Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Daniel Cummings 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 312, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Charles M. Winfrey 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 82, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Virgil Reynolds, a very special 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.

I join with your family and friends in expressing best wishes on your significant achievement. I commend you on attaining such a high honor and your supenor contributions to your community. Becoming recognized for your remarkable achievement reflects both your hard work and dedication. I am sure you will continue to hold such high standards in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Virgil Reynolds for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. I am honored to represent Virgil in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brock Smith, 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 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Brock has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brock has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Brock held the principal leadership position of Senior Patrol Leader and has actively supported the Southern Platte County Athletic Association in Kansas City, North.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James 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 633, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years James has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. During his scouting tenure, James has earned the Philmont Scout Ranch Arrowhead, the BSA 50-Miler Patch, and the World Conservation Award.

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

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, July 13, 2006, I had to tend to some family

matters and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 370, 371, 372, 373 and 374. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all votes.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Old Scotland Church of Christ near Jameson, Missouri. This church will be celebrating their sesquicentennial anniversary of service to the community on August 26th and 27th. Over these past 150 years, this church has been there to meet all the needs of its congregation.

As a staple of the community for all these years, the church has gone through growth and expansion with the Jameson community it serves. From humble beginnings, this church has been a stabilizing force for this community. Constructed on the corner of a three family plot, this congregation has been built on the involvement of the members.

The Old Scotland Church of Christ carries on the tradition of letting people interact with the other members of their congregation, Even as the growth of the congregation made their facilities seem small, people would still flow out into the adjacent cemetery, and the little children huddled around the speaker's podium just to attend and worship together.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Old Scotland Church of Christ. The services that they have provided over these 150 years have been fundamental to the growth of this community. Let us use the Old Scotland Church of Christ as an example the power of people caring and helping one another can have.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jim Hunt of Maysville, Missouri. Mr. Hunt will soon be retiring as Director of the Small Business Development Center at Northwest Missouri State University.

As the Director of the Small Business Development Center, Mr. Hunt has provided guidance and valuable experiences to current and prospective small business owners throughout the northwest Missouri region. He has offered his experience and guidance to the enterprising citizens of my district for many years, as those entrepreneurs sought advice on the start-up, expansion, sale, and marketing of their business. His job is especially important, as the collection of small business owners are responsible for growth and sustainability of the entire region.

Before joining the University in 1999, Mr. Hunt was managing the sales and marketing efforts in northwest Missouri for a large agri- business firm. He has been around the agriculture industry most of his life, starting with his family farming operation. Mr. Hunt also has a degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and taught vocational agriculture. These varied experiences have all made for a solid background in advising the small businesses and agriculture roots of northwest Missouri.

Mr. Hunt's efforts became very instrumental in the rebirth of the economy in northwest Missouri. He has worked tirelessly to increase the quality of education and participation of many of the small businesses in the northwest Missouri region. One of his lasting achievements will be the Northern Missouri Business Conference, a joint venture between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Northwest Missouri State University and many local businesses keeping open the dialogue and opportunities for continued growth in this region.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jim Hunt. His role in developing and assisting the small businesses in northwest Missouri will be difficult to replace. I commend his record of service and accomplishment to the entire region over the years and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Boehringer Ingeheim Vetmedica, Inc. in St. Joseph, Missouri as it celebrates its 25 year anniversary. This company is a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, one of the world's 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.'s involvement has impacted all areas of the St. Joseph, Missouri community for the past 25 years.

As a staple of the community, the company continues to grow and give back to the people of Missouri. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., or BIVI, employs over 500 people in the St. Joseph and Elwood area of Missouri. The 100 employees who have been with BIVI since the first day 25 years ago are evidence of BIVI's worker-friendly environment.

In conjunction with its commitment to the people of BIVI, the organization continues to have a positive impact on the development in this region as an active member of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. Not only is BIVI a committed leader in the United Way effort for St. Joseph, it also donates its time and money to the local schools and universities, a further investment in the future of this region.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Its investment in the St. Joseph area community is exceptional. Let us use Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. as an example of the influence investing and re-investing can have on a broader community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mrs. Della Hoerl Huecker of Booneville, MO. As a long time citizen of Bunceton, MO, and then Booneville, Mrs. Byrd will be celebrating her 90th birthday on August 14, 2006. She has seen many events over the past 90 years and awoke each day with a strong sense of family and community that improved the lives of everyone she has touched. Her life should be celebrated with the same joy and excitement in which she gives back to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Mrs. Della Hoerl Huecker. Throughout her 90 years, she has always given back more than was expected of her. Her life is an inspiration to many and I am proud to serve her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jonathan Lowery of Pattonsburg, Missouri. Over the past few months, Jonathan has served as my office intern. In aiding the day to day operations of the office, he has worked with enthusiasm and dedication. His efforts to represent my office have been commended by both my staff and our constituents.

As a student at Northwest Missouri State University, Jonathan has been pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration and came to Washington, DC, this summer through the Stennis Congressional Intern Program. His ambition and interest in politics and government have been evident from the day he started his internship. He has a true commitment to the workings of government and his enthusiasm in helping the people of the 6th District is something to be admired.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jonathan Lowery. He has been great to have in the office and his efforts are much appreciated. I wish him the best and that his future ambitions in the law and public service will be fulfilled. He will certainly be missed and I would like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking him for all of his hard work and dedication. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bradley Bailey of Kansas City, Missouri. Over the past few months, Brad has served as my office intern. In aiding the day to day operations of the office, he has worked with enthusiasm and dedication. His efforts to represent my office have been commended by both my staff and our constituents.

As a student at Central Missouri State University, Brad has been pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice and came to Washington, DC, this summer after interning in my Liberty District office in 2005. His ambition and interest in politics and government have made him a welcome addition to my office. He has a true commitment to public service and his enthusiasm in helping the people of the 6th District is something to be admired.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Bradley Bailey. He has been great to have in the office and his efforts are much appreciated. I have no doubt that his future ambitions to work in Federal Law Enforcement will be fulfilled. He will certainly be missed and I would like to ask the House of Representatives to join me in thanking him for all of his hard work and dedication. I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mary Scott- Hallof Saint Joseph, Missouri. Mary is a leader in the Girl Scouts, representing the Midland Empire for over seven years, and she has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Women in Volunteerism.

As a leader in the Girl Scouts, Mary has gone beyond her expected role, helping to grow the community's interest and excitement for the Girl Scouts. She has organized a variety of service projects for her troop, including donations to the YWCA Women's Abuse Shelter and America's Second Harvest Food Bank. As the Day Camp director for the St. Joseph area, she has provided exceptional programs to over 100 girls each summer. Additionally donating her time to Camp Woodland, she was responsible for preparing meals and programs for up to 150 girls and adults.

Her achievements to the Girl Scouts are highly recognized. Her troop built the Manley Tillison Outdoor Classroom, a part of the troop's Silver Medal Award project. In addition, she has been given the Girl Scouts Outstanding Volunteer Pin by her peers and received the Service to Mankind Award from the St. Joseph Downtown Sertoma Club.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Mary Scott- Hall. Her commitment to the Girl Scouts and service in the community are to be admired. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Heartland Health of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Heartland Health has been recognized as a strong advocate for women in the workplace and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Employer of Excellence Award.

Heartland Health has been recognized by the YWCA as one of the best places to work in the St. Joseph area. Heartland maintains a flexible work environment that bases advancement on employee performance. As a result, many women have been able to obtain positions in the senior leadership of the organization. Heartland Health is very supportive of families and has developed programs to help working mothers and assist in continuing education. These are benefits that have produced a very committed and productive workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Heartland Health. Heartland has developed into a business that manages to serve employees as well as the community. I am honored to represent Heartland and its employees in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Hannah Barnett of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Hannah is a student at Benton High School and she has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Future Leader Award.

Hannah is recognized as one of the most sincere and compassionate students at Benton High School. She has been involved in Student Council for four years, was elected homecoming queen, and served as Vice President of both her class and the entire student body.

As an athlete, Hannah has lettered in four varsity sports. She has played on three District Champion basketball teams, served as the captain of the soccer team that advanced to the State Playoffs, and served as captain of the volleyball team. These achievements earned her the honor of being named the Female Scholar Athlete for St. Joseph Sports, Inc.

Academically, she is one of the best and brightest. She is an academic leader who has challenged herself with the most rigorous classes in preparation for her future. She has maintained the balance between her class work and extracurricular activities, while obtaining the rank of second in her class.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Hannah Barnett. She is an outstanding member of our community and I wish her the best in her bright future. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.