Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Menominee Maroons, my hometown high school football team that has demonstrated tenacity, courage and skill. Two weeks ago, the Maroons brought the Division 5 state football championship home to Menominee. The team qualified for the state championship after going undefeated in the regular season with a record of 9-0. Equally impressive, in five playoff games, the Menominee Maroons allowed only one touchdown, outscoring their opponents 201 to 6! The Maroons enjoy the distinction of being just the third team to shut out four playoff opponents. Also notable: this year's Menominee Maroons broke the school's previous single-season scoring record of 539 points in a season.

Head Coach Ken Hofer deserves much of the credit for shepherding his team to such success. Coach Hofer has the tenth winningest record in the state of Michigan: 266-122-2. This is the second championship that his teams have brought back to Menominee, having also won the Class BB title in 1998.

In some ways, Coach Hofer and his style of football harken back to an earlier era. Coach Hofer has been at the helm of the Menominee team for 38 years and during that time he has run the unique, ``single-wing'' offense that is reminiscent of 1940s football. Under this offense, no one player on Menominee's offensive backfield is a ``traditional quarterback'' as each of the four ``backs'' may run or pass the ball. This unique formation has successfully confused opponents around the state and allowed Menominee to achieve its solid winning record. Under the single-wing offense, the center makes a direct snap on each play to a player in the backfield. Unlike under the more commonly seen shotgun formation, the center snaps the football to a player who may not be directly behind him. Despite this irregular technique, Menominee saw hardly any turnovers throughout the season, which can be attributed to the team's unremitting practice. Ultimately, the single-wing formation relies more heavily on teamwork than other formations.

Menominee's single wing offense is taught throughout the Menominee area public school system, starting in 9th grade by Coaches Jeff Bayerl, Mark Bayerl and Jim Anderla. Maroons Junior Varsity is coached by Greg Langlois and Dave Mathieu. These freshman and junior varsity coaches are also part of the ``scouting team,'' which traveled over 5,000 miles this past season to see and learn opponents' strengths and weaknesses in preparation for each Maroon victory.

I would be remiss if I did not discuss the defense of the Maroons and their shutout performance through the playoffs and their efforts to hold Madison Heights, their state final opponents, to six points. Equally important, the Maroons held their opponents to just 38 points during the entire regular season. In the 9 games of the regular season, the Menominee Maroons outscored their opponents 332-38, truly an astonishing feat. Menominee's performance in the championship game built upon this strong showing. The Maroons out-gained Madison Heights 442 yards to 232, despite Madison controlling the clock by almost 10 more minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in saluting the 2006 Menominee Maroons football team of Brian Boye, Tom Janson, Ethan Shaver, Nathan Shaver, David Oczus, Matt LaCanne, Dustin Kovar, Austin Fernstrum, Jacob McMahon, Bryan Colvin, Matt Eisenzoph, Robert Forgette, Mike Hansen, Derek Rye, Blake Chouinard, Scott Demars, Aaron Thomsen, Ryan Paliewicz, Anthony Polazzo, Josh Johnson, Tom Carriveau, Zac Robertson, Sam Piche, Ian Rider, Brian Smith, Tyler Blom, Donald Jones, Steve Busick, Josh Blavat, Andrew Whipp, Nathan Linsmeier, Justin Ketchum, Brian Busick, Joe Klitze, Kert Roubal, Trevor Powell, Jacob Pedersen and Cody Woods. I would also ask that you join me in honoring the Assistant Coaches ``Satch'' Englund, Joe Noha and Jamie Schomer who helped drive this team to victory as well as Managers Jared Thiesen and Bobby Olsen. Athletic Trainers Derek Butler and Dr. Michael Karkkainen and Athletic Director Dale Van Duinen should also be recognized for their contributions to the Maroons' success.

Of course, Head Coach Ken Hofer has earned the thanks, respect and admiration of all of Menominee, not only for this season, but for the 38 that preceded it. Coach Hofer has done great work in bringing out the best in his players. Coach Hofer said of this year's Menominee Maroons, ``These young men came to practice every day, and I don't mean just show up. They came to practice hard. And in every game they went all out.''

The 2006 Menominee Maroons football team members are also champions off the field. Menominee football is more than just passing, punting, running, kicking and tackling; it is about developing the ``inner athlete''. Coach Hofer and his entire staff know that the lessons of life can be learned on the gridiron. Coach Hofer often talked about the team's ``focus''. This team's dedication, commitment and focus are why so many Maroon fans followed, supported and believed in their team. The 2006 state champion Menominee Maroons have clearly learned the lessons of life embodied in what another well respected Menominee County coach, the late Dale Fountain, often stated:

What Really Matters

``Never lose track of what really matters. It does not

matter how many points you earn, medals you win or trophies

you take home. What really matters is what kind of competitor

you are, what kind of son or daughter you are, what kind of

student you are, and what kind of adult you will become!''

Mr. Speaker, my wife, Laurie, and I know many of these championship football players and recognize that each of them is a champion in our community. Menominee and the people of the Upper Peninsula know that when we proudly chant ``U.P. Power'', it is a reflection of our pride in our Menominee Maroon football tradition and the fine young men who brought home another football championship to our fine community. It is with great pride that I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating and honoring these football champions.

Mr. Speaker, 7.5 million Americans would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage. That is 7.5 million people who are currently struggling to make ends meet in an economy where job growth is slow, pay is falling, and prices are rising.

The minimum wage is currently at a historically low level in terms of purchasing power and at a striking 50-year low when adjusted for inflation. Hardworking families are currently struggling because this Republican Congress has refused to raise the minimum wage for the past 9 years.

Democrats believe that these millions of hardworking Americans deserve a pay raise to help them make ends meet in this tough economy. We believe that no one who works full-time in this country should have to live in poverty. They deserve a shot at the American Dream, a chance to give their family the opportunity to move ahead.

Mr. Speaker, within the first 100 hours of the new Democratic Congress, we are going to give these hardworking Americans a much- needed pay raise. It is time this Congress started expanding economic prosperity to those who have been left out. I ask my Republican colleagues to join the Democratic Congress in raising the minimum wage in January.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the more than 70,000 people in the United States currently living with Spina Bifida, the most common permanently disabling birth defect. Each October we recognize these Americans during National Spina Bifida Awareness Month and recognize the importance to work year round to advance research, programs, and policies to meet the needs of this important community.

National Spina Bifida Awareness Month is sponsored by the Spina Bifida Association (SBA), which for more than 30 years has helped those living with and affected by this debilitating birth defect. As co-chair of the Congressional Spina Bifida Caucus, I've had the honor to work with my co-chair, Representative Chris Smith, and SBA to advance Spina Bifida awareness, research, and public health efforts in Congress. Founded in 1973, SBA is the Nation's only organization solely dedicated to advocating on behalf of the Spina Bifida community. Through its nearly 60 chapters in more than 125 communities, the SBA brings expectant parents together with those who have a child with Spina Bifida. This interaction helps to answer questions and concerns, but most importantly it lends much needed support and provides hope and inspiration.

Mr. Speaker, Spina Bifida is a birth defect that can happen to anyone. It is a neural tube defect that occurs in the first month of pregnancy when the spinal column does not close completely. Everyday, an average of eight babies are affected by Spina Bifida and approximately 3,000 pregnancies are affected by this birth defect each year. We do not know the exact cause of it, but research found that if a woman takes 400 mcg of folic acid every day before she becomes pregnant, she reduces her risk of having a baby with Spina Bifida or another neural tube defect by as much as 70 percent.

No two cases of Spina Bifida are ever the same. While Spina Bifida typically causes a

host of physical, psychosocial, educational, and vocational challenges, approximately 90 percent of all babies diagnosed with Spina Bifida live into adulthood, approximately 80 percent have normal IQ's, and approximately 75 percent participate in sports and other recreational activities. With access to appropriate and comprehensive care, people with Spina Bifida can live productive and fulfilling lives. The National Spina Bifida Program--which I helped to create with Representative Chris Smith--plays a critical role in improving the quality of life for people with Spina Bifida. I am hopeful that the House allocation of $6 million for the program in FY 2007 will be maintained in the final FY 2007 Labor-Health and Human Services- Education bill and thank my colleagues in advance for helping to ensure this important funding is provided.

I thank the SBA for its partnership and its commitment to ensuring that we are doing all that we can to reduce and prevent suffering from Spina Bifida and I congratulate the SBA on the occasion of its 18th annual Roast that took place on October 3rd . I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the SBA of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for working tirelessly to help the families of those living with Spina Bifida meet the challenges and enjoy the rewards of raising their children.

Madam Speaker, on November 7, the American people voted resoundingly in favor of a Congress that would make implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission a top priority. They voted for a Democratic Congress.

For months, the Republican leadership in this body has sat on the 41 recommendations the 9/11 Commission gave for improving the security of our Nation. The Republican Congress did nothing when the expert bipartisan group released a scathing report card on the lack of progress that has been made and gave our government Ds and Fs for failing to take steps necessary to ensure we would never face another tragedy like 9/11.

Democrats believe it is unacceptable that 5 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks our Nation's first responders are still without interoperable radios and have planes flying across our country that are loaded with cargo that is rarely ever inspected.

Madam Speaker, Democrats know how important it is for us to make our Nation as safe as possible. That is why we will implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission next year so that we can be better prepared to protect our Nation against potential terrorist attack. I know, as I was a first responder for 11 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my constituents who has distinguished himself through service to his country, his State and his community. Mr. John Selesky has been selected as ``Ogemaw County Veteran of the Year'' by the Ogemaw County Veterans Alliance. Mr. Selesky is truly deserving of this unique honor.

Mr. Selesky enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet in 1942. He was trained in Oxnard, California, and Roswell Army Airfield. After flight training, Mr. Selesky was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

In 1943, Mr. Selesky left on a night flight at 11 p.m. After takeoff, Mr. Selesky's plane underwent engine failure causing him to undergo a forced landing at the end of the runway.

Injured, Mr. Selesky walked back to the runway and then back to the flight line. The staff in the flight office called the base hospital, which dispatched an ambulance. Mr. Selesky awoke on an operating table where surgeons were sewing up cuts on his head and face. Sadly, Mr. Selesky lost his left eye in the accident.

After being discharged from the Army in 1943, Mr. Selesky returned home to Grayling, Michigan. A member of the greatest generation, Mr. Selesky did not take much time to rest after his discharge. Instead, he almost immediately went back to work in the family store. He also started a family of his own. Ultimately, Mr. Selesky and his wife, Virginia, would have five children, John, Jr., Verna, Barbara, Jeffery and Mike.

After purchasing a small farm, Mr. Selesky went back to serving his state and his country by joining the Conservation Department as a Forest Fire Tower Lookout out of the Mio District Office in Mio, Michigan. In 1957, Mr. Selesky was promoted to Conservation Foreman and supervised a prison inmate labor crew at the Southern Michigan State Forest Nursery near Brighton, Michigan.

In 1963, the State of Michigan eliminated the Fire Tower Fire Watch system and began using aircraft for fire detection. With his military flying experience and additional flight time he had accrued thanks to the GI Bill of Rights, Mr. Selesky was promoted to District Pilot at the Mio District Office. Mr. Selesky piloted one of only four planes used by the State of Michigan. In 1980, Mr. Selesky retired after 29 years of service as an employee in the State of Michigan having served as Conservation Foreman and as a pilot.

Mr. Speaker, with our brave men and women deployed abroad, it is more important than ever that all of us observe Veteran's Day. By honoring past heroes, we salute those who serve today. With that in mind, I ask that all of my colleagues join me in saluting Mr. Selesky for his service and in congratulating him for being awarded Ogemaw County Veteran of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a business and a family in my district that, in many ways, exemplify the American dream. The Sayklly's family business has been in the same family for 100 years. Through hard work, perseverance and an admirable entrepreneurial spirit, the family has built an Upper Peninsula institution.

In 1906, a young Lebanese immigrant named Joseph Sayklly opened his own shop in Escanaba, Michigan. The shop, ``Sayklly's,'' carried groceries and homemade candy and ice cream. Eventually, that little store would blossom into a thriving landmark, recognized throughout the Escanaba area. In 1916, Joseph married his wife, Mary, who was also a Lebanese immigrant. Together, Joseph and Mary would have nine children--Josephine, Marge, Angeline, Louise, Elizabeth, Marie, Martha Jean, Fred and Edward. All of the children helped in the business and all of them lived in a small apartment above the store.

Over the years, Sayklly's grew in popularity. Local residents in Escanaba would stop by the store to take home a bag of Sayklly's famous candy or linger at the soda fountain to savor treats made with hand- cranked ice cream. In the early days of Sayklly's, some of the most popular products sold were peanut brittle, hand-pulled taffy, hand- dipped chocolates, peanut clusters and fudge. Many of these same delights are sold today.

When Joseph Sayklly passed away in 1943, Mary maintained the business with the help of her children and Mary's sister Martha Jean. In

1959, Fred moved the candy-making part of the business to Third Avenue North from its original Ludington Street location. Fred also separated the store Sayklly's from the candy production facility.

Shortly thereafter, Marge and Josephine began operating the store, then known as ``Sayklly's Confectionary and Gift.'' Around 1960, Sayklly's stopped selling groceries and concentrated on selling the candies and gift items for which the store has since become so famous.

In 1983 Debbie and Jim Kirby purchased Sayklly's Confectionary and Gifts from Josephine and Marge. Debbie was the granddaughter of Joseph, the original founder of the business. Operating Sayklly's was a homecoming for Debbie who began working in the store at age 12 when her aunts, Marge and Josephine were the proprietors. Today, Debbie fondly recalls how her Aunt Marge instilled into her a sense of customer service, always reminding Debbie to put a smile on her face for customers by saying, ``Smile, God loves you.''

Today, Sayklly's remains in the same family that started it 100 years ago. Since the enterprising Joseph Sayklly opened the store in 1906, it has been a mainstay in downtown Escanaba. The store continues to be an institution for everyone who lives in Escanaba and throughout the Upper Peninsula. Locals and visitors alike delight in Sayklly's famous chocolates.

Sayklly's has grown over the years. The business now employs 28 people year round and that number increases when extra help is needed during busy sale times such as Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter. In addition to renovating the store on Ludington Street in Escanaba, the Kirbys have opened Sayklly's outlets in the Delta Plaza Mall in Escanaba as well as the Westwood Mall in Marquette, Michigan.

However, just as the business has grown over the years, the owners have never forgotten their commitment to quality. Sayklly's uses only premium ingredients, still heats candy in big copper kettles and hand- dips all of its chocolates.

Sayklly's remains an anchor of the Escanaba community. As Debbie Kirby notes, what she enjoys most about owning and operating Sayklly's are her customers. Generations of families have gathered at Sayklly's to buy treats, visit with their neighbors or simply see a friendly Sayklly face.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to admit that I too have been bitten by the Sayklly chocolate bug. Over my 14 years in Congress, I have handed out hundreds of Sayklly chocolate bars, known as ``Yooper Bars'' to people in Washington, D.C. A ``Yooper Bar'' is a chocolate bar in the shape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Everyone from Members of Congress to President Clinton to troops recovering in Walter Reed Hospital from wounds incurred in Iraq have enjoyed a delicious Yooper Bar from Sayklly's.

Mr. Speaker, we all know how challenging it can be for a family to build a small business. Growing a successful business, while also keeping it in the same family for over 100 years, is truly an impressive accomplishment. I ask that the entire U.S. House of Representatives join with the people of Escanaba to observe Sayklly's centennial celebration. Please join me in saluting the Kirbys and all the generations of the Sayklly family who have made ``Sayklly's'' into a special place that is enjoyed by so many of my constituents.

Mr. Speaker, during hearings held in 1997 by the House Resources Committee, representatives of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians provided testimony that confused some land rights claims in Northern Michigan.

These statements were not approved by the Burt Lake Band's Tribal Council. As a result Mr. Curtis Chambers, Chairman of the Burt Lake Band, has written an open letter to members of Congress, to correct the record on this issue.

Without objection, I request that the following letter from the Chairman of the Burt Lake Band be included into the Congressional Record.

The Burt Lake Band of

Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Inc.,

Brutus, Michigan, October 25, 2006.

Dear Members of the U.S. Congress: During June 24, 1997,

hearings held before the House Natural Resources Committee,

the individuals who were charged with presenting the Burt

Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians' formal position on

the Michigan Indian Lands Claims Settlement Act, P.L. 105-

143, made some statements which require correction. Those

statements suggested that the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and

Chippewa Indians was and is claiming rights in lands in

Michigan's Emmet and Charlevoix Counties, Beaver Island, High

Island and Garden Island. Unfortunately, those statements

were made without the prior approval of the Burt Lake Band's

Tribal Council and they were and are factually inaccurate.

During those same hearings, those same Burt Lake

representatives also presented the House Resources Committee

with a map which they suggested was an accurate

representation of the Burt Lake Band's aboriginal territory.

That map was not an accurate representation of that territory

and it should never had been presented for that purpose.

To complete this clarification, the Burt Lake Band would

like to note that its research has confirmed that the Little

Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians did, in fact, received

allotments in southwestern Cheboygan County, Michigan and

that the Burt Lake Band respects the Little Traverse Band's

right to assert any and all rights which stem from the award

of those allotments.

Because the historical records of the United States

Congress are often used by law makers, attorneys and

historians, we would greatly appreciate your assistance in

seeing that this letter is printed in the Congressional

Record of the United States House of Representatives to make

the above stated corrections.

Cordially,

Curtis Chambers,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, September 28, 2006, I could not be present for votes because I was in Michigan to attend the memorial service of the spouse of one of my longtime staffers.

House rollcall vote No. 495--I would have voted ``no'' on the motion to order the previous question on H. Res. 1045. Voting ``no'' would have allowed the House to take up the following 5 bills: A bill to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission; a bill to increase the minimum wage to 7.25 per hour; a bill to provide authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices for senior citizens and people with disabilities; a bill to repeal the massive cuts in college tuition assistance imposed by the Congress and to expand the size and availability of Pell Grants; a bill to roll back tax breaks for large petroleum companies and to invest those savings in alternative fuels to achieve energy independence.

House rollcall vote No. 496--I would have voted ``no'' on the motion to order the previous question on H. Res. 1046. Voting ``no'' would have allowed the House to take up the following 5 bills: A bill to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission; a bill to increase the minimum wage to 7.25 per hour; a bill to provide authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices for senior citizens and people with disabilities; a bill to repeal the massive cuts in college tuition assistance imposed by the Congress and to expand the size and availability of Pell Grants; a bill to roll back tax breaks for large petroleum companies and to invest those savings in alternative fuels to achieve energy independence.

House rollcall vote No. 497--I would have voted ``no'' on the passage of the Martial Law Rule, H. Res. 1046, bypassing House rules that ensure that Members of the House have adequate time to review legislation before voting on it.

House rollcall vote No. 498--I would have voted ``no'' on the previous question on H.

Res. 1052, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5825, the Electronic Surveillance Act. Defeating the previous question would have allowed the House, immediately after the rule is adopted, to take up a bill to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

House rollcall vote No. 499--I would have voted ``no'' on H. Res. 1052, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5825, Electronic Surveillance Act. This Rules Committee reported out a closed rule, which allowed for no amendments and limited debate on a bill that has strong, bipartisan opposition.

House rollcall vote No. 500--I would have voted ''yes'' on Representative Thompson's Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 4954-- SAFE Port Act. Mr. Thompson's motion instructs conferees to agree to the Senate provisions to improve security for America's rail, subway, buses and trucking systems; and to the Senate provisions to strengthen aviation security, secure the border, create a National Warning and Alert System, and provide first responders with post-disaster health monitoring. I was pleased this measure passed by a vote of 281-140, with all Democrats voting yes.

House rollcall vote No. 501--I would have voted ``yes'' on the Schiff/Flake/Harman/Inglis Motion to Recommit. The bipartisan substitute would update provisions of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, FISA, to provide intelligence agencies more flexibility in emergency situations and less bureaucratic red tape when applying for warrants, while still requiring court orders for domestic surveillance of Americans. The motion to recommit failed by a vote of 202-221.

House rollcall vote No. 502--I would have voted ``no'' on final passage of H.R. 5825, the Electronic Surveillance Act. I strongly support giving our law enforcement and intelligence agencies the tools they need to fight terror. However, H.R. 5825 gives the President unnecessarily broad powers to eavesdrop on innocent Americans. The FISA court system has worked well for nearly 30 years--we should be expanding and reforming the existing system, instead of reducing judicial oversight and undermining our system of checks and balances.

House rollcall vote No. 503--I would have voted ``yes'' on H.R. 6143, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act. While I understand that some States may lose funding under the new formula, I believe it is important to reauthorize this program that is critical to far too many Americans. I am hopeful that as the bill moves to the Senate, we can increase the overall funding level for the program so that Congress does not have to pick winners and losers in combating this terrible disease.

Mr. Speaker, I rise toay to honor an important industry in my district that has been responsible for creating thousands of jobs in Michigan and for the settlement of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. On October 2nd, Cleveland-Cliffs, CCI, will celebrate the milestone of 50 years of iron ore pellet production and 500 million tons of iron ore pellets produced.

Even in its earliest days, Cleveland-Cliffs' history was characterized by pioneering risk-taking. Cleveland-Cliffs brought electrical power to Michigan's Upper Peninsula by introducing electric haulage equipment at the Cleveland Lake Mine in 1892. Cleveland-Cliffs created the first geological department for an iron mining company in the Lake Superior region in lshpeming, Michigan in 1900. In 1910, the company built the region's first hydroelectric plant.

However, it was not until the middle of the 20th century that Cleveland-Cliffs made what is perhaps the company's most valuable contribution, iron ore pellets. In the 1940s, it became apparent that the iron ore of the Marquette area that Cleveland-Cliffs had relied upon were being depleted. While the Marquette Iron Range still had millions of tons of leaner ores, a method had not yet been invented for making this leaner ore usable in blast furnaces. Once more, Cleveland- Cliffs exhibited leadership and innovation. Partnering with the U.S. Bureau of Mines, Cleveland-Cliffs researchers developed a technique for concentrating low-grade iron ore and pelletizing it to provide high- quality iron ore pellets for use in steel production in the company's blast furnaces.

In 1956, CCI put this innovative technique into practice, producing its first iron ore pellets at the Eagle Mills pellet plant near Negaunee, Michigan, just west of Marquette. While these first pellets were crude by today's standards, the pellets could be used in the blast furnaces to make a high grade steel and they opened the way for the development of the pellet making operations of today.

The process of pelletizing low-grade iron ore revolutionized the iron ore business. Without this process, thousands of jobs in Michigan might never have been created and Marquette County would have missed out on billions of direct economic impact from these mines. Today, Cleveland- Cliffs is the largest producer of Iron ore pellets in North America.

This year, Cleveland-Cliffs reached another historic milestone. Celebrating the 500 millionth ton total is an important tribute to not only the Cleveland-Cliffs company, but also to the working men and women who have kept the pelletizing and mining operations running smoothly and productively over the past 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, from the beginning of its operations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to its innovation of the iron ore pelletizing process to the present day, Cleveland-Cliffs has demonstrated leadership and a forward thinking trailblazing spirit. As this great company marks this important occasion, I would ask that you and the U.S. House of Representatives join me in saluting the past and present employees of Cleveland-Cliffs, CCI's entrepreneurial spirit, their steady growth, their innovations, and their contributions to the economy of the Great Lakes region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine who has dedicated significant personal time towards helping mentor and lead young people in his community. Howard Hanft, or ``Howie'' as he is known locally, has led the West Branch Little League for 21 years.

As President of the West Branch Little League, Howie has helped grow the league tremendously. Today, the league serves 588 Ogemaw County youngsters who play on 46 teams. Under his leadership, the league has built five new fields, bringing the total number of fields to seven. Five of those fields are under lights and groomed with irrigation, which speaks to the sophisticated care the league puts into its fields for the players.

Howie's efforts to build a world class little league program have yielded big results for the West Branch Little League. In 2005, West Branch sent four teams to the state championship finals--two teams of girls and two teams of boys. The boys' senior league clinched the state title and finished second in the national regional playoffs, one game away from the Little League World Series. This year, the same team won the state championship and the regional playoffs qualifying them to play in the Big League World Series in Easley, South Carolina. At the end of the World Series, Howie's team was ranked 11th in the world, truly an astounding accomplishment. What is equally impressive is that this group of young men won the state championship in a division that generally has 17-18-year-olds. Howie's team is comprised of 16-17-year- oIds.

I congratulate Howie and his players: Pete Jackson, Troy Lambert, Rickie Dodridge, Curtis Lyons, Kyle Wangler, Matt Faiman, Calvin Page, Aaron Kihn, Ryan Bragg, Robbie Goulette, Kyle Weber, Anthony Betancourt and Mike Noffsinger. I also salute the team's manager Mark Weber and coaches Mark Dodridge, Sr., Mark Dodridge, Jr. and Mike Noffsinger, Sr.

However, Howie's record of success goes beyond wins and losses. Thanks to the superior facilities that were built under Howie's leadership, West Branch had the honor of hosting the minor-league state tournament for 9- and 10-year-old boys last year. In hosting the tournament, West Branch organized major parties and giant picnics for teams visiting across the state. Some have described the celebrations that Howie organizes in conjunction with tournaments as a ``carnival.'' As several local residents in West Branch have noted, Howie's hard work benefits not only the local little league players, but also the West Branch area economy.

Howie's deep connection to the sport of baseball goes back to his childhood. When he was only 8 years old, Howie began playing little league baseball. During high school, Howie umpired younger kids while also working as a game announcer. Howie took a break during his freshman year of college from coaching and umpiring. However, every year after that, he returned to coach and assist whenever he was needed.

In 1988, Howie became President of the West Branch Little League. The West Branch community has benefited from his leadership, commitment and passion for baseball ever since. Running a baseball program with nearly 600 participants is both labor-intensive and expensive. Howie has therefore had to spend a great deal of time raising money and recruiting volunteers. All of the money and manpower that Howie is able to marshal comes from the local community. In many ways, Howie's efforts have helped rally the West Branch community together, engaging local citizens and local businesses to support the town's baseball tradition.

Mr. Speaker, little league baseball is a uniquely American tradition. For over 100 years, American towns, villages and communities have come together during the summer to watch young people partake in America's pastime. Howard Hanft has helped continue and strengthen that great tradition in part of my district. I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating and thanking him for these accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an educator in my district who has done laudable work to ignite a new sense of patriotism among his students.

Mr. Gerald (Jerry) Belanger serves as the principal of Gaylord Middle School. He has led a distinguished career in education. Mr. Belanger's first job in the field was as a school teacher in a preschool classroom. While his stint as a preschool teacher was short lived-- lasting only 3 weeks--he was at least admired by his students for his guitar-playing ability.

Mr. Belanger then moved into a direction better suited to his abilities. He taught 6th grade for 5 years at Pearson Elementary School in inner city Flint before becoming the assistant principal and ultimately the principal of Gaylord Middle School.

It was at Gaylord Middle School that he began the current middle school Veteran's Day program. For the past 10 years, on every Veteran's Day, the Gaylord Middle School and its student council have organized a tribute to America's veterans. The day begins with a morning reception in the school cafeteria, followed by a program in the school gymnasium where students and faculty honor the sacrifices of America's veterans. Mr. Belanger has worked hard to ensure that veterans in the community attend the event so that his students have an in person opportunity to demonstrate their appreciation for veterans' sacrifice. When the tribute began 10 years ago, 20 veterans participated. Today, as many as 200 veterans attend the Veteran's Day event. By encouraging his students to host this tribute, Mr. Belanger has helped draw the Gaylord community together, while also helping to inspire patriotism in each class of students that passes through Gaylord Middle School.

Mr. Belanger also makes patriotism a daily priority at Gaylord Middle School. Through the daily Pledge of Allegiance, playing of the national anthem and events throughout the year, Mr. Belanger has worked to instill respect, love and loyalty to our country among the young people attending his school.

Mr. Belanger is a fine example of how ordinary citizens can demonstrate exceptional patriotism in their community. Although Jerry never served in the armed forces, his father, Frank, served in the National Guard during the Cuban Missile Crisis and two of his uncles were in the Army Reserve during that difficult part of our Nation's history. Another of Mr. Belanger's uncles served with U.S. Marine Corps for 4 years. These family members instilled in him a deep love of history and government and a profound sense of pride and respect for all of our nation's military men and women.

Now that he is married with a 3-year-old son, you will often see Jerry with his son Patrick at local Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations, seeking to pass on to his own son the same pride and deep respect for the armed forces and the same love of country.

Mr. Speaker, as our brave men and women serve abroad in today's conflicts, all of us are reminded of the importance of recognizing, honoring and remembering the sacrifices of the heroes of the past. Mr. Jerry Belanger has found a way to ensure that in his corner of the world, young people are introduced to these important values early on. For that, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and the U.S. House of Representatives join me in saluting him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which celebrates its 40th anniversary as a National Lakeshore this year. This pristine part of my district was the first unit of the national park system authorized as a National Lakeshore.

Pictured Rocks derives its name from the 15 miles of colorful sandstone cliffs northeast of Munising, Michigan. These cliffs, some approaching 200 feet in height, have been naturally sculptured into shallow caves, arches and formations that resemble castle turrets, and human profiles. Anyone who has visited the splendorous 42 miles of the Lakeshore knows that the park offers spectacular scenery of the hilly shoreline speckled with natural archways, waterfalls, and sand dunes.

Congress wisely designated Pictured Rocks a National Lakeshore to preserve for future generations' enjoyment a significant portion of the diminishing shoreline of the United States. Today, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore continues to provide inspiration and recreational enjoyment for residents of northern Michigan, as well as for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the area's natural splendor every year. The refreshing waters in summer, the beautiful palette of fall, the serene atmosphere of winter and the renewal oflife in spring are all unique at Pictured Rocks.

As Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore celebrates this anniversary, it is also appropriate to mention former Congressman Raymond F. Clevenger. His hard work and dedication to the conservation and economic improvement of this area played a major role in the creation of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Before his election to Congress, Mr. Clevenger made establishing a National Lakeshore on Lake Superior a top priority of his campaign. Once elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, he introduced legislation, H.R. 8678, to establish a National Lakeshore. On October 15, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed Public Law 89-668, creating the nation's first National Lakeshore at Pictured Rocks.

Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Clevenger, more than 73,000 acres of beaches, cliffs, waterfalls, and forests, as well as the wildlife that resides there, have been preserved. In recognition of former Congressman Raymond Clevenger's efforts, I will be working to see that the Miners Castle Information Station at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore be known as the ``Raymond F. Clevenger Visitor Information Center at Miners Castle.''

Mr. Speaker, our nation is blessed with countless natural resources and wonders. Those of us from northern Michigan and from the Upper Peninsula take great pride in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I would ask that the U.S. House of Representatives join me in observing this historic anniversary and in pledging our continued support for the preservation of this beautiful and historic park.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute today to Stephen Adamini, a Representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from the 109th District. The 109th District is comprised of four Upper Peninsula counties: Alger, Luce, Marquette and Schoolcraft.

First elected to the House in 2000, Stephen Adamini will be concluding his service in that body at the end of this year. The people of the 109th Representative District have been well represented by Stephen and he will be missed.

Whether the issue was timber or roads, Stephen was always ready to jump into the political and legislative arena, and he was a tireless worker for the ``Yoopers,'' those residents of Michigan that live in the state's Upper Peninsula. As Steve has recognized, while there are many common issues in communities across our state, each region also has unique needs and concerns of its own. Steve recognized the unique qualities of his district and he worked hard in our state capital to find creative solutions on both sides of the Mackinac Bridge.

Stephen was also known for his work in Lansing in the area of health care. He served as Minority Vice Chair of that Committee in addition to serving on the Judiciary and Transportation Committees. Among the bills, that he authored Steve's legislative skills helped tackle thorny issues surrounding the privacy of medical records.

Even prior to going to Lansing, Stephen dedicated much of his life to public service and community involvement. Whether it was serving on the Executive Committee of the Gwinn Area Chamber of Commerce, Chairing the Marquette County Airport Board, serving on the Marquette County Re- Apportionment Commission or his work on the Michigan Transportation Commission, Steve has always strived to improve and serve his community and the entire Upper Peninsula.

In the Michigan State House of Representatives, Stephen has represented Marquette, the largest city in the Upper Peninsula. His distinguished record in Lansing has endeared him to his constituents in Michigan. Stephen and I have always enjoyed a special relationship personally and professionally. I look forward to his continued involvement in the communities of Alger, Luce, Marquette and Schoolcraft and I applaud him for his years of service to Michigan, to the Upper Peninsula and to the people of Michigan's 109th legislative district.

It is leaders like Stephen Adamini who make our system of democracy great at all levels--State as well as Federal. On this occasion, I offer my best wishes to Stephen's wife, Linda, his two children Corrine and Stephen Jr., and his grandchildren; Alexandra, Marki, and Ryan. All of them have a great deal to be proud of in Stephen's life and career. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in saluting Stephen Adamini for his record of public service both in Lansing and at home in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rich Brown, a Representative in the Michigan House of Representatives from the 110th District. The 110th District includes the counties of Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keewenaw, Baraga, Iron and part of Marquette County.

Elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2000, Rich Brown has been term limited and his service in the Michigan House will therefore end this year. In this case, I believe the term limits law in my home state has deprived the people of Michigan continued service from an exemplary state Representative.

Even prior to going to Lansing, Rich dedicated much of his life to public service and to serving the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) community. Beginning as a broadcaster at WUUN Radio in Marquette before becoming news director at WUPM Radio in Ironwood, Michigan, Rich covered the local issues that matter to the local communities of the U.P. Later, he worked as a reporter for the Ironwood Daily Globe, before beginning public service as Gogebic County Clerk. It was in 1984, that Rich was elected Gogebic County Clerk and Register of Deeds. During his tenure as a County Clerk he received wide acclaim for his public service efforts. He was named Michigan County Clerk of the year in 1992. Rich served as Gogebic County Clerk for 16 years until his election to the Michigan House of Representatives.

In Lansing, Rich has been a tireless champion of ``Yoopers,'' residents of Michigan that live in the state's Upper Peninsula. Rich served on the powerful Appropriations Committee. From that powerful committee, he ensured that the unique transportation needs of northern Michigan were met by bringing state money above the bridge.

Rich's district encompasses much of the ``Copper Country,'' an area rich in history and natural beauty. Rich has been a worthy emissary from this area, representing the area's unique culture and values in Lansing with distinguished pride. The Upper Peninsula faces different issues than issues faced by downstate residents. Rich has recognized those differences and exhibited hard work in our state capital to find creative solutions on both sides of the Mackinac Bridge.

In the Michigan State House of Representatives, Rich has been a stalwart advocate for his constituents. I look forward to his continued involvement in the communities in the Upper Peninsula western end of the Copper Country. I applaud him for his years of service to Michigan, to the Upper Peninsula and to the people of Michigan's 110th legislative district.

While known for his political prowess, Rich was well known throughout the Upper Peninsula as the energetic, entertaining and talented director of Marty's Goldenaires Senior Drum and Bugle Corps from Bessemer. Rich's band has delighted crowds in Michigan and Wisconsin and always draws the loudest, most sincere appreciation of all the drum and bugle corps that are participating in a parade, concert or festival. Under Rich's direction, Marty's Goldenaires are simply ``The Best!''

Finally, let me offer my best wishes to Rich's wife, Ann Marie, his two children, Ryan and Emily. All of them have a great deal to be proud of in Rich's life and career. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the U.S. House of Representatives join me in saluting Rich Brown for his dedicated service to the state of Michigan, the people of the Copper Country and Michigan's 110th House District.

Mr. Speaker, the Bush administration and Republicans in this House enjoy a cozy relationship with big oil companies, one that is paying off for oil but is hurting American consumers.

For 5 years now, the President has stacked his administration with former energy executives, friends and former colleagues of his and the Vice President's. It is no wonder then that now the Nation's three largest oil companies have been posting record profits. They are benefiting from the Republican policies that allow them to price gouge and receive huge tax subsidies.

But when it comes to offering assistance or solutions to the American consumer, the Republicans in the Bush administration come up short. No money for home heating assistance, no money for consumer price relief, no money to invest in finding alternative fuels. Of course not, it is all going to the oil companies. There is just not enough left to help the average American.

Democrats demand action on this issue before Republicans take this House into yet another recess.

Therefore, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 4479, which repeals the oil company tax subsidies and allows us to find real solutions to the energy crisis.