Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the members of the Clay/Platte Development Corporation who are meeting today to celebrate the past years' successes. They represent the kind of community leadership that is necessary for strong and thriving communities.

Established in 1982, in conjunction with the Clay County EDC, its mission is to provide economic development assistance to businesses in Platte and Clay counties. By proactively seeking businesses and providing them with much needed capital, the Clay/Platte Development Corporation is a cornerstone for business growth in the Northland.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in commending both the past and present members of the Clay/Platte Development Corporation. Their contributions to the people of Missouri's Sixth District are important and commendable.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Randall G. Hobbs, Senior Auditor for the United States Department of Agriculture, the Great Plains Region, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Hobbs has been responsible to the Inspector General for development of policies and for providing leadership, supervision, and coordination of audit activities relating to the Department's programs and operations. The Regional Inspector General for Audit plans, directs, and supervises the performance of all auditing activities. Senior Auditor Hobbs has played a major role in all of these activities.

Mr. Hobbs began Federal service with the Internal Revenue Service in January 1979. He then accepted a position as a regulatory auditor with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in March 1979 and worked there until September 1983. In April 1984, Randall Hobbs began his career with OIG as an auditor in the Great Plains Region in Kansas City, Missouri.

During his career, he was recognized for using advanced audit techniques, pioneering efforts in controls over automated systems, and in leading audits in various USDA agencies. Mr. Hobbs, who became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Missouri in 1984, was invaluable as OIG began to become heavily involved in financial statement audits in the early 1990s. Mr. Hobbs worked on financial statements audits of the Farmer's Home Administration (now part of Rural Development).

Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Mr. Hobbs for his outstanding career and wishing him well in retirement.

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 as I see it 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 liability without fault, on companies simply because they own a vehicle involved in an accident. Whether or not the vehicle is at fault is irrelevant. These vicarious liability lawsuits cost consumers nationwide over $100 million annually.

These laws apply to 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 from these laws and then 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 that the provisioning 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.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher), the amendment cosponsor.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The amendment requires that vehicles be covered, still be covered by the State-established minimum insurance levels for vicarious liability.

The bottom line is, if we limit vicarious liabilities, they are still going to be covered by the minimum standard. There is never going to be an instance where the vehicle goes out there and is not insured.

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

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

I had several and, unfortunately, due to the speed in which amendments were moving this morning, we are not going to get to all of them. We have the House majority whip, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt) who wanted to speak on this, and also the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Burns).

Mr. Chairman, this amendment I think makes sense. It is a consumer amendment. It is going to save consumers $100 million annually.

The fact that a company can be liable simply because they own the vehicle even though they were not involved I think is ridiculous.

The bottom line is that this is still going to require that vehicles be covered by the State-established minimum levels for insurance. There is never going to be a situation where a vehicle goes out there or someone goes out there that there is not a lease to State minimum standard. That is still going to be in place.

What this simply says, there is unlimited liability in this situation where we have a vicarious liability law in a State. We are trying to put together some sort of a national standard. I think it makes sense. I think it is good for the consumer, and it is going to make a big difference.

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

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Justin Bearden, 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 65, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Justin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 9 years Justin has been involved with scouting, he has earned 28 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, and troop guide. Justin has also been inducted into the Order of the Arrow as an Ordeal member.

Justin's Eagle Scout project was the restoration of the exterior of the Patterson Assembly of God Parsonage.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Justin Bearden 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 Derek Scott King, 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 167, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Derek has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Derek has been involved with scouting, he has earned 33 merit badges and is a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic- O-Say. Derek

has also attended the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia and the Junior Leader Training Conference at the Pony Express Council.

For his Eagle Scout project, Derek built a new sign for the Alta Vista Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Derek Scott King 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 Joseph William Michael, 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 167, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Joseph has been involved with scouting, he has earned 38 merit badges and is a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He served on Cub Scout Camp staff for 5 years. Joseph has also attended the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia and the Junior Leader Training Conference at the Pony Express Council.

For his Eagle Scout project, Joseph built a stadium canopy for the Winston High School baseball field.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph William Michael 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 Bethany Smith, a very dedicated and enthusiastic member of my Washington, D.C., congressional staff.

Bethany has served my office for 7 months, as well as serving as a staffer and intern for Congressman Pete Sessions. As our office scheduler, she has established a passion for working on the Hill. Bethany holds dear the people she has worked with as a Hill staffer.

My office and I greatly value Bethany's hard work and commitment. Constituents have

grown to know her attention to detail, knowledge of many issues, and personal touch that should not go unrecognized. Her dedication to the Sixth District of Missouri has shown through over the past few months, which is evident by the appreciation of all she works with.

It is unfortunate for countless people that Bethany will be leaving the House of Representatives, as she has left her unique stamp on many. I, as well as my office, wish Bethany the very best in her future career with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bethany Smith for her many important contributions to myself, my staff, all those she has worked with on the Hill, and for all those she has served. She will be missed by many.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kenneth E. Lee, 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 167, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kenneth has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Kenneth has been involved with scouting, he has earned 39 merit badges and is a Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He served on Cub Scout Camp staff for 5 years. Kenneth has also attended the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia and the Junior Leader Training Conference at the Pony Express Council.

For his Eagle Scout project, Kenneth built a handicap ramp for the Winston United Methodist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kenneth E. Lee 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 have the honor today to recognize the life of Marshall W. Pile, Jr., who passed away on February 3, 2004. As a husband, father, farmer, and public servant, Mr. Pile will be missed by many.

A long-time resident of Missouri, Marshall Pile was born on June 13, 1928 in Saline County, Missouri. Marshall was a veteran, serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. On November 10, 1951 he married Mary Frances and they eventually settled in Gentry County, Missouri. They had five children, Jeff, Jan, Anne, Peggy, and Dana, and six grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by his daughter Dana and his parents.

While Mr. Pile spent much of his time farming, he was also very involved in the local community as well as other organizations. Mr. Pile served the City of Albany as City Alderman and Mayor. He was Presiding Commissioner of Gentry County at the time of his death. Mr. Pile was also active in the Missouri Cattleman's Association, was a past president of the Missouri Association of Counties, and a long-time member of the Albany Rotary Club.

Marshall was a good friend to me and to many in the state of Missouri. He was very knowledgeable on issues pertaining to agriculture and county government. I know I relied on his advice and counsel many times. He always had a common sense approach and stood for what was right.

I offer my condolences to his wife, Mary, children Jeff, Jan, Anne, and Peggy, and their families. In this time of sorrow, may the thoughts and prayers of friends and family comfort them and may his memory bring them peace.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brian McCalmon, 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 370, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Brian has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 12 years Brian has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 34 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, troop guide, den chief, and troop bugler. Brian earned the honor of Brave, Warrior, and Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and served on staff at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation.

For his Eagle Scout project, Brian planted new pine trees at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church and removed four diseased trees.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brian C. McCalmon 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 have the honor today to recognize the life of Bill L. Kratz, who unexpectedly passed away on January 25, 2004. As a husband, father, Christian, and public servant, Mr. Kratz will be missed by many.

A life-long resident of Missouri, Bill Kratz was born on May 12, 1938, in Shelbyville, Missouri. On September 17, 1961, Bill married Patricia Lohman, and they settled in Independence, Missouri. They had two children, Dana and Keith, and eight grandchildren. Mr. Kratz served in the National Guard from 1961 to 1966 and was also employed by General Motors, from which he retired in 1989. After retirement, Mr. Kratz took an active role in the community by serving on the planning commission for the city of Independence since 2000 and assisted in the 2000 census.

Mr. Kratz was also active in his church, Messiah Lutheran Church, serving as an elder, chairman of the Adult and Family Board, chairman of the Board of Social Ministry, vice president of the congregation, and president of the congregation.

I offer my condolences to his wife, Patricia; children, Dana and Keith; and their families. In this time of sorrow, may the thoughts and prayers of friends and family comfort them and may his memory bring them peace.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kevin Allen Poehler, 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 87, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kevin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the twelve years Kevin has been involved with scouting, he has earned 29 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Quartermaster. Kevin is also a Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Kevin planned and installed a brick driveway entrance and sidewalk for the Cameron Depot Station for the Historical Preservation Society of Cameron, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin Allen Poehler 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 Drew Quinton Thompson, 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 60, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Drew has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the eight years Drew has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 62 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Troop Guide, and Librarian. Drew is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and has received the Arrow of Light Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Drew completed a walking trail at Mark Youngdahl Conservation Center in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Drew Quinton Thompson 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 Larry R. Cooper, Assistant Regional Inspector General for the United States Department of Agriculture Great Plains Region. Mr. Cooper has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership and service and is being honored for his 35-year commitment to the USDA and the people of the Great Plains region.

Mr. Cooper began his career with the USDA Office of the Inspector General in 1969 as an auditor for the Kansas City office. He was quickly promoted and became Supervisory Auditor in 1976 and Assistant Regional Inspector General for the Great Plains Region in 1987, a position he has dedicated himself to for the past 16 years. In this position, Mr. Cooper planned, directed, and supervised the performance of all auditing activities.

During his career with the USDA, Mr. Cooper was recognized for using advanced audit techniques, pioneering efforts in controls over automated systems, and innovatively suing statistical sampling. Mr. Cooper was honored for his performance by both the agency and the President's Council and Efficiency.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career of Larry R. Cooper, who exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service to the United States Department of Agriculture Great Plains Region and the people of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Aaron Spencer 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 260, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Aaron has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the nine years Aaron has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 31 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and Librarian. Aaron also attended H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for five years and is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Aaron constructed a mobile school supply store for Eastgate Middle School in North Kansas City, Missouri.

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