Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievement of Dr. Jason Taylor Snodgrass of Independence, Missouri. Dr. Snodgrass is the principal of Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri, and has been selected by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2014 Missouri High School Principal of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Snodgrass's ability to excel in the ever-demanding role of principal in all aspects of education.

Dr. Snodgrass is a major contributing factor to the increasing success students are finding at Fort Osage High School. His results- driven leadership has seen an increase in the average ACT score and a 10% increase in ACT participation. His mantra, ``Here at Fort Osage, we do things a little bit better!'' has built up school spirit and pride while empowering the students of Fort Osage High School into believing in themselves and their own future. Dr. Snodgrass is a true asset to the Fort Osage School District with his commitment to students, relationship building and long-range goals for students, teachers and Fort Osage High School.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Dr. Jason Taylor Snodgrass's outstanding professionalism and commitment to educating the American youth. I join with Dr. Snodgrass's colleagues, family, friends, and students in congratulating him on his outstanding achievement, and wish him good luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievement of Dr. Edward Gettemeier. Dr. Gettemeier is the principal of Hardin Middle School in St. Charles, Missouri, and has been selected by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2014 Missouri

Middle School Principal of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Gettemeier's ability to excel in the ever-demanding role of principal in all aspects of education.

Dr. Gettemeier is a major contributing factor to the increasing success students are finding at Hardin Middle School. He has modeled a high-rate work ethic that has permeated throughout the school. Through his work, Hardin has seen a significant increase in access to technology and developed programs to meet the needs of Hardin Middle School's diverse student population. Dr. Gettemeier has been a leader on implementing the St. Charles School District's Standards-Based Grading and worked with the St. Charles Juvenile Justice Center to develop a Teen Court system for Hardin students. His plan to improve the ABC's--Academics, Behavior, and Climate--have transformed Hardin Middle School.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding Dr. Edward Gettemeier's outstanding professionalism and commitment to educating the American youth. I join with Dr. Gettemeier's colleagues, family, friends, and students in congratulating him on his outstanding achievement, and wish him good luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Allen Jacob Webb. Allen 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 43, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Allen has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Allen 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, Allen has earned the rank of Runner in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Allen has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Allen restored a grave box at Mt. Mora cemetery, the oldest operating cemetery in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Allen Jacob Webb 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, on Friday, July 25, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 453 and ``yea'' on No. 451, No. 452, and No. 454.

On Monday, July 28, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 455, No. 456, and No. 457.

On Tuesday, July 29, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 458 and No. 459. I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 460, No. 461, and No. 462. I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 463 and No. 464.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 22, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 433 and No. 434 and I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 435 and No. 436.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize a special member of my staff. After almost eight years of service, Shawna Marie Searcy will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office.

Shawna began working in my campaign office, then joined my District office staff in 2006. She has served as a field representative over the years for many counties, including Clay County, the largest county in the Sixth Congressional District.

Shawna could be relied on to listen to my constituents' concerns and represent me at meetings when I was away in Washington. Shawna has also been instrumental in helping students in my district who are seeking nominations to our nation's military academies through that process. When it came to planning events, I knew Shawna would always put together an excellent event, whether a ribbon-cutting for a new bridge, a reception for the Congressional Art Contest honorees, or the Sixth Congressional District Small Business Expo. She was always at ease speaking publicly for me, while her warm smile and happy heart left an impression with my staff and constituents that they will always remember.

I have received many kind words from constituents praising the outstanding service Shawna has provided. Her professionalism and dedication to serving my constituents was a great example of how government should work. While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Shawna to begin the next chapter of her career.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Shawna Marie Searcy for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Shawna's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking her for her commitment to others and wishing her best of luck in all her endeavors and many years of success to come.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joseph Meidl. Joseph 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 117, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joseph 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, Joseph has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph Meidl 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 a special member of my staff. After more than ten years of service, Buffy Renee Smith will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office.

Originally from the Sixth District, Buffy brought an understanding of the people and issues that only someone with her deep roots could bring. Buffy began working in my Washington office in 2004, then later moved back home to Missouri and joined my District office staff. She has served as a staff assistant, field representative, scheduler and Director of Operations for my office over the years.

Buffy could be relied on to keep my office running efficiently and represent me at meetings when I was away in Washington. Buffy managed my schedule both in Washington and in District for many years, helping me represent the people of the Sixth Congressional District. Whether I needed to meet with officials in Platte County during the 2011 floods, manage a bill on the House floor or attend a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure town hall in Wisconsin, I could count on Buffy to get me there and make sure I had all the information I needed for the event.

I have received many kind words from constituents praising the outstanding service Buffy has provided. Her professionalism and dedication to this office and my constituents was a great example of how government should work. She would often work nights and weekends, while time and again going beyond her job description, all without complaint. While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Buffy to begin the next chapter of her life.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Buffy Renee Smith for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Buffy's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking her for her commitment to others and wishing her best of luck in all her endeavors and many years of success to come.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Austen James

Knepper. Austen 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 214, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Austen has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Austen 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, Austen has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Austen organized and led the construction of a trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary in Parkville, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Austen James Knepper 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 Jacob Christian. Jacob 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 87, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jacob has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jacob 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, Jacob has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob Christian 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, on Friday, July 11, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on No. 403 and ``yea'' on No. 404.

On Monday, July 14, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 405 and No. 406.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 8, I missed a series of rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 369 and No. 370.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jaxon Riley Harvey. Jaxon 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 309, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jaxon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jaxon 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, Jaxon has led his troop as Patrol Leader. Jaxon has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jaxon organized and led the pouring of a concrete pad for a picnic shelter at his church that another Eagle Scout was building.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jaxon Riley Harvey 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 a special member of my staff. After more than ten years of service, Sarah K. R. Woodward will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office.

Sarah began working in my campaign office, then joined my Washington office staff in 2004. She has filled many roles in the office, including staff assistant, scheduler, field representative and caseworker. Whatever role I needed Sarah to fill, she did so with exceptional proficiency and skill.

Most recently serving as a field representative and caseworker, Sarah is known for her patience and kindness in dealing with constituents. Whether it is listening to a veteran's retelling of war stories, speaking to a room of civic-minded high school students, or assisting a single-mother in getting Social Security numbers for her daughters, Sarah's experience and listening ear can put constituents at ease. When it came to planning events, I knew Sarah would always put together an excellent event, whether for the Congressional Art Contest, the Sixth Congressional District Leadership Academy, or a veteran's medal presentation ceremony.

I have received many letters of thanks for the outstanding constituent service Sarah has provided. Her professionalism and dedication to serving my constituents was a great example of how government should work. While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Sarah to begin the next chapter of her career.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Sarah K. R. Woodward for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Sarah's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking her for her commitment to others and wishing her best of luck in all her endeavors and many years of success to come.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Evan Todd. Evan 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 357, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Evan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Evan 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, Evan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Evan organized and led the construction of a sidewalk outside of Ravenwood Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri.

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