David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Cayden Codel, a senior at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect score on his American College Testing (ACT) examination. Cayden is one of only 2,235 students out of 2.1 million 2017 high school test-takers who earned this very rare honor. He was one of five students in his Valley High School class to earn the top composite score of 36, a milestone that had never before been reached in the school's history. Cayden was able to accomplish this impressive feat while still remaining active in a number of extracurricular activities, including: Knowledge Bowl, Mock Trial, Moody's Mega Math Challenge Team, swim team, National Honor Society's student tutoring committee, Valley High School show choir, Iowa Opus Honor Choir, Iowa All-State Orchestra, summer junior counselor at the Science Center of Iowa and the Plymouth Congregational Church Youth Choir. Mr. Speaker, I commend Cayden for his hard-work, dedication, and commitment to excellence I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Arjun Ganga, a senior at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect score on his American College Testing (ACT) examination. Arjun is one of only 2,235 students out of 2.1 million 2017 high school test-takers who earned this very rare honor. He was one of five students in his Valley High School class to earn the top composite score of 36, a milestone that had never before been reached in the school's history. He was able to accomplish this impressive feat while still remaining active in a number of extracurricular activities, including: co-founding and co-directing the Des Moines Student-to- Student STEM Speaker Series, Science Bowl, tennis team, the Principal's Advisory Council, National Honor Society, student government, National Council on Youth Leadership, and the Silver Cord Volunteer Program. Mr. Speaker, I commend Arjun for his hard-work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Michell Ricker of Mount Ayr, Iowa, for being inducted into the Mount Ayr Community Schools Hall of Fame. Michell, a 1975 graduate of Mount Ayr Community Schools, is a licensed social worker. Upon her return to Mount Ayr after college, she was employed by Ringgold County Public Health and served as a well- known community leader and advocate. She is an avid volunteer, holding a number of positions on community and state boards, including South Central Iowa Community Fund, Ringgold County Teen Center, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Iowa chapter of International Cooperating Ministries. In 2014 she was also awarded a Governors Volunteer Award for her outstanding commitment to helping others. Mr. Speaker, Michell's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her for this recognition and in wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Hank Bohling of Greenfield, Iowa, for being selected to receive the 2016 Aaron Eilert's Community Service Award. Hank is the son of Lynn and Elaine Bohling. The Aaron Eilert's Community Service Award is presented to an individual who is dedicated to community service and positively impacting their fellow citizens. The award is named in honor of Aaron Eilert, who was known throughout his community for giving back and graciously dedicating his time to others. Hank has been involved in the Holidays for Heroes program for the last seven years through the American Red Cross, collecting over 14,000 holiday cards, and distributing them across the globe. He is also active in a number of leadership projects throughout his community, including the local 4-H Club. Mr. Speaker, Hank has made his state and his community very proud. It is with great honor that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for receiving this award and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowa native Joel Hanrahan upon his retirement from Major League Baseball (MLB) after a successful seven-year career, playing for 3 different MLB franchises. Ever since the second grade, when his teachers or classmates would ask what he wanted to be when he grew up, Joel knew he wanted to be a baseball player. He became known to Iowans as a star pitcher for the Norwalk High School Warriors, later pitching for the University of Nebraska before being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2000. After honing his skills in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals on July 28, 2007. He earned his first win as a pitcher a week later against the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite his love of the game, Joel ultimately had to make the difficult decision to retire in 2016. During his career, he compiled a 22-18 record with a 3.85 earned-run average and 100 saves. He also earned a coveted position in the 2011 and 2012 Major League Baseball All-Star games. Mr. Speaker, I commend Joel for his years of dedication to a game he loves. I am certain that the drive that led him to become an MLB All- Star pitcher will lead to success no matter where his path takes him next. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak in support of H.R. 5099, the bipartisan CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016, which is sponsored by my colleague from across the river, Congressman Brad Ashford in Nebraska. Our veterans make great sacrifices in defense of our freedoms, and it is incumbent upon us to provide them with the best possible health care when they return home. Now, many of our Department of Veterans Affairs facilities are aging. They are in need of upgrades and repair, some complete overhauls, yet cost overruns and significant delays trouble VA construction programs and hinder work on other VA facilities in need of improvements. The CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016 seeks to address some of these problems by authorizing the VA to carry out a 5-year pilot program examining the feasibility of leveraging private donations to construct new VA facilities, that public-private partnership. This is a new way of doing things and a unique opportunity for the taxpayer and for veterans. This bill could help facilities--and it will--like the Omaha VA Medical Center, which serve my constituents in Iowa as well as those in Nebraska. Now, I appreciate my colleague's work, Congressman Ashford, for pushing this bill along. I was proud to sign on as a cosponsor. Congressman Ashford has shown great leadership and tenacity in getting this bill over the finish line. That is what he came here to do, to get things done. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul E. Schickler, President of DuPont Pioneer, ahead of his retirement on January 1, 2017. Paul began his tenure with Pioneer as an accountant back in 1974. His 42 years of dedicated service has produced enduring success, and with his leadership, the company has experienced some of its most prosperous and successful years of operation. Paul joined Pioneer after receiving an undergraduate degree from Drake University. He displayed a tireless work ethic as he pursued his MBA while working full-time at Pioneer. It was apparent from the start that he was destined for excellence within the company. Throughout his years at Pioneer, Paul has served in a number of roles, including: Controller; Vice President of Human Resources, Learning and Development, Communications and Real Estate Management; Vice President, Director, Latin America Operations, later expanding to include Mexico and Africa; Vice President, International Operations; Agriculture and Nutrition Business Development Director; and finally, in 2007, DuPont Vice President and the 11th President of Pioneer. Paul's commitment to global agriculture and the fight against world hunger goes even beyond his work at Pioneer. He and his wife Claudia have used their own personal success to benefit the World Food Prize, donating resources to expand the foundation's Global Youth Institute to every Iowa high school. For the last several years Paul has shared his vision for global agriculture with the delegation of youth in attendance of the World Food Prize Week. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Paul on his upcoming retirement. He will now be able to spend his well-deserved time off sharing his love of golfing and skiing with his daughters, their husbands, and six grandchildren. It is with great honor that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in recognizing Paul's accomplishments and service and in wishing him and his family nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate JoAnn and Tom Tews of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on August 28, 2016. JoAnn and Tom's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Janice and Larry Brown of Atlantic, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 6, 1966 at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Janice and Larry's lifelong commitment to each other and their children truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Judy and John Clark of Clarinda, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 19, 1966. Judy and John's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Linda and Neil Goos of Glenwood, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 7, 1966 at First Christian Church in Glenwood. Linda and Neil's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, and their grandchildren truly embodies our Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bev and Rev. Dean Baer on their 50th wedding anniversary. Their lifelong commitment to each other truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend Bev and Rev. Dean Baer on their 50th wedding anniversary. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Bev and Rev. Dean Baer on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Julia and Darwin Williams on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Julia and Darwin were married on September 4, 1966, and now reside in Villisca, Iowa. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50 years together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Janice and Rick Stone of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on August 6, 2016. Janice and Rick's lifelong commitment to each other, their daughter and their grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sue and Dennis Nance of Shenandoah, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Sue and Dennis' lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pam and Charlie Manning of Glenwood, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 20, 1966 in Gary, Indiana. Pam and Charlie's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, and their grandchild, truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pat and Ray Law of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 19, 1966 at the Church of God of Prophecy in Council Bluffs. Pat and Ray's lifelong commitment to each other and their three daughters, 22 adopted children, 40 grandchildren, and 18 great- grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. As Pat and Ray reflect on their 50th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger, as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this great couple on their 50th year together and I wish them many more. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak in support of the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act I introduced in a bipartisan manner with my colleague from Vermont, Representative Peter Welch. Each month as I meet with Iowans in each of the 16 counties making up the great Third District of Iowa, I hear how rural America is struggling. The recent economic downturn has led to people leaving rural areas to seek opportunities elsewhere. In my home State of Iowa, rural communities are working to reverse these trends by attracting new businesses and amenities and opportunities for their residents. Now, communication is key to any business' success in reaching customers; yet in our rural communities across America, calls are not getting through or the connection and the quality are poor. Telephone companies often rely on intermediate providers to route calls from large networks to local service providers, sometimes to mixed results. But dropped, looped, poor-quality calls do not just hurt small businesses and consumers; they also hurt our families in need of emergency assistance and public services. Mr. Speaker, a family facing an emergency must be able to trust they will be able to reach assistance no matter where they live. Improving rural call completion rates and quality is essential to ensuring families in rural America have access to the services and amenities offered in large urban areas. These services are important to ensuring the survival of small towns and granting Americans the choice to live and thrive in whatever community is best for them and their family-- rural or urban. H.R. 2566, the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act, would help fix this significant problem facing rural America from dropped, poor-quality calls. The bill requires providers to register with the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission, in order to meet quality standards that ensure reliable phone service in rural areas. It also prohibits providers from using intermediary routing services not registered with the Federal Communications Commission. By addressing these problems, Congress can help provide Iowans and others and all Americans in rural communities with reliable phone service to conduct business, respond to emergencies, and live their lives. I thank Chairman Upton, Ranking Member Pallone, and the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Eshoo for their attention to this important matter. Again, I want to thank my colleague from Vermont, Representative Peter Welch, for his bipartisan leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill to help our citizens living in rural America.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lions Club of Bedford, Iowa, for celebrating 70 years of service to the community. The Bedford Lions Club was chartered in October 1946 and has since faithfully served Bedford and the surrounding area. One of their outstanding projects occurred in 1975, when the club was instrumental in making the Northside Apartment complex a reality. They completed a door-to-door canvas and raised the funds to get the project underway with matching funds. They currently raise money throughout the community for organizations such as the Bedford Fire Department, Tinker Tots Preschool, Bedford Food Pantry, the school backpack program, and many more. This organization has a strong number of community members and multiple plans for future projects to benefit Bedford, Iowa, and its citizens. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending the Bedford Lions Club for serving Bedford, Iowa, for 70 years. I consider it an honor to represent the club members in Congress. I thank the Lions Club for their service in the community and wish them nothing but the best in all their future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Perry Golf and Country Club in Perry, Iowa, for celebrating its 100th year in business this year. The Perry Golf and Country Club was founded in 1916, and for a century has given Perry area golfers a place to not only play the game they love, but enjoy time with friends and family as well. In 1916, there was a suitable meadow south of Perry where the local farm owner allowed the golfers to use the field rent-free. Stories are told of men and women, young and old, enjoying their search for a lost golf ball in the open field. But a few years later, when that particular field was to be planted with Iowa corn, the golfers realized they needed to find a permanent location. Thus, the Perry Golf and Country Club was formally established. In 1923, the original Clubhouse burnt to the ground and all possessions were lost in the fire. A new facility was built in 1924 and the resolve of the Club membership to play another round continues to grow stronger. The Perry Golf and Country Club has served the community in a wide range of events, from individual players to groups of all sizes, tournaments, high school golf meets, community members, and organizational fundraisers. The course has also been witness to many holes-in-one, including one skilled local golfer who has had the distinction of making a hole-in-one a miraculous five times. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating the Perry Golf and Country Club for its 100 years in golfing recreation. I consider it an honor to represent its members in the United States House of Representatives, and I wish the club nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mount Ayr Public Library in Mount Ayr, Iowa, for celebrating its 100- year anniversary. This is an important milestone in its history of service to the city of Mount Ayr and the surrounding communities. On September 29, 1913, Mount Ayr citizens met to discuss creating a library in Mount Ayr. Historical records state: ``On June 15, 1915, the idea of constructing a building was submitted to a vote of the people. The result of the vote showed that the women were more interested in obtaining the library than the men, as the vote of the women being 212 for, 68 against and the men's vote 180 for to 122 against.'' An application was made to the Carnegie Foundation and an $8,000 grant was received to proceed. The women of the community took on additional fundraising efforts to complete the building at a cost of $10,349.85. The funds were allocated for lighting, furniture, book shelves, outdoor landscaping, service fees and constructing an addition to the building. In September 1916, the cornerstone of the new library was laid. Over the last century, the Mount Ayr Public Library has successfully met the needs of the community by providing excellent care and necessary services. It serves as a gathering place to develop the interests and imagination of the community. It is an honor to represent the library employees and volunteers in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Mount Ayr Public Library on this historic anniversary, and in wishing it nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Steve and Chantelle Jennett family of Blockton, Iowa, for being recognized as 2016 Way We Live Award winners at the Iowa State Fair. The Way We Live Award recognizes Iowa families for their hard work and love of farming. Steve began farming with his father in 1989, and after marrying Chantelle, they purchased more farmland where they have raised their three children. Their farm enterprise includes row crops, hogs finishing, and broiler chickens. Each family member helps with the daily chores and they are also involved in Pork Producers and Taylor County 4-H, among many other community activities. Mr. Speaker, the example set by the Jennett family demonstrates the rewards of harnessing one's talents and sharing them with the world. Their hard work embodies the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating the Steve and Chantelle Jennett family for their achievements and wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate The Van Gelder Family of Creston, Iowa, for being honored with the Pork All-American Award from the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). Since 1970, the All-American Award is the highest honor of the Iowa Pork Producers Association awards, requiring the producer to be under the age of 40 and recognized as a Master Pork Producer. Brad Van Gelder and his wife, Terri, have operated their 4,000-head operation for 17 years, currently serving 50 local barns. They apply 14 million gallons of manure annually to customers through his manure application business. The wean-to-finish operation prides itself on providing a comfortable, ventilated environment for the pigs, as well as a high level of bio-security for the health of the pigs and the employees who oversee them. The Van Gelder family is committed to conservation, using low disturbance application toolbars on their manure equipment, and maintaining a majority of their 820 row crops acres as no-till. The Van Gelders are equally active in their community. With their two daughters, Alison and Morgan, they keep busy through their involvement in church, school, 4-H, the Union County Pork Producers, IPPA Youth Committee, as well as the Iowa Pork Tent Committee at the Iowa State Fair. Brad also serves as the Union County Fair Board President with his daughters showing cattle each year. I congratulate the Van Gelders on earning this coveted award and for their dedication and commitment to Iowa agriculture. Their efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Brad and Terri Van Gelder family.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, Iowa, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. With the help of the Lutheran Home for the Aged Association, the Perry Lutheran Home was opened in 1956 in the former Dallas County Hospital building. Over the years, the Home has continued to expand to better serve those who needed its care. Their mission remains constant: ``to treat each resident and tenant with respect in a cheerful, loving atmosphere that will encourage a positive attitude among and between those who are served and those who do the serving.'' Though 60 years can change any organization, the care and compassion of the staff of the Perry Lutheran Home has never wavered. Our communities are stronger because of the Perry Lutheran Home. I am confident that it will continue that excellence for another 60 years. I thank The Perry Lutheran Home for their 60 years of service and know my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Margaret Fletchall on the occasion of her 103rd birthday. She celebrated this life achievement on October 31, 2016. Our world has changed greatly during the course of Margaret's life. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Margaret has lived through 17 United States Presidents and 24 Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Margaret Fletchall in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 103rd birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Margaret on reaching this incredible milestone. We wish her continued good health and happiness in the years to come.