Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Hannah Jorgensen, a 13-year-old, 4 H'er of Adair, Iowa, who has been named the state's top middle school youth volunteer for 2012 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is our country's largest youth recognition program based entirely on volunteer community service. Since 1995, 345,000 American youths have participated in this program, with only 102 state honorees chosen each year. Hannah's path to this prestigious award began with her efforts through Reach Out Iowa, a federally funded grant that supports young people who benefit their local communities through service. To accomplish this goal, Hannah worked with her peers to create and provide pillowcases and care packages for the emergency homeless shelter, MICAH House in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Hannah felt the MICAH House mission of ``providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment for families and single women who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness'' was the perfect partner to assist in her efforts. Shortly after working with the children of MICAH House, Hannah quickly made plans to do much more than she originally had planned.

Through her efforts with MICAH House, Hannah discovered that the facility was sorely in need of books for children, most notably educational books related to agriculture. Hannah made it her personal mission to raise enough money to donate a total of 500 books to be split between MICAH House and the inner-city schools she would visit while in Washington, D.C. Hannah persuaded the members of the Corn & Soybean Association of Adair County to reach into their own pockets, as well as recruit the help of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Soybean Association to raise a total of nearly $1,000. With this support, Hannah doubled her initial goal and sent each location a total of 500 new children's books to be read and enjoyed for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize and applaud Miss Jorgensen for her sincere dedication to positively impact the lives of others in her community and beyond. Hannah's commitment to a cause greater than herself is a testament to the high-quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans both young and old. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the United States Congress in congratulating Hannah, thanking her supportive family, and thanking all of those involved in this wonderful project for their life-changing efforts both at home in Iowa, and in our nation's capital.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the renowned, family-owned Iowa building company, Neumann Brothers, for turning 100 years old this month.

Since its founding in 1912 by then 28-year-old Arthur Neumann, Neumann Brothers, Inc. has played an integral role shaping the landscape of the state we love. It's no exaggeration to say that you can look down any street in downtown Des Moines and recognize a building that has been touched by the expertise of Neumann Brothers. A full century in business is quite a feat, but it is no surprise Neumann Brothers' reputation for putting their customers first through keeping deadlines and being accountable have earned them a stellar rapport with Iowa communities.

Thankfully, Neumann Brothers is no longer limited to erecting buildings with mules and steam power. Instead, the company has continually remained on the cutting edge of building technologies and techniques. Neumann Brothers continues that tradition today through their innovation in constructing the most important buildings in our state, and recognition through dozens of awards and the continued patronage of its customers. From the reconstruction of William Penn University in 1916, to recently converting Des Moines' century-old public library into the headquarters of the World Food Prize, the contribution of the Neumann Brothers to Iowa's rich history is incalculable.

Mr. Speaker, it goes without saying that Neumann Brothers has become synonymous with Iowa's most treasured buildings. I know that my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in congratulating this company on the milestone of their 100th birthday. I wish Neumann Brothers another hundred years of success and thank them for their contribution to Iowa's history and landscape. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize West Des Moines Crossroads Park Elementary student Drew Minard, for his brave efforts to combat bullying in his school, state, and country.

Bullying is a problem for millions of school children every day in every corner of America. As adults we are well aware of the damage and pain that bullying causes, but it is the children of our country that live through this grim reality every day. Eleven-year-old Drew Minard understands the state of bullying firsthand and is using his talents, perspective and his big heart to motivate students across Iowa to change this reality, rather than accept it.

The 2012 documentary ``Bully'' is being viewed by millions as a heartbreaking look into our nation's bullying problem, but to Drew the film was his call to action. Drew knows that the solution to bullying does not lie with a select few, but instead lies with each and every one of us. When it comes to bullying, as Drew says, ``There is no such thing as an innocent bystander.''

To get his fellow students actively involved in combating bullying, Drew launched a student-led bully prevention initiative called ABC, or Anti-Bullying Club, for sixth-graders at Crossroads Park. ABC currently boasts roughly 30 members that gather to write and perform anti- bullying lessons that are presented at school assemblies. ABC also creates and places posters around the school to encourage students to speak out against bullying and report acts of bullying to an authority figure immediately when witnessed. The members of ABC are also readying a ``Declaration of Non-Bullying'' that they hope every student will sign to affirm their commitment to putting a stop to bullying in their school. Drew readily acknowledges that bullying is not just specific to Crossroads Park, and he plans to expand ABC to other elementary schools in his area and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, the actions Drew has shown to a cause greater than himself speaks volumes

of his selfless commitment to assisting others. Drew is a testament to the high quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans both young and old. I know I speak for all of my colleagues in the United States Congress in congratulating Drew, thanking his supportive family, and thanking all the members of ABC, and the staff of Crossroads Park Elementary, for their life-changing efforts now and in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dr. John Byrd as the President of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

This month, President Byrd announced that he will be retiring at the conclusion of the upcoming 2012 2013 academic year as Simpson's 22nd president. Dr. Byrd has been involved with higher education in numerous ways for more than 30 years and has been Simpson's president since 2005. Over his long career, Dr. Byrd has acquired valuable experience in academic services, planning and strategic services, institutional research, student affairs, financial aid and enrollment management. Dr. Byrd originally received his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, before earning is Ph.D. in health education from Southern Illinois University.

It goes without saying that President Byrd will certainly be missed on the Simpson campus. It was through Dr. Byrd's leadership that Simpson initiated a new strategic planning process to accompany new faculty initiatives. President Byrd's legacy will be felt for years to come through his work to increase diversity on campus as well as overseeing the college's plans for building renovation and construction. Dr. Byrd will leave Simpson next year with a completed Kent Campus Center, expanded Blank Performing Arts Center, updated Pfeiffer Dining Hall, as well as a new activities quad well under way.

Outside of Simpson, Dr. Byrd is known for his extensive involvement in the community, most notably the Indianola Rotary Club. Dr. Byrd also serves his community in his capacity as a member of the Village Advisory Council, Greater Des Moines Committee, as Secretary of the Board for the Iowa College Foundation Board of Governors, and as Chair of the Executive Committee for Iowa Campus Compact.

I want to thank President Byrd for his many years of service to the students and employees of Simpson College. It is an honor to represent all the great people of Indianola in the United States Congress, and I know that my colleagues in the House will join me in wishing Dr. Byrd, and his wife Nancy, happiness and good health as they enter this new chapter of their lives together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Katie Strickland of Ames 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 an extremely prestigious honor as less than six percent of all Girl Scouts will attain the Gold Award's rigorous requirements.

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 worked with children in her community to teach them the value of donating their time and the positive effects that selfless volunteering has on others. The work ethic Katie has shown to earn her Gold Award speaks volumes of 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 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 in obtaining the Gold Award, and will wish her continued success in her future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Nick Keller of Ames 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. Nick's project was to build a covered shelter along Ada Hayden Lake's highly traveled pedestrian trail on the outskirts of Ames. The work ethic Nick has shown in this 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 Nick and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Robert Graveline of Ames 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. Robert's project transformed an unused grassy area into a prayer garden for the St. Cecilia Church in Ames. The garden required a great deal of landscaping mastery and includes a walking path among the various plantings. The work ethic Robert has shown in this 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 Robert and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tyler Conlon of Sheffield for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Tyler is the first Eagle Scout honored by Troop 24 of Sheffield, Iowa since 1948.

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. The work ethic Tyler 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 Tyler and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brady Brinkmeyer of Ames 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. Brady's project involved an extensive landscaping renovation of the chapel entrance at Riverside Bible Camp near Story City where he has spent several past summers himself. 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 in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dean VanEvery of Ames 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 last 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. Dean's project was to renovate a nature trail at Brookside Park in Ames, which required serious rehabilitation after flooding had left the trail covered with large amounts of debris. The work ethic Dean has shown in this 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 Dean and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joel Uhlmeyer of Ames 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, Joel chose to make various improvements at the Ames Izaak Walton League. He felt this unique project was an important way to give back to the Ikes for supporting Scouting and outdoor activities. The work ethic Joel has shown in this 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 Joel and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Tanner Knowlton of New Hampton 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. 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 in obtaining the Eagle Scout ranking, and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of R. Lucia Riddle as the Vice President of Federal Government Relations for the Principal Financial Group.

Ms. Riddle joined Principal in 1974 as a management trainee in the health division and quickly began rising through the company. By 1997, Lucia had obtained her M.B.A. from Drake University and had officially assumed her role as Principal's Vice President of Federal Government Relations in Washington D.C.

Principal Financial Group is a well-respected, worldwide company that has called Des Moines its home since 1889. More than 8,000 Iowans are employed by Principal Financial Group and thousands more do business with this great company renowned for its honest and professional reputation. As Vice President of Federal Government Relations, Lucia expertly assumed the responsibility of directing legislative and advocacy efforts with a focus on the company's life and health, privacy, tax and financial services issues. Every day, Ms. Riddle played the important role of representing thousands of Iowans, and the company itself, as a valuable and effective spokesperson to members of Congress.

In addition to her role at Principal, Lucia is a member of several insurance and financial service industry related technical and policy committees for numerous organizations, as well as serving on multiple boards across the country, from the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art to the Des Moines Art Center. Recently in 2011, Ms. Riddle received the President's Award from the Washington Government Relations Group and this year has been named as one of Savoy Professional Magazine's ``Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America'' for the second time since 2008.

Over her 38 year career with Principal, Ms. Riddle has embodied the ideals of leadership and dedication by assuming several roles above and beyond the call of duty. Lucia is a testament to the high quality character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans. I invite the members of the House to join me in wishing Lucia a long, happy and healthy retirement. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and acknowledge the volunteers of Clarion, Iowa, for their hard work and becoming 2012 National Honorees of Make a Difference Day. This year, more than a thousand citizens of Clarion participated in Make a Difference Day activities, earning them the prestigious honor as one of the nation's 2012 Make a Difference Day winners.

Make a Difference Day is a celebration of the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA Weekend, this annual day of service mobilizes more than 3 million volunteers nationwide to create positive change in their communities.

This group of outstanding volunteers from this three-stoplight town of 2,800 has made a substantial impact in their community by completing hundreds of small acts of kindness that culminated in their well- deserved national recognition. From crocheting robes for seniors to cleaning ditches, from raking leaves to running errands for neighbors in need, this small town came together a thousand strong to make an unforgettable impact on Make a Difference Day.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent Clarion and its citizens in the United States Congress and I trust my colleagues in the House will rise to join me in congratulating them on a job well done. Clarion has shown the nation once again that small towns can surely do big things.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Patrick Palmersheim for being awarded the Medal of Honor from the Iowa State Daughters of the American Revolution.

Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 and incorporated by Congress in 1896 as a national volunteer organization committed to encouraging patriotism and promoting American ideals though better education for our nation's children. Nationwide, DAR boasts more than 170,000 members from 3,000 chapters across all 50 states in addition to various international chapters as well.

The most prestigious honor awarded by Daughters of the American Revolution is the DAR Medal of Honor. To receive this prestigious award, one must be a native born American who has shown an extraordinary commitment to the qualities of service, leadership, trustworthiness and, of course, patriotism. DAR Medal of Honor recipients are recognized for making lasting contributions to our American heritage through selfless service to their country, state, community and fellow man.

Accordingly, Mr. Palmersheim has been serving Iowans his entire career. Patrick served nine years in our nation's Air Force before civically serving in his rural Iowa community through his roles on the city council, as a volunteer firefighter, and as mayor. In 2002, he was appointed Executive Director of the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs by then Governor Tom Vilsack. Patrick's leadership in his new role directly led to Iowa becoming the first state in the U.S. to pass legislation that allowed nursing homes the opportunity to report their residents for potential eligibility for federal benefits from the Veterans Administration. Mr. Palmersheim was also instrumental in establishing the long-desired Iowa Veterans Cemetery, which has provided a final resting place for 80,000 veterans since its groundbreaking in November of 2006.

Mr. Speaker, what Mr. Palmersheim has done for the state of Iowa and our veterans cannot be understated. He is truly the benchmark for which this prestigious award is bestowed. It is an honor to represent Patrick and all of Iowa's veterans in the United States Congress and I trust my colleagues in the House will rise to join me in congratulating Patrick for all he has done.