David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate JoAnn and Andy Gohlinghorst of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for their many years of volunteer services at Christian Home Association-- Children's Square USA in Council Bluffs. JoAnn and Andy started volunteering at Children's Square in 1985. JoAnn JoAnn and Andy have spent the past 31 years volunteering at Children's Square, where they have sorted, organized, and displayed donated clothing and toys. These items are available to children in need on the Children's Square campus as well as foster families served by Children's Square. The Christian Home Association--Children's Square USA is a private, not-for profit organization founded on December 23, 1882. Children's Square USA has a rich history of caring for children from birth to 21 years old and their families, meeting their individualized needs, instilling hope and helping restore lives. Mr. Speaker, I commend JoAnn and Andy for the dedicated service they have provided to Children's Square and for their care and concern for children in need. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating JoAnn and Andy for their many years of volunteer service and in wishing them nothing but the very best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 460, the bipartisan Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act, legislation I introduced with my colleague from Vermont, Congressman Welch. This bill helps fix the significant problems rural Iowans and other rural Americans face from dropped and poor quality calls. Reliable communication is critical for our constituents to live their lives, for our businesses to succeed, and for our communities to thrive. Yet, in rural States and areas across America, phone calls are not getting through or the connection and quality are poor. Telephone companies often rely on intermediate providers, who are paid to route calls from larger networks to local service providers. Much of the time, this is to mixed results. There simply is no excuse for these intermediate providers to not fulfill their contracts and leave our rural constituents with unreliable communication service. Dropped, looped, or poor quality calls hurt rural America's quality of life, impacting our small businesses, farmers, consumers, and our families who are in need of emergency assistance and public services. It also gives unfair blame to our essential local service providers when they are not the problem, they are the solution. A family in rural America should not be disadvantaged because of where they live. Iowa businesses should have the same communication access to conduct daily businesses as those in urban areas. Improving rural call completion rates and quality 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, urban, or anywhere in between. Our bill will help address this problem by requiring providers to register with the FCC in order to meet quality standards and ensure reliable phone service in rural areas. It also prohibits providers from using intermediary routing services not registered with the FCC. I want to personally thank Chairman Blackburn and Ranking Member Pallone for their attention to this important issue, as well as my partner in this, Congressman Welch, for the opportunity to get this bill passed. This bill did pass the House in the 114th Congress, and I am hopeful we can get the partnership we need from the Senate to get this to the finish line. Rural Americans deserve it.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pat and John Montgomery of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for their many years of volunteer services at Christian Home Association- Children's Square in Council Bluffs. They began volunteering at Children's Square in 1989. Pat and John have spent the past 28 years volunteering at Children's Square, where they have sorted, organized, and displayed donated clothing and toys. These items are available to children in need on the Children's Square campus, as well as foster families served by Children's Square. The Christian Home Association-Children's Square USA is a private, not-for profit organization founded on December 23, 1882. It has a rich history of caring for children from birth to 21 years old and their families, meeting their individualized needs, instilling hope and helping restore lives. Mr. Speaker, I commend Pat and John for the dedicated service they have provided to Children's Square and for their care and concern for children in need. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Pat and John for their many years of volunteer service and in wishing them nothing but the very best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. I thank the gentleman from Virginia for his help and leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is designed to make an already very good bill even better. Regulators regulate. That is what they do. Regulators regulate businesses, large and small, State and local governments, nonprofits, individuals, et cetera. These regulated entities often rely on guidance from agencies to become compliant with a new rule or regulation; but, occasionally, this guidance is offered far too late in the process, leaving entities with the decision to either move forward without guidance and face possible penalties, litigation, losses, or to wait until guidance is offered and then scramble to implement changes before the deadline, increasing the likelihood for mistakes and failure. My amendment seeks to ensure guidance is offered and available in a timely manner by instructing agencies to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to issue guidance at least 90 days before a rule or a regulation goes into effect so that affected entities have time to comply. As an example, companies recently experienced the hardships of late guidance from HHS through CMS. There is a company in Iowa and similar companies from around America that produce forms, using post acute healthcare reimbursements, including skilled nursing and home care, both of which receive funding through Medicare. CMS is responsible for setting rules for the reimbursement forms. Okay. Fine. CMS specified a new set of rules for forms going into effect at the beginning of the year. Okay. Great. This company and other companies waited for CMS guidance before printing and sending reimbursement forms to its customers, and this company waited and waited and waited; but 3 weeks before the effective date, this company and others like it hadn't heard anything from CMS on guidance or directions--crickets. So at this point, they had to make a business decision. That is the reality. Either wait for CMS and fail to have the required forms to its customers in time for the new year or send the forms to print, cross your fingers, say a prayer, roll the dice, and hope they will later be found in compliance. They sent the forms to print knowing full well they would eat the cost if the forms did not comply. Losses, penalties, litigation, a soiled reputation--those are the real things the lack of guidance and notice causes. Thankfully, everything worked out in this situation, but in other situations, things haven't worked out. A few days after they sent the forms to print, CMS finally approved. However, this situation illustrates a broader problem that occurs too often transcending in other instances through the economy and needs to be addressed. We need to make sure that when we give agencies the power to effectively write law, we ensure compliance guidelines are clear- cut, timely, and enforcement is fair. Allowing the regulatory process to continue as is and agencies to issue needed guidance at the last minute, we only further burden Americans in their organizations, businesses, these individuals in our districts. So I want to be clear what the amendment does not do. This amendment does not change a rule or regulation in any way. It does not direct the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs to do or speak to anything else other than the timeliness issue I just described. It is pretty plain language. My amendment says, when guidance is forthcoming, it arrives in a timely manner. Mr. Chairman, it is past time for Congress to rein in and approve this process so our constituents aren't left with uncertainty, wringing their hands waiting for Washington, and can, instead, get to work. Let's get this fixed right now, Mr. Chairman. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, how much time do I have left?

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), the chairman.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor veteran Iowa journalist Dean Borg and to offer my congratulations on his upcoming retirement from Iowa Public Television's ``Iowa Press.'' Dean Borg is a leader in Iowa, in our community, and his contributions to over four decades of ``Iowa Press'' are unparalleled. His presence on Iowa Public Television's respected weekly news program will surely be missed. A native of Forest City, Borg attended Iowa State University and began his journalism career at WOI Radio while still a student. Earning degrees in journalism and public education from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, Borg served as a reporter and later as news director for WMT Radio and WMT Television stations in Cedar Rapids. His career path is an example of how Iowa hard work, talent, and dedication can set you on the path to achieving remarkable successes in life. Dean Borg's first appearance on ``Iowa Press'' took place on January 16, 1972, during the program's fourth episode, as a panelist, while still working for WMT News. The other panelists who joined him that day were Iowa State Representative Frank Bowers, a Democrat from Orange City, and John McCormally, of the Burlington Hawk Eye newspaper. Borg later went on to host the television program for decades, providing the insightful commentary and leadership of discussions with numerous guests from around the State and country. Borg's commitment to Iowa Public Television, work moderating nationally broadcast Presidential debates and beyond, has set the bar high for aspiring journalists in Iowa and across the country. From his contributions to the show's decades of broadcasts to his documentary reporting from around the world, Dean Borg has spent a career dedicated to providing folks with national and statewide news. With this type of commitment, it is not surprising Borg has interviewed every President since Lyndon B. Johnson and many of the Presidential contenders who travel through our first-in-the-Nation State. I can attest to Dean Borg's dedication to his craft personally, as I have had the honor of getting to know him--I have been on the ``Iowa Press'' show with him--as a Member of Congress and throughout my career working for the people of Iowa. He is the longest serving program host in Iowa Public Television history, a significant feat. He is an award-winning journalist, an Iowa State distinguished alumnus, and a trailblazer in Iowa journalism, defending the craft and defending journalists. While Dean will officially retire from ``Iowa Press'' this month, I look forward to his return for special occasions and live broadcasts. Dean is the epitome of Iowa nice: a humble, but bold Iowan putting the interests of his fellow Iowans over himself, dedicated to truth, to his craft, and dedicated to service, dedicated to his fellow Iowans. Dean is a very good and true man. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dean Borg on his distinguished career and wishing him the best in his retirement. Dean, I will miss you. If I don't see you soon, I will see you at the Iowa State Fair.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the REINS Act, legislation that I and many of my colleagues are proud to have cosponsored to help bring expensive and expansive regulations under control. Over the past several years, major regulations have cost small businesses, States, local government, and individuals billions of dollars and have cost them jobs. So this is a commonsense bill to enhance transparency and give Americans greater say in their government, and I thank Representative Collins of Georgia and Chairman Goodlatte for their leadership on this issue. By requiring Congress to approve any major regulation with an annual economic impact of $100 million or more on the economy, the bill opens the process so our constituents--the people--can have their voice heard in the process. I'm also pleased an amendment I offered last year, which was accepted by this body, is included in the bill's base text, section 801. That provision requires more transparency by forcing agencies to publish the data and justification they are using to issue the rule. It's important the American people have access to the information in which these conclusions are made. Section 801 directs the regulatory bodies to post publicly the data, studies, and analyses that they use to come up with their rules and conclusions so that we can all be on the same page. Transparency. Too often I hear concerns from Iowans about how overreaching regulations are hurting their farms and businesses and impacting their daily lives. From how our kids are taught, how we manage our personal finances, or even drain the water in our communities, we have seen how regulations and those who craft them have an enormous impact. I hear from constituents how these regulations are out of touch, don't reflect the basic, fundamental understanding of the important sectors driving our economy or the daily lives of Iowans and all Americans. These regulations, which have the full force of law, are putting Americans out of work and increasing costs for consumers. The REINS Act is an important, commonsense bill to help address this problem. We must do more. I appreciate Chairman Goodlatte's commitment to work with me on my Fingerprints bill to ensure further transparency and accountability by naming those who author and write these regulations. I thank Chairman Goodlatte and Representative Collins of Georgia for prioritizing the REINS Act.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa for its 35 years of service to families in need. Since opening its doors in August of 1981, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa has provided a ``home away from home'' for over 10,000 families whose children are undergoing medical treatment. In 2011 alone, the 12-room facility provided a home for over 400 families from 71 of Iowa's 99 counties and 10 other states. Families are asked to contribute a nominal fee each night, but if they cannot afford to do so, they are not turned away. The philosophy at the Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines is that one of the best medicines for a severely ill child is the love of their family right by their side during challenging times. It is humbling to see the widespread support from Iowa businesses and individuals that keep the doors open at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa for its 35 years of serving families under the most difficult of circumstances. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them and wishing nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network for their 40 years of service to the food insecure citizens of central Iowa. DMARC was founded in 1952 to assist the spiritual needs of the community and to promote moral, social and civic welfare to our fellow man and woman. In May 1976, DMARC officials established the Food Pantry Network, an emergency food program to help provide services to those in need. In the 40 years since its creation, it has become the largest food pantry network in Iowa, with 11 sites in the Des Moines metropolitan area, including some sites in the Des Moines Independent School District, helping to feed 34,000 people annually. The Food Pantry Network is comprised of 128 member congregations representing a variety of faiths. These willing volunteers provide the much needed food and service hours. In addition to its faithful volunteers, the Food Pantry Network also benefits from the very generous donations and assistance of individuals, businesses, and non-member congregations. Mr. Speaker, I commend The Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network on their 40 years of service to food insecure citizens of Central Iowa. Their vital assistance over the last 40 years has given families the certainty they need as they struggle to provide themselves and their children with a warm meal in the comfort of their own home. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Food Pantry Network on this outstanding accomplishment and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jayne Armstrong of West Des Moines, Iowa, for being named the Iowa Advocate of the Year by the Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Each year, the Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners recognizes women who have greatly contributed to the business landscape in the state. Jayne, as District Director of the Small Business Administration in Iowa, advocates for small businesses as they seek financing, developmental training and counseling to help develop and grow. With more women owning small businesses, Jayne is front and center, guiding them through the difficult process of starting their own business. It is because of Iowans like Jayne I'm proud to represent our great state. Mr. Speaker, I commend Jayne for her commitment to small business owners throughout the third district. Her tireless work in advocacy on their behalf is crucial in helping Iowa's economy thrive. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Jayne 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 Scott Shuey, D.V.M. of Corning, Iowa, for being honored as the 2016 Veterinarian of the Year by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Shuey was nominated by 19 area farmers and producers in southwestern Iowa, in recognition of his dedication to the profession and his leadership in the community. Dr. Shuey has been practicing veterinary medicine in southwest Iowa for 25 years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from Kansas State University in 1989, a Master of Science degree in beef cattle nutrition from South Dakota State University, and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University. He practices veterinary medicine and serves as the managing and senior partner at the Southern Hills Veterinary Clinic in Corning. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Dr. Shuey for this recognition by the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Dr. Shuey 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 the Sugar Grove Sunshine 4-H Club on celebrating its 100th anniversary on September 24, 2016. Heart, Head, Hands and Health are the tenants of 4-H, and 4-H is one of the hallmark organizations that so many young Iowans have passed through during their formative years. Ever since the Sugar Grove Sunshine 4-H Club was founded during World War I, it has benefited the youth of central Iowa in countless ways. Originally called the 4-H Sewing Club, the Sugar Grove Sunshine 4-H Club has guided Dallas County area youth through innumerable fair projects, animal shows, and 4-H meetings, where they were able to build upon their own interests, create with their hands, learn about animal care, develop important social skills, master public speaking, and be involved in their communities. The skills developed and honed in 4-H stay with students throughout their lifetime, and the result is that our communities are filled with leaders who strive to do what's best for all. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the Sugar Grove Sunshine 4-H Club and its members in the United States Congress. It is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them all on this momentous anniversary and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dannie Stephens of Creston, Iowa, for his induction into the Creston High School Hall of Fame. Dannie attended Creston High School in the late 1960s and was a varsity letterman, qualifying for the state wrestling tournament in 1968. Dannie began his teaching career in 1974, and in 1980 he returned to Creston to teach and coach wrestling. Dannie has had a lasting impact on his students both in the classroom and in the gym, challenging and encouraging students to do their best and dream big. He is recognized throughout the community as a teacher who was, and continues to be, committed to making a difference in each of his students' lives. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Dannie in the United States Congress and to have the opportunity to recognize him today. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Dannie for his achievements and in wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nick's Restaurant of Des Moines, Iowa, for being recognized for serving Iowa's 2016 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA). The designation has been bestowed on one lucky Iowa restaurant each year since 2002. This honor was one owner Nick Iaria has worked for since he opened his doors, he told the Iowa Pork Producers Association. They chose Nick's Restaurant over 384 Iowa businesses because of its unique taste. Nick's tenderloins are prepared in ``queen'' and ``king'' size, and are known for their made-to-order quality. The pork tenderloin is freshly seasoned, floured, battered, breaded and then cooked in a fryer designated only for tenderloins. Nick's serves over 1,000 tenderloins every week. Mr. Speaker, I commend Nick's Restaurant for receiving this distinguished designation. Their dedication to frying the perfect pork patty has put smiles on the faces of Iowans all across the state. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Nick's Restaurant and in wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Richard Hunter of Indianola, Iowa, for completing this year's Des Moines Triathlon at age 85. Dr. Hunter did not begin competing in triathlons until after his retirement from medicine at 67. He remained committed to his training even after he returned to medicine, not retiring again until 82. He participated in the famed Ironman triathlon, which took him on a journey all over the world to compete. After moving to Indianola to be closer to his family, Dr. Hunter wondered how he would continue to train when he did not have an ocean to swim or bike trails to challenge him. He soon discovered that he could continue training at the local YMCA. The hard work paid off. Not only did he complete the 2016 Des Moines Triathlon, but he was also the oldest participant by 11 years in the sprint race. Mr. Speaker, I commend Dr. Hunter for having the discipline and determination to compete in this rigorous competition. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representative join me in congratulating him and in wishing him nothing but continue success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lorna Grow for her 50 years of leadership with the Sugar Grove Sunshine 4-H Club, which celebrated its 100th anniversary on September 24, 2016. Since 1965, Lorna has served as the Sugar Grove Sunshine 4-H Club leader, guiding and encouraging its members through fair projects, shows, and other activities. Head, Heart, Hands and Health are the tenets of 4-H. Lorna embodies them all. Her influence has been evident in the lives of so many area families. A former member said Lorna encouraged her to do a presentation to quell her fear about public speaking to a large group at the Iowa State Fair which now, in adulthood, she does on a regular basis. Another former 4-H Club member made sure her own children joined Sugar Grove Sunshine 4-H Club because of the guidance and skills taught by Lorna, including how to can vegetables and sew clothing. Lorna meets with every member of the Club regularly and on an individual basis, encouraging them in their growth as individuals and to experience new adventures they might not otherwise have. Mr. Speaker, I commend Lorna for her outstanding leadership. Her dedication as a 4-H club leader has influenced so many over the past 50 years. It is an honor to represent her and Iowans like her in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating her 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 Galen Zumbach of Creston, Iowa, for being inducted into the Creston High School Hall of Fame. Galen came to Creston High School in 1977 as the agriculture education instructor and Future Farmers of America advisor. He taught at Creston High School for 33 years. Under his direction, Creston FFA students participated in more than 100 activities each year. The local FFA chapter has been considered one of the nation's best throughout Galen's teaching career and has been named Iowa Supreme Chapter 13 times. During his tenure, Creston High School FFA was the only chapter in the nation to win five National Chapter Award competitions. Over his 33 year career at Creston High School, Galen stood on the stage as 209 students received their State FFA degrees, with 56 earning American FFA degrees. Under his leadership, 22 members held offices at the state or national level of FFA. Even with such success, Galen's dedication to his students didn't stop at FFA--he also coached high school football during a majority of his time at the school. Mr. Speaker, I commend Galen for this outstanding achievements and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his students. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Galen 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, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gabriel Mintzer, a senior at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect score on his American College Testing (ACT) examination. Gabriel 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 and Knowledge Bowl teams, Central Academy mathematics team, and treasurer of Valley High School's National Honors Society chapter. Mr. Speaker, I commend Gabriel 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 Gabriel and in wishing him nothing but continued success in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Guowei Qi, a senior at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect score on his American College Testing (ACT) examination. Guowei 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. Guowei was able to accomplish this impressive feat while still remaining active in a number of extracurricular activities, including: Science Bowl, Valley High School honors program, concertmaster of the Valley High School Chamber Orchestra, volunteering at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, and organizing ``Blank Tales,'' a non-profit publication by Valley High School students to raise awareness of homelessness in the Des Moines area. Mr. Speaker, I commend Guowei 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 Dr. Bruce Ricker, of Mount Ayr, Iowa, for being inducted into the Mount Ayr Community Schools Hall of Fame. Dr. Ricker graduated from Mount Ayr Community Schools in 1975, where he played on two state tournament basketball teams in 1973 and 1975. He earned his degrees from the University of Iowa and the Iowa College of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences. After interning and practicing medicine in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Ricker returned to Mount Ayr in 1997. He practices medicine at the Mount Ayr Medical Clinic and serves as the Medical Examiner for Ringgold County, Medical Director for HCI Hospice Care Services, as well as for Clearview Home and Mount Ayr Health Care Center. In 2003, Dr. Ricker was named Physician of the Year by the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association and was presented the Spirit of Hospice Award by the Iowa Hospice Association. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Ricker's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Dr. Ricker for his achievements 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.