Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the bicentennial of Lexington, Missouri. For two hundred years, Lexington has stood as a proud, historic city filled with hardworking people who embody the American Dream. As the people of Lexington gather to celebrate their bicentennial, let us take a moment to reflect on the town's rich history.

Located on the Missouri River, Lexington was first platted in 1822. Founded by Gilead Rupe, the town was established from a river port and grew as a result of trade along the Big Muddy. Lexington was named after Lexington, Kentucky, as many of the city's early settlers ventured from the Bluegrass State. Lexington soon became the county seat of Lafayette County.

In 1861, the town found itself at the center of the Civil War, as the Show-Me State split its support between the Union and the Confederacy. Between September 19th and September 21st of that year, the town became engulfed in the First Battle of Lexington Missouri, colloquially titled the Battle of the Hemp Bales. As Blue and Gray forces clashed, the Lafayette County Courthouse was struck with a cannonball, where it remains lodged in the building's eastern-most column to this day. Another landmark from the battle, the Oliver Anderson House, served as a Union hospital for the remainder of the war.

Lexington's history goes beyond the Civil War. Migrants traveled through the town on

the Santa Fe, Oregon, and the California trails. The town was also home to the headquarters of the trade firm of Russell, Majors, and Waddell, the founders of the Pony Express. Historic homes dot the town, including Linwood Lawn. The manor was described as ``the largest and most palatial home west of St. Louis'' by the local newspaper when it was constructed in 1859. Today, after refurbishment, it is still a shining example of a historic, antebellum home. The rich history of Lexington is something its citizens are proud of and uphold. Indeed, history such as this is important at demonstrating the narrative of the town and our nation.

Lexington has been home to various academic institutes over time. Throughout the 1800s, multiple institutions for women were opened: including the Elizabeth Aull Seminary, Lexington Ladies' College, and Central College. In 1880, Wentworth Military Academy opened its doors, and throughout its operation, welcomed students from around the world. Wentworth became one of the oldest operating military academies west of the Mississippi River and remained open until 2017. Throughout its history, Wentworth produced many celebrated alumni, including the late Congressman Ike Skelton and two Medal of Honor recipients. Meanwhile, the Lexington School District continues to provide students with ample opportunities to succeed in academics, fine arts, and athletics.

The city is home to industry and scenery that best exemplify our state and what it means to be a Missourian. From Lexington's blufftop view of the Missouri River to the surrounding farmland, one can see the lush beauty that defines the area. Lexington's surrounding farms, orchards, and vineyards offer bountiful harvests every year. And with over one hundred businesses in town, its economic activity is as fervent as ever.

This historic town has been an important part of our nation's narrative; home to hard-working, genuine people that exemplify the best of Missouri. For two hundred years, Lexington has demonstrated the spirit of Missouri and America. Madam Speaker, please join me and my constituency in honoring Lexington for two hundred years of community and success, and in wishing them great prosperity in the future.

Madam Speaker, it is with immense pride that I rise today to recognize and celebrate the induction of Captain Jeffery Hughley into the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City. A distinguished police officer, non-profit board member, and Senior Advisor at the Environmental Protection Agency, it seems there is nothing that Captain Hughley cannot accomplish. He has served the Kansas City community in more ways than one and truly embodies the mission of the Black Achievers Society.

Captain Hughley started as a police officer for KCPD's Central Patrol Division in 2005 and quickly rose through the ranks. Spending his days working tirelessly to ensure a safe environment for those around him, even when that meant putting his own life at risk, Captain Hughley's exemplary record and dedication to the people of Kansas City did not go unnoticed. He served as a Detective in the Street Crimes Unit, supervised and mentored new officers as a Sergeant, and eventually achieved the rank of Captain, providing leadership and oversight to the East Patrol Division & Detention Services Unit. Throughout his career, Captain Hughley also provided protection to elected officials and local leaders, ensuring their safety during important events and gatherings. In addition to his official duties as a law enforcement officer, Captain Hughley served nearly five years as an Executive Board Member of the Kansas City Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 99, fostering a strong sense of unity and comradery between officers. His service to our city has proven invaluable and we continue to express our endless gratitude.

While protecting and serving your community for over 15 years is remarkable in and of itself, Captain Hughley continues to go above and beyond the call of duty. Appointed by Governor Jay Nixon, he served as Commissioner of the Missouri Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission from 2015 until 2019. A delegation created to analyze the current training practices of law enforcement in hopes of creating better outcomes for both officers and those they serve, the Commission eventually increased continuing education programs and the training required for police officers throughout the State of Missouri. Under Captain Hughley's leadership, the Commission emphasized implicit bias training and de-escalation techniques in order to make policing more fair and just. His continued focus on uplifting the underprivileged led him to becoming a Board Member of Reconciliation Services, a non-profit organization that strategically addresses community needs through increased social and mental health services. Guided by the Biblical command to ``love thy neighbor,'' Captain Hughley helps address the issues facing families in the urban core through his work with Reconciliation Services.

Having already obtained a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas Grantham, Captain Hughley felt compelled to return to school. Applying his exceptional leadership experience to his coursework, Captain Hughley received an Executive Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. He has used the knowledge gained from this program in his work both as a police officer and in his current position as Senior Advisor to the Regional Administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency. Captain Hughley masterfully employs his extensive education, professional experience, and institutional knowledge as he continues to support and serve the Kansas City community. We are extremely lucky to have such a kind and generous soul working to make our city the best that it can be.

The Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City is an acclaimed, respected, and exclusive institution. I founded this organization in 1974 with the goal of recognizing companies that demonstrated leadership in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Today, nearly 50 years later, the Black Achievers Society's mission is to respond to the multifaceted needs of the community by providing role models for Black and minority youth. Membership in the Society is reserved for African American professionals who have been nominated for their leadership, achievements, and community involvement. Having known him personally for many years and having seen the impact his work has made in the lives of others, it was with great joy that I nominated Captain Hughley for admission into the Society. Being inducted as a member is a great honor and momentous occasion. I believe I speak for all Kansas Citians when I say that Captain Hughley is deeply deserving of this induction. I look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes and wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Captain Hughley represents the best in all of us. His care and compassion for those with whom he serves shines through in all that he does, and it is my privilege to recognize Captain Hughley's devotion to the people of Kansas City. Madam Speaker, please join me and Missouri's Fifth Congressional District in celebrating Captain Jeffery Hughley's induction into the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City. Our neighborhoods are safer, stronger, and better places to raise families because of Captain Hughley. Let us look to Captain Hughley as an example and live as stewards of our communities, just as he has.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to rise on behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, Kansas City, Missouri, and more specifically the Northland, to celebrate the lasting legacy of Jay B. Dillingham. A true local icon, one cannot tell the story of Kansas City without telling the story of Mr. Dillingham. Born on March 8, 1910, Mr. Dillingham served the Greater Kansas City area and the States of Missouri and Kansas until his passing on August 13, 2007.

In 1935, Mr. Dillingham received his master's degree from the Kansas City School of Law, which would later become the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Nevertheless, soon after graduating, he was recruited to work at the Kansas City Stockyards and never practiced law. From 1948 through 1975, Mr. Dillingham served as president of the stockyards, one of Kansas City's greatest industries, where thousands of cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, and mules were auctioned in the West Bottoms each year. As president of the famed Kansas City Stockyards, a role he took on while only 38 years old, Mr. Dillingham helped turn the American Royal Livestock Show into a national institution. He once said about the stockyards: ``There's nothing around here I haven't done . . . from shoveling manure to cleaning the sewers.'' In 1949, Mr. Dillingham founded the Golden Ox Steakhouse in the Kansas City Livestock Exchange Building, making it the city's oldest steakhouse and the birthplace of the Kansas City strip.

As part of his family's farming activities, Mr. Dillingham worked on 2,500 acres of beautiful Missouri River bottomland. He was also deeply engaged in developing lakes in the Kansas River basin along with Clay County's Smithville Lake. Following the Great Flood of 1951, he oversaw the cleanup and assisted in getting the town back to work. He was a member of the Missouri State Water Resource Board and assisted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the construction of massive reservoirs throughout Missouri and Kansas. In Genesis 2:15, one of the first things God asked of us was to be good stewards of the land: ``The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it.'' It is indisputable that Mr. Dillingham was a great steward of the land and gave most of his time on this earth looking after it.

Mr. Dillingham was the only person to ever serve as president of the Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas Chambers of Commerce. It's because of Mr. Dillingham's impactful work and public service that Governor Joe Teasdale and Governor Kit Bond appointed him as Chairman of the Missouri Department of Transportation's Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission from 1978 to 1983. It was in this position that he would be given the nickname of ``Father of I-435''. Interstate 670, running through both Missouri and Kansas, carries his name today. Indeed, Mr. Dillingham was a driving force behind Kansas City's growth, including the decision to locate the Kansas City International Airport in the Northland.

Mr. Dillingham, in addition to being a successful businessman and public servant, was also a generous philanthropist who donated land from the stockyards for worthy causes like the American Royal and the construction of Kemper Arena, now known as the Hy-Vee Arena. Many universities and organizations across Missouri and Kansas also bear awards in his name due to his astounding leadership.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Jay B. Dillingham. Though he may be gone, his impacts on agriculture and infrastructure will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I thank the floor manager, Mr. Green of Texas, and I stand with my colleagues and Chairwoman Maxine Waters of California who I know is watching this debate in support of the Financial Services Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Economic Justice Act. I wish her a speedy return, but I thank her for the tremendous amount of work put into this piece of legislation, which would transform countless American lives for the better.

I specifically highlight the inclusion of the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act--Community Development Financial Institutions-- a priority of the CDFI community. I thank Congressman William Timmons from South Carolina for his partnership in advancing the bill through the Financial Services Committee by voice vote in committee markup last month.

According to the CDFI Fund in 2019, 33 percent of CDFI lending was in high-poverty areas, but we have got to do better. Seventeen percent was in rural areas.

CDFIs are instrumental in providing affordable capital to communities typically excluded or underserved by the mainstream financial system. I am proud of committee efforts to provide additional resources to these mission-driven community institutions that have faced several challenges in recent years.

Prior to the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, CDFIs were extremely limited in their ability to access capital to make large-scale investments in community facilities, basic infrastructure projects, or job-generating businesses. The CDFI Bond Guarantee Program was enacted to provide long-term, low-cost capital to CDFIs which use the funding for economic development activities in low-income urban, rural, and indigenous communities.

My bill would authorize the program and reduce the minimum issuance from $100 million to $25 million, opening up the program to smaller CDFIs and to support more community development projects such as loans to small businesses, commercial real estate, affordable housing, and healthcare facilities all across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the merging of The Builders' Association and the Kansas City Chapter

of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), the two most prominent commercial building associations in the region. Operating as separate entities for nearly eighty years, The Builders' Association and the Kansas City Chapter of the AGC hope to better serve their respective members by bringing them together under one roof. With the signing of a ceremonial charter, the presentation of a charter certificate, and the unveiling of the new, unified association's logo, today marks a historic milestone for mid-America's construction industry. Now representing one of the largest commercial construction associations in the county, The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, is poised to advance the interests of the construction industry and its workers further than either of the original, separate entities could do on their own. As members from both associations gather today to recognize this important occasion, let us reflect on the history of The Builder's Association and the AGC, the profound impact they have made in the heart of America, and the spirit of collaboration that made this merger possible.

The Builders' Association, originally known as The Builders' and Traders Exchange, was founded in 1887 with nearly one hundred and forty original members. Under the leadership of B.F. Swain, the first Board Chairman, and C.L. McDonald, the first managing director, The Builders' played a profound role in the development of Kansas City, incorporated just thirty-four years prior, and the midwestern United States. For nearly one hundred and fifty years, The Builders' have faithfully delivered safety, craft, and management training; employment, labor, and government relations; along with construction plans and technology tools. Today, The Builders' Association serves hundreds of member companies that employ over twenty-five-thousand people in mid-America. For these members, the services offered by The Builders' Association are invaluable to fostering a healthy, thriving construction industry. From hosting academies and seminars for individuals hoping to enter the industry or advance within their companies, to helping employers and job seekers establish mutually beneficial relationships, The Builders' role in supporting the commercial construction industry cannot be overstated. By providing young people with information and resources about careers in the construction industry, and by supporting the educational endeavors of students planning to enter construction- related fields through The Builders' Association Scholarship Foundation, The Builders' have gone above and beyond to ensure a strong construction industry for generations to come. Moreover, The Builders' Training Center in North Kansas City, home to eight apprenticeship training programs, guarantees that tomorrow's construction will be carried out by welltrained and well-educated workers. And in all that they do, The Builders' have never failed to set the highest standards for workers' safety, understanding that the wellbeing of the construction industry depends on the wellbeing of construction workers.

The Kansas City Chapter of the Associated General Contractors was chartered as a sister association to The Builders' Association in the early 1900s. Today, the Kansas City Chapter of the AGC represents more than one-hundred firms in the heartland region. Realizing the value of national connection and engagement offered through the Associated General Contractors of America, The Builders' added the option of membership in the AGC soon after the organization established roots in Kansas City. Herein lies an important observation--for nearly a century, The Builders' and the AGC have operated in close collaboration, not only sharing members and staff, but also a common mission and vision. However, as part of the Associated General Contractors of America, the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States, the Kansas City Chapter of the AGC has historically been able to offer greater access to resources and services, along with expanded opportunities to network with others in the industry, develop business, and create a stronger voice to advocate on behalf of the construction industry.

Thus, today's merger is in keeping with decades of collaboration between The Builders' and the AGC, in addition to the longstanding commitments of both organizations to best serve the interests of their members and the commercial construction industry. Indeed, the One Builders initiative helps strengthen and solidify a sense of unity that has long bound The Builders' and the local AGC chapter, and in doing so, will enhance the industry's influence in the Kansas City region and throughout the nation. The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, will undoubtedly expand economic opportunities for the Greater Kansas City area and usher in a new era of prosperity for the region's construction industry and the thousands of workers it employs.

Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the merger of The Builders' Association and the Kansas City Chapter of the Associated General Contractors to form The Builders, a chapter of the AGC.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor Mr. Alvin Brooks for his decades of service to Missouri's Fifth Congressional District and to congratulate him on his most recent milestone: his 90th birthday. Having spent a lifetime advancing civil and human rights, Alvin Brooks is a Kansas City legend who has been recognized in both chambers of Congress. On this momentous occasion, it is once again worth reflecting on Al's inspiring narrative.

Born into poverty during the early years of the Great Depression, Alvin and his family struggled to make ends meet. Coming of age during a time when legal segregation was still yet to be declared unconstitutional, Alvin never forgot the lessons he learned while navigating the injustices of Jim Crow. Firsthand knowledge of the country's racial caste system, and the oppressive measures used to uphold it, generated within him a deep desire for justice and a strong sense of right and wrong. Alvin understood the importance of Black Americans being represented in all professional fields, particularly law and politics. It is only fitting, then, that he became one of Kansas City's only Black police officers in the 1950s. Not only that, but he also founded the AdHoc Group Against Crime--a grassroots organization dedicated to reducing violence, solving crimes, and bringing about healing--and later organized the city's Human Relations Department, making him the first Black department head in Kansas City government.

Alvin continued to inspire. He was twice elected to City Council, served as the Mayor Pro Tem, and came within 851 votes of becoming Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. Alvin chaired city's the Public Safety Committee, the Police Capital Improvements Oversight Committee, the Police Site Selection Committee, and was vice-chair of the Aviation Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee. Whatever his station, though, Alvin was always a man of the people. He opposed racism in all its forms, brought justice to the community, and prioritized fairness and equality. ``Hate the sin, love the sinner''--that is Alvin. Through it all, he kept his roots. His work in Kansas City, though, is demonstrative of the work we need to do in communities all across America. Justice, fairness, and human rights: these are neither specific to locale nor timeframe. They are universal and eternal.

President George H.W. Bush appointed Alvin to the President's National Drug Advisory Council. He was one of President Bush's ``Thousand Points of Light,''--a select group of Americans who were recognized for volunteering in cities and towns across the country-- serving in that capacity for three years. Understanding the devastating impact that the influx of drugs inflicted on underserved communities, Alvin worked tirelessly to steer others away from substance abuse. Missouri Governor Jay Nixon appointed him to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners, where he used his seat at the table to advocate for the fair meting of justice. Alvin is also the fortysecond recipient of the Harry S. Truman Award for Public Service, the highest honor awarded by the City of Independence, Missouri. His name is on that list along with some quite notable company: Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Bill Clinton, to name just a few. I would be remiss not to mention Alvin's five honorary doctorates as well.

Aside from the work itself and all the accolades, Alvin has always sought to educate and inspire the next generation. He has served on boards of many community organizations, nonprofits, and businesses, sharing his knowledge and experience. His work as a motivational speaker, lecturer, and conductor of seminars and workshops has ensured that leaders in all fields are not only aware of how far our country has come, but of the work that still remains. Indeed, his passion for education bears out in his work with universities throughout my district. The next generation has a great example in Alvin, and his ninety years on Earth offer a gold mine of invaluable lessons.

As we celebrate his 90th birthday and distinguished career, I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Mr. Alvin Brooks. Here's to many more.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Ms. Renee Spaar and recognize her for the tremendous work achieved in the Odessa community. Renee loved her community and would stop at nothing to help the people within it. She truly was an amazing person to work with and a pioneer in education for the Odessa School District and school districts throughout Lafayette County, Missouri.

Her career began after graduating from Southwest Missouri State University in 1982 at The Odessan, where she would go on to develop the Newspapers in Education program. Through this program Renee was able to link real-world experiences to the classroom, promote lifelong learning, and develop reading habits by advancing the use of a newspaper in the classroom to promote literacy for kids across the Odessa area. Additionally, she was one of the founding members of the Odessa Outreach, an organization created to help serve and fund local non-profits in the area who need assistance. Renee's life will be remembered for her passion for education and outstanding work for everyone in her city. She always found a way to overcome any difficulties she faced in her long, dedicated career to service, and in doing so remained positive no matter what.

Renee was loved by many and in return loved all that she encountered. She was described by her peers as always having a bright smile on her face, a joke to tell, and uplifting for those who needed it. She was an enjoyable person to be around and would light up every room she walked into. We should all strive to be as happy, loving, and gracious as Renee was in her admirable 61 years of living. She will be deeply missed, but her long-lasting impact and legacy will live on for years to come. I would like to offer my condolences to all that knew Renee and her loving family and remember her for the outstanding work she did for the Odessa community. May her memory be a blessing.

Madam Speaker, for two generations now, the promise of college is one on which we as a nation have largely failed to deliver. At a time when seven of ten undergraduate students and nine of ten Pell Grant recipients must take on debt simply to graduate college--a debt load which averages $30,000 per borrower--many families have begun considering alternatives. However, the WPA is gone, and with it even rhetorical concessions to the idea of full employment. More disappointingly evanescent is the yeoman idea which once accompanied manual labor. The artisans and mechanics of whom Jefferson wrote so fondly--the ideal American citizen--theirs has become an almost antiquarian way of life. The Great Emancipator once wrote, ``Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.'' In this vein, and on behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional district, I rise to honor Metropolitan Community College's Advanced Technical Skills Institute's Early College Program.

The Early College Program allows students to consider their options, rather than locking them into a field of study, and allows them to

earn college credit towards certificate and Associates programs. The four careers which students can pursue through the program promise dignified and liberating labor, livable wages, a community's respect, and autonomy. The pathways include HVAC, Construction Careers, Engineering and Technology, and Welding. The program delivers the institutions promise of bolstering participation in the trades and developing a skilled workforce that is prepared to meet the demands of the future. The satisfaction, the fulfilment, and the compensation that comes with these trades belongs to the tradesperson alone. The graduate will carry these with them as a badge of honor; they will wear a proud and dignified smile.

Our infrastructure crumbles around us. Bridges fall. Housing stock sits vacant. Our water is unsafe to drink. Missouri's infrastructure was recently graded a C- by the White House. I am further ashamed to announce that this is one of the higher rankings in the nation. No state received a grade above C+. Great disasters--manmade disasters, bred of indecision and postponement, of abdication of responsibility-- await us if we do not act. We must provide avenues such as this Early College Program, training millions for the labor we all know is necessary. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law marks the largest investment in Americas critical infrastructure in nearly a century and will create an estimated 2 million jobs per year--particularly for those with trade experience and technical skills. Those participating in MCCKC's Early College Program will be leaders in the Midwest region, charged with the duty to not only tackle the nation's crumbling infrastructure, but also in preparing for a greener future. Roosevelt met the Great Depression head on with a whole alphabet of innovative solutions: CCC, NYA, WPA. I believe this program--the MCCKC ATSI ECP, if you will--can serve as a model for higher education reform across the country.

When I consider the endless potential of this program, I reflect on these historical lessons. I think of the new opportunities. I think of the new future these students will build together with capable hands and keen minds. They will become sharp without becoming narrow. They will graduate into good, honest careers. I hope this hallowed body joins me in honoring Metropolitan Community College in this tremendous vision, and in wishing them eternal luck in an uncertain future. They have my utmost confidence and support.

Madam Speaker, it is with profound gratitude that I rise today as Missouri's Fifth Congressional District celebrates the decades-long career of an individual who has gone above and beyond for the people of Missouri and the men and women of our armed forces: Mr. Joe Scallorns. Joe's dedication to his community is truly exemplary. Through more than thirty years as a community banker, enthusiastic support for America's military as an Air Force Civic Leader, and as a board member of several community organizations, Joe has always put the needs of others ahead of his own.

Before he began his distinguished career, Joe was a student at the University of Missouri and Rutgers University, where he studied business, finance, and banking. Recognized for his exceptional leadership abilities, Joe went on to serve as the President and CEO of the Farmers and Traders Bank in California, Missouri. His educational background, industry knowledge, and professional experience have proved useful and insightful during his time as a board member for the Whiteman Air Force Base Community Council, the Civic Leaders Group of Air Force Global Strike Command, and the Whiteman Area Leadership Council. As a founding member of the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C., a board member for the Strategic Deterrent Coalition, and President Emeritus of both groups, Joe has helped bridge the divide between the members of our nation's military and the civilian population they faithfully protect.

Joe's commitment to our armed forces is demonstrated in his numerous honors: the Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award, the Air Force Scroll of Appreciation, and his designation as Honorary Chief Master Sergeant by Whiteman Air Force Base. His devotion and leadership, though, has extended to all manner of causes: the Rotary Club, the American Bankers Association, and the Missouri Girls Town Foundation. You name it, and Joe has played a role in it, all across our district. These deserved achievements are a testament to his love and passion for giving back.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Joe for his tremendous accomplishments, his wisdom, and his tireless community service. His enthusiasm is infectious; his service is a model for all of us. I speak with the voice of Missouri's entire Fifth District as we say a heartfelt ``thank you'' to Mr. Joe Scallorns. I congratulate Joe on reaching the next chapter of his life. I wish him health and happiness in his well-earned retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Class 2 State Championship won by the Wellington-Napoleon Lady Tigers basketball team. Such an achievement is the result of strong leadership and years of dedication from players and coaches alike, and it is truly an honor to recognize this exemplary group of athletes from the Fifth District of Missouri.

After falling just 7 points short of a state championship 1 year ago, the motto for the entire team all year long has been ``unfinished business.'' This sense of drive and determination to not only return to the state championship game, but to cut down the nets this time around, was reflected in the team's dominant season, with 28 victories and a mere two losses. Winning their last 19 games in a row, the Lady Tigers earned a reputation a one of the most fiercely competitive teams throughout the State of Missouri. Led by Head Coach Andy Hampton, the Wellington-Napoleon girls basketball team faced off against the Ellington Whippets in a rematch of last year's title game on Saturday, March 12, at the JQH Arena in Springfield, Missouri. This year, however, the Lady Tigers prevailed.

Playing exceptional defense for the duration of the game, Wellington- Napoleon kept the Whippets from scoring a single field goal throughout the third quarter while only allowing three baskets in the entire second half. The Lady Tigers' seven blocks and nine steals were backed up by outstanding offensive performances from Ayden Shannon, Bree Shannon, and Kaylin Ellensohn, who scored 46 of their team's 52 points. Fulfilling their ultimate goal for the season, the Wellington-Napoleon girls basketball team won the Class 2 State Championship in decisive fashion, with a 52-31 victory over Ellington. With the state trophy making its way home to Wellington-Napoleon, it brings me great joy in saying that hard work and dedication has paid off once again. This victory marks the first state championship this program has won, but I have no doubt that more will follow.

The Lady Tigers' tremendous success this season is just one of many achievements to come for the players and the coaching staff. One of the remarkable aspects of competitive athletics is that it opens up a wide range of opportunities in other walks of life. Some of these young women will continue their basketball careers at colleges and universities; all of them will hold and cherish memories from their time at Wellington-Napoleon, where they learned what it meant to work as a team in pursuit of a common goal. Indeed, these life lessons will only prove more valuable as time goes on. I am proud of everyone who made this season possible--from the players and their parents, to the coaches and the loyal fans--and I look forward to seeing where life takes each of these promising student-athletes. I wish all of these young women the best of luck going forward, and once again I want to express how extraordinarily proud I am of this team and their achievements. On behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, congratulations on such a successful season.

Madam Speaker, please join with me in celebrating the Wellington- Napoleon Lady Tigers basketball team and the State Championship they have brought home. Here's to taking care of business.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to commemorate the life of Bobby Contreras and to pay tribute to his lasting legacy in Kansas City, Missouri. The world that Bobby Contreras has left is brighter, kinder, and more joyful because of the sixty- seven years of life that he shared with us. I am grateful to God for giving Bobby to his family and friends, and I am grateful to them for sharing Bobby with us.

Father. Grandfather. Union member. ``DJ Bobby C.'' Bobby Contreras was a man who seemed to be everywhere, both physically and spiritually. Somehow, all at one time, Bobby managed to be truly present--as an outgoing

coworker at Kansas City Power & Light and Aramco Steel; as a Board Member and volunteer at Fiesta Hispana; as a passionate member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1464; as a weekend DJ; and as an extraordinarily loving and playful father and grandfather. But Bobby was also spiritually pervasive. His light, his smile, his very presence could fill any room, any venue, and any party. Bobby instilled this light in his children, and despite his physical absence, his spirit will continue to be felt anywhere the two of them appear. Through the joy he spread, Bobby's presence could be felt throughout the community, and the reverberations of his life--a life well lived for nearly seven decades--will continue to be felt for years.

In all parts of his life, Bobby combined that vibrant presence with pure dedication. He was religious about Joseph's and Jackson's ballgames--both in attendance and in fervor. He kept every ticket, every recital program. He passionately campaigned to bring Tejano artists to Kansas City as a part of his lifelong effort to celebrate the Mexican American heritage he valued so deeply. He worked tirelessly to provide a better future for his children and grandchildren, blazing a path through an industry where few Hispanic individuals had trod before. He volunteered both inside and outside of his community. He brought his DJing skills from large gigs to backyard Bar-B-Ques, sharing with others his love for Kool & The Gang, Santana, and Jay Perez. His adventurous spirit was a vestige of his younger days, and like so many parts of Bobby's youth, it only grew more brilliant with age. Bringing together the adventurous and dedicated sides of his soul, Bobby charted a life course we should all hope to emulate.

The pain that accompanies the death of a loved one can be especially difficult for children to understand, and I can imagine how Joseph, Jackson, and Jada will be missing their grandfather's spontaneous visits and groovy tunes. I hope they know that he is still, and will always remain, just over their shoulders, right behind home plate, cheering them on. To Patrick and Jessica, as you witness your father trek up far beyond the ``City of the Sun,'' I know you understand that he leaves you with an unmistakable guide to living life the right way. Today, he enters the ``Land of 1000 Dances,'' and it will be a long time before we join him. But he's certainly left us with plenty of moves to practice.

Since I learned of Bobby's passing, I have been listening to the wonderful ``living'' play list you have been putting together of ``DJ Bobby C'' standards. One song in particular has stood out to me. I'm not sure why. I'm not sure if it's the bouncy accordion, the smooth, airy vocals, or its feeling of togetherness so sorely lacking in the world today. Regardless, I've been thinking about it all week. It's Track 12: Michael Salgado's 1994 song ``Cruz De Madera'' off the album Nuevas Y Favoritas. ``. . . Cuando yo me muera,'' Salgado sings, ``Yo no quiero lujos ni mesas de adobe/ No quiero una caja que valga millions/ Lo unico que quiero es que canten canciones.'' Lo unica que quiero es que canten canciones. I think we can swing that, don't you?

Madam Speaker, my prayers are with Bobby's family and friends as they adjust to this momentous loss. In death, Bobby has found peace in the arms of his parents and in the arms of God. I don't know what playlist he's cooking up right now or how he plans to get Heaven on its feet tonight, but I do know there isn't a place in the universe Bobby couldn't make better. Like the speaker in Salgado's song, Bobby never asked much of anyone, but he did ask us to feel the music, let go of tomorrow, and dance along--for him, yes, but mostly for us. The pain of mortality may have dimmed the lights, but Bobby's party will go on forever.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to celebrate the life and legacy of a dear friend, an ambitious leader, and a dedicated public servant: Paul Wrabec. Paul, who passed away on October 20th, never faltered from advocating for the causes he was deeply passionate about, and his advocacy undoubtedly made Jackson County a better place to call home. As a beloved and active member of the Greater Kansas City community, he created change and inspired future generations of policy makers to lead with a sense of conviction. Paul will be missed dearly, and his life is well worth remembering.

A lifelong resident of Sugar Creek, Missouri, Paul comes from a proud Croatian and Slavic family that immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. Growing up in this thriving immigrant community, Paul was taught the values of equality, union rights, and environmental stewardship. Throughout his life, Paul remained committed to those values as he led a fulfilling career as a civil servant.

A graduate of St. Mary High School and Rockhurst University, Wrabec retired from environmental remediation work in 2005. Operating the Kansas City, Sugar Creek, and Independence License offices with his son, Cyril, Paul ensured that disabled and elderly members of the community had access to much needed services. But his impact as an empathetic community member didn't stop there.

Paul also served on the Sugar Creek Board of Aldermen, and then was first elected to the Jackson County Democratic Party committee in 1978 and was its longest-serving chairperson in nearly 100 years. He was known throughout Jackson County for being able to ``run circles'' around others in fundraising and for constantly raising the bar for successful local campaigns. Always emphasizing the importance of voting, Paul worked tirelessly to rally communities throughout Independence and Sugar Creek ahead of critical elections.

While Paul certainly wore his political beliefs on his sleeve as a loyal Democrat, he was a steadfast believer in building relationships with those across the aisle. Indeed, he found ways to make peace with people from all walks of life, and his gentle demeanor and contagious smile always made him a joy to be around. There is no doubt that he established a connection with every individual he came across.

Looking beyond his extraordinary work as a public official, Paul was a heartfelt family man who enjoyed hunting and fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks with his family. Making time for his loved ones was always his first priority. Paul's storytelling of family history and generous nature will be missed, but all those who have met him will still have felt his impact for the rest of their lives.

Many still remember times when Paul picked up hitchhikers, gave money to the homeless, and happily lent a helping hand to anyone needing anything.

Madam Speaker, please join me in remembering the inspiring, impactful life of Paul Wrabec. Please also join me in offering condolences to his family and all those mourning his loss. Let us seek to emulate his example in the work we do here by preserving Paul's story of public service and human empathy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Madam Chair for yielding. Let me begin my comments by thanking the gentlewoman, as I have done in front of you and away from you, because I think you have placed housing on the front burner in this country right now, and it could not have come sooner.

Let me just say that--because I was disoriented because of the earlier speakers and then got a really bad headache, but I am going to still be able to share these comments--I probably did not grow up like many of the people in a contemporary United States. I grew up in Texas just outside of downtown Dallas, and I had no idea that we were poor.

Never mind the fact that we had an outhouse about 30 or 40 yards down a hill by a little creek. Never mind the fact that we didn't have windows in our house. Actually, we did have windows, but my father or somebody had put tin over the windows to keep the winter cold out. The good blessing there was, in Texas, the weather is quite mild in the winter.

But I lived in a shack, and there were six people in it. There were two rooms. My three sisters slept on one side of the room, and I slept on the other side of the room. The kitchen was not really a kitchen. We had what was called an icebox, and the iceman would bring a big block of ice every 2 or 3 days for 50 cents.

So I guess somebody could say, well, his parents weren't working and that is what happens in this country when people don't work. It may be interesting, at least for some, to know that my father attended Prairie View, did not graduate from Prairie View, came back home and started his own business, Cleaver's Cleaners. And in a town where there was rigid segregation, he could only do the people in the neighborhood, and that didn't provide enough income.

But he kept us in this house as comfortably as possible. In fact, one night, I asked my mother if I could share something that is called hoe cakes, big biscuits. She would make syrup, and I loved it. It was like heaven. I asked her if I could share those with the people who lived on the big street. We lived in an ally, and there were big mansions that are still there today, and I wanted to take some over and give it to the rich kids, because my mother said they didn't have any hoe cakes.

But we lived in a house. And my father, who turned 100 on July 16, paid $20 a month on a shack, probably was worth maybe $250. So I grew up in that house.

We then moved to public housing. My father worked--and, in fact, I don't know how he made it, and I don't know how he lived to be 100, because my father worked three jobs. He worked at the First Baptist Church, a huge church, still is a huge church that is known all over the country. And then, on Saturday mornings, he cleaned up the T. A. Litteken's Construction Company office building. Then on Saturdays, he would serve parties. He did that for years and years and years and years.

I hope he is watching this tonight, because I want to say thank you to him, because I don't know how he did all of that. Because my mother did not go to school, college, he felt like it was his responsibility to send her to college.

So we moved to public housing. And as I have said publicly, my father lied to the officials at the public housing, the Rosewood projects. He would not tell them that he had another job, because to do so meant that he would have to increase his rent.

So he saved every dime he could get, every dime, and bought a house in the White neighborhood and had it moved on a Saturday night to the east side of town where African Americans lived.

This was his dream. My father had the house fixed up. We moved into the house. I had my own bedroom. I thought we were rich. I mean, we actually had an indoor bathroom. I remember, I spent one night just flushing the toilet, just playing with it. It was like heaven. Then my mother started college when I was in the seventh grade. My father insisted.

My father was willing to do whatever he had to do to build his family. But the key to all of it was housing. That separated us from a lot of others. Housing, it is the most significant thing a human being can have. It makes them a part of the American Dream.

My daddy is somebody--and this rose so high--that his lawn was put on display in the local newspaper. The lawn of the summer, that is what he wanted to do.

Madam Chair, I appreciate everything you have done and said to bring us to this point.

I want to say to anybody watching, if you live in the United States, the most powerful, the richest Nation on this planet, you have no business sleeping outside with 700,000 people who do it every single night in this country. You have no business being unable to afford a house in the United States, because the average price now is almost $400,000.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Country Club Christian Church. Since 1921, this church has received everyone, regardless of background, with open arms into their religious community. This church has made a tradition of service since its very inception, serving as a center of support for those who call Kansas City home. It is a great pleasure to have this house of worship and pillar of faith in my Congressional District.

Country Club Christian Church was founded in 1921 and it bears the name of its location, the Country Club District. While the church's name may bring to mind images of exclusivity, the church serves under the motto that ``all means all,'' and they have always been committed to providing for and including each and every one of their neighbors. The church has been led by both male and female pastors and ordained its first LGBTQ Minister in 2013. Through its inclusive and loving community, Country Club Christian Church has embodied the notion of loving thy neighbor, making it a central message and mission at this parish.

Not only is Country Club Christian Church a center of worship but also a hub of service in its community. The church participates in community outreach and service, helping its marginalized members by partnering with Cross-Lines Community Outreach Food Kitchen every first Tuesday of the month to serve food to its members. Along with helping those neighbors within Kansas City, this church extends its arms to help newly arrived refugees and immigrants settle into their new homes in our community by providing them support through their transition into a new country.

Around the world, this church has embarked upon missions in Nicaragua, Haiti, South Africa, and India as well as several locations in the United States to provide service, a place of worship, and support for others. While on these missions, Church members helped build water filtration systems for a community in Nicaragua, delivered clothing and gifts to children in Haiti, and provided health services while in India. Additionally, the church organizes a Christian Community Camp each year. Held in the Rocky Mountains, this expedition allows members of the church to build friendships with each other while also growing and expanding their faith.

Country Club Christian Church has served for over a century, and that spirit of service holds true today. The assembly is a clearly devoted group which includes Federal District Judge Steve Bough and his wife, Kansas City Councilwoman Andrea Bough. Madam Speaker, because of the church's decades of service and commitment to communities at home and abroad, please join me in celebrating and honoring Reverend Carla Aday and the congregation of Country Club Christian Church for achieving this milestone. May the next 100 years be just as fruitful.

Madam Speaker, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration that I rise today to celebrate Kansas City Police Officer Octavio ``Chato'' Villalobos. The son of Mexican immigrants, Chato has made it his life's mission to serve and protect the people of Kansas City, Missouri while working tirelessly to ensure that communities of color are treated fairly and justly by our country's criminal justice system. In light of the protests that swept across our nation last summer, it is perhaps more important than ever before to recognize police officers like Chato, whose selfless service is rooted in love and compassion for the people he protects.

Born in Torrance, California and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Chato takes great pride in belonging to Kansas City's thriving Mexican- American community. Known by others for his thoughtful nature, Chato has always understood that identifying as a Mexican-American police officer comes not only with immense pride, but with a profound sense of purpose and responsibility as well. Communities of color, including the Latino community, have faced racism, prejudice, and discrimination here in the United States for generations, and the injustices to which the Chicano community has been subjected are far too many to count. Chato knows this history well, but rather than letting it discourage him or dampen his spirits, he has used it as a constant source of motivation to make Kansas City a better place to call home, regardless of one's skin color or national origin.

Treating others the way he wishes to be treated, Chato has made significant strides towards building trust between Kansas City's police department and the Latino community it serves. Having worn the blue uniform for many years now, Chato understands that simply offering dignity and respect to the faces he meets while on patrol goes a long way toward creating a safer city where all people are treated fairly under the law. While negative stories capture headlines and screen time, Chato has lent a helping hand to the people of Kansas City any time the opportunity has arisen ever since the first time he donned the badge, and his compassionate nature has made him beloved throughout the city.

Beyond his work as a police officer, Chato has served as a mentor to boys on the path to manhood, instilling values into our young people that will ensure their success down the road. Chato has advocated passionately on behalf of DACA, and regularly volunteers with organizations aimed at uplifting the Latino community. A committed father, Chato makes sure to teach his children about their Mexican heritage by taking them to local Chicano and Latino art festivals and celebrations, believing firmly that appreciating one's genealogy helps build a sense of personal identity while giving us the strength to face the challenges of life. And in May of 2016, Chato's heartfelt poem ``Brown Eyes in Blues'' was read aloud to an audience in Kansas City by Juan Felipe Herrera, our nation's first Latino Poet Laureate.

Madam Speaker, the impact that Octavio ``Chato'' Villalobos has made on the Kansas City community is greater than any speech of mine can encapsulate. As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month, let us take time to recognize public servants like Chato who work every day to make sure the United States is living up to its founding principles of liberty and justice for all.