Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with the comments of the managers and am pleased to know it is their intent that the use of not- for-profit servicers continues and that not-for-profit servicers will be permitted to compete in the future for additional accounts.

I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize Keegan Render of Troop 123 in Indianola, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a 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, Keegan worked with the Knights of Columbus of St. Thomas Aquinas Church to clean and repaint the church's parking boundaries and garage. The work ethic Keegan 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. It is an honor to represent Keegan and his family in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating him on reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish him continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Command Sergeant Major Rachel L. Fails for appointment as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Iowa National Guard. This is a truly momentous occasion for the State of Iowa as Rachel is the first female Senior Enlisted Leader in the Iowa National Guard's 175-year history.

CSM Fails currently resides in Grimes, but was raised in Nashua, Iowa where she graduated from Nashua High School in 1987. Rachel began her 27-year military career in 1986 when she enlisted with the Iowa Army National Guard's 1133rd Transportation Company based in Mason City. Upon graduation from basic training and AIT in 1987, Rachel attained two Military Occupational Specialties as a Heavy-Wheeled Vehicle Driver and a Unit Supply Specialist. CSM Fails is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy resident course and multiple Non-Commissioned Officer courses. In 1996, Rachel

also received an associate's degree in Business from North Iowa Area Community College.

Over the course of her career, Rachel has served her country in numerous full-time roles including unit armorer, unit supply sergeant, operations sergeant major, and various NCO roles. Throughout her service to our state and nation, Rachel has been placed across Iowa and across the globe in station assignments from Centerville to Johnston and as far away as Kosovo and Iraq. CSM Fails was deployed twice to the Middle East, during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in 1990, and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, as an outspoken supporter of Iowa's National Guard I have always been impressed with the remarkable men and women who serve in this organization. Rachel Fail's career is a great example for our men and women in uniform and what Iowans are capable of through hard work and unwavering commitment to a cause greater than themselves. I applaud Command Sergeant Major Fails on her most recent promotion and wish her the greatest success. It is a great honor to represent her in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Rachel, and all of Iowa's servicemembers, on the continued excellence in service they provide to the State of Iowa, and our nation as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Tom Hanafan of Council Bluffs, Iowa and to honor his storied career of leadership and public service.

A Council Bluffs native since birth, Tom was born in 1947 and was raised on the city's west side. Mr. Hanafan graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1965 and received a bachelor's degree in history and government from the University of South Dakota at Vermillion in 1969. Following graduation, Tom completed an 18-year career in sales before successfully running for city council in 1982. Six years later in 1988, Tom Hanafan was sworn in as Mayor Hanafan. Over the past 25 years, he has been reelected by the good people of Council Bluffs a total of six times making him the longest-serving mayor of any major city in the state of Iowa.

Throughout his time in office, Mayor Hanafan ushered in a new era for Council Bluffs and has transformed the city into the thriving community it is today. Mayor Hanafan's tenure will be remembered, in part, for its many successes in local economic development. This included the construction of the Mid-America Center, investments by major companies such as Google and Bass Pro Shops, and the establishment of numerous entertainment and shopping venues that have invigorated the Council Bluffs economy.

Mayor Hanafan has also helped lead his city through difficult times. During his first year on the job, the tornado of 1988 upended Council Bluffs, damaging property and injuring dozens of citizens. Tom worked, quite literally, around the clock, forgoing sleep to assist his neighbors and the city's recovery. Most recently in 2011, disaster struck again when record snow and rainfall caused the historic flooding of the Missouri River. During my visit to the area during this troubling time, I was able to witness Mayor Hanafan's resilience and leadership firsthand as he coordinated with state and federal offices to help his city recover.

Mr. Speaker, Mayor Hanafan's years of honorable service and the positive impact he has had on his community simply cannot be overstated and provides a great example for local elected officials throughout our nation. For the past 25 years, Mayor Hanafan has utilized the renowned Iowa work ethic every day to better serve his neighbors and it is a great honor to represent him, and all of the citizens of Council Bluffs, in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in thanking Mayor Hanafan, congratulating him on his truly stellar career, and wishing both him and his wife, Shirley, the best of luck as they begin this new chapter in their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Linda Bisignano of Des Moines, Iowa who passed away on November 11th at age 64 following a long struggle with breast cancer.

Linda and her family have been a foundation of the Des Moines' culinary scene for more than half a century. In 1956, the Bisignano family opened the now renowned Chuck's Restaurant in Highland Park. Specializing in traditional, homemade Italian recipes, Chuck's has been an area favorite for its great service, atmosphere, food and live music.

Linda will fondly be remembered for her invaluable contributions not only to her cherished family business, but also to the community as a whole. Each year, ``Dinner at Chuck's'' provides a free Thanksgiving dinner to the area's homeless, seniors, families and shut-ins. Last year, nearly 3,500 meals were provided with 2,600 meals delivered to homes across the area.

Mr. Speaker, anyone who had the pleasure of witnessing Linda's hospitality firsthand can tell you she was a one-of-a-kind spirit who truly embodied the sense of community and strong work ethic that Iowans are known for. In her passing, we are reminded of her compassion and her dedication to excellence in doing what she loved. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in offering the Bisignano family my prayers and deepest sympathies during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor John and Mary Pappajohn for being the named the 2013 recipients of Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts at the National Arts Awards ceremony.

In celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month, Americans for the Arts organizes the National Arts Awards each October to recognize the achievements of individuals and corporations who have exhibited outstanding leadership in the arts, arts education and philanthropy. Accordingly, the Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment of philanthropic generosity to one or more major arts institutions.

The selection of the Pappajohns to receive such a prestigious award should come as no surprise to those that know this incredible couple and their love of the arts. John served on the board of directors of the Des Moines Art Center and continues to be an honorary trustee, while his wife serves as the head of the museum's Acquisition Committee and has continued to serve as an active trustee for nearly two decades. Together they have donated several works of art to the museum, including those that comprise the beloved sculpture park in downtown Des Moines. They have also been members of the National Committee of Performing Arts of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC for more than two decades and continually rank among the top art collectors in the world.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. Pappajohn's lifelong commitment to philanthropy at the local, state, and national levels cannot be overstated. John and Mary's selfless contributions have changed countless lives for the better and I cannot imagine a more deserved selection for this prestigious award. It is a great honor to represent John and Mary in the United States Congress and I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating them for this momentous recognition and thanking them for their continued dedication to their community and our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gordon and Jill Martens of Van Meter, Iowa and to commend them on the momentous occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Martens have been proud to call Dallas County home for their entire lives. Gordon and Jill both attended Van Meter High School and began dating after graduation. On October 26th, 1963, Mr. and Mrs. Martens exchanged vows at Booneville United Methodist in Booneville, Iowa and began their lives together.

Together, Gordon, a veteran of the Iowa Air National Guard, and Jill, a Registered Nurse, raised two children, Daniel and Valerie, who have given them five grandchildren. They now reside in Van Meter after building a home in 2007 on the farm where Gordon was raised.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. Martens' lifelong commitments to each other, their family, and their state truly embody the values Iowans are renowned for and it is a great honor to represent them in the United States Congress. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating this wonderful couple on their 50th year of life together and I wish them many more years of happiness in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Danny H. Poulos of Council Bluffs, Iowa who passed away on October 4th following a yearlong struggle with glioblastoma, a terminal form of brain cancer.

Danny was born on December 30th, 1970 to his parents Dan and Kathy and grew up with his siblings Helen and George. After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, Danny went on to earn a degree in construction management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Upon obtaining his degree, Danny married his wife Julie and together they had three children--Danny III, Sylvia, and Bobby.

Danny will fondly be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the family business, Pizza King, which has been a part of his family for decades. Throughout the years, Danny became the face of Pizza King, often mentoring those around him and ushering the restaurant towards countless awards for service, atmosphere, food and more.

While the contributions to his business and neighbors have defined his role in the community, Danny would be the first to tell you that his family was always his number one priority. Danny is survived by his wife, parents, children, siblings and numerous extended family members that will never forget his incredible love and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Poulos was a one-of-a-kind Iowan who truly embodied the work ethic and family values our state is renowned for. In his passing, we are reminded of his creative mind, loving heart, and fighting spirit which will be deeply missed. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in offering the Poulos family my prayers and deepest sympathies during this extraordinarily difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 373, I call up the joint resolution (H.J. Res 90) making continuing appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal year 2014, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.J. Res. 90, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, today I present H.J. Res. 90, a bill providing the FAA with critical funding to ensure safe air travel for the American public and providing critical support for the aviation industry, our Nation's leading exporter.

This bill funds the FAA at the current fiscal year 2013 sequester level through December 15 or until enactment of a full-year appropriation for the Transportation-HUD bill, whichever comes first.

The bill would bring back over 6,000 aviation safety inspectors who are currently not working due to the shutdown. These safety inspectors perform critical aircraft certifications that support American jobs by certifying new aircraft for sale in the U.S. and abroad.

The FAA's aviation safety workforce is also essential to ensuring safety in the national airspace by reinspecting and recertifying the operation aircraft fleets that transport millions of Americans every day.

The bill would also reopen the aircraft registry service, assuring that American-made aircraft can move off the production lines and onto the markets in the U.S. and around the world.

The bill would reopen the FAA Academy to resume the training of new air traffic controllers and ensure that our air traffic controller workforce is fully staffed.

The bill will ensure that air traffic control modernization investments resume, ensuring that our NextGen development and deployment continues on schedule.

This is not a comprehensive FY 2014 bill but, rather, a CR to continue funding the FAA at the current fiscal year 2013 sequester levels. This brings the FAA back to work to ensure the safety of the flying public until we can come to an overall resolution on the FY 2014 funding levels.

I urge the quick passage of this important legislation so that we can send it on to the Senate. Let's get the FAA back to work.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the chairman of the full Appropriations Committee.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Pompeo).

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Benishek).

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of the bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's motion.

Mr. Speaker, I make a point of order that the instructions contained in the motion violate clause 7 of rule XVI, which requires that an amendment be germane to the bill under consideration.

As the Chair recently ruled on October 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8, 2013, the instructions contain a special order of business within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Rules, and, therefore, the amendment is not germane to the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, I insist on my point of order.

Mr. Speaker, I move to lay the appeal on the table.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of KCCI's president and general manager, Paul Fredericksen, and to

express my appreciation for his years of service to KCCI and the people of Iowa.

A Newell, Iowa native and alumnus of Buena Vista University, Mr. Fredericksen has been a part of the KCCI family for more than four decades and has served as the president and general manager for 27 years. Under Paul's leadership, KCCI, a CBS affiliate, has expanded its statewide and nationwide influence on its path to becoming the top- rated station in central Iowa.

Paul's many accomplishments at KCCI have earned him deserved recognition across the nation, including numerous broadcasting and broadcast journalism awards at the regional and national levels. It goes without saying that the KCCI central Iowans know and love today would not be the same without Mr. Fredericksen's tireless efforts and thoughtful guidance.

Mr. Speaker, Paul's contribution to broadcasting excellence and to the great state of Iowa cannot be overstated. While Mr. Fredericksen's expertise and experience are sure to be missed, he leaves behind a grateful viewing audience and an excellent example of leadership for which to strive. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Paul and wishing him the best as he begins a new chapter in life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the heroic actions of eighth-grader Colby Cook of West Des Moines, Iowa.

During a typical lunch hour in the lunchroom of Indian Hills Junior High School in Clive, 13-year-old Colby noticed his good friend Kyle in distress. A large piece of Kyle's sandwich was lodged in his airway, cutting off his ability to breathe. Colby wasted no time upon recognizing his friend was in danger and expertly employed the Heimlich maneuver to save Kyle's life and avert the life-threatening situation.

It is also evident that Mr. Cook is as humble as he is heroic. Immediately after saving a life

through his quick thinking and swift action, Colby simply headed to Social Studies class as he would on any other day without saying a word of the incident. It was only after Colby's parents, Clay and Teri, heard their son recount the day's events at dinner that Colby's great story, and the need to recognize his actions, was brought to light.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to represent future leaders like Colby in the United States Congress and it is with great pride that I applaud his lifesaving effort today. I invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating Colby, thanking him for a job well done, and wishing him a bright future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Joel Whitmore of Boy Scout Troop 37 in Calmus, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a 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 Joel 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 know that all of my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating him on reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 18-year-old Talia Leman of Waukee, Iowa for her charitable efforts and for being named one of ten recipients of the 2013 Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards. These awards are presented annually to Jewish teens who exemplify the Jewish concept of ``repairing the world''.

Talia's philanthropic spark was first ignited in 2005, when she chose to trick-or-treat for change instead of candy in order to raise money to help those struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Talia successfully united her classmates into doing the same, and shortly thereafter her effort garnered national attention. In the end, 4,000 school districts across the United States collectively raised over $10 million for this effort.

In this altruistic spirit, Talia established the nonprofit RandomKid. This website provides youth with the tools and resources they need to formulate and develop community service projects by sharing possible ideas, strategies and funding opportunities. RandomKid has facilitated the efforts of 12 million youth from 20 countries bringing aid to four continents. Examples of RandomKid's reach include funding for water pumps, school construction, and medical care.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent young Iowans like Talia Leman in the United States Congress. I know that my colleagues in the House will join me in commending her for her sincere dedication to helping others and wishing her continued success well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Dane Andersen of Boy Scout Troop 98 in Johnston, Iowa for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance-based achievement with high standards that have been well-maintained for more than a 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, Dane raised more than $2500 and invested more than 240 hours to beautify the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary in Des Moines. Mr. Andersen oversaw the construction of a berm with 18 tons of dirt, planting 78 plants, painting the guardhouse and installing a new mailbox. Because the project was done on time and under budget, Dane and his volunteers were also able to provide a concrete base and footings for a future entrance sign. The work ethic Dane 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 Dane 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 reaching the rank of Eagle Scout, and I wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Hy-Vee, Inc.'s Senior Vice President of Education and Governmental Affairs, Rose Kleyweg Mitchell. I have personally known Rose through her tireless advocacy for Hy-Vee and the grocery industry. Rose has led important initiatives to make our state and our fellow Iowans healthier by making more informed decisions about nutrition and the foods we eat.

Originally from Sioux City, Rose earned a bachelor's degree and education certificate in 1977 from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. Upon graduation, Mrs. Mitchell began teaching at West Des Moines' Valley High School while simultaneously pursuing part-time work at the local Hy-Vee food store. Two years later, Rose had joined Hy-Vee's corporate staff as the first in-house corporate trainer. Mrs. Mitchell would continue to rise through the ranks at Hy-Vee and ultimately assume the roles of Training Supervisor, Director of Training, and Assistant Vice President of Training. By 1996, Rose had been elected to the Board of Directors as the first female vice president where she oversaw Education, Training and Government affairs. Mrs. Mitchell was promoted to her current role as Senior Vice President in 2005.

Throughout her storied carrier, Rose's great work has been recognized through numerous honors and awards. Mrs. Mitchell was named the Hy-Vee Director of the Year in 1991, awarded the Simpson College Distinguished Alumni Achievement award in 1995, and received simultaneous awards in 2002 as the Greek Alumni and Advisor of the Year. Mrs. Mitchell is also a charter member of the Hy-Vee Toastmasters Club which she has helped shape through her leadership and award- winning performance.

In addition to her work with Iowa's largest private employer, Mrs. Mitchell has displayed an enduring and selfless commitment to her community. Rose has used her talents to serve as President of the Simpson College Alumni Association, hold national office for Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and lead in various roles with the Children's Convalescent Home and Habilitation Center, United Way, and the Unity Point Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, Rose's contribution to Hy-Vee and to the great state of Iowa cannot be overstated. While Mrs. Mitchell's expertise and experience are sure to be missed, she leaves behind a truly grateful community and an excellent example of service for which to strive. I wish Rose and her husband Jerry nothing but the best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.