Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and retirement of the Interim Vice President for Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University, Dr. Jerry Miller.

Dr. Miller is a professor of agronomy and is well known in the soil and conservation community for his numerous contributions to enhancing water quality and soil conservation. Dr. Miller has given 35 years of his life to Iowa agriculture and in the process has given Iowa greater clarity in a subject we hold very dear.

In addition to his illustrious career at ISU, Dr. Miller also served Iowa in an entirely different way through his efforts in the Iowa Army National Guard. Dr. Miller retired from service several years ago as the Commanding General of the 34th Infantry Division.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to represent Dr. Jerry Miller in the United States Congress. Dr. Miller is a true testament to Iowa's reputation of service and commitment. I know my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating Dr. Miller and I wish him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize LeRoy and Louise Christiansen of

Pocahontas and commend them on their upcoming 65th wedding anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Christiansen were married on June 16th, 1946 in Pomeroy, IA and have since helped bring three children, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren into this world.

Prior to their wedding, LeRoy was a proud Iowa farmer before he was asked to put his career on hold and defend his country in the Second World War. LeRoy served his country honorably as an Army Air Corp nose gunner in Italy before being discharged with honors and returning to Iowa.

LeRoy and Louise were born, educated and have now retired in Iowa out of love for a state that has given them so many joys and blessings.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to represent LeRoy and Louise in the United States Congress. Mr. and Mrs. Christiansen are a true testament to Iowa's reputation of service and commitment. I know my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating them and I wish them continued happiness in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special teacher from Waukee, IA. His name is Brandon Schrauth and he was recently selected to receive the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

This program recognizes our nation's most outstanding teachers for their contribution to the teaching and learning of math and science. For his exemplary achievement, Brandon has received both a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation as well as a signed certificate from President Obama.

President Obama named only 85 teachers across the country to be worthy of this prestigious award saying that its recipients ``demonstrate uncommon skill and devotion in the classroom, nurturing the young minds of tomorrow's science and math leaders.''

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to represent Brandon and his students in the United States Congress. Brandon is a true testament to Iowa's reputation of a strong work ethic and world class education. I know my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating Brandon and I wish him the best of luck in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of Hy-Capacity, a remanufacturer of agricultural equipment in Humboldt, Iowa. This company was recently selected by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) to receive the 2010 Best of Business Award.

The SBCA is a private sector organization that seeks to provide guidance and assistance to small businesses as they try to navigate their way through day-to-day business issues. The SBCA gives out the Best of Business Award annually to those local businesses who have demonstrated quality service to their customers and their communities, and in doing so, create or enhance a positive image of small businesses everywhere. Winners of this award are selected by a committee using a combination of statistical research, surveys, consumer rankings, and consumer reports. The award is given to the top five percent of small businesses across the country every year.

Hy-Capacity was established in 1978 and remanufactures a variety of parts for agricultural equipment, including water pumps, radiators, air conditioners, engine overhaul kits, and much more. Although headquartered in Humboldt, Hy-Capacity has 24 regional warehouses and 40 distributors throughout North America. In the words of the company's president Steve Olson, ``This award solidifies that our employees are best-in-class professionals, taking pride in taking care of our customers.''

I commend Hy-Capacity for their dedication to quality service and their accomplishments as a small business. Small businesses are crucial to the success of the American economy and are a lifeline for many Americans living in rural areas.

I know my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating Hy-Capacity for being selected to receive this award. I wish the company and its employees luck and success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate A-One Geothermal of Earlham, Iowa in recognition of their decade-long history as the leading geothermal installation company in the State.

A-One Geothermal has crafted a great reputation throughout Iowa and the Midwest over the past 10 years though groundbreaking techniques in the development of horizontal boring and a commitment to their community. A-One oversaw the successful installation of geothermal heating and cooling systems for many Iowa schools and has become the ``go-to'' company for geothermal problem projects. A-One has a global reach and Midwest roots with projects throughout Iowa and the Midwest in addition to the West Coast, Australia and China.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent such a successful company filled with such outstanding and hardworking Iowans. I know my colleagues in the U.S. Congress will join me in congratulating A-One and I wish them many more decades of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 of Osage, Iowa. The Unit has created a program entitled ``Merit Awards'' in which the unit awards the amount of $300 to each successful applicant graduating with the senior class of Osage Community School District. Unit 278 is devoted to assisting students in their pursuit of higher education and I am honored to submit for the record the following commentary on the program in Osage.

``American Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 and the Merit Award Program:

The Osage American Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 is very much attuned to the importance of education and financial needs of students in attending post high school institutions of learning. Our unit had developed a process called ``Merit Awards'' whereby we raise monies to be used for the student applicants in furthering their education.

Each year we hold an event (Merit Award luncheon and bake sale) for the community. Proceeds from the event are used entirely for Merit Awards. All food for the event is donated by members and prepared at the site. In addition, members are asked to either donate items for the bake sale or contribute $5.00 in lieu of a baked donation. Our unit boasts 378 members, 35 of whom are Junior members. One of the highlights of this event is a drawing for an American flag and flag pole which is installed by the Legion free of charge to the winner.

Each year applications are made available to the Osage School district for graduating seniors. Our unit has a committee to review applications and determine the successful applicants. This year we had 10 applicants with a Merit Award in the amount for $300. Two of those awards will be made by contributions from two families, one honoring one of our auxiliary members and the other in memory of one of our deceased members.

Presentation of these Merit Awards is made by a member of our unit at the Osage High School Award Assembly in May. Unit 278 takes great pride in our efforts to communicate to students the importance of education and throughout the year we participate in activities involved in education.''

Mr. Speaker, as you can see the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 278 is a great example of the commitment of patriotic Americans to their community. I am honored to represent them and all of Osage in the U.S. Congress. I know all my colleagues will join me in congratulating them for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 17 Peace Corps Volunteers from Iowa's 4th Congressional District. These Iowans represent more than 50 years of service through their efforts overseas to promote peace while serving their country.

These men and women are promoting peaceful international relations through the Peace Corps, which was established on March 1, 1961, and has since facilitated more than 200,000 volunteers promoting peace in nearly 140 host countries.

I would like to take this moment to formally recognize Jill E. Anderson, Katie J. Angell, Brian G. Baskerville, Brittany N. Bermudez, Anna C. Cowan, Jugeswar A. Dowerah, Anse A. Dykstra, Sean C. Fredericks, Mary Kate L. Hart, Kenneth W. Hood, Jessi M. LeClear Vachta, Tyler J. LeClear Vachta, Kyndra A. Lundquist, Alan T. McDonald, Owen G. McMullen, Sarah L. Smiley, and Marcus T. Walton for their incredible service.

I applaud each and every one of these men and women--the next generation of leaders in Iowa and this nation--for their hard work and accomplishments, and I am proud to represent them and their families in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues will join me in congratulating them and wishing them well as they continue to serve those in need at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of Girl Scouts from Ames and Gilbert, Iowa, who came together and formed a team called the Flying Monkeys. In May, they will be participating in a FIRST Lego League competition in Carlsbad, California.

The FIRST Lego League North American Open is a national contest that encourages young girls to become interested in science and engineering. The competition is limited to 76 teams from North America with each region selecting a team to represent them.

In January, the Flying Monkeys, under the direction of their Troop Leaders Claire Bassett and Melissa Murray, and assisted by Zack Pachol won the Iowa FIRST Lego League Innovation Award for the invention of their device called the BOB-1. This device is an improved prosthesis for a girl who was born with missing fingers on her right hand and will help her to write. They have gone on to compete for the Global Innovation Award to win a full utility patent for BOB-1 and win a trip to Washington D.C.

I commend the Flying Monkeys for their commitment to leadership in science and technology. This group of girls--Courtney Pohlen, Gaby Dempsey, Maria Werner Anderson, Zoe Groat, Mackenzie Grewell, and Kate Murray--are future leaders of this country of whom Iowans should be very proud.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress will join me in congratulating these girls on their accomplishments. It is my honor to serve as their representative, and I wish them the best of luck in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dalton B. Doom of Urbandale, IA for achieving the rank of an Eagle Scout. Dalton is currently a freshman in high school and serves as the Senior Patrol Leader of his troop.

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 whose high standards have been 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. Dalton's project consisted of raising funds to purchase and install Automated External Defibrillator devices at a local church.

After obtaining the highest scouting rank possible, Dalton plans to remain active in scouting to earn additional Eagle Palms and merit badges. Dalton has been involved in scouting since he became a Tiger Cub more than 10 years ago. His future plans are to attend the United States Air Force Academy and become an F-22 pilot.

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

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 323, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. Gibson

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jonathan Lane Arthur for achieving the rank of an Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5% 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.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Maplewood neighbors of Humboldt for being the recipients of the Good Neighbor Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Good Neighbor Award is presented to an individual or group who exemplify true neighborhood spirit by lending a helping hand in a time of need. This was exemplified when Maplewood neighbors assisted a recently widowed and grieving neighbor by selflessly mowing her lawn, moving snow from her driveway, and simply taking her on walks to remind her of the support she will always have in her neighborhood despite her current difficulties.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the members of the Maplewood neighbors in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues will join me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish them continued success well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gold-Eagle Cooperative of Humboldt for being the recipient of the Horizon Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Horizon Award is presented to a business or entity which has brightened Humboldt's horizon through building improvement. Gold-Eagle has made important commitments to the communities of Thor and Renwick over the past year and both communities have enjoyed sizeable expansion.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the members of the Gold-Eagle Cooperative in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish them continued success well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elwin Hodges for being the recipient of the Spirit Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Spirit Award is presented to a leader in the community and recognizes longtime achievement of community support or a superior effort on behalf of the Humboldt community. Elwin has consistently been finding new ways to help those around him for more than 50 years. A 55-year member of the Lions Club, Elwin recently was awarded the Lions International President's Medal, which is the second highest award a Lion can receive. He earned this award through commitment to the local vision program for school children, years of service to the Department of Social Services, donations of hundreds of pounds of vegetables to the Upper Des Moines and the Food Pantry from his own garden, and most interestingly, by inventing the hand-crafted ``Fort-U-Nut'' to provide thousands of messages of cheer and inspiration to those that need them most.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Elwin in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending them for their sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish them continued success well into the future

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lois Ann Johnson of Humboldt, Iowa for being the recipient of the Inspiration Award at the 2011 Humboldt County Spirit Awards.

The Humboldt County Spirit Awards were established to recognize and honor outstanding groups and individuals who have worked for the benefit of all citizens of Humboldt County, to celebrate the accomplishments and activities of our communities, to acknowledge the value of volunteerism in the county, and to have a positive impact on community spirit.

Annually included in the Spirit Awards, the Inspiration Award is presented to an individual with a ``can-do'' attitude who is involved in all facets of the community both as a leader and team player. Lois was recognized for her extensive volunteer work at her local hospital auxiliary, church, and care centers, just to name a few. Lois was also recognized as a mentor at the elementary school and as president of the advisory group associated with the community's CARE team.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Lois Ann Johnson in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues join me in commending her for her sincere dedication to establishing a better community and wish her continued success well into the future.