Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 860) supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H. Res. 860 into the Record.

I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 860, supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.

With more and more children growing up in a world where the Internet, cell phones and video games are at their fingertips, the need for children to play and to explore outside has become even more important. Research has shown that unstructured outdoor play is a key element in the wholesome, balanced development of the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills of children.

The Chicago Wilderness, a coalition of over 240 organizations, is committed to adding biodiversity to the Chicago metropolitan area and to creating a better quality of life in the community. Based on the idea that people's lives are improved by a strong connection with nature, the coalition sets out to increase and to diversify public participation in environmental stewardship.

The Chicago Wilderness especially recognizes the value of connecting children to nature. In fact, in 2007, they launched the Leave No Child Inside initiative and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights with the goal of increasing awareness and of encouraging more children to explore their outdoor environments.

Getting more children outside enjoying nature, encouraging their curiosity and developing their creativity is essential. Playing outdoors not only helps children learn in new ways to improve academically; it also helps them thrive both socially and emotionally. Studies have shown that outdoor play helps children manage obstacles such as stress, as well as helping them become more inventive and better problem-solvers. Many health risks are also lowered when outdoor activities become a part of a child's daily life, and children who connect with nature have even shown to improve their inner-personal relationships and behavior. In some cases, outdoor activity, something as simple as fishing, has been correlated with reducing the symptoms of attention deficit disorder.

This resolution encourages us all to recognize and to support the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights--a commitment to fight obesity, physical disorders--and an awareness of natural amenities by promoting quality outdoor activities for both children and adults. This

is a truly worthy commitment. Simple and fun outdoor activities can have a great impact on our Nation's children and families.

Madam Speaker, once again, I express my support of H. Res. 860. I thank Representative Quigley for bringing this bill forward, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this legislation, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley).

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

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Eddie Robert Steffne as he is honored by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan. A dinner will be held in his honor on Sunday, December 6th in Mt. Morris, Michigan.

A lifelong resident of Genesee County, Michigan, Eddie Steffne served in the U.S. military after attending Beecher High School. He received his honorable discharge in 1957 returning to the Flint area and attended Flint Community College. He became a master mechanic and worked for Sears and Roebuck, Midas Muffler, Draper Chevrolet, Summerfield Chevrolet, Hunter Engineering and Applegate Chevrolet.

Eddie joined the Montrose Masonic Lodge No. 428 in 1976. He served as Worshipful Master in 1982 and 2006. Also in 1982 he was appointed District Deputy Instructor then in 1992 he was appointed Regional Grand Lecturer. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan elected him Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer.

Active in the community, Eddie has supported the Shriner's Children Hospitals, the Old Newsboys of Flint, the city of Flint Police Mounted Patrol and Canine Unit, and he is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and supports their charities. Eddie and his late wife, Ruth Ann, had 4 children: Eddie Ray, Gregory, Shannon and Todd. Eddie Ray passed away in 1978.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Eddie Robert Steffne as he gathers with his family, Masons from throughout Michigan, friends, and his special friend Cynthia Allard, to celebrate his work and contributions to Masonry and the Flint area. I wish him the best for years to come.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to the late Jack William Wagner. Jack passed

away on November 30th at the age of 85. His funeral is tomorrow in Mt. Morris, Michigan.

Jack Wagner was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II aboard the destroyer USS Sampson. When the war ended he returned to the Flint area and began working for General Motors. He was active in the United Auto Workers throughout his career. Elected by his peers, Jack served as President of Buick Local 599 before becoming the International Representative for UAW Region 1-C, and Assistant Regional Director of Region 1-C. He was the National Chairman of the 30 and Out Committee that became part of the 1970 National Agreement and continued to serve as Honorary Chairman of the 30 and Out Committee.

Mourning his passing are his two sons, Bryan and Jack, his step daughter, Susan Norling, his sisters, Miriam Routely and Verda Mello, several grandchildren and great grandchildren, friends including Don Spillman, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his son, Gary, and his sister, Mildred Burgoyne.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering the life and work of Jack William Wagner. He was a committed, passionate advocate for working men and women; a devoted family man and a good friend. I will miss his wisdom, his insight, and his enthusiasm. My condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, December 2nd, the Tall Pine Council--Boy Scouts of America is bestowing its Distinguished Citizen Award on Brian and Dorie Barkey. A dinner will be held in their honor in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Dorie Barkey retired from the Red Cross in 1999 and the Crim Race Director asked her to direct the Crim Adult Training Program. Brian became the volunteer training program coordinator about the same time. Under their leadership the training program set all time records for the following 8 years. Between 1999 and 2008 Dorie and Brian had enrolled 7200 trainees in the program. The training program is known nationally as the largest training program for a single event in the world.

Brian, a Genesee County attorney with over 37 years of law practice, served on the Crim Board of Directors for 15 years and was President of the Board for 4 years. Active with the Genesee County Bar Association, he served as editor of its publication, Bar Beat, for 3 years. He was recognized for his work in 2002 and was awarded the Genesee County Distinguished Mediator of the Year Award. The following year he served as the Genesee County Bar Association's President and he currently serves as the ``chairman for life'' of the Bar Association's Community Holiday Dinner. The Michigan State Bar Association bestowed its Unsung Hero Award on Brian for his work with the Crim Race in 2009.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Dorie and Brian Barkey as they receive the Distinguished Citizen Award. The Tall Pine Council grants the award to those persons that exemplify Scouting values and have made a significant impact in the community. Both Dorie and Brian Barkey have spent their lives working to build a better community and I wish them the best as they continue to assist the people of the Flint area.

I thank the gentleman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

Choices regarding health care are some of the most personal decisions we make. The ability to choose one's doctor and decide on a course of treatment with one's physician is an undeniable American right, and so is access to quality affordable health care.

Most of us can agree that our current health insurance system is broken. The cost of health insurance has skyrocketed in recent years, leaving many families struggling to afford coverage or forcing them to go without. Others are denied insurance due to preexisting conditions, saddling them with terrible medical debt when they need treatment.

These treatments, along with other factors, Madam Speaker, have led to nearly 50 million Americans without any health insurance; 71,000 live in my district.

I urge the passage of this bill.

Lack of adequate health coverage leads many people to wait until an emergency to seek medical treatment, turning what could have been a simple doctor's visit into a costly trip to the E.R. What many people do not realize is that when patients cannot pay their bills, the American taxpayer is charged for a portion of that cost. Medical providers also absorb some of the costs, forcing them to raise the prices of services and thereby increasing costs for everyone and driving up health insurance premiums. This problem will only get worse over time, and health care will continue to become more and more expensive.

The House health insurance reform legislation addresses this issue by increasing competition between insurers, thereby lowering costs. It also prevents insurers from denying or dropping coverage due to pre- existing conditions. By treating conditions earlier at a doctor's office, instead of at the emergency room, it will save money for the patient, the taxpayer and the medical providers, ultimately bringing down health care costs for everyone.

This is an issue that Congress has been tackling since the days of Harry Truman and even before and I am proud to stand with my colleagues in passing this long awaited bill.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Sister Reparata Faubert, OP as she celebrates 60 years as a member of the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. An open house will be held in her honor on November 8 in Flint Michigan.

A native of St. Charles, Michigan, Sister Reparata was taught at Holy Family School by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. At the age of 18 she entered the congregation and professed her vows. This was followed by years of teaching high school and working on her education. Sister Reparata obtained a BA from Aquinas College, an MA from the Theological Institute in Saginaw, and a second MA from Cardinal Stritch College.

After completing a CPE program at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Sister Reparata began working as a hospital chaplain for the 3 public hospitals in Flint. Her gentle, serene thoughtfulness to patients, families and hospital staff brings solace and hope to persons facing difficult, heart-wrenching events. With the grace that comes from the Eucharist, the Office and the Rosary, Sister Reparata visits the sick and passes on the spiritual blessings.

St. Dominic's life mission was to Praise, to Bless and to Preach and in 1206 he lead 12 women into religious life. They became the first Dominican Sisters Convent and Sister Reparata is part of the line of women that has taken the same vows and served Our Lord, Jesus Christ, with the same joy, stretching back to that first group. She embodies the part of Dominican Life that calls its adherents to be open to encountering the Holy in all people.

When asked to comment on the past 60 years as a member of the Dominican Order, Sister Reparata recalled John 14:23: ``If you do the will of My Father, we will come to you and make our abode with you.'' It is this humble submission to God's will that has endeared Sister Reparata to everyone that knows her.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding Sister Reparata as she celebrates this milestone The Flint area has truly been blessed by God for allowing her to work with us. I pray that He will continue to bless us with Sister Reparata's compassion and kindness for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Daniel L. Walter as he retires after 45 years as a Family Practice physician in Davison Michigan. Dr. Walter will be honored at a celebration on November 4.

After graduating from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1959, Dr. Walter completed an internship in Family Practice at Madigan Army Medical School and Madigan General Hospital. He was then commissioned as a Captain in the U.S. Army and served from 1960 to 1963 as a Battle Group Surgeon attached to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. During this time he was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Senior Parachutist Badge and a U.S. Navy Commendation.

Dr. Walter established a Family Practice in Davison in 1963 once his military service was concluded. Over the years Dr. Walter has participated in numerous community and medical associations. Acknowledged and appreciated by his peers, he served in leadership positions with several organizations. Dr. Walter also committed extensive time to educating the area coaches and high school staffs about recognizing and treating sports injuries. He was the first Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice in the Flint area. Dr. Walter and his wife, Peggy, have six children.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join his family, friends and colleagues in congratulating Dr. Daniel L. Walter on an excellent medical career. I wish him the best for many, many years ahead.

I thank the gentleman.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2996, the Interior and Environmental Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2010. This is a great bill. The conference agreement includes unprecedented funding levels for many of the programs that serve Native American and Alaskan Natives. The conference agreement, among other things, includes $6.7 billion of total funding to support and improve health care education, public safety, and human services for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives throughout the Nation. These numbers demonstrate an increase of $705.7 million above FY 2009 and $91 million above the original request.

The conference report includes unprecedented levels of funding Indian Health Services, at a level of $398 million, a $116 million increase from FY 2009. The bill also contains increased levels of funding for BIA Justice and public safety programs of $328.8 million, a $58 million increase from FY 2009.

This conference agreement also contains an $81 million increase for K-12 and tribal college educational programs, including $50 million to fund tribal colleges to help aid in academic and enhanced curriculum plans.

This is a great bill, and I appreciate it very much.

Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of the Peters amendment to H.R. 3854, the Small Business Financing and Investment Act. Capital is what allows small firms to grow their businesses, hire new employees and generate the economic activity that drives recovery. But ever since the near collapse of the financial industry, small business capital markets have been nearly frozen, making it more difficult for businesses to expand and hire workers. These problems are particularly pronounced in areas of high unemployment, which face greater barriers to economic recovery.

The Peters amendment will make important changes to existing small business programs in high unemployment areas. Firms in those areas would qualify for an additional $25,000 in loans and an extra 6-month loan deferment. For areas like my hometown of Flint, Michigan, which is struggling with a nearly 30 percent unemployment rate, these changes are crucial. Small firms have long been the engine that drives economic recovery in our Nation, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all new jobs.

I urge adoption of the amendment.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering the life and work of Horace

D'Angelo Jr. Mr. D'Angelo passed away on October 14th and a memorial service will be held in his honor on October 28th in Madison Heights, Michigan.

Horace D'Angelo Jr. earned a BA and MA in Business Administration from Michigan State University and he embarked on a career in nursing home administration. He was the innovator behind the Caretel Inn concept of providing nursing care in a residential setting. He has opened Caretel Inns throughout Michigan including two in my district in Linden and Frankenlust Township. His commitment to providing the best care for our most vulnerable citizens was recognized by the Multiple Sclerosis Society when in 2003 they bestowed their da Vinci Award on the Caretel concept. The da Vinci Award is given for, ``the most innovative and assistive technologies that enable equal access and opportunity for all people, regardless of ability,'' and is given in the fields of applied research, creation of products and design of buildings.

He was a founding member of the Assisted Living Federation of America and served on the board of Michigan Assisted Living of America. Horace is survived by his wife, Lorrie, his two children, Michael and Cara, brother, Jim, and sister, Diana.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in offering condolences to the relatives and friends of Horace D'Angelo Jr. as they come together in paying tribute to his life and work. The field of nursing home care has been changed by his compassion and commitment to providing expert care for the elderly.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. John Waters as he steps down as the President of the Genesee County Medical Society. Dr. Waters will be honored at the annual Presidents' Ball on November 7th in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Dr. Waters became interested in a medical career at the age of 7. He was injured in an automobile accident and was hospitalized for a long time. Because of the care and compassion of his hometown physician, Dr. Waters decided to become a doctor. He earned a B.A. in psychology and a B.S. in biology from Quincy College. After graduating from Northwestern University Medical School he completed his residency at the University of Louisville, Department of Ophthalmology.

In addition to his medical practice at Complete Eye Care, he is a principal in the Surgery Center. Active in the community, Dr. Waters treats patients through the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic and works with the Greater Flint Health Coalition. He has provided free glaucoma and diabetic eye screenings in conjunction with FACED's Diabetic Sunday at area churches. He participated in Cover the Uninsured Week and Complete Eye Care received the ``Community Caring Award'' from Health Access.

Involved with the Genesee County Medical Society, he has served on the Board since 2000 and is a member of the Finance Committee. He also serves as part of the Genesee County delegation to the Michigan State Medical Society House of Delegates. His philosophy about being a doctor is: ``I went into medicine because of what someone did for me. We who are physicians should do the same for our patients. If we do what is right for them everything will fall into place for us.'' Dr. Waters and his wife, Meg, have two children, JT and Elizabeth.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding Dr. John Waters. I commend him for his dedication to treating and healing his patients and I wish him many, many more years working for better health in our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Richard Long as he retires after 46 years of dedicated and extraordinary service to the United Automobile Workers. For the past nine years Richard has served as the National Community Action Program Director for the United Automobile Workers.

In 1963, Dick Long began working at the former Pontiac Motor Division and joined UAW Local 653. This began his life's work promoting better working conditions, not just for the men and women he saw daily on the shop floor, but for all workers. He began his service with the UAW as an alternate committeeman and quickly progressed into the UAW's top leadership tier. He became the chair of Sub Council 7, the largest sub council in the UAW during this time and in 1987 Dick was elected Vice President of Local 653 by his peers. A year later he was elected President. As the Chairman of the United Auto Workers/General Motors contract negotiations in 1993, Dick helped craft an agreement advantageous to both workers and the company. Stephen Yokich, then UAW President, tapped Dick to be his Administrative Assistant in 1998 and in 2000 Dick became the National Community Action Program Director.

As a national leader Dick was able to break down barriers for workers, and enhance their quality of life. I have known and worked with Dick for many years and have a deep appreciation for his wisdom and perseverance. His work exemplifies the ideals that the UAW has championed since its inception.

Dick's vision of a better life for UAW members and their families prompted him to work promoting education, teamwork, and social justice. He is active with many community organizations and the Democratic Party. In addition to his work, Dick and his wife Jackie have three children and six grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great honor to recognize the accomplishments of Richard Long. He is a man of honor, intellect, and remarkable compassion. The members of the UAW and workers everywhere owe him a debt of gratitude for his foresight, commitment and actions. Because of Richard Long there is a greater respect between management and labor, better working conditions for members of the UAW, and better opportunities for their families. I consider him a dear friend and would like to thank him for a lifetime of hard work. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding Richard Long and wish him a long and enjoyable retirement.

Madam Speaker, Reverend Robert E. Henson is celebrating 30 years as pastor of the South Flint Tabernacle on October 10th at a dinner to be held at the church. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Reverend Henson on this momentous occasion.

Prior to his ministry at South Flint Tabernacle, Reverend Henson served pastorates in Texas and Indiana. He has over 40 years serving as a minister. For seven years he was the Youth President of the Indiana District of the United Pentecostal Church International. He also worked as the Editor of the Indiana District United Pentecostal Church International periodical the ``Indiana Apostolic Trumpet.'' After he moved to Michigan, Reverend Henson spent 16 years as presbyter and member of the Michigan District Board of the United Pentecostal Church International. He was the Home Missions director for one year.

Reverend Henson has written several articles and several books including ``Effective Altar Ministry,'' ``The Silhouette of Majesty,'' ``Prayer Force One,'' ``Marvelous Mercy,'' ``Living a Balanced Life . . . In an Unbalanced World,'' ``World Changers,'' and ``Just Braggin' on Jesus.'' He co-authored ``Victorious Living for New Christians.''

Together with his wife, Shirley, Reverend Henson has two daughters, Melissa and her husband Jonathan Hudson, and Jerusha and her husband Jason McGhee, and four granddaughters: Jelissa, Macy, Jade, and Madelyn.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me today and applaud the work of Reverend Robert E. Henson and

South Flint Tabernacle as they celebrate 30 years of worship, service, and spirituality under his guidance. I pray that he will continue to guide the congregation and serve the community for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jan Tittle, the National President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Mrs. Tittle will address the Veterans of Foreign Wars Fall Conference on October 10th in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The 600,000 members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have spent the last 96 years honoring those who have sacrificed and served our Nation to preserve our freedoms. They volunteer their time maintaining memorials to the persons making the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to teach our youth about our veterans. They provide financial assistance to preserve the Statue of Liberty, have volunteered over 2 million hours in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and other hospitals. They provide awards and scholarships to students based upon their expressions of patriotism through art, speech and volunteerism.

Jan Tittle was elected the 2009-2010 National President this past August at the 96th National Convention. She is a Life Member of the TSgt. Walter C. Fulda Auxiliary 3433 in Ladson, South Carolina. She is eligible through her father, Arlen Owens, a World War II Purple Heart recipient. As the National President she plans to focus on the Auxiliary's core programs for veterans and their families.

She also plans to lead the Auxiliary in topping $3 million to the Cancer Aid and Research Fund.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise and applaud Jan Tittle as she brings together the Ladies Auxiliary under the theme, ``It's Time for America's Military Heroes.'' I congratulate her and the members of the Auxiliary for their commitment to safeguarding the memory of our veterans and their sacrifice for our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jack Allen Stone. Sadly, Jack passed away on July 28, 2009 in Bay City, Michigan. I have known Jack since the early 1960s and will deeply miss him.

Jack Stone moved to Michigan from Missouri in 1930. He was the Class President at Beecher High School when he graduated in 1944 and this began his dual interests in education and politics. He joined the U.S. Army and served as a Corporal E4 during the Korean War. Returning to Flint, Jack worked for Chevrolet and became a committeeman for the UAW. During this time he married, had three daughters and attended the University of Michigan-Flint. He graduated with a B.A. degree in 1961 and began teaching that same year.

Teaching US Government and Michigan History at Grand Blanc High School for 27 years, Jack was a moving force in starting the Grand Blanc chapter of the National Honor Society. During this time he also was active with negotiating teacher contracts. He negotiated the first teacher contract with Grand Blanc Schools and played a major role in negotiating contracts for many years. He was an advisor for MEA PAC and sat on the interview board for school board candidates. Active in the Genesee County Democratic Party, Jack worked on my first campaign and successive campaigns. He also helped elect Senator Don Reigle and State of Michigan Speaker of the House Bobby Crim.

After retiring in 1988, Jack moved to Gladwin, Michigan and built his dream home on Sugar Springs Lake. He is survived by his wife Joan, and his daughters: Janine Wallace, Rebecca Tereau and Leslie Stone.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the memory of a dear friend, Jack Allen Stone. Over the years I have respected his wisdom, enjoyed his friendship, heeded his advice and I am saddened by his passing.