Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Charles David Hevalow, 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. C.D. received his Eagle Award on March 5, 2005 at an Eagle Court of Honor in Platte Woods, Missouri.

C.D. has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years C.D. 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, C.D. remodeled the ceiling of the VFW basement. His work included taking down old lighting, ceiling outlets, as well as other miscellaneous items. When this was completed, C.D. installed a suspended ceiling, diffusers, and new can lighting. The project provided the VFW with a nicer looking space which has more light, and which is better insulated from outside noise.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Charles David Hevalow for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I am here today to correct an inequity in the car and truck renting and leasing industry. By reforming vicarious liability to establish a national standard that all but a small handful of States already follow, we will restore fair competition to the car and truck renting and leasing industry and lower costs and increase choices for all consumers.

Currently, a small number of States impose vicarious liability or limitless liability without fault, on companies and their affiliates simply because they own a vehicle involved in an accident. Whether or not the vehicle was at fault is completely irrelevant in these situations. These vicarious liability lawsuits cost consumers nationwide over $100 million annually.

Vicarious liability laws apply where the accident occurs. It does not matter where the car or truck was rented or leased. Since companies cannot prevent their vehicles from being driven to a vicarious liability State, they cannot prevent their exposure to these laws and must raise their rates accordingly. These higher costs have driven many small companies out of business, reducing the consumer choice and competition that keeps costs down.

While this amendment seeks to level the playing field, I want to emphasize, I want to be very clear about this, that this provision will not allow car and truck renting and leasing companies to escape liability if they are at fault. Accident victims will continue to be compensated according to individual State law.

This is supported by the NFIB. It is supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. I ask my colleagues to support this commonsense reform measure to level the playing field so that consumers are protected.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 30 seconds.

Quickly, Mr. Chairman, there are no uninsured rental vehicles on the road. Every single rental vehicle out there has to meet the State's minimum requirements for insurance. There is recourse. States put drivers on the road. Rental vehicle companies put cars on the road. They should be responsible for their equipment. Drivers should be responsible for themselves. But there is no uninsured rental vehicles on the road today.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the majority whip.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 15 seconds.

Mr. Chairman, vicarious liability does not protect against uninsured drivers. It simply provides higher compensation based solely on the fact that the individual owns the vehicle. We are not absolving these companies of liability if they are at fault. What we are doing is eliminating vicarious liability simply because they own the vehicle.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher) who is a cosponsor of this legislation.

(Mr. BOUCHER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith).

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

Mr. Chairman, think about the statement that the opposition makes, that this amendment releases the rental industry except in the case of negligence. Think about that for just a minute. They should be liable in the case of negligence. They should not be liable for the action of their drivers.

The fact of the matter is, there are no uninsured vehicles on the road. In the case of an individual's car, you have a choice of who you are going to loan that car to. A rental company has to rent to a qualified driver. If they have a driver's license and they meet the State's minimum requirements, they have to rent to them.

Mr. Chairman, it is frustrating when there is so much misinformation out there about bills like this. There are three points that I want to make and I want to be very clear on.

Just remember, rental car companies do not put drivers on the road. States do. Rental car companies put cars on the road. They should not be liable for the action of the drivers. They should be liable for the their negligence or for their equipment, but they should not be liable for the action of their drivers.

Second, there are no uninsured rental vehicles on the road today. Those vehicles, before they can even be registered, have to meet the State's minimum requirements for insurance. That is up to the States. Let the States deal with that, just as what was pointed out. But there are no uninsured rental vehicles on the roads today. There is compensation or means for compensation to folks out there who might be harmed.

The third thing, and let us be very, very clear on this, this proposal would not exempt rental and leasing companies from the liability involved with their equipment. They are still liable and should be liable for negligence when it deals with their equipment, but they should not be liable for the actions of drivers. If you rent a vehicle in a non-vicarious liability State and drive it into a State such as New York, they are liable, unlimited liability, just because they own the car. That is not right.

Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of this and hope my colleagues can support me.

Mr. Chairman, I come to the floor today to speak in support of the REAL ID Act. It is clear that in order to secure our country from terrorists we need to reform the requirements and standards for driver's licenses. A valid driver's license is like a hall pass that allows terrorists to easily roam throughout the United States.

Indeed 19 terrorists did just that with dozens of legal driver's licenses and identification cards. The hijackers used these IDs to rent cars and apartments, open bank accounts, take flying lessons, and otherwise blend into American society while they planned their attacks. Those terrorists murdered 3,000 Americans and yet this gap still remains open.

In every State, the driver's license (and its counterpart, the State ID card) is the primary document used to establish identity and proof of legal residence. Making driver's licenses accessible to illegal aliens gives them the means to pass themselves off as legal residents of the United States. Additionally, the REAL ID Act does not create a national ID card.

In addition to establishing standards for the issuance of licenses, H.R. 418 includes provisions to prevent terrorists from gaming our asylum system. Court decisions in recent years have so distorted the asylum process that terrorists are now able to claim asylum specifically because they are terrorists. This legislation represents a critical first step toward gaining control over our borders and protecting American lives. These are common-sense measures that should be implemented immediately.

Terrorism may have no borders, but we can certainly make it more difficult for terrorists to cross ours. Having a uniform policy that relies on common sense will do more to keep America open and free than having a policy that relies on hope.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, January 6, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall vote No. 7. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 7.

On Tuesday, January 25, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 8 and 9. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both votes.

On Wednesday, January 26, 2005, I was unavoidably detained and thus missed rollcall votes Nos. 10-13. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall Nos. 10, 11, and 12, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 13.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Loren Bewick of Kansas 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 271, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Loren will attain the rank of Eagle Scout on Saturday, January 29, 2005 at Gashland United Methodist Church in Kansas City.

Loren has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Loren has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Loren Bewick 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 Ryan Gary Frazer, 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 45, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ryan is currently a senior at Central High School in Saint Joseph, Missouri, and is the son of Gary and Sandy Frazer.

Ryan began his scouting career as a Tiger Cub Scout before advancing to Webelo Scout. After completing Cub Scouts, Ryan rose through the ranks of the Boy Scouts, achieving the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class Scout, First Class Scout, Star Scout, Life Scout, and now Eagle Scout. Ryan served his troop in numerous leadership positions, including Librarian, Historian, Scribe, and Patrol Leader. Along the way, Ryan earned 24 merit badges and several awards including the Arrow of Light Award and the 50 Miler Award on three separate occasions for Adventure Trips to Wyoming, Mississippi, and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Ryan is also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, where he holds the name ``Ice Badger.''

For his Eagle Scout project, Ryan led a team of volunteers that renovated the children's playground area at Ashland United Methodist Church in Saint Joseph. The playground area is an integral part of Church life, as it sits in the center of the Ashland United Methodist's courtyard; the playground is used by children attending numerous church classes and activities. Ryan and his team spent over 100 hours completing this project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Gary Frazer 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 Ross Clayton Woodbury, 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 45, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ross is currently a senior at Central High School in Saint Joseph, Missouri and is the son of Mark and Karen Woodbury.

Ross has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Ross started out as a Cub Scout, became a Webelo, completed Cub Scouts and then moved on to the Boy Scouts. During his Boy Scout career, Ross rose through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class Scout, First Class Scout, Star Scout, Life Scout, and now Eagle Scout. Ross earned 25 merit badges and served as Troop 45's Troop Guide. Additionally, Ross was the recipient of the 50 Miler Award on three occasions for Adventure Trips to Wyoming, Colorado, and Canada. Ross was also tapped into the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and was given the name ``Little Iron Ring.''

For his Eagle Scout project, Ross led a team of scouts in association with the Saint Joseph Museum and the Missouri Department of Conservation to preserve Mount Mora Cemetery in Saint Joseph, an historical funeral park where Civil War Generals, Missouri Governors, and Pony Express Riders are buried. Mr. Speaker, it may please the House to know that Mount Mora's designer helped craft the plan for the Washington Monument here in our nation's capital.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ross Clayton Woodbury, 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 David Rall Bradley, 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 45, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Rall is currently a senior at Pembroke Hill in Kansas City, and is the son of David Bradley, Jr. and Suzanne Bradley of Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Rall has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Rall started as a Tiger Cub Scout, and then rose through the Boy Scout ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class Scout, First Class Scout, Star Scout, Life Scout, and now Eagle Scout. Along the way, Rall earned 23 merit badges, and several scouting awards such as the Arrow of Light Award and the 50 Miler Award, which he received following an Adventure Trip to the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Rall was inducted into the Honorary Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and also has served as Historian and Quartermaster of his troop.

For his Eagle Scout project, Rall led a team of scouts in association with the Saint Joseph Museum and the Missouri Department of Conservation to preserve Mount Mora Cemetery in Saint Joseph, an historical funeral park where Civil War Generals, Missouri Governors, and Pony Express Riders are buried. Mr. Speaker, it may please the House to know that Mount Mora's designer helped craft the plan for the Washington Monument here in our nation's capital.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending David Rall Bradley 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 Leo E. Fuhr, District Director of the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Leo retired on December 29, 2004 after many years of distinguished service to our district, state, and ration.

Leo Fuhr first joined the United States Department of Agriculture in August of 1974. His first assignment was just north of here in Keosauqua, Iowa. After leaving Keosaqua, he moved on to Warrensburg, Missouri and our state has been fortunate to have his services ever since. After completing his tenure in Warrensburg, Leo served in Maryville, St. Joseph, Trenton, and then Brookfield. In March of 1986, Leo became District Director and remained in that position until his retirement on December 29. As a farmer myself, I can tell you that his lifelong dedication to agriculture will be missed by all.

I also want to recognize his wonderful family, especially his wife Jeanette, their daughter Brenda, who recently graduated from Truman State University, and their son Brian who is currently serving our nation with the U.S. Army in Iraq. Leo himself is no stranger to military service; from September 1966 until August 1999 Leo served in the National Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Leo E. Fuhr. Mr. Fuhr truly exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service to northwest Missouri, and I am honored to call him one of my constituents. Congratulations on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brett Agee of Liberty, 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 376, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Brett has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years that Brett has been involved with scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader on two occasions, Librarian, Quartermaster, Chaplain Aide, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, and Instructor. Brett has earned 31 merit badges, the 12 Month Camper Award, the 100 Nights Camper Award, and the religious award: Ad Altare Dei. Brett is an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow and a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. His Tribal Name is Swift White Tail Buck Standing in Clover.

For his Eagle Scout project, Brett led a group of Boy Scouts that built room dividers for use at the Earnest Shepherd Youth Center in Liberty.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Brett Agee 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 Jonathan Klamm of Liberty, 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 376, 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 years that Jonathan has been involved with Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader on five occasions, Quartermaster on four occasions, Den Chief, Troop Guide, and Instructor. Jonathan has earned 32 merit badges, the 12 Month Camper Award, the 100 Nights Camper Award, the World Conservation Award, the BSA 50 Miler, and the Religious Award: the Ad Altare Dei. He is an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow, and a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. His Tribal Name is Curious Golden Squirrel, and his blood brother is Cameron Brenton.

Jonathan's Eagle Scout Project consisted of leading a group of Scouts and Scouters to make improvements at the Earnest Shepherd Youth Center in Liberty.

In addition to these outstanding achievements, I am also proud to recognize Jonathan's work towards my election to the 109th meeting of this most honorable Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending Jonathan Klamm 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, recently, after years of debate over the government run tobacco program, this body ended a system that limited per-acre tobacco sales to protect prices for growers and others holding quotas. As a compromise, we agreed to a buyout that provides tobacco quota holders $7 per pound on their allotment paid out in equal installments over 10 years. These installments are paid out of a Tobacco Trust Fund to quota holders and eligible producers; however, the Tobacco Trust Fund is also designated to pay for program losses incurred by USDA.

We must not let bureaucratic red tape shortchange the promise we have made to these quota holders and eligible producers. We have an obligation to ensure that they receive what they have bargained for. There are many questions that need to be resolved. We need to clarify and ensure that USDA will follow the intent of Congress. The agriculture committees in the House and Senate should hold hearings to resolve the following issues before we move forward. Issues that should be addressed include: Whether the buyouts are assignable to other parties; are there restrictions on quota holders selling their shares in the private market if they need their payments now and cannot wait 10 years; and what safeguards are in place to assure that these allotments are paid out over the next 10 years?

The projected estimates for this program are $10.1 billion over 10 years, with the program fully offset by funds from the Tobacco Trust Fund. We have made a promise to these holders and producers, and we must not let misguided direction reduce that promise.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Earley, 2004 graduate of Chillicothe High School.

This year Christopher completed a distinguished career as a wrestler at Chillicothe High School, under the tutelage of coaches Dave Kinnen and Ken Stull. Christopher was named to the All District Wrestling Team in 2003, and a State Wrestling Qualifier in 2003 and 2004. During his senior season Christopher enjoyed a great deal of success, as he won the Coach's Award, was named to the Midland Empire All-Conference, and won the District Wrestling Championship. Christopher was also a four- year letterman in wrestling. His academic achievements are equally impressive, as he was the recipient of four consecutive academic letters at Chillicothe High School as well.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Christopher Earley and wishing him continued success. Christopher is a great role model for student-athletes in our state, and I am proud to serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kyle Marcolla, 2004 graduate of Chillicothe High School. Kyle accepted a golf scholarship at the University of Missouri--Columbia where he is currently a member of the Men's Golf Team.

Kyle is an outstanding golfer, and I know the University of Missouri is excited about his commitment to the fine golf program in Columbia. I also suspect that Chillicothe High School's Golf Coach John Musser wishes that Kyle could remain on his team for many more years, as he has proven time and again that he belongs to an elite class of high school golfers. Kyle was named a Midland Empire All Conference golfer in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004: his entire career at Chillicothe High School. He was a 3A State Qualifier in 2001, District Champion in 2002 and 2004, and 3A All State Top 15 in 2002, 2003, and 2004. In 2003, Kyle won a grueling competition to become Missouri State Champion. The St. Joseph News-Press named him Golfer of the Year in 2003 and 2004. In addition to these accolades, Kyle is the holder of several state golfing records.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in congratulating Kyle Marcolla and wishing him continued success. Kyle is a great role model for aspiring golfers in our state, and I am proud to serve him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Donald Sherman of Independence, 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 82, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Donald has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Donald has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Donald Sherman for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.