Member of Congress
David Young
- Role
- Former Representative
- State
- IA
- Party
- Republican
Speeches
TRIBUTE TO AGGIE AND RON DAVIS2016-09-27
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.
TRIBUTE TO KEN WEST2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken West, of Perry, IA, for his quick thinking and heroic actions that saved a man's life. Mr. West was eating lunch at the Hy-Vee in Perry on July 14, 2016 when he noticed that a store employee had started to choke. Mr. West jumped into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver which removed the obstruction. He told the Dallas County News that he was trained in the life-saving procedure ``a long time ago'' but that it was the first time he has ever needed to perform it. His father served as an ambulance emergency medical technician and fire chief when Mr. West was a young man. He credits watching his father perform similar work and said his father was the source of that instinct to rush to the rescue. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Mr. West and Iowans like him. I encourage every American to learn such life-saving procedures in case we should find ourselves in a similar situation. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring Ken for his exemplary actions.
TRIBUTE TO RICHARD VORTHMANN2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Richard Vorthmann of Treynor, Iowa, for his selection as Iowan of the Day at the 2016 Iowa State Fair. Richard's recognition day was August 16, 2016. Richard received this honor because of his many years of service in the Treynor community. This award is given by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and recognizes Iowa's most outstanding citizens, who demonstrate the Iowa values of dependability, integrity, hard work, and sense of community. Richard Vorthmann is described as ``a pillar of the Treynor community.'' He has served for 35 years as a township trustee, clerk, and fair board member, and 25 years as a 4-H leader and member of the Treynor school re-organization committee. He helped build the first tanker truck for the volunteer fire department, and is very active in his church. Richard is best known for his work with the Treynor Optimist Club, where he oversees the Treynor Can Kennel, a redemption center for cans that helps raise money for local youth groups, raising over $135,000 for community projects. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Richard Vorthmann for receiving this well-deserved recognition. He is a shining example of how hard work, determination, and dedication can affect the future of so many. 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 Richard's accomplishments and service to his community. I wish him nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO GARY HERRICK2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gary Herrick of Van Meter, Iowa, for his 40 years of service to the Van Meter Fire Department. Mr. Herrick recently retired from the department after four decades of service to the community of Van Meter. Throughout his tenure he has held every rank in the department, including chief, and has been an invaluable source of information for all other members of the fire department. His vast experience not only helped train fellow firefighters on how to best fight fires and rescue people, but also how to show compassion to victims, and how to interact with the community. Current Fire Chief Jon Bruen told the Dallas County News that Mr. Herrick has been a mentor to him during his years on the department. Now retired, Mr. Herrick will continue his service by working to construct buildings with World Mission Builders, a mission which has built over 230 churches and related buildings in 88 countries. Even still, he plans to be only a phone call away if the Van Meter Fire Department should have any questions. Mr. Speaker, I commend Gary for his forty years of service to his community. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating him and wishing him nothing but continued success.
SECURING OUR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD ACT2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Donovan and Ranking Member Payne. Last year's outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza forced a tough and heartbreaking reality for many folks in Iowa's Third Congressional District, all over the State, and in districts across the country. Iowa suffered the largest animal disease outbreak in State history, devastating many farmers and producers by wiping out millions of layer hens, turkeys, and backyard flocks. Now, as the Federal Government scrambled to respond to last year's events, efforts revealed problems with their ability to react quickly and communicate with stakeholders. I heard from numerous farmers, producers, and other stakeholders frustrated by this lack of communication and delay in action. Response efforts to the outbreak also highlighted concerns about our country's ability to share information and quickly respond to potential agroterrorism threats and attacks. Now, as our Nation faces global and complex national security challenges, agroterrorism as well as future large-scale animal disease outbreaks pose serious threats to our food, agriculture, and livestock industries in the United States. I introduced the Securing our Agriculture and Food Act, H.R. 5346, in order to address this issue by securing our Nation's agriculture industry, food supply, and ultimately protecting our consumers, our families, across the Nation. This agroterrorism preparedness legislation requires the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to elevate preparedness of our Nation's food, agriculture, and veterinary systems against terrorism and high-risk events. It also authorizes the Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, to collaborate with other Federal agencies to ensure food, agriculture, and animal and human health sectors receive much-needed attention, and are integrated into the Department's domestic preparedness policy initiatives. Whether we are preparing for future avian influenza outbreaks, animal disease outbreaks, or unforeseen emergencies or attacks, our Federal Government must have the tools and resources to act quickly and keep stakeholders informed. Parents should not have to worry about the safety of the food that they serve their children. We must ensure a safe and abundant food supply for our families; and my bill, this bipartisan bill, enables us to do just that. I want to thank all Members--Homeland Security Chairman McCaul, Ranking Member Thompson, Subcommittee Chairman Donovan, Ranking Member Payne for helping and making this a better bill, and Chairman Conaway of the Committee on Agriculture and Chairman Upton of the Committee on Energy and Commerce--who worked closely with me to bring this important bill to the floor. This was truly a collaborative effort and proves that we can do things in a bipartisan manner and together for the good of the country. I want to thank staff as well, especially those on the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications of the Committee on Homeland Security who worked so hard on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this bill.
TRIBUTE TO DOROTHY AND CHUCK BURNETT2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dorothy and Chuck Burnett of Atlantic, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on July 29, 1956 at Noble Center Church in Lyman, Iowa. Dorothy and Chuck's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Scott, Lynn, and Brian, five grandchildren, and three great- grandchildren, 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.
TRIBUTE TO JEANNINE LILJEDAHL2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Jeannine Liljedahl of Essex, Iowa, for being recognized as the Grand Marshal of the 2016 Essex Labor Day parade. Jeannine received this honor for her years of service to the Essex community. Jeannine has a long history of community involvement. She is a member of the Fremont Lutheran Church, Essex Community Club, Lied Public Library in Essex, Southview Village/Low Rent Housing Committee, Essex Study and Service Club, Greater Shenandoah Historical Society, P.E.O., Rotary Club, Book Club, Shenandoah Medical Center Foundation, and the Page County Magistrate Commission. In 1998, Jeannine helped create the Little Red Wagon Food Delivery Service in Essex. This program was designed to keep people in their homes with a hot meal and to support Red's Restaurant in Essex. Little Red Wagon provided nearly 2,000 meals in 2015 alone. Mr. Speaker, I commend Jeannine for the dedicated service she provides to the citizens of Essex and Page County, Iowa. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Jeannine and wishing her nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO IDA MEHLMANN2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ida Mehlmann of Griswold, Iowa, on the celebration of her 100th birthday on September 4, 2016. Ida celebrates this special day with her twin brother, Ira Spieker, who lives in Michigan. Ida resides at the Griswold Care Center in Griswold, Iowa, and enjoys embroidering and working on puzzles. Ida tells her friends of her simple philosophy: she takes life day by day and tends to do whatever she wants to do. Ida and her late husband, LeRoy, were married on March 8, 1939 at the Atlantic Methodist Church parsonage. They had six children including twin daughters. Ida was born and raised on a farm, helped with the daily chores of farm life growing up, and later married a farmer. She said she has seen many changes throughout her life, but the biggest change was having access to electricity. Ida is also known for her baking skills and her famous sour cream raisin pie. Her talent in the kitchen has given her the reputation as one of the best pie makers in southwest Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I am honored and pleased to congratulate Ida Mehlmann on her 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Ida on this incredible milestone and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.
TRIBUTE TO OAKLAND MANOR2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Oakland Manor of Oakland, Iowa, for its 50 years of service in providing high- quality healthcare in Oakland and southwest Iowa. Oakland Manor was established in 1966 and offers skilled nursing care and assisted living to its resident community. The facility also offers a special ventilator unit and provides continuum of care with a dedicated staff and medical team. The Oakland Manor staff is committed to helping their residents live a quality life every day. Mr. Speaker, I commend Oakland Manor and its staff for reaching this milestone in dedicated and devoted service to Oakland and southwest Iowa. Their highly skilled team makes a difference by helping and serving others. It is with great honor that I recognize Oakland Manor today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating them and in wishing the entire staff nothing but continued success.
NO VETERANS CRISIS LINE CALL SHOULD GO UNANSWERED ACT2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, I introduced the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, H.R. 5392, a bipartisan piece of legislation, doing this after hearing from a constituent who called the Veterans Crisis Line for help but never was connected to a live person. Though I have spoken on the floor about this issue before, as well as others, I remain deeply concerned with the many struggles and challenges our veterans face as they transition from Active Duty to civilian life and beyond. These are brave women and men who have sacrificed much in service to their country. Now, our servicemembers have given up holidays, missed birthdays, weddings, and other important life events of their family members, communities, and friends. They have been mobilized or deployed to some of the most volatile regions of the world for months on end, and the list goes on. They are our friends, family, and neighbors, and they make significant sacrifices because they believe in this great Nation and strive to protect the freedoms we have guaranteed. Now, unfortunately, more and more veterans carry deep scars-- emotional war wounds--ones we cannot see. These men and women deserve our support. Now, our country has a responsibility to ensure our brave veterans not only have the benefits that they have earned, but have access to services and resources intended to help them through the storms of life. Mr. Speaker, it is hard for anyone to ask for help sometimes, and the sad fact is today and every day this week, 20 veterans will take their lives. So it is unacceptable for any veteran who is reaching out for help and a listening ear to be turned away unanswered, especially when help may mean the difference between life and death. That is why I introduced, with bipartisan support from my colleagues, legislation to make critical improvements to the Veterans Crisis Line. This bipartisan bill requires the VA to create and implement documented plans to improve responsiveness and performance of the crisis line--an important step to ensure our veterans have unimpeded access to the mental health resources that they need. Even the VA has acknowledged these problems, which were also documented in two separate investigations conducted by the VA Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office. This bill drives accountability within the Veterans Crisis Line, ensuring any call or text or messages are answered, and ensuring the quality processes, including those guiding staff training, are addressed and provided to Congress. Our men and women in uniform have answered our Nation's call, and we must work to do better and ensure their calls do not go unanswered. Mr. Speaker, I want to especially thank Chairman Miller and his staff for working so closely with me on this bill. It is a pleasure serving with him, and his leadership on these issues will be missed in his retirement. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is only fitting that we pass this bill today to help our veterans. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
TRIBUTE TO LORRAINE GALVANI2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Lorraine Galvani of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the celebration of her 100th birthday. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Lorraine'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. Lorraine has lived through seventeen United States Presidents and twenty-four Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Lorraine in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Lorraine on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.
TRIBUTE TO CHERYL WESSELS2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Cheryl Wessels of Anita, Iowa, for her recognition as Iowan of the Day at the 2016 Iowa State Fair. Cheryl received this honor because she has made a difference in the lives of others while demonstrating the Iowa values of dependability, integrity, hard work, and sense of community. This award is given by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation to recognize Iowa's most outstanding citizens. Cheryl's day of recognition was held on August 13, 2016. Cheryl plays an active role in her community. Her service includes serving on the library board, church treasury, P.E.O. and Cass County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Cheryl Wessels is most noted for her passion for the Little Dresses for Africa program. The 3,000 dresses she makes are distributed in Africa to orphanages, churches, and schools, to provide relief to children in Africa and around the world. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Cheryl Wessels for earning this award. She is a shining example of how hard work, determination, and dedication can affect the future of so many. It is with great honor that I recognize her today. I know that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in recognizing her accomplishments and her service to her community. I wish her nothing but continued success in her future endeavors.
TRIBUTE TO HELEN AND CARL BRANDENBURG2016-09-26
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Helen and Carl Brandenburg of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They celebrated their anniversary--and Carl's 80th birthday--on August 26, 2016. Helen and Carl's lifelong commitment to each other and their children and grandchildren 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.
TRIBUTE TO VIOLA AND DARWIN BROCKMAN2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Viola and Darwin Brockman of Hancock, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on July 24, 1956. Viola and Darwin'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.
TRIBUTE TO LEONA AND TOM STUART2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Leona and Tom Stuart of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on July 15, 1956 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Neola, Iowa. Leona and Tom'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 know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.
PROHIBITING FUTURE RANSOM PAYMENTS TO IRAN ACT2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Royce for his leadership on this issue. I rise in support of this legislation, the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act, of which I am a proud cosponsor. Last month, Mr. Chairman, information came to light the administration secretly paid a cash ransom to Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism, in exchange for the release of American hostages, a decision kept secret from Congress, a decision kept from Congress because, as this administration and its own State Department know well, it is longstanding U.S. policy to deny hostage-takers the benefits of ransom. In fact, just last year, President Obama issued a Presidential Policy Directive stating just that: ``The United States Government will make no concessions to individuals or groups holding U.S. nationals hostage. It is United States policy to deny hostage-takers the benefits of ransom, prisoner releases, policy changes, or other acts of concession.'' I fear this President has set a dangerous precedent for United States nationals and personnel abroad. We are already seeing it, Mr. Chairman. Since the ransom has been paid, Iran has taken seven more United States citizens hostage. This decision was not only foolish, but shortsighted. I have yet to mention where this money is likely to go. Iran has been designated as a state sponsor of terrorism by the U.S. State Department since 1984. It has supported groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, which call for the destruction of our allies, including Israel. The President would understandably like to deny ransom was paid and instead claim this was simply leverage and part of a settlement deal that he struck with the same Iranians who, by his own admission, have violated the spirit of his generous agreements before. For someone who holds the spirit of pledges in such high esteem, Mr. Chairman, I don't think even the President could disagree that, at the very least, he violated the spirit of his own policy. This administration's desire to appease a radical Iranian regime knows no bounds. Though the President stands idly by as the Iranians violate the terms of their agreement with the United States, Congress must not stand idly by while he violates his own deal with the American people. I thank Chairman Royce for his leadership on this. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, H.R. 5931. It is time to cut off the cash.
TRIBUTE TO JIM AMDOR2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jim Amdor of Corning, Iowa, for being selected as Adams County's 2016 inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Jim has been involved with 4-H since becoming a member of the Adams County Jasper Specialists in the 1950s. His family has a long history of volunteering with 4-H and Jim has carried on that family tradition well. He has lent his expertise in livestock to 4-H events by judging and speaking at various county fairs all throughout the state. The commitment that Jim has shown young people involved in 4-H is unparalleled. The entire 4-H organization is lucky to have someone of Jim's caliber inducted into their hall of fame. Mr. Speaker, Jim'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 Jim for his achievements and wish him nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO TED BENSHOOF2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ted Benshoof of Winterset, Iowa for being selected as Madison County's 2016 inductee into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. The Iowa 4-H Foundation hosts the 4-H Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Iowa State Fair each year. Iowa counties select Hall of Fame inductees for their contributions to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Ted has left a lasting impact on the Madison County 4-H program through his unwavering commitment as a volunteer. On pig weigh-in days at the Madison County 4-H/FFA show, he has been known to go around to each member's home, making sure those who are unable to make it still have the opportunity to weigh-in their entries. His actions are a testament to his dedication to the 4-H youth of Madison County. Mr. Speaker, Ted'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 Ted for his achievements and wish him nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO BOBBI AND JIM WILLIAMS2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bobbi and Jim Williams of Greenfield, Iowa, for being selected as Adair County's 2016 inductees into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame. Bobbi Williams began her career in 4-H as a member of the Lee Blue Ribbons, the club her great-grandmother organized. She enjoyed home improvement and food and nutrition projects, but most wanted to show livestock. She joined the boys' 4-H club and began showing Hereford steers at the county and state fair. She was leader of her daughter's club, Adair County Wing Walkers, and was honored as a 4-H Alumna in 2010. Jim Williams has volunteered with a number of 4-H committees and events throughout the years. He has been especially committed to the youth of Adair County, and has dedicated his time to Adair County 4-H Youth Action Committee. He promotes and supports youth activities by encouraging local businesses and individuals to provide whatever support they can. Mr. Speaker, Bobbi and Jim Williams' efforts embody 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 Bobbi and Jim for their achievements and wish them nothing but continued success.
TRIBUTE TO SANDRA AND GLEN STOVER2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sandra and Glen Stover of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on July 30, 1966 in Terre Haute, Indiana. Sandra and Glen's lifelong commitment to each other, their children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter 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.
TRIBUTE TO PAT AND RICHARD PERKINS2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Pat and Richard Perkins of Shenandoah, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 6, 1966. Pat and Richard'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.
TRIBUTE TO ELOISE AND HAROLD DINSMORE2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Eloise and Harold Dinsmore of Farragut, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on August 3, 1956. Eloise and Harold'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 many 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.
TRIBUTE TO JAN AND JOHN HUSMANN2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jan and John Husmann of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary on July 30, 2016. Jan and John'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 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.
TRIBUTE TO THE CLARINDA LIONS CLUB2016-09-22
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary of the Clarinda Lions Club of Clarinda, Iowa. The members of this service club exemplify the Lions motto: ``We Serve.'' The Clarinda Lions Club members demonstrate this philosophy of selfless volunteer service each and every day. The Clarinda Lions Club was chartered by Lions International in June 1946. Lions International began in 1917, when a Chicago businessman encouraged his local business club to go beyond business and focus on improving their communities and the world. After contacting other service groups to join this new effort, Lions International was born. Lions Clubs offer a number of services to the communities they serve. The Clarinda Lions Club puts on an annual pancake meal to raise funds to benefit the community, sponsors the Santa House during the holiday season, and participates in the SightFirst international program to help restore sight and prevent blindness. They also assist local residents with repurposing unwanted prescription glasses and send glasses overseas to people who have limited vision care. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate the Clarinda Lions Club for the difference they continue to make in their community. Over the past 70 years, their members have been dedicated to helping and serving others, and it is a great honor to recognize them today. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Clarinda Lions Club for their many accomplishments. I wish them nothing but continued success in all their future endeavors.