Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charlie Kruse, President of the Missouri Farm Bureau, who is retiring after 18 years of service.

Charlie is a proud native of Stoddard County where he and his wife own and operate a grain farm. He is a graduate of Arkansas State University and the University of Missouri, where he earned his master of science in agronomy in 1973.

Recognizing Charlie's exceptional talent and commitment to agriculture, Missouri Governor John Ashcroft appointed him director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture in 1985. In 1990, Kruse served on President George Bush's Council on Rural America, the only Missourian named to the Council. He also served on U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills' Intergovernmental Advisory Committee and on USDA's Federal Grain Inspection Service Advisory Committee. In 1991, Kruse accepted the position of executive vice president of the North American Equipment Dealers Association, and resigned that position in August 1992 to seek the presidency of Missouri Farm Bureau.

In his 18 years as president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, Kruse has helped countless Missouri farmers who have reaped the benefits of his advocacy. The Missouri Farm Bureau is losing a capable and experienced leader whose tireless efforts have served to benefit all of our State's citizens, including me. During his tenure, Missouri Farm Bureau has seen tremendous growth in membership from 77,000 to over 108,000 farm families.

The accomplishments during Charlie Kruse's career are far too numerous to list. We are thankful for his efforts not only at the local and State levels but also the Federal level. From his testimony before Congress to his many advisory positions at USDA and involvement with the most recent farm bill, Charlie's unwavering support for sound and responsible agricultural policy serves as a model to everyone in the industry.

Charlie has so much to be proud of beyond his accomplishments in the policy arena. Missouri cannot thank him enough for his service in the Missouri National Guard and to the University of Missouri. I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude for all that he has given.

As he returns home to Stoddard County, Charlie can do so with great pride, knowing that in the span of his career he has accomplished so much and helped so many. While he will be missed, I wish him the very best that retirement has to offer.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating Charlie Kruse for his service to the State of Missouri and to American agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Eldon High School's FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team. On October 23, 2010 at the 83rd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN, the Eldon High School FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team won its first national championship. The members of the championship winning team each received a scholarship to further their education at a post- secondary institution of their choice.

The Eldon High FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team consists of seniors Payton Atteberry, who also holds the distinction of winning the Outstanding Chairman Award, Jill Blankenship, Cole Griffith, Kelsi Mueller, Arika Myers, and Abbey Thomas. The Eldon team competed against 44 teams from across the nation. This competition tests students' ability to effectively communicate ideas during a meeting. Components included a general knowledge exam of parliamentary law, a ten-minute demonstration of parliamentary procedure, oral questions, and written minutes of the demonstration.

These six gifted young men and women were prepared and focused, due to their dedicated advisor, Eldon High School Agriculture teacher Matt Biddle, who trained and supported the team. Each student received $1,000 and a plaque in recognition of this event.

I ask that you join me in recognizing the Eldon High School's FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team for a job well done. These students and all the other students who participated in the annual convention should be commended for their commitment to the future of agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Allan W. Purdy, the founding president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). On October 13, 2010, this strong advocate for higher education passed away at 96. He dedicated his life to removing financial barriers to education and helping students access awards, scholarships, and financial aid.

Purdy's life experiences strongly influenced his passion for financial aid and serving students. He graduated from high school in the middle of the Great Depression and worked his way through college with the help of the National Youth Administration, a newly created national work program for students. He earned a mere $15 a month, which paid for his graduate degree from the College of Agriculture at the University of Missouri.

After graduation, Purdy served his country in the U.S. Navy as a PT boat captain during World War II. After the war, he returned to the University of Missouri to work as an extension horticulturist. In this position, he toured the state helping farmers resolve problems with their crops. Here, he saw firsthand the number of qualified students who lacked the financial resources to attend college and vowed to advocate on their behalf for more grants and work aid. The University of Missouri's president promoted him to assistant to the dean of the College of Agriculture, which led to his role in creating a department in the president's office to coordinate scholarships, jobs, and loans for all the students on campus.

Under the direction of the University of Missouri's president, Purdy began meeting with other aid administrators in the Midwest and helped form the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators in 1962. During this time, Congress was working on student aid issues and looked to the six regional, financial associations for suggestions. In hope of creating a more unified voice, Purdy strongly advocated for a national structure. In 1966, the regional representatives created the National Student Financial Aid Council, and Allan

Purdy served as its chair for three years. It became NASFAA in 1969 and has always stressed the importance and needs of students.

A large part of the organization's success is attributed to Purdy's tireless efforts and ability to build strong relationships with key policymakers and higher education advocates. He developed a reputation for being an excellent witness at congressional hearings and established NASFAA as a trusted resource for financial aid information.

In 1975, Purdy received the first Lifetime Membership Award, the highest award that NASFAA can bestow. He retired in 1979 and was appointed to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority's (MOHELA's) Board of Directors in 1981.

We have lost an irreplaceable advocate for college access and success. I believe educating our youth is one of the most important aspects in equipping our children with the necessary tools to succeed. Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Allan Purdy and his efforts to reduce barriers to higher education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dennis Cupp, the former Chief of Police in Moberly, Missouri, who retired after 30 years of service to the city.

Over the course of his storied career, Lieutenant Colonel Cupp has compiled an impressive resume of accomplishments and accolades. Lt. Colonel Cupp has received training from a number of prestigious institutions including the Harry S. Truman Police Academy, the University of Missouri, and the Missouri Police Chiefs Association. It should also be noted that Lt. Colonel Cupp graduated from the 127 class of Police Management School, School of Police Staff & Command, which is nationally recognized.

Lt. Colonel Cupp is the regional vice president of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association. He is a member of Missouri and International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also serves the community in other ways as well. He has recently served in the role of region 4 coordinator for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lt. Colonel David Cupp for his service to the city of Moberly and the State of Missouri.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bugeye Technologies, Inc., located in Pacific Missouri, for their efforts in upgrading the AS9100 Quality Management System Registration. Bugeye Technologies is a leading provider of replicated hardware for the simulation industry, and produces flight controls, visual display systems and simulated cockpits for military applications.

Bugeye Technologies recent upgrade will increase productivity and enhance their competitive position in the global marketplace. This upgrade will also benefit the Ninth Congressional district and Missouri by spurring local economic development by creating and sustaining manufacturing jobs.

I would like to take this time to commend Bugeye Technologies for all their hard work, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Bugeye Technologies, Inc., for a job well done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Ringland of Holts Summit, MO, who received the Silver Order of Saint Philip of Neri Award for his service in the United States Special Forces. Mr. Ringland served in the Special Forces for 26 years and has been a member of the Special Forces Association for 40 years.

The award is presented to those who are ``selfless, superb teachers and inspirational leaders'', the qualities of an ideal Special Forces soldier. Mr. Ringland received this honor due in large part to his exemplary performance as a teacher in the Green Berets, where he trained soldiers in areas such as psychological warfare, survival, and unconventional warfare. The Silver Order of Saint Philip of Neri Award has only been given to 10 people before Mr. Ringland.

Our country has been blessed to have citizens who have selflessly volunteered to defend our nation and freedom. They are the reason why we are the strongest nation on Earth, and the reason we stand today with freedom unparalleled across the globe. Without our nation's veterans and military men and women, and men like Jim Ringland, we would not have the rights and privileges that we as Americans enjoy today.

Mr. Speaker, hardworking individuals and entrepreneurs have always been the life blood of our economy. They create jobs. They spur innovation. They have made the American free enterprise system the envy of the world.

As Americans, we all understand that if you work hard you can be successful. Unfortunately, that spirit appears to be undergoing a fundamental transformation in which government comes before the spirit of free enterprise.

The trend began early in 2009 when the government passed the so- called ''stimulus package'' that was supposed to boost the economy and keep unemployment under 8 percent. More than a year after stimulus, unemployment remains well above 9 percent.

Around this country there is an atmosphere of uncertainty caused by Washington's anti-worker agenda. New taxes, mandates, and regulations in countless new laws and proposed laws are threatening to strangle our Nation's entrepreneurs and workers. As I travel around my district, a prevailing feeling of uncertainty about what lies ahead has made employers hesitant to create new jobs; and until this fear and uncertainty about the future is allayed, the American people will continue to wonder and ask the question: Where are the jobs?

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Marsha Tyson for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) on June 7th.

Ms. Tyson should be commended for her hard work and dedication to the students and community in her school district. The PAEMST is a prestigious award and we are proud that she is representing our great state of Missouri and the 9th District. Advancement in the fields of mathematics and science are integral to the development and competitiveness of America in the future. I am honored to congratulate Ms. Tyson on her outstanding achievement.

It is critical for the future of our country that students have access to a quality education. Without excellent teachers, our schools fail our students and communities. Ms. Tyson exemplifies what it means to be an excellent teacher and her dedication to her students and community is worthy of high praise.

I ask that you join me in recognizing Marsha Tyson for her excellence in the field of science education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Darwin Hindman, the former mayor of Columbia, Missouri, who retired after 15 years of public service, thus becoming the longest-serving mayor in the city's history.

Over the course of his storied career, Mayor Hindman left a significant mark on Columbia's park system by creating Stephens Lake, Flat Branch, and the new South East Regional Park. During his tenure, Columbia grew to over 100,000 residents and saw its downtown greatly improved. Also, as an avid bicyclist, Mayor Hindman transformed Columbia into a more bike-friendly community. It should also be noted that Mayor Hindman has been a great advocate for healthy living and has won numerous awards for his efforts, including the Leadership for Healthy Communities Award in 2009.

In addition, Mayor Hindman is a past recipient of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year, University of Missouri Faculty Alumni, Chevron Times Mirror Publications Citizen Conservation, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Association, and MU College of Arts and Science Distinguished Alumnus awards.

Mayor Darwin Hindman is supported by his wife, Axie, children Skip and Ellen, and four grandchildren. Mayor Hindman served two tours of active duty as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

In closing, Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating former Mayor Darwin Hindman for his service to the city of Columbia.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 14, 2010, I missed rollcall vote No. 355 due to a flight delay. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 355, to pass House Resolution 1368, supporting the goals of National Dairy Month, a resolution of which I am a cosponsor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the recently passed House Resolution 1383 honoring Dr. Larry Case for his 26 years of service as National FFA Advisor.

On January 1, 2011, Dr. Case will retire after 26 years as National FFA Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Case, a Missouri native and former high school agricultural education instructor, earned his bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctorate from the University of Missouri and has since served in numerous positions including CEO and chairman of the board of the National FFA organization, chairman of the board for the National Postsecondary Student Organization, and national advisor to the National Young Farmer Education Association.

Dr. Case has made a significant personal impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of present and former FFA members. During his tenure as National FFA Advisor, the organization saw tremendous growth in both membership and educational innovation. As an advisor, executive officer, and chairman of the board of directors of the National FFA Organization, Dr. Case has been a national leader in secondary, postsecondary, and adult instructional programs relating to agriculture.

As a Missouri farmer I have a special appreciation for Dr. Larry Case's commitment to agriculture and his exemplary efforts to highlight the importance of agricultural education in our state and nation.

I congratulate Dr. Case on his outstanding service to agriculture and to our nation.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Rock Bridge High School Boys Tennis Team on their outstanding season.

The young men and their coaches should be commended for all their hard work throughout the regular season and bringing home the Class 2 State Tennis Championship to their school and community.

I ask that you join me in recognizing the Rock Bridge High School Tennis Team for a job well done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize CF Industries and its Palmyra Terminal employees for reaching an impressive milestone: 15,000 consecutive safe days on the job. This is a proud achievement showing a commitment of the highest level of safety.

Employees at CF Industries' Palmyra Terminal receive ammonia by pipeline and by barge on the Mississippi River from the company's Donaldsonville nitrogen complex and ships ammonia to customers via truck. If not for the hard work of these individuals, agriculture in our area would certainly suffer. These individuals do their jobs well, and that shows through the safety they exhibit while on the job. It is with great pride that I can share this news of this achievement. The Palmyra employees have set the bar high for safety standards in their community and the 9th District of Missouri.

I am proud to represent this fine company and this terminal in Congress. Congratulations to every employee at the Palmyra Terminal on your outstanding safety record and commitment to excellence.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am proud to rise in support of en bloc amendment number 9 and particularly my amendment, which is included, which directs a review of the service records of eligible Jewish American veterans from World War I.

I want to particularly thank Chairman Skelton, Ranking Member McKeon, and other members of the committee for their support on this important issue.

We owe much to the patriotic Americans who have worn and are wearing uniforms of our Nation's Armed Forces. Our country has been blessed to have citizens who have selflessly volunteered to defend our Nation and freedom. Unfortunately, qualified soldiers have not been considered for the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by our government, due to discrimination.

In 2001, Congress passed the Leonard Kravitz Jewish War Veterans Act, which had broad bipartisan support. This important piece of legislation presented Jewish soldiers the opportunity to receive the Medal of Honor for their service in World War II.

However, Jewish veterans of World War I have faced the same discrimination and have not been afforded the opportunity to receive recognition for their service. William Shemin, for whom this act is named, was a Jewish American who earned the Distinguished Service Cross in 1918 for saving three of his fellow soldiers' lives during an intense 3-day battle in France while also leading his platoon in combat after more senior soldiers were wounded or killed. Shemin passed away in 1973 but his daughter, Elsie Shemin Roth, a resident of my district, has passionately worked on behalf of her father and other Jewish soldiers' legacies.

This amendment would build on past legislation and recognize the sacrifices of Jewish soldiers during World War I.

I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc amendment number 9 and honor the work of these veterans and brave soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, one of the top issues on people's minds these days is Washington's never-ending spending binge and the need for responsible budgeting. The American people know that reining in this wild spending spree starts with balancing our budget. But wait a minute. The majority party has now indicated that the House might not even consider a budget resolution this year.

It is vital for the House to submit a budget resolution that will start the budget process in this Chamber and crack down on the out-of- control spending that has the government borrowing 42 percent of the money we spend this year. If you are a businessperson, you have a budget. Most people even have a budget for their household. Our States have budgets. But yet, why would we think it is not important for the Federal Government to have a budget? If this were not so serious, it would be comical.

The question, then, is why does the majority not want to do a budget? The answer is obvious. There are tough choices that have to be made to rein in this out-of-control spending, and there is no political will to make those choices. Spending is easy; making cuts is hard. Failure to budget is failure to govern.