Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Edna Knudson on the coming celebration of her 100th birthday. Edna will celebrate a century of life in less than one short month on October 21st, 2012.

Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Edna's life. 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. Edna has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled.

Edna was born on October 21st, 1912 in Evansville, Minnesota and spent her early years in Minneapolis working for Honeywell, Inc. In 1945, Edna moved to Parkersburg, Iowa with her husband Howard. As the successful small business owners of the local Coast to Coast hardware store, Edna and Howard raised their two children in the apartment above the store.

Edna's life has been defined by the hard work and commitment she has given to her family, community, and church. Edna has never lost her passion for fun and, when she's not on a golf course, you can find her at the card table playing games or telling stories with friends and family. Edna will celebrate this special birthday surrounded by friends and family, including her four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Edna in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Ms. Knudson 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 William M. Hittle IV of Nora Springs, 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. The work ethic William 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 William 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 Ramona Esbeck on the coming celebration of her 100th birthday. Ramona will celebrate a century of life on October 7th, 2012.

Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Ramona's life. 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. Ramona has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Ramona in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Ms. Esbeck 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 Brett Bunnell of Norwalk, Iowa for being awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award.

The Gold Award is the highest award that a high school-aged Girl Scout can earn. This is a prestigious honor as fewer than 6 percent of eligible Girl Scouts attain the Gold Award in a given year.

To earn a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must complete a minimum of 80 hours towards a community project that is both memorable and lasting. For her project, Brett worked to update rooms in her church by installing blinds and redecorating. The work ethic Brett has shown to earn her Gold Award speaks volumes about her commitment to serving a cause greater than herself and assisting her community.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman and her supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Brett and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on obtaining the Gold Award, and I wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jeanette Thorsbakken on the recent celebration of her 100th birthday. Jeanette celebrated a century of life yesterday, September 18th, 2012.

Our world has changed a great deal during the course of Jeanette's life. 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. Jeanette has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-two Governors of Iowa. In her lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled.

Today, Jeanette resides in Story City, Iowa where she likes to spend her time playing solitaire on the computer and assembling jigsaw puzzles. Jeanette also greatly enjoys visits with her family and sharing stories of the many changes she has witnessed in her life.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Jeanette in the United States Congress and it is my pleasure to wish her a very happy 100th birthday. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Ms. Thorsbakken 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 Laura Tibbs of Alden, Iowa for being awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award.

The Gold Award is the highest award that a high school-aged Girl Scout can earn. This is a prestigious honor as fewer than 6 percent of eligible Girl Scouts attain the Gold Award in a given year.

To earn a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must complete a minimum of 80 hours towards a community project that is both memorable and lasting. For her project, Laura brought attention to the issue of school supplies that are wastefully discarded despite widespread need. The work ethic Laura has shown to earn her Gold Award speaks volumes about her commitment to serving a cause greater than herself and assisting her community.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman and her supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Laura and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on obtaining the Gold Award, and I wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Katie Luzier of Norwalk, Iowa for being awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award.

The Gold Award is the highest award that a high school-aged Girl Scout can earn. This is a prestigious honor as fewer than 6 percent of eligible Girl Scouts attain the Gold Award in a given year.

To earn a Gold Award, a Girl Scout must complete a minimum of 80 hours towards a community project that is both memorable and lasting. For her project, Katie raised funds to permanently clean up trash on a bicycle path in her community. The work ethic Katie has shown to earn her Gold Award speaks volumes about her selfless commitment to serving others and assisting her community.

Mr. Speaker, the example set by this young woman and her supportive family demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Katie and her family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on obtaining the Gold Award, and I wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Adam Walker of Hiawatha, 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. The work ethic Adam 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 Adam 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 call attention to the outstanding work being done every day in Des Moines, Iowa by members of the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard.

As we are well aware, the U.S. Air Force has recently proposed a reduction of hundreds of Iowa Air Guard positions and the retirement of the Wing's F-16 aircraft, included in cuts to the Air National Guard nationwide. In the face of this uncertainty, the fine men and women that make up the 132nd Fighter Wing have done what Iowans do best--let their work ethic speak for itself. I am honored to congratulate them on the four major national level awards they have attained in the last six months alone. The awards include the NGAUS Distinguished Flying Unit, Major General John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy, Maintenance Effectiveness Award in the Medium Category, and the ARC Logistics Activity of the Year Award. These awards affirm the 132nd as the Top Logistics Readiness Squadron and Top Maintenance organization in the entire Air National Guard.

Yesterday, this House passed H.J. Resolution 117 with my support which contained a crucial provision that places a moratorium on the proposed retirement of the 132nd Fighter Wing's F-16s, along with other proposed aircraft retirements from the Air National Guard. I do not believe that the Air Force's recommendation to close this fighter wing was based on thorough cost-benefit analysis. I will continue working to ensure that defense spending decisions are based on solid data and strengthening our national security, and working to fight for the permanent protection the members of the 132nd Fighter Wing deserve.

Mr. Speaker, the men and women that comprise the nationally acclaimed 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines are some of the most experienced in the Air Force. They are crucial contributors to our nation's security, both at home and abroad, and this body is wise for standing with them and pressing for more accountable decision making by the Pentagon. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Iowa Air Guard on their recent achievements as we look forward to many more to come. May God continue to watch over all of our soldiers, and their families, across the world and here at home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Iowa National Guard's own Red Bulls for being awarded the Citizen Patriot Unit Award by the U.S. Department of Defense. The Citizen Patriot Award for Distinguished Service is a prestigious award that is given annually to only one individual and one military unit across the entire Department of Defense.

The Iowa National Guard's Red Bulls, formally known as the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, set themselves above the rest through their substantial contributions to the security and defense of the nation while serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Red Bulls have a storied history as some of the most dependable soldiers in the Army, and the Citizen Patriot Award truly reflects the nation's gratitude for what they have accomplished together.

In July 2010, the Red Bulls' unit departed Iowa in one of the largest single deployments since World War II. After arriving in Afghanistan in November of that year, Task Force Red Bulls conducted comprehensive counter insurgency operations and also partnered with the Afghan National Security Forces. These men achieved the mission goals they were assigned at the highest possible standard amidst the painful loss of four servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Sergeant Brent M. Maher of Honey Creek, Specialist Donald L. Nichols of Shell Rock, Staff Sergeant James A. Justice of Grimes, and Sergeant 1st Class Terry L. Pasker of Cedar Rapids are Iowan heroes who will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I am in awe of the Red Bulls' commitment and sacrifices in order to make our country safer. Each and every member of this elite unit represents the best of Iowa's work ethic and patriotism. They make me proud to be an Iowan, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Red Bulls on attaining the Citizen Patriot Unit Award and welcoming them home. We will forever appreciate their extraordinary service.

I thank the chairman for the opportunity to speak today.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support for H.R. 6213, the No More Solyndras Act. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill, which will protect American taxpayers from losses under failed, unaccountable Federal loan guarantee programs.

The bill will end the controversial loan program created in the failed stimulus bill, under which the Obama administration provided an ill-advised $535 million loan guarantee to the solar company Solyndra, which subsequently went bankrupt.

The legislation would also enforce new accountability standards for applications that have already been accepted under the program.

I understand the desire to do something to help American businesses succeed, but allowing freewheeling, government-knows-best bureaucrats to put billions of taxpayer dollars at risk with no accountability is not the way to do it.

Let's be clear, Mr. Chairman. The government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. It's time to end wasteful government spending, to protect taxpayer dollars, and to empower the private sector over government. With that, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Iowa's own Coach Liang Chow for placing West Des Moines, Iowa among our nation's premier training destinations for aspiring Olympic gymnasts through his world-class coaching.

Coach Chow's life in gymnastics began nearly 10,000 miles away from West Des Moines when he was just five years old in Beijing, China. For more than a decade Liang represented China's national men's gymnastics team and won numerous competitions across the globe, including the World Cup master championships in 1990 and earning a bronze medal at the 1989 world championships. Unfortunately, a back injury before the 1992 Olympic Games forced him to retire prematurely from the sport he loved. However, in every challenge lies opportunity. Liang took advantage of an opportunity to move to Iowa in 1991 and hasn't looked back. Coach Chow began attending the University of Iowa on an English scholarship where his gymnastics experience led to his selection as the university's assistant coach of the men's program. Chow coached five of his gymnasts to the national men's team in his first year. After his exemplary coaching skills became evident, Coach Chow was offered a full time coaching role with the University of Iowa women's gymnastics program. Chow accepted, but soon realized that his coaching technique could reach new heights if his students were a bit younger, to better mold their early gymnastic development.

After searching across the country for an ideal location to open his own gym, Chow knew Iowa was where he was meant to be. In 1998, he secured a small warehouse and opened his first gym. By 2003, he expanded to his current facility, which includes two gyms

and spans 11 acres. Since 1998, Coach Chow's gym maintains a steadfast philosophy of hard work mixed with fun, which emphasizes the journey just as much as the destination. It is in his gym and through his philosophy that Liang Chow has become an international name by coaching American gymnastic icons like Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas to Olympic gold.

Mr. Speaker, Coach Chow's contribution to gymnastics and to Iowa cannot be understated. His unwavering commitment to his dreams and the dreams of his students truly embodies Iowa's spirit. I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating Coach Chow on his stellar career, and I wish him the best of luck in the future as he continues to proudly represent the best of America and her heartland.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gabby Douglas of West Des Moines, Iowa for her outstanding accomplishments in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Gabby will be remembered by history as the first African-American individual all-around champion and as the first American gymnast to earn a gold medal in both the individual all-around and team competitions in the same Olympics.

Gabby has been training in West Des Moines under former University of Iowa gymnastics coach Liang Chow for nearly two years. Originally from Virginia Beach, Gabby has dedicated her life to gymnastics since enrolling when she was just six years old. In 2010, Gabby felt it was time to take her training to the next level and moved halfway across the country to train under Coach Chow and make her Olympic dreams a reality. While Gabby's move was not an easy decision for her mother Natalie, or her two sisters Arielle and Joy, Gabby's move to Iowa has been a wonderful experience thanks to her host parents, Travis and Missy Parton of West Des Moines. Gabby quickly became another daughter to her host parents and another sister to their four daughters, Hailey, Leah, Lexi, and Elissa. In London, Gabby's two mothers stood side by side as they cheered Gabby to a first place finish and into the history books.

Gabby Douglas has shown America, and the world, that anything is possible through hard work and dedication. She has taken her newfound fame with elegance and humility, attributing her success to her supportive families and unwavering faith in God. It is no surprise to those who know Gabby that her infectious positive attitude and incredible athletic ability has captured the nation's attention. Gabby returns to America both as a champion and as a role model for millions of young Americans.

Mr. Speaker, witnessing the historic achievements of Gabby Douglas has captivated the nation and the world. Miss Douglas has represented the very best of Iowa's work ethic and people on the international stage, and it is a great honor to represent Gabby and the Partons in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating Gabby, thanking her supportive families, and welcoming all of our athletes home from a truly historic Summer Olympics in London.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Edward and Darlene Lundquist on the very special occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary. Their milestone took place Saturday, September 8, 2012.

Mr. and Mrs. Lundquist have been a happy couple since their days as high school sweethearts in Corning, Iowa. Never ones to waste time, Edward and Darlene eloped in neighboring Missouri on September 8, 1942 and haven't looked back.

Edward and Darlene have resided in Osceola, Iowa since 1959 when they purchased a lumberyard that is now in its third generation. In addition to building their successful business, Mr. and Mrs. Lundquist have also raised three children--Nancy, Jim and Alan--who have blessed them with eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with another on the way. The Lundquists continue to be a visible and important part of their community, and it is an honor to represent them in the United States Congress.

Edward and Darlene's lifelong commitment to each other and their family truly embodies Iowa's values. I salute this lovely couple on their 70th year of life together and I wish them many more. I know my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating them on this momentous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ms. Tiffany Johnston of Graettinger, Iowa for being named a national recipient of the 2011 Teacher Mentor Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators. Ms. Johnston is one of only six individuals nationwide who received this great honor.

Over the past six years, Ms. Johnston has been educating high school students at Graettinger-Terril High School as well as Iowa's new agriculture teachers through the Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators New Teacher Program. Ms. Johnston's passion has reinvigorated our state's agricultural education through updated methodology and countless hours of dedication.

During the 2010 Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators Summer Conference, Ms. Johnston teamed up with fellow Iowa agricultural educator, Tara Fastert, to help other new teachers in the profession. Together they would help develop a new teacher program to provide teachers with more resources and ideas for their lesson plans, as well as introduce them to cutting-edge online resources to assist in further professional networking. Ms. Johnston's work to establish partnerships within an agricultural education program, starting at the local level, has culminated to her nationwide recognition through the Teacher Mentor Award.

Mr. Speaker, the commitment Ms. Johnston has shown to Iowa's agriculture, educators, and students is unparalleled. Her efforts embody Iowa's proud traditions of quality education and hard work, and it is an honor to represent Tiffany in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating her on this remarkable achievement and will wish her continued success in educational excellence.