Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Bay Area Community Foundation on obtaining their National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations accreditation from the Community Foundations Standards Board.

The Community Foundations National Standards Board was established as a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations, a nonprofit membership association of grant making foundations and corporations, to administer the National Standards. This board is responsible for upholding the quality, value, and integrity of the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the first and only accreditation program of its kind.

In the United States, community foundations serve tens of thousands of donors, administer more than $40 billion in charitable funds, and address the core concerns of more than 700 communities and regions. With such a presence--nationally and within local communities--comes responsibility.

Achieving confirmation and reconfirming compliance with National Standards is a rigorous process, guaranteeing that every community foundation that receives the designation has adhered to excellent philanthropic practice. This program requires community foundations to document their policies for governance, donor services, investments, grantmaking, community leadership, and administration.

The Bay Area Community Foundation of Bay City, Michigan has obtained its National Standards accreditation by demonstrating a commitment to operational quality, integrity, accountability, and adherence to the highest standards for grantmaking.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Bay Area Community Foundation on receiving its National Standards accreditation and in commending the foundation's dedicated service to Bay City and other communities in Michigan.

Mr Speaker, on June 20, 2012 a dedicated public servant and civic leader, Jane Smith, passed away and it is fitting that we honor and recognize her public service and commitment.

Jane Smith's inspired leadership, vision and courage has been an immense inspiration to those who believe every human being is endowed with dignity. She spent more than 30 years working to ensure the well- being of our most vulnerable children as a child protective services worker for the State of Michigan. When Robert F. Kennedy was asked how his obituary should read, he responded that he hoped that he made a contribution that improved the world by lessening the suffering of children. For her entire adult life, on a daily basis, Jane Smith lessened the suffering of children. After she retired, Jane Smith continued her compassionate life and dedication. She volunteered on political campaigns, was an active member of the Bay County Democratic Party and in 2004 was appointed chair of the Bay County Department of Human Services Board. She also actively supported the Alice and Jack Wirt Library.

Jane Smith was born May 7, 1945 in Pontiac, Michigan. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1963 and Michigan State University in 1967. She is survived by her brothers, nephews nieces and great-nieces and nephews and her many friends who deeply miss her wit, opinion and stories.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Jane Smith, a woman whose life was an inspiration to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Saginaw Community Foundation on obtaining their National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations accreditation from the Community Foundations Standards Board.

The Community Foundations National Standards Board was established as a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations, a nonprofit membership association of grant making foundations and corporations, to administer the National Standards. This board is responsible for upholding the quality, value, and integrity of the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the first and only accreditation program of its kind.

In the United States, community foundations serve tens of thousands of donors, administer more than $40 billion in charitable funds, and address the core concerns of more than 700 communities and regions. With such a presence--nationally and within local communities--comes responsibility.

Achieving confirmation and reconfirming compliance with National Standards is a rigorous process, guaranteeing that every community foundation that receives the designation has adhered to excellent philanthropic practice. This program requires community foundations to document their policies for governance, donor services, investments, grantmaking, community leadership, and administration.

The Saginaw Community Foundation of Saginaw, Michigan has obtained its National Standards accreditation by demonstrating a commitment to operational quality, integrity, accountability, and adherence to the highest standards for grantmaking.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Saginaw Community Foundation on receiving its National Standards accreditation and in commending the foundation's dedicated service to Saginaw and other communities in Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor the sacrifice 70 years ago this month of more than 3,600 Allied soldiers, airmen and aviators in the Battle of Dieppe during a critically pivotal point in World War II. The Dieppe Raid, also known as Operation Jubilee, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 5:00 a.m. and by 10:50 a.m. the Allied commanders were forced to call a retreat. Over 6,000 infantrymen, predominantly Canadian, were supported by limited Royal Navy and large Royal Air Force contingents. Among Allied soldiers who took part in the Battle of Dieppe were 50 U.S. Rangers, including one from Michigan, and two additional civilian support personnel from my State. Almost 60 percent who made it ashore in that crushing battle 70 years ago were either killed, wounded, or captured

This battle became a critical learning point for the Allies who less than two years later launched D Day in June 1944 in the invasion that eventually led to the defeat of Nazi Germany. ``I have no doubt,'' said Lord Mountbatten, who helped plan the raid, ``that the Battle of Normandy was won on the beaches of Dieppe.''

On August 18, one of our esteemed former colleagues, former Congressman and former state Senator James Barcia, and Viet Nam veteran Terry Watson, who is supervisor of Bangor Township, Michigan will represent the United States during memorial ceremonies in Dieppe, France. The ceremonies will honor the courage and sacrifice of the men who took part in Operation Jubilee, including three Michigan men who have since passed away. They are: Pfc Stanley Bush, Walter A. Bresnahan and James C. Moseley.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me today in honoring those whose sacrificed 70 years ago at Dieppe, France and helped win the war that saved our Nation from the tyranny of Nazi Germany.

Mr. Speaker, on Jury 28 a skilled, savvy and courageous high school student from Flint, Michigan will make history as one of only 36 women in the world competing in the inaugural women's Olympic boxing competition in London, England. At the age of 17, this Northwestern High School junior's drive and determination has already earned her recognition as the world's top ranked women's fighter. At the Summer Olympics, Claressa will be punching her way toward the gold.

It was 19 years ago that another teenage girl named Dallas Malloy went to federal court and won the right for women to participate in amateur boxing. Years later, a father in Flint, hoping to set his daughter on a positive course, encouraged his 12-year-old to consider boxing, his own sport. Claressa, wanting to bond with her father and attracted to the idea of competing outside of team sports, was introduced to trainer Jason Crutchfield. Once Mr. Crutchfield overcame his disbelief that a girl was truly serious about taking up boxing, he provided the path for Claressa Shields' historic journey. Just a few days ago, Claressa learned she had earned her Olympic spot after competing in the AIBA women's world championships in Qinhuangdao, China.

Her success has ignited Flint and her extraordinary accomplishments at a young age in an incredibly demanding sport have made her a national star. Claressa's dedicated and talented trainer describes her as the complete fighter, equally talented on defense and offense. Her high school principal, Cheryl Adkins, praises her student's academic focus, positive image and dedication to her goals. Claressa has been featured in Time magazine and is fielding media interviews, all the while maintaining her academic focus and training daily for the Olympics. She advises others not to rush headlong toward success but to take everything in stride. Her life goals include winning 10 to 15 professional boxing titles in multiple weight classes.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Claressa Shields on her historic achievement representing the United States and Flint, Michigan in the first women's boxing competition at the Summer Olympics. She is an outstanding individual who is truly a world-class example for us all.

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, June 2, 2012 Dr. J.S. Hopkins is being honored for a lifetime of devotion to the Lord and his 52 years of service as Pastor to the spiritual community of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan.

Dr. Hopkins was born on December 19, 1922 in Flora, Mississippi. He accepted Christ as his personal savior and was baptized on September 19, 1937. From 1942 to 1946 he served in the armed forces of the United States and in 1946, the year he was honorably discharged, he married Miss Lureatha Outland. The couple are proud parents of seven children. It was also in 1946 that Dr. Hopkins was crowned a church deacon and shortly afterward the couple moved to Michigan and Rev. Hopkins went to work for General Motors. He retired from GM in 1978 after 30 years of dedicated service.

After moving to Flint, Dr. Hopkins joined New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the Deacon Board. In 1957, the Hopkins moved their membership to True Light Missionary Baptist Church and within a year he

was ordained as a minister. On May 9, 1960 Dr. Hopkins was called to pastor Temple Missionary Baptist Church, which later became the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Hopkins' inspired leadership, vision and courage has been an immense blessing to the St. Mark Family. His spiritual, civic and social responsibilities have included being President of the Baptist Ministers Fellowship Alliance of Flint; Board of Directors, Great Flint O.I.C; Chairman, Annual Awards Committee, Concerned Pastors for Social Action; Dedicated Chairman of the C.P.S.A Courier; Founder of the Genesee County Christian Institute; Member of the Chaplaincy Advisory Council, Michigan Department of Corrections, and; Advisor to the Wolverine State Convention.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. J.S. Hopkins on his well-deserved retirement and dedication to the Flint community. His message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and service to St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church are an inspiration to us all.

I thank the gentleman for his courtesy.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this bill which is grossly inadequate in renewing vital protections for domestic violence victims. For the first time, we have a VAWA authorization that actually makes women less safe by taking away protections from previously covered groups like Native Americans living on reservations.

My Republican colleague will argue that this bill protects Native women by

giving them access to Federal courts, but in many cases the nearest Federal court is over 300 miles away. Do we really expect a woman who has just been abused to get in a car and drive 300 miles for protection? And even then there is no guarantee that a Federal prosecutor will do anything.

Every community in the Nation, except for constitutionally recognized tribal governments, has the authority to protect its residents. The only logical solution is to return local control to tribal governments to stop domestic violence before it escalates.

Instead of voting on partisan H.R. 4970, we should be considering the Senate bill, S. 1925, which included protection for Indian women.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Daniel R. Manthe, an extraordinary leader in education policy and a dear friend who recently passed away.

In my nearly half-century in education policy and politics, I have been blessed to work with and meet the widest range of committed and caring teachers and leaders. Daniel R. Manthe was both. Dan had education in his heart and mind and was one of the most knowledgeable people I ever met in the field. His efforts to make education more effective made a difference in the quality of education in whatever he touched. Education is better because of him.

As a young teacher, Dan toiled and suffered innumerable indignities securing the signatures that formed the roots and early support

base for the Michigan Education Association. As an Assistant Superintendent for the first Wayne County Intermediate School District, and then the modernized and retooled Wayne Regional Education Service Agency, Dan not only crafted the Michigan student aid formula section for education service agencies, but became the go-to person whenever any legislative bill or regulation even hinted at changing state education policy or practice for the county school district delivery system. His embedded in-depth knowledge base was beyond compare and unquestionably accurate.

Dan also had an innate ability to be able to know and foretell the inter-agency effects of legislation outside the education realm. He was the recognized expert on the complicated process of school consolidation and was Dan universally liked and admired in the corridors of the State Capitol of Michigan. He was courteous, knowing, and ever ready with a joke and generous in assisting young people new to the Capitol. Dan secured handwritten amendments, bill drafts and multiple documents and was often the first to recognize emerging, important legislative information.

Dan Manthe proudly represented the children of Wayne County, Michigan--all 34 districts, from Detroit to Ecorse, Hamtramck and Belleville. He was sought out by administrators and union members alike for his sage advice and deep expertise on how to accomplish various legislative feats. He tutored and fine-tuned the skills of a lineup of Michigan Department of Education state directors of legislation and school law who have gone on to become chiefs of staff for a Michigan governor and Speaker of the state House, a multi-district legislative consultant, and several Congressional and state legislative assistants.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to Daniel R. Manthe, a great Michigan education leader as we offer our heartfelt condolences to Dan's family on his passing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the majority's faulty attempt to extend current student loan interest rates.

The Ryan budget, which most of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle voted for, allowed those interest rates to expire. It was only when they started getting criticized by the press did they decide to offer an alternative to our proposal.

Even then, they took yet another shot at the health care law while keeping Big Oil subsidies intact.

Mr. Speaker, this year, a mammogram has saved my wife's life. They have chosen the wrong priority. At the end of the day, the American people cannot afford to see their interest rates double on their student loans.

I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us in offering a legitimate source of funding that doesn't put anyone's health in jeopardy. This Congress needs to find an equitable solution to this problem before July 1.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring my Deputy District Director, Rafael Christopher Turner, for his 10 years of exemplary and dedicated service on behalf of my constituents in Michigan. Rafael is leaving this month to continue working on behalf of Michigan residents for U.S. Senator Carl Levin and it is fitting that we celebrate and recognize his continued service to the public.

I had the opportunity to recruit Rafael for an internship in my Washington, DC office in February 2002 and was immediately impressed with his commitment to public service and extraordinary talent and skills. I have known Rafael's family for years and Rafael was continuing their legacy of making a difference in people's lives as a public servant, community leader and a trusted and valued advisor to me and many others, especially our youth.

After accepting a full-time position as a legislative assistant in May 2002, Rafael worked on vitally important and complex public policy issues, applying his knowledge and dedication to a wide range of legislation important to my constituents. Rafael was eager to return to his hometown of Flint to make a difference in his community and in September 2005 he joined

my District Office staff where he rose to become Deputy District Director. Rafael has used his vast experience and extraordinary skills to help make the federal government work for the people in my congressional district. Whether the issue is veterans' benefits, Social Security, education, consumer protection, health care or myriad other federal concerns and responsibilities, Rafael has devoted himself to promoting, protecting and defending human dignity.

Rafael also serves his community on the Mott Community College Board of Trustees, as an executive board member of the Flint Branch of the NAACP and he was awarded the Distinguished Emerging Alumni honor at the University of Michigan-Flint where he earned a Masters of Public Administration. He was also selected to participate in the prestigious Rotary International Group Study Exchange Program and traveled to Brazil to advance the Rotary's mission.

Mr. Speaker please join me in honoring Rafael Christopher Turner, a dear friend and accomplished public servant as he moves on to continue making a difference in people's lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carnell Edward Smith on the occasion of the Oman Temple No. 72 Annual Potentate Ball on May 5, 2012 where Shriners in my hometown of Flint, Michigan will celebrate the esteemed Illustrious Potentate Smith.

The Shriners of Oman Temple No. 72 of the Ancient Egyptian Arabian Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine have a long and distinguished 54-year history of charitable work and community outreach that has been a Shrine Organization tradition since 1893. Educational scholarships, illiteracy programs, medical research, anti-drug programs, crime prevention and the fight against the Sickle Cell disease and diabetes are just a few of the contributions Shriners across America have made throughout their long history.

Illustrious Potentate Carnell Edward Smith, who received his Master of Business Administration in 2007, is currently enrolled in a program of applied management and decision science leading to a Doctorate of Philosophy. He has been a dedicated Mason for more than 10 years and it is fitting that this talented community servant is being honored as Oman Temple No. 72 58th Illustrious Potentate.

Carnell Edward Smith serves my constituents on a daily basis as a skilled Internet, data and hardware technology specialist with the City of Flint. Over the years he has been involved in numerous charitable activities benefiting the American Diabetes Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Meals on Wheels and providing Thanksgiving dinner for needy families in his community. Working with a local community group, Illustrious Potentate Smith helped adopt a classroom at Carpenter Elementary School to provide financial support for students. Carnell Edward Smith is a remarkable and accomplished leader and an exemplary model for Shriners and all of us who value community service and civic dedication.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Illustrious Potentate Carnell Edward Smith, a distinguished leader from my hometown of Flint, Michigan who is being honored at the Oman Temple No. 72 Annual Potentate Ball.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Robert K. McMahan on the occasion of his inauguration on April 20 as Kettering University's seventh President.

Since its founding in 1919, Kettering University in my hometown of Flint, Michigan has been pioneering technology and preparing students to become innovators and leaders. It is the country's premier engineering, science and business university dedicated to co-op education. It is a national leader in preparing entrepreneurs and is ranked among the nation's finest specialty schools.

Dr. McMahan is the ideal person to be leading Kettering as it charts a path from its storied legacy of technical leadership to its entrepreneurial spirit today. As Kettering University celebrates its history and marches confidently toward an exciting future, it will do so with an enormously gifted new President who is an innovative thinker with a broad range of academic, business, management and government experiences. Robert K. McMahan has explored the foundations of the universe as a groundbreaking researcher. He has been a leader in academics, an advisor to high government officials and as a private sector entrepreneur has created initiatives that have driven innovation and technology.

Prior to his arrival at Kettering, Dr. McMahan was the Founding Dean of the Kimmel School and Professor of Engineering at Western Carolina University; the Kimmel School is Western's College of Engineering and Technology. Before his tenure at the Kimmel School, Dr. McMahan was the Senior Advisor to the Governor of North Carolina for

Science and Technology, and the Executive Director of the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology. In this role he also acted as a Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce, the General Assembly, and the Economic Development Board.

Prior to his work with the Governor, he was a Senior Technology Strategist and Venture Capitalist for In-Q-Tel, a private venture capital organization funded by the CIA, where he was responsible for developing a technology investment strategy for the intelligence community, and then deriving, molding, and structuring individual investments and technologies within the portfolio in response to it.

Before joining ln-Q-Tel, he was Executive Vice President of Engineering and R&D for GretagMacbeth, LLC, where he was responsible for the company's worldwide research, engineering, and product development activities and for the creation and operation of the company's Advanced Technology Laboratories in the Research Triangle Park.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. Robert K. McMahan as he prepares to share his vision for Kettering University's future on the occasion of his inauguration as its President.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate House Parliamentarian John V. Sullivan on his retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives. John, who was appointed House Parliamentarian by former Speaker Dennis Hastert on May 31, 2004, will retire at the end of this month after serving 25 years in the parliamentarian's office. John became only the fourth parliamentarian to serve in the House since the office was established in 1928.

John Sullivan is one of the most exceptional parliamentarians I have had the pleasure to serve with during my 35 years in Congress. John has always handled himself with the utmost professionalism and has always held himself to the highest standard. There is no sharper mind or greater expert on parliamentary procedure than John Sullivan. Members on both sides of the aisle have relied on his expertise and extensive knowledge of the legislative process. I echo the Speaker and Minority Leader's comments that his retirement is ``a loss for the people's House.''

Over the years, I have seen a steady and disturbing decline in the civility and comity in the House of Representatives. There have been more heated exchanges and political bickering on the House floor in recent years than I care to remember. However, through it all, John has been able to navigate the House through some difficult times and has reminded all of us that we should respect our colleagues and the rules of this great institution. His steady leadership, intellect and nonpartisan decision making has made it possible for this body to continue to function despite the political rancor.

Throughout my life, I've tried to emulate those for whom I have great respect. John Sullivan is one of those people that I will always admire and respect. Not only am I a better legislator, but I am also a better person for having known John Sullivan. I wish John the best in his retirement and thank him for his years of service to this great body and to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Queen P. (Polly) Nelson on her retirement from the Internal Revenue Service.

Polly started her career in the federal government working with the U.S. Army where she handled monthly payroll checks. At one point she was in charge of mailing 30 thousand monthly salary checks for soldiers throughout the U.S. and overseas. After the Army she worked for numerous federal agencies including: Federal Highway Administration, Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Federal Housing Administration where she briefly served in the Disaster Program.

Ms. Nelson eventually made her way to the Internal Revenue Service where she faithfully served for over 34 years. She currently works in the Small Business/Self Employed (SB/SE) division where they provide small business owners with top quality service by educating and informing them of their tax obligations, developing educational products and services, and helping them understand and comply with applicable tax laws. Polly currently serves in the SB/SE division as an Audit Aide and Group Clerk/Secretary for the Examination division. She is responsible for assisting auditors in performing their duties as well as time input, assigning work, reports, filing, and numerous other essential daily duties. Through her 34 plus years she earned 12 manager and performance awards, and one Sustained Superior Performance Award. She is a testament to the dedication and superb performance of our public servants in all federal agencies.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Queen P. (Polly) Nelson on her retirement beginning March 30, 2012. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant in the Internal Revenue Service and I wish her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Hank Shaft on his retirement from the Saginaw County Commission on Aging Board.

Hank began his work career in 1951 at the General Motors Parts Plant in Saginaw, Michigan. During his 33 year career he was active in his union, UAW Local 522, serving as committee man, union president, and bargaining committee chairman. Hank also had the distinction of being the last worker to close and lock the doors at the Saginaw General Motors Parts Plant when the plant was shut down.

After retirement from General Motors, he continued his advocacy role by participating in, and holding officer positions in: the Local 522 Retiree Chapter, UAW Area 5 Saginaw Retirees Council, Michigan Council of Senior Citizens, and UAW Region 1-D Retirees.

He has served on the Area Agency on Aging's Advisory Council since 1995, as well as a Board Member of the Saginaw County Commission on Aging Board. Mr. Shaft served as Board Chair for the past four years and was a delegate to the Michigan Senior Advocacy Council. He was also president of the Tri-County Area Senior Citizens Council.

In 1997 Hank earned the Saginaw County Senior of the Year award, and later that year, the Governor recognized him as Michigan's Senior Citizen of the Year. He was also honored in 2005 for his volunteering services and dedication to Michigan's older adults when he received the State's Claude Pepper Award. Hank dedicated his life to supporting labor, retirees, and our senior citizens and the community is a better place because of his work.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Hank Shaft on his retirement. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant in the Saginaw County Commission on Aging Board and I wish him well in his future endeavors.