Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Danielle McCurdy of Blue Springs, Missouri. Danielle recently won the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship sponsored by Comcast and the Comcast Foundation. She will formally receive the award on July 26, 2006.

Danielle completed a lengthy nomination and selection process, and was chosen from a field of numerous qualified candidates. Comcast recognized Danielle's leadership skills, dedication to community service, positive attitude, and academic achievement.

Comcast and the Comcast Foundation have committed a significant portion of their resources toward motivating young people. In Danielle, Comcast found a high school student who will surely be a force for positive change in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Danielle McCurdy of Blue Springs, Missouri. Danielle's commitment to excellence is remarkable, and I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sophia Lee of Blue Springs, Missouri. Sophia recently won the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship sponsored by Comcast and the Comcast Foundation. She will formally receive the award on July 26, 2006.

Sophia completed a lengthy nomination and selection process, and was chosen from a field of numerous qualified candidates. Comcast recognized Sophia's leadership skills, dedication to community service, positive attitude, and academic achievement.

Comcast and the Comcast Foundation have committed a significant portion of their resources toward motivating young people. In Sophia, Comcast found a high school student who will surely be a force for positive change in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Sophia Lee of Blue Springs, Missouri. Sophia's commitment to excellence is remarkable, and I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyson R. Stark 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 41, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Tyson has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Tyson 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 Tyson R. Stark 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 rise today in strong support of House Resolution 921 and in strong support of our oldest ally in the Middle East, the State of Israel.

Today the Middle East is a region filled with contradictions. It is a place where progress and regress have both taken root and are thriving. Iraq is no longer ruled over by a tyrant named Saddam Hussein, who terrorized people inside and outside his country with unimaginable brutality. Today, a democratically elected government has been empowered by the Iraqi people to improve security, build infrastructure, and move forward. Admittedly, there is still turmoil in Iraq; but the progress there is undeniable.

In the countries that border Iraq to the east and northwest, one encounters a far different Middle East. It is in these two countries-- Iran and Syria--where international terrorism has found all too willing hosts and official state sponsorship. And it is this state sponsorship of terrorism, fueled by the desire of the Tehran and Damascus regimes to project influence across a broader region in order to stifle democracy and freedom, which has led us to the current crisis in Lebanon and Israel.

This is not the first time that Israel has been forced to engage in military operations in Lebanon to secure its northern border and protect its citizens. As many of my colleagues will recall, Lebanon could not control its border with Israel in 1978, and after numerous terrorist attacks against Israel were launched from southern Lebanon, the Israeli Defense Forces intervened. The Israeli Defense Forces withdrew in June 1978, but were forced to return four years later due to further attacks from Lebanese territory. In 1985, Israel withdrew its forces from all of Lebanon, save for a security perimeter on their common border. In 2000, Israel withdrew its remaining forces from the security zone. Immediately thereafter, Hezbollah militia members moved into the former security zone, and claimed credit for the Israeli withdrawal.

Beginning in 2005, the Lebanese people have made significant progress in their mission to push their Syrian occupiers out of their country. In the midst of Lebanon's movement towards true freedom and independence from Syria, Hezbollah terrorists crossed the border into Israel, then killed eight Israelis and took two Israeli soldiers as hostages. This was likely done in coordination with Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

That was July 12, 2006; just one week ago, Madam Speaker. Since then, Israel initiated military operations to prevent further attacks and once again secure its border with Lebanon. Hezbollah's response has consisted of daily rocket attacks that have hit Haifa, Israel's third largest city. It is estimated that Hezbollah has an arsenal of at least 12,000 rockets some of which are Iranian weapons, and many of which have reached Lebanon via Syria.

The United States Department of State has designated Hezbollah as a foreign terrorist organization, and its main sponsors are Syria and Iran, both of which are state sponsors of terrorism. The Lebanese government may protest Israel's current military actions, but these actions are essential to Israel's national security, and essential to Lebanon's prospects for true sovereignty. Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri spoke out against Syrian domination of Lebanon and was assassinated on orders from the highest levels of the Damascus government. Unless we allow Israel to destroy the terrorist network and infrastructure in Lebanon, and drive its agents back into Syria and Iran, neither the Lebanese people or Israeli people will have the opportunity to live in peace.

The Government of Lebanon cannot secure its own border, and has not prevented the terrorist organizations--sponsored by foreign agents-- from using its soil to launch attacks into Israel. Israel has a right to her own national defense, and is exercising that right in striking terrorist targets inside Lebanon. On the other hand, Hezbollah is reigning down rockets on civilian targets in Haifa, Galilee, and Nazareth.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has laid out specific criteria for peace: the return of the abducted Israeli soldiers; cessation of the rocket attacks and other raids on Israel; expulsion of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese Army to that region, and the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanese territory. Short of these criteria being fulfilled, Israel must take it upon herself to unilaterally provide security for her territory and people.

Madam Speaker, Israel is the oldest democracy in a region not known for liberty, and is our oldest ally in a region with many agents that are hostile to America and our interests. We must strongly support our old friend in this time of crisis. We also must condemn Hamas, Hezbollah, and their Iranian and Syrian sponsors in the strongest terms possible for their terrorist attacks on innocent Israelis. As we know all too well, we must hunt down and eradicate terrorists wherever they find sanctuary and assistance, and Israel is doing just that; Israel is taking the fight to the terrorists.

Madam Speaker, this situation proves that Syria and Iran are dangerous agents acting on behalf of and in concert with fundamentalists, extremists, and terrorists. Hezbollah and Hamas have absolutely no remorse for the damage they are inflicting on the Israeli people or the Lebanese people, and the clerics in Tehran and tyrants in Damascus are encouraging continued carnage.

In response, this Congress--as representatives of the American people--must set an example and stand on the side of freedom, democracy, and sovereignty in the face of this challenge. It is the latest confrontation in the Global War on Terror, and it is a battle that we as Americans cannot afford for Israel to lose. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, today I proudly rise in support of House Joint Resolution 88, the Marriage Protection Amendment.

Today, Mr. Speaker, 45 out of 50 States have enacted laws defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. That is 90 percent of the States, and these States contain 88 percent of the population.

In August 2004, the people of my home State of Missouri overwhelmingly voted by a majority of 71 to 29 percent to approve a State constitutional amendment protecting the traditional definition of marriage. Unfortunately, this sacred institution and the will of the people are under direct assault by an out-of-control judiciary branch. Radical judges on the supreme court of Massachusetts have already imposed same-sex marriage in that Commonwealth against the wishes of a majority of citizens, and I fear the activist State and Federal judges will soon impose same-sex marriage upon other jurisdictions in our Nation.

What that means is the people in my home State of Missouri may have legal recognition of same-sex marriage forced upon them, even though 71 percent of Missourians voted to adopt an amendment preventing such a practice.

Mr. Speaker, it is becoming increasingly apparent that our only recourse is to amend the Constitution of the United States. This is not a decision I take lightly, but we must act to defend the foundation of our society. Without such an amendment, people in Missouri, and many other States, will be disenfranchised by the courts.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, the Senate has dealt with this, and, no, this isn't a political issue. The reason that the Senate has dealt with this is exactly why the House needs to stand up and send a positive message to the American people about what is the best married environment to raise our children, and that is an environment that is a marriage between a man and a woman.

Mr. Speaker, this Congress as representatives of the American people has a duty to protect marriage from attack by the courts. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the Marriage Protection Amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to state for the record my position on the following votes I missed due to reasons beyond my control.

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.

On Monday June 19, 2006 I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 289, 290 and 291. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all votes.

On Monday May 22, 2006 I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 177 and 178. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both votes.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joseph William West Berrigan, 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 9, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Joseph 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 Joseph William West Berrigan 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 celebrate the birth of Alexander Lewis Rice. Alex was born on Flag Day, Wednesday, June 14, 2006, to his proud parents, Robert and Sarah Rice, of Chillicothe, Missouri. Alex entered the world at 9:33 p.m. at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri, weighing a healthy 6 lbs. 11 oz. and 19 inches long.

Alex also has proud grandparents, Lewis and Kathy Rice, of Maryville, Missouri, and Kevin and Sandy Coan, of Omaha, Nebraska, to spoil him. Alex is also the nephew of Sarah and Travis Woodward, of Bowie, Maryland, Nathaniel Rice, of Maryville, Missouri, Brian and Carie Costanzo of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Thomas and Elle Coan of Abilene, Texas.

I find it quite appropriate that Alex was born on such a patriotic holiday as Flag Day considering that his father was one of my first interns while I served in the Missouri State Senate. I see great things in Alex's future considering his parents' and grandparents' great emphasis on family values, public service and patriotism.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in celebrating the birth of Alexander Lewis Rice. I wish Alex the best life has to offer, and I am proud to now serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the city of Kearney, Missouri. The city of Kearney has long played a vital role as one of the most outstanding communities in Missouri and this year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Kearney in 1856.

Kearney was originally settled under the name of Centerville and was first laid out by David T. Duncan and W.A. Cave in the spring of 1856. Eleven years later in 1867, the city of Kearney was again laid out by John Lawrence and was incorporated as a town or village by the Clay County Court April 5, 1869. Kearney was vital to the growth and development of Clay County in those early days as a major thoroughfare for the railroads and that growth and development continues to this day.

As the original birthplace of the infamous outlaw Jesse James, today Kearney has embraced its heritage as a fixture of the Old West and holds the wildly popular Jesse James Festival each year. The festival is just one event among the numerous activities that makes Kearney a wonderful place to work and raise a family. Kearney remains an economic and social focal point of Clay County, bringing in families throughout the country to this historic area and welcoming businesses that are seeking a friendly and vibrant community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the achievements of Kearney, Missouri, over the past 150 years. Kearney is a wonderful community and its future will surely be as bright as the past 150 years. It is an honor and a privilege to represent such a fine community in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Austin Michael Martens, 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 9, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Austin has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Austin 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 Austin Michael Martens 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 Joshua West 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joshua has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joshua 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 Joshua West 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 Chad Thomas Stephens, 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.

Chad has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. He has camped at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for 6 years and attended the National Jamboree in 2005 while serving as the Senior Patrol Leader for Heart America Troop 1211. Over the many years Chad 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 Chad Thomas Stephens 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 Jacob Lee Wier, 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.

Jacob has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. He has camped at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for six years and earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O- Say. Over the many years Jacob 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 Jacob Lee Wier 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 Brent Traugot Savigne, 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.

Brent has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. He has camped at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for 6 years and earned the rank of Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic- O-Say. Over the many years Brent 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 Brent Traugot Savigne 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 Nathan Richard Duda, 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 98, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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