Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, July 8, 2011 I was unable to be in Washington, DC and thus missed several rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Nos. 528, 532, 533 and ``nay'' on Nos. 525, 526, 527, 529, 530, and 531.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, basically what I'm trying to do here is to point out the absurdity and misalignment of priorities which have become clear in this appropriations bill.

I live along the Missouri River in Missouri, and we've had families that have been inundated by the flooding that has taken place this year with no real end in sight, to be quite honest with you. This underlying bill provides $73 million for the Missouri River Recovery Program which is used to fund habitat creation projects. Unfortunately, the underlying bill only provides slightly more than $6 million for the maintenance of the levees all the way from Sioux City, Iowa, to the mouth of the Missouri, where it meets up with the Mississippi. So essentially we are spending nearly 12 times more to buy land for the betterment of fish and birds than we are to protect farmers, businesses, and homes that are being flooded right now.

This year, many levees in Missouri have been breached and overtopped as a result of the amounts of water and the mismanagement of the river, and many people in my district have been evacuated and will remain evacuated for months, in some cases. The President has issued an emergency disaster declaration for parts of Missouri, and yet here we are spending, again, $73 million for fish and wildlife and a mere $6 million for the maintenance of these levees.

While I believe conservation is important, we should not overlook what it is we sometimes sacrifice to achieve conservation. In this case, we are sacrificing the livelihoods of businesses and farmers and are destroying homes.

Again, my amendment just simply transfers money from the construction account to the operations and maintenance account. The intent is just to reduce funding in one and increase that funding in the other. With that, I would urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Worth County of Missouri's Sixth District. Worth County is celebrating its Sesquicentennial.

Worth County has the distinction of being Missouri's youngest and smallest county in both population and physical size. That distinction, however, is not reflected in the character, substance and heart of the people who live there. Its name comes from General William J. Worth who served with Zachary Taylor in the Mexican-American War and was the first American to make an amphibious military landing. On display at the county courthouse are the names of all in Worth County that have gone to defend this nation since the Civil War and who continue to defend America today. One of the first riders of the Pony Express, Robert Stricklen came from and is buried in Worth County. It is the place that Glenn Miller first picked up the trombone and was taught to play his timeless music.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Worth County, Missouri. It is an amazing place with even more amazing people who make a daily impact on Northern Missouri and the whole of the Sixth District. I am honored to represent Worth County, Missouri in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kenneth Riley, a Staff Sergeant in the Army retiring following more than 30 years of military service. He joined the Army in 1976 through the delayed entry program, and after high-school graduation in June 1977 he was called to active duty. After finishing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was deployed to Karlsruhe, Germany until October of 1979.

Upon returning Mr. Riley was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. After serving 6 years of active duty, he was discharged in June of 1980 at which time he entered the Army Reserves. Mr. Riley served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2004, 2005-2006, and 2009-2010, eventually retiring in November of 2010.

Mr. Riley has been married to Mrs. Helen Riley for 32 years. They have two children, Tabitha Brown and Tanya Riley. Mr. Riley has 6 grandchildren with another on the way.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Kenneth Riley, a true patriot that has dedicated a major portion of his life to serve his nation. It is truly an honor to serve Mr. Riley in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 439, the Kind Amendment to H.R. 2112, I voted ``aye'' when I intended to vote ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Liberty Lady Jays Varsity Soccer team on defeating Ursuline Academy, by a score of 2-1, to win the Class 3 State Championship for the second straight season.

The Lady Jays finished their incredible season by posting a strong record of 27-3, while scoring a total of 147 points and only allowing 29 points. In the Championship game, they finished spectacularly by scoring the winning goal with one second left on the clock of the first overtime period. The dedication and teamwork displayed by the Lady Jays is impressive and evident in their success.

I want to recognize the great leadership of the team, including Head Coach Tom Rottjakob and the work of his assistant coaches. I also want to recognize the work of the school administrators, Superintendent Mike Brewer, Principal April Adams, and Athletic Director Jason Cahill, as additional keys to success.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in congratulating the achievement of the Liberty

Lady Jays Varsity Soccer Team on winning their second consecutive State Championship. It is an honor to represent this team in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Wist. Ryan 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 692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Ryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ryan 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, Ryan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Ryan constructed extra storage space in the basement of the Dillingham-Lewis Museum in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Wist 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 Dowell. Kyle 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 692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kyle has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kyle 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, Kyle has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Kyle constructed 15 duck nest boxes for the Jackson County, Missouri, Department of Parks and Recreation.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kyle Dowell 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 Hayden White. Hayden 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 692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Hayden has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Hayden 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, Hayden has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Hayden renovated and constructed extra storage space in the basement of the Dillingham-Lewis Museum in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Hayden White 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 Nathan Charles Darrah. Nathan 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 692, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nathan 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, Nathan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Nathan reclaimed and built over a mile of hiking trail around Lake Jacomo in Jackson County, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Charles Darrah 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 Clifton Gunderson LLP of Saint Joseph, Missouri. This business has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Employer of Excellence.

Innovate leadership programs for women help create an atmosphere of achievement at Clifton Gunderson LLP. The Women's Initiative Now (WIN) program helps provide leadership skills, business skills and personal growth opportunities for female employees. Flexible work arrangements help the team balance work and family goals.

The St. Joseph office is led by a female partner--the nation's first and only female company CEO--and 50 percent of office partners and 100 percent of senior managers are female. The Career Development Network program strategically pairs an experienced individual with someone in a similar area as a mentorship, and to form an individual career development plan. Through these efforts, Clifton Gunderson LLP demonstrates its commitment to promoting a culture that continually develops female leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Clifton Gunderson LLP. This business is a tremendous asset to the St. Joseph community and I am honored to represent this business in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sally Schwab of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Sally is active in the community through her work and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Woman in the Workplace.

As Team Leader and Chaplain for Spiritual Health Services at Heartland Health, Sally is a 25-year employee who is continually described by her coworkers as analytical, caring and loyal. She serves as national president of her professional organization, the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., and has received numerous awards, including the Buchanan County Medical Society's Humanitarian Award. She also leads the Ethics Committee and works throughout regional hospitals to advise chaplains and provide education toward meeting patients' spiritual needs.

Sally teaches Clinical Pastoral Education students, has led an educational process on advanced directives, and serves on several organizations including the P-20 Council and the Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care Association.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Sally Schwab. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alison Schieber of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Alison is active in the community and she has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Woman in Volunteerism.

As President of the Allied Arts Council, Alison is also serving on the Missouri Citizens for the Arts Board to advocate for the advancement of the arts through education. A Sustainer of the Junior League of St. Joseph, Alison is also a member of the Community Action Committee and a spokesman for the St. Joseph Public Library Modern Library Campaign.

Alison is lauded for her ability to lead by example, understanding the important role the arts play in childhood development. Her advocacy for the arts led to her work with the Missouri Citizen's for the Arts as a lobbyist, working to remove the sunset clause on the Cultural Entertainment tax.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Alison Schieber. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Muriel Redmond of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Muriel is active in the community and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award: Woman in Volunteerism.

After her marriage, Muriel became active in St. Joseph's Hospital Guild, continuing her interest founded while a student nurse. With her dedicated involvement, she accepted leadership positions, including president. Muriel started the Candy Striper program in 1947, being the first instructor.

Muriel's lifelong interest in the medical field included membership in the Medical Auxiliary. She has been an active member in the Flower Society, Girl and Boy Scouting, and P.E.O. She is a member of Y Women and a supporter of the Abuse Shelter.

As a member of St. Joseph's Cathedral Church and the adjoining school, she supported her children's education with two periods as president in the PTA. She remains active in the Quarter of A Century Nurses and at her present residence, the Living Community of St. Joseph; she was a founder of the Needles and Pins group.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Muriel Redmond. She has made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Michelle Meierhoffer of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Michelle is active in the community through her work and has been chosen to receive the YWCA Women of Excellence Award for Emerging Leader.

Michelle Meierhoffer is a recent addition to the Saint Joseph community, and in her three years here has already garnered awards and appreciation through civic and professional endeavors. Pfizer Pharmaceuticals has recognized her contributions as a Sales Representative with numerous awards, including the company's top honor. She has lent her considerable energy and imagination to the Junior League and the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. She embodies her own words to others to ``do their best and think outside the box to obtain their goals using new and exciting means.''

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Michelle Meierhoffer. She has already made an amazing impact on countless individuals in the St. Joseph Community. I am honored to represent her in the United States Congress.