Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Haven Joost Gibson. Haven 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 96, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Haven has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Haven has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Haven built 5 bat houses that hold up to 300 bats each for the Lake of the Ozarks National Park.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Earl W. and Linda M. Lammers, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on May 16, 2019.

Earl and Linda fondly recall how they met on a blind date in October and have since loved and cherished each other for over half a century. Earl and Linda have never met a flea market they didn't like and both willingly suffer through deer hunting season or never ending music shows at the Missouri Theater. They also continue to spend many days and nights a year in the most fun place on earth--Branson. Earl and Linda have leaned on each other through losses of dear friends and family, and both have spent their time together supporting their children and grandchildren in all school and community endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, their friends, and their sons, Kevin and Scott, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren in congratulating Earl W. and Linda M. Lammers and wishing them many more years of health and happiness together.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize McKay Russell Marble. McKay 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 96, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

McKay has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years McKay has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, McKay organized his troop to nail 600 metal plates to the power poles in Gallatin Missouri, so the city could slide in numbers to help them identify different power poles.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William Marvin and Betty Ann Knight, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on January 26, 2019.

Bill and Betty have spent their lives serving their community. Whether Betty's service in the County Treasurer's office and guiding Platte County as the Presiding Commissioner for 16 years, or through their volunteer efforts on boards and community organizations, Bill and Betty have always been pillars of the community. It is my hope that they can enjoy this time of celebration and look back on all of the joyful times they have shared as a couple, from quiet family moments to trips in far flung locations across the continent.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, their friends, daughters, and grandchildren in congratulating William Marvin and Betty Ann Knight on their 50th wedding anniversary and in wishing them many more years of continued health and happiness.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Noah Beckert. Noah 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 314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Noah has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Noah has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Noah has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Zarius Buharivala. Zarius 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 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Zarius has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Zarius has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Zarius has been an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and a Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Zarius has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Zarius designed and built an educational hydroponic and aquaponic exhibit for Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Payton Greenwald. Payton 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 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Payton has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Payton has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Payton has been a Patrol Leader, has become an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and a Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Payton has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Payton designed and completed a gazebo for St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, Missouri, creating a space for ``buddy benches'' where children can sit and talk in the playground area.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Landon Jines. Landon 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 1376, and 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. Most notably, Landon has been a Patrol Leader, and has become a Foxman and Ordeal member of Order of the Arrow. Landon has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Landon lead and participated in the construction of a reflection area consisting of a brick patio with a concrete anchored bench. This reflection area is along the missionary trail at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jack Kelley. Jack 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 314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jack has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jack has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jack has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Fredrick Lanning. Fredrick 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 314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Fredrick has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Fredrick has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Fredrick has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Chris Larson. 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 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Chris has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Chris has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Chris contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project at the Earnest Shepherd Memorial Youth Center outside Liberty, Missouri.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alex Trischler. Alex 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 1376, and 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. Most notably, Alex has led his troop as a Patrol Leader, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and holds the rank of Brave in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. Alex has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Alex created an extension and beautification of a memorial garden for Second Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri. Alex and his fellow Scouts and Scouters donated 201 service hours for this beautiful project.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Marcus Dawayne Wilson. Marcus 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 283 and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Marcus has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Marcus has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Marcus has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

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

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Thomas Loyd and Jane Pansing Brown on earning the Northlanders of the Year Award from the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Tom and Jane have been exemplary and historic community members for the Kansas City Northland and their achievements cannot be overstated. Tom has not only served as a Clay County Commissioner and Chairman of the Missouri Lottery Commission, but also for 30 years at Saint Luke's North Hospital, most recently as Chairman of the Board. Tom has also served on boards for the Mid-America Regional Council, Tri-County Mental Health, and Synergy Services, among others, while also advocating for the Northland within Congress as a member of my staff for the past 13 years.

Jane has also left her mark on the Northland community. As a young attorney, Jane was barred from the courtroom due to her pregnancy. By the time Jane was pregnant with their third child, Jane was serving as the first female judge in Clay County history. She served on the North Kansas City School Board, an organization she remains involved with, but most notably has served as an assistant United States Attorney since 2002. Her work for the Department of Justice includes a year as the Assistant Program Director at the National Advocacy Center, responsible for planning the continuing legal education classes for all 13,000 federal prosecutors and Department of Justice staff.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me, their three children, four grandchildren, and many friends and colleagues in commending Thomas Loyd and Jane Pansing Brown for their accomplishments and for their efforts put forth in bettering the Northland.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3661) to provide for a program of the Department of Defense to commemorate the 75th anniversary of World War II, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert in the Record extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan bill is going to ensure that the Federal Government plays a constructive role in helping to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe and over Japan. In 2020, we expect a number of events and activities, including a flyover of The National Mall, to honor the sacrifices made by many to preserve the freedoms that we continue to enjoy today.

The planning for these efforts is already underway, and having the Congress recognize the importance of these activities not only will send a message to the rest of the Federal Government, but, more importantly, to our veterans who have given everything to maintain our freedom.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for all his hard work on this. This is an easy bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.