Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to inclement weather in the Sixth District.

On Monday December 11, 2007, I missed rollcall votes 1142, 1143, and 1144. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all votes.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to celebrate the birth of Elliana Kaye Woodward. Elliana was born on Monday, November 12, 2007, Veterans Day, to her proud parents, Ryan and Kristin Woodward of Stafford. Virginia. I find it very appropriate that Elliana was born on Veterans Day since her father is a patriot in the United States Marine Corps. Elliana entered the world at 2:21 p.m. at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia, weighing a healthy 7 lbs. 11 oz. and 19\1/2\ inches long.

Elliana also has proud grandparents, Darrell and Susan Hall, of Sidney, Nebraska, and Cheryl and Duane Farmer of Sidney, Nebraska, as well as Bruce Woodward of Maryville, Missouri, to spoil her. Elliana is also the niece of Travis and Sarah Woodward of Bowie, Maryland; Nathan Woodward of Maryville, Missouri; Sarah Hall, Zach Hall and Zane Hall of Sidney, Nebraska.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in celebrating the birth of Elliana Kaye Woodward. I see great things in Elliana's future considering her parents' great emphasis on family values, faith and patriotism. I wish Elliana the best life has to offer.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jayce H. Berry, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 13, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jayce has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jayce has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jayce H. Berry for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mack Harmon, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 412, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Mack has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Mack has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mack Harmon for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Lawson Cardinals high school football team on defeating Blair Oaks, by a score of 38-17, to win the Class 2 State Championship.

The Cardinals finished their incredible season by posting an unblemished record of 14-0 this season while scoring 501 points and only allowing 145 points. In the Championship game, the defense forced seven turnovers, resulting in 24 points from turnovers, third most in Show-Me Bowl history.

Also, I want to recognize the great leadership of the team, including Head Coach Todd Dunn and the work of his assistance coaches. I also want to acknowledge the work of school administrators, Superintendent Craig Barker, Principal Don Edwards and Assistant Principal Clint Ross, and Athletic Director Scott Harrold, as additional keys to success.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating the achievement of Lawson Cardinals High School football team on their perfect season and state championship. It is an honor to represent this team in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Elizabeth Simone of Gladstone, Missouri. Elizabeth will be celebrating her 78th birthday on November 22nd and it is my privilege to offer her my warmest regards.

Elizabeth raised three children and has eight grandchildren, including my legislative attorney Dominic Lackey. Elizabeth is a talented pianist and now spends her days retired after serving as an accomplished secretary for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent Elizabeth in the United States Congress, and I wish her all the best on this birthday and many more in the future.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Phillip Earley, of Chillicothe, MO. Phillip is an active student at Chillicothe High School by participating in many extracurricular activities. During his time at school, he has received many outstanding athletic and academic achievements.

Phillip has been actively serving his student body and teammates by participating in C-Club and football. For his excellence in football, he was selected for the All District First Team Offense and the All Conference Second Team Offense and Defense. He also received the honor of being selected by the Missouri Sportswriters to the Class 3 All State Football Team.

Not only has Phillip been honored with many awards for his dedication and service to his football team, but also has been honored for his academic excellence. This includes receiving the academic letter twice at his school.

Also, I would like to recognize the coaches that have inspired Phillip to achieve his best in athletics and academics. These notable coaches are Phil Willard, Jeff Staton, and Dave Mapel.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Phillip Earley. His dedication and service to his school has been extremely important to the success of his team record and to his academic achievement. I commend his exemplary record for of all of his athletic and academic honors, and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievement of Clint Macoubrie, and all of his numerous athletic and academic honors at Chillicothe High School in Chillicothe,

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Macle Joyce Spicer of Guilford, Missouri.

Macle will be celebrating her 80th Birthday on November 25th and it is my privilege to offer her my warmest regards on achieving this important milestone. Macle is a fine citizen of Missouri and the Guilford community. It is an honor to represent Macle in the United States Congress, and I wish her all the best on this birthday and many more in the future.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Herdman of Kansas City, Missouri. Andrew is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Andrew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Andrew has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Herdman for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Justin C. Schultz of Kansas City, Missouri. Justin is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 247, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Justin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Justin has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Justin C. Schultz for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Hunter E. Stoll, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 255, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Hunter has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Hunter has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Hunter E. Stoll for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Julian Gibson-Cornell, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 75, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Julian has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Julian has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Julian Gibson-Cornell for

his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize St. Joseph Christian School located in St. Joseph, MO. This school will be celebrating its 20th anniversary of service to the community on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

As a staple of the community throughout the years, the school has experienced growth and expansion with the community it serves. From humble beginnings, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gregory founded the school with 10 teachers and 135 students enrolled. Since then, St. Joseph Christian School has become accredited with the Association of Christian Schools International and the Committee for Accredited Schools Non-public, through the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Currently, St. Joseph Christian School serves over 340 students, coming from 60 different churches in the community, and offers classes starting from preschool to 12th grade. This school's curriculum incorporates biblical and scholarly learning, in order to help students both achieve academic success and further their spiritual development.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the St. Joseph Christian School. The educational and spiritual services that they have provided over these 20 years have been fundamental to shaping student's lives. Let us use St. Joseph Christian School as a powerful example of the lasting commitment to education and faith.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Zach Kinne of Eagleville, Missouri. Zach is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership by being elected to serve as 2007-2008 National Future Farmers of America President.

Zach was among six individuals selected from a field of 40 to hold a national office. He was later chosen and presented as President at the 80th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. As president, this position will

require Zach to travel more than 100,000 miles, visit approximately 40 states, and participate in an international experience tour to Japan. Zach will also be responsible for providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization, and promoting agricultural literacy.

Currently, Zach attends school at the University of Missouri in Columbia. There, he is involved in many student organizations including College of Agriculture Student Development board, MU Alumni Association Student Board, Agriculture Economics Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, College of Agriculture Learning Improvement Committee, and the Missouri Department of Education Preparatory Taskforce.

Zach has been very active as a member of FFA. Over the years, Zach has been involved he has participated in a Supervised Agricultural Experience, which required producing and selling registered Angus seed stock bulls. Zach was also selected as a state winner and national semi-finalist in prepared speaking, and was named State Star in Agricultural Placement.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Zach Kinne for his accomplishments with the Future Farmers of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of President for the 2007-2008 calendar year.