David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Madam Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. So we can't find out what the science is. At the same time, we don't even know who these nameless, faceless folks are in the bureaucracy who are putting out these rules and regulations. Why are we to be left in the dark? What is wrong with transparency? Sunlight is the best disinfectant. The American people are tired of this, are tired about this veil around our government. I don't care what administration it is, Republican, Democrat, why should it matter. I put my name on a bill and amendment. You do, too. These rules and regulations that come out, we have no idea who these people are. They could be very well intended and that is fine. We don't know what their titles are either. Are they experts in their fields? We don't know. Where is the transparency? This amendment passed in a bipartisan way before. I am asking for my colleagues to support it this time. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Transparency is a good thing. Shining sunlight is a good thing. It is the best disinfectant out there. Why can't we know, the American people, the science and the cost benefit behind the rules and regulations that are inflicted upon the American people, good or bad, whatever they are? Madam Chairman, the other side, my friend mentioned the Ex-Im Bank. I am not in that battle with this amendment. This is just about general rules and regulations, the science behind them. Why can't the American people know what it is? We will all be on the same playing field, so we know what we are talking about. It is a good thing. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I heard my friend from the other side talk about the SEC and Dodd- Frank and executive orders. We are just, really, talking about any rules and regulations pertaining to this act--the transportation bill, primarily the Department of Transportation. I believe that it is very important that we have more transparency and accountability in government. I do not see what is wrong with the American people being allowed to see the data, the cost-benefit analyses, the science, and the criteria of those who make these rules. What is so wrong with that, with being on the same page? I simply ask my colleagues to support this amendment. Transparency and accountability, we talk about it a lot, but we don't do enough of it. I have some other great transparency and accountability amendments, and we will worry about those later. Right now, I am asking my colleagues to support transparency and accountability. Let the American people see how we make decisions that affect their lives. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. We talk a lot about transparency and accountability around here. We hear about transparency and accountability needs from our constituents regarding the Federal Government. It is time to quit just talking the talk and walk the talk. The question is: How do rulemakers get their conclusions? How do they come to a decision when they are working on rules and regulations? They have certain science and data and criteria and analyses that they look at, but we don't often get to see that. We hear their conclusions, and we wonder: How did they get to that conclusion? They used science, data, and analyses. My amendment simply says that those scientific tools, data, and analyses have to be made public and just posted online. It is pretty simple. The data they used needs to go online so we can see it all as well and have the same benchmark and be on the same page. Why shouldn't Americans have access to this as well? Why shouldn't we have a more transparent government? Just post a link on the Internet. Let's walk the talk on transparency. This amendment has been approved before as part of the REINS Act that passed 249-159. Now, the REINS Act looked at the whole Federal Government, but this amendment just pertains to the Department of Transportation. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. It is common sense. It is what our constituents demand--common sense and transparency. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Glen and Susan Travis of Thurman, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 24, 1965. Glen and Susan's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Vicki, Scott, and Kari, and their grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. It is families like the Travis family that make me proud to call myself an Iowan and represent the people of our great state. Mr. Speaker, I commend this special 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 pay tribute to a distinguished Urbandale, Iowa resident and industry leader, Michael J. Heid. Mike is a widely respected mortgage industry executive with Wells Fargo, whose mortgage business is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. Mike recently announced his retirement after an impactful and successful 30-year banking career that culminated in spending the last eleven years as President of Wells Fargo Home Lending. In addition to managing 40,000 employees across the country, Mike has been a leader in shaping housing policy while helping the industry navigate the unprecedented challenges of the past decade. He devoted a great deal of his time to bringing together divergent views on housing finance reform and has spent hours acting as a valuable subject matter resource to policymakers on Capitol Hill along with multiple Administrations. A frequent visitor to the nation's capital, Mike has been referred to as the ``go-to source'' in Washington for housing policy matters. He has testified before Congressional committees on numerous occasions and is known for his thoughtful approach and his in-depth and unbiased knowledge of the housing industry. A native of Wisconsin, Mike joined Wells Fargo in 1988. During his twenty-seven years at the company, he has led the servicing function and acted as CFO before becoming president of the mortgage business. Wells Fargo was the nation's largest home lender during his tenure. But Mike hasn't always been perched at the top of the mortgage industry. He started at a small mortgage bank whose cash flow was so poor, that he determined he would have to sell the furniture to stay afloat. Mike draws his strength from his family; his wife, his son and his daughter. He now has extra incentive to spend more time with his family, having two granddaughters living in the Des Moines area. Full-time grandparent sounded awfully inviting to Mike. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mike's dedication to the greater Des Moines community, and his steadfast commitment to bringing the American dream of home ownership to so many. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Mike and wishing him and his wife Diane nothing but the best as they plan this new chapter in their lives.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of Nicole Aldrich, MSN, RN of Altoona, Iowa. On Sept. 18, 2015, VA Central Iowa Health Care System hosted a POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony. The ceremony was running accordingly until mid-way through when the keynote speaker collapsed at the lectern. Without hesitation, Nicole charged forward from the back of the room, announced that she was a nurse, and took charge of the situation. She immediately began CPR and then shouted for an AED. At this point her 79 year old patient was unconscious, but she dutifully continued CPR until the AED was used and the POW keynote speaker began to breathe on his own again. Nicole turned the patient onto his side and reassured him the EMT was on its way. Once in the ER, her quick actions were repeatedly praised and she was credited for saving the man's life. Nicole is an eight year veteran employee of VA Central Iowa. She received her BSN degree from Grand View University and her Masters of Nursing in Leadership and Management from Walden University. She currently serves as the Nurse Manager for the Specialty Clinics/ Diabetes Education/Oncology unit at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to represent leaders like Nicole in the United States Congress. I applaud her lifesaving efforts and I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in commending Nicole, thanking her for her efforts, and wishing her nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Martha Bruckner of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for her selection as Iowa's 2015-16 School Superintendent of the Year. Under Dr. Bruckner's leadership the Council Bluffs Community School District has seen great successes, including improved graduation rates and increased academic achievement. This award is presented by the School Administrators of Iowa, based on standards that include a shared vision of learning, a presence of school culture, a safe and effective learning environment, engagement with the community, integrity and fairness, and a dedication to addressing the issues facing public education. Dr. Bruckner embodies these criteria with her passion for education and her leadership within the Council Bluffs School District. She has shown that a commitment to improving the learning environment within a school district can and will yield positive results for students. Mr. Speaker, I commend Dr. Bruckner for her dedicated service to the Council Bluffs Community School District, and more importantly, to each and every student she oversees. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Dr. Bruckner for receiving this outstanding award and in wishing her and her students nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nicholas De Kruif of Boy Scout Troop 98 in Urbandale, Iowa, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Nicholas is the son of Jim and Elizabeth De Kruif of Johnston, Iowa. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about four percent of Boy Scouts earn the prestigious Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests organized by requirements and merit badges, and complete an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Nicholas has earned 21 merit badges as a Boy Scout. For his Eagle Scout Service Project he and his twin brother Noah, who is also an Eagle Scout, revitalized a local school, the Joshua Christian Academy. The project included a complete renovation of the landscaping, painting fresh lines in the parking lots, adding concrete barriers in areas of need, and making a sign to help identify the school. The staff at Joshua Christian Academy really appreciated the effort to make the school safer and more visually appealing. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Nicholas and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him on reaching the rank of Eagle Scout and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Noah De Kruif of Boy Scout Troop 98 in Urbandale, Iowa, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Noah is the son of Jim and Elizabeth De Kruif of Johnston, Iowa. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about four percent of Boy Scouts earn the prestigious Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests organized by requirements and merit badges, and complete an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Noah has earned 21 merit badges as a Boy Scout. For his Eagle Scout Service Project he and his twin brother Nicholas, who is also an Eagle Scout, revitalized a local school, the Joshua Christian Academy. The project included a complete renovation of the landscaping, painting fresh lines in the parking lots, adding concrete barriers in areas of need, and making a sign to help identify the school. The staff at Joshua Christian Academy really appreciated the effort to make the school safer and more visually appealing. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Noah and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him on reaching the rank of Eagle Scout and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Donald and Juanita Clouse of Griswold, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 24, 1950 in Tingley, Iowa. Mr. Speaker, Donald and Juanita's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Diane, Penny, Cindy and Steve, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. I commend this great couple on their 65th 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Corning Center for the Fine Arts (CCFA) as they celebrate their 10th anniversary bringing art and culture to southwest Iowa. CCFA, housed in a renovated and repurposed building in Corning, opened its doors on Sept 30, 2005. Its studio and gallery were modeled to create an attractive environment for its artist in residence program and has two renovated apartments above for those artists. Since 2006, the art center has been home to 16 artists that have come from the United States and abroad. CCFA also holds annual student art shows to encourage young people to explore their talents. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent the Corning Center for the Fine Arts and its hard working employees and volunteers in the United States Congress. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating them on their 10th anniversary and wishing them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Webster Elementary School in Urbandale, Iowa, for being selected as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to receive this prestigious designation, schools must demonstrate a commitment to enriching the academic experience of each and every student by closing the achievement gaps among student subgroups. Overall, 335 schools have received this designation. Urbandale's Webster Elementary School has shown that hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence can lead an entire school to academic success. The leaders within this school have found a formula for success by working together to improve student-teacher relationships, meeting each student and their learning styles on an individual level. Mr. Speaker, the efforts shown by Urbandale's Webster Elementary School demonstrates Iowa's commitment to academic excellence. This award is an embodiment of the hard work and dedication every member of their faculty has displayed to improve the lives of their students. It is truly an honor to represent the students and faculty of the Webster Elementary School in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them for their achievements, and wish each and every one of them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Craig and Linda Woltmann of Walnut, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 12, 1965, at the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut. Craig and Linda's lifelong commitment to each other, their daughter, Wendy, and their grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. I commend this great couple on their 50th 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joe and Joan Welch of Council Bluffs, Iowa, for celebrating their Orchard's 25th anniversary this season. As one of a handful of local orchards, Welch's has provided high quality products along with a dedication to customer service. Thousands of local residents flock to the orchard each year to enjoy the wide variety of products that the orchard offers, from honey crisp apples to 100-pound pumpkins. For 25 years Welch's Orchard has been a fun and entertaining attraction for children and adults alike. Mr. Speaker, I commend and congratulate Joe and Joan Welch and their staff for their 25 years of dedicated service to Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Welch's Orchard and wishing them nothing but continued success moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Carl Dean Carr of Boy Scout Troop 40 in Des Moines, Iowa, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the prestigious Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. For his project, Carl worked with the FOCUS program at Hoyt Middle School in Des Moines. FOCUS is a collaborative program between Des Moines Public Schools and Broadlawns Medical Center. They provide academic and counseling services for at-risk students between 3rd and 8th grade. Carl led a group of students that created signs with self-talk statements for a coping area in the school. Students are able to utilize this area when they are having a tough day so they can compose themselves and rejoin the classroom. The work ethic Carl has shown in his Eagle Project and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community. Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent Carl and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating him on reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish him nothing but continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dale and Janice Ward of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. They married in 1965. Dale and Janice's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Jill and Lisa, along with their grandchildren, truly embodies our Iowa values. I commend this great couple on their 50th 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dan, Kathy, and Pete Poulos, of the Pizza King Restaurant in Council Bluffs, Iowa. For 50 years, Pizza King has been a landmark in the business community. It was founded in 1965, and has been a family-owned operation since its inception. Pizza King has hosted events of all kinds, from wedding rehearsal dinners, to children's parties, to anniversary celebrations. Pizza King has been the restaurant of choice for a quiet dinner for two, a business meeting, or a gathering of over 100. The Poulos Family works together to provide outstanding customer service each and every day. The Pizza King Restaurant is a Council Bluffs institution and has provided delicious food, paired with a warm and inviting atmosphere, for generations of diners. Mr. Speaker, I commend Dan, Kathy, Pete and the entire Poulos family for 50 years of dedicated service to Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Pizza King and its owners for this outstanding achievement. I wish the Poulos family and staff nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fabric and Friends Quilt Guild of Adair County, Iowa, for their continued service to our country's veterans. The Guild, which was formed in 2001, began with members creating ``cooling ties'' for soldiers deployed to Iraq and quilts for service members recovering at Walter Reed Hospital. Guild members now present ``Red, White and Blue'' quilts to local service members. Mr. Speaker, the selflessness and dedication each member of this group demonstrates embodies the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent them, and Iowans like them, in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in recognizing the Fabric and Friends Quilt Guild for their service to our armed service members and veterans and wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ramon and Jean Smith of Atlantic, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 18, 1955. Ramon and Jean's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Sherrie, Terry, and Doug, truly embodies Iowa values. I commend this devoted 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Larry Peterson, of Creston, Iowa, for being selected as a member of the Creston High School Hall of Fame. Mr. Peterson has been writing for newspapers since the day he graduated from the University of Iowa in 1979. He has spent 30 years writing for the Creston News Advertiser, where he has served as sports editor, assistant editor, feature writer and sports writer. Larry has covered more than 3,000 high school games, numerous state championship teams and more than 100 individual champions during his time as a sports writer. Larry has also spent almost 16 years coaching teams in Creston throughout the years. Mr. Speaker, Larry's efforts embody the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent him, and Iowans like him, in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Larry for his achievements and wish him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate John and Emogene Kaufman of Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. They were married on September 16, 1950 at the First Christian Church in Council Bluffs, where they have remained members. John and Emogene's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, John and Susan, their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. I commend this devoted couple on their 65th 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joe and Dorothy Hildreth of Underwood, Iowa, on the very special occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Joe and Dorothy were married in 1965. Joe and Dorothy's lifelong commitment to each other and their children, Brenda and Pam, along with their grandchildren, truly embodies Iowa values. I commend this devoted couple on their 50th 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. I wish them and their family nothing but the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Marion Dresdow on the celebration of her 100th birthday. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Marion'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. Marion 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 Marion in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Marion on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more 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 George Mertz of Walnut, Iowa, on the celebration of his 100th birthday on October 3, 2015. In George's early years he took over the family farm implement business and sold real estate in Walnut, Iowa. He married Evelyn Oldehoff on September 10, 1944, and has four sons, 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. George admirably served in the U.S. Air Force during the Second World War. Longevity runs in the family, as his dad lived to be 101. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent George, and Iowans like him, in the United States Congress. I urge my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating George in reaching this incredible milestone. I wish him continued health and happiness in the years to come.