Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Grant P. Gould, 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 433, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Grant has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Grant 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 Grant P. Gould 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 Nathan Michael Kelly, 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 205, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities and over the past seven years he has attended camp at the Bartle Scout Reservation. In the summer of 2005, Nathan was part of a crew that went on a 9-day, 50-mile backpacking trip at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM.

In addition, Nathan is a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and has progressed through the ranks of Foxman, Brave, Warrior, and Firebuilder. Currently, Nathan holds the rank of Tom-Tom Beater. Since Nathan 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 Nathan Michael Kelly 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 ask you to join me in recognizing Loyd Leroy Spicer of Guilford, Missouri. Loyd celebrated his 90th birthday and it is my privilege to offer him my warmest regards on achieving this important milestone. Loyd is a fine citizen of Missouri and the Guilford community. It is an honor to represent Loyd in the United States Congress, and I wish him all the best on this birthday and many more in the future.

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 827 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Amendment No. 9 Offered by Mr. Arcuri

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize two outstanding constituents of Missouri's Sixth Congressional District: G. Keith and Wanda Shupe of Stanberry, Missouri. Keith and Wanda will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on July 27, 2007.

Keith and Wanda were married on July 27, 1957 at the Francis Street First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, MO by the Reverend Powell. They have two children, Tim Shupe of Stanberry, MO and Jackie Shupe of Columbia, MO. They also have two grandchildren, Derek Shupe of St. Croix, VI, and Brooke Shupe of Washington, DC.

Keith and Wanda Shupe have been outstanding citizens of Gentry County and Northwest Missouri for the past 50 years. Keith is a semi-retired farmer from a third generation family farm and Wanda is a retired hairdresser and office manager for the Tenorio's Doctors office in Albany, MO. Keith and Wanda have been lifetime supporters of the Republican Party within the 6th district and across Missouri. Wanda is currently a member of the Missouri Federation of Republican Women and serves as treasurer for the 6th district Republican Congressional Committee.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Keith and Wanda Shupe. Their marriage of 50 years is inspirational, and I am honored to represent them in the Congress.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Matthew James Brammeier, 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 1360, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Matthew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Matthew 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 Matthew James Brammeier 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 Tyler McLain of Pleasant Valley, MO. Tyler 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 394, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Tyler 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 Tyler McLain 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 Alex Dieringer of Maryville, MO. Alex 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 75, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Alex 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 Alex Dieringer for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Madam Chairman, let me begin by thanking the chairman and ranking member of the Appropriations Committee for working together in a true bipartisan fashion to begin providing a long overdue down payment to special education funding. In particular, I want to thank Ranking Member Walsh for his amendment in committee to provide a $335 million increase in special education funding for fiscal year 2008.

When the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was signed into law more than 30 years ago, the Federal Government committed to pay the States 40 percent of the costs of providing services to students covered under this act. However, for three decades the Federal Government has often provided less than half the money promised.

What has this shortfall meant? For one, it has meant higher taxes at the State and local levels and less funding for other education programs as States and local governments struggle to make up the shortfall in Federal resources.

The amendment I introduce today builds on the bipartisan cooperation of the House Appropriations Committee by providing a further $125 million increase in funding for IDEA part B grants to the States. To pay for my amendment, I offset the cost by reducing a portion of the U.S. contribution to the Global Fund. My amendment helps us fulfill our commitment to funding special education while also providing a small increase in funding to the Global Fund as was provided last year. I don't take this money from any domestic program. These funds are dedicated to an overseas program, and they still see a $1 million increase over last year.

My amendment sets the right priorities for our Nation's children with special needs, and I urge support from all of my colleagues. Again, I would thank the chairman and ranking member for their hard work on this.

Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nicholas David Fuston, 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 376, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the years Nicholas has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 31 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader, Den Chief, Quartermaster, Librarian, Troop Guide and Senior Patrol Leader. Nicholas is also a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow and a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Nicholas planned and supervised the reconstruction and enlargement of a shelter by a pond at the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty, Missouri. Nicholas has also attended the National High Adventures Camp, and has earned the 12 Month Camper Award and the 100 Nights Camper Award.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nicholas David Fuston 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 Joel Sterling Humble, 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 205, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Joel has been involved in scouting, he has earned 39 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Librarian and Scribe.

For his Eagle Scout project, Joel cleared a \1/4\-mile long fence of overgrown brush and debris at the Blue Springs Cemetery. Joel has earned the highest award offered in the Cubs scout program, the Arrow of Light Award in April 2002.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joel Sterling Humble 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 Dirk Paul Hudson, 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 249, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Dirk has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Dirk has been involved in scouting, he has earned 40 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Scribe. Dirk is also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Dirk constructed a 270-foot walking trail at Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve. His project consisted of preparing the ground for the trail, pruning trees, removing brush, spreading mulch, and lining the trail with rocks.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dirk Paul Hudson 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 Eric Edward Adams, 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 376, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Eric has been involved in scouting, he has earned 34 merit badges and held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Scribe, Quartermaster and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Eric is also an Ordeal Member in the Order of the Arrow and a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Eric planned and supervised the construction of a 24-foot handicap accessible walking bridge over a ditch at the earnest Shepherd Youth Center in Liberty, Missouri. Erik has also attended three National High Adventures Camps, and has earned the 12 Month Camper Award and the 100 Nights Camper Award.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Eric Edward Adams 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 yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 799, as amended, reauthorizes and improves the Appalachian Regional Commission, the ARC. The ARC has been a successful program for the last 40 years. It has helped reduce the Appalachian region's poverty rate. It has cut the infant mortality rate. It has increased the percentage of adults with a high school diploma. It has provided water and sewer services to a significant number of households and businesses and created new jobs.

H.R. 799, as amended, reauthorizes the ARC for 5 years. The bill includes a couple of very important reforms. It helps focus funding on distressed and at-risk counties, and it includes language that will deter earmarking of the program.

Currently, the ARC has four statutory designations which are determined by the unemployment rate, per capita income and the poverty rate of each ARC county. This bill creates an additional designation to assist counties that are at risk and don't fully qualify as distressed.

At-risk counties are fragile economies making it difficult to meet the 50 percent match rate to participate in the program. In many cases, at-risk counties are recently distressed and eligible for an 80 percent Federal match. The addition of the ``at-risk'' designation will fund projects in these counties up to 70 percent of the project cost as they continue the transition from the ``distressed'' to the ``transitional'' designation.

The ARC is viewed by most as a successful model for economic development. The ability to leverage a large amount of public and private funding makes the ARC a very valuable tool for economic development in Appalachia. We must ensure continuation of this successful program and further express our support for the hardworking people in the Appalachian region.

I would encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 799, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I would reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Oberstar, for his remarks. They are very well put.

I would now like to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).

Madam Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Michael Kelly Dulle, 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 601, 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 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 Kelly Dulle for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.