Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the service of Marine Staff Sergeant Carl E. Bussema for his valiant service to our country during the Korean War. Staff Sergeant Bussema served with distinction during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and the Battle of Toktong Pass 75 years ago.

Staff Sergeant Carl Bussema was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in October 1928. He grew up on the north side of Kalamazoo and attended Central High School. In 1948, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Korea in September 1950.

Shortly after his deployment, Staff Sergeant Carl Bussema fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Thousands of men from the 1st Marine Division and the Army X Corps, alongside troops from the Republic of Korea and Great Britain, defied the odds, holding off over 120,000 Chinese Communist soldiers for 17 days. Severely outnumbered by an overwhelming and surprise Chinese offensive and fighting in Arctic conditions, his division confronted the adversity and fought with valor, successfully avoiding encirclement and destruction, allowing for the successful withdrawal of U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and United Nations forces from North Korea. Thanks to the selfless efforts of these men, the Battle of Chosin is considered a defining moment of the Korean War.

Additionally, Staff Sergeant Bussema is a veteran of the Battle of Toktong Pass, where less than 300 Marines successfully defended against 5,000 Chinese soldiers for five days amidst blinding snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, and dwindling supplies. Here, Staff Sergeant Bussema served with immense courage and distinction, earning a Bronze Star for maintaining radio communication with his artillery battery while under enemy fire from an exposed position. Staff Sergeant Bussema's heroic actions serve as a stark reminder that our freedom is never truly free.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Marine Staff Sergeant Carl E. Bussema and ``The Chosin Few'' on the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and the Battle of Toktong Pass.

Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, I rise today alongside my colleague and Ranking Member, Ms. Kamlager-Dove of California, to honor and congratulate the people of Kazakhstan as they mark the Republic Day of Kazakhstan, which commemorates Kazakhstan's declaration of sovereignty independent of the Soviet Union on October 25, 1990. The United States has remained committed to Kazakhstan's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Now, as a valued strategic partner of the United States, our nations work together to advance security, peace, and prosperity.

Kazakhstan inherited a massive nuclear stockpile and legacy sites for chemical and biological weapons research following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The voluntary commitment to rapidly remove these weapons from its territory and accede to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and other key arms control measures was a model for the region and the world. Kazakhstan has also made significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, including independent deployments of peacekeepers from 2024. Efforts such as these to

counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and prevent radicalization to violence, in addition to cooperation to combat the persistent threat of terrorism, support stability and security in both Central Asia and the wider world.

U.S. companies remain the largest source of foreign direct investment in Kazakhstan, helping build resilient supply chains, driving Kazakhstan's economic diversification, supply chain resiliency, and sustainable economic development. Last month, our two nations announced the largest locomotive deal in history between Wabtec Corporation and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. Valued at $4.2 billion, this landmark deal is a symbol of American innovation and manufacturing leadership, as well as Kazakhstan's desire to deepen cooperation with American firms. Kazakhstan offers abundant potential for future investment opportunities--including critical minerals, rare earths, civilian nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, and manufacturing. We reiterate our commitment to advancing the repeal of the outdated Jackson-Vanik Amendment, which will allow us to fully realize the potential of this relationship. We also applaud Kazakhstan's efforts to position itself as a key Eurasian transit hub. We believe it is in our shared interest to improve Central Asian connectivity with global markets to boost supply chain resilience and seek ways to support the realization of the Trans-Caspian ``Middle Corridor,'' which begins in Kazakhstan and runs through Azerbaijan to global markets beyond. In addition to continued dialogue to safeguard critical technologies and improve the investment climate, we hope that the ongoing constitutional and political reform process in Kazakhstan, initiated in 2022, will strengthen governance and human rights.

On the occasion of Kazakhstan's Republic Day, we can reflect on our enduring friendship and the bright future of our strategic partnership. We look forward to continued high-level engagement with Kazakhstan, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora. In particular, we believe the anticipated C5+1 Leaders' Summit in Washington, D.C. would be a pivotal opportunity to strengthen longstanding United States cooperation with Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Mr. Speaker, please join me and Representative Kamlager-Dove in honoring the Kazakhstan Republic Day.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate those remarks from the chair.

The digital asset ecosystem currently operates in a fragmented regulatory environment that lends itself to significant challenges for both businesses and, more importantly, investors.

The ambiguity in classifying a digital asset, either as a security or a commodity, has led to confusion, legal uncertainty, and, ultimately, consumer harm.

American innovation is a critical element in job creation and economic opportunity here in the United States. Congress must look to preserve this competitive advantage and not let it leave our shores.

By passing a comprehensive market structure framework, responsible actors will now have greater certainty and consumers greater protection from bad actors.

This bill establishes a regulatory framework for digital assets that aligns with our existing financial markets while accounting for the unique characteristics of digital assets.

Mr. Speaker, our markets are the envy of the world. American innovation is a critical element of job creation and economic opportunity here in the United States. Congress must not cede its responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, today is a good day for innovation. It is a good day for free markets, entrepreneurs, and consumer choice. It is a good day for American digital leadership.

Mr. Speaker, after years of debate and, frankly, as I was chair of the Capital Markets Subcommittee in 2017 and 2018 and held hearings on cryptoassets, Congress has finally recognized the unique nature of stablecoin products.

Under this bill, we established a regulatory framework that targets the activity, not the technology. After years of indecision, Americans finally have an administration that is ready to embrace those products. The time to reassert American leadership in the digital asset space is now.

The GENIUS Act acknowledges that stablecoins can address inefficiencies in the U.S. payment system. It acknowledges that maintaining the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency should always be at the forefront of any decision that we have. It acknowledges that the private sector must lead the way, fostering innovation and competition.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me additional time.

Mr. Speaker, obviously, at the end of this, finally, it acknowledges that a clear regulatory framework led by the United States is needed to usher in this modern technology.

Mr. Speaker, we are at an inflection point. When it comes to digital assets, I urge my colleagues to seize this moment by supporting this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in regard to missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 191; YEA on Roll Call No. 192; and YEA on Roll Call No. 193.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate National Heritage Academies, or NHA as they are known, as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.

It is critical that every child, regardless of income, background, or zip code, has access to a quality education. National Heritage Academies delivers on this goal!

NHA prepares students from all walks of life for academic success while opening doors to trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities.

Since 1995, National Heritage Academies has offered quality education opportunities to more than 60,000 K-12 students. NHA runs over 100 charter schools primarily in my home state of Michigan, but has also expanded into 8 additional states.

One of those schools in Michigan is Vanderbilt Charter Academy in Holland, Michigan, where I served on the board for 5 years. Charter schools provide families with a tuition-free alternative that offers greater choice in the education their children receive.

National Heritage Academies strives to put kids on a trajectory to reach their full potential and achieve success both in and out of the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating National Heritage Academies as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a former colleague and, more importantly, a friend. Dino Dominic Falaschetti, or Dr. Dino as he was known to many of us, was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

In high school, Dino was a standout golfer, and then in college he became a standout cyclist. That became a lifelong passion. To his friends, he was always the smartest and best dressed guy we knew.

To say the least, Dino's academic achievements were impressive. He received a bachelor of science in accounting from Indiana University, then an MBA in finance and economics from the University of Chicago. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in economics from Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Dino went on to work for a Fortune 100 company. He also served as a senior economist on the Council of Economic Advisers under George W. Bush and taught economics and finance at not just one, but three distinguished universities. He accomplished all of this before our paths first crossed in the summer of 2015.

Dr. Dino, with his impeccable resume, had just been hired by former Chairman Jeb Hensarling to serve as the newly created position of chief economist to the House Committee on Financial Services.

The chairman and myself had many discussions about the economic impacts of what was going on, and at one point Chairman Hensarling said: I need an economist to help us do this.

Dino was the man that he hired. I was in my third term and had just been named chairman of the Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee. It turned out to be a match made in heaven.

Although we took very different paths to get to the Financial Services Committee, we found ourselves together thinking and developing and debating the economic impact of legislation and the regulators in that space, and then going toe to toe with then-Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen.

Throughout all of it, Dino was a consummate professional, intense and focused, but always taking time to explain complicated monetary policy to anyone--and I mean anyone--who would listen, whether it be a Member of Congress or a junior staffer, but it was always done with a smile.

Dino was often known to say: ``Economics is easy, but politics is hard.'' Boy, is he right.

Following his stint in the people's House, Dr. Dino's career path would make one final stop--this time at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In 2019, Dino was nominated by President Trump to serve as the director of the Office of Financial Research. To no one's surprise, Dr. Dino was unanimously confirmed and served in that position until 2022.

Through it all, Dr. Dino never forgot where he came from. He was devoted to his wife of 30 years, Suzanne; his dogs; his adopted hometown of Belgrade, Montana; and to others, along with serving his country.

I will never forget and am deeply grateful for his work on my subcommittee, highlighting much-needed reforms to our financial system that brought about real change and some things that we are still debating yet today.

His contributions to the Financial Services Committee and the House of Representatives will never be forgotten, not to mention the students and colleagues with whom he taught and worked who will always fondly remember Dr. Dino.

Suzanne should know that she has been in our prayers and thoughts. May she experience blessings and peace as she moves forward.

On behalf of his friends here in the U.S. House, we celebrate Dr. Dino's legacy and look forward to the day when we will meet him again.

Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in regard to missed votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 146, and YEA on Roll Call No. 147.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1701) to require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State to monitor efforts by the People's Republic of China to build or buy strategic foreign ports, and for other purposes.

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 material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 1701, the Strategic Ports Reporting Act, introduced alongside Representatives Rob Wittman, Jake Auchincloss, and Johnny Olszewski, and cosponsored by a bipartisan group of colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is simple, yet it is very necessary to expose the risks, the threats, and the vulnerabilities presented by overt Chinese-controlled global ports.

Specifically, the Strategic Ports Reporting Act requires the State Department, in coordination with the Defense Department, to develop a global mapping of foreign and domestic ports of strategic importance to the United States due to their capacity of providing military, diplomatic, economic, or resource exploration superiority. In other words, these are ports that are most important to the interests of the United States, both domestically and abroad.

Additionally, this bill requires a study analyzing the activities and plans of the PRC to expand its web of control over global strategic ports, while recognizing the U.S. national security and economic implications for such ownership.

China's malign influence abroad continues to reach new corners of the global economy. Emerging from the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese President Xi Jinping's companion initiative, known as the Maritime Silk Road, ratifies a dominating stake in various countries by making critical investment in their strategic ports, some of which exist right here in the United States.

Something that should resonate with all of our constituencies, as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, is that vulnerabilities in supply chains have a significant, real-world effect on our supply, on pricing, and access to essential goods.

Moreover, the likelihood of the PRC leveraging its port infrastructure to exert economic leverage in the future remains a significant challenge to the United States and our allies.

While many of these investments and port projects are portrayed as commercial relationships, the PRC's global reach is cause for concern, given that many of these ports pose significant dual-use military risks. The fact remains that Chinese investments in strategic ports offer the CCP a launchpad to engage in a campaign of modern-day espionage.

Let's look at a couple of examples, Mr. Speaker. In the Western Hemisphere, the PRC opened its crown jewel, a gateway connecting South America to Asia in Chancay, Peru. This multibillion-dollar, deepwater megaport is owned by a Chinese state-owned entity, COSCO Shipping, which has ties to the People's Liberation Army.

Additionally, Chinese-tied entities manage ports at both ends of the Panama Canal. Here, the CCP coordinates private companies in pursuit of its communist agendas and wields the power to garner more political influence in a volatile region.

I commend President Trump and his administration for its leadership and persistence to work with the Panamanians and BlackRock to change this reality.

In the United States, two Chinese-owned entities, COSCO Shipping and China Merchants Group, a major participant and proponent in China BRI,

controls significant portions of the Ports of Long Beach, Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami.

The opportunity we created, exposing our critical infrastructure to cybersecurity risks, foreign intelligence threats, and supply chain vulnerabilities, cannot be understated in my opinion.

Outside of our hemisphere, China casts a wide geostrategic footprint of malign influence at other critical chokepoints, including a multitude of Chinese-financed, developed, or managed ports across Africa. These ambitions provide access to critical minerals, naval launchpads, and consequential state power projections.

Additionally, the deep-sea port in the city of Anaklia on Georgia's Black Sea coast recently granted the tender for construction to a Chinese consortium sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020 for promoting militarization in the South China Sea. The strategic location of this port in the Middle Corridor, the trade route between China and Europe, would make this a crucial project for President Xi.

Unfortunately, I believe many of these projects are just another example of emerging economies lured in by China's debt-trap diplomacy.

To combat these efforts, the heads of relevant U.S. Government agencies must work collaboratively and creatively to ensure open access and security for strategic ports and offer alternatives to PRC investments in these ports. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act helps accomplish that goal.

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

House of Representatives,

Committee on Armed Services,

Washington, DC, May 19, 2025.

Hon. Brian Mast,

Committee on Foreign Affairs,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Mast: I write concerning H.R. 1701, the

Strategic Ports Reporting Act, introduced by Representative

Huizenga. As a result of your having consulted with us on

provisions within H.R. 1701 that fall within the Rule X

jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services, I agree to

forego any further consideration of this resolution so that

it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for

consideration.

The Committee on Armed Services takes this action with our

mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R.

1701 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over

subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and

that our committee will be appropriately consulted and

involved as this resolution or similar legislation moves

forward so that we may address any remaining issues in our

jurisdiction.

Finally, I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on

this matter be included by House Committee on Foreign Affairs

in the Congressional Record during floor consideration, to

memorialize our understanding. Thank you for the cooperative

spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and

others between our respective committees.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Rogers,

Chairman, House Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the bipartisan involvement of

the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Wittman, on my side of the aisle. I especially thank those on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Olszewski and Mr. Auchincloss, and my good friend, the ranking member, Mr. Meeks, for working through this.

Mr. Speaker, peace through strength is a theme of the United States that we have had for a long time, and it is something that is imperative right now. Without stalwart diplomacy from the United States and its allies and economic partners, Communist China's global reach will only mature, sowing instability and insecurity and, frankly, as I talked about, some economic challenges abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the fact that the gentleman was talking a little bit about the private sector. I welcome and appreciate their involvement and their attempts to track and to analyze what is going on.

These other attempts at offering that strategy and the mapping of the critical assets oftentimes lack up-to-date information and do not take into account the warfighter perspectives that President Trump's DOD brings nor do they really use the lens of the U.S. national priorities.

Mr. Speaker, that is why I believe that this legislation is so important. The Strategic Ports Reporting Act was deliberated and negotiated within the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and a bipartisan consensus on the text was reached. That is where we are today.

It remains imperative that the U.S. use all of its tools available to thwart malign Chinese influence and protect America's national security, our economic interests, and even our warfighters. That time is now, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1263) to require a strategy for bolstering engagement and cooperation between the United States, Australia, India, and Japan and to seek to establish a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group to facilitate closer cooperation on shared interests and values.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this matter.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1263, the Strengthening the Quad Act, introduced by my friend, Ranking Member Meeks, and the chairwoman of the East Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee, Congresswoman Young Kim.

This legislation is a strategic, forward-thinking step that reinforces Congress' unwavering commitment to a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

At a time when the Chinese Communist Party is aggressively asserting its influence, militarizing the South China Sea, threatening Taiwan, coercing regional partners, and promoting authoritarianism, it is more critical than ever for the United States to deepen cooperation with like-minded democratic nations.

The Quad, comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, is not just another diplomatic forum. It is a powerful, strategic alliance built on unyielding values: respect for sovereignty, unwavering commitment to the rule of law, promotion of fair trade, and a relentless defense of democratic governance. This partnership is a force for stability and accountability in an increasingly turbulent world.

The Strengthening the Quad Act takes this partnership to the next level. It empowers this relationship by ensuring regular, high-level engagement between the United States Congress and the legislatures of the Quad nations, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual understanding.

We have seen the power of early engagement. On day one of President Trump's administration, Secretary Rubio convened the first-ever Quad foreign ministers meeting, demonstrating our dedication to confronting evolving geopolitical challenges alongside our democratic allies.

By strengthening our partnership with the Quad, we are not just reinforcing alliances in the Indo-Pacific, we are drawing a clear line in the sand, or maybe the ocean as, Mr. Speaker, democratic values and the rule of law will, not might, shape the future of global power, not authoritarian coercion.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the South and Central and Asia Subcommittee, I support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), who is the chair of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the ranking member's work on this legislation, as well as the work of Chairwoman Kim, Mr. Bera, and Ms. Kamlager-Dove. This is what can happen when we come together and have our common interests as a nation be projected out to our allies.

I have been involved in a number of other inter-parliamentary groups, IPGs, that really have allowed this body to build and foster relationships with others. It is those critical relationships, not just at the administrative level, but also at that legislative level, that can work through some of the challenges that occur at times with our allies.

Mr. Speaker, let's pass this bill, Strengthening the Quad Act, and send an unmistakable message that the United States stands firm with our allies, committed to peace through strength, prosperity through unity, and an unbreakable defense of democracy against authoritarian threats.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on missed votes from May 14, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 129.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, and memory of Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins.

On April 1, a month ago today, Staff Sergeant Knutson-Collins tragically lost his life during a tactical training exercise in Lithuania that also killed three other members of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Troy was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, graduating from Harper Creek High School in 2015. Troy had many hobbies, including woodworking, football, and gaming. After graduating high school, he actually played semi-pro football before he enlisted in the Army at age 20, where he served as an artillery mechanic.

Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins was deployed to Korea twice and was serving in Lithuania when tragedy struck. In honor of his service, he will be returning back home to Battle Creek and will be buried at the Fort Custer National Cemetery tomorrow, on Friday.

Troy is survived by his wife and five children, along with his parents, Robert and Tosha Collins, and six siblings.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we may all rise and honor the memory of Staff Sergeant Troy Smith Knutson-Collins with a moment of silence.

Rest well, soldier. Rest well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on missed votes from April 8, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 91.

Mr. Speaker, the Bureau's overdraft rule would implement government price controls over a product that has proven necessary for consumers to make day-to-day purchases.

Today, Congress has an opportunity to invalidate this Biden-era rule that, if implemented, would severely impact community banks and local credit unions by restricting the services they can offer, while at the same time depriving millions of Americans of an important financial safety net.

According to a 2024 survey, consumers stated that they use overdraft services because they lack credit alternatives. Taking away this backstop, which Americans say they use when in a pinch for food, utilities, and transportation, only further limits the financial options that they have available to them.

According to a New York Fed study--not exactly a conservative institution, I will tell you that--entitled, ``Who Pays the Price? Overdraft Fee Ceilings and the Unbanked,'' the New York Fed says: ``Overdraft fee caps hinder financial inclusion. When constrained by fee caps, banks reduce overdraft coverage and deposit supply, causing more returned checks and a decline in account ownership among low- income households.''

Mr. Speaker, I happen to know that because I have represented some of the poorest counties in the State of Michigan in my time in Congress. This is a valuable tool those on the lower end of the economic rung use.

After the November election and President Trump won, regulators got the message, for the most part, to stop their rulemaking and put their pens down. However, Director Rohit Chopra couldn't help himself.

This is a clear example of government knows best, and we know what this is really about. Fewer community banks and credit unions will lead to more consolidation and less options. I believe most Members here share a common goal to ensure financial inclusion, as well as financial literacy and

awareness. Frankly, this rule isn't going to accomplish that. My friends on the other side of the aisle know it.

After the bank failures of 2023, community financial institutions lost consumers and remain at a disadvantage. Again, any rule that leads to greater consolidation in the banking industry only benefits the largest financial institutions in America, a class of banks regularly attacked by Members on the other side, and yet now they are trying to help them.

Although overdraft is one of the most transparent and competitive products available in depository banking, they make up about 2 percent of consumer complaints.

How have the banks responded? They have responded by proactively taking steps to promote further transparency in their overdraft products without government intervention. This includes low-balance alerts, grace periods, and other innovative tools that make sure consumers are protected from unnecessary fees.

Financial institutions in my home State of Michigan, who represent roughly 12 million customers and hundreds of billions of dollars in deposits, have shared stories of consumers who use this overdraft strategy to ensure important expenses are paid. Rent, utilities, and medical bills are ultimately paid when a shortfall exists.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I request a ``yea'' vote from my colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Jaqua Realtors as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This achievement represents more than a half-century of service to the people of Southwest Michigan.

In 1975, Jaqua Realtors began with a single office in Kalamazoo operated by Chuck Jaqua. Since the doors first opened, Jaqua has opened thirteen more offices across Southwest Michigan. As a small business owner myself, I can attest that the hard work and dedication of the whole Jaqua family is a true representation of the American Dream. Marking half a century as a family-owned business. Since their founding, ownership has remained in the family. The business is currently under the leadership of Dan Jaqua, who sees the value of maintaining his late father's commitment to the community.

Jaqua Realtors is a prominent piece of the Southwest Michigan community. They believe in a hands-on approach to community support and have been extensively philanthropic since their foundation. Jaqua Realtors has contributed to groups such as the Kalamazoo Literary Council, Girls on the Run, and the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.

We would like to thank Jaqua Realtors for more than fifty years of outstanding dedication in Southwest Michigan. This achievement is truly remarkable.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Jaqua Realtors as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.