David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a very special 7th grader from Hamburg, Iowa, located in the 3rd Congressional District which I represent. Autumn Gadoua is the statewide winner in the Iowa League of Cities 5th Annual ``If I Were Mayor'' essay contest. This annual essay contest allows students to form and express ideas regarding citizenship and leadership. Autumn and the other district winners are being recognized today at a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. In her essay Autumn wrote that if she were mayor of her hometown she would pursue policies that preserve the town's history and the historical brick buildings for current and new businesses. She notes that this policy would connect the past to the present and promote growth for the future. Mayor Gadoua would also work for opportunities to help businesses thrive, bring new businesses and families to the town, promote green solutions, recycling, and support police officers and firefighters to keep them and the citizens of the community safe. Autumn concluded her essay by saying, ``I would visit the school in my community to teach children the responsibilities of a mayor and give examples of good citizenship. To help children grow and learn, I would establish an after school youth club. Being mayor is a big responsibility, but one that is rewarding and important to me.'' I applaud and congratulate Autumn for her award winning essay and for proving that the next generation of leaders in Iowa and this nation are already preparing for their time of service. I am proud to represent Autumn and her family, her teachers and fellow students in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in congratulating Autumn Gadoua and wishing her well and continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lt. Colonel Travis Acheson upon being promoted to the rank of Colonel. He has dedicated his life to his country and I am proud to recognize his service and accomplishments today. After graduating from Valley High School in Des Moines, Colonel Acheson attended the University of Iowa with a degree in Economics. He was commissioned shortly after through the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science. He's served as Commander of the 124th Fighter Squadron at the Iowa Air National Guard in Des Moines. He has over 2,300 flying hours and flown missions in Iraq and Afghanistan for the operations Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Throughout his life Colonel Acheson has displayed enormous courage, resolve, and selflessness in his service. He's dedicated his life to our country and we cannot thank him enough for the sacrifices he's made. Colonel Acheson is an Iowan who we can all be proud of. We must never forget those who have answered the call to serve this nation and the cause of freedom. Iowans like him are the reason we can all sleep soundly at night and enjoy the freedoms we cherish so much. It's with great honour I recognize Colonel Acheson and his family today. I know that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring his accomplishments. I thank him for his service and wish him and his family all the best moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Carl Cochran of Minden, Iowa for being inducted into the Tri-Center High School Basketball Hall of Fame. The Basketball Hall of Fame at Tri-Center was established in 1991 to honor players and coaches who have contributed to the success of Tri- Center's outstanding basketball tradition. Over fifty players and coaches have been inducted into the hall of fame. Over his 39 year career with Tri-Center, Coach Cochran won 551 games, made five state tournaments, won five Western Iowa Conference Championships, five Conference Tournament Championships, eight District Championships, and five Substate Championships. Coach Cochran was also awarded the State of Iowa Coach of the Year in 1986 and 2008 and was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association's Hall of Fame in 2009. In addition to these many honors Coach Cochran has a well-deserved reputation for helping produce great students and guiding them to become even better young adults. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Coach Cochran and the countless hours of devotion to his students 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 House join me in congratulating him on this latest honor and wish him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Charlie Napier, Sunita Kolareth, Gabriel Mintzer, Ryan Thompson, Arun Velamuri, and Coach Nathan Speichinger of Valley High School of West Des Moines, Iowa for winning their regional competition for the 2015 National Science Bowl (NSB). This program is one of the largest science competitions in the nation and a prestigious academic competition that challenges America's students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields. The NSB brings together thousands of middle and high school students from across the country to compete in solving technical problems and answering questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, and math. Approximately 240,000 students have participated in the National Science Bowl since it was established in 1991. More than 14,000 students compete in the NSB each year. The Valley High School team won their qualifying regional competition this past weekend, and will be advancing to the National Finals in April. Mr. Speaker, the example set by these students demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I am honored to represent these students and their families in the United States Congress. I know all of my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating them on competing in this rigorous competition and wishing continued success in their education and careers.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of H.R. 644, which promotes charitable giving. Think about this: one in eight Iowans struggle to find food, and one in five Iowa children don't have enough to eat. Iowa and our country face a very real challenge here that we cannot ignore. Mr. Speaker, this week, we will be considering H.R. 644, the Fighting Hunger Incentive Act. H.R. 644 is good for families who give, and it is good for the families they serve. It is a commonsense solution that all my colleagues should support. This bill would permanently update the Tax Code to provide for enhanced deductions for food inventory donations. We have great food banks across the Hawkeye State, but they are always in need of food inventory. Let's pass H.R. 644. It makes giving less expensive, and it makes more businesses and families eligible for the credit so that we can empower those who can make a difference.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tucker Bluml for being awarded the Ron Scott Wrestler of Character Award at the Scott Duels in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. Tucker was selected for this honor by a committee of wrestlers, coaches, officials, and teachers who worked with Coach Scott. This is a prestigious award that is presented annually to a wrestler nominated by one of the competing schools who has displayed exemplary character. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Tucker and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and persistence. I am honored to represent Tucker and his parents, Shawn and Barbie Bluml, in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating him on being recognized with the Ron Scott Wrestler of Character Award, and I wish him continued success in his future education and the sport of wrestling.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a native Iowan--John Tedore from West Des Moines--for his service to our great country. Mr. Tedore was a member of the elite First Special Service Force that became renowned for their missions in Italy and southern France in World War II. Mr. Tedore was in Washington, D.C., yesterday--in the great Capitol Building here--along with nearly 40 of his fellow veterans, known as the Devil's Brigade, to receive the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest honor Congress can bestow upon civilians. For the men of the Devil's Brigade, this is an honor highly deserved. John Tedore--this hero, this Iowan--stood for all of those who could not be here so that they may never be forgotten for their selfless and heroic service. We must never forget those who answered the call to serve to protect our rights and our liberties and to make this a safer world for this Nation and the cause of freedom. To John Tedore and your fellow members of the Devil's Brigade, from a grateful nation and from this grateful Iowan, congratulations on this highest of honors, and God bless you.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the tragic yet growing reality of human trafficking. This evil exists even in the United States of America. Here at home, 300,000 young Americans are in danger of becoming victims of sex trafficking. Most troubling is how quickly these youths vanish in the shadows. Within 48 hours of being on the street, one in three kids will be lured into sexual exploitation, according to the National Network for Runaway Youth. That is why we must build awareness. Education is power. Please seek out the organizations that can educate you so that you can make a difference. In Iowa, we have the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking, Iowa Teens Against Human Trafficking, Braking Traffik, and many, many other fantastic community and religious organizations working to raise awareness and combat human trafficking in the State. Look them up. Get involved. We will work together to end trafficking because our women and children are not safe. This isn't something that just happens across the oceans; this is happening at home.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the construction and subsequent opening of the DuPont Pioneer Crick Research Center in Johnston, Iowa. The $40 million DuPont Pioneer Crick Research Center, located in Johnston, Iowa, showcases the investment toward innovation, safety and stewardship of Pioneer agricultural products and contributing to global food security. The 180,000 square foot state-of-the-art research facility will be home to over 400 Pioneer employees, and includes 84,000 sq. ft. of laboratory space, 31 conference rooms, and flexible, ergonomic work stations. The Crick Research Center features an on-site fitness center and cafeteria for employees. I commend DuPont Pioneer and their staff for providing cutting edge agricultural services that help to improve yields and create a sustainable livelihood for farmers around the world. I urge my colleagues in the United States Congress to join me in congratulating DuPont Pioneer for their numerous achievements' including the opening of the DuPont Pioneer Crick Research Center. I wish them and all of their employees the best of luck moving forward.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tom Cameron for being selected to receive an Excellence in Mentoring Award, the highest award for a youth mentor in Iowa. Tom volunteers his time to the Mentoring Advantage Program (MAP) at Community Youth Concepts. He has donated countless hours over the past 2 years to improving the lives of young people. Not only has he worked to improve the lives of his mentees, but he has also worked to increase awareness for the need and opportunities for youth mentors in the state of Iowa. Attending company volunteer fairs and connecting potential mentors to opportunities is another important aspect of Tom's volunteerism. Tom Cameron has had a profound impact on the youth of Iowa and he deserves to be commended for his time and efforts. It's a great honor to represent Tom in the United States House of Representatives because he is a great living example of Iowa values that continue to make our state a great place to live and work.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of former Iowa State Representative Ed Skinner who passed away on January 12, 2015 in Des Moines at the age of 78. Mr. Skinner served the people of Iowa and Polk County as State Representative from 1968-1972 and spent many years as the Altoona and Pleasant Hill city attorney. During his time in the legislature, Ed was instrumental in the creation of one of Des Moines' biggest tourist attractions, Living History Farms. Throughout his life Ed demonstrated a constant and legendary commitment of service to his family, community, state, and nation. He graciously volunteered his time to a number of organizations including the Altoona Lions, the Altoona Chamber of Commerce, and The Iowa Democratic Party, which recognized Ed with their Outstanding Supporter Award in 2013. ``He has been a strong advocate for eastern Polk County and has helped mentor generations of Democratic leaders throughout his life,'' the party said in a news release at the time. Mr. Skinner was dedicated to mentoring and helping generations of leaders in Iowa and our nation because he believed in, and lived his life, serving others and working tirelessly for what he believed in. It was a great honour to have known Ed and worked with him. I know that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the accomplished life of Ed Skinner and offer our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce and recognize my friend Bishop Richard Pates of the Des Moines Diocese. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a huge Vikings fan, Bishop Pates attended Nazareth Hall Seminary and St. Paul Seminary in his hometown. The bishop went on to graduate school at the North American College in Rome from the prestigious Gregorian University. In 1968, Bishop Pates was ordained at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Bishop Pates' education laid the foundation for his impressive pastoral and administrative service to the church and, I am proud to say, led Bishop Pates to Iowa in 2008, when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to be the ninth bishop for the Diocese of Des Moines. The bishop is also chair of the Iowa Catholic Conference, for which I thank him again for his service to the church and to Iowa. I want to thank Bishop Pates for opening the House today with a prayer, thank him for his friendship, and ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming Bishop Richard Pates to the people's House.