Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Travis Hamilton for being named a 2013 Hero of the Heartland by the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa.

Each year, the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa recognizes Heroes of the Heartland by selecting everyday Iowans who have done extraordinary things to help their neighbors and communities. The Iowans honored with this prestigious award displayed selflessness in a variety of courageous, charitable and thoughtful acts. The Heroes of the Heartland program not only showcases the heroes among us, but also helps raise crucial funds to ensure that the American Red Cross is prepared and equipped to assist those that need food, shelter, and comfort during emergencies and difficult times.

To be named a Hero of the Heartland, Travis Hamilton of Johnston dedicated himself to helping sick children through charity and a touching tale of personal sacrifice. Travis is the Director of the Guns-N-Hoses Hockey event, an annual hockey game pitting Des Moines- area police against fire department and EMS employees to raise money for local charities. In the two years Mr. Hamilton has coordinated the event, it has raised $50,000 for Children's Cancer Connection and Make a Wish Iowa. Travis also coordinated the event Transplant for Trae to raise money for his son, who needed a kidney transplant at only 17 months old. Travis was able to raise over $20,000, and he ultimately donated his own kidney to Trae. Through his examples of true selflessness, Mr. Hamilton continues to change lives and be a leader that our State can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Hamilton's actions that earned him the title a ``Hero of the Heartland'' are a testament to the humble, hardworking and helpful people who make up the great State of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Travis on a job well done, thanking the American Red Cross serving Greater Iowa for their life changing efforts, and wishing all of those involved in the Heroes of the Heartland program continued success for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Pastor Bobby Young and First Lady Eva Young of the Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Des Moines, Iowa as the congregation celebrates the 11th Pastoral Anniversary of the couple's driven and selfless leadership next month.

Pastor Young and his wife were both born in Batesville, Mississippi. The couple married in 1963 and began fulfilling their purpose in life as a team. Together, they moved to Iowa at just 19 years of age, started a family, and at age 30, Bobby accepted his call to the ministry, never looking back.

At Mount Hebron, Pastor and First Lady Young have immersed themselves in serving their congregation and local community. Pastor Young is involved with numerous initiatives to change lives for the better, including feeding programs and continuing education with teenagers in the area to decrease dropout rates and help forge stronger lives. Pastor Young's uncompromising commitment to his brothers and sisters is continually on display, often meeting with local leaders of all political persuasions to help find solutions to problems facing the community. Pastor Young is currently building his own house from the ground up, as he has also built up an entire spiritual community. It is his hands-on approach that has helped improve the lives of Iowans around him.

Much like her husband, First Lady Young plays an enormously important role in her church and community, and has touched countless lives through her work as an instructor and a mentor. A former teacher, Eva has taught a weekly children's Bible study open to any child for many years. She also uses her gifts as a leader to advocate for a safer world for others, working in the community to address problems facing women and help women receive relevant information and assistance. First Lady Young's all-inclusive approach to this work has brought together women of all ages and races to help strengthen the community.

So selfless is this couple that they are known to pay the bills of those who cannot afford it and feed those who cannot find food. Bobby and Eva are truly committed to helping their neighbors.

Throughout the past 11 years at Mount Hebron, Pastor and First Lady Young have provided immeasurable guidance and comfort to a grateful community. I am honored to represent this amazing couple, Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, and the city of Des Moines in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating and thanking Pastor and First Lady Young for all they do, and I wish them a truly memorable Pastoral Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, this morning was a remarkable time. The President, even though it's 65 days late, came out with a budget today. And it is interesting to note that it is about $600 billion of new taxes, after we've just had a $620 billion tax increase on this economy, with the health care bill, about another $1.2 trillion of new taxes and fees, and his budget proposal increases the size of government 50 percent over the next 10 years.

Mr. Speaker, I've been home for the last couple of weeks talking to constituents, and what they tell me is the fact that they want a balanced budget. The President's budget never gets to balance. Our budget does. They want a balanced budget. They want us to get control of spending in Washington because they know how it affects themselves, their families, and the future of this country.

The spending coupled with all of the new regulations, the health care mandates coming down on small businesses, they are stopping job growth. We have got to get some common sense in this House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bryon Koster of Van Meter, Iowa for achieving the rank of an 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 over the past 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. For his project, Bryon designed and constructed a prayer labyrinth at the St. Boniface Church in Waukee, Iowa. The work ethic Bryon 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 Bryon 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 congratulate Chad Ford of Boy Scout Troop 188 of Ankeny, Iowa for achieving the rank of an 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 over the past 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. For his project, Chad assisted in refurbishing Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Park in Polk County by removing a large section of unwanted fencing. The work ethic Chad 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 Chad 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 to recognize the retirement of Des Moines Assistant Chief of Police Dave Lillard, and to express my appreciation for his commitment to the community in his years of service in law enforcement.

For the last 32 years, Mr. Lillard has served Des Moines honorably as a member of the Des Moines Police Department. Dave truly has been a versatile asset to the force, taking on roles in patrol, narcotics, tactical, gang and traffic units, in addition to internal affairs and the police academy. Since 2009, Dave has been the Assistant Chief of Police, and he was honored recently by Police Chief Judy Bradshaw with an Exemplary Service Award for his lifetime of achievement and invaluable contributions to the force.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Lillard has never wavered in his commitment to justice and security. Dave is a testament to the high quality of character instilled in Iowans, and the city of Des Moines owes him a great debt of gratitude for his service. While Mr. Lillard's leadership will be missed, he leaves behind a more secure community and a better trained and equipped police force that will continue to benefit from his service for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to represent Dave Lillard and all the people of Des Moines in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in thanking Mr. Lillard for his years of service and wishing him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Benjamin Page for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Benjamin Page is the Director of the Des Moines Park and Recreation Department, where he manages a $15.8 million budget that includes 76 parks, 42 miles of trails, five aquatic centers, three public golf courses, and the Prinicpal Riverwalk. Benjamin's role also tasks him with overseeing well known local landmarks such as the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Blank Park Zoo and Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs, while serving as a liaison for each location's respective foundations. When he's not in the office, Mr. Page serves on a number of boards including the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau Sports Commission, First Tee of Greater Des Moines, and the Blank Park Zoo Foundation. Ben is also a proud recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding Service to Iowa's Children in the Area of Environmental Awareness. Outside of his official commitments, Ben loves spending time with his wife Kim, and their children Sophia and Bryce. Together they enjoy participating in several activities of the city's recreational programming. In all facets of his life, Benjamin is an example of hard work and service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Benjamin in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Page for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Benjamin on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Nick Renkoski for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Nick Renkoski is the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Des Moines Metro Opera. In this role, Nick utilizes his love of the arts and his talents of writing, directing, and acting to develop innovative ways to draw in new audiences to the opera and challenge preconceived notions. His video series, We Live Opera, has received attention from opera companies across the country for doing just that. Both in and out of the opera, Renkoski has contributed to the crucial role the arts have played in the city's revitalization efforts through his involvement as a committee member of the Des Moines Art Center's Gala and Fashion Week and his performances in several Des Moines Social Club productions. Originally a Des Moines native and a graduate of the University of Missouri, Nick now resides in downtown Des Moines with his wife Liz, who is a member of the 2012 Forty Under 40 class. In all aspects of his life, Nick is an example of hard work and service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Nick in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Renkoski for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Nick on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize John Ruan IV for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

John Ruan IV is the Vice President of Financial Institutions at Bankers Trust Company, where he is responsible for a loan portfolio of more than $90 million in assets. A Des Moines native, John worked in Chicago from 2002 to 2007 after receiving his law degree from the University of Iowa. As his family life grew however, he knew Iowa was where he wanted to be. Today, John carries on the family tradition of hard work and selfless service through his involvement in numerous civic organizations. Mr. Ruan is board member of several Des Moines area organizations, including the Des Moines Symphony, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, and the Riverfront YMCA. John is also a member of the Blank Park Zoo Capital Campaign committee and serves on the legislative committee of the Iowa Bankers Association. Among John's numerous responsibilities, his top priority remains being the best husband and father he can be to his wife Alison and their three children. In all facets of his life, Mr. Ruan continues to make his state proud while extending and expanding his family's tremendous legacy.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like John in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Ruan for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating John on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Rachel Rowley for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Rachel Rowley is a partner at the BrownWinick law firm where she practices litigation and transactional work. Before attaining her law degree from the University of Denver in Colorado, Rachel received her bachelor's degree in music education from Iowa State University. She still utilizes her passion for music through serving on the board of trustees for the Des Moines Symphony, including the audit, fundraising, and education advisory committees. Ms. Rowley also has been a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation's art festival booth since 2010 and a member of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Of course, Rachel's top priority is the care of her two children, Luke and Anna, who both attend the Bergman Academy in Des Moines, where Ms. Rowley serves as a board member and legal counsel. In all facets of her life, Rachel is an example of hard work and service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Rachel in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Ms. Rowley for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Rachel on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Keegan Kautzky for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Keegan Kautzky serves as the Director of National Education Programs of the World

Food Prize Foundation, where he continues to fulfill the world-changing vision of famed agronomist Dr. Norman Borlaug. In this role, Mr. Kautzky establishes programs for high school and college students that provide insights into poverty and hunger across the globe. He has led the foundation's national expansion by attracting more than $3 million in investments and matching funds for critical training programs for high school students and teachers. Keegan also has advised the National Council on Agricultural Education and the National FFA Organization in developing the first global strategy for agricultural education in the United States. Outside of work, Keegan is the founder and chairman of the student-run charity, Pages of Promise, which collects reading materials throughout the country and provides them to those in sub- Saharan Africa. In all facets of his life, Keegan is testament to Dr. Borlaug's legacy by actively changing the world for the better through his time, talents, and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Keegan in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Mr. Kautzky for utilizing his talents to better both his community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Keegan on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Urbandale police officer Zachariah McDowell for his lifesaving efforts in the line of duty.

On Sunday evening, March 10th, 2013, Officer McDowell was on a routine patrol of Urbandale, Iowa when he responded to a report of a burning car in the parking lot of a nearby church. As Zac approached the car to investigate, he could make out only a human hand amid the consuming smoke that filled the vehicle. Officer McDowell wasted no time smashing in the passenger side window with his metal baton, entering the burning vehicle, and dragging the young accident victim to safety. There is no doubt that Officer McDowell's quick thinking and heroic actions saved a young man's life that snowy night.

Officer McDowell's entire professional life has been one of service and sacrifice. He began his law enforcement career by serving in the Iowa Army National Guard where he was recognized as the Iowa Soldier of the Year in 2006. Officer McDowell was honorably discharged from the military as a Staff Sergeant in 2011, after 12 years of service and two separate deployments to Kosovo in 2003 and Iraq in 2007. Today, Zac is a model member of the Urbandale Police Department and resides in Urbandale with his wife of seven years, Nichole, and their two children, Wesley and Maggie.

Mr. Speaker, Officer McDowell's instinct and brave actions to save a fellow Iowan embody the selfless attributes we all should strive for. His extraordinary display of heroism should give us all pause as we offer gratitude to the police officers across the country who put their own welfare at risk to make our streets and neighborhoods safer. It is a great honor to represent Officer McDowell and the City of Urbandale in the United States Congress, and I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating and thanking Officer McDowell for his outstanding performance and courage when it truly mattered most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Jennifer Soma for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Jennifer Soma oversees product development and new initiatives in the individual disability insurance business for Principal Financial Group Inc. In this role, Jennifer serves as a liaison between the operations, quality assurance and information technology facets of the business. Outside of the office, Jennifer spends nearly 30 hours a week in various volunteer roles to make her community better. One of Ms. Soma's biggest passions is her dedication to animal welfare. Before working for Principal, Jennifer worked for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in numerous roles including major rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Iowa flooding. Ms. Soma certainly takes her causes home with her as she shares her Ankeny home with her four senior rescue dogs and continues to advocate for animals through her efforts at Iowa Voters for Companion Animals/Iowa Friends of Companion Animals. Also a big supporter and alumnus of Drake University, Jennifer currently chairs Drake's Graduate Student Advisory Council. Last year, Jennifer's numerous volunteer efforts earned her the recognition of the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award--Gold Level for volunteering more than 1,000 hours of her time. In all facets of her life, Jennifer is an example of hard work and service that our state can be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Jennifer in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Ms. Soma for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Jennifer on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Iowan Max Reed of Bellevue for being selected as a Star of Life by the Iowa Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Association.

Ahead of National EMS Week in May, the American Ambulance Association has recently recognized our nation's best emergency responders, who embody the example of honorable and professional service in their communities. Stars of Life, like Max, are selected by their paramedic, emergency medical technician (EMT), and ambulance service personnel peers to represent them in Washington, D.C. as they meet with Members of Congress.

A founder of the Bellevue Ambulance Service in 1972, Max is the only ``founding father'' of the 46 volunteer member service still actively responding to the community's calls. Mr. Reed has completed every level of EMT in our great state and has truly seen it all. From consoling grieving friends and families of accident victims to comforting new parents as their babies are brought into this world, there is no doubt Max's work has led him to become one of his community's greatest advocates. A CPR instructor since 1973, Mr. Reed assists his community with CPR instruction and education, as well as several other events related to his work, including EMS Education Days and Operation Prom, just to name a couple. Max's selfless efforts have helped grow the Bellevue Ambulance Service's location from a small section in the local fire department to a new independent building that he helped design. Of course, Max would say he could have never attained this level of success if not for the love and support of his wife, Mary.

Mr. Speaker, for over 41 years Mr. Reed has unselfishly given his time and talents to ensure his community is well cared for. Max's co- workers count him as a mentor, an advisor and a great friend, and I find it no surprise they have entrusted him with the distinction of representing them and their shared passion this week in Washington, D.C. as a Star of Life. Max's leadership is a testament to the hard working people of Iowa, and I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating him on a remarkable career, thanking him for his decades of service, and wishing him continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Lindsay Alderman for being named a 2013 Forty Under 40 honoree by the award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.

Since 2000, Business Record has undertaken an exhaustive annual review to identify a standout group of young leaders in the Greater Des Moines area who are making an impact in their communities and their careers. Each year, forty up-and-coming community and business leaders under 40 years of age are selected for this prestigious distinction, which is based on a combined criteria of community involvement and success in their chosen career field. The 2013 class of Forty Under 40 honorees join an impressive roster of 560 business leaders and growing.

Lindsay Alderman is the Client Operations Manager for LightEdge Solutions Inc., where she oversees a staff of 15 people. Lindsay is tasked with the crucial duty of developing and maintaining client relationships for the company. Outside of the office, Ms. Alderman contributes a large amount of time and dedication to assisting nonprofit organizations and charities including Girl Scouts of Iowa, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Iowa, Salisbury House and Gardens, and the Young Professionals Connection, for which she is currently president. Lindsay has also organized numerous events in the Des Moines area including the first-ever nonprofit forum that included hundreds of people and more than 50 organizations, as well as the Central Iowa Shelter Services' Chili for Charity fundraiser, which raised more than $1,500 for homeless Iowans. Ms. Alderman's commitment and passion for utilizing her talents to assist her community is a remarkable example that our state should be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Lindsay in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Ms. Alderman for utilizing her talents to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Lindsay on receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Forty Under 40 class continued success.