Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Commerce Bank. In a few days, Commerce Bank will receive the Saint Joseph YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Employer of Excellence.

Commerce Bank has worked to make banking an outstanding career choice for women. Since 1986, the business has continually provided opportunities for Saint Joseph women. High achievement is encouraged by Commerce through educational assistance, career training opportunities, and scheduling flexibility. While maintaining their regular work schedules, several female officers and employees have obtained or are currently working toward college degrees. Currently 61 percent of Commerce Bank's employees are women. From Secretary to Senior Vice President, women are entrusted to fill critical positions.

Commerce has also been widely recognized for its commitment to community volunteerism. In the 10-year history of the Commerce Commendation Award, Commerce Bank of Saint Joseph has won the award nine times; five of those awards have gone to female employees. Commerce's female employees are engaged in a wide range of community activities including the Partners in Education program, tutoring school children, and even taking part in the Red Cross Hurricane Relief effort.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Commerce Bank, an exceptional employer in Missouri's Sixth Congressional District that has made banking an outstanding career choice for women. Commerce Bank's commitment to excellence is inspiring, and I am honored to represent so many of its fine employees and officers in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jeanne Daffron Ph.D. Dr. Daffron is Assistant Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Missouri Western State College in Saint Joseph, Missouri and in a few days will receive the Saint Joseph YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Women in the Workplace.

Dr. Daffron received her undergraduate degree and doctorate in nursing from Texas Woman's University. For nineteen years she served as a faculty member in the nursing department at Missouri Western, and later served as chair of the department and Dean of Professional Studies for seven years. Recently, Dr. Daffron was appointed Assistant Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. She is a member of the International Honor Society of Nursing, as well as the Missouri Nurse Association. In 1999, she was recognized by her alma mater as one of its ``Distinguished Alumna.'' In 2004, Dr. Daffron was selected by students as the ``Outstanding Honors Program Faculty Member.''

In addition to her career at Missouri Western, Dr. Daffron has served in a number of leadership positions throughout the greater Saint Joseph community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Heartland Regional Medical Center Foundation, Leadership Northwest Missouri, and Junior Achievement, and served as only the second female chair of the Saint Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Daffron is also Co-Chair of the Higher Education Division for the United Way, and is a member of the Saint Joseph Community Plan Board. She was appointed by Governor Blunt to a three-year term on the State of Missouri Life Science Research Board as well.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Jeanne Daffron, Ph.D. Her commitment to Saint Joseph exemplifies the qualities of service and dedication. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend the gentleman from Washington on this amendment. It is important to evaluate and understand the financial difficulties that citizen-soldiers face when called to serve their country.

Over 400,000 citizen-soldiers have been mobilized since September 11, 2001. This is the largest activation of National Guard and Reserve members since World War II and will likely continue for the immediate future. About half of our total military are National Guard and Reserve forces.

Recent government studies show that 40 percent of them make less money while mobilized than they earn in their civilian jobs. To solve this pay problem, I have introduced H.R. 838, which would offer employers a tax credit to help make up some of the pay gap.

Military Reservists and Guardsmen unselfishly answer the call to serve and protect their country at a moment's notice, many times at a personal and financial cost. In turn, we need to show appreciation and support for their patriotic efforts.

We ask a lot of those who serve the cause of American freedom. Financial ruin should not be one of those sacrifices.

I commend the gentleman for his work on behalf of our Guard and Reservists and urge passage of this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to share with my colleagues a situation that has been brought to my attention.

President Obasanjo of Nigeria promised several years ago to withdraw his troops from the Bakassi Peninsula in The Republic of Cameroon. It has not yet been done. As the President of the African Union, Obasanjo has an obligation to set an example for the rest of the African nations.

President Obasanjo should withdraw Nigerian troops from the Bakassi Peninsula and return the Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroon.

Mr. Speaker, Monday, May 16, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes No. 171, No. 172, and No. 173. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 171, H.R. 627, to designate the Linda White-Epps Post Office; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 172, H. Res. 266, supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 173, H.R. 2107, modifying the authorities for the use of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Maintenance Fund.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today still afraid for our nation's security. Not because of terror alerts, but because our borders remain porous. The enforcement of our immigration policy is impotent, resulting in a continued flood of illegal immigrants across our borders.

It is time for the federal government to stop letting unchecked mass immigration undermine the wages, safety, and benefits in one occupation after another. It is time for the federal government to moderate immigration and to treat American workers, citizen and immigrant, with the respect they deserve.

Our constituents did not elect us to help cheapen the quality of their lives by importing foreign workers at six to eight times the historical average. There is no getting around the fact that when we cheapen labor with unchecked illegal immigration, we cheapen our neighbors, both citizens and immigrants alike.

Today, I introduce the Emergency Immigration Workload Reduction and Homeland Security Enhancement Act of 2005. This legislation would suspend certain nonessential visas in order to provide temporary workload reduction critical to the success of the immigration component of the recently established Department of Homeland Security. These suspensions would be lifted following the certification by Secretary of Homeland Security to Congress that specific conditions ensuring the department's ability to carry out its enforcement responsibilities have been met.

Zealous enforcement of our immigration laws is a critical first step; however, Congress must look at the root causes of our policy flaws. In this era of global terrorism, we must re-evaluate our immigration policy and close these outstanding loopholes to give the Department of Homeland Security the tools it needs to protect our soil.

I call on my colleagues to join me in working to reform our immigration policies and to halt the cheapening of America's citizen and immigrant workers. Without real immigration reform, our borders will not be safe and our citizens will be at risk.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Steven Todd Orr, 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. Steven received his Eagle Award on March 5, 2005 at an Eagle Court of Honor in Platte Woods, Missouri.

Steven has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years, Steven has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of his family, peers, and community. He is truly an exemplary Scout.

For his Eagle project, Steven designed and built a Prayer Path at Platte Woods United Methodist Church, where I might add, his Eagle Court of Honor was held. Steven's work on this project included designing, planning, and implementing the path construction on newly acquired church property. Steven cleared the path area, and installed rock and flagstones, as well as plant life. The project provides church members with a place to pray and reflect.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Steven Todd Orr 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 Travis R. Vogel, 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. Travis received his Eagle Award on March 5, 2005 at an Eagle Court of Honor in Platte Woods, Missouri.

Travis has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Travis has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of his family, peers, and community. He is truly an exemplary Scout.

For his Eagle project, Travis remodeled the walls of the VFW basement. Travis installed new window well frames, and installed new siding--which he also painted--on the exterior. His work on the interior included new drywall, patching existing wall surfaces, texturing and painting the walls, and adding a chair rail. The project provided the VFW with a nicer looking space, and the window framing in particular will help the VFW save on energy costs.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Travis R. Vogel 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 Spencer Preston Harris of Platte City, Missouri, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Spencer has been a part of Troop 351 for 5 years, and during that time period he has served in a variety of leadership positions. He has served his troop as Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Librarian, and finally Senior Patrol Leader. During that time period, he earned 45 merit badges and the God and Church Medal. In addition to the numerous leadership positions and merit badges, Spencer is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and spent 5 years at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Spencer also participated in Junior Leader Basic Training and World Conservation, has 38 total service hours, 98 nights camping, and 50 miles hiking. He is truly an exemplary Scout.

For his Eagle Scout project, Spencer folded, repaired, and boxed 47,000 American Flags that decorate graves at the Leavenworth, Kansas military cemetery.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Spencer Preston Harris 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 Sawyer Daniel Breslow of Platte City, Missouri, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Sawyer has been a part of Troop 351 for 5 years, and during that time period he has served in a variety of leadership positions. He has served his troop as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Scribe, Librarian, and Quartermaster. During that time period, he earned 50 merit badges and the God and Church Medal. In addition to the numerous leadership positions and merit badges, Sawyer is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and spent 5 years at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Sawyer also participated in Den Chief Training, Junior Leader Basic Training, Snorkeling, Mile Swim, and National Camping. Sawyer also has 68 service hours, 93 nights camping, and 53 miles hiking. He is truly an exemplary Scout.

For his Eagle Scout project, Sawyer planned and built a large board game table with playing pieces for the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sawyer Daniel Breslow 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 Sean David Huntley of Platte City, Missouri, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Sean has been a part of Troop 351 for 5 years, and during that time period he has served in a variety of leadership positions. He has served his troop as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Scribe, and Librarian. During that time period, he earned 43 merit badges and the God and Church Medal. In addition to the numerous leadership positions and merit badges, Sean is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and spent 5 years at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Sean also participated in Junior Leader Basic Training, Snorkeling, and National Camping. Sean also has 46 service hours, 99 nights camping, and 78 miles hiking. He is truly an exemplary Scout.

For his Eagle Scout project, Sean reconstructed an outside prayer area for United Methodist Church in Platte City, Missouri. Sean redesigned the fire pit, mulched the area, and then rebuilt the outside cross structure. He also constructed a trail and steps as a path to the prayer area.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sean David Huntley 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 Kuehl of Platte City, Missouri, 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 351, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Matt has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. During the 4 years Matt has been involved with Scouting, he has worked his way through the ranks and earned 30 merit badges. Matt has held a variety of leadership positions within his troop, serving as Librarian, Quartermaster, and Scribe. Matt is also a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and attended H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for four years. Matt participated in Junior Leader Basic training and World Conservation, has 101 service hours, spent 53 nights camping, and 26 miles hiking. He is truly an exemplary Scout.

For his Eagle Scout project, Matt purchased and planted three trees at the Platte County Fairgrounds in Platte City, Missouri, mulched and tied the trees for wind resistance, and watered the trees for 4 months to ensure proper growth.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Matthew Kuehl 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 Ginger Langemeier, a longtime member of my staff who will be leaving my office to work for my distinguished colleague from Nebraska, the Honorable Jeff Fortenberry who represents Ginger's home district. I must confess that my distinguished colleague Mr. Fortenberry was not the first Nebraskan that I had to compete with over Ginger, as she's always been a big fan of the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska's Third District, the Honorable Tom Osborne.

Ginger began her political career as an intern on my 1998 Missouri State Senate campaign, and leaves my office after rising through the ranks to become my Deputy Chief of Staff. In between she has served in a variety of different positions, and as always, I am grateful for her commitment and service.

My 1998 state Senate campaign was quite an introduction to politics for Ginger. I did not have a large staff, but I did have a large Senate district, and Ginger was instrumental in helping me reach out to all of the voters across a vast geographic area. She also served as my Finance Director, and ever since she has been charged with maintaining our office finances.

I also must thank her for her service to my brother Todd. In 2000, Todd ran for state treasurer, and Ginger volunteered for him in her spare time. During the rest of her time, she was busy working at my office in the Missouri State Senate.

Later on in 2000, Ginger became the very first employee of Graves for Congress after I filed for election to this seat. In addition to her recurring role as Finance Director, she handled all of my scheduling, and brought to this race the same goal oriented attitude that led me to hire her in the first place.

Thanks to her hard work, I was elected to this House in November of 2000, and in January of 2001 when I became a Member of the 107th Congress, Ginger joined my official staff as a legislative assistant. Over the years Ginger has handled just about every issue in my office, and is known particularly for her expertise on agriculture, appropriations, the Missouri River, and crime. At the start of the 108th Congress, I promoted her to the position of Senior Policy Advisor, and in 2004 she returned to Missouri to become my Deputy Chief of Staff.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ginger Langemeier for her dedication to myself and my constituents. While I am sorry to see her go, I know she will be a tremendous asset to my distinguished colleague Mr. Fortenberry and the citizens of Nebraska's First District.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mrs. Jessie Mavity, a resident of my hometown of Tarkio, Missouri. Jessie will turn 100 on April 30, and I am honored to be able to share her story with this esteemed House.

Mrs. Mavity was born Jessie May Mather in Tarkio on April 30, 1905 to James Lewis Mather and Ida Jane Lyons Mather. In addition to Jessie, James and Ida Mather had eight surviving children. Jessie graduated from my alma mater, Tarkio High School, in 1924 and then went on to earn a teaching certificate.

In September 1925, Jessie married James Henry Frohn. James passed away in 1971, but he and Jessie had four wonderful children: Marilyn Frohn Graves--a cousin of mine--Jackie Frohn Uptergrove, Carolyn Frohn Doleshal, and Gary Frohn. In addition to her children, Jessie has seven grandchildren who reside throughout our great nation: Nicci Wheeler, Bryan Frohn, and Jason Frohn of Fairfax, Missouri; Dawn Myers of Dallas, Texas; Sheila Graves of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Jim Doleshal of Sacramento, California; and Rob Doleshal of Oakland, California. Jessie also has five great grandchildren: Dustin and Kellen Myers, Cody Doleshal, and McKenzie and Cody Frohn.

In October 1982, Jessie married William Mavity, and while William passed away in 1986, Jessie and William shared a great deal during their four years of marriage. They made their home in Bentonville, Arkansas and Forsyth, Missouri and enjoyed many trips together, both here in the United States and abroad.

Throughout her life, Jessie has always been an active member of the community. She worked in the cafeteria at Fairfax High School and at the Fairfax Community Hospital.

In addition, Jesse was an active member of the Extension Club, the Fairfax High School Band Mother's Club, and was a founding and active member of the BZN Neighborhood Club. She also spent numerous years as a 4H Leader and was an avid gardener.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Mrs. Jessie Mavity. Her tireless work as a mother and dedicated citizen is truly an inspiration. I wish Mrs. Mavity all the best on her 100th birthday and am proud to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the students at Gracemor Elementary School's S.A.G.E. program. S.A.G.E. is the acronym for Students in Academically Gifted Education, and the S.A.G.E. students at Gracemor have been participating in a great program to support our troops called ``Operation Bubble Gum Buddies.''

The S.A.G.E. students at Gracemor have been supporting our brave soldiers and their important mission by collecting bubble gum and other items to send to our troops currently serving in Iraq. Our brave soldiers will not only enjoy these gifts themselves, but they will also share the bubble gum with the children of Iraq. This small, selfless gesture spreads goodwill and establishes an important bond between the future leaders of America--like the students at Gracemor--and the future leaders of a free and democratic Iraq.

It was also an inspiration to learn that each student in the program included a personal note along with the bubble gum in each individual care package. I know that the soldiers greatly appreciate hearing from the students, and I would encourage the students to continue with this important task; it is a true testament to the patriotic spirit of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking the students of Gracemor Elementary who have been participating in ``Operation Bubble Gum Buddies.'' Their dedication to our troops and the children of Iraq are a credit to our Nation, and I am proud to represent them in the United States Congress.