Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mr. Eric Langhorst, of Liberty, Missouri. Mr. Eric Langhorst is the recipient of the 2007-2008 Missouri Teacher of the Year Award.

Mr. Eric Langhorst has been an educator for fourteen years. For the past seven years, he has taught history at South Valley Junior High School In order to effectively communicate with his students, Mr. Langhorst incorporates technology, debate, and guest speakers into the curriculum.

Mr. Eric Langhorst currently serves as the social studies department chairperson for South Valley Junior High School as well as being on the district's technology team. In addition, he also serves on the Clay County Board of Directors.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Mr. Eric Langhorst, whose dedication and service to the people of Liberty has been truly exceptional.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Seth Krause, 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 100, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Seth has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Seth's Eagle Scout project was to arrange for the purchase and installation of a 25 foot flag pole outside the local community gymnasium. Over the years Seth 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 Seth Krause 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 Spencer Frazier, 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 138, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Spencer has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Previously, he volunteered his time to work with the Second Harvest Food Bank where he organized an effort to make 35 quilts for the Backpack Buddies program, Over the years Spencer 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 Spencer Frazier 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 Michael Thornton, 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 138, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Michael's interest in working with community and veteran affairs inspired him to clean and preserve over 200 headstones of fallen soldiers at Ashland Memorial Cemetery. Over the years Michael 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 Michael Thornton 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 Bryce Frazier, 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 138, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Bryce has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Bryce 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 Bryce Frazier 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 Jason McCollum, 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 395, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jason has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jason 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 Jason McCollum 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 Micah R. Coomes, 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 447, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Micah has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Micah 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 Micah R. Coomes 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 Edward John Deml III, 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 900, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Edward has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Edward 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 Edward John Deml III 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, proudly pause to recognize Michael A. Filardo, 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 900, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Michael has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Michael 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 Michael A. Filardo 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 would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to reasons beyond my control.

On Monday, September 4, 2007, I was tending to personal matters and thus missed rollcall votes 847, 848, 849. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on all votes.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 606 introduced by Mr. Ellison of Minnesota. This resolution recognizes the city of Minneapolis, first responders, and the citizens of the State of Minnesota for their selfless actions in responding to the collapse of the Interstate Route 35W Mississippi River bridge.

The first responders to the scene acted without hesitation, risking their safety in the dangerous conditions, to rescue the victims of this tragedy. This resolution honors their sacrifice in the immediate aftermath of the bridge collapse and their commitment to save lives, regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves. Additionally, this resolution is a fitting commendation to the people of Minneapolis for their heroism and compassion for their fellow citizens. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to those affected by this tragedy and to their families.

I support the resolution and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Bachmann).

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota, Congressman Kline.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this very fitting resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Caleb D. Henderson, 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, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Caleb has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the years Caleb has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 27 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Caleb is also an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow and earned the World Conservation Award in February 2007.

For his Eagle Scout project, Caleb designed and trained Scouts in concrete work and supervised the construction of a dumpster pad facility for North Oak Christian Church in Kansas City. Caleb has also attended the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, and three camporees and two Klondike Derbys.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Aaron Addison Taylor, 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, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Aaron has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Aaron has been involved in scouting, he has earned 25 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Quartermaster and Senior Patrol Leader. Aaron is also an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow and entered the Tribe of Mic-O- Say as Brave Unyielding Rock in 2006 and elevated to Hardway Warrior in 2007.

For his Eagle Scout project, Aaron designed and procured materials for and supervised the construction of ``no-stoop'' garden planter boxes for residents of the Kansas City Garden Village assisted living community. Aaron has also attended the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, and 3-year attendance at District Camporee and Klondike Derbies.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Aaron Addison Taylor 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 Christopher Austin Grossman, 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, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Christopher has been involved in scouting, he has earned 34 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Instructor, Patrol Leader and Troop Scribe. Christopher is also an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow and entered the Tribe of Mic-O-Say as Brave Fierce Striking Sandstorm and elevated to Hardway Warrior in 2004. He has also earned the World Conservation Award in February 2003.

For his Eagle Scout project, Christopher designed and procured materials for and supervised the construction of a storage outbuilding for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7356 in Parkville, Missouri. Christopher has also attended the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, and three year attendance at District Camporee and Klondike Derbys.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Austin Grossman 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 Nicholas St. Clair, 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 175, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alex has been involved with scouting, he has earned 39 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader, Quartermaster and Den Chief to the Pack. Nicholas is also a Tribe Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Nicholas created a secondary emergency evacuation trail at Daniel Young Elementary School for Keystone Park in Blue Springs, Missouri. Nicholas has also earned several special awards including the 12 Month Camper A ward, the Internet Safety Award, and the 50 Miler Award.

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