David Young

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate John McConkey of CAM High School for winning the Class 2A, 285 pound bracket at the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament. John finished the season with a record of 57-1. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. John contributes his success to years of hard work and commitment and for the support from his parents, family, coaches and fellow teammates. Mr. Speaker, the example set by John demonstrates the rewards of dedication and perseverance. It is an honor representing John and his family in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating John on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and in his future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gavin Rodgers of Glenwood, Iowa for being selected by the Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce as their Junior Citizen of the Year. Gavin is a senior at Glenwood Community High School and has received numerous awards and honors for his instrumental and vocal music talents. Gavin is an accomplished drummer and singer and according to the Glenwood Opinion-Tribune, ``Gavin provides drum lessons to younger students and is always willing to give his time at school and to his community. He is known for offering encouragement and inspiration to fellow students and always going the extra mile for others.'' Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Gavin in the United States Congress. It is with great pride that I recognize and applaud him for his selection as the Junior Citizen of the Year by the Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce, and for his commitment to his community and school. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Gavin on receiving this award and in wishing him nothing but continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Caleb Sanders of Glenwood High School for winning the Class 3A, heavyweight state title at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Tournament. Caleb has a 45-3 season and this is Glenwood's first state championship since 2016. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Caleb contributes his success to years of hard work and commitment, and the support he has received from his parents, family, coaches, and fellow teammates. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Caleb demonstrates the rewards of dedication and perseverance. It is an honor to represent Caleb and his family in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in congratulating Caleb on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and in his future college football career at South Dakota State University.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Cory Faust of Glenwood, Iowa for being selected by the Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce as their Educator of the Year. Cory has had a lasting influence on the success of the Glenwood Rams football, track, and athletic programs. Cory is the physical education teacher, head football coach and girls track team coach. He has been at Glenwood High School for the past six years and led the Rams to three state football playoffs and to a district championship in 2015. He has also led the girls track team to two championships. Cory's positive impact on the entire athletic program at Glenwood High School has earned him the reputation and respect as a man of character and faith. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Cory in the United States Congress. It is with great pride that I recognize and applaud him for his selection as the Educator of the Year by the Glenwood Area Chamber of Commerce and for his commitment to his community and school. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Cory on receiving this award 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 Donnabelle and Elvin Ernest of Bedford, Iowa on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. They were married on March 8, 1948. Donnabelle and Elvin's 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 many 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 and in wishing them nothing but the best.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Gabe Pauley of AHSTW High School for winning the 170-pound Class 1A Iowa High School State Wrestling Championship. Gabe finished the season with a record of 56-0. This is Gabe's second individual State Wrestling championship. Gabe said, ``I've always wanted to be a state champ and now I have it. It feels great. I don't even have any words for it.'' Gabe finished third in the 2017 wrestling championship meet. ``It takes dedication, training, and perfection in order to become a champion,'' Gabe added. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Gabe contributes his success to years of hard work and commitment and the support of his parents, family, coaches and fellow teammates. Mr. Speaker, the example set by Gabe demonstrates the rewards of dedication and perseverance. It is an honor representing Gabe and his family in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize them today. I ask that all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Gabe on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and in his future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Alyssa Johnson of Mount Ayr High School. Alyssa was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at the Sixteenth Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition on April 29, 2018. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each Iowa high school was invited to select a senior with the highest academic ranking. Not only are they academically gifted, but the selected students are often the youth who are successful in extra- curricular activities and community endeavors. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Alyssa in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to reach her goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Alyssa on receiving this esteemed designation, and wishing her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Grace McDonald of Winterset High School. Grace was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at the Sixteenth Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition on April 29, 2018. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each Iowa high school was invited to select a senior with the highest academic ranking. Not only are they academically gifted, but the selected students are often the youth who are successful in extra- curricular activities and community endeavors. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Grace in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to reach her goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Grace on receiving this esteemed designation, and wishing her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Claudia Schnaible of Council Bluffs, Iowa on her induction into the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. Claudia is a 1955 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. Claudia has been a lifelong resident of Council Bluffs. She attended the University of Nebraska, but left to join the workforce and start her career. Claudia worked at Phillip's Department Store where she was promoted to clothing line buyer. She owned her own clothing store and ended her career working for Younkers and Von Maur Department Stores. Claudia has always been dedicated to giving back to her community. She has volunteered her time as a youth leader for the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, served as president of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, as a member of the Alzheimer's support group at St. Joseph's Villa, Bethany Lutheran Home, and as a member of the Hall of Fame committee. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Claudia on achieving the honor to be a member of the Hall of Fame at Thomas Jefferson High School. I am proud to represent her in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in congratulating Claudia and wishing her nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ralph (Ed) Kermoade of Council Bluffs, Iowa on his induction into the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. Ed is a 1974 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. Ed earned his bachelor' s degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha and graduated from Drake University with a degree in secondary education administration. Ed has been a teacher and coach in the Council Bluffs Community School District. His career has taken him to Longfellow Junior High School and Wilson Middle School and he has taught driver's education for 41 years at 13 different high schools across the Council Bluffs metro area. Ed remains active in the Council Bluffs community volunteering with the West End Optimist Club and the Cobra Optimist Sports Club. Ed said he always tries to pass on to his students that, ``it is always the right time to do the right thing and if you are early, you are never late.'' Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Ed Kermoade as a member of the Hall of Fame at Thomas Jefferson High School. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in congratulating Ed and wishing him nothing but continued success.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Virginia Cantrell of Council Bluffs, Iowa on her induction into the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. Virginia is a 1958 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. Virginia was born into a family who valued education. Her mother taught school and her father served on the local school board. During Virginia's senior year in high school she was class president, homecoming queen, and valedictorian. Virginia graduated from Graceland University, and the University of Iowa, and earned a master's degree in library science from Western Michigan University. She began her career working in an elementary school in Illinois. Virginia returned home to help with the family business after the death of her father. She worked for the Council Bluffs Public Library and was the librarian for Bloomer Elementary School and returned to Thomas Jefferson High School to help establish the first computer lab. Virginia has remained active in her community and is best known as one of the ``peanut-brittle ladies'' who help raise money for a school in Haiti and for other church ministries. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Virginia on the honor of being a member of the Hall of Fame at Thomas Jefferson High School. I am proud to represent her in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in congratulating Virginia and wishing her nothing but continued success in all her endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dustie Burton from Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston, Iowa who was awarded the 2018 DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses at a ceremony this spring. This award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the superhuman efforts nurses perform every day. Dustie was nominated by patients, families, and colleagues because of her willingness to give her best efforts for the patients at GRMC. I applaud and congratulate Dustie for her award and for providing excellent patient care in Iowa's Third District. I am proud to represent her and all the employees of the Greater Regional Medical Center in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in congratulating Dustie Burton and wishing her continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Emma Cockburn of Nodaway Valley High School. Emma was recently honored for outstanding academic achievement at the Sixteenth Annual Governor's Scholar Recognition on April 29, 2018. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Each Iowa high school was invited to select a senior with the highest academic ranking. Not only are they academically gifted, but the selected students are often the youth who are successful in extra- curricular activities and community endeavors. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Emma in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud her for utilizing her talents to reach her goals. I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Emma on receiving this esteemed designation, and wishing her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Erma Cleveland of Oakland, Iowa on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Erma celebrated her birthday on May 12, 2018. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Erma'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. Erma has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-five Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Erma 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 House of Representatives join me in congratulating Erma 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 thank my colleague for putting this together tonight. Mr. Speaker, Iowa's economy is humming, paychecks are growing, employers are hiring and investing, unemployment is low. Not too long ago, during National Small Business Week, I visited with the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce to talk about the benefits of the new Tax Code. A small businessowner told me: ``When the new income tax calculations came out, my employees all asked why their paychecks were bigger.'' The businessowner told them it was because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. They thought there was a mistake. But, no, this is real, and workers are feeling the benefits of the tax relief law. A constituent from the Des Moines metro area called the office one day to share with us that his monthly income had gone up $300 because of tax relief. That is real money to Iowans. A resident of Council Bluffs shared he was receiving over $100 more in each paycheck, which he and his wife are using to make their car payments. It is helping Iowans. A small brewery in Glenwood, Iowa, in Mills County called Keg Creek is expanding their operations and investing in new equipment as they grow. A manager at Jethro's BBQ in western Des Moines said: ``Our employees are bringing home more money. Everyone across the board is taking home more money. I can't be more clear about that.'' He continued: ``It is helping the people that work for us.'' Mr. Speaker, the new tax law is helping people across the Third District, throughout all of Iowa, and the country. We see this reflected in data and we just heard it through testimonials. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed, 1 million jobs, we have heard, have been created; unemployment is at the lowest rate in 50 years; and for the first time in 17 years, two-thirds of Americans say it is a good time to find a quality job. Consumer confidence is the highest it has been in nearly 2 decades. Compensation increases for workers at small businesses are at the highest level in 20 years. Average hourly and weekly earnings are 3.4 percent higher than this time a year ago. We hear the statistics, because the evidence is clear, and we hear the voices of our constituents telling us this as well. Our pro-growth policies, tax relief, and commonsense regulatory reform are working. I look forward to seeing our economy continue to grow and flourish and to see American workers and their families continue to thrive. Allowing workers to keep more of their hard-earned dollars is simply the right thing. And when you do the right thing, good things happen. Good things are happening in Iowa because of this tax relief.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Philip Fagan on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Mr. Fagan shares his birthday with his twin sister, Phyllis. They both reside in Adair, Iowa. Our world has changed a great deal during Philip's life. Since his 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. Philip has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In his lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Mr. Fagan in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish him a very happy 90th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Philip Fagan on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing him 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 Ms. Phyllis O'Brien on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Ms. O'Brien shares her birthday with her twin brother, Philip. They both reside in Adair, Iowa. Our world has changed a great deal during Phyllis' 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. Phyllis has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Phyllis in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 90th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Phyllis O'Brien 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 the Fremont County Extension for 100 years of service to Fremont County, Iowa. The 100th anniversary is a testament to the great work that is performed every day by the staff at the Fremont County Extension. Established 100 years ago in 1918, the Fremont County Extension hired its first extension agent that year after the Iowa State Legislature passed the Extension Act. The Extension agency provides needed research-based information to Fremont County. The services include 4-H youth programs, agriculture and natural resources research and assistance, human sciences, and community economic development. Mandy Maher, Program Coordinator for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach-Fremont County said, ``One hundred years ago, Fremont County Extension was organized, and the mission then was and is similar to what it is today, to provide education and build partnerships designed to solve today's issues and prepare for the future.'' Mr. Speaker, I commend the Fremont County Extension and its staff for providing dedicated, committed, and crucial services to families and individuals every day. I urge my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Fremont County Extension for achieving 100 years of service. I wish the Fremont County Extension and all of the staff continued success in the future.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Lola Blazek on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Our world has changed a great deal during Lola'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. Lola has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Lola in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Lola Blazek 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 Harley Greenwalt of Shenandoah, Iowa on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Harley celebrated his birthday on May 14, 2018. Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Harley's life. Since his 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. Harley has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-five Governors of Iowa. In his lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Harley in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish him a very happy 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Harley on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing him 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 Bruce Rasmussen of Council Bluffs, Iowa for receiving the 2018 Mercy Heritage Award for Business, sponsored by CHI Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs. The Heritage Award was created to show special recognition to volunteers who have enriched our community and helped established a legacy for the future. Bruce is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs and Iowa State University with an engineering operations degree. After college, Bruce returned to Council Bluffs to help his father establish the family heating and air conditioning business. Today, Rasmussen Mechanical Services has operations in seven midwestern states with over 200 team members. Bruce's business experience goes beyond the family- owned heating and air conditioning business. He has owned a boat hoist manufacturing business, a fitness and wellness center, and helped develop a retail outlet center called Power Plaza. He recently purchased the old Bingo King building in Council Bluffs and is in the process of renovating the structure to be used as the corporate headquarters for Rasmussen Mechanical Services. Bruce has taken an active role in his community, serving in leadership roles with the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, Optimist Club, Lutheran Family Services, and Pottawattamie County Foundation. He is a youth basketball and baseball coach and is an active member at St. John's Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs. Mr. Speaker, I applaud and congratulate Bruce Rasmussen on his selection for the CHI Mercy Hospital Award for Business. I am proud to represent him in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in congratulating Bruce and wishing him nothing but continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Logan Schumacher for winning the Class 1A, 182 pound bracket at the Iowa High School State Wrestling tournament earlier this year. Logan is a senior at Martensdale-St Mary's High School. He wrestled at the state tournament during his entire high school career and was also nominated for the Class A 2018 Dan Gable Wrestler of the Year Award. Iowa has a long and proud history of strong wrestling programs, producing college and Olympic champions for years. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Logan Schumacher and his family in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize him today. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Logan on competing in this rigorous competition and in wishing him nothing but continued success in his education and wrestling career.

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa

Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Beta Sigma Phi. This organization was presented with the Spirit of Christmas Award from the Salvation Army at their annual dinner on May 9, 2018. Beta Sigma Phi is an international women's sorority that began working with the Salvation Army in 1989. Every year, the Salvation Army provides toys for the women inmates at a nearby prison to select as Christmas presents for their children. Beta Sigma Phi then wraps and packs the gift for shipping, so that the children have presents at Christmas. Mr. Speaker, I commend Beta Sigma Phi for receiving this outstanding award and for their continued commitment to making their community better. I am proud to represent them, and Iowans like them, in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating this group of women 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 Sam Allgeier. He was presented with the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Salvation Army at their annual dinner on May 9, 2018. Mr. Allgeier has coached in the Youth Basketball Program since 1986 and was instrumental in rebooting the program in 2002. He currently is the lead referee and spends many hours recruiting coaches and referees for the program. Mr. Speaker, I commend Sam Allgeier for receiving this outstanding award and for his continued commitment to making his community better. I am proud to represent him, and Iowans like him, in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Sam Allgeier 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 Jennifer Norris. She was presented with the Appreciation Award from the Salvation Army at their annual dinner on May 9, 2018. Jennifer is the Director of Recreational Ministries and oversees the Basketball and Day Camp activities at Citadel. She will soon be an officer in the Salvation Army. Mr. Speaker, I commend Jennifer Norris for receiving this outstanding award and for her continued commitment to making her community better. I am proud to represent her, and Iowans like her, in the United States Congress. I ask that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in congratulating Jennifer Norris and in wishing her nothing but continued success.