Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, 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.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Paul Jenson, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Paul has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Paul 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 Paul Jenson 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 Alex Davenport, 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 in 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.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alex Davenport 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 have the honor today to recognize the life of Army Spec. Colby Farnan of Weston, Missouri, who passed away in Taji, Iraq while in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a son, brother, and friend Colby is missed by many.

Colby was a strong member of our community. He was active in various high school sports, where he nurtured the leadership skills and sense of teamwork that so many people came to admire. His service as a coach in the youth baseball league was just one example of his desire for wanting to help our community. Colby's service to our country was an extension of his support of the community and a commitment to making a better future for us all.

I offer my condolences and support to the many people that Colby had an impact on. In the wake of their loss, the Farnan family has embarked on a campaign to honor our fine men and women who have perished in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The family and community of Weston, Missouri are raising money to provide communities with Battlefield Cross statues to remember the lives of the fine Americans that gave their life for their country.

The lives of all our soldiers are remembered everyday and the efforts by the Farnan family and friends can be appreciated all Americans. I am exceptionally proud of our troops, their families, and their communities in their support of one another. All of Northwest Missouri and America should follow the example that is being set by the people of Weston, Missouri in their 5K Walk to Remember fundraiser and support of our troops.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Colonel Larry W. Weigler, Vice Wing Commander of the Missouri Air National Guard in St. Joseph, MO. Colonel Weigler will retire from the 139th Airlift Wing, St. Joseph, MO effective May 3, 2006 after more than 36 years of dedicated service in the Air National Guard.

The Colonel has been a member of the armed services since 1969 when he enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard as an aircraft mechanic. In 1972 he received an Officer's commission to become an aircraft pilot. During his exemplary career Colonel Weigler participated in numerous overseas deployments including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career of Colonel Larry W. Weigler, who exemplifies stellar qualities of dedication and service to Northwest Missouri and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Harry Broermann. Over the past 70 years, Harry has served dutifully as a member and Leader in Missouri 4-H. Harry joined the Farmer City 4-H Club as a young boy and has continued his service to the organization over the last 70 years.

In taking over the leadership of the Farmer City 4-H Club that was founded by his father, Harry and his wife served over hundreds of children and young adults in Northwest Missouri. Harry led the organization in the completion of service projects, organization of social functions, and has attended meetings all throughout Missouri. With a passion for history and genealogy, Harry has been instrumental

in developing the strong sense of history and community that are important to the educational mission of 4-H.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Harry Broermann, one of Missouri's finest citizens. Harry's commitment to the community is remarkable, and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Scott Florence, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Scott has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Scott 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 Scott Florence 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 Andrew Bradford, 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 495, and in 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.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Bradford 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 Blake Williams, 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 495, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Blake has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Blake 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 Blake Williams 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 rise today in strong support of House Resolution 861. Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we have pursued terrorists and brought them to justice around the world. In this Global War on Terror--where evil, bloodthirsty fanatics kill to prevent democracy and liberty from taking root--there is no option for the forces of freedom but victory. This resolution affirms our commitment to victory. It is a solemn declaration that we will prevail over the terrorists, and that we will do so hand in hand with all who cherish freedom and repudiate extremism.

Mr. Speaker, I came to Congress in January 2001. The Global War on Terror has been the defining issue during much of my time here on Capitol Hill. From that perspective, I can state that we have made tremendous progress in strengthening our defenses at home, and taking the fight to our enemies overseas.

I visited Iraq for the first time in December 2003, shortly before the capture of Saddam Hussein. At that time, the Iraqi Governing Council had been formed, but the Coalition Provisional Authority still exercised most of the essential functions of government. In December 2003, Iraqi sovereignty seemed possible, but distant.

I returned to Iraq this past Memorial Day recess. We are well on our way to achieving our goals. The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the foreign terrorist who was al-Qaeda's top commander in Iraq, puts us one step closer to neutralizing the insurgency and defeating the terrorists. Democracy and liberty have taken root in the heart of a region that is not known for either. The Iraq I visited two weeks ago had a sovereign, democratic government; the result of three successful elections.

And after much negotiation, the Iraqi government recently named interior, defense, and security ministers. These new ministers will continue to lead Iraq to security self-reliance.

As an example of the improved security on the ground, it was my honor and privilege to be part of the first Congressional Delegation to spend the night Baghdad.

The new leaders of Iraq implored me to bring back a message to this Congress: Iraq will never achieve security self-reliance if the United States leaves before its work is done. If we leave before our job is done, the terrorists and insurgents will not only wreak greater havoc upon the Iraqi people, but they will also create a terrorist state from which to perpetrate acts of violence against those who disagree with their world view.

For the sake of our own national security, we must do everything we can to support the new leaders of Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, I also had the opportunity to visit Afghanistan during the Memorial Day Recess. President Karzai heads a fully democratic government, the culmination of a complete transition to democracy. Women now have the right to vote and work. Although President Karzai's government has greatly extended its authority, history teaches us that we cannot let any part of Afghanistan remain a haven for terrorists. We must continue to pursue, capture, and eradicate the remaining Al Qaeda/ Taliban terrorists.

What I saw overseas is not what is being reported by the media back home. The Iraqi economy is picking up steam: currency is more stable, the national stock exchange is up and running, and business registrations are on the rise. More roads and schools are being built as we speak, and the oil sector shows promise as pipeline security efforts increase. In Afghanistan, the Al Qaeda/Taliban terrorists are on the run and 28% of Afghan Parliament delegates are women.

What our troops told me is not what is being reported either. We have the finest military in the world, and morale is high. Our brave troops know the world will be safer when the mission is complete. We must stand strong and support our troops and allies in this fight against global terror.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jimmy E. Steele 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 167, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jimmy has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jimmy has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Due to Jimmy's hard work and leadership, the Winston R-VI school baseball field now proudly displays a new flag pole and American Flag.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jimmy E. Steele III 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 Trevor Tutt, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Trevor has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Trevor 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 Trevor Tutt 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 Chance Brown, 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 102, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Chance has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Chance 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 Chance Brown 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 Landon Crawford, 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 102, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Landon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Landon 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 Landon Crawford 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 Jeffrey Lloyd, 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 102, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

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