were too old for a State Training School. Together, the mother and two women who were involved with the Jaycettes, developed the idea for a sheltered workshop in Rolla. With the help and support of the entire community, the Rolla Area Sheltered Workshop opened its doors a little over a year later. Today, the workshop has 75 disabled employees who have found an environment where they can work productively and independently. Alongside a supportive staff of eight, the employees work on printed material, collating, sorting the different kinds, packing and labeling bags, among other projects. For the many years of service and commitment to helping others, it is my pleasure to recognize the Rolla Area Sheltered Workshop before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Leroy and Ovia Marie McGinnis on their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married on March 3, 1950 in a courthouse in Arkansas. Although they were young, their love for one another was unconditional. In fact, Leroy was so intent on marrying the love of his life that he spent the last four dollars to his name to pay for their modest ceremony. Worried of what their families might think, Leroy and Ovia Marie kept their marriage a secret for several weeks. Soon after marrying, the young couple moved to Cuba, Missouri, where their love and affection for one another continued to grow. They have raised six children together, and Mr. McGinnis still serves as CEO of McGinnis Wood Products, a very successful business that he founded in 1968. Again, I want to wish Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis a Happy Anniversary and many more years of joy!

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank Dr. Kenneth Dobbins for his significant contributions to Missouri's higher education system over the past two decades. After a distinguished fifteen year tenure, Dr. Dobbins has announced his plans to retire from his position as the president of Southeast Missouri State University at the end of this year's spring semester. His leadership will be difficult to replace and will undoubtedly be missed. During his tenure as president of Southeast Missouri State University, the university and its programs were nationally recognized by prestigious publications such as U.S. News and the Princeton Review. SMSU increased access to higher education for many Missourians, and enrollment increased steadily each year under Dr. Dobbins' leadership. In 1994, only about 7,900 students attended SMSU. But, as a result of his continued guidance, enrollment for the fall semester of 2014 has increased to 12,087 students. This gradual increase in enrollment is attributed to Dr. Dobbins' goal of making Southeast Missouri State University's enrollment representative of diversity of the state of Missouri. Moreover, throughout Dr. Dobbins' tenure access to higher education increased dramatically with record enrollments in the SMSU's 25-county service region as a result of regional campuses in Sikeston and Kennett serving place-bound students in and near those rural communities. Dr. Dobbins also served a two-year term as president of the Missouri Council on Public Higher Education, which is the organization for presidents and chancellors of Missouri's public colleges and universities. In addition, in 2007 he was selected to serve a three- year term on the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Board of Directors, an organization which represents over 420 U.S. public college and university presidents, which equates to 56 percent of the enrollment at all public four-year institutions. I am extremely proud of all that Dr. Dobbins has done for Missouri's higher education system. It is my honor to recognize him before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gwen McClain of Steeleville, Missouri, for her outstanding achievement of receiving the Patriot's Pen Award. The National Patriot's Pen Essay Contest is an annual competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. While over 200 essays were submitted in the state of Missouri, Gwen's stood out above the rest. The theme of the 2015 National Patriot's Pen Contest was ``Why I appreciate America's Veterans.'' Students were encouraged to examine America's history, along with their own experiences in modern American society. As a recipient of this award, Gwen has shown remarkable creativity and maturity. It is my pleasure to congratulate Gwen McClain on her great accomplishment before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cadet Maxwell Rose of Missouri for his achievement and commitment to serving our country. Cadet Rose has reached the second milestone of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, and is being promoted to the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant. To complete the program and achieve this milestone, Cadet Rose had to excel in different trainings and leadership classes. He then went before a Promotion Review Board of his peers who acknowledged his achievements and awarded him this recognition. This is quite an honor as only a few distinguished cadets nationwide achieve this status. At a young age Cadet Rose has shown an admirable commitment to serve our country, and I am very thankful for patriots like him who will lead the future generation of airmen. It is my pleasure to recognize his efforts and achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th Anniversary of Washington County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6996. VFW Post 6996 was established in 1965 in Potosi, Missouri. Since then, members of Post 6996 have contributed countless volunteer hours in the Washington County community. Their selfless acts continue to set an admirable example for all. VFW Post 6996 is comprised of members who have served honorably in foreign wars or overseas operations. These dedicated veterans seek to continue serving the American people and their fellow veterans. This nonprofit service organization embodies the spirit of service and generosity by supporting troops currently overseas and ensuring returning veterans have access to health care, counseling, and housing. For their many years of service and commitment to helping others, it is my pleasure to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Washington County Memorial VFW Post 6996 in the House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on roll call No. 108, I was absent attending Auditor Tom Schweich's funeral in the State of Missouri. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 109, I was absent attending Auditor Tom Schweich's funeral in the State of Missouri. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of the Texas County Food Pantry in Houston, Missouri. For twenty-five years the wonderful staff of this pantry has embodied the spirit of generosity by providing food, shelter, healthcare, and clothing for our neighbors. The Texas County Food Pantry has partnered with several organizations over the years to establish new connections for programs in nutrition, job research services, medical prescriptions, emergency assistance and homeless prevention. The Texas County Food Pantry was formed after the Ministerial Alliances of Cabool, Houston, and Licking consolidated their many church pantries in order to help ease poverty in Texas County. In March of 1990, this non-profit corporation was formed and began its role assisting those suffering in poverty. Texas County Food Pantry staff and volunteers have continuously been committed to providing exceptional care for the people of Texas County. For the many years of service and commitment to helping others, it is my pleasure to recognize the Texas County Food Pantry before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SMITH of Missouri

Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William Wolfe for his exceptional service to our nation and Missouri. Mr. Wolfe began his twenty years of military service with the United States Army at the age of seventeen. During his years in the Army, he served as a pilot in the Vietnam War and flew AH-1 Cobra helicopters in combat. Two Purple Hearts were awarded to him for the wounds he endured during combat. He retired in 1980 at the rank of Captain. After having served in the military, he returned home and began to explore different venues of business. He operated and owned a general store in Grandin, Missouri, for a number of years and in 1995 he formed a privately held company in Gravois Mills, Missouri, called Chevron Sierra Land Co. This company sells parcels of land in Carter, Ripley, Iron, Washington, Camden, and Morgan counties. William Wolfe's service in the military has been truly admirable and his businesses have greatly benefited our Missouri community. It is my pleasure to recognize his achievements and service before the House of Representatives.