Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the extension of the current student loan interest rates.

Every young American who works hard and studies hard deserves a shot at the American Dream. Unfortunately, the economy, led by President Barack Obama, is denying them the opportunities that they need. Actually, according to an Associated Press analysis, over 53 percent of young college graduates aged 25 or under, which is 1.5 million young Americans, are unemployed or they hold low-wage jobs that don't require them to use the degrees that they just obtained.

Our approach to help young people is about more than just the interest rate that they pay on their loans; it's about creating an economy that gives them a chance to apply the knowledge that they worked so hard to learn. That means not raising taxes or imposing new regulations on the very job creators that will offer opportunities to our young people. It means opening up energy reserves to lower prices at the pump because, guess what, Mr. Speaker, young people also are paying these high gas prices as well.

Let's stop the rise in student loan interest rates, but at the same time let's get this economy moving so that America's young people can achieve their dreams.

Mr. Speaker, we all understand that American small businesses are the engine of job creation. I think the Democrats are waging a war on small business.

I have spoken with so many small business job creators in my district, and they all share the same message: government overregulation and government overtaxation is stifling their ability to grow. This House has already acted decisively to address government overregulation, and today we're going to act decisively to give small businesses the tax relief that they need to grow.

Allowing small businesses with fewer than 500 employees a 20 percent tax cut to free up capital and to allow those businesses to invest in and to grow their businesses to create the jobs that we so desperately need in this economy is the right thing to do. So I was very disappointed to see that President Obama threatened to veto this bill, because, Mr. Speaker and Mr. President, I would respectfully tell you that hundreds of small manufacturing firms in Michigan that are struggling to buy new equipment, to pursue new customers and grow their businesses are not among the corporations with the biggest profits; and those small businesses would benefit from this bill. You can contrast that with General Electric, which made over $14 billion in profits in 2010 and yet paid no Federal income tax.

We need to remember that the CEO of General Electric is actually the head of President Obama's Jobs Council.

So, Mr. Speaker, I would say that we can trust the American small businesses to spend their money more wisely than government will ever do. Again, it's mystifying to me that the Democratic Party seems to be waging a war on the small business community of America.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of the legislation and the rule as well.

Our Nation has been blessed with such magnificent natural wonders that provide great enjoyment for those who hunt and fish, and today, our sportsmen continue a wonderful and a great tradition that has defined our Nation.

Unfortunately, far too often sportsmen are stymied in their efforts to build upon this great American tradition and heritage because of overzealous bureaucrats and activists who seem to want to go to almost any means, really, to stop hunting and fishing.

Today, by passing the Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012, we will make a statement of support for our Nation's sportsmen and -women. This bill states clearly that fishing and hunting and shooting are important activities that create jobs and must continue on public land, and it requires those that manage the land to make it accessible and holds them accountable.

It takes away the power from the bureaucrats to limit types of ammunition and fishing tackle that they've been trying to limit that can be used on public lands. And it removes red tape that keeps hunters from bringing home a limited number of legally-taken trophies from Canada as well.

And today, Mr. Speaker, we will send a very clear message to American sportsmen and American sportswomen that we are on your side. We value the important role that you play in upholding our national heritage and its great tradition of America, and the jobs that you create through your activities as well.

I would urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this very important legislation and this rule as well.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor on H.R. 2920.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 44, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege today to recognize an extraordinary individual from Michigan's 10th Congressional District. On February 17, 2012, family, friends and neighbors of Mr. Gordon Fuerstenau will gather at the Richmond Township Hall to celebrate his dedicated and honorable record of public service. In total, Gordon has served the Township of Richmond located in northern Macomb County for an impressive 27 years, having first been elected as the Clerk in 1984 and then appointed to the position of Supervisor in 2003 which he held until 2011.

As a former township supervisor myself, I can personally attest to the hard work, long hours and steadfast commitment it takes to efficiently operate and manage the day-to-day business of a township. The job can be difficult at times, but the rewards far outweigh any roadblocks faced along the way. There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing the work you have accomplished to improve the community in which you live. Ultimately, you know you are making a positive difference and enhancing the quality of life for the generations to follow.

Gordon's resume includes a long list of accomplishments demonstrating his leadership skills and impeccable integrity. He has served on the City of Richmond's Wellhead Protection Team which helped protect drinking water utilized by area residents. He also was a key player in fostering the amicable relationship with the City of Richmond through his work with the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department, and triumphing key environmental issues to help maintain the rural setting that is especially unique to Richmond Township.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity to properly acknowledge Gordon Fuerstenau's strong record of outstanding and invaluable public service to Richmond Township. I commend him on this very special occasion and offer my best wishes on many more successes in the future.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to recognize a special achievement recently accomplished by the Carsonville-Port Sanilac (C-PS) Tigers High School Football Team. C-PS capped off a remarkable and extremely memorable season by taking home to Sanilac County the first ever Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) 8-Player State Championship. After the necessary 20 high schools announced they would be fielding teams in 2011, the MHSAA was able to implement an official playoff schedule. This was more than welcomed news to CP-S since they had gone

undefeated the previous year winning an ``unofficial'' title. But with this new opportunity on the horizon, C-PS demonstrated what real team work is to reach the pinnacle of this historic season.

With Head Coach Tim Brabant entering his second season in charge, the Tigers played strong hard-nosed football focusing on the basic fundamentals and taking each play one at a time. This meant players executing their designated assignments and beating the man in front of him. This also included playing sound defense with solid tackling and an implementing offense scheme that would make an NFL playbook look elementary. The Tigers kept constant pressure on their opponents forcing them to commit untimely errors and more importantly capitalizing on those mistakes.

After making the eight hour trek to Marquette in the Upper Peninsula to face-off against their opponent, the Rapid River Rockets, in the finals at the Superior Dome, the team brushed aside any potential distractions and solely focused on winning. Despite the best efforts of Rapid River, C-PS would not to be denied. Tigers had the proper preparation and were eager to seize the day.

Jumping out front quickly in the first quarter to a 27-6 lead, the Tigers saw that margin reduced by halftime to a 39-20 score. One important note is that unlike 11-man football, a 19 point lead is anything but safe. Similar to arena football, points can come quick and they can come often. But once again, the Tigers were up to the challenge and simply closed the door on the Rockets by shutting them out in the second half. This amazing feat is rarely accomplished in 8- player football. There is an old adage in sports which I think holds true for the Tiger's season, ``Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.'' I am proud to say the Tigers capped off this outstanding season with a 59-20 win and an overall record of 12 wins and only one defeat.

The Tigers throughout the year exhibited the intangible ingredients which make up a winning football team: heart, discipline and a positive attitude. As legendary Hall of Fame Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi once said, ``A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, determination, the dedication and the competition drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.''

I applaud these young men for remaining both mentally and physically ready to compete. In addition, I want to commend the Tigers for staying energized and focused each time they stepped on to the gridiron. I understand this can be extremely difficult considering the numerous pressures and distractions high school student-athletes can encounter.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the hard work and sportsmanship displayed by all the team members. These individuals are: Danny Rickett, Justin Mackey, Sam Washe, Hayden Adams, Ryan Davis, Garrett Salsbury, Ismael Pacheco, Chase Munro, Steven Koehler, Tom Nantz, Aaron Smith, Tim Smith, Jon Childers, Chris Drescher, Levi Hurley, Tim Sherman, Nick Swift, Devin Adams and Trevor Adams along with Head Coach Tim Brabant, Defensive Coordinator Scott Steele, and Assistant Coaches Eugene Binder and Joe Rickett.

I also wish to acknowledge the administrators, teachers, cheerleaders, parents, students and fans alike for their assistance and support in making this an unforgettable season. The Tigers proved they had the talent, fortitude and resilience to rise to the challenge and accomplish their ultimate goal--a State Championship. Teamwork, perseverance and friendship all contributed to this title. I know the community and the entire Thumb Region takes great pride in what these young men were able to achieve.

In closing Mr. Speaker, I share that same pride. I want to offer my personal congratulations and best wishes. All the accolades, awards and trophies are rightfully deserved. Way to go Tigers!

Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to offer my support of the first ever National Rural Health Day.

My district is home to five rural hospitals, Deckerville Community Hospital, Harbor Beach Community Hospital, Marlette Community Hospital, Scheurer Hospital and McKenzie Memorial Hospital.

Thanks to these hospitals, my constituents, as well as 62 million Americans living in small towns and rural communities across the United States, have greater access to medical services and comprehensive care near the communities where they live.

During my time in Congress, I have been proud to support rural hospitals in my district. I took a leading role in helping to complete the Thumb Rural Health Network's wireless communications system. This infrastructure links all eight of the rural hospitals serving Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties, in order to create greater communication about patient care between this region's hospitals and allow for more medical consultation from specialists from other Michigan facilities via remote technology.

I believe that it is critically important for all Michigan residents to have access to quality health care services, and I know that each rural hospital is continually looking for innovative and resourceful ways to reach this goal despite geographical obstacles.

In my district, rural hospitals account for nearly 1,000 jobs. In a time of economic uncertainty and rising unemployment that has hurt Michigan businesses and families, I am encouraged by the many benefits rural hospitals bring to the communities they serve.

I would like to praise rural hospitals on National Rural Health Day and extend my thanks for the work they do for our communities in my district, as well as across the Nation.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, our Constitution is certainly the greatest governing document ever created by man. It's the bedrock foundation for this, the United States of America, the greatest nation on Earth.

Mr. Speaker, our Founding Fathers, in their genius, provided us with a way to amend the Constitution to deal with a changing world. James Madison, who, of course, is widely seen as the Father of the Constitution, once said that ``A public debt is a public curse.''

In 1995, this House passed a very similar balanced budget amendment to the one that we are considering today. The amendment received 300 votes in this House, but fell just one vote short in the United States Senate.

Since that time, Mr. Speaker, our national debt has grown by over $9 trillion, yes, $9 trillion, including nearly $4 trillion in new debt in just the last 3 years, and today the debt is over $15 trillion. And the fact of the matter is that our public debt has become the public curse of which Madison warned us.

The American people understand that this level of debt is not sustainable, and that is why they overwhelmingly support this balanced budget amendment. Today we have a choice, Mr. Speaker. Do we answer the call of the American people and embrace fiscal responsibility, or do we continue the status quo of more spending and more borrowing and more debt?

It's time for this Congress to use the tools our Founding Fathers gave us, Mr. Speaker, to amend the Constitution to save further generations from the shackles of unsustainable debt. I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense amendment to balance our Federal budget.

Mr. Chair, my home slate of Michigan is one of 49 in the nation that currently has a law that allows individuals to receive a license to carry a concealed weapon.

Some warned that right-to-carry laws would lead to an increase in crime, but the facts bear out that just the opposite is true. Violent crime has gone down substantially across the nation as more and more states instituted right-to-carry laws.

When criminals know that law abiding citizens have the ability to defend themselves they have to think twice before victimizing people. This legislation simply allows those who have gotten the training to receive a permit to carry in their home state to use that permit in other states.

The bill also requires that concealed weapons permit holders abide by the local laws in the state where they choose to exercise this right and thus is not a federalization of gun laws.

Just as another state cannot deny drivers license holders from Michigan the ability to drive in that state, they should not deny concealed carry permit holders from Michigan the right to carry.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation that strengthens the Constitutional rights of all Americans.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

We all understand that our economy is struggling, that millions of Americans can't find a job, that too many families are struggling to make ends meet, and that the American people are very frustrated that Washington is simply not doing enough to get our economy moving. I would argue that not only is Washington not doing enough to get our economy moving but it is actually harming the efforts of American innovators, of manufacturers, of small businesses, of the job creators because of government over-regulation.

The fact is today that the Obama administration has publicly listed almost 220 new regulations just this year alone, a 15-percent increase in one year alone, of new regulatory actions under consideration. Each one of them is estimated to cost at least $100 million, if you can imagine.

Mr. Chairman, the bill that is currently under consideration would provide relief from some of the new EPA regulations that would cost American job creators more than $14 billion and threaten over 230,000 jobs. In my home State of Michigan, this government over-regulation would cost nearly $800 million and put nearly 13,000 jobs at risk. In my home State of Michigan, we are on our knees economically, and we cannot tolerate this anymore. It has to be stopped.

At home, I have talked to so many businesspeople, from small family businesses to major corporations, et cetera; and the message from all of them is always the same: that government over- regulation is absolutely killing their efforts to grow and to create jobs.

I'll give you one example. There's a company in Port Huron, Michigan, in my congressional district, called Domtar. Port Huron has been hit particularly hard. Current estimates are that the unemployment rate is approaching 20 percent, if you can imagine that. It's unbelievable how bad it is there at this time. Domtar is a paper company. It currently employs 245 people. It generates between $8 million and $12 million in revenue annually.

I talked to them about this regulation under consideration today, and they estimate that this regulation today would cost them $9 million to scrub the coal that they use to operate their boilers or would cost $3 million to $4 million to convert to natural gas and have an additional annual cost of $3 million to $4 million a year just to stay compliant. They estimate that these costs would likely force the company to shut down two of their four paper machines and, of course, force a reduction in jobs, Mr. Chairman. This company, this community, this Nation cannot handle that kind of loss in additional jobs that this regulation would force.

It seems today that the three most feared letters to American job creators, where it used to be IRS, today those letters are EPA. It's no longer the IRS. It's the EPA. And why is that?

On April 30 of 2010, the EPA issued a statement on a study of the impact of one of their proposed regulations. This is what they said:

``The regulatory impact assessment does not include either a qualitative or quantitative estimation of the potential effects of the proposed rule on economic productivity, economic growth, employment, job creation or international economic competitiveness.''

In other words, they don't care what their regulations have to do with job creation, much less with stifling and killing job creation in this country. This is what our own government is doing to our job creators, and this is from an administration that claims that job creation is its number one priority.

Are you kidding? You've got to be kidding.

We have to stop all of this government overregulation that is killing jobs. Certainly, House Republicans have been trying to lift the boot of Big Government off the necks--off the throats--of job creators and of workers who are looking for a job.

We've heard repeatedly from this President about the need to invest in transportation and infrastructure. At the same time, this President and this administration are talking about how infrastructure is such an economic lifeblood for our economy, which I agree with and which, I think, House Republicans agree with. But at the same time the President is saying we've got to invest in infrastructure--in fixing roads--his administration is moving forward on this regulation that we are talking about today that would put large segments of the American cement plants in this country out of business.

I would tell the President that it's very hard to have infrastructure investment to build roads if you don't have any concrete, if you don't have any cement.

I would say, Mr. Chairman, I speak against this amendment, but I speak in favor of the underlying bill. I would call on my colleagues to pass this bill now.

Pass this bill. Let's get America moving again.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity to recognize and acknowledge a special event occurring in the 10th Congressional District this upcoming Sunday, September 11, 2011. For many, this is a solemn time because our Nation is preparing to remember the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 and pay tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives on that tragic day. I think it's important to note Americans across this land share in the grief felt by all who lived through and witnessed that horrendous attack on the United States of America.

I too share in that sorrow and want to commend and applaud the Brown City Fire Department for standing up to honor the innocent lives lost 10 years ago--just as they have done each of the past 9 years. Located in rural Sanilac County, Brown City started on this journey almost three years ago to obtain a piece of the World Trade Center by submitting an application to the New York Port Authority. To the delight of the fire department and the entire community, the application was approved and a piece of the I-Beam from the World Trade Center would become the foundation of a memorial in memory of the 343 firefighters lost that horrific day.

Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct privilege to represent Brown City and coincidentally I have visited to New York City as well. Despite ending in the word ``city'', one could easily state this is where the similarities end. However, I would argue the few things they do share in common build a unique and solid bond which far exceeds the differences. I remind you no matter where we call home; we are all Americans first.

Like the NYFD, the Brown City Fire Department is comprised of men and women who have answered the call of duty to serve and protect. Firefighters are cut from the same cloth which is sewn with courage, bravery and fortitude always putting other citizens ahead of their own safety and well-being. Their love of country, honor and service diminishes any geographical disparities.

Although America was shocked by the events of 9/11, it ultimately re- affirmed and proved once again that the American spirit, resolve and character are full-proof and can withstand any damage a terrorist attack tries to inflict. Just as Brown City has done, and continues to do, we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans no matter what our differences may be. Liberty and freedom will always prevail.

Lastly Mr. Speaker, I ask every American to take a moment to reflect upon and remember those who lost their lives in this senseless act. We all should also say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who gave their lives on that day and for those who since then have fought and sacrificed on battlefields across the globe.

Our great Nation was born in a revolution against tyranny. It has stood since that time as a beacon of hope for countless individuals who have come with a yearning to be free. We have sent our sons and daughters to defeat fascism, communism and to protect our freedom and spread it to hundreds of millions across the world. Today we continue that fight against yet another enemy of freedom, and once again freedom will triumph. The world should know that America will never surrender in the fight for liberty and will remain eternally vigilant to the simple statement in our Pledge--``One nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.''

I want to commend the Brown City Fire Department for their hard work and commitment to honor their brothers and sisters from New York City by constructing this 9/11 monument. This is a testament to the community's leadership to ensure future generations always remember and never forget. I thank them for their service and I appreciate this opportunity to acknowledge their exceptional work to see this project come to fruition.

Mr. Speaker, today the agreement that we will be voting on is another example of the historic pivot here in Washington because never before in history has an increase in our Nation's debt limit been tied to cuts in spending.

No longer will the debate be about how much more is the Federal Government going to spend; the debate now is how much spending is going to be cut.

This legislation will require more than $2.1 trillion in Federal spending cuts; puts in place firm caps to hold down future spending; both Houses of Congress must have an up-or-down vote on a balanced budget amendment; it does not impose any job-killing tax increases; it avoids a default on Federal obligations that would be disastrous to our economy; and it begins a process to put this Nation on a path to prosperity.

We have so much more that still needs to be done, but this is further progress in turning the Federal Government toward fiscal sanity so we can leave a better America for our children and our grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to tell a story that just happened this past week, which I think is just a vivid display of the human spirit and heroism as well.

There is a fellow named Michael Trapp who had a very lucky week. He was flying his Cessna airplane from his home in New York over to Wisconsin and unfortunately had engine problems. The air traffic control tower lost contact with him, and he crashed his airplane in Lake Huron.

I represent a district in Michigan. If you think of a mitten, this fellow fortunately crashed his airplane right off the tip of the thumb here. The Coast Guard was having a full search and rescue. The Marine Division was out looking for him. A day went by. A night went by. They couldn't find this fellow. Some very good friends of mine, Dean and Diane Petitpren, were out boating in their boat, and Diane Petitpren sees a fellow waving his sock in the middle of Lake Huron, and they saved that man's life.

I just think with everything happening in Washington here this week, it's good for us to take a moment and think about the human spirit and the people that have charitable and caring hearts.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the House Floor today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to a wonderful Michiganian who is commonly referred to as ``America's Master Handyman''. When you think of home improvement shows in Detroit, Michigan, one might be quick to mention the popular TV sitcom of the 1990s, ``Home Improvement'' which featured Michigan native Tim Allen as Tim ``The Toolman'' Taylor. As you know, this was a fictional show and character. But what I bet many didn't realize is this: there is a real home improvement expert who does exist in Detroit and has had one of the most successful careers long before Tim Allen hit our TV screens.

His name, Mr. Speaker, is Glen Haege, known quite simply as ``America's Master Handyman''. His name might sound familiar if you are or know someone who is a ``do-it-yourselfer''. Glen is a nationally renowned radio talk show host, television personality, author, and columnist. He offers people advice with any type of home improvement project and has an uncanny ability to answer any question posed to him. Not even the Toolman's right-hand man, Al Borland, could hold a hammer to him.

Glen's training in the home improvement business started at the retail level where he worked as a store manager and a corporate manager. But Glen was a man destined for much larger audiences.

His extraordinary talents recently earned him the very prestigious award presented by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for his lifetime of accomplishments: Glen was inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, allow me to put this prestigious award into perspective. Mr. Haege joins the ranks of the late great Detroit Tigers Broadcaster and Major League Hall of Famer, Ernie Harwell, and the company of other outstanding individuals who have made a long and lasting impact on the industry and whose talents are never to be forgotten. He shares this rare distinction with people like Bob Reynolds, Mike Whorff, Dick Purtan, Ray Lane, Diana Lewis, Mort Crim, Bill Bonds, Sonny Eliot and J.P. McCarthy just to name a few.

Glen's broadcasting career started in 1983 by making appearances on several Detroit radio and TV shows offering insightful home maintenance techniques to those seeking assistance. These appearances catapulted Glen to a new job hosting his own radio show in 1987. He soon began taking on even more responsibilities as magazine writer and columnist for the Detroit News. Glen's polite, courteous and genuine caring personality allowed him to add listeners and their trust to his ever- expanding and popular show, and more and more readers to his columns.

Eventually in 1996, his show became nationally syndicated and was one the best known home improvement shows in the country. His current program on WJR 760-AM, ``The Handyman Show with Glenn Haege'', reaches over 1.3 million listeners a week and airs on 150 radio stations across the U.S.

In addition to his own radio program, Glen stays extremely busy with the little spare time he has by producing television shows, appearing on other radio stations offering free advice and tips, attending home improvement conferences, authoring books, and serving as President and CEO of his own business, H&S Services. Yet he also finds the time to maintain his own website that helps him reach out to even more people seeking guidance on their home improvement projects.

Glen is a great teacher and his considerable expertise helps countless people save time and money, inspires them to believe they can be ``do-it-yourselfers'' while also cautioning them that sometimes professionals are indeed the best option.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Mr. Glen Haege on this most recent recognition as he joins the 2011 Class in the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame. I am very happy to see his hard work, dedication and commitment officially recognized by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Lastly, I want to personally congratulate Glen on this notable achievement and thank him on behalf of the scores of people he has helped by converting their homes into more comfortable, efficient and beautiful living spaces. We are very fortunate indeed to have this outstanding man living in our magnificent state, and I am very proud to call him my constituent and friend.