Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of WHO-TV news anchor John Bachman, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment in his years of service to the people of Iowa.

John traveled a long and winding road before becoming a nightly guest in thousands of homes across Iowa. He was born in Texas, raised in New York, attended college in Minnesota, and worked in Chicago and Cedar rapids before appearing on Des Moines WHO-TV's airwaves in 1987. John aspired to be an anchor in a place where he could raise his family and be a part of welcoming community, and it seems John and I agree that there is no better place than the state of Iowa.

For the last 25 years, Iowans have heard some of the biggest news stories through Mr. Bachman. From the Persian Gulf War, to the attacks of September 11, 2001, to the recent 2012 Iowa Caucuses, John has narrated and helped us come to grips with events in our rapidly changing world.

Throughout his memorable career, John has never wavered in his commitment to the truth and journalistic integrity, and in doing so, has rightfully earned his viewers' trust. While John's evening broadcasts are sure to be missed across the state, his commitment to Iowa and its people continues as strong as ever. I wish John and his wife Barb a long, happy and healthy retirement. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Wyatt Carpenter 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 whose standards have been well-maintained over the years.

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. Wyatt's project was to assist in the creation of a resting place in the newest Madrid City Park. This project will be enjoyed by his community for years to come, and his achievement will not go unrecognized.

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 Wyatt and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in congratulating him on achieving an Eagle Scout ranking and will wish him continued success in his future education and career. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this disaster relief measure and urge all of my colleagues to support it.

The $8.1 of funding contained in this measure for FEMA and the Corps of Engineers is vitally important to a lot of communities around the country, including those communities in Missouri River Basin in Iowa and other States.

FEMA monies go a long way in restoring communities hit by natural disasters, both in terms of individual aid and assistance to communities for infrastructure repair and rebuild.

The funds for the Corps of Engineers in the bill are also important, particularly for restoration of flood control infrastructure, and damage to other infrastructure.

This past spring and summer in southwest Iowa, the residents experienced enormous damage to their communities, their homes, their farms and their small businesses. The damage that resulted has climbed well into the multi-millions--and is still rising in some cases. That is why this money is especially meaningful. It shows that we in the Congress are aware of the needs at the local level, and will provide the assistance required.

I intend to continue to work with my fellow committee members, and the Water Resources Subcommittee in the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee to restore flood control infrastructure in S.W. Iowa, and to carry out the necessary repairs and rebuild activities.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following letter from one of my constituents with respect to the debate on H.R. 1254 that occurred on December 7, 2011.

Dear Congressman Latham: Regarding the Synthetic Drug

Control Act, as you know I am a mother who lost her son to

these drugs and I can't stop myself from reacting to the

opposition on the floor yesterday.

Hundreds of chemical compounds are used to make synthetic

drugs manufactured under the guise of bath salts, plant food,

k2 and various names of synthetic marijuana--with the sole

purpose being to ingest. These drugs are smoked, snorted,

injected, or put into drinks. The label may say they are not

for human consumption, but they are implicitly being sold as

such.

Yet those opposing H.R. 1254 argue that not enough research

has been done to prove whether or not these already banned

and potentially future banned chemicals would bear any

medical benefit.

To the contrary, not only have the synthetic drugs included

in this legislation failed to show medicinal promise, but the

Controlled Substances Act would still allow research on these

synthetic drugs to continue if H.R. 1254 were enacted.

Under current law, researchers, universities and labs may

register with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to obtain

Schedule I controlled substances for scientific study. DEA

allows thousands of labs to handle Schedule I drugs for

scientific and investigative purposes. Chemicals with ``a

high potential for abuse'' and ``a lack of accepted safety''

under the Controlled Substances Act should be placed under

Schedule I--available for scientific study but not sold on

convenience store shelves.

The reality is that without H.R. 1254, our society will

continue to allow informal, unsupervised and unethical

medical experimentation--with our kids as the subjects. It

begins with unscrupulous manufacturers obtaining unknown

chemical compounds from other countries. It is either

manufactured overseas here or in our own backyard. These

drugs are openly sold to those ``18 years or older'' and can

be purchased at gas stations, convenience stores and head

shops around this country. Its availability is rampant on the

internet as well. It is difficult if not impossible to find

out who the people really are that sell the chemicals or

premade products. When it's all said and done, it is American

teens who are being endangered and experimented with.

Let's be bold and put a stop to the newest drug trends that

are sweeping across our nation like a tidal wave--Jan Rozga,

Indianola, IA

I thank the chairman and the ranking member for this opportunity today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug Control Act. This bill addresses an alarming danger to our kids that many American families may not be aware of.

Many American teenagers are experimenting with synthetic drugs that supposedly mimic the effects of marijuana or other types of drugs. These products, known as K2, Pure Evil, Cloud Nine, and other names, can often be bought legally at convenience stores or at so-called ``head shops'' where they're passed off as incense or bath salts. In reality, the users of these substances can experience unexpected anxiety attacks, extreme paranoia, hallucinations, and thoughts of suicide; and the users are at serious risk of harming themselves.

Our experience with this issue in the State of Iowa illustrates why a Federal ban on these dangerous substances is so important. A year and a half ago yesterday, 18-year-old David Rozga, from Indianola, Iowa, shot himself after taking K2. In response to the tragedy, David's parents, Mike and Jan, have led a campaign to outlaw synthetic drugs like K2. They testified before Congress about the dangers of the drug and enlisted the help of their elected Representatives in cracking down on the sale and abuse of these substances.

My colleagues, we must act on this issue to protect our kids. And the time is now. The threat posed by synthetic drugs is dangerous, and it's growing. In the past 2 weeks alone, there have been several cases where teens have been injured or hospitalized after taking synthetic drugs. In Polk County, three teens were involved in a high-speed crash after smoking one of these substances. In central Iowa, a teenage boy was hospitalized after taking synthetic drugs. He became violently ill-- having seizures, vomiting, and hallucinations.

I really want to thank the Rozga family for their selfless willingness to relive the tragedy they've experienced, and I want to thank them for their efforts to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak. This legislation and other efforts to address this threat to our children would simply not have occurred without the Rozgas' courage, strength, and leadership.

I am heartened today that Congress has listened to their message and is taking action. It is time to recognize how dangerous these substances are and to ban their sale in the United States by clarifying their status as Schedule I controlled substances. As a cosponsor of H.R. 1254, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this most important piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional work that the Family Alliance for Veterans of America has been doing on behalf of our veterans, and to congratulate them on the recent launch of their cutting-edge website.

FAVA's Chairman, Rhonda Jordal, has been a tireless advocate for veterans and military families for numerous years. Because of her commitment, FAVA has been at the forefront of providing information, advocacy and support to our veterans and their families in their most crucial time of need. FAVA's nationwide assistance is aimed at helping with any difficult situation veterans or their families find themselves in. This program has found a niche that allows them to assist veterans through their own practices, as well as assisting government agencies in being more attentive and responsive to the needs of America's heroes.

FAVA's goal is to become a comprehensive repository of information that can assist veterans all over the globe, and the launch of their new website is a crucial step in that direction. At fava.westcare.com, families of veterans, and veterans themselves, can read and share their own stories regarding unexpected difficulties and experiences that they have faced. The message that FAVA wishes to convey to every veteran and their family is simple--you are not alone.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege and an honor to represent Iowa veterans in the U.S. House of Representatives. No one has done more to secure the freedom enjoyed by every single American than our veterans and those currently serving in the armed services. It goes without saying that we must collectively do everything we can to deliver on the benefits and support our veterans deserve, and I am proud to honor the Family Alliance for Veterans of America for supporting our veterans in such a tangible and meaningful way. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the excellence in education in Iowa, and to specifically congratulate Northeast Iowa Community College Dairy Science Professor David Lawstuen for being named the 2011 Iowa Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

The United States Professors of the Year program seeks out the most exceptional instructors in the country who make an impactful difference in their student's lives. Winners of this award must display an effective teaching method, as well as a demonstrably positive influence on his or her students. This program is the only nationwide program that recognizes the excellence of our nation's undergraduate professors and mentors. Entries for this esteemed program are reviewed by top U.S. educators and administrators to ensure that America's best professors are bestowed the honor.

Mr. Speaker, I consider it a great honor to represent a state with such a proud academic reputation. Professor Lawstuen, his wife Debbie, fellow colleagues, students, and parents of the NIACC community should be very proud of the academic climate they have produced. Professor Lawstuen's student's futures are a little brighter with his capable instruction and I wish him and his colleagues the best as they continue to provide a positive impact on the future leaders of our state and country. Thank you.

I thank the chairman for yielding time. And I, first of all, want to thank him for the great work, but also Ranking Member Dicks on the full committee; and then a special thank-you to the ranking member on the subcommittee, Mr. Olver, for all of his hard work. We've worked together as a team on this bill. And I thank the staff on the minority and certainly the majority staff for all their hard work that they put into this.

This is a great day for two different reasons: one, we're going to get this bill done today; and, number two, it's on the Speaker's birthday, so this will be his present anyway. But I do rise in support of the conference report that's before us today, and I urge my colleagues to support it also. I know it doesn't make everyone happy, but it represents a compromise, and that's what a conference report really is all about.

Overall, the THUD division of the agreement contains $55.6 billion in discretionary, a number that is $19.4 billion below the President's request--and

again, $19.4 billion below the President's request.

The agreement provides $39.9 billion for the annual spending for highways, the number that is contained in the latest extension of the Surface Transportation Act. This level will provide adequate resources for our State highway departments to address their needs.

The THUD division contains various commonsense agreements that are universally important to the Nation. For example, there are increased funds for FAA certification personnel, the individuals who inspect and certify new aircraft to ensure safety and airworthiness.

The HUD portion of the THUD agreement contains $37.3 billion--about $4.7 billion below the President's request. There is sufficient funding to renew vouchers for those individuals and families who were in the program last year. The agreement has sufficient funding to keep veterans' housing on a sound footing, and it also has directive language that requires HUD to review veterans' housing utilization rates in Iowa and other rural States and the housing challenges facing veterans in those areas.

Also, under the HUD title, there are funds set aside for homeownership programs that help add housing capacity in rural States. The subject of rural housing capacity has long been a concern in States like Iowa and a concern to an awful lot of Members here in this Congress.

Finally, under HUD Community Development, there is $400 million that can be used for eligible disaster recovery activities in those areas most impacted by the various disasters of this year. These are funds that can be used for repair and rebuilding activities.

To me, at this point, one of the most important elements of this agreement is the funding for highway and community development disaster repairs. These monies are vitally important for my State and others along the Missouri River, States that suffered enormous damage when the Missouri River flood came this past year.

The conference agreement contains almost $1.7 billion in emergency disaster money to repair roads and bridges. These funds will supplement existing Federal, State, and local monies and will be used for repairs and reconstruction.

There are areas where State roads are still under water; thus the emergency repair funding for highways in this agreement is vital to ensuring that Iowa roads and the roads in other States are restored to good working condition.

Important to the emergency highway repair category and contained in the agreement is an important waiver that waives the time line of 180 days from the disaster declaration date so that States can receive 100 percent reimbursement.

All in all, this agreement represents the best we could do under the present circumstances. In the end, we've had to come to make some compromises, but we also have a number of important victories in this agreement.

I would urge all Members to support this conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael J. Burke, a former law enforcement officer, instructor and director of training in the State of Iowa, and express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment to the great people of Iowa.

For the past 22 years, Mike has contributed his time to the safety of the citizens and first responders in the state of Iowa since beginning his career as a detective with the Webster County Sheriff's Department in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Mike's law enforcement career had many highlights, most notably being recognized for outstanding service and meritorious acts by the United States Attorney's Office for his efforts behind the investigation and prosecution of a methamphetamine trafficking organization.

Upon leaving law enforcement, Mike initiated and coordinated the criminal justice program at Iowa Central Community College. During his time with ICCC, Mike grew the program to new levels by initiating ``hands-on training'' for future criminal justice professionals. As coordinator and instructor of the program, Mike was recognized on two separate occasions for being a ``Master Presenter'' by the National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development.

In 2003, I had the privilege of being involved in the creation of Homeland Security Training Center at Iowa Central Community College of which Mike was appointed Director. Until his retirement from the training center in August of 2011, over 35,000 responders in Iowa received critical homeland security training through this program including thousands of law enforcement officers training to keep Iowa's streets safer.

Mike has truly made a significant impact on the quality of life for citizens in the State of Iowa with the qualified training he ensured Iowa's responders would receive. His leadership and dedication will be missed, but the blueprint he leaves behind will be a model for the program's continued success far into the future.

I consider it an honor to represent Mike and all of ICCC in the United States Congress. I wish Mike, his wife Cindy and their two children, Megan and Robby, the best of luck as they enter this new chapter of their lives together. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mike for his stellar career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate native Iowan Commander Jim Otto of the United States Navy on his illustrious 22-year military career that will be coming to a close in April of next year.

Commander Otto began his military career in October 1989, when he received his commission after successfully completing Aviation Officer Candidate School that summer. Commander Otto's interest in the military came to fruition mere months after graduating from Drake University in Des Moines, IA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in May 1989. He went on to earn his Master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies at the Naval War College in 2000.

Commander Otto has earned numerous decorations for his service over the last two decades including multiple Defense Meritorious Service, Air Force Aerial Achievement, and Navy Commendation medals just to name a few. Since beginning his career in Iowa, his Naval journey has brought him to all corners of the globe, most recently culminating to U.S. Strategic Command in Nebraska where he continues serving as the Chief, Air and Missile Defense Advocacy Branch.

Mr. Speaker, our country owes Commander Otto, his wife Shelley, and their daughters Sophia and Alexandra a great debt of gratitude for their collective decades of service and sacrifice. Commander Otto's unwavering commitment to serving his fellow Americans embodies the Iowa spirit and I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives will join me in wishing him a well deserved and fulfilling retirement. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors as he begins this new chapter in his life.

Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1025. I join my colleague, the gentleman from Minnesota, in introducing this bill. My colleagues, you may not be aware that a member of the Guard and Reserve can complete an entire career without earning the title of veteran of the armed forces of the United States if they have never served on Federal active duty for other than training purposes.

As a result, National Guard members protecting our skies and airports, or protecting our Southern border--technically under State orders--may one day retire from the Guard but not qualify to be classified as a veteran of our Armed Forces.

Our military increasingly depends on the National Guard and Reserve to keep our country safe. Men and women who served our country faithfully for decades deserve full recognition as veterans, even if they were never deployed overseas.

Current law does not consider Guard and Reserve members to be veterans unless they were deployed for more than 30 days. The policy excludes many who deployed for long periods of time, carried out critical support roles during times of war and peace, engaged in frequent and often dangerous training exercises, and stood ready to risk their lives to protect our Nation during military careers that spanned decades.

This legislation recognizes the service and sacrifice of National Guard and Reserve retirees and grants them the full honor of being called veterans, which they've earned. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which is a matter of honor and fairness for our citizens soldiers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Zach Weigel of Elma, 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 whose standards have been well-maintained over the years.

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. Zach's Eagle Scout project involved refinishing a historic monument in the Elma community. In addition to this project Zach also took it upon himself to improve the community's bike trail by landscaping and erecting signage for the Old Roundhouse Trail.

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 Zach and his family in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues will join me in congratulating him on achieving an Eagle Scout ranking and will wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowa's excellence in education, and to specifically congratulate Waverly-Shell Rock Junior High School Principal Steve Kwikkel of Waverly, Iowa for being named Iowa Middle School Principal of the year by the School Administrators of Iowa.

Mr. Kwikkel's career began as a sixth grade classroom teacher in rural Iowa in 1986. In 1994 Steve earned his master's degree in secondary school administration from the University of Northern Iowa. Steve has made a name for himself serving as an administrator for four schools, most recently joining the team at Waverly-Shell Rock Junior High School in 2002.

Since Steve became principal of Waverly-Shell Rock, the school has enjoyed much acclaim from Steve's commitment to improvements in school transformation, systems thinking, school culture and student achievement. In addition to his achievements at Waverly-Shell Rock Junior High School, Mr. Kwikkel has also served as the Executive Director for the Iowa Association for Middle Level Education and currently leads the Cedar Valley Middle School principal's cadre.

Mr. Speaker, I consider it a great honor to represent a state with such a proud academic tradition. Principal Kwikkel, the teachers, students, and parents of Waverly-Shell Rock should be very proud of what they have accomplished. Their future is certainly bright and I wish Mr. Kwikkel and all of Waverly-Shell Rock Junior High School continued academic excellence as they continue to have a positive impact on the future leaders of our state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Iowa's excellence in education, and to specifically congratulate Norwalk High School Principal Dale Barnhill of Norwalk, Iowa, for being named Iowa High School Principal of the year by the School Administrators of Iowa.

Dale Barnhill's vision for becoming a teacher began to take form after graduating from Twin Cedars High School in Bussey, Iowa. Dale would then graduate from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in history and then from Northeast Missouri State University with a master's degree in guidance and counseling. After earning his administrative certification from Iowa State, Dale began his career in Iowa as a teacher and a coach at Ringsted Community School. Dale would go on to attain his first administrative position in Winthrop, Iowa, and later serve as the Assistant Principal at Pella High School in Pella, Iowa. Mr. Barnhill's entire career in education has been in Iowa and our state has benefited greatly from it.

Since Dale joined Norwalk Schools in 1998, the high school has enjoyed more than a decade of positive growth. Mr. Barnhill's work with improving the high school and its students has directly led to the increased quality of Norwalk's programs. Additionally, Dale took Norwalk High School into the 21st century by implementing electronic portfolios for students to facilitate exit interviews for graduating seniors and an improved method for calculating class rank. Mr. Barnhill has not been shy about pushing students to challenge themselves academically, and the result has been demonstrably effective for both students and the school itself.

Mr. Speaker, I consider it a great honor to represent Norwalk High School Principal Dale Barnhill, the teachers, students, school board members and administrators of the Norwalk Community School District in the United States Congress. I wish Mr. Barnhill and all of Norwalk High School continued academic excellence as they continue to have a positive impact on the future leaders of our state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas of the ``Van and Bonnie in the Morning'' radio show. Van and Bonnie are Iowa radio icons and broadcast their show daily on the legendary Newsradio 1040 WHO. Van and Bonnie are winners of multiple coveted Marconi Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters, including their most recent, which is why I stand before you today. I am honored to announce that Van and Bonnie have been declared the winners of the 2011 ``Personality of the Year Award'' among medium- sized market radio stations by the Marconi Radio Award Selection Academy.

What makes this award so exciting for Van and Bonnie, and for Iowa, is that it exemplifies the rewards of hard work from humble beginnings. Van Harden was raised in Adel, Iowa, where he developed his passion for the intimate Iowa communities that make our state so great. Van knew he wanted to turn his passion into a career by promoting and informing Iowans on the radio. His dream became a reality after graduating from Drake University in 1973, where he majored in broadcast journalism and got his first on-air job with KDLS-AM in Perry, Iowa. After jobs in Tulsa, Oklahoma at KWEN-FM and KRNT-AM in Des Moines, he became the host of the morning program at 1040 WHO-AM in Des Moines in 1986.

Similarly, Van's co-host, Bonnie Lucas of Monroe, Iowa, has been with the WHO morning program for 17 years. Bonnie's first job in radio began in 1979 at KRNT, where she was a former co-worker of Van's. In the seven and a half years Bonnie spent at KRNT, she worked in the traffic department, served as secretary to the General Manager, worked as the Assistant Sales Manager and finally went into sales for KRNT. After Bonnie started her own small fitness center business and worked for a communications company, she tried out for Van's co-host position in August 1994 and has been with the award-winning program ever since.

Van and Bonnie's commitment to Iowa is virtually unparalleled as they are up every morning by 3:30 a.m. to be on the air by 4:59 a.m. They have made a name for themselves as the most listened to morning show in the state and bolstered an already esteemed radio station with their enthusiasm, knowledge, creativity, and family-friendly humor. They do an exceptional job of utilizing WHO's 50,000 watts to connect with each Iowan who tunes in and leave their listeners with a smile as the day begins.

Van and Bonnie have provided years of sunshine to our state's early risers, and I am honored to recognize the most recent affirmation of their stellar broadcasts. I congratulate Van, Bonnie, their correspondent Mark Allen, and all of their coworkers as they continue to wake up Iowa with a smile.