Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Clyde Hawes from New Madrid, Missouri for his exceptional years of service as Presiding Commissioner of New Madrid County.

Mr. Hawes has set a wonderful example of public service and dedication to bettering our community. This month he will be retiring after serving as Presiding Commissioner for 36 years. Before that Mr. Hawes also served as Assessor of New Madrid County for 20 years while owning and operating his family farm. Mr. Hawes has spoken at several public events sharing his knowledge about business, agriculture, and civic matters.

Apart from his work as commissioner, Mr. Hawes is a Sunday school teacher at his church. As a devoted family man, Clyde sets a precedent for others to follow by committing to a balancing work and family.

For his years of service and all the work he has done to strengthen our community, it is my pleasure to recognize the achievements of Clyde Hawes and congratulate him on his retirement before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Golden LivingCenter in St. James as the 2014 recipient of the Gold-Excellence in Quality National Quality Award. Golden LivingCenter is the only long term care center that has received this prestigious award from the National Quality Award program for three consecutive years.

Since 1964, as a role model for providing skilled nursing and post- acute care, Golden LivingCenter has been dedicated to improving the lives of their patients and residents. Their employees have continuously been committed to provide exceptional care for the residents of the communities they serve.

For the years of service and commitment to helping others, it is my pleasure to recognize Golden LivingCenter in St. James before the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Abbie Crites-Leoni from Cape Girardeau, Missouri for her exceptional successes in law and service to our community.

Abbie has been awarded several times for her achievements as a lawyer and investigative work. She has become a role model for younger women wanting to pursue a career or interest in criminal justice and law.

Apart from law, Abbie has also proven herself as a successful business owner. Alongside her husband, she helped administrate a construction company that has built suburb communities and even a wedding and event center which has benefitted the community greatly.

Most recently, Abbie has achieved a new goal of becoming a judge. This is an incredible

milestone, and she is the first woman to serve full-time as a federal judge in Cape Girardeau.

In addition to serving as an impartial judge in our court system, Abbie also finds time to serve the community in other ways. She has participated and led several different councils that aim to inspire and support local kids.

For her work in seeking justice and practicing law in an admirable and ethical way, I applaud Abbie for her success and the bright future that still lies ahead. It is my pleasure to recognize her efforts and accomplishments before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 70th Anniversary of the First Assembly of God in Potosi, Missouri. In 1944 the first members of this church came together seeking to build a community of believers to worship and to serve others. The First Assembly of God is part of the large council of Assemblies of God which is celebrating their 100th year.

First Assembly works to reach out to the community of Potosi and beyond. Among their

many services, they minister to the youth with different programs that aim to teach and encourage young kids to grow in their faith. They also support missionaries across the globe who are working selflessly to bring aid and the love of Christ to those in need.

For the years of service and their commitment to helping others, it is my pleasure to recognize the 70th Anniversary of the First Assembly of God in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sandra Bollinger from Sikeston, Missouri for her success in the medical field and service to our community.

Sandra Bollinger has set a wonderful example of hard work and a dedication to serve others. For thirty years Sandra has worked in the medical field as a pharmacist, providing needed care and service to families in southeast Missouri. As a reputable pharmacist and driven businesswoman Sandra also opened and owned the first licensed Class I consulting pharmacy in the state of Missouri.

Ms. Bollinger is a great example of the success a person can reach when they are passionate and motivated about what they do. From serving others behind the counter, to educating new students in medicine, Sandra has truly become a leader in her field.

Outside her normal work, Ms. Bollinger devotes time to volunteer and is active in the community. She has served in numerous organizations using her expertise to advise both adults and the youth.

It is my pleasure to recognize her efforts and accomplishments before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lisa Cook from Chaffee, Missouri for her success in the medical field and service to our community.

Lisa Cook, following the wisdom passed to her from her mother, followed her dreams of achieving an education and continued to climb the corporate ladder. Her hard work and passion to serve others is apparent in the numerous ways she has been honored and recognized for her achievements.

Despite her demanding work schedule, Mrs. Cook always finds time to volunteer and support the community in various ways. Lisa and her husband find it most fulfilling to engage in charitable causes under the cloak of anonymity. For them it is not about being recognized for their contributions, but knowing that their actions impact other individuals in a positive way.

I admire Lisa Cook for her positive attitude and determination to succeed which has influenced many in our community. It is my pleasure to recognize her efforts and accomplishments before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Laurie Everett of Cape Girardeau, Missouri for the inspiration she offers to the youth and women of Missouri.

At age 22, Ms. Everett first enlisted in the U.S. Army. Her experience strengthened her ability to offer other women encouragement to persevere through the arduous transition of being away from home. As an entrepreneur and owner of Annie Laurie's Antiques, she mentors both female interns and professional women to support their professional development. In addition, to support at risk youth, Ms. Everett sponsored youth job trainings through the Myers Goodwill Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri.

Laurie Everett's achievements in business and dedication to mentorship have greatly influenced our community. It is my pleasure to recognize her efforts and accomplishments before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Diane Howard who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Annual Zonta Women of Achievement for her respectable achievements and tremendous influence in the community. Her notable impact is evident in her recognition as the ``Woman of Achievement'' in 2000 by the Cape Girardeau Area Zonta Club.

Since 1984, Ms. Howard has been an attorney with the Limbaugh Firm in Cape Girardeau. Additionally, she was a member of the Board of Governments of the Missouri Bar and played an active role in many bar organizations as well as civic and non-profit organizations.

Before beginning her private practice, she was a criminal prosecutor on active duty with the U.S. Navy (JAG Corps). She continued her service in the Naval Reserves for 21 years serving throughout the United States where she spent two weeks trying a case at the Guantanamo Bay Cuba Naval Service. She pursued to serve as Commanding Officer of three Units including the Office of the Judge Advocate General in Washington, D.C. In 2005, she retired from the Navy Reserves after 25 total years of faithful military service with the rank of Captain.

Diane Howard's dedication to all her work has been undeniably laudable and has been a great contribution to our community. It is my pleasure to recognize her efforts and accomplishments before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Kimberlee Joos who received the Celebration Award at the Annual Zonta Women of Achievement for her selfless service and proud achievements that greatly impact both our Missouri community and the nation as a whole.

In 1991, Colonel Joos received her commission through the Air Force ROTC program at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She then became a master intelligence officer with a notable skillset in various intelligence disciplines including Flying Unit- level Intelligence Support, Theater Airborne ISR Operations, and National Cryptologic Operations and Collection Management.

Her service extends beyond Missouri, and she now commands the 17th Training Wing at the Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas. Additionally, she holds command responsibility for units in California, Arizona, and Florida where she administers real property, equipment, supplies, and contracts. She also offers support to Army, Navy and Marine Corps on- base units in addition to countless other organizations.

Colonel Joos's noteworthy accomplishments are evident in her various awards and decorations that include the Defense Superior Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Colonel Kimberlee Joos's dedication has been truly admirable and has benefited our community greatly. It is my pleasure to recognize her efforts and successes before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathy Hecht of Jackson, Missouri for her exemplary achievements and impact on the community.

In June 2005, Ms. Hecht bought Boothill Area Rapid Transportation (BART), a shuttle service that provides transportation to and from the St. Louis airport. She strategically manages 38 drivers as well as 5 full time and 2 part time employees. Furthermore, she offers free transportation to veterans taking Honor Flight trips to express appreciation for their service.

Ms. Hecht has taken on prominent roles in the Missouri community. For instance, she became a member of the Chambers of Commerce in each of the regions BART does business in. She also joined the Advisory Board of Directors for the Bank of Missouri, the only woman serving on this board. However, the achievement she is most proud of was her decision to fold her 18 year-long career in education to open her own business in order to become more accessible to her family.

Kathy Hecht's service to the state of Missouri has been truly admirable and has benefited our community greatly. Her selfless decision to be a full time parent is also highly admired by her family and those closest to her. It is my pleasure to recognize her efforts and achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 20th Anniversary of Behavioral Health Response. BHR is a nonprofit organization, established in 1994, that provides free 24-hour access to behavioral health services for the citizens of the Eastern Region of Missouri by equipped mental health professionals. BHR continues to play a crucial role in Missouri's behavioral healthcare system.

BHR serves as a prominent asset to the behavioral health community through its cooperation with hospitals, community mental health centers, police officers, and other community organizations. They also provide prompt and constant accessibility by means of private telephone counseling and mobile outreach services. In addition, BHR uses a strategic system of careful administrative work, compassionate calls, and courteous follow-up calls to ensure respect and high-performance for the citizens. BHR complements the efficient and effective deliverance of high-quality healthcare services and largely contributes to the well-being of the residents of Missouri.

For the critical contributions Behavioral Health Response has made to the behavioral healthcare system in Missouri, it is my pleasure to recognize the 20th Anniversary of Behavioral Health Response in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Luke Blanton of Sikeston, Missouri for his outstanding achievement of receiving his Eagle Scout Award. This award is not easily attained and cannot be achieved without a steadfast determination to succeed.

In order to receive this award, Luke completed an Eagle project that exemplifies patriotism and his commitment to serve others. With the help of Sikeston Career and Technology Center, Luke built a flag depository box in the Veterans Park in Sikeston, Missouri where numerous flags continue to be collected so they can be retired properly.

At a young age Luke has shown values such as honesty, loyalty, and civility that inspire others. He has shown commitment to good citizenship, physical fitness, and education. By learning important survival skills, he has made himself an asset to our community, as well as the nation. Luke is a role model for young and old, alike, and it is my pleasure to recognize his achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25 years of service that Serenity Hospice Care in Park Hills, Missouri has provided our community. Serenity Hospice Care is the area's only independent, non-profit hospice. They have served over 5,000 patients and their families, regardless of the patient's ability to pay.

When Serenity Hospice Care first opened its doors 25 years ago, it was thanks to a volunteer staff and funds raised by an all-volunteer Board of Directors concerned by the lack of hospice care in the surrounding counties. Until they received their Medicare and Medicaid certification, Serenity Hospice Care operated solely on the funds raised by generous donors. Today those funds are used to help cover the costs for the patients without sufficient insurance coverage.

It is in the late stages of life where Serenity Hospice Care aims to relieve the financial burden of finding adequate hospice care for seniors. As their name so perfectly describes, Serenity Hospice Care has provided peace and comfort to many patients and their families. It is their mission of ``providing excellent end-of-life care and grief support services to all in our community who need them'', that makes them a valuable and respected organization to the eight counties it services.

It is my pleasure to recognize Serenity Hospice Care and their devoted staff for their 25 years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reagan Myers from Poplar Bluff, Missouri for his years of service with the Salvation Army. Reagan Myers is being honored as the 2014 Mariana Islands Young Citizen of the Year. This award is not easily attained, and can only be achieved by demonstrating a selfless passion for serving and a giving heart. Reagan and his family are serving as missionaries under the auspices of General Baptist International Missions. At only 16 years old, Reagan has demonstrated his commitment to serving those in need in Saipan.

Over the past year he has donated many of his own items to the Salvation Army, he has volunteered his time to help in the soup kitchen, and ring the bell at the red kettle location. Reagan has led efforts to provide relief to families who suffered from Typhoon Vongfong. With support from his church, he provides baskets to families in need filled with food, toys, and Bibles.

Reagan Myers is a role model for young and old alike, and it is my pleasure to recognize his achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, for months I have said how detrimental the new Waters of the United States EPA regulation would be to the people of my district. We have long protected some of the most beautiful waterways in the world, but once again, bureaucrats think that they know better.

I have many questions about the regulation, but when the Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on this rule back in June, the Federal agencies did not even show up. How can we trust them to work with landowners if the rule is implemented?

Earlier this year, the House passed a bill to protect Americans from the huge regulatory burden, but like so many others, it is stuck in the Senate. Luckily, there is still time to do something to stop this disastrous power grab.

The EPA is accepting comments on the proposed Waters of the United States rule until Friday, November 14, so join me in telling the EPA how terrible this ill-considered regulation would be for Missouri and the United States.