Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of House Resolution 302. This resolution recognizes and commends employers of members of the National Guard and other reserve components who have been mobilized during the global war on terrorism.

This resolution, if passed, would urge the Department of Defense to continue to develop long-term strategies to maintain a high level of support between these conscientious employers and to thank these employers for going above and beyond what is required by law.

I would like to commend the Chairman for bringing this outstanding resolution to the floor today. I am a co-sponsor of this resolution and H.R. 838, The Hope at Home Act. I strongly believe that men and women who choose to serve their country should not be punished for their service by having to leave their current job without financial support. That is why I have co-sponsored legislation that would give tax credits of 50 percent of an employee's compensation to businesses that continue to pay a guardsman or reservist who gets called up to active duty.

In particular, I would like to extend a special thanks to those patriotic employers in America that eliminate this pay gap for their workers by continuing to pay them the difference between their civilian salary and their military pay when mobilized. Nearly \1/3\ of reservists have this benefit from their employer.

We should only ask so much sacrifice from those who are so willing to give up their lives to serve the cause of American freedom. Financial ruin should not be one of those sacrifices. I will continue to work on behalf of the National Guard and Reserves for better and more equitable treatment.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Genevieve Roskey of Saint Joseph, MO. Genevieve celebrated her 90th birthday on August 4 of this month, and it is my privilege to offer her my warmest regards on achieving this important milestone. Genevieve is a fine citizen of Missouri and the St. Joseph community. It is an honor to represent Genevieve in the United States Congress, and I wish her all the best on this birthday and many more in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize two outstanding citizens of Missouri's Sixth Congressional District: Rev. and Mrs. Thomas W. Boyce of Blue Springs, MO. Thomas and Doris will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on August 21, 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Reverend and Mrs. Boyce. Thomas and Doris Boyce have set an outstanding example for all of us to follow. Their marriage of 50 years truly exemplifies the qualities of commitment and dedication, and I am honored to represent them in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Reid M. Mason of Kansas City, MO, 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 301, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Reid has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities and earning numerous merit badges. Reid began scouting as a Tiger Cub, advanced to Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelo before joining the Boy Scouts in 2002, where he advanced to Scout, Tenderfoot, 2nd class, 1st class, Star, Life, and finally, Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle Scout project, Reid turned a series of small rooms and closets at First Baptist Church in North Kansas City, MO into a large, functional youth area.

Outside of scouting, Reid is a sophomore at North Kansas City High School, where he is active in the marching band, symphonic band, theater, swing choir, basketball, baseball, and the International Baccalaureate program. Reid is also active in his youth group at First Baptist Church and plays guitar in the youth worship band. Somehow he also finds time to play summer baseball, work toward his black belt in Hapkido, and take piano lessons.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Reid M. Mason 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 Brian Kidwell, son of Douglas and Teresa Kidwell. Brian will receive his Eagle Award on August 7, 2005 at a Court of Honor in Saint Joseph, MO.

Brian began his scouting career in 1995 as a Tiger Cub. In 1996, he joined Pack 218 and proceeded through the ranks of Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelo. While a Webelo, Brian earned all the activity badges and the Arrow of Light. He also received a Service Star for five years of active scouting and the God and me award.

Brian became a member of Troop 218 in 2000, where he earned the ranks of Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life, and now Eagle. Brian received 27 merit badges, and served in numerous leadership positions including Librarian, Patrol Leader, Chaplain Aide, Troop Guide, and Junior Assistant Scout Master. He is also a Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

In June of 2003, Brian and his father Douglas went to Philmont Scout Ranch, where they earned the 50 Miler Award.

Aside from scouting, Brian is a lifetime resident of Country Club Village. He attended John Glenn Elementary School then Savannah Middle School. He is currently a junior at Savannah High School and has been involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and FFA. He has been on High Honor Roll since 4th grade.

Brian is a member of Faith United Church, Hope Youth Group, and the Sons of the American Legion, which he joined through his late grandfather, Darryle Bartlett.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brian Kidwell 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 two outstanding citizens of Missouri. Burl and Jurline Barker of Mount Vernon, MO celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 10, 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Barker. Burl and Jurline have set an outstanding example for all of us to follow. Their marriage of 60 years truly exemplifies the qualities of commitment and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Cody Wayne Bates, son of Carol and Terry Bates, of Holt, Missouri. Cody 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 397, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Cody has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 8 years Cody has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 35 merit badges and held several leadership positions. Cody has served his troop as Assistant Patrol Leader, Chaplain's Aide, Librarian, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Cody is a brave in the Tribe of Mic-o-Say, where he has taken the name ``Red Eye Owl,'' and is also a brotherhood member in the Order of the Arrow. In addition, Cody has earned the World Conservation Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Cody constructed a fence around 6 air conditioning units at First United Methodist Church to protect the units from damage.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Cody Wayne Bates 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 Dane K. Hagen, son of Susan and Mike Hagen, of Kearney, Missouri. Dane 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 397, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Dane has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 8 years Dane has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 39 merit badges and held several leadership positions. Dane has served his troop as Patrol Leader, Quartermaster,

Troop Bugler, and Senior Patrol Leader. Dane is a brave in the Tribe of Mic-o-Say, where he has taken the name ``Mighty Wolf Stalking Prey,'' and is also a brotherhood member in the Order of the Arrow. In addition, Dane has earned the God and Church Award, World Conservation Award, Eagle Bronze Palm, and H. Roe Bartle Heritage Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Dane constructed a fence around the City of Kearney's water tower and variform pump house, and planted evergreens and shrubbery around the new fence.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dane K. Hagen 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 B. Hearne, son of Sue and Jerry Hearne, of Kearney, MO. Chris 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 397, and by earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Chris has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 8 years Chris has been involved with scouting, he has earned 36 merit badges and held several leadership positions. Chris has served his troop as patrol leader, librarian, chaplain's aide, and den chief. Chris is a brave in the tribe of Mic-o- Say, where he has taken the name ``Last Son of Silent Snow Goose.'' In addition, Chris has earned the World Conservation Award, H. Roe Bartle Heritage Award, and Mile Swim Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Chris removed litter and rubbish from the half-mile entry road into Kearney's Mack Porter Park. He also constructed ``No Littering'' signs along the road.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher B. Hearne 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, October 27, 2005 I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall vote No. 553. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 553, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2005.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 553 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.

Over the last few years, trial lawyers have filed suit against firearms manufacturers across the country in the hopes of bankrupting the industry. These frivolous lawsuits are often based on the dubious premise that gun manufacturers should be held liable for the actions of others who use their products in a criminal or unlawful manner.

This abuse of the legal process demands strong Congressional action, and we are responding with this legislation. This bill will protect the firearms industry from lawsuits based

on the criminal or unlawful third-party misuse of their products. This law is necessary to prevent a few state courts from undermining our Second Amendment rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Contrary to many rumors, this bill will not prevent legitimate victims from having their day in court for cases involving defective firearms, breaches of contract, criminal behavior by a gun maker or dealer, or the negligent entrustment of a firearm to an irresponsible person.

Mr. Speaker, while I have serious concerns about the trigger lock language added to this bill in the Senate, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act is an important step in the right direction. The reality is that we need a bill to be signed into law, and this is our greatest opportunity to accomplish meaningful reform which benefits all lawful gun owners and enthusiasts. These irresponsible lawsuits seriously threaten the supply of guns and ammunition available for hunting, self-defense, collecting, competitive or recreational shooting, and other lawful activities, and it is time to put a stop to them.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, October 7, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall vote No. 520. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 520, H. Con. Res. 248, honoring the life and work of Simon Wiesenthal and reaffirming the commitment of Congress to the fight against anti- Semitism and intolerance in all forms, in all forums, and in all nations.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time to speak on an issue that is very important to me and my constituents.

The Endangered Species Act plays a prominent role in my State of Missouri with over 25 endangered and threatened species located within the borders and nine in my district.

Mr. Chairman, the ESA is broken and needs to be fixed. Over the last 30 years, less than 1 percent of all listed species have been removed, and most of them have been removed because of poor data. I thought the intent of the ESA was to recover species and not leave them on the list indefinitely. Also, landowners seem to be getting cheated when species are identified on their property resulting in lower property values, less production and limited use. These unintended adverse impacts have resulted in a law that is

hurting landowners while not recovering any species.

This is why I introduced H.R. 3300, the Endangered Species Recovery Act. I want to thank the chairman and staff for working with me to develop and incorporate this bill into the overall ESA bill. The language in section 10 of the bill creates ``species recovery agreements.'' Basically, it is an all-inclusive incentive program that will compensate landowners for their conservation efforts. It is my hope that this provision will foster a better working relationship with landowners and the Federal Government resulting in recovery of more species. My underlying goal is to protect landowners while keeping intact the spirit of the ESA.

As part of the farming community, I have heard stories of farmers afraid to report an endangered species on their land because of the implication it would have on their property and their farming operation. ``Shoot, shovel, and shut up'' was often the case when a species was identified on their property. My point is that the ESA was more of a burden on landowners, and without the cooperation of landowners, species recovery, I do not think, will ever be successful.

Another reason why I chose to get involved in this debate is because of the implication this Act has on the management of the Missouri River. The Missouri River is a vital waterway for Midwest farmers, providing cheaper and more efficient transportation for their grain. The Flood Control Act of 1944 authorized the Army Corps of Engineers to maintain flood control and navigation along the river. Then came the Endangered Species Act and this all changed. The ESA seems to supersede the Flood Control Act, and now transportation along the river is unreliable. Ultimately, I would like to see the provisions in this bill fix the situation so navigation becomes more reliable.

Again, I commend the chairman on his efforts and look forward to working with him on this bill and getting it passed this afternoon.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize John L. Jermain of Conception Junction, Missouri. John celebrated his 80th birthday on July 12, 2005 and it is my privilege to offer him my warmest regards on achieving this important milestone.

In addition to being a fine grandfather, Mr. Jermain is a respected farmer and dedicated community member in Conception Junction. He fought for the United States of America with honor in Korea, and I am grateful for Mr. Jermain's patriotism and service to our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing John L. Jermain. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress, and I wish him all the best for many more birthdays in the future.