Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Stander of Liberty, Missouri. He has spent many hours of study and preparation as a member of the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team. After numerous competitions and a victory in the regional competition, the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team earned a spot to compete in the 2006 National Science Bowl Competition in Washington, D.C.

As one of America's best and brightest, Ryan has been an accomplished student. This years entry in the National Science Bowl was his second entry in the national tournament. Ryan is very involved as a member of the Liberty Scholar Bowl team, Science Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society, Young Democrats, and Serteens. After graduation, Ryan will attend Truman State University in the fall to major in history and political science.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Ryan Stander, an outstanding student from Liberty, Missouri. As a top student who is committed to science and mathematics, Ryan will certainly have a bright and fulfilling future. I commend him for his achievements and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ammon Sarver of Liberty, MO. He has spent many hours of study and preparation as a member of the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team. After numerous competitions and a victory in the regional competition, the Liberty High School Science Bowl Team earned a spot to compete in the 2006 National Science Bowl Competition in Washington, DC.

As one of America's best and brightest, Ammon has been an accomplished student. As an active member of his church and in scouting, Ammon is very involved in the community. In school, he is a member of the National Honor Society and enjoys mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He plans on going on a mission for his church after graduation and then attending college to study in math or science.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Ammon Sarver, an outstanding student from Liberty, MO. As a top student who is committed to science and mathematics, Ammon will certainly have a bright and fulfilling future. I commend him for his achievements and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker I proudly pause to recognize Nicholas A. Serroque, 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.

Nicholas has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Nicholas 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 Nicholas A. Serroque 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 rise to recognize Jared Goede of Kansas City, Missouri. Jared will be honored with the Billy Mitchell Award and Second Lieutenant Bars as a member of the Platte Valley Civil Air Patrol. He has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol since 2004 and has been involved in the color guard since 2005.

As a member of the community, Jared has been active in 4-H, the North Kansas City High School Scholar Bowl Team, the American Heartland Theatre, and his church. Additionally, he has pursued many academic activities outside of his regular schoolwork. He has studied at Truman State University's Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars, studied hydrodynamics at a Westminster College summer camp, and participated in the Students in Academically Gifted Education program through the North Kansas City School District.

Jared has already enlisted into the United States Army Reserves as a Civil Affairs Specialist. Upon graduating from North Kansas City High School in May of 2006, Jared will enter boot camp in June of 2006 and then defer his active duty status until he completes

his college studies. He has been accepted to Missouri Western State University and plans to major in History and participate in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jared Goede, an outstanding student from Kansas City, Missouri. His commitment to the community and desire to serve his country should be commended. I would like to express my gratitude to him for his achievements and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize Kristin Venzian of Parkville, Missouri. Kristin will be honored with the Billy Mitchell Award and Second Lieutenant Bars as a member of the Platte Valley Civil Air Patrol. As a member of the Civil Air Patrol, she has been moving swiftly through the ranks and is a member of the first string color guard, participating in various local events as a member of the team that won the Missouri State Color Guard Championship this year.

Kristin is a very active member of her school and the community. She received the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2005 and founded Kids Celebrate Soldiers, a foundation that sends thank you cards from children around the United States to American soldiers overseas. In school she is a member of the National Honor Society, the South Boulevard Singers, French Club, Teenage Republican Club, and a Captain on the Girls Cross Country squad.

After graduating from Park Hill South High School, Kristin hopes to enter the Air Force Academy and pursue a degree in Aeronautical Engineering with a specialty in engines. For many years she remains focused on becoming a pilot and serving in the Air Force throughout her career.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Kristin Venzian, an outstanding student from Parkville, Missouri. Her commitment to the community and desire to serve her country should be commended. I would like to express my gratitude to her for her achievements and I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jonathan M. Nelson, 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 288, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jonathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jonathan 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 Jonathan M. Nelson 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 Christopher K. 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 288, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Christopher has been very active with his Troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Christopher 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 Christopher K. 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 proudly pause to recognize Matthew Schanuel, 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 288, 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.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Schanuel 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 Joel R. Herndon, 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 357, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joel 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 Joel R. Herndon 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 Daniel Edward Eshnaur, 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 357, 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 Edward Eshnaur 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 Samuel A. Brandt, 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 357, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Samuel has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Samuel 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 Samuel A. Brandt 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 Elisha T. Woods, 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 460, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Elisha has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Elisha 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 Elisha T. Woods 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 the city of Carrollton, Missouri. The city of Carrollton was chosen as the recipient of the 2005 All-America City Award administered by the National Civic League. Carrollton is the county seat of Carroll County and the home to 4,122 outstanding citizens. The city of Carrollton was chosen to receive this award as a result of their commitment to civic excellence in which the citizens, government, businesses, and nonprofit organizations of Carrollton have demonstrated successful resolution of critical community issues. This community cooperation is credited with the creation of a new library, development of downtown business district management, renovation of an historic trolley car, and the construction of a skatepark.

This is an important milestone not only for Carrollton, but also for northern Missouri as a whole. This remarkable achievement by the city of Carrollton proves to me that our belief in our small towns and Missouri values grows stronger by the day. Faith, family, friends, and hard work are the values that draw us together, and I am pleased to see that those values are embodied by the citizens of Carrollton, the community and business leaders, and Mayor Sharon Metz.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the achievement of the city of Carrollton in obtaining the All-America City Award. I wish to extend my warmest regards and congratulations on this momentous occasion. It is an honor and a privilege to represent such a fine community in the U.S. Congress.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, I do not have to tell you about the epidemic abuse of methamphetamine that has swept this country. It has devastated States such as mine. Missouri has one of the worst meth problems in the country. From 1995 to 2002, Missouri reported a 97.4 percent increase in methamphetamine-related admissions to emergency rooms. In 2003, Missouri had the highest number of meth lab seizures in the country.

Missouri is not alone. Meth abuse impacts every community; there is no State where meth cannot be found. In 2005 alone, approximately 5,000 meth labs were seized by law enforcement officials. This serious epidemic requires a serious response, and I believe we have to ensure that all agencies are vigorously fighting the meth epidemic.

This includes agencies such as Department of Health and Human Services. HHS sponsored and participated in a conference promoting the ideology of reducing the negative impact of drugs, or the safe use of drugs, rather than stopping the use of illegal drugs.

We need to take seriously the meth epidemic sweeping our Nation. Now is not the time to be lax on drug enforcement. We need to take a hard approach to fight this menace and ensure that the administration and agencies are taking the meth epidemic seriously and supporting efforts to prevent drug abuse, not the safe use.

My amendment is very simple. My amendment will demand that the Office of National Drug Control Policy conduct a report to explain how it happened that the Department of Health and Human Services sponsored this pro-meth conference and what management and reporting systems the Office of National Drug Control Policy will change to ensure that the Department of Health and Human Services is anti-meth and supportive of efforts fighting the meth epidemic.

I ask all Members to support this amendment. This is a serious issue in combating a very dangerous drug, and obviously the meth epidemic.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment is very simple. It is not going to take much. It will just ask that the National Office on Drug Control Policy explain to us their participation in this conference and show us that they are serious about the fight on drugs, they are serious about fighting this epidemic. It gives a report to Congress. That is all it does.

I would like an explanation for this action. I would like an explanation for what took place. Again, it is a very simple amendment, and I do not think it is asking too much.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder).

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

That is exactly what we are trying to do, Mr. Chairman, is just ask that taxpayer dollars be used responsibly and not for conferences such as this. We need to fight drugs, not show people that they can be used in a safe manner. I think that is ridiculous.

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

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rehberg) for working with me on this issue.

Meth abuse is prevalent in all the States and imposes a high cost on society, Mr. Chairman. Meth is highly addictive and its effects are severe and longlasting. Recent studies have demonstrated meth causes more damage to the brain than heroine, alcohol, or cocaine. Its abuse impacts not only the users but also the user's family and the general public. Thousands of children across the country have been taken away from their meth-abusing parents, placed with relatives, or shifted into the already overcrowded foster care system.

It is our duty in Congress to ensure that the public is informed and educated about the dangerous effects of this drug, and that is why I helped introduce this amendment.

This amendment is an important tool to fight the meth epidemic. It will require that at least 10 percent of the media budget for the Office of National Drug Control Policy be spent on advertising fighting meth abuse. With this minimum percentage we can ensure that the public is educated about the dangers and risks of this deadly drug and help prevent its further abuse.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4473, the reauthorization of the Commodity Futures Exchange Act, and I want to thank the chairman for the opportunity to speak on this very important issue.

Last week we passed an amendment out of the Committee on Agriculture markup by a voice vote that addressed prices and market manipulation in the natural gas markets. I am glad to report that the measure had very broad bipartisan support, and I want to thank the chairman for working with me on this very important issue.

The amendment that the chairman and I introduced, along with other members of the committee, addresses volatility in the natural gas market. This amendment seeks to ensure that market manipulation is not creating some of the price spikes that we are seeing today in that natural gas market. Through increased transparency, penalties and oversight, this goal is going to be achieved.

Energy prices right now are at a high. Most solutions being discussed are in the long term. Today's bill includes a provision that can provide some short-term relief by ensuring Americans, consumers, that market manipulation is not going to continue and will not be a contributing factor in the price of natural gas.

It is the farmers, it is the senior citizens, manufacturers, and consumers that I had in mind when I introduced this measure last spring. The price of natural gas is almost double what it was when I first brought this issue to my colleagues' attention. It is my hope that H.R. 4473 will bring some stability to the natural gas market and limit losses associated with extreme natural gas prices and price spikes.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this important measure and pass it on the floor.