Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ambassador Kenneth Quinn for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The Distinguished Service Award is the American Farm Bureau Federation's highest honor and is reserved for individuals who have dedicated their careers to the advancement of agriculture. The president of Iowa Farm Bureau, Craig Hill, nominated Ambassador Quinn to receive this esteemed national award.

Dr. Kenneth Quinn's career and achievements are truly ones for the history book. A native Iowan, Kenneth grew up in Dubuque where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Loras College. Ambassador Quinn's wide-ranging diplomatic career led to his ascension as one of the federal government's most decorated Foreign Service officers, a top U.S. expert on Indochina, President Ford's Vietnamese interpreter, and ultimately as United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 1996-1999. Dr. Quinn is regarded as the first person to report on the 1974 Cambodian genocide and is the only civilian to receive an Army Air Medal in Vietnam combat operations. Ambassador Quinn is also among the prestigious recipients of the Secretary of State's Award for Heroism and is the only Foreign Service office to receive the American Foreign Service Association Rivkin and Herter Awards for intellectual courage on three occasions.

Following his 32 year career in the Foreign Service, Dr. Quinn began his role as President of the World Food Prize Foundation in 2000. Since assuming this leadership role, Kenneth has overseen tens of millions of dollars in fundraising and the successful distribution of the annual Nobel Prize Food and Agriculture award. His contribution to the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug and the World Food Prize Foundation has been nothing short of remarkable.

Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better recipient for Farm Bureau's Distinguished Service Award than Ambassador Quinn. The dedication Dr. Quinn has displayed to his state and country throughout his career continues to change our world for the better. Ambassador Quinn's efforts embody the Iowa sprit 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 for his service, and wishing him continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Matthew Alan Christensen of Boy Scout Troop 550 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 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, Matthew organized a work crew to remove a half mile of fencing at the Hitchcock Nature Center in Crescent, Iowa. Matthew's efforts will help the center expand its borders as it continues to restore and promote the Loess Hills of Iowa. The work ethic Matthew 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 Matthew 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 Tanner Peard of Boy Scout Troop 178 in Waukee, 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 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, Tanner landscaped Centennial Park in Waukee and also raised enough money to provide a new sign and an illuminated flagpole for the park. The work ethic Tanner 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 Tanner 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 Alex Barrett of Boy Scout Troop 188 in Ankeny, 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 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, Alex constructed and installed duck nesting platforms at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt in Polk County. The work ethic Alex 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 Alex 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 Avery and Colin Hubbard of Troop 1012 in Mason City, 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 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. Avery and Colin completed their projects at Lime Creek Nature Center by constructing numerous bird houses, placing fire pits, and clearing brush. The work ethic Avery and Colin 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 Hubbard brothers on obtaining their Eagle Scout ranking, and I wish them continued success in their future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Iowa Public Television's executive director and general manager, Daniel Miller, and express my appreciation for his years of service to IPTV and the people of Iowa.

A Des Moines native, Mr. Miller has been a part of the IPTV family for 37 years and has been the executive director and general manager since 2002. Under Dan's leadership, IPTV has expanded its statewide and nationwide relevance by tripling its broadcast offerings amidst balancing the transition to digital television and shrinking government funding. Iowa Public Television boasts more than two million viewers each month, and at times its central Iowa station has been the most- watched public television station in the country.

Dan's many accomplishments at IPTV have earned him deserved praise across the nation, including numerous broadcasting and broadcast journalism awards on the regional and national levels. Simply put, the IPTV we know and love today would not be the same without Mr. Miller's tireless efforts and passionate advocacy.

Mr. Speaker, in an increasingly divisive media environment, Dan's career and legacy at IPTV is a testament to the importance of objective and factual journalism. He has never wavered in his commitment to the truth and journalistic integrity, and I am honored to call him my friend. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Mr. Miller on his illustrious career, and wish him a happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Kyle Matthew Jennett of Creston, 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 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, Kyle renovated latrines at a local county park to ensure greater public utilization, including handicap accessibility. The work ethic Kyle 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 Kyle 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 Cody Guldner of Altoona, 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 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, Cody saved the City of Altoona nearly $3,000 in labor costs by moving four planting beds with a total of eighty plants to a new site along a bicycle tunnel. This project involved extensive labor and took nearly 60 hours to complete. The work ethic Cody 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 Cody 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 Michael Greenfield of Clive, 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 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, Michael presented a Food Allergy Safety Seminar to a variety of local groups. The work ethic Michael 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 Michael 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 ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials for the Record on the topic of my Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, those of us from Iowa and elsewhere would like to recognize today the service of my fellow Iowan, Congressman Leonard Boswell, who will be leaving the House at the adjournment of this Congress.

I first want to thank him for his 20 years of service to our great Nation in the U.S. Army. No one has done more to secure our freedom and the promise of a bright future than our veterans and military personnel. I know that Leonard counts his efforts to secure additional support for military families and veterans among his most meaningful achievements. I also want to recognize the gentleman from Iowa for his time in public service as a legislator. His distinguished career traces back to the Iowa State Senate, where he once served as president of that body.

Although we haven't always agreed on the issues before us, Leonard's relationships with his fellow Members have enabled him to work with colleagues of all political stripes. His work on behalf of his constituents has exemplified what Iowans expect of their Representatives in Congress--those who are approachable, thoughtful, and hardworking.

I appreciate the many years of service Leonard Boswell has provided to our home State of Iowa and its people. I know that he will continue to serve his fellow Iowans faithfully beyond the conclusion of this Congress--and in that, I truly wish him and his family the very, very best.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to my remarks today, I asked Iowans to pay tribute to Leonard by providing their comments for submission into the Congressional Record. We do not have the luxury of time to read the numerous notes and well-wishes that came in, but I would like to highlight a few of those at this time.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad sent the following:

I commend Congressman Leonard Boswell for his longtime

dedication to public service. His selfless service to others

has been demonstrated in many ways--as an officer in the

United States Army, as president of the Iowa Senate, and as a

Congressman from Iowa. Congressman Boswell should be proud of

his public service accomplishments and for his personal

achievements as a husband, father, and grandfather. I am

heartened by Iowans like Congressman Boswell who have spent a

lifetime serving the State of Iowa. We thank him for his

service.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley wrote:

Representative Boswell has worked hard to represent his

constituents. He did his job very well. While we disagreed

politically, we never had a personal disagreement. We found

plenty of common ground. I'll miss his camaraderie around

Congress, but I have no doubt we'll run across each other

because Representative Boswell is unlikely to avoid public

service, which has been his calling for so long.

Thank you for your service, Representative Boswell.

Nancy Williams, president of AIB College of Business in Des Moines, wrote:

I wish to recognize and thank Congressman Boswell for his

dedication to our country, to Iowa, and to his constituents.

He has changed our world, our country, and our State with his

personal service for so many years. Every life has a great

purpose, and Congressman Boswell has had a wonderful calling

for his. I will wait in anticipation to see what he chooses

to do next. I just cannot thank him enough.

Ken Sagar, president of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, wrote:

Congressman Boswell was a Representative who would take the

time to listen to Iowans. He paid special care and attention

to all veterans. He was a friend of working people. When home

visiting, he would make an effort to meet with the labor

leaders in the State. He spent time listening to their

concerns and would give honest answers on his positions, not

always to the liking of the unions, but always honest and up

front.

Then Jon Murphy, director of government affairs at PolicyWorks, sums up the assurances we all have that Leonard will continue to serve his State and Nation:

I would like to thank Congressman Boswell not only for his

support of me, personally, but also for his service to our

country. As a soldier and statesman, there are few people who

have given more of themselves to our Nation. I wish him and

Dody well as they move forward to their next adventure in

life. I would ask them to take some time and get some rest,

but I know that won't happen. That's not the Boswell way.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to recognize the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

I thank the gentleman.

I, too, want to recognize Congressman Nussle here on the floor in honor of Congressman Boswell, and we have the distinguished minority whip, Mr. Hoyer.

I would now like to recognize the gentleman from Iowa, Congressman King.

I thank the gentleman.

I would like to recognize the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Braley).

Thank you, Mr. Braley.

I'd like to now recognize the Representative from northern Missouri (Mr. Graves).

I thank the gentleman.

I'd like now to yield to my good friend from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall).

I thank the gentleman.

I would like to now recognize the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri).

I would like to now recognize the person who's the subject of all this, my colleague, Congressman Leonard Boswell.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to say thank you to Congressman Boswell. I wish him and Dody the very, very best in the future.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to my remarks today, I asked Iowans to pay tribute to Congressman Boswell by providing their comments for submission into the Congressional Record, which follow.

Remarks of Senator Chuck Grassley on Representative Leonard Boswell

Representative Leonard Boswell is a strong advocate for his

constituents and many other categories of individuals who are

not necessarily constituents but important members of our

society, including veterans and farmers.

He saw the world as a 20-year veteran of the United States

Army, returned home, and applied his broad perspective to

public service, first in the Iowa state legislature, then in

the U.S. Congress.

He made a big impression on me in the 1990s when he was

president of the state Senate. When he had an issue on his

mind, he tracked me down at my town meetings or whatever it

took. At times, he rode with me from one town meeting to the

next so we could talk. That persistence on behalf of Iowans

is something I greatly admired.

His decorated military service, including two tours of duty

in Vietnam, made him a natural for looking out for veterans'

needs.

Representative Boswell did a tremendous amount to raise

awareness of veterans' suicide and promote preventive

services. He championed and shepherded through Congress the

Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act. This act,

signed into law, is named for a soldier from Grundy Center,

Iowa, who took his own life after returning from Iraq.

As the operator of a farm in Davis City that has been in

his family for generations, Representative Boswell

understands the challenges facing family farmers. He's been a

vocal advocate for an updated farm bill and other policies

critical to the nation's farmers.

Policy work to support economic growth in Iowa is another

signature for Representative Boswell. He has promoted

legislation that rebuilds the highways and other

infrastructure that are necessary for job creation.

In closing, Representative Boswell has worked hard to

represent his constituents. He did his job very well. While

we disagreed politically, we never had a personal

disagreement. We found plenty of common ground. I'll miss his

camaraderie around Congress. But I have no doubt we'll run

across each other because Representative Boswell is unlikely

to avoid public service, which has been his calling for so

long.

Thank you for your service, Representative Boswell.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowan and supercentenarian Dina Manfredini on being named the most senior person in the world by the Gerontology Research Group. Dina is 115 years, 244 days young and resides in Johnston, Iowa.

Dina was born in April of 1897 in Italy before moving to the United States at age 23 where she would go on to marry and have four children. Ms. Manfredini has worked in Iowa to support her family since the 1940's when her husband was injured in Des Moines' coal mine, even cleaning houses for additional income well into her tenth decade of life.

Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Dina's 115 years. Since her birth, we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television, cellular phones and the internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and witnessed the birth of new democracies. Dina has lived in three separate centuries through twenty U.S. Presidents and twenty-six Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled and, as of today, none can claim to be older than Dina.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to honor Dina's amazing life. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Dina on reaching this incredible milestone, and wishing her even more health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Henry Oberman of Clive, 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 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, Henry raised over one thousand dollars as he oversaw the installation of a meditation garden at Heartland Presbyterian Church. The work ethic Henry 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 Henry 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 Brady R. Garden of Charles City, 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 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, Brady chose to demolish a crumbling wall at the World War I Memorial at Sunnyside Cemetery in Charles City and replaced it with a new wood structure with vinyl siding. In total, this project took more than 150 hours of hard work to complete. The work ethic Brady 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 Brady 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. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Clint J. Carton of Earlville, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5 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, Clint chose to construct five separate exercise stations on the Heritage Trail near Dyersville. Clint's project required extensive coordination with the Dubuque County Conservation Board to account for the lack of water and electricity. In total, this project took more than 110 hours of hard work to complete. The work ethic Clint 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 Clint 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 Jennifer Walter for attaining the rank of Brigadier General as she becomes the next Chief of Staff of the Iowa Air National Guard. This is a truly momentous occasion for the State of Iowa as Jennifer is the first female General Officer in the history of the Iowa Air National Guard.

Jennifer Walter began her historic career as a technician in 1975 as a temporary Clerk in Operations. Airman Walter would serve the next 11 years of her career as an enlisted person in various roles before receiving her commission for the Academy of Military Science as a Second Lieutenant in 1986. Three short years later, Lieutenant Walter had received a Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University, and would go on to successfully complete Squadron Officer School in 1994, Air Command and Staff College in 2000, and Air War College in 2004. Throughout her career, she has won numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, and the State of Iowa Commendation Medal, just to name a few.

Since January of last year, Colonel Walter had held the position of Vice Wing Commander of the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines where she was uniquely responsible for exercising command responsibilities and providing a combat ready force for mobilization. This position included ensuring mission ready personnel, equipment, and F-16C aircraft for worldwide tasking by commanding over 970 personnel and 21 aircraft. On Sunday, the Iowa Air National Guard will formally bestow Brigadier General Walter with her new

role as she assumes the prestigious role as Chief of Staff of the Iowa Air National Guard where she will directly assist Iowa's Adjutant General.

Mr. Speaker, I have been a long-time, outspoken supporter of Iowa's 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines because of the remarkable men and women who are the best in the Nation at what they do. Jennifer Walter's career is a testament to the 132nd Fighter Wing and what Iowans are capable of through hard work and unwavering commitment to a cause greater than themselves. I applaud Brigadier General Walter on her most recent promotion in her remarkably storied career. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Jennifer, and all of the Iowa Air National Guard, on the continued excellence they provide to Des Moines, the State of Iowa, and our Nation as a whole.