Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kyle Evan Vulgamott, 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.

Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the eight years Kyle has been involved with scouting, he has earned 64 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Den Chief, Troop Historian, Bugler, Quartermaster, Patrol Leader, Musician, Librarian, and Assistant Patrol Leader. Kyle has also participated in High

Adventure, is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and has received the God and Me, God and Family, and God and Church awards.

For his Eagle Scout project, Kyle constructed three benches on a trail at the Conservation Center. These benches will be used by the many visitors to the Center.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle Evan Vulgamott 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 rise to discuss the importance of the State Assisted Fair Bid provision in the FY2004 Transportation Appropriations bill. The Conference Report contains a provision that will establish a pilot program to assist states that choose to contract with the private sector to provide intercity passenger rail service. I anticipate there will be at least two or three demonstration projects under this proposal in fiscal year 2004. The report provides the Secretary with up to $2.5 million to assist the states in implementing the competitive process. I have spoken with Appropriations Chairman Young, and he has assured me that the funding may be used for any purpose in the implementation of a Fair Bid Demonstration project, including providing insurance to states and operators in a manner that results in the lowest possible insurance costs. Furthermore, I understand that the Secretary is encouraged to use a portion of the $2.5 million in grant money provided to the states to subsidize alternative insurance arrangements as a part of the Demonstration Projects.

I want to be clear in my understanding that the states have a great deal of latitude in proposing Demonstration Projects under this provision. The only statutory requirement is that the state must assist the intercity service with a subsidy of some nature. My friend, Chairman Young, has assured me that this is so. Obviously, all of the current state-assisted operations, which are commonly known as 403(b) service, and are now being operated under contract with Amtrak, are eligible. One example of this service that comes to mind is my state's Missouri Mule, which operates between St. Louis and Kansas City. The state of Missouri attempted a competitive bid for the Missouri Mule service last year when Amtrak increased the state subsidy requirement. The process failed, because Amtrak refused to make facilities and equipment, or even access to its national reservation system, available to any bidder on reasonable terms. In many ways, it is the Missouri Mule example that resulted in the Fair Bid language being contained in this bill. Certainly, the Missouri Mule will be a candidate under this new provision.

However, there are many other candidates. The North Carolina Piedmont and Carolinian provide another example of such trains. The Amtrak Cascades Service between Vancouver, British Columbia and Eugene, Oregon is a 464-mile corridor that is subsidized by the Washington and Oregon DOTs. Services that are not current 403(b) services would also be eligible should the state choose to provide a subsidy. In another more general example, the State of Florida is interested in new conventional intercity passenger rail service along the East Coast, but Amtrak has declined to initiate the operation. In cooperation with the track

owner, the state has the option of putting that service out to competitive bid.

Another example is New York's Empire service between Albany and New York City. That service is currently not subsidized, but Amtrak has requested a subsidy from the state as a condition of operating New York's remanufactured 125 mile per hour turbo trains. The Empire corridor could be put out to competitive bid under the terms of this provision.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Stroup, 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 247, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the twelve years Christopher has been involved with scouting, he has earned 33 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader and den chief. Christopher is also a member in the Order of the Arrow and the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Christopher planned the design, obtained the needed materials, and constructed storage cabinets for the science department of Oak Park High School in the North Kansas City School District.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Stroup 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 the 100th Anniversary of the Grundy County Courthouse in Trenton, Missouri.

In 1901, county officials secured $60,000 to build a new courthouse and jail. Plans were laid out and the building was erected at the same location as the original courthouse, built in 1840. In December 1903, the Cornerstone Ceremony marked the completion of the Courthouse. The building has stood for 100 years as the Grundy County temple of justice. There have been nine judges that have served the Grundy County Circuit Court since the courthouse opened in 1903.

On December 19, 2003, county officials will open a time capsule, placed in the cornerstone in 1903. These artifacts will tell of the county forefathers and leaders of the community. A new time capsule will be placed in the courthouse yard to commemorate the 100th Anniversary and to mark this momentous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the Grundy County Courthouse in Trenton, Missouri, for their 100th Anniversary and for their many contributions to the 6th District and the State of Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Carl Howard, 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 247, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Carl has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the ten years Carl has been involved with scouting, he has earned 40 merit badges, as well as the World Conservation Award, the Arrow of Light, and God and Country. He has held numerous leadership positions, serving as assistant patrol leader and den chief. Carl is also a Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Carl obtained the needed supplies and coordinated a group of scouts in painting the baseball dugouts at Waterwell Park in Kansas City, Missouri. The project was completed to repair damage from a flood.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Carl Howard 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 LTC Robert D. Couldry of the 139th Airlift Wing stationed at Rosecrans Memorial Airport, St. Joseph, Missouri. Lieutenant Colonel Couldry has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership and service and is being honored for his 36-year commitment to the Missouri Air National Guard and to the citizens of Missouri.

Lieutenant Colonel Couldry enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard in 1967 and was commissioned in 1979. His dedication to service became evident early on in his career. Lieutenant Colonel Couldry's contributions to the 139th Aerial Port Squadron have spanned over 25 years, where he led the formation of the Aerial Port Standardization and Evaluation Quality Control program.

In his position as the 139th Airlift Wing Inspector General officer, Lieutenant Colonel Couldry developed the first 139th Airlift Wing Inspector General Program and associated Wing Inspector General Operating Instructions. His diverse background and knowledge helped make this program successful and improved operation through staff education.

In addition to his service in the Missouri Air National Guard, Lieutenant Colonel Couldry also served his state as the superintendent of schools for Mid-Buchanan School District.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the career of LTC Robert D. Couldry, who exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service to Northwest Missouri and the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jason Thomas Hanser, 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 66, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jason has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 7 years Jason has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 37 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leader, librarian, and assistant scoutmaster in Troop 66. Jason is also a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Jason identified and mapped out the location of all veterans buried in the cemetery in Plattsburg, Missouri. He identified over 350 veterans dating back to the Civil War. His project aided the American Legion in placing flags on Memorial Day.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jason Thomas Hanser 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 Vincent M. Couldry, 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.

Vincent has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 9 years Vincent has been involved with Scouting, he has earned over 60 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as patrol leader, chaplain, quartermaster, and Cub Scout leader. Vincent had been involved with the Tribe of Mic-O-Say for 3 years and is in the Warrior Class.

For his Eagle Scout project, Vincent landscaped an area around Savannah High School and Savannah City Tennis Courts in Savannah, Missouri. With the assistance of 22 other Scouts and leaders, Vincent planned, gathered the needed materials, and mulched 78 trees.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Vincent M. Couldry 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 Shaun Thomas Diamond, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Shaun has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 9 years Shaun has been involved with Scouting, he has held numerous leadership positions, serving as assistant senior patrol leader, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, and librarian. Shaun has been involved with the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is a Keeper of the Sacred Bundle. He also served on staff for 2 years at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation.

For his Eagle Scout project, Shaun led a group of boys and adults in the removal of the obsolete woodland trail header and in the construction of a new woodland trail header for Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. The new header will be enjoyed by many visitors and has increased the safety of the trail.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Shaun Thomas Diamond 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 Samuel Theodore Hucke IV, 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 in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Sammy has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the years Sammy has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 38 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Den Chief, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Sammy has been involved with the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is a Keeper of the Sacred Bundle. He also served on staff for three years at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation.

For his Eagle Scout project, Sammy constructed three road signs for Camp Shawnee, a Campfire USA camp. The new signs will help direct new campers and visitors to the camp facilities.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Samuel Theodore Hucke IV 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 James Riley Teeter, 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.

James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the 4 years James has been involved with scouting, he has earned 32 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Troop Guide. James is also a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow and is a Warrior in the Tribe of Mic- O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, James repaired the restroom facilities at the Platte County Fairgrounds in Tracy, Missouri. He pressure washed, painted, and mortared the restrooms, and also cleaned up the surrounding ground.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Riley Teeter 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 Patrick Taylor Sampsell, 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.

Patrick has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the three years Patrick has been involved with scouting, he has earned 44 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Scribe, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader. Patrick has also received the honor of Arrow of Light, is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, and is a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Patrick refurbished 60 fire hydrants in Platte City, Missouri by scraping, cleaning, and repainting the hydrants orange and black. He also cleaned the area surrounding the hydrants.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Patrick Taylor Sampsell 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 Kyle D. Snyder, 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.

Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the three years Kyle has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 40 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, and Chaplain Aide. Kyle has also received the honor of Arrow of Light, is a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow, and is a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Kyle planned and built ten blue birdhouses and one wood duck house. He then placed them along a nature trail and the pond at Riverview Park in Platte City, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle D. Snyder 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 Brett Michael Babcock, 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.

Brett has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the two years Brett has been involved with Scouting, he has earned 27 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Patrol Leader, Librarian, Senior Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Brett is also a Brotherhood Member in the Order of the Arrow and is a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Brett did landscaping for the courtyard at Heritage Village Assisted Living Center in Platte City, Missouri. Brett planted and mulched two trees, built a birdfeeder, and also constructed two wooden benches that were placed in the courtyard for use by the residents.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brett Michael Babcock 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 Marcus W. Phillips, 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 362, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Marcus has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the ten years Marcus has been involved with scouting, he has earned 21 merit badges and has held numerous leadership positions, serving as Chaplain Aide, Quartermaster, Patrol Leader, and Scribe. Marcus 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 teaching younger scouts woodworking.

For his Eagle Scout project, Marcus organized and supervised ten other Scouts in the landscaping of a section of the Children's Garden at Duncan Road Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. They spent 150 hours planting trees and shrubs, placing decorative rock, and adding both edging and fencing to the Garden.

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