Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the Chamber about the critical need to attract qualified teachers to the education profession.

Over the next decade, a large percentage of teachers will retire, depriving our schools and our children of the knowledge and leadership gained through years of experience. This problem affects both urban and rural schools, but especially high-needs schools with large numbers of children below the poverty level.

Teachers are saddled with the responsibility of educating our children in their classroom studies, teaching morals and values, and making them productive members of society. Our teachers are instrumental in influencing our children's development, and yet there is little acknowledgment or reward for this responsibility they carry.

As the husband of a kindergarten teacher and the father of three, I understand that a teacher who remains in the classroom and has a passion for teaching is a great benefit to our children. We need to find ways to attract young professionals to teaching careers by offering incentives to keep them in the teaching profession and develop them into talented educators. H.R. 438 encourages those going into the teaching profession to stay in a career they are passionate about while affording them the financial ability to do so.

Teachers are the foundation of our children's education and development, and, therefore, it is necessary to invest in the well- being of their careers. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 438.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mr. Michael Urban, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in national government.

Michael is a junior political science major at the University of Missouri-Columbia and has distinguished himself as an intern in my Washington office by serving the great people of the 6th District of Missouri. Michael joined my staff for the 108th congress as part of the House of Representatives intern program at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., a program designed to involve students in the legislative process through active participation. Through this program, Michael has had the opportunity to observe firsthand the inner workings of national government and has gained valuable insight into the process by which laws are made.

During his time as an intern in my office, Michael has successfully demonstrated his abilities in the performance of such duties as conducting research, helping with constituent services, and assuming various other responsibilities to make the office run as smoothly as possible. Michael has earned recognition as a valuable asset to the entire U.S. House of Representatives and my office through the application of his knowledge and skills acquired prior to his tenure as an intern and through a variety of new skills he has acquired while serving the people of Missouri and our nation. I would also like to commend his interviewing skills and his solo singing rendition of happy birthday for other staffers.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mr. Michael Urban for his many important contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives during the current session, as well as joining with me to extend to him our very best wishes for continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge the impeccable motor carrier safety record of Mr. R.G. Morris of Blue Springs, Missouri. Mr. Morris is a professional motor carrier operator for Yellow Transportation.

According to the most recent information from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large trucks drove 7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. In motor vehicle crashes, large trucks represented 9 percent of vehicles in fatal crashes, 3 percent of vehicles in injury crashes, and 5 percent of vehicles in property- damage-only crashes.

Mr. Morris reached a safety milestone when he recently surpassed one million miles driven without a preventable accident. This outstanding achievement, obtained by few drivers, demonstrates Mr. Morris' commitment to safety. To put this accomplishment in perspective, the average car driver would have to travel around the world forty times to equal this milestone.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. R.G. Morris for reaching this noteworthy milestone. I am proud to have a constituent as dedicated to highway safety as he is, and I wish him continued safe driving in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Samuel Welsh Johnsen, 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 135, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Sam has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities such as the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for six years. Over the six years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 29 merit badges. Additionally, Sam has held numerous leadership positions in his troop and has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-o- Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Sam organized a project to clean and paint fire hydrants in Kearney, Missouri. He painted them bright yellow to improve appearance and most importantly, so they could be easily seen in a time of emergency.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Samuel Welsh Johnsen 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 life of Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper Michael L. Newton. His life, though tragically cut short, was enriched by numerous accomplishments in his career, and a loving, caring family.

Mike served the Missouri Highway Patrol with dignity and passion. He set career goals that established himself as a competitive officer. He was ardent about making as many driving-while-intoxicated and traffic arrests as he could and it was this determination that made him a standout among his fellow officers. His eagerness and drive established him as an officer that was well-liked by many of his peers.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Shonnie and two sons, Tyler and Devon. Many of the Missouri Highway Patrol have pledged to help the family through these trying times. It is my hopes that his young boys will always remember how passionate their father was about his job and how diligently he served the people of Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you help me in recognizing and remembering Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper Michael L. Newton, his accomplished career, and the remarkable family he leaves behind. God Bless them.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the USS Platte (AO-24) Navy Ship. On this day, the bell from the ship will be permanently loaned to the Platte County-KCI Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Platte County commission for display. Platte County has worked very hard to honor the service and the memory of the ship and those who served on board.

The USS Platte was built by the Bethlehem Steel Company in Baltimore, Maryland and commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia on December 1, 1939. On March 27, 1940, the ship was sent out to support the Panama Canal Zone fleet. After its service to this fleet, the USS Platte was reassigned to the base at San Pedro, California and carried liquid cargo, passengers and freight to and from Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Platte was fortunately stationed in San Pedro. The USS Platte continued its service and on January 11, 1942 was assigned as a fueling ship for the Carrier Task Force Eight, which comprised of ships including the Aircraft Carrier Enterprise, flagship of Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.

Subsequently, the USS Platte served in World War II supporting the U.S. Pacific Fleet in the Coral Sea, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Western Aleutians, Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, Marianas Islands and the Philippine Islands. Additionally, the USS Platte provided logistical support during the Korean and Vietnam wars and refueled the aircraft Carrier Enterprise task force group off the Korean shore during the Pueblo crisis. For its service, the ship received eleven battle stars for World War II and 6 battle stars for Korean war service.

On May 17, 2002, the County Commission of Platte County, Missouri recognized the outstanding accomplishments and achievements of the USS Platte by hosting USS Platte veterans, families, and friends to declare the day as USS Platte Day for Platte County, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the USS Platte, the men who served this great ship, and the Platte County Commission for their efforts in remembering this important ship and its many missions.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hale. The bank is one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Hale, Missouri and I take this opportunity to commend their dedication and service to their community.

On May 2, 1928, the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hale was commissioned and opened for business on the 9th of the month. Since its opening, the bank has only had six presidents. In addition, the Cowherd, Haynes and Franken families have all been involved with the bank from its beginning. When it was first starting out, the bank began with a capital of $20,000; today, the bank's capital exceeds $1,300,000 and has deposits of $13,250,000.

The bank has truly evolved with the times. Photographs taken of the bank in 1906 and 1977 show that the building remained the same. However, in 1978, the bank celebrated its 50th anniversary and the raising of a new building. Artifacts from the original bank were taken and displayed in the new building, including the original vaults, the black iron swinging gate and the big old clock that graced the main lobby. These artifacts remain with the bank to this day.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hale, Missouri on their 75th anniversary and for their many contributions to the 6th District and the State of Missouri.

On Monday, May 19, 2003, I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall votes 192, 193, and 194. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 192, H. Con. Res. 166; ``yea'' on rollcall 193, H.R. 1018; and ``yea'' on rollcall 194, H. Con. Res. 147.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, May 14, 2003, I was unavoidably delayed and thus missed rollcall vote No. 189. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea,'' to pass H.R. 1000, the Pension Security Act of 2003.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jonathan H. Weaver, 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 99, 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 2 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 30 merit badges. Additionally, Jonathan has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as troop guide and junior assistant scout master. Jonathan also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the Silent Canoe and the Tom- Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Jonathan repaired and refurbished the deck and porch of the local women's and children's shelter.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jonathan H. Weaver 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 Eric Daniel Lorenz, 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 99, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Eric has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the 6 years he has been involved in Scouting, he has earned 28 merit badges. Additionally, Eric has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as junior leader, assistant patrol leader, patrol leader, and junior assistant scoutmaster. Eric also has been honored for his numerous Scouting achievements with such awards as the Bright Eyed Buffalo and the Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-o- Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Eric cleaned up and maintained a playground, including the installation of a mulched area, at First Step Preschool of the Hodge Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Eric Daniel Lorenz 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 Phillip Stewart Elliott, 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 99, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Phillip has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the five years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 27 merit badges. Additionally, Phillip has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as Quartermaster and Junior Assistant Scout Master. Phillip also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the Spotted War Shirt and the Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Phillip repaired and refurbished picnic tables for Trenton Park System, in Trenton, Missouri, which included making some tables handicapped accessible.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Phillip Stewart Elliott 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 Seth Cox, 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 99, and in earning the most prestigious award of eagle scout.

Seth has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the five years he has been involved in scouting, he has earned 30 merit badges. Additionally, Seth has held numerous leadership positions in his troop, serving as Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, Scribe, Chaplain, Troop Guide, and Junior Assistant Scout Master. Seth also has been honored for his numerous scouting achievements with such awards as the little paper image and the runner in the tribe of Mic-O-Say.

For his Eagle Scout project, Seth built and installed playground equipment at the First Christian Church.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Seth Cox 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 Father Robert Crider. Father Crider has exemplified the finest qualities of leadership and service and is being honored for his 50-year commitment as an ordained Roman Catholic Priest.

Father Crider was ordained on May 14, 1953. He was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, but has served parishes in northwest Missouri during many of his years in the priesthood. From 1962-1975, Father Crider served as a Missionary Priest in Bolivia, South America. Upon returning to the United States, he continued his service to the Catholic Church in northwest Missouri again.

In 1991, Father Crider was appointed parish priest of Saint Ann's Catholic Church in Plattsburg, Missouri, and currently serves in that capacity. He is respected by all members of the parish for his dedication to his church and community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Father Robert Crider, who exemplifies the qualities of dedication and service as both an ordained Roman Catholic Priest and as a citizen of northwest Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the Polo High School Marching Panther Pride Band from Caldwell County, Missouri. The band, comprised of 7th through 12th grade students, has had many significant accomplishments in the last year. Most recently, the band has been honored with an invitation to play at the 2003 Toyota Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. I, along with Polo High School students and administrators, are proud of the band's successes.

The band has worked very hard in competition to establish a reputation of marching excellence over the last two school years, which was a pre-requisite for their acceptance in the 2003 Gator Bowl Parade. Additionally, the band has been acknowledged for many outstanding achievements including 2nd place in the class 1A parade at Carollton Band Day in 2001, 1st place in the class 1A parade at CMC Band Day in 2001, 1st place in class 1A at the Northwest Missouri State University Homecoming Flag Corps in 2002, the color guard competition in 2001, 1st place in the class 1A parade at the Missouri Day Parade in 2002, 1st place in the class 1A Parade at Central Missouri State University Homecoming in 2002, 2nd place in the class 1A parade at Northwest Missouri State University homecoming in 2002, and 1st place in the Chillicothe Christmas Parade in 2002.

Many students have dedicated their time and effort to making the band the accomplished organization that it is. I commend the time and dedication these students have put forth being a part of this wonderful after school activity while also working hard at their studies. Marisa Fultz, Drum Major and Field Commander and Brenna Hicks, Assistant Drum Major have worked very hard to ensure that the band performs at it's best.

Additionally, the band has received a great deal of support from the education community, including the Board of Education, Mrs. Marla Barnes, President of the Board of Education, Mr. Gerald Snodgrass, Superintendent, Mr. Robert Newhart, Polo High School Principal, Ms. Beverly McQueen, Elementary School Principal, and the band boosters led by president Darrin Hicks.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Polo High School Marching Panther Pride Band. The band is a primary example of educational excellence in North Missouri and in their community. I wish them the best of luck at the Gator Bowl!