Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Missouri's Eighth District has more than 200 miles of the Mississippi River and is dependent on barge traffic to move our crops. This year, with one of the largest harvests on record, the Army Corps of Engineers closed a stretch of the Mississippi River that gets the harvest to market and did not adequately notify shippers.

This is absolutely unacceptable. My colleagues and I sent a letter this week urging the Corps to notify industries in advance of construction, and also to take market factors into consideration when planning construction in the future. The work the Corps does protecting our river system is vital, and we need to work to secure the Corps more resources to complete its mission, but construction must be scheduled appropriately and not at the expense of America's farmers and shippers.

Madam Speaker, today, September 17, 2014, marks 82,910 days since the Constitution was signed in 1787. Though I have only been a United States Congressman for 469 of those days, on every one of them, I work to uphold the oath of office I swore: to defend our Nation's most important governing document, the Constitution.

On this Constitution Day, I would like to take some time to remind us all that all parts of the founding document are important. Especially in this time of executive overreach, we should remember that our Constitution created three equal and distinct branches of government.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to stand up in support of legislation that I cosponsored that the House will consider later

today, H.R. 24, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act.

As the creator of U.S. monetary policy, the Federal Reserve is one of the most influential institutions in our government. Unfortunately, it is also mentioned as one of the most secretive institutions of government. This act would require the Federal Reserve System to submit itself to a full, fair, and open audit process.

President Harry Truman, from the great Show-Me State, once said that ``secrecy and a free democratic government don't mix.'' In all of government, including the Federal Reserve, openness, transparency, and accountability are absolutely required. Hundreds of my fellow Missourians have contacted me asking to fully audit the Federal Reserve in just the first 15 months that I have been in office.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to audit the Fed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Mr. Garnett Kelly's 90th birthday. Throughout his life, Garnett has served his country and community with the utmost respect and integrity. Garnett is a veteran of World War II, a retired Missouri State Representative, and a farmer.

Garnett Kelly nobly served his country in the United States Navy between 1944 and 1946, during World War II. He then turned his focus to farming and later to state politics where he ran for Missouri's 143rd District, and served Douglas County from 1970-1984. While serving in the Missouri House of Representatives, Garnett served on the House Committees on Agriculture, Fees and Salaries, Appropriations, and Education. After his tenure in the Missouri House of Representatives, Garnett came back to his farm in Douglas County. He has been farming for over 65 years, running both dairy and beef cattle and still puts up his own hay.

Garnett has been married to his wife Loretta since 1945, and they have been blessed with five children, twenty-three grandchildren, forty-nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. It is my privilege to commemorate Mr. Garnett Kelly's 90th birthday, as well as recognize his numerous achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles's historic weekend visit to Oregon County, Missouri. In 1964 The Beatles visited the Ozarks of Oregon County, Missouri in September for a weekend of rest and relaxation at the Pigman Ranch.

I also would like to recognize the Ozarks of Oregon County, Missouri as the official September 19, 1964 weekend destination of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The Alton Community Foundation is conducting the Ozarks Beatlemania Festival on the 12th and 13th of September this fall to celebrate this historic event in the Ozarks. The community of Alton looks forward to sharing the history and stories of the Fab Four's visit to nearby Pigman Ranch on September of 1964. Although Pigman Ranch is no longer owned by the Pigman family, the stories, the mystique and the uniqueness of the ranch remain.

With the Ozark Beatlemania Festival approaching, in which I am eager to attend, it is my pleasure to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the visit made by The Beatles to Oregon County, Missouri, before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Kasten who is receiving the Southeast Missourian ``Spirit of American Award'' in recognition of her outstanding service to the community of Cape Girardeau and the state of Missouri.

Mary's service expands from God, family, country and her fellow man. She volunteered much of her time as a Sunday school teacher and choir member in the St. Andrew's Lutheran Church. Mary also served as a member of the Cape Girardeau School Board and held various offices on the board for 20 years. Mary continued to be dedicated to education by serving on the Board of Regents at Southeast Missouri State University, her alma mater. Mary also served in the Missouri General Assembly for nearly 20 years where she represented her family, friends and neighbors with distinction.

One of Mary's greatest works for others was the beginning of the Cape Girardeau Community Caring Council. Her vision of this program began in Southern Missouri and is now being replicated in the rest of the State and nationwide.

If anyone deserves the ``Spirit of American Award'' it would be Mary Kasten. I applaud her for her achievements and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor veteran Curtis Allred of Missouri's 8th Congressional District for his achievement, and commitment to serving our country.

Curtis enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating High School at the age of 17 in order to serve his country in Iraq. After boot camp and SOI training he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, which is a battalion-level infantry unit composed of infantry Marines and support personnel. In February of 2004 his battalion was deployed in Iraq and was a part of the initial invasion of Fallujah.

After his tour in Iraq, Curtis helped train new Marines for combat until he retired in 2007. The battalion which Curtis was a part of was the most deployed battalion in the Iraq War.

At a young age Curtis Allred showed an admirable commitment to serve our country and I am very thankful for patriots like him. It is my pleasure to recognize his efforts and achievements before the House of Representatives. I wish him all the joys in life he so rightfully has earned.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate veteran Ron Stoppelmann and thank him for his service in the United States Army. Stoppelmann has shown his strength not only in the military, but also in his daily life.

Ron Stoppelmann, an artillery mechanic during the Vietnam War, was able to save countless lives when he controlled a fire that had begun after a propellant charge from an artillery round exploded and spread to an ammunition storage point. There was danger of the fire reaching other storage units which would have caused the detonation of ammunition as well as personal harm to staff at nearby facilities. At the risk of injury, he controlled the flames and prevented it from spreading further.

Due to his bravery, Stoppelmann has been recognized for several honors. Some of his achievements include the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, and the Soldier's Medal for Heroism in a Non-Combat Situation.

Ron Stoppelmann has shown bravery and strength in many situations and I know those traits will continue to be with him in his future endeavors. I wish him all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Debbie A. Johns who has been a valuable asset to the Office of the Crystal City Clerk for over 38 years. Debbie has shown her dedication to the Office of the Clerk by continuing to obtain certifications in Computer Management, Grant Applicant Processing, Grant Administration, Department of Transportation Management Training, NID Certification in Emergency Management Training-Corps of Engineers and the Municipal City Clerk Certification (MOCCFOA.)

Debbie has shown outstanding dedication to the Office of the Clerk throughout her 38-year career while progressing through many positions therein; Water Clerk, Administrative Assistant, City Collector, Budget Officer, Finance Officer and City Clerk. Throughout her distinguished career Debbie has shown excellence in her handling of many responsibilities: Managing city investments, monitoring all leave taken and accrued by city employees, managing and organizing drug screening and testing of city employees, emergency management policy, grant coordination, and as the first line of contact for concerns by citizens and public interests of Crystal City.

It is with the utmost respect and deepest gratitude that I recognize and thank Debbie A. Johns for her 38 years of service to the Office of the Crystal City Clerk. I wish her health and happiness in her retirement beginning July 1, 2014. I am grateful that we have such caring members of the Crystal City community; it is my pleasure to recognize her achievements before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Leroy McGinnis from Cuba, Missouri for his achievements and years of service at McGinnis Wood Products. I also would like to congratulate him, and the rest of the staff at McGinnis Wood Products on receiving the SHARP Safety and Health Recognition Program award.

In 1968 with only one stave mill on 16 acres of land, Leroy McGinnis started McGinnis Wood Products. Now, 46 years later, McGinnis Wood Products operates with four stave mills on 56 acres, employing over 150 people.

McGinnis Wood Products is a perfect example of a family operation. Leroy married Ovia Marie 64 years ago, and they now have six children together. Leroy now has not only children, but grandchildren working with the family business.

Leroy not only serves as the CEO of McGinnis Wood Products, but also serves his community in many ways. Mr. McGinnis is a member of Cuba's Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of Missouri's Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of Missouri Enterprise, Associated Cooperage Industries of America, Missouri Forest Products Association, and Associated Industries of Missouri. In 1992, Mr. McGinnis co-founded the Missouri Wood Industries Insurance Trust. Leroy was also the recipient of the Cuba Chamber of Commerce Pioneer Award in 2010. It is my pleasure to recognize his achievement before the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and its Chairman, Buck McKeon, on passage of the National Defense Authorization Act FY15 today that includes funding for additional Navy EA-18G ``Growler'' aircraft as well as language to stretch the EA-18G and FA-18 E/F lines in St. Louis, Missouri.

I recently visited the F-18 line in St. Louis, Missouri near my district. Like many Members I have an F-18 supplier in my district. Without additional funding, this line will shut down and we as a nation will lose a national asset including thousands of dedicated and talented workers who make up this defense industrial base.

But the EA-18G is about more than just jobs--it is about supporting our warfighter. The U.S. Navy has clearly stated before Congress this year that it has a requirement for additional EA-18G airborne electronic attack aircraft that are vital to current and future operations--both for the Navy and other services. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming weeks, especially on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, to help address this clear Navy and joint war fighting requirement. The warfighter needs the EA-18G and we in Congress need to continue to support our warfighters.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. William Cottingham of Rolla, Missouri, who retired on April 30th of this year after working 36 years as a physician at the Mercy Clinic Internal Medicine in Rolla.

Dr. Cottingham has tirelessly worked to improve his community and provide excellent

healthcare for nearly four decades. Throughout his career, Dr. Cottingham became known for making those around him laugh. Patients that entered the hospital sick or injured would leave with a sense of comfort and a smile. He held a deep connection with each of his patients. He was not just their doctor; he was their teacher, confidant and friend. I am confident his passion for helping others and making people laugh will come in handy during his retirement. He plans to stay in Rolla and spend more time with his wife, as well as travel to see his five grandchildren. I would like to thank Dr. Cottingham for his service to the Rolla community and wish him a long and happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Donald L. Cook who on May 18, 2014, was recognized for his service in the Army of the United States during World War II.

Don rose through the ranks achieving the status of Technical Sergeant while assigned to the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division and served at various locations across this country before being deployed to New Caledonia, followed by the arduous battles on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, prior to taking up occupation duties in Japan.

He was presented with the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters as well as many other accolades almost seventy years after the conflict ended. He, as did many of this generation sought no rewards, they merely went home

after the war to raise their families, and make this the greatest nation in the world.

Son of the late Annabell and Oscar Cook, he resided in Lesterville, Missouri where he and his wife Luellen Laramore Cook raised four children. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

He served his community as a teacher and principal. Additionally, he was the proprietor of Black River Floats and Canoe service, and active in numerous service organizations.

Mr. Cook will celebrate his ninetieth birthday on July 2, 2014. It is my privilege to recognize Donald L. Cook's achievements before the House of Representatives with a hearty thank you from a grateful nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Optimist Club of Rolla, Missouri. The Optimist Club was founded in April of 1964, and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The Optimist Club is a non-profit service club that is dedicated to providing free programs to the youth of Rolla community. The Optimist Club's tagline is simply, ``Friend of Youth'' and they certainly have been fulfilling this tagline. Through their youth sports and academic programs, and scholarship funds the Optimist Club continues to impact the lives of thousands of children every year.

Over the past fifty years, the Optimist Club has undoubtedly made Rolla a better place for families I would like to thank the Club's volunteers for all of their hard work and dedication to our children by believing in them and empowering them to pursue their interests. It is my pleasure to recognize their efforts and achievements before the House of Representatives and I look forward to another fifty years of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Don Rust who on May 1, 2014, retired as Fire Chief for the city of Houston, Missouri.

Don began his career in the fire department in January of 1976 and has served as the Chief of the Houston department for the past thirty one years. During his tenure, Don has an exceptional list of accomplishments. Don oversaw the construction of a new fire station, created the Junior Fire Fighter Program to attract younger recruits, improved the department's insurance rating, and significantly improved fire fighter pay.

Don also sat on numerous committees and served his community in various ways. He was the County Civil Defense Director, served on the Houston Planning and Zoning Commission, and supervised the Texas County Rescue. In 2007, Don received the U.S. Presidential Service Award that recognizes volunteerism in the fire service.

Don has been married to his wife Janet since 1975 and is the father of two sons, Darren and David. Both followed in their father's footsteps and have served as firefighters. It is my privilege to recognize Don's achievements before the House of Representatives and I wish him a long and fulfilling retirement.