Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Congressional Liaison Specialist Norwood ``Woody'' Olmsted. Mr. Olmsted has served his country honorably through his 31 years with the USCIS and will bring his career to a close on June 28, 2013.

Originally a high school music teacher for 18 years, Woody began his career with the Immigration and Naturalization Service as an Immigration Inspector in Maine before being transferred to the Los Angeles International Airport. In Los Angeles he was ultimately promoted to managing the congressional unit for the district office until 1988 when he relocated to our nation's capital.

In his current role, Woody has assisted numerous high-profile and time sensitive requests with a renowned professionalism and

urgency. His deep knowledge for immigration laws and regulations has truly changed the lives of countless legal residents and naturalized citizens and his exemplary efforts have earned him numerous awards and accolades from Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, throughout his memorable career, Woody has never wavered in his commitment to serving his country. While Mr. Olmsted's expertise and experience are sure to be missed, he leaves behind a grateful nation and an excellent example of government service for which to strive. I wish Woody a long, happy and healthy retirement as he begins a new chapter in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Kum and Go founder W.A. ``Bill'' Krause who passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

Bill was born on January 13, 1935, and was raised near Hampton and Eldora, Iowa. After graduating from Eldora-New Providence High School, Bill went on to receive a degree in Journalism and Public Affairs from the University of Iowa where he developed his renowned passion for Hawkeye athletics. Just two years later in 1959, Bill embarked on two journeys that would change his life forever. The first was marrying the love of his life, Nancy, and the second was forming a business partnership with his new father-in-law to pioneer the idea of a ``convenience store.'' Together, Bill Krause and Tony Gentle began the Krause Gentle Corporation that offered customers a one-stop shop to fill their vehicles with gasoline and buy essentials such as milk, bread, and eggs. Once Bill and Tony acquired Hampton, Iowa-based Viking Oil, the wheels were set in motion to develop one of the greatest and most widespread businesses our State has ever seen. By 1976, the Kum and Go brand was developed and today has spread to more than 440 stores in 11 States. From humble Iowa beginnings, Bill's leadership and intelligence has driven his business to become one of the largest family-owned chains in the country.

In addition to his successful professional life, Bill consistently served his community in a variety of meaningful capacities. A strong advocate for the Catholic Church, Bill was an active member of West Des Moines' St. Francis of Assisi parish. Bill also served on the Holy Family School Foundation Board and was named a Lifetime Member of the Dowling Catholic High School Honorary Foundation Board. Last year, Bill and Nancy were chosen to receive Dowling's highest honor, the Civitas Award.

Of course, one could never speak of Bill without mentioning his numerous contributions to his alma mater. As a lifelong and die-hard fan of the University of Iowa, Bill served his school in numerous ways including the National I-Club Board and the Tippie School of Business Board. In 1993, Bill earned the coveted ``Hawk of the Year'' title, and today the Krause Family Pavilion at Kinnick Stadium continues to serve as a reminder of his enthusiasm and support for the school he loved.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Krause lived his life in an extraordinary fashion and he is a testament to the power of a strong Iowa work ethic and commitment to family. It has truly been an honor to represent such an exemplary Iowan in the United States Congress, and his contributions to our great State will be deeply missed. I offer Nancy and the entire Krause family my sincerest sympathies and best wishes in this difficult time as we mourn the passing of a true Iowa legend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service to our nation by Iowan and World War II veteran Private Kenneth Miller, and recognize the great work being done by the Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office.

On Monday, June 24th, the Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office will be assisting in honoring Private Miller with several medals he earned for his brave service in World War II. Private Miller will be presented with the World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star Attachment, as well as the Honorable Service Lapel Button, Marksman Badge and Rifle Bar. Most notably however, Private Miller will be honored with the Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained on June 4, 1944 as a part of the New Guinea Campaign. It goes without saying that Private Miller's dedication and service to his grateful country was nothing short of exemplary.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to represent the people of Iowa, the city of Council Bluffs, and veterans like Private Miller in the United States Congress. His heroic contribution to our nation's largest war effort represents just one example of the long tradition of selflessness and service upheld by Iowans serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in acknowledging Private Miller for his actions and thanking the Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office for their assistance in this ceremony. I humbly express my sincere gratitude to all of our nation's veterans, servicemembers and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the invaluable service to our nation by Sergeant William Lee Berg, and to recognize the great work being done by the Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office.

On Monday, June 24th, the Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office will be assisting in honoring Sergeant Berg's legacy by presenting his family with several medals he earned during service in Vietnam, including the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with a Silver Star. Most notably, however, Sergeant Berg will be posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained in a helicopter crash as a door gunman while on a war mission on June 18, 1968, and the Air Medal for his participation in more than two dozen aerial missions in counterinsurgency operations. It goes without saying that Sergeant Berg's service to our nation was nothing short of exemplary.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to represent the people of Iowa, the city of Council Bluffs, and the important legacy of Sergeant Berg in the United States Congress. His heroic contribution to our nation's efforts in Vietnam represents just one example of the long tradition of selflessness and service upheld by Iowans serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in acknowledging Sergeant Berg's actions and thanking the Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office for their assistance in this ceremony. I humbly express my sincere gratitude to all of our nation's veterans, service members and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Arthur Pilachai of Boy Scout Troop 249 in Council Bluffs, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. The work ethic Arthur has shown in his Eagle Project and every other project leading up to his Eagle Scout rank speaks volumes of his commitment to serving a cause greater than himself and assisting his community.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young man and his supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Arthur and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him on obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Vernon Young, an Iowan and a World War II Navy veteran, for joining Des Moines North High School's Class of 2013 and accepting his diploma after more than seven decades.

Vernon Young, now age 88, was set to graduate from North High School in the spring of 1942. However, Mr. Young's plans for the future drastically changed as a result of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Vernon wasted no time to answer the call of service and enlisted with the United States Navy a day after the attack. One short month later, he was deployed and contributing to America's pivotal and ultimately successful war effort.

Mr. Young served honorably and went on to obtain a bachelor's degree after being accepted to school on the basis of equivalency criteria-- but he never attained his high school diploma. Now, more than 70 years later on May 24, 2013, Vernon, adorned in a green cap and gown, crossed the stage of North High School's 2013 graduation ceremony to receive it. At the ceremony, Vernon's older brother Marion Young was also honored for his service and sacrifice in World War II. Marion, a 1939 graduate of North High School and an enlisted service member, was killed in action during the war.

Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that the selflessness and patriotism displayed by these brothers is truly extraordinary and a proud testament to the Iowa spirit. The efforts put forth by our country's greatest generation in a time of worldwide combat and uncertainty defined the prosperous and free nation that future generations continue to love and enjoy today. It is a great honor to represent veterans like Vernon Young in the United States Congress, and I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating him as both a veteran and as an official high school graduate. In all he has done, Vernon continues to be an example that our state and nation can be proud of.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in astonishment that the House even had to consider H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act. Now, I'm a cosponsor of this bill and I strongly supported its passage yesterday in the House. But we wouldn't need to pass it if the Administration would've green-lighted the Keystone XL pipeline like it should have long ago. For more than seventeen-hundred days, Americans have waited for the Administration to approve this pipeline. We have waited long enough for 20,000 new jobs--600 of which would be created in my home state of Iowa. We have waited for $20 billion to be added to the economy, much of it in the Midwest and Iowa. And we have waited for more than 800,000 barrels of North American oil per day to be carried to U.S. refineries--to help fuel our economy. The State Department has found twice that this pipeline would have a limited impact on the environment. Labor groups support its construction. And seventeen Senate Democrats endorsed it earlier this year by helping to pass a budget amendment approving the pipeline. Approval of the Keystone XL pipeline means jobs, a boost to the economy and greater American independence when it comes to energy.

So today, Mr. Chair, I urge our colleagues in the U.S. Senate, in the strongest possible terms, to consider and pass this bill as soon as possible--but I also urge the Administration to stop hitting the snooze button on real chances to create American jobs and energy independence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the great work of the Iowa Elk's Association for their efforts to make the reunion of Marine Sergeant Ross Gundlach and his former combat partner, a yellow Labrador named Casey, a reality. Their dedication to this great event has truly changed two deserving lives.

In Afghanistan, Sergeant Gundlach and Casey were deployed on more than 125 missions to detect and clear suspicious packages along military convoy routes. Sergeant Gundlach and Casey's great work no doubt saved American lives as they were able to detect improvised explosive devices along the road and contain them before they could harm US Marines aboard the convoy. As their tour of duty concluded, Sergeant Gundlach made a promise to Casey he would do everything in his power to find her and care for her when they returned to America.

Upon returning home, Sergeant Gundlach, a Wisconsin native, was able to locate Casey, who had been acquired to continue her work detecting bombs in Iowa on behalf of the State Fire Marshal's Office. He reached out to Casey's new handler via email in an attempt to adopt Casey, often relaying photographs and stories of their service together. Unfortunately, hope for a reunion looked dim as the State Fire Marshal's Office would require $8,500 to acquire a replacement dog equipped to inspect venues for explosives should Casey's position be vacated.

To make this reunion happen, the Iowa Elk's Associaiton, a fraternal organization with a proud history of assisting our veterans, graciously donated the full sum required to the State of Iowa to purchase a new explosive detection K-9. Governor Terry Branstad accepted the gift request and Sergeant Gundlach was unknowingly invited to Iowa under the pretense he would have to present his case for the adoption of Casey to a bureaucratic state board. Instead, the Iowa Elk's generosity supported a heartwarming surprise ceremony in Iowa's Capitol to formally reunite this remarkable veteran and his faithful companion after 333 days of separation. The selfless efforts of the Governor's Office, the State Fire Marshal's Office, and the Iowa Elk's Association left few dry eyes as Casey greeted her old friend and new adoptive parent.

Mr. Speaker, in an increasingly chaotic and unpredictable world, it can seem good news is harder and harder to come by. Yet, the actions of the Iowa Elk's Association and the State of Iowa as a whole to do the right thing in such a remarkable fashion is a testament to our state and nation's innate optimism and gratitude to our servicemembers. It is with great pride that I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in thanking all those involved in this heartwarming event and wishing both Sergeant Gundlach and his dog Casey a long and happy future as the friends they have been from day one.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Acacia Scott for being named a 2013 recipient of the Dorothy Andrews Kabis Memorial Internship by the National Federation of Republican Women.

The Dorthy Kabis Internship is named after former National Federation of Republican Women President who served from 1963-1967 before being appointed as the United States Treasurer by President Nixon. This Memorial Internship Program is a highly selective program that offers just three young women from across the nation the chance to work in the headquarters of this prominent women's political organization in our national's capital. This program is reserved for undergraduate college students that display a keen knowledge of government and a strong interest in politics.

Mr. Speaker, Acacia's ability to be named to just one of three nationwide internships by the National Federation of Republican Women speaks volumes to her abilities and renowned Iowa work ethic. It is an honor to represent future leaders like Acacia from the great state of Iowa in the United States Congress and I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her for receiving this prestigious designation. I wish her the best of luck in her future studies and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Thomas Griffin of Ankeny, Iowa for receiving a coveted 2013 James Madison Fellowship from the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.

The James Madison Fellowship is offered to current and prospective teachers of American history and social studies to support study of the history and principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, at the graduate level. These fellowships provide a valuable service to our Nation by both fostering the aspirations of the Nation's most promising and distinguished teachers while continually improving the quality of teaching in our Nation's schools.

Mr. Griffin, a teacher at Johnston High School, represents one of just 56 fellowships that were awarded Nationwide in 2013. His selection for this honor will include up to $24,000 toward a master's degree in his field of study.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Mr. Griffin from the great

State of Iowa in the United States Congress. I know my colleagues in the United States House will join me in congratulating him for receiving this recognition, and I wish him the best of luck in his studies and continuing career in education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Alexander and Andrew Hahn of Troop 729 in Treynor, Iowa for each achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a century.

To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Alex and Andrew completed their projects for the betterment of a local preschool in Treynor. Alex built a planter and walking path at the preschool, while Andy constructed kneeling pads and two covers and poured concrete around two sandpits in the play area. Together they also added mulch near the walking path, playground, and additional seating area. The work ethic Alex and Andrew have shown in their Eagle Projects, and every other project leading up to their Eagle Scout ranks, speaks volumes of their commitment to serving a cause greater than themselves and assisting their community.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by these young men and their supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Hahn brothers on obtaining their Eagle Scout ranking, and I wish them continued success in their future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Army National Guard Captain Gavin Sandvig for being named a recipient of the 2013 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award by the United States Army. Captain Sandvig is one of only six National Guard Officers nationwide to receive this prestigious award.

The United States Army's General MacArthur Leadership Award is reserved for the most exemplary company grade officers in the nation who consistently demonstrate the ideals of ``duty, honor, and country.'' The winners of this great distinction are invited to an award ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. There they are presented with a bronze bust of General MacArthur, an engraved timepiece, and a Commendation Memorandum by the Army Chief of Staff.

Before joining the Iowa Army National Guard in 1993, Captain Sandvig was raised in Eagle Grove, Iowa by his parents Wayne and Penny. He would go on to obtain his Bachelor of the Arts from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake and a Master's of Education from Graceland University in Lamoni amid his 20-year military career. In 2004, after 11 years as an enlisted soldier and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, Captain Sandvig accepted his officer commission and was sworn in as a 2nd Lieutenant before completing Ordnance Officer Basic Course in 2005 and his Captain's Career Course in 2008. Through his time with the Guard, he has supported his state and country in multiple roles overseas, including a 2010 deployment to the rough terrain of northeastern Afghanistan. Captain Sandvig has earned numerous decorations for his service over the last two decades, including the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Award, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Achievement Award.

Beyond his normal service duties, Captain Sandvig has been involved in numerous organizations and activities to benefit several charitable organizations across Iowa. A resident of Ankeny with his wife Shannon and their sons Ben, Sam, and J.J., the Sandvig family has donated much of their time and money to organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, United Way, Families of Iowa's Fallen, the American Legion, the American Cancer Society, Cub Scouts, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and various sport leagues in Ankeny. The Sandvig family has also donated financially to two separate families planning to adopt.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Captain Sandvig's professional and private conduct truly reflects the General MacArthur Leadership Award's emphasis on duty, honor, and country. In the words of General MacArthur: ``Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage . . . to regain faith . . . and to create hope . . .'' I can think of no better recipient for this great award than Captain Sandvig. His efforts embody the Iowa spirit, and I am honored to represent him in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him for this achievement, thanking him and his family for their service and sacrifice, and wishing him continued success in the future. May God continue to watch over all of our soldiers and their families, across the world and here at home alike.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the invaluable contribution of Iowa's servicemembers during the United States Civil War as the Kinsman Monument in Council Bluffs, Iowa is rededicated on May 18, 2013. This event will mark the 150th anniversary of the passing of Colonel William H. Kinsman of Council Bluffs, for whom the monument is named.

Born in Canada in 1832, William Kinsman studied in New York and Cleveland before setting off for Iowa in 1858. After travelling across the entire state by foot, Colonel Kinsman settled in Council Bluffs, where he was admitted to the bar, taught school and wrote for the local press. He volunteered at the outbreak of the war and was elected a lieutenant under famed Iowa war hero General Grenville Dodge in Iowa's 4th Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Kinsman was ultimately promoted to the colonelcy of the 23rd Iowa Infantry following a stretch of valiant service, and in 1863 he and his troops joined General Grant's campaign to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi. On May 17 of that year, Colonel Kinsman fought and was mortally wounded in a pivotal battle at Big Black River Bridge that helped isolate the Confederates, leading to their eventual surrender in Vicksburg weeks later. Although Colonel Kinsman passed the following morning, he gave his life for our state, our country, and the cause of freedom.

Kinsman was interred on the battlefield, but nearly 40 years later in 1904, General Dodge, by then a former U.S. Congressman, secured the necessary financial resources to bring his remains home to Council Bluffs to be permanently laid to rest. Today, the Kinsman Monument reminds us of the sacrifice of Iowa's veterans during the Civil War and the strength of our nation's resolve.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to represent the people of Iowa, the city of Council Bluffs, and the legacies of Colonel Kinsman and General Dodge in the United States Congress. Their stories represent just a fragment of Iowa's extensive contributions to this great country made by our selfless veterans and their family members. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in thanking the Iowa Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War for this historic ceremony, and I humbly express my unending gratitude to all of our nation's veterans, servicemembers, and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate DuPont Pioneer, based in Johnston, Iowa, for being named a winner of the 2013 Patents for Humanity pilot program by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The Patents for Humanity competition awards patent owners and licensees who address the world's most daunting humanitarian challenges in innovative ways.

DuPont Pioneer was selected for this prestigious award for its collaborative research and work to increase the nutritional value of sorghum for a growing African population that relies on the food crop as a dietary staple. While affordable and easy to grow in dry, fragile environments, sorghum is deficient in essential nutrients like amino acids, Vitamins A and E, iron, and zinc, and is difficult to digest when cooked. Working through the Africa Biofortified Sorghum Project, a public-private partner consortium, DuPont developed a more nutrient- rich strain of sorghum that is expected to combat malnourishment and benefit millions of Africans in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent DuPont Pioneer in the United States Congress as it continues to work to help feed the world. I commend the company on this tremendous breakthrough that will go to great lengths to improving food security in Africa, and I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating it on receiving this impressive recognition for its efforts.