David Young

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.

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 Lois and Bill Matheny of Des Moines, Iowa, on their 50th wedding anniversary, celebrated on September 3, 2016. Lois and Bill'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 and in wishing them nothing but the very best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ernie Smith of Red Oak, Iowa, for being named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest active pilot in the world. Ernie has been a licensed pilot since September 15, 1942. For the past 74 years, local friends have known that, if you cannot find Ernie nearby, he is probably up in the sky. In January 2016, Red Oak Airport Manager Kevin McGrew and other community leaders nominated him for the distinction of ``oldest active pilot in the world.'' Later this spring, they videotaped a flight to authenticate his activity in the air. The official pronouncement from the Oiliness Book of World Records came recently, confirming that Ernie Smith, 98, is officially ``the oldest active pilot in the world,'' soaring beyond the previous record by five years. Ernie told Omaha, Nebraska-based KMTV-TV last December why he likes to fly: ``I say, well, I don't know how to tell you, but you come out some morning before daylight and go out and watch that sun come up over the horizon and you'll have your answer.'' Ernie still flies in a rented plane, usually two times a week. He even braved foggy weather conditions to celebrate his 98th birthday in the sky last December. Mr. Speaker, it is because of Iowans like Ernie that I'm proud to represent our great state in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating him for this outstanding accomplishment 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 Van Meter High School Softball team for winning the Iowa Girls State Class 2A Softball Tournament on July 22, 2016. I would like to congratulate each member of the Van Meter High School Softball team: Players: Trinity Bottenfield, Bre Parkins, Meagan Blomgren, Dion Shirley, Clair Lauterbach, Olivia Prouty, Julia Rhoades, Shelby Tipling, Gwen Boston, Haley Forret, Abby Archer, Bailey Richards, Anna Tipling, Casey Jamison, Emma Durflinger, Lizzy Lyon, Hannah Mason, Paige Wyant, Bailey Harding, and Mackenzie Blomgren, and Coaches: James Flaws, Josh Flaws, and Hillary Pennington. Mr. Speaker, the example set by these students and their coaches demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the entire team for competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing them all nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kurtz Hardware Company for their 150th year of business in the Des Moines metropolitan area. L.H. Kurtz, a German immigrant, founded Kurtz Hardware Company in 1866, starting what is now one of the oldest companies in the community. At first selling hardware and tin items, the store evolved through the years, adding plumbing and heating products, and later sporting goods and houseware sections. A roof collapse in 1998, along with the competition of newer and larger hardware stores opening in the area, led current fifth generation owner Bob Kurtz to refocus the business to concentrate on commercial contracting. The Des Moines Register, in an article featuring the business, asked why Kurtz Hardware Company has lasted so long and endured such difficult times as the Great Depression, World War II, the farm crisis of the 1980s, and the rise of the big box stores. Bob Kurtz answered with a laugh, ``It's just the old stubborn German in us, I guess.'' As a testament to the longevity of Kurtz Hardware Company, the Des Moines Register noted that the company supplied materials for the Equitable Building, Des Moines' first skyscraper of the time, built back in 1924. Today, they are providing doors and hardware for that same Equitable Building as it is currently being renovated into residential living. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Kurtz Hardware Company in the United States Congress and I'm proud to recognize them for their 150 years of service to the Des Moines area. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Kurtz Hardware Company of Des Moines 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 Johnny's Body Shop of Essex, Iowa, for celebrating their 50th year in business. Johnny's Body Shop was founded by the late Johnny and Eileen Resh in 1966. Johnny's Body Shop is currently owned by Hazel and Delaine Resh. They represent the third generation of Resh family ownership. Delaine spends most of his day doing the required insurance and written estimates for customers, and notes how dramatically the auto industry has changed over the years. Delaine and Hazel often state their gratefulness to the residents of Essex for supporting their family-run business for over a half century. Mr. Speaker, I commend Hazel and Delaine Resh for their years of dedicated and devoted service to Essex and the surrounding area. The staff at Johnny's Body Shop make a difference by helping and serving others every day. It is with great honor that I recognize them today and I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them on this outstanding milestone and in wishing them and their entire family nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Julie Walters of Villisca, Iowa, for being selected as a 2016 Women Impacting the Land award recipient. The Women Impacting the Land award showcases Iowa women for their contributions to managing farmland and livestock. While serving as the Page County Clerk of Court for the last 31 years, Julie has also worked on her family's cattle farm with her husband Dave. She attributes some of her extensive knowledge of cattle farming to courses she participated in over the years, like Annie's Project and Women Managing Cattle. Julie is constantly fine-tuning her family's cattle operation and making changes to improve their farm's productivity. Mr. Speaker, I commend Julie for her hard work and dedication in improving and managing her family's farm. Her 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 Julie for her achievements 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 Logan Kinyon of Orient, Iowa, on being crowned the 2017 Miss Rodeo Iowa. Logan is the daughter of Jamie and Lori Kinyon of Orient, Iowa. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri in December 2015 with a degree in Agriculture Business. During her years of participating in rodeo, Logan has competed in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, break-away roping and cutting. She became involved in rodeo pageants in 2012 and was crowned Miss Rodeo Lenox. Logan will now go on to compete at the 2017 Miss Rodeo America pageant in Las Vegas. Mr. Speaker, I commend Logan for the hard work and determination she has displayed in earning this recognition. I am proud to represent her in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Logan on this outstanding achievement and in wishing her best of luck at the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in December.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brenda Shook and the late Scott Shook, of Guthrie Center, Iowa, for being selected as Guthrie County's 2016 inductees into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Scott was an active leader for the Guthrie County 4-H program. He was known for his unwavering guidance during the 4-H Extension Office summer programs and was instrumental in the success of Farm Safety Days. For three years, he was a leader with the SESS Sport Group. An avid hunter, Scott believed children should respect wildlife, gun safety, and all the wonders of the great outdoors. Guiding members through livestock projects, his passion for the world of agriculture was the legacy he passed on. Brenda grew up in 4-H and was an active member from elementary school through her high school years. She led the U.S. Sunshine 4-H group and was co-leader to the Trailblazers. Brenda served on the 4-H Youth Committee, spending countless hours educating the community about agriculture while helping children prepare exhibits for static judging and livestock projects. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Scott and Brenda's efforts exemplify the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Shook family for their outstanding achievements.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate a great Iowa business, Main Street Dance Studios of Panora, Guthrie Center, Stuart and Nevada, Iowa, as they celebrate their 25th year in business. Kristi Vance, owner of Main Street Dance Studios, began dancing at the age of seven. For the past 25 years, Kristi has been imparting her knowledge to many young students. The Main Street Dance Studios teach a range of dance classes including ballet, hip hop, acrobatics, and contemporary dance. Mr. Speaker, over the last 25 years Main Street Dance Studios has left an indelible mark on the dance and youth communities of Iowa. I commend Kristi Vance and all the employees at the Main Street Dance Studios for a job well done. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in honoring this company for their commitment to the arts in the state of Iowa 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 Helen and Denny Zimmerman of Anita, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 14, 1966 at Prescott Methodist Church in Prescott, Iowa. Helen and Denny's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, and 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 and in wishing them nothing but the very best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the month of October is quickly approaching. As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a battle many women and men in this Nation have to endure. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 250,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will have been diagnosed in the United States among women this year. Mr. Speaker, this statistic is heartbreaking. There are very few people who have not been affected by this horrific disease. We have already lost too many family members, neighbors, folks in our communities, and friends to the painful fight, the reality that is this disease. In Congress, we must stand by our brave women and men tirelessly fighting. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have joined over 270 of my colleagues as a cosponsor of H.R. 1197, the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act. This critical, bipartisan bill would establish a commission to help end breast cancer by 2020. Through facilitating public-private partnerships, encouraging advancements in promising research, and coordinating research activities, this commission would help to get us closer to a cure and give patients and families hope. I am here today to honor those who have fought this fight and won, and I am humbled and saddened to remember those who have lost it. Those affected and recovering from breast cancer deserve to know their elected Representatives stand with them. Actions speak louder than words. It is time to make real progress on the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act and finally get the supporting bill signed into law.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

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

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, first, I would like to thank the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Chairman Shuster, and members of the staff for working so hard on this bill. Mr. Chairman, my amendment seeks to address situations where community-owned levees and federally owned U.S. Army Corps of Engineers levees are hydraulically connected. These hydraulically connected levees are close enough to one another in the same water system and can have a huge impact on each other. So when a local flood protection system is in need of repairs, we cannot allow Federal inaction to stand in the way. Without action from the Corps, improvements to local levees have limited effect and are insufficient, making it difficult to achieve accreditation. Why is this important? Not only does it put people and property in flood zones at risk, but it also increases costs for individuals and businesses in our communities, mandating flood insurance and classifying any development as ``high risk.'' I am seeing this in my district, where the City of Des Moines has been working with the Corps since 2011. I know my district is not alone. I see it in other districts as well. Mr. Chairman, we cannot continue to have local governments be hindered by Federal inaction, inaction on property the Federal Government took responsibility for years ago. In the end, this amendment will establish a policy that will reduce and, ultimately, negate the negative impacts to community-owned flood protection system accreditation caused by the Army Corps of Engineers' failure to act. I urge adoption of my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Donna Lee and Don Buch of Grimes, Iowa, as they celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. Donna Lee and Don were married in Clarinda on August 12, 1951. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 65th 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 lovely couple on their 65 years of life 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 Barb and Bill Failor of Ankeny, Iowa, on their 60th wedding anniversary. Barb and Bill's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th anniversary, may their commitment grow even stronger as they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for the years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this lovely couple on their 60 years of life 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 Aggie and Ron Davis of Des Moines, Iowa, on their 70th wedding anniversary. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 70th 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 70th 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 Maxine and Kenny Dass of Ankeny, Iowa, as they celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th 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 60th 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 Margaret and Mick Freeman of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 7, 1966 at Goldfield United Methodist Church in Goldfield, Iowa. Margaret and Mick's lifelong commitment to each other and their six children, Susan, Sandy, Tom, David, Brad, and Marcia, and their 18 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 Kathleen and P. Richard Kelley of Elliott, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary on August 6, 2016. Kathleen and P. Richard's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa values. As they reflect on their 60th 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 60th 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 the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network for their 40 years of service to the hungry citizens of central Iowa. DMARC was founded in 1952 to assist the spiritual needs of the community and promote spiritual, moral, social, and civic welfare of the community. In May 1976, DMARC officials established the Food Pantry Network, an emergency food program to help provide services to the hungry in the area. 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 sites in the Des Moines Independent School District, helping to feed 34,000 people annually. The Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network is comprised of 128 member congregations representing a number of different faiths. These willing volunteers provide food and service hours. The Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network also receives generous assistance from individuals, businesses, and non-member congregations. Mr. Speaker, I commend The Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network on their 40 years and thank them for providing such an important service. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network 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 Van Wall Equipment in Perry, Iowa, on being named the 2016 Dealership of the Year by Farm Equipment magazine. Van Wall, founded in 1977, is recognized for their continued growth, having added 11 agricultural stores, one Powersports store, and one Doosan Material Handling dealership since 2014. Van Wall Equipment was recognized for keeping diversification at the forefront by selling crop insurance, artistic concrete, and soil moisture monitors. Don Van Houweling, the owner and general manager of Van Wall Equipment, credits the great employees he has had over the years, telling the Dallas County News that the dealership motto is ``the clear first choice.'' Mr. Speaker, I commend Van Wall Equipment for earning the 2016 Dealership of the Year award, and for their nearly 35 years of service to Iowa farmers. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Van Wall Equipment and wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sheri and Fred Berggren on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. Sheri and Fred were married on September 18, 1956 and made their home in Nodaway, Iowa. Their lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. As the years pass, may their love continue to grow even stronger and may they continue to love, cherish, and honor one another for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I commend this couple on their 60 years of life 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.