Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the magnificent life of Guido Hibdon, who was a resident of Sunrise Beach, Missouri, legendary fisherman and a great friend to many.

Guido was born a third-generation angler on July 10, 1946. He loved fishing so much that at the age of 13 he began guiding on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. His storied career began when a Bassmasters tournament was scheduled to be held on the Lake of the Ozarks in 1980. His family and friends convinced Guido to take a shot at testing his skills against the tournament professionals, including legends Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston and Rick Clunn. This led to the start of friendships with all these men, and a career of tournament fishing that lasted over three decades, which included winning numerous championships.

Guido valued his family above all else. His wife Stella, daughter Dotty and two sons, Chuck and Dion, along with the whole extended family, were always his most faithful cheerleaders. Guido's example inspired many to take up the sport of fishing, including his son Dion, who won the Bassmasters Classic in 1997. This made the pair the only father and son to win this tournament and earned them the title, ``The First Family of Bass Fishing.''

In 2001, Guido was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, a fitting honor to a tremendous man. His passion for fishing and being on the water never faded, even after an illness forced him into retirement in 2015.

Guido exemplified the finest qualities that a person could possess. His hard work and dedication to everything he held dear, and his treatment of others was indeed commendable. His daughter Dotty said it best, ``To say that he was a kind and generous man would be an understatement. He was humble and gentle with all, but still very stern and deep in treating people with dignity and respect. No matter who you were or where you came from, he gave you his time and attention.''

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have known Guido as a friend and fellow angler. I join his family, friends and the entire bass fishing community in grieving his loss and honoring his lifetime of accomplishments and service to bass fishermen everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a good friend of mine, Richard ``Skip'' Armstrong, for his 51 years in the workforce.

After more than five decades in the workforce, Skip retired on August 31, 2018, from Maranatha Village in Springfield, Missouri, where he was the Director of Facilities and Capital Projects.

However, Skip's career began long before his time with Maranatha Village. At the age of 16, Skip began working in the hen houses of Lubec, Maine. Once he turned 17, he began working at North Lubec Manufacturing and Canning Company. Skip spent many years working in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for Cardo Automotive Products and as an independent building contractor in the city. He even started his own small business, LTD Parts, in Sparta, Tennessee, which is still in operation today. As the years passed, Skip worked all across the U.S., including Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and then finally, Missouri.

Skip has been much more than a hard-working employee through the years. He is the cherished only son of the late Lewis ``Duke'' and Florence Armstrong. He has been a loving husband of 43 years to Deborah Armstrong, and a devoted father of three daughters, Janine, Jennifer and Julia, and a father-in-law to two of the best son-in-laws around, Mark and David. His grandchildren, Greyson, Charlotte, Graham and Lincoln simply can't wait to see more of Pappy in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th District of Missouri, I would like to say thank you to Skip for his years of hard work and commitment to southwest Missouri as well as his friendship. Fifty-one years is a long time and something worth celebrating.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Sergeant Edward Wilson (Retired) for receiving the honor of Retired Soldier of the Year. He not only served his country through his distinguished military career, but continues to serve his community and fellow veterans.

In 1969, Edward Owen Wilson began his military career in the Navy when he was drafted to serve in Vietnam. After serving four years, he was honorably discharged. He again took up the cause to defend our country when he enlisted in the Army a few years later. During his time in the military he recieved a number of military awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and many others. His military career helped instill the values that led to his compassion and commitment to the well-being of his fellow veterans.

This fall, 1SG Edward Owen Wilson (Retired) will recieve the honor of Retired Soldier of the Year from the Retiree Council of Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. This honor is bestowed to veterans who play an important role in aiding their fellow veterans in their lives after their military service. After retiring in 1998, Mr. Wilson made it a priority to continue his service to his country with a focus on helping fellow veterans receive the assistance they need, disability or other veterans assistance programs. He also is an active volunteer for Forsyth High School JROTC Color Guard in Missouri and is involved as an Event Project Manager for the Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th District of Missouri, I would like to congratulate 1SG Edward Owen Wilson (Retired) on this distinguished honor. I hold the deepest respect for members of our military and our veterans

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the non-profit Better Life In Recovery, based in Springfield, Missouri, for its distinguished efforts to aid individuals suffering from substance abuse and other mental health issues down the long road of recovery. On September 8, Better Life In Recovery will hold a 5k/10k run in honor of Recovery Month during the month of September.

Better Life In Recovery was founded to help individuals who are dealing with substance abuse and mental health with a focus on education, awareness and community service. It helps to reintegrate individuals back into their communities through volunteer work and support. Better Life In Recovery is a shining example of an organization that brings hope to others who are suffering by providing reassurance that recovery is within reach.

Recovery Month is a time to honor organizations that help people fight to take back their lives and raise awareness about the challenging obstacles facing people on the path to sobriety. As many people struggle to get sober, it's the help and support from family, friends and communities that keeps them on the road to recovery.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th District of Missouri, I would like to recognize Better Life In Recovery and its efforts to spread awareness for Recovery Month. I would also like to encourage individuals who are struggling to take back their lives to seek out support from their family, friends and communities.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, I was unable to vote on any legislative measures. Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

(Roll No. 368) On ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 6199, the Restoring Access to Medication and Modernizing Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018; providing for proceedings during the period from July 27, 2018, through September 3, 2018--yes.

(Roll No. 369) On adoption of the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 6199, the Restoring Access to Medication and Modernizing Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018; providing for proceedings during the period from July 27, 2018, through September 3, 2018--yes.

(Roll No. 370) On ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2017; and H.R. 6311, the Increasing Access to Lower Premium Plans and Expanding Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018--yes.

(Roll No. 371) On adoption of the combined rule providing for consideration of H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2017; and H.R. 6311, the Increasing Access to Lower Premium Plans and Expanding Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018--yes.

(Roll No. 372) On passage of H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act--yes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Major Michael Clemens of Republic, Missouri, as he retires after 30 years of service in the United States Army.

Sergeant Major Clemens began his career in high school with service in the Missouri Army National Guard, but soon transitioned to the U.S. Army as an active duty soldier. In his 30 years, he served in many different places, including in the Middle East and all throughout the U.S. While serving overseas, Sergeant Major Clemens took part in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Desert Storm and Intrinsic Action.

To add to his already long resume, Sergeant Major Clemens worked diligently to complete every level of training in the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, leading to his graduation from the United States Sergeants Major Academy.

Sergeant Major Clemens exemplifies the sought-after traits of leadership, courage, responsibility and discipline. Throughout the course of his career he received numerous awards, including five Army Commendation Medals, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal and a list of others. His commitment to his country exists not only on the large scale of his sacrifice, but also in participating in one of our most fundamental rights as American citizens that of voting, and his consistent voting record through his absentee voting in primary and general elections as he served abroad.

Sergeant Major Clemens has shown time and time again that he is worthy of the awards and recognition he has received throughout his time serving our great nation. I am honored to congratulate him on his successful career and I am confident that his strong character will lead him to continue to make positive impacts on the world around him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 30th anniversary of TLC Properties.

TLC Properties was founded in 1988 in Springfield, Missouri, by Sam and Carol Coryell, and to this day, remains a family owned and operated business. Priding themselves on this fact, Mr. and Mrs. Coryell's three sons, Sam Jr., Daniel and David, play an important role in the company and its successes. The Coryell's business brilliance and persistence has allowed TLC Properties to grow from just one rental house in eastern Springfield, to more than 3,000 apartments across 20 different communities.

TLC Properties' strong apartment networks have enabled the company to address its clients' various needs and residential concerns.

This company was founded on principles of strong character, service, teamwork, excellence, humility and gratitude. I believe that the company's track record has demonstrated that these values have consistently been upheld. TLC Properties motto is, ``do unto others as you would have others do unto you.'' Whether it's at the corporate level or the property level, TLC strives to uphold this motto by offering the best product at the best price.

I must commemorate TLC Properties for its three decades of quality housing, and encourage others from our beautiful 7th District of Missouri to live by TLC Properties' values.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the professionalism, business brilliance and leadership driven success of Larry Young, president and CEO of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, who also happens to be a native of Springfield, Missouri.

Mr. Young is the leader of an extensive and passionate employee base, with 20,000 employees in totality. These workers are responsible for the making, marketing, selling and distributing over 50 beverage brands. Mr. Young joined the company in 2006 as president and chief operating officer. Later on, in October of 2007, he became the company's president and CEO.

Mr. Young's business prowess is demonstrated by his active role in helping create a new business model for a fully integrated beverage company. He encouraged the integration of brand ownership and marketing with bottling and distribution operations; centralizing the company and allowing it to build its own independent leading brands with a reliable, consistent and secure route to market. Throughout his almost 40-year career in the bottling industry, Mr. Young has produced and sold virtually every beverage in the Americas, Europe, and Russia.

Mr. Young also holds a plethora of honors and acknowledgements. In 2015, he received the Beverage Forum Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2010, he was named Executive of the Year by Beverage Industry magazine, and was inducted into the Beverage World Soft Drink Hall of Fame in 2008. From 2008 to 2010, he also served as chairman of the board of the American Beverage Association.

Mr. Young represents the hard-working and persistent culture of southwest Missouri. I want to congratulate Mr. Young on his upcoming retirement and I wish him the absolute best in the next chapter of his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Martin MacDonald for his induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. MacDonald serves as the Director of Conservation for Bass Pro Shops, seeking to connect those who love the outdoors with the ideals of protecting wildlife and the habitat in which they live. He has worked with and assisted in the founding of several organizations that strive to promote conservation based policies, including the Upper White River Basin Foundation. He serves on the James River Basin Partnership and is a board member at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. Being a prominent member of the conservation community, Mr. MacDonald works closely with the National Association of Fish and Wildlife agencies to determine how best to preserve and protect Missouri's outdoor resources. His record over the course of a twenty-plus year career has earned him special recognition from the National Association of State Park Directors as someone who is deeply committed to promoting the outdoors. This commitment to the ideals of conservation has now earned him a much-deserved spot in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

My highest appreciation goes to Mr. MacDonald for all the fine work he has done for southwest Missouri and to all the efforts he has made in the conservation and wildlife communities. My district is one that many folks enjoy hunting, fishing and the beauty of the outdoors and I know they join me in thanking Mr. MacDonald for all the great work he has accomplished throughout his career.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, February 26, 2018, and Tuesday, February 27, 2018 I was unable to vote on any legislative measures. Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

(Roll no. 81) On passage of H.R. 1222--Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act, had I been present I would have voted yes;

(Roll no. 82) On passage of H.R. 2422--Action for Dental Health Act, had I been present I would have voted yes;

(Roll no. 83) On motion to table the appeal of the PERSONAL EXPLANATION ruling of the chair, had I been present I would have voted yes;

(Roll no. 84) On ordering the previous question providing for consideration of 1865--Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017, had I been present I would have voted yes;

(Roll no. 85) On adoption of the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1865--Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017, had I been present I would have voted yes;

(Roll no. 86) On ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 4296--to place requirements on operational risk capital requirements for banking organizations established by an appropriate Federal banking agency and H.R. 4607--the Comprehensive Regulatory Review Act, had I been present I would have voted yes;

(Roll no. 87) On adoption of the combined rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4296--to place requirements on operational risk capital requirements for banking organizations established by an appropriate Federal banking agency and H.R. 4607--the Comprehensive Regulatory Review Act, had I been present I would have voted yes;

(Roll no. 88) On democrat motion to recommit, had I been present I would have voted no;

(Roll no. 89) On passage of H.R. 4296--to place requirements on operational risk capital requirements for banking organizations established by an appropriate Federal banking agency, had I been present I would have voted yes;

(Roll no. 90) On Walters of California Amendment to H.R. 1865--Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, had I been present I would have voted yes; and

(Roll no. 91) On passage of H.R. 1865--Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, I was unable to vote on any legislative measures due to an illness. Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

Roll no. 20, On ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 3326--World Bank Accountability Act and H.R. 2954--Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Roll no. 21, On adoption of the combined rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3326--the World Bank Accountability Act and H.R. 2954--the Home Mortgage Disclosure Adjustment Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Roll no. 22, On passage of H.R. 4258--Family Self-Sufficiency Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Roll no. 23, On agreeing to the amendment of Mr. Connolly of Virginia Part A Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 3326--World Bank Accountability Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Roll no. 24, On passage of H.R. 3326--World Bank Accountability Act, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Roll no. 25, On passage of H.R. 4279--Expanding Investment Opportunities Act, had I been present I would have doted yes.

Roll no. 26, On Approving the Journal, had I been present I would have voted yes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Aaron J. Eidem of Webb City, Missouri, for his service to this nation and his heroic act of selflessness.

Captain Eidem was an active duty member of the U.S. Army for 20 years, serving as a military police officer and instructor. Having been deployed three times, Captain Eidem earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his valiant efforts on the battlefield. Since 2014, Captain Eidem was an adjunct professor of military science at Missouri State University Army ROTC and was highly respected by students and faculty alike.

Driving home one evening, Captain Eidem witnessed an accident that left a disabled vehicle dangerously protruding into the passing lane along a busy stretch of I-44. Being the man of service that he was, Captain Eidem pulled over to assist the individuals in the vehicle. As Captain Eidem returned to his vehicle and attempted to lead the individuals to safety, a tractor-trailer struck his vehicle, making this his final selfless deed.

I am honored that Captain Eidem resided in my district, and am proud to have represented such an unparalleled person. His service to this nation and to his fellow countrymen will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Coach John Roderique, head coach of the Webb City High School football team. The football program at Webb City in southwest Missouri has been highly successful under his leadership.

After graduating from Webb City, Coach Roderique went to Pittsburg State University where he was a two-time All-American linebacker. He returned to his alma mater and became head coach in 1997, when he first led the Cardinals to the state championship after a perfect season. To take home the championship ring during his inaugural year is something most coaches can only dream of. Coach Roderique and the Cardinals would go on to take home 9 more of those rings and was the runner up twice. With 245 wins under his belt, Coach Roderique has the best percentage of success in all of Missouri high school football.

This spring, Coach Roderique was inducted into the Joplin Area Sports Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, an accolade only available to a select few of Missouri's best leaders on the gridiron. Coaches have to be teachers, counselors and sometimes another parent to their team. To take on those three mammoth responsibilities at once is something that takes great commitment. Few have shown more commitment than Coach Roderique.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th District of Missouri, I would like to congratulate Coach John Roderique on this most recent honor. Even though he does not need it, I wish Coach Roderique the best of luck in the next season and every season after.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, I was unable to vote on any legislative measures because I was accompanying the President for a speech in Missouri. Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

(Roll no. 640) On ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 3017--Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act, and H.R. 3905--Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act, I would have voted yes.

(Roll no. 641) On adoption of the combined rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3017--Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act, and H.R. 3905--Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act, I would have voted yes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Roy Dodson, Jr., a World War II veteran and a shining example of patriotism. We in the 7th District of Missouri are proud to share our home with folks like him.

In 1943, Mr. Dodson went to basic training at Camp Robinson in California. This was the first step in a fruitful career of service that took him from Hawaii to New Zealand on a troop ship to repel encroaching Japanese forces. He was part of the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division that secured Guadalcanal after the Guadalcanal Campaign, and from there he was sent to battle on Bougainville Island and later to the Philippines. There, half of the division was responsible for taking Manila while Mr. Dodson was part of the effort to secure the mountains. As a member of the planned invasion of Japan, Mr. Dodson was 50 miles away from the shore of Osaka when the U.S. dropped its atomic bomb. Finally, he was part of the occupying force that kept order in Japan.

This December, Mr. Dodson will be honored for his service by peers and loved ones. Newscaster Tom Brokaw wrote that those who fought in WWII were part of the ``greatest generation any society has ever produced.'' They served not for fame or fortune but simply because they loved their country, and having grown up during one of the most tumultuous times in our nation's history, these men and women exemplify the resilient frontier spirit that makes America great.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the opportunity to honor Mr. Dodson and veterans like him any chance I get. The 7th District of Missouri, as well as the rest of the United States, are forever indebted to John Roy Dodson, Jr. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in all future endeavors