Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last week, the President came to this House for a joint session of Congress to discuss how we as a Nation will reform health care. The debate over health care has made clear that the American people are actually paying attention to what is happening here.

During the President's speech, our colleague, Joe Wilson, made a mistake--a mistake that I believe was driven by both the substance and the emotion involved in this debate.

Immediately after he made that mistake, Congressman Wilson did the appropriate thing. He immediately apologized to the President. President Obama very graciously accepted his apology.

Mr. Speaker, recently, President Obama made a mistake when referring to actions of the Cambridge police while acknowledging that he did not have all the facts. In the national uproar that ensued, he called it a teachable moment. I thought that was a very human response to an incident that was blown totally out of proportion, in my opinion, and some actually inferred that it had racial overtones.

I think what we have here today, Mr. Speaker, is a teachable moment, and it has nothing to do with race.

Joe Wilson is a patriotic American who has defended our freedom in uniform as well as here in the United States Congress. He is the father of four sons who also served this Nation in uniform to defend our liberty, our freedom, our democracy. And we have all heard Joe Wilson speak on this floor, and he ends every floor statement with the same following words: God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Joe Wilson simply made a mistake and was forgiven by the person who was harmed by that mistake. Case closed. So why are we here? What can we be taught by forcing a vote on this resolution?

Well, I believe what is going on here, Mr. Speaker, today, is a reflection of the unease among the American people as they have watched this Congress enact a $700 billion Wall Street bailout, a $787 billion economic stimulus bill, a $1.8 trillion deficit, this year alone, placed on the backs of their children and their grandchildren.

They have been watching as Congress works on health care legislation that would fundamentally alter one of the most personal factors in their lives, and that is how to care for themselves and their families.

During the August recess we saw the frustrations of the American people when they came out in large numbers to exercise their rights guaranteed under the First Amendment--the right to free speech, the right to peaceably assemble, and the right to redress their grievances before government. And how were they treated when they did this? Some leaders of this House called them un-American, or an angry mob. All of this for simply making their voices heard.

I understand that democracy is sometimes difficult and it can instill passion. That passion, that love for our Nation and the belief in the idea that every American deserves to be heard is what makes America great. And we who are honored to serve here have a duty to listen.

The acrimony that has developed here is what needs to be stopped. We need to stop and we need to listen to one another. We need to focus on the needs of the people and do the work that they sent us here to do. Most importantly, get our economy moving.

I come from Michigan, where countless of my fellow citizens have lost their jobs and many have also lost their health care. The resolution that we are considering today will not create one job. It will not help one person get health care for their family. It will do nothing to allay the concerns of seniors who are worried about their Medicare. It will do nothing to get our economy moving again. It will simply inflame a debate that should have been over when President Obama accepted Joe Wilson's apology.

We can do better. The American people can do better. And, hopefully, in this teachable moment, we will learn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 556, which recognizes the 75th anniversary of the passage of the Federal Credit Union Act.

Credit unions, not-for-profit financial cooperatives, are a form of economic democracy. Credit unions exist to serve their members, not turn a profit. Earnings beyond operating expenses are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees.

While we are recognizing the 75th anniversary of the passage of the Federal Credit Union Act today, it is important to note that credit unions have been present in the United States since 1909, starting with the chartering of the first credit union in the State of New Hampshire.

As a Representative from Michigan, a State with 341 credit unions serving over 4.3 million members, I can speak to the positive impact of these vital financial institutions.

In Michigan, members of a credit union can expect to see a membership benefit of, on average, $92 a year by working with a credit union. For the average household, the annual benefit rises to $175. I know that in my district, $175 goes a long way toward covering necessary household expenses.

For a member in Michigan, financing a new automobile through their credit union produces an average savings of $156 per year in interest expense. The Invest in America program, a partnership between GM and Chrysler with credit unions, has helped to spur over 189,000 new vehicle sales. Sales from this program have reinvested over $3.05 billion in the national economy, crucial support during the current economic downtown.

In addition to the direct financial benefits that credit unions provide to their members, credit unions positively impact their communities in other ways. Credit unions put on financial literacy seminars throughout Michigan in order to educate people about their financial options.

Because of these contributions to our Nation's communities, I am proud to support House Resolution 556.

Congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the Federal Credit Union Act and the first 100 years of credit unions in America.

I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this bill.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I was very proud to be the Republican lead sponsor of the original legislation that we passed a number of months ago. Cash for Clunkers--what a fantastic success. This program has exceeded everybody's expectations; and now most of the naysayers are even admitting that it's the best $1 billion in economic stimulus funds that the Federal Government has ever spent.

Here are a couple of today's quotes from those who are directly impacted. First of all, the CEO of one of our Nation's largest auto groups said, ``The most brilliantly conceived and most effective economic stimulus program ever put forward by the Federal Government.''

Ford Motor Company says, ``Huge success.''

This Congress appropriated $1 billion or November 1, whatever came first, and only several days into the program, we need more cash for the Cash for Clunkers. We can just think about the tremendous economic multiplier effect this is having. It is good for the auto dealers; it is good for the auto manufacturers; it is good for the suppliers; it is good for workers; it is good for the States, Mr. Speaker. Think about all of the revenue that is being generated by sales tax and licensing fees as well for this program. It is good for the environment. It's getting all of these old vehicles off the road, and it's absolutely great for consumers.

Let me just read quickly. Here's one letter I got from a lady in Dearborn Heights, Michigan:

Thank you for pushing through and helping to develop the Cash for Clunkers legislation. I am now the happy owner of an American-made 2010 Ford Fusion that I will be picking up on July 30. It has been 12 years since I have been able to purchase a new vehicle. I was able to save over $7,000, before tax, on my Ford Fusion. My old vehicle was a 1995 Ford Windstar with 150,000 miles.''

She says, ``I'm so excited for me.''

Well, we're excited too.

Mr. Speaker, throughout our Nation's history--since we've had the automobile, actually--it has been automobile sales that have literally pulled our Nation out of recession; and this time it's going to be the same. I think we are seeing ourselves being placed on the road to economic recovery here, and this road is paved by the Cash for Clunkers program.

I actually wrote a letter at the beginning of this week to the Speaker and to the House leadership, saying that we were going to run out of money, that we were going to need some more money for this program. Here we are on Friday of the first week. We absolutely need to do this, Mr. Speaker. We cannot leave for our August recess until we vote for this reprogramming of unspent economic stimulus funds for this program. We need to do it.

One other thing, for those who keep saying that we need to get the government out of the automobile business, if you really want to get the government out of the pocket of General Motors or whatever, this is the way to do it, Mr. Speaker. I would urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is very, very important not just for the State of Michigan, this is a national economic program, the best thing we've ever done. More cash for Cash for Clunkers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 508. I'm a proud member of the General Aviation Caucus and have been a long time supporter of general aviation. My husband was a fighter pilot in Vietnam, and now we fly an RV-8 aircraft, which he built in our garage.

More than 75% of all flights in the United States are general aviation. America relies on general aviation for business, medical delivery services, sightseeing and for just plain fun and a love of flying.

General aviation contributes high-skill jobs in aircraft manufacturing, avionics and technology development, and flight training. This is a vital industry in America's economy. Currently there are 19,000 airports nationwide that provide jobs for 1.3 million Americans and bring in more than $100 billion dollars annually.

According to a 2006 report from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, general aviation contributes more than $4.1 billion in value to the state of Michigan alone. And there are more than 200 general aviation airports in Michigan--these airports are a vital link to rural communities.

After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the General Aviation community responded by partnering with the TSA to develop a nationwide Airport Watch Program that uses pilots as eyes and ears for observing and reporting suspicious activity.

The General Aviation Community has made impressive contributions to our nation's economy and security. So I am proud to support this resolution. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Fire Chief Ronald

B. Nichols from the Fort Gratiot Fire Department in St. Clair County, Michigan. This year marks the 50th year Mr. Nichols has been a member of the department--and during 31 of those years he has proudly served as Chief.

Chief Nichols has consistently raised the bar and set a high standard during his outstanding career in the fire service. The State of Michigan and the 10th Congressional District truly have been very fortunate to have him as one of our fire chiefs. During his tenure, the Fort Gratiot Fire Department experienced tremendous growth and commercial expansion. Through his continued leadership, he has been able to administer safe and effective fire codas while keeping pace with the latest technological advancements and changes in local fire prevention ordinances.

Chief Nichols has stepped forth to fulfill numerous leadership roles and positions. He is a 26 year member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, a member of the St. Clair County Fire Chiefs Association, a member of the St. Clair County Firefighters Association, and a member of the National Fire Protection Association. In 1992, he was recognized by his community, earning the St. Clair County Firefighters Association Firefighter of the Year Award.

First responders are often under-appreciated and taken for granted until crisis strikes and the public reaches out for help and rescue. Against all common sense and natural instinct, firefighters rush to the scene of an emergency and into harm's way without the slightest hesitation.

Firefighters are the backbone of our communities. Without the promise of any fame, fortune, or so much as a simple ``thank-you'', firefighters remain constantly vigilant and ready to serve. I know sometimes younger people idolize professional athletes and cheer for their favorite sports teams. And the same could be said for some adults too. But if you really want to see true teamwork search no further than your local fire station. It is here where men and women work together and count on each other to protect lives. Their service demonstrates courage, camaraderie, and bravery.

I am extremely proud of all the men and women who risk so much to protect our safety and well-being, so it is my honor to offer my sincere gratitude to Chief Nichols for his 50 years of service. His leadership, integrity, and dedication are greatly appreciated. I wish him, his family, and his wife, Carole, all the best as he continues to serve the citizens of Fort Gratiot. Thank you, Chief Ronald B. Nichols, for dedicating your life to a noble cause. And thank you for ignoring fear and always demonstrating incredible bravery. That is what a real hero does.

Madam Speaker, before I came to Congress, I had the privilege of serving 8 years as Michigan's Secretary of State. In that job, one of my key responsibilities was to serve as the state's Chief Elections Officer. During my tenure, we made great strides in improving the accuracy and security of the elections system in our state.

However, as any former or current Secretary of State can tell you, one of the greatest challenges you have is convincing non-voters--those who are eligible to vote, and may be registered, but fail to participate in the electoral process. One of the common challenges in changing the views of these citizens is countering the belief that the system doesn't work either due to corruption or negligence or some other issue. So, these citizens fail to exercise their Constitutionally-given rights to choose their government, and they don't vote.

As elected officials, we need to take whatever measures we can to increase the public's confidence in the voting system. One of the greatest achievements of my tenure as Secretary of State was the creation of the Qualified Voter File, which provided for easy determination of who is and is not a registered voter. In fact, the Ford-Carter Commission on Federal Election Reform cited Michigan as a national model in this area. This device was critical to ensuring that we have full voter participation and that no one is needlessly disenfranchised.

Absentee ballots, historically, have been an area that has contributed to this perception. Many have seen these ballots as ripe for corruption and many voters are unsure what happens with their ballots after they mail them in. The bill we are considering today will go a long way towards correcting these perceptions.

H.R. 2510, the Absentee Ballot Track Receive and Confirm Act, authorizes grants to states that choose to establish procedures to track absentee mail-in ballots. These systems would allow voters to find out for themselves the status of their absentee ballot. Voters will now be able to determine when their ballot should arrive, if the elections office received it and whether it was counted.

Additionally, this measure protects the secrecy of the ballot by only marking the outside ballot envelopes. No other information about the voter or how that vote was cast will be recorded.

The right to vote is one of the most cherished rights that we have as citizens. This measure will reduce the potential for fraud and restore confidence in absentee voting among the public. Furthermore, absentee voters will gain the knowledge that their vote has been counted and they are not being disenfranchised through the process.

I urge my colleagues to support the measure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 483 Supporting the goals and Ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day.

Nearly 110 years ago, what was then known as the American Veterans of Foreign Service was established to advocate for the rights and benefits for veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection. That organization later became the Veterans of Foreign Wars, which was chartered by Congress in 1936.

Since then, the VFW's voice has been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill, developing the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome.

Today, the VFW is a strong advocate for today's servicemen and women returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan--assisting combat wounded veterans receive compensation for their injuries and helping to create a 21st Century GI Bill.

VFW's Operation Uplink hosts free call days every month of the year, so troops can call home--at no charge--from Internet cafes throughout Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

The VFW provides grants to meet the needs of servicemen and women faced with hardship as a result of military service--they award more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives to worthy students and VFW Posts often sponsor Farewell and Welcome Home Activities.

The reason that we are free today is because brave men and women have answered our nation's call in our time of need. They have sweated, bled and sacrificed for our freedom.

And as it is written on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C, freedom isn't free--the cost is readily apparent in the rows of crosses in Arlington, where many generations of American warriors have been laid to rest.

We owe our veterans a debt that can never be fully repaid, but I personally want to thank them for your service and sacrifice. I will continue to work to ensure that our veterans get the care, help, and benefits they so richly deserve.

Let us remember our obligations to our nation's veterans, as Abraham Lincoln said in his Second Inaugural Address, ``to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan.'' The VFW has been there for our nation's veterans for over 110 years, and I'm proud to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, many of my Republican colleagues and I have been coming down to this floor and asking the question, where are the jobs? Because the stimulus package has failed to deliver on the promise of 3 million jobs that it said it would, and instead our economy has actually lost over 3 million jobs.

And now we will soon be asked to vote on a health care reform package that places even more hurdles to jobs and growth of job creation. The health care plan being debated puts an onerous new tax on individuals and small business job creators through a surtax on income. It adds a new 8 percent tax on payrolls for companies that don't provide health care, Mr. Speaker.

Does anyone actually believe that the addition of this new tax will encourage job providers to either raise their workers' pay or to create new jobs when both of these actions actually lead to higher taxes?

In the rush to pass the stimulus, the Democrats put $1 trillion of new debt on our children and on our grandchildren and did not create the jobs that we need. In our rush to pass a new health care bill, we will now put new hurdles to job creation and economic growth.

Where are the jobs? Clearly not in this new health care package.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 519, Expressing appreciation to the people and Government of Canada for their long history of friendship and cooperation and congratulating Canada as it celebrates Canada Day. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this resolution, and I'd like to thank my good friend Bart Stupak for offering it.

On July 1st, 1867 with the enactment of the British North America Act, Canada was united as a single country. Over the next 142 years, Canada has become one of our closest friends, our largest trading partner and a steadfast ally.

And in the wake of 9/11, Canada has been a stalwart partner, sending troops to Afghanistan as part of the NATO coalition. They have stood shoulder to shoulder with us as we conduct our difficult mission to rid Afghanistan of the Taliban and give the Afghanis hope for a life free from tyranny and repression.

Our Canadian friends have been vital as we work to secure the homeland on our shared waterways and long land borders. Cooperation is the key to securing the homeland along the Northern Border, and I'm pleased to say that we have a great partner in Canada.

In southeast Michigan, cross-border communities symbolize the relationship we share with our Canadian neighbors. Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario jointly celebrate Canada Day and the United States' Independence Day with the International River Days.

This festival lasts several weeks, culminating in one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in North America.

I want to wish our neighbors and friends in Canada a happy and prosperous Canada Day.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Ms. Edwards, for offering this important resolution.

This resolution designates the fourth day of June, 2009 as National Children and Families Day.

Our children are this nation's most important resource, and this resolution highlights the invaluable role families have in raising healthy, well-adjusted children. Families come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all play a critical role in the care and development of their children.

Research shows that spending time together as a family is critical to raising strong and resilient kids. And studies have shown, the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs, so we should be in the business of supporting families.

Early childhood experience lays the foundation for later development, and the first three years of a child's life are especially important. Investing resources in children and families will pay large dividends for our society, not only in increased productivity, but also for more opportunities for our children to realize their dreams.

We must take it upon ourselves as a society to cultivate loving and supporting families whenever possible. National Children and Families Day provides us an opportunity to recognize our responsibility to foster family environments that nurture the next generation and to promote a positive environment for families across America.

Lee Iacocca said it best when he said, ``The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works is the family.''

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to officially recognize the new Rolland-Warner Middle School in Lapeer, Michigan, which is named in honor of Doris F. Rolland and the late Ronald C. Warner. The community is preparing to mark this special occasion with a dedication ceremony on August 27th at the site of the new facility.

The process to name the school took nearly two months, and it was anything but simple and easy considering there was an exceptional list of 19 possible candidates to pick from. Any one of these individuals would have been an excellent choice to receive this honor. But in the end, the members of the Lapeer Community Schools, LCS, Board of Education voted unanimously to name the facility the Rolland-Warner Middle School.

Mrs. Doris Rolland truly is an extraordinary person, and I commend her for her dedication and tireless work to educate the youth of Lapeer County. Mrs. Rolland still resides in beautiful Mayfield Township with her husband. Her resume speaks volumes about her commitment and devotion to help children succeed in academics and life, and especially those with special needs. Mrs. Rolland was both a teacher and principal at Woodside School at Oakdale, which coincidentally is the site of the new facility. In addition, she supervised a staff of 300 people who worked in the residential unit, the research unit and the unit that housed students with emotional impairment. Mrs. Rolland also served for 10 years as director of special education that served 750 students and 200 staff. She demonstrated unwavering passion for her work, and never questioned her mission. I thank her for her devoted spirit and willingness to assist the future of Lapeer, and I also want to offer my sincere congratulations on this very appropriate honor.

Mr. Ronald Warner held many positions during his 41 plus years career in the education field that concluded in 1984 when he retired as the Assistant Superintendent for the Lapeer Community Schools. However, Mr. Warner sadly passed away in June of 2008 at a tremendous loss to the community. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. And his family should rest assured that his spirit and legacy continue to live on. Mr. Warner began his career in Almont and held various teaching and administrative positions within the district. Mr. Rolland consistently demonstrated to his students and colleagues an outstanding capacity for leadership and the ability to make a positive difference. He helped countless young people learn and grow by challenging them to expand their minds. His contributions are greatly appreciated, and I could not think of a better way to show this gratitude other than by placing his name on the new school. His family should be extremely proud of this achievement, and I applaud Mr. Rolland posthumously on this wonderful acknowledgement.

August 27th will be a great day for the Lapeer Community Schools District and for the City of Lapeer as they pay tribute to Mrs. Doris Rolland and Mr. Ronald Warner, and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to do the same. I want to thank all parties involved for their hard work during the nomination process. The community can stand proud of these two individuals as they have their names remembered forever on the new facility. They are rightfully deserving of this prestigious distinction because they have laid a strong foundation on which to build and expand upon.

In closing, I offer my encouragement and best wishes to all the teachers, students and parents who are a part of the Rolland-Warner Middle School family. The future is bright and your potential is limitless. Go Wolves!

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293 the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller

Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act of 2010

Account: FIPSE

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Clair County Community College

Address of Requesting Entity: 323 Erie St., Port Huron, MI 48061

Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $100,000.00, would be used to further facilitate and develop curriculum for their Water Quality Technology Program.

Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller

Bill Number: H.R. 3293, Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act of 2010

Account: Administration for Children and Families--Social Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Eva's Place Domestic Violence Shelter

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 29, Sandusky, MI 48471

Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $200,000.00, would be used for shelter funding and to further facilitate domestic violence shelter programs.

Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller

Bill Number: H.R. 3293, Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act of 2010

Account: Administration for Children and Families--Social Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Huron County Safe Place Domestic Violence Shelter

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 8, Bad Axe, MI 48316

Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $150,000.00, would be used for

shelter funding and to further facilitate domestic violence shelter programs.

Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller

Bill Number: H.R. 3293, Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act of 2010

Account: Administration for Children and Families--Social Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 356, Lapeer, MI 48446

Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $200,000.00, would be used for shelter funding and to further facilitate domestic violence shelter programs.

Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller

Bill Number: H.R. 3293, Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act of 2010

Account: Administration for Children and Families--Social Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Safe Horizons Domestic Violence Shelter

Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 610968, Port Huron, MI 48061

Description of Request: This request, in the amount of $200,000.00, would be used for shelter funding and to further facilitate domestic violence shelter programs.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller

Mr. Speaker, when the economic stimulus plan was passed earlier this year, the American people were told that we had to act immediately because of our economic crisis. We were also told that that plan would create or save 3 million jobs and that the unemployment rate would not rise above 8 percent, and that we had to act so fast that actually not one Member of this House or the American people had a chance to read the bill.

And what has actually happened since that time?

Well, the economy hasn't gained 3 million jobs. It's actually lost 3 million jobs. Where are the jobs?

Unemployment is almost 10 percent. In my home State of Michigan, it is 15.2 percent today, and $787 billion has been added to our national debt and we have an annual deficit approaching $2 trillion.

Mr. Speaker, now we're being told that we need to pass health care reform immediately because we're in a crisis. We're told that it will be deficit neutral because it includes massive new taxes on individuals and small businesses. But CBO says that it will actually increase the deficit, Mr. Speaker, while others say that it will force millions of Americans out of their private health insurance.

We do need to reform our health care system, but doing it in such a panic mode is a recipe for disaster.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Candice S. Miller

Bill Number: H.R. 3170--the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2010

Account: Salaries and Expenses

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Macomb County, Michigan

Address of Requesting Entity: 1 S. Main St., 7th Floor, Mt. Clemens,