Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the founder of Convoy of Hope, Hal Donaldson.

In 1994, Hal took a trip to India and was inspired to start serving his local community. He bought $600 worth of groceries and distributed them to families in need. In 1996, Convoy of Hope opened its headquarters in Springfield, MO, and in 1997 a friend donated a tractor trailer to assist in transporting goods. It was the first of many tractor trailers which are now iconic. Since 1994, Convoy of Hope has expanded into a global charity, serving more than 100 countries. They have served more than 200 million people and given out nearly $2 billion in resources and essential supplies. They have responded to more than 600 disasters worldwide, including the 9/11 terror attacks, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 where they sent nearly 1,000 tractor trailer loads of food and supplies as well as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017. They also provided more than 200 million meals during the COVID pandemic and are currently helping to provide meals for Ukrainians impacted by the war. These are but a few examples of the incredible work done by Convoy of Hope.

Convoy of Hope continues to expand their efforts, and in 2021, they completed construction on their new World Distribution Center in Springfield and are currently working to build a new headquarters next door, which is expected to be completed in 2023.

Madam Speaker, since their humble beginnings in 1994, Hal Donaldson and Convoy of Hope have become a global leader in responding to disasters and providing food for the hungry. They continue to grow through the help of volunteers and generous donations. I am proud to honor them today, and thank them for all of their efforts to date and going forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the long-time voice of the Missouri State Bears, Art Hains.

Art grew up in Marshall, MO, working at the local radio station KMMO while still in high school. He went on to graduate from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, studying broadcast journalism and working in the SMU sports information office from 1973 to 1976. After graduation he moved to Springfield, MO, working as the sports director and serving as the voice of the Southwest Missouri State Bears football and basketball teams for KGBX until 1981. He moved back to Dallas working for KRLD and hosting a daily sports show while also providing pre- and post-game coverage of the Dallas Cowboys. He also called SMU basketball games and was a studio host for the Southwest Conference Football Radio Network from 1982 to 1984.

He returned to Springfield in 1985 and was again the voice of the Southwest Missouri State Bears football, basketball, and baseball teams as well as the coordinator of athletic promotions at Southwest Missouri State University. He has continued to be the voice of the Bears ever since, even after the university changed its name to Missouri State University in 2005. He has hosted Sports Talk since 1995, originally on KWTO in Springfield before he switched to KBFL in 2020. In 2008, he started as the studio host for the Kansas City Chiefs and was a part of their 2020 Super Bowl win. He was inducted into the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

Apart from his on-air work, Art has been active in the Springfield community. He is an ordained elder at First and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, serves on the boards for Springfield Little Theater and the Springfield Area Sports Hall of Fame. He is also an active member of the Southeast Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow, the Free Masons and Shriners. He previously served on the board of the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield and still volunteers his time at Care Animal Shelter.

Madam Speaker, since moving to Springfield Art Hains has been actively involved in the local community and has been known for nearly four decades as the voice of the Missouri State Bears. His lifetime of work and service to the community is commendable.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rick Ziegenfuss, the City Administrator of Hollister, MO.

Born and raised in Iowa, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 20 in 1970. He underwent basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri, before moving on to advanced individual training with the 11th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson Colorado, he was then assigned to the 1st Battalion 133rd Infantry in unit supply. In 1974 he graduated with honor from Infantry Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He served as an anti-armor platoon leader and a rifle platoon leader with Company C, 1 Battalion 133d Infantry. He then was assigned as the Battalion Personnel Officer. He went on to command Company C 1st Battalion 133rd Infantry and later served as the S3 Operations Officer for the 2nd Brigade, 34th Infantry Division. He then attended the Army's Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas where he graduated with honors. He commanded the 2nd Battalion (Mechanized) 133rd Infantry, he also completed his BA Degree in Personnel Management from Mary Crest College. From there he became the State Operations and Training Officer for the State Area Command for Iowa. He was discharged from the military in 1992 after 22 years of service, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the military, he started his own environmental company which he later sold to his partner. He then moved from Des Moines, Iowa to the Ozarks and began a career as a commercial printer. He did that for 10 years and was the Vice President of Operations for the Bech-LaRue Corporation. In 2002 he went to work for the City of Hollister as City Administrator, a position he remains in to this day.

Rick has been actively involved in the local community since moving to the Ozarks. He has served on many boards including Branson Veterans Task Force from 1995 to 2001, Downtown Branson Main Street Association from 2001 to 2002, Freedom Quest Corp from 1999 to 2001, Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce from 1999 to 2003, Campaign Committee Tri-Lakes United Way since 2011, Taney County Transportation Advisory Board since 2011, Public Sector co-chair Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership in 2007, Chairman of Tri-Lakes United Way Campaign in 2012, Chairman of the Board for the Taney County Partnership from 2012 to 2013, Chairman of the Tri-Lakes Bio Solids Partnership from 2010 to 2014 and Chairman of the Air Service Development Committee-Branson Regional Airport since 2014.

For his countless efforts, he has been recognized by the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, the Branson Veterans Taskforce and the Citizens of Hollister, MO, to name a few.

Madam Speaker, after nobly serving his country in the military, Rick Ziegenfuss moved to the Missouri Ozarks and has made this his home. Since coming here, he has become actively involved in a vast number of charities and local organizations and has served his local community as City Administrator for 20 years. His work is laudable, and I am honored to recognize his continued service to the local community today.

Madam Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and Representative of the state of Missouri, I rise today to recognize an individual that has made significant contributions to our nation's fish and wildlife conservation efforts, as well as America's longstanding outdoor traditions. My district includes Springfield, Missouri, the headquarters of Bass Pro Shops, and I am honored today to recognize the lifelong accomplishments of the Bass Pro Founder and CEO, John L. Morris.

Across the country, Johnny Morris is often referred to as a modern- day Theodore Roosevelt for his leadership, personal commitment and dedication to conservation efforts, a comparison that is anything but embellished.

As an unrivaled conservationist, Johnny Morris has long recognized the need for citizens to take a strong position in the careful management and use of our natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Using his entrepreneurial success as a platform for that cause, he has contributed heavily both in time and resources to many significant conservation causes and initiatives.

Through his leadership with Bass Pro Shops, and now with Cabela's, Johnny has been a long-standing partner of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus through his work with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) and his advocacy for the great outdoors. Johnny also served as a co-chair of the Blue-Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America's Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources to advance solutions for funding a 21st century model of conservation to develop the landmark Recovering America's Wildlife Act.

Johnny's legacy begins with that of a true American success story. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bass Pro Shops' Founding. What started as a tiny bait shop in the back of his father's Brown Derby gas station in Springfield, has grown into the world's largest outdoor merchandiser with more than 200 stores and 200 million visits annually. Today, Johnny and his companies continue to impact communities and the future of conservation with a mission to inspire everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. Key initiatives such as `Conserving Wildlife and Habitat,' `Connecting Kids and Families to Nature,' `Protecting Sportsmen's Rights Through Access and Advocacy Efforts,' and `Honoring Military and Veterans,' are just some of the ways Johnny is helping to protect and advance our great outdoor traditions.

A true conservation champion, Johnny has received two of the most prestigious awards in the world of conservation, honored with the Audubon Medal in 2019 and the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award in 1990, presented by President George H.W. Bush. Today, he is one of the country's leaders working to ensure natural habitats, wildlife and the outdoors remain healthy and abundant for future generations to protect and enjoy, having established a significant personal legacy that spans national initiatives and extensive partnerships supporting conservation organizations.

Arguably more inspiring than his dedication to conservation is Johnny's dedication to recruiting America's next generation of sportsmen and women. Johnny is often quoted saying ``Take a kid fishing. You'll be happy you did.'' This simple but powerful quote eloquently conveys Johnny's passion for our sporting heritage.

In recognition of Mr. Morris' service to conservation and sportsmen and women--both on the ground and in the policy arena--the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation has elected Mr. Morris to the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Honorary Board of Directors as an Honorary Life Director, marking the first individual to receive this impressive award. This board designation was created by CSF to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to conservation and hunting and fishing, and who strongly supports the mission of CSF which is to work with congress, governors, and state legislatures to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Morris for his many contributions to America's outdoor heritage and congratulate him for the well- deserved CSF Honorary Life Director designation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Warden Jeffrey E. Krueger of the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners (USMCFP) in Springfield, Missouri.

Warden Krueger started his career with the Bureau of Prisons as a Correctional Officer at the United States Penitentiary Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1989. He has since served as a Lead Foreman at FMC Lexington, Computer Services Manager at FDC Oakdale and FCI Pekin, Management Analyst-Program Review Division in the Central Office, Regional Computer Services Manager in the North Central Regional Office, Associate Warden at USMCFP Springfield, Warden at FDC Duluth, Warden at FCI Schuylkill, Warden at FCI Pekin, Complex Warden at FCC Terre Haute, Regional Director for the North Central Region, and finally as the Warden at USMCFP Springfield. He currently serves in Senior Executive Service.

In September of 2020, Warden Krueger asked the Bureau of Prisons to end his career at USMCFP Springfield after serving as Regional Director for the North Central Region. He will be retiring in December 2022, and is building his new home in Nixa, Missouri. During his two stints at USMCFP Springfield, Warden Krueger has become involved in the local community and the Ozarks in general.

Madam Speaker, Warden Krueger has loyally served the Bureau of Prisons in a variety of roles for 33 years. I would like to thank him for his dedicated service and congratulate him, his wife, Dawn, and his son, Drake, on his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Moses F. Tate.

Born in Kansas, Staff Sergeant Tate served in the U.S. Army Air Forces' 415th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Group during World War II. On August 1, 1943, Staff Sergeant Tate participated in Operation Tidal Wave, an Allied bombing raid of Axis oil refineries around Ploiesti, Romania. The raid was conducted in an effort to cripple the German military. Staff Sergeant Tate tragically lost his life during this mission.

Following World War II, Staff Sergeant Tate's remains were not identified, like too many others who died fighting this war. In July of this year, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified his remains, after nearly 79 years. His family will hold a funeral for him on October 27, 2022, in Branson, MO.

Madam Speaker, Staff Sergeant Tate nobly served his country during World War II, and gave his life for our freedom. Today, I wish to honor his legacy, and that of all those who fought in World War II and whose remains have yet to be identified.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and their chapters in Southwest Missouri.

First established in 1947, Toys for Tots is celebrating their 75th Anniversary in 2022. They have lived up to their mission of providing toys to the less fortunate ever since then, providing over 627 million toys to more than 281 million less fortunate children nationwide. This is done with the help of local communities during the annual holiday campaign lasting from October to Christmas.

Southwest Missouri has three Toys for Tots Campaigns, in Joplin serving Jasper County, in Newton serving Newton and McDonald Counties, and in Springfield serving Barry, Barton, Camden, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Hickory, Lawrence, Polk, St. Clair, Vernon and Webster Counties. These three local Campaigns have done phenomenal work in bringing the joy of Christmas to those in need.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed October 1, 2022, to be Toys for Tots Day across the State of Missouri. I join Governor Parson and the Missouri General Assembly in congratulating Toys for Tots on their 75th Anniversary and wish them continued success for the next 75 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the long and storied career of John Sellars, Executive Director of the History Museum on the Square.

A native of Springfield, Missouri, John has always held a special place in his heart for the Ozarks. Even when his job took him away from his hometown, he remained loyal to the community. He originally volunteered at the History Museum on the Square when it first opened in 1976, and he continued to help until he moved in 1989. He was working at Coca-Cola at the time, but later moved onto Canada Dry. He eventually got a job with Pepsi and retired from there as a Regional Manager in 2004. Work had moved him all over the country, but in retirement, he came back to Springfield, and almost immediately returned to the History Museum on the Square. He joined the board of directors, before being elected board president, and eventually became the Executive Director of the museum in 2005.

The History Museum on the Square is a natural fit for John. He has a true love of history, and especially the history of Springfield. He passionately shares this history through his work at the museum. Not only that, but John has also been involved in several other charities throughout his life, constantly finding ways to give back to his community.

Madam Speaker, John Sellars has lived an incredible life, and since retiring from Pepsi, has spent his time giving back to his community. I wish him and his family all the best as he retires from the History Museum on the Square.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American and pioneer from The Show Me State our beloved Missouri, who changed the world of radio broadcasting In His Rush To Greatness. I ask that this poem penned in his honor by Albert Carey Caswell be included in the Record.

A Rush to Greatness

By Albert Carey Caswell

When our last days are done and seen our final suns

What have we left behind begun?

Is it light or darkness our true sum?

Did we make a difference with it all?

Did we take the path less traveled answering the call?

Few will etch the sands of time,

up to the heights of Mount Rushmore climb

Like Mark Twain creating a new paradigm

When, all seemed lost came rushing in,

for the forgotten all in his magnificent rhymes

His golden voice touching hearts and minds

Schooling us from your Limbaugh institute The Voice of Truth

Building a case none could refute

With Mr. Snerdly in awe at his magic produced

Visions of the future,

from the past brick by brick a wall of proof

Coming out of the darkness to bring his light

Use your talent on loan from God to shine your light

At an early age a normal path to success disobeyed

Deep down inside his heart cried out the course to stay

Dropping out of college his parents couldn't dissuade

In Rock and Roll he dug the beat,

his soul longing for something much more deep

Filling American's void creating a GOLD RUSH in hearts to

keep

America began to fade as you Rushed in with the answers to

save

The bedrock principals our framers The Constitution and Bill

of Rights made

Things like God, Mom, County, The Flag,

be proud to be an American don't ask why

Mega Dittos, ``It's The American Way''

Bringing your QUANTUM FORCE to socialism slay

To look to America's heroes like King, Washington, Kennedy,

Lincoln, Dole, Bush, Reagan, Parks, MacArthur for a

better day

Like ``The Gift of Hope'' Bob,

and The Measure Of The Man Bob Dole his character on display

When children called in you felt his heart blush in every way

For your bravado on their air,

off one of the most humble men standing there

When no one was looking for his fellow human being so cared

So many stories of helping others with our Lord will share

America has lost a greatest champion of freedom here

The fourth column of truth is weaken for freedoms everywhere

Who to slay socialism dared

Tonight as your loved ones lay their heads down to rest

Comes a gentle rain across Missouri, Florida our Nation to

bless

Our Lord's tears up in Heaven to help you rest

Until, your lovely wife Catherine and family meet again when

they crest

And you won't have to cry no more

Rush's is an angel now,

You will hear him on the wind

When, you wake feel you'll feel him where he's been

Watching over you time and again

Rush there are talk shows in heaven my friend

Now we lay your body down to rest

Heaven holds a place,

for men who've rushed to greatness but still loved with grace

Giving back far more than they'd take

Amen.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Otis Edward Moore, a lifelong resident of Everton, MO.

Mr. Moore served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a maintenance worker for Mid-America Dairymen in Springfield after his service had ended. Beyond his work, Moore was actively involved with his community, joining Masonic Lodge No. 87 AF&AM in Greenfield. His family knew him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Moore's life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a car accident on Highway 160 in Willard. He was 61 at the time he passed away in 1983. Now, nearly 40 years later, a stretch of Highway 160, from West Bypass to County Road 115, has been named in honor of Moore. The new Otis E Moore Memorial Highway will be dedicated on Monday, November 22nd of this year.

Madam Speaker, Otis Moore exhibited a life of service. Service to his nation and service to his community. It is only fitting that a portion of Highway 160 be named in his memory.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harmony House in Springfield, MO, for their work in fighting domestic violence.

Harmony House has partnered with photographer Randy Bacon for the project, Standing Together: Portraits and Stories of Domestic Abuse. The project features life size portraits, videos, and stories of survivors and those who work to break the cycle of domestic violence. The goal of the project is to highlight that abuse is not just a personal issue, but one that affects the whole community. This project will also show the human side of these victims, so that people can understand that they are not just statistics. The exhibition was on display through October 29 at the Pool Art Center Gallery located in Springfield, Missouri on the campus of Drury University. It will now be on display through November at the Randy

Bacon Studio in Springfield, Missouri. The hope is to show the exhibition regionally and ultimately to a national audience.

Harmony House was founded in 1976 and has since become the largest domestic violence shelter in Missouri, with 168 beds available. In that time, they have served more than 20,000 women, men and children who are victims of domestic violence. Their work in establishing a domestic violence hotline means that victims have access to resources for stopping abuse. Their goal is to provide temporary shelter to victims of domestic violence while providing resources to them on breaking the cycle.

Madam Speaker, Harmony House has spent the last 45 years fighting domestic violence and Standing Together is just the latest example of their important work in educating the community about this ever-present issue. I commend the hard work they are doing, and wish them all the best in their continued efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Compassus Hospice in Springfield, MO for their innovative work in providing hospice care.

Founded in 1979, Compassus Hospice in Springfield is the oldest facility in the Compassus system and has provided critical care for Southwest Missourians. Hospice providers deliver end-of-life services for seriously ill patients, including bereavement support for their families and community. Compassus Hospice has always been at the forefront of hospice care, leading the industry in innovation for end- of-life care.

Compassus Hospice has also worked to improve care by working with lawmakers to advance coordinated care with community partners. Their dedication to providing this critical care is truly commendable. November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and Compassus in Springfield will celebrate its more than 40 years of patient care on November 18.

Madam Speaker, for 42 years, Compassus Hospice in Springfield has been at the leading edge of providing end-of-life healthcare along with bereavement service for families. I congratulate them on 42 years of service and wish them all the best in the many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, you hear a lot today about the gain of dysfunction research.

Gain of dysfunction research is going on right here in Washington, D.C., and I say it is time we put a stop to it. This gain of dysfunction research leads us to all kinds of problems in our country that we weren't facing before January 3 of this year and most definitely before January 20 of this year.

Our friends across the aisle have proposed $5.5 trillion in new spending, $2.1 trillion in new tax increases, the highest level of spending and highest level of tax increases in history.

Now, they can say no one under $400,000 has to pay these new taxes, but through the dysfunction of Congress and the White House, this gain of dysfunction research must stop.

People under $400,000 are paying 42.1 percent more for gas. It is kind of a status symbol today to be able to fill your tank up with gas.

Gas utilities are up 20.6 percent. I only wish in my hometown that is all we were going to face this winter. Propane, kerosene, firewood are up 27 percent.

The energy crisis, national average for gas up to $3.38.

And not to mention the dysfunction going on at our border, the worst border crisis in 30 years, 192,000 in apprehensions.

I say it is time to end the state of dysfunction in Washington, D.C. research.

Madam Speaker, in 1886, a product was brought online, Coca- Cola, and it remained one of the most popular products of all time until 1985, 99 years later, when they came out with a great idea, New Coke.

The problem is, New Coke was a terrible idea, and 3 months later, they brought back what they call Classic Coke because of this terrible, terrible idea that had to be fixed.

Making our military be vaccinated against their will is a terrible, terrible idea that needs to be fixed.

Let me be clear. I have been vaccinated, and I have encouraged everyone to talk to their doctors and see if the vaccine is right for them. But ultimately, vaccination is a choice that shouldn't be mandated on our fighting men and women.

As of yesterday, 30 percent of our total force remains completely unvaccinated. Are we prepared to lose 30 percent of the total force? How do we think that is going to impact military readiness? The Pentagon, when they came out with this program, said it was for military readiness. Come on.

Some branches of the military offer waivers for religious reasons, but what if a breastfeeding mother isn't comfortable getting the vaccine? I have heard from several breastfeeding mothers.

This needs to be fixed. I ask all my colleagues to join me in this effort. New Coke is not working.

Madam Speaker, I want to read a letter that I got just 2 days ago. It is like a lot of letters I am getting today.

Billy, I am appealing to you as one of your trusted

constituents and fearful mother of two Active Duty Marines.

Is our government trying to force our courageous military

into submissive robots? The disgusting abuse of power is now

out of control when the government begins taking away our

God-given rights from loyal citizens and is seeking to take

away the very dignity of those who served beyond measure. My

son and daughter-in-law have served diligently and

effectively with pride and honor for 14 years. What can I do

to help this administration from taking our very hearts and

stomping on them? I believe with every ounce of me God is in

control here and we all know who will ultimately win this

battle. What can I do to help win this sooner than later.

Debi.

Madam Speaker, let me be clear. I have been vaccinated. I have had three shots. I encourage everyone to talk to their doctor. And if it is right for them, to take the vaccine. But ultimately, the vaccination should be a choice that shouldn't be mandated by anyone.

I had a mother show me a picture of her daughter in her fatigues looking at her newborn baby and telling me that a nursing mother is not exempt from this.