Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake's 40th year of service to the Tri-Lakes community.

Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake provides multiple services to the people of Missouri who are facing hardship and was honored as the 2010 charity of the year by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

It provides shelters for domestic violence and abuse and assists in case management and advocacy in order to help facilitate positive life changes. These shelters not only provide therapy and education, but also court advocacy and referrals to legal counsel.

Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake also assists low-income families with the establishment of the Little Oaks Apartments and its own thrift store for the community. Little Oaks Apartments provides affordable housing for low income families and is closely tied to the Footprints Learning Center, a state-approved childcare facility where the parents can enroll their children and pay based on their income. The Footprints Learning Center also

provides care and education for children in the domestic violence shelter.

Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake continues to help the community by initiating outreach programs and by collaborating with churches, other non-profits, civic organizations, businesses, and schools.

I am honored to recognize the Christian Associates of Table Rock Lake for being ``40 Years Strong, and Lighting the Way'' for the Tri-Lakes community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address an important issue, the scandal engulfing the IRS.

Lois Lerner is a central figure in the scandal surrounding the IRS' decision to target certain groups of Americans for scrutiny and other unequal treatment due to their political beliefs.

Now, we have learned emails pertinent to this investigation are missing in very suspicious circumstances involving multiple deletions of records and the physical loss of computer equipment.

The missing emails only add to the IRS' gross misconduct and raise disturbing questions about the professionalism and neutrality of bureaucrats who are supposed to enforce the law in a fair, evenhanded manner.

In May, the House held Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress and passed a resolution calling for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate the IRS. The IRS' conduct appears widespread and almost certainly harmed the right of free speech, which we cherish in this country.

It is critical that Congress discovers the full truth of what happened at the IRS and that the responsible individuals are held accountable for their actions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th year of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.

The General Council of the Assemblies of God began in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1914 with 300 people and has called Springfield, Missouri its home since 1918, and we are proud to call them our neighbors in the 7th Congressional District. This broad coalition of ministers decided to work together to fulfill common goals by providing fellowship, establishing schools, and sending missionaries abroad. Since 1914, the Assemblies of God has grown to more than 67 million adherents in over 366,000 churches worldwide.

In these 100 years, Assemblies of God members have preached the gospel, prayed for the sick, witnessed miracles, published profound insights on the spiritual life, and established churches, schools, orphanages, and rescue missions. The Assemblies of God's dedication and loyalty to their members and employees has become a vital part of the Springfield community. Their outreach and sponsorship of higher education is a true testament of their fellowship and values. The General Council has formed close relationships to local businesses and universities, creating a network that values community, education, and friendship. It is an honor to recognize the General Council for their leadership and service.

I am confident the work of the General Council of the Assemblies of God will continue to make a positive impact in the area over the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Hoover Case on having the Ozark Empire Fair Foundation's annual Gold Buckle Gala dedicated in his honor.

The Ozark Empire Fair Foundation was established in 2003 as a non- profit organization working to preserve Southwest Missouri's vast agricultural history and to sustain and better the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

Since 2004, the Foundation has held an annual gala to recognize the efforts of outstanding 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors and to award grants and scholarships to local youths. In the ten years the event has been held, the Foundation has awarded almost $600,000 to local youths and raised over $521,000 in funds to be used for fairground improvements.

Each year, the Gold Buckle Gala is dedicated to a philanthropist that has shown outstanding support of the Foundation's goals. This year's recipient, Hoover Case of Marshfield, MO, has proved more than deserving. Case, a longtime auctioneer, created a mentoring program, Brangus for Kids, as a way of giving back to the purebred world and connecting kids with potential show animals. Case has also shown great support and love for the annual fair by being an involved volunteer. It is because of Case's continued dedication and commitment that the Foundation is able to impact the lives of so many.

I would like to thank Hoover Case for his continued support and devotion towards the Ozark Empire Fair and Ozark Empire Fair Foundation and congratulate him once again on having this year's Gold Buckle Gala held in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Glendale High School senior Spencer Haik for being the first Class 4 athlete to win the 1,600-meter run state title three years in a row.

Spencer led the race from start to finish and finished a full two seconds ahead of the competition. Spencer finished with a personal best time of 4 minutes, 9.41 seconds. He also won the 3,200-meter state championship.

Furthermore, I want to congratulate Spencer on his win at the Nike Festival of Miles in St. Louis on June 5. His time was 4:04.55, which is to date the second fastest 1600-meter in the Nation this year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Spencer's coaches, Ron Hamilton and Jeff Berryessa, for their dedication and leadership.

I wish Spencer the best as he continues his track career at Columbia University.

I am honored to recognize Spencer Haik for his Class 4 State Championship in both the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs.

Mr. Speaker, a famous Missouri artist will be on display in August in a national outdoor show called Art Everywhere US.

Missouri's Thomas Hart Benton, 1889-1975, is a well-known artist and quintessential painter of the American experience.

Benton was born in Neosho, Mo., into a family of lawyer-politicians who, in Benton's words, ``drank heavily, ate heartily and talked long over fat cigars.'' His great-uncle had been a United States Senator; his father was a Congressman.

As a teenager, Benton was a cartoonist for the Joplin American newspaper.

In 1934, Benton was featured on one of the earliest color covers of Time magazine, which praised him as one of a gifted trio of regional painters--including Grant Wood and John Steuart Curry--in touch with the spirit of America.

One of Benton's greatest works is his mural at the Missouri State Capitol: ``A Social History of Missouri.'' When Benton published his autobiography in 1937, writer Sinclair Lewis noted, ``Here's a rare thing, a painter who can write.''

In August, Benton's ``Poker Night'' will be displayed nationwide via Art Everywhere US. Completed in 1948, this painting was based on a scene from the play ``A Streetcar Named Desire,'' which was made into a movie.

Art Everywhere US is a collaboration between leading museums and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. Earlier this year, leading museums identified 100 great American artworks and submitted that list for online public voting. On June 21, the museums announced the 58 artworks--paintings and photography--that will appear in August on donated advertising spaces in airports, malls, and movie theaters, as well as billboards and buses.

The Art Everywhere US portfolio spans American history, from John Singleton Copley's 1778 painting ``Watson and the Shark'' to contemporary art.

Among the top vote-getters was Grant Wood's ``American Gothic,'' inspired by the artist's visit to a small town in Iowa in 1930. Other artists in this national show include Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, James Whistler, and Andy Warhol.

Missouri is honored that Neosho-born artist Thomas Hart Benton is part of this stellar group and that millions of Americans will be able to see his work this summer, along with other masterpieces.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rogersville High School senior Alec Palen on his Class 3 State Championship Golf title and for being named to the Missouri All-State Team.

Alec shot a two-day score of 145 to win the championship. His final putt was an uphill 8 footer on the 18th hole to clinch the victory for him.

With his help, Rogersville High School finished second overall, a best in school history. The team shot a combined score of 640, only 3 behind first place Pembroke Hill.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team's head coach and father of Alec, Brett Palen, and Athletic Director Rod Gorman for their dedication and leadership.

I am honored to recognize Alec Palen for his Class 3 State Golf Championship and being named to the All-State Team.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rogersville High School sophomore Gunnar Allison for winning the Class 3 Discus State Championship.

Gunnar threw 167' 11" to clinch his first state championship. Gunnar also won second place in the shot put competition.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Gunnar's Head Coach Doug Smith and Athletic Director Rod Gorman for their dedication and leadership.

I wish Gunnar the best in the rest of his track and field career. I am honored to recognize Gunnar Allison for his Class 3 State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Willard Public School District on being named one of the Nation's Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).

Chris Church has served as the band director for 32 years at Willard High School. Out of 1,200 students who attend Willard High School, more than 500 are involved in band, choir or both, with more still involved in other fine arts programs such as visual arts and theater.

Willard was one of three schools from Missouri to be honored. While other school districts' music programs are hit with cutbacks, music education funding has been protected at Willard.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the teachers, students, administrators and the community of Willard for the support they have provided.

I am honored to recognize Willard Public School District on their efforts which led to the community being named one of the Nation's Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sarcoxie High School Archery Team for winning their second state championship in a row. Sarcoxie started their archery program last year, winning a state championship their first year in existence. As a team, this year they shot a score of 3396, breaking the record they set last year by 57 points.

Sarcoxie's archery team competed against 81 other schools. They competed in a field of over 1,300 archers with 51,000 arrows shot during the competition. Sarcoxie is a Class 2 school that competes in the high school division against all high schools in Missouri, regardless of size or enrollment.

I would also like to recognize the individual performances by Hunter Berry, Brice Dobbs and Ariana Goddard. Hunter broke the Missouri all- time high male score with 296 points. Brice finished 5th in the high school male division with a score of 287 and Ariana finished 3rd in the female division with 286 points.

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team's head coach, Kaycia Woolsey, the assistant coach, David Woolsey, and athletic director, Jeff Kabance for their dedication and leadership.

I am honored to recognize the Sarcoxie High School Archery Team for winning their second straight state championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Walnut Grove High School Lady Tigers Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 1 Girls State Championship.

The Lady Tigers clinched back-to-back state championships after defeating North Andrew with an impressive final score of 84-49. Members of the team include Heather Harman, Lexi Harman, Madisyn Freeze, Karsyn Hejna, Miranda Allison, Megan Shuler, Audree Crain, Ellen Hayter, Raylie Hejna, Shelby Harman, Carrigan Comstock, Mikayla Louderbaugh, and Katelynn Garoutte.

Through their hard work and discipline on and off the court, the Lady Tigers developed into a truly great championship team. The Lady Tigers ended the season 28-4.

I also want to commend Head Coach Rory Henry for a job well-done on developing such a strong basketball program.

I am proud to recognize the school and the players on their victory, and applaud the hard work that has brought them so much success. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Walnut Grove Lady Tigers as they celebrate their Class 1 Girls State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Crane High School Lady Pirates Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 2 Girls State Championship.

The Lady Pirates clinched back to back state championships after defeating the Skyline Lady Tigers with a final score of 67-52. Members of the team include Allie Hagler, Lexie Vaught, Kylee Moore, Kylie Vaught, Justeen Mahan, Shelby Roder, Riley Israel, Emma Lander, Karen Belin, Loni Johnson, Jalee Johnson, Addie Reel, Hailey Powell, Jenna Scroggins, Madison Fulp, and Tabitha Bishop.

Through their hard work and excellence on and off the court, the Lady Pirates developed into a truly great championship team. The Lady Pirates ended the season 30-1, remaining undefeated in their Class 2 division.

I also want to commend Head Coach Jeremy Mullins and Assistant Coach Billy Redus for a job well-done on developing such a strong basketball program.

The Crane community is justifiably proud of this extraordinary group of young and talented student-athletes. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Crane Lady Pirates as they celebrate their Class 2 Girls State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ozark High School Junior ROTC Drill Teams for being named national champions at the 2014 U.S. Army JROTC National Drill Championships.

Ozark High School represents the 3rd Brigade of the Army Cadet Command, which is comprised of teams from 10 states. The 3rd Brigade consists of 119 Army JROTC programs, and Ozark was one of just six honored to compete in the 2014 National Drill Championship.

The Ozark Unarmed Team placed first overall in their division with a total score of 3,833 points. The Ozark Armed Team placed second overall with a score of 3,690 points. The Ozark Rifle Team won their third consecutive National Championship.

Of the 1700 plus schools that have JROTC, there is only one school, one city and one state that can claim two National Championship teams in the same year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the instructors of the JROTC program and the family members of the students who support them.

I am honored to recognize the Ozark High School JROTC for their National Champi onships this year and wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic High School Tigers Basketball Team for winning the Missouri Class 4 State Championship.

The Tigers clinched the title with a thrilling finish, making a three pointer with only seven seconds left for a final score of 45-42. Members of the team include Dylan Bekemeier, Brock Yocum, Chase Hoffmann, Josh Vaughn, Dillen Ramsey, Dakota Fortner, Canyon Smith, Jordan Kerr, Cole Hurst, Cody Geiger, Tim Brazeal, and Cory Lafferty.

Through their hard work and determination on and off the court, the Tigers developed into a truly great championship team, earning back to back state titles. The Tigers ended the season 27-4, remaining undefeated in their district. The Tigers were also the Central Ozark Conference Champions for the 2013-2014 season.

I also want to commend Head Coach Trevyor Fisher for a job well-done on developing such a strong basketball program.

The team, with the help of its coaches and the support of their families and community, persevered through the turmoil of the season and the trials of the state championships. Together, they grew as individuals and as a team, and their successes show what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and belief.

The Republic community is justifiably proud of this extraordinary group of young and talented student-athletes. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Republic Tigers as they celebrate their consecutive Class 4 Boys State Championships.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Kevin Baker, an American History teacher from Springfield, Missouri, who led his 30th annual school trip to Washington, D.C., this spring.

On March 11, 2014, Kevin completed his 30th school trip to Washington with a group of nearly 100 students from Pershing Middle School in Springfield, Missouri. While in Washington, the students visited the Capitol, Library of Congress, Smithsonian museums, and the many monuments along the National Mall celebrating our heritage.

It is no easy task to plan and coordinate a trip involving such a large number of students and parents, but the support of the Springfield community helps make these trips a continued success, including the help of Anne Lanzilotta, the group's tour guide for the last 28 years, and his fellow teachers Scott Corn and Cale McAninch who have assisted him on the annual trips for the last 15 years.

Kevin's passion for American history runs through his family. His wife Valerie and two sons Tristan and Trevor have attended multiple trips and not only encourage his efforts, they enjoy them. Kevin continues the tour of the capital because he wants all of his students to experience the history of our country through the monuments, museums, and memorials, as well as to share that love for country, that awestruck feeling he received every time he traveled to Washington. He credits his work ethic to the examples set by his parents, Luther and Joyce, and the support he received growing up from his younger brother Dwight.

Kevin hopes that these annual trips will motivate or inspire some of his young students to return to Washington as elected officials and embrace new ideas for the future of our great nation. He credits the Springfield community for making so many of these trips possible. The education of a child is a once in a lifetime experience, and the immersion into our history and political process makes the efforts well worth it.