Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Carmell F. Anderson on her retirement from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Carmell F. Anderson was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1944 and resided most of her life in Bay City, Michigan. She was a 1962 graduate of T. L. Handy High School, and after attending Delta College, and later Northern Michigan University, she earned her Bachelor and Master's degrees in secondary education. In 1984, Carmell earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in Adult Education and Labor Studies.

Along the way, Carmell taught driver's education and business classes for the Bay City Public Schools, worked at General Motors Saginaw Steering Gear, and the University of Missouri--Kansas City. In 1988, Carmell moved to Washington D.C. where she worked for the AFL-CIO-- Human Resources Development, Inc. (H.R.D.I.) at the George Meany Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, followed by a position as Executive Assistant to Congressman Bob Traxler.

In 1991, she accepted a position as a researcher with the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C. While working at the U.S. Department of Labor--Employment and Training Administration, Carmell and her husband, Jim Hoppenjan, volunteered during the first administration of the Clinton White House serving in the Correspondence Office, Personnel, and the NAFTA War Room. In 1994 she transferred to the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship in Detroit, Michigan. Carmell retired from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2012 after 21 years' service.

Mr. Speaker I would like to congratulate Carmell F. Anderson on her retirement. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant in the U.S. Department of Labor and I wish her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Baker College as it celebrates 100 years of educational success.

Baker Business University, as it was known then, was founded by Eldon E. Baker of Flint, Michigan in 1911. Mr. Baker focused on creating a school that provided higher education and training that would enable graduates to have a successful business career. Eldon Baker's vision remains a guiding light for Baker College and its students.

After years of success Baker Business University received regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, its three campuses merged to form the Baker College System. The following year Baker Junior College was authorized to grant a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and became what is known today as Baker College of Flint. Following the accreditation, Baker College of Flint made an $11 million investment to renovate the former Mandeville School property. Today, that is the foundation for the state of the art campus that resides in Flint.

Presently, Baker College serves more than 40,000 students on 12 campuses, including Baker College Online, and in four satellite locations; grants certificates and associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in business, health sciences, education, human services, and various technical fields, as well as a doctorate of business administration. Baker College is a principal in the Greater Flint economy and tool for thousands to better themselves and their families.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Baker College on 100 years of growth and success. I wish continued prosperity for the college, its employees, and most importantly the students.

Mr. Speaker, on December 4, 2011 Harris Memorial Church of God in Christ will celebrate its 65th year of devotion to the Lord. Founded in January of 1946 by the late Superintendent Theodore R. Harris the church started out as Elm Park Church of God in Christ in a partially finished structure. With the help of his bride Missionary Erma I. Harris they set out to create a place where souls could be saved and the community could be served. During the church's infancy Brother Willie Parker was called to join the congregation as an evangelist. Elder Parker was instrumental in hosting a revival that lead to many saved souls and a steady increase in the membership.

As the congregation grew, Pastor Harris sought Gods vision and decided to build a sanctuary. In 1959, with great celebration and thanks to the Lord, the sanctuary was built. The congregation was empowered by the success the Lord had bestowed upon the young church and the congregation paid off the sanctuary in 1965. On Friday, July 25, 1980 Pastor Harris departed life to join the Lord. He was succeeded by his grandson Pastor Walter E. Bogan.

Having a close relationship with his grandfather, Pastor Bogan knew that his grandfather's vision for the church included expanding its ministries. He wanted to fulfill that vision and began to look for locations that had the space for the expanded ministries. In 1983, 30 acres of land was purchased to build a house for the Lord and His ministries. On November 22, 1992 the church's construction was completed on Lippincott Ave. They reside at this location today and the expanded ministries strengthen souls every week. Walter Bogan's son is now the presiding Pastor at Harris Memorial and works to continue and expand the success of their many ministries.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Harris Memorial Church of God in Christ on their success and dedication to the Flint Community. I pray that the ministers, staff, and congregation of Harris Memorial will continue their work and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ for many, many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations to Dr. S. Bobby Mukkamala as he completes his term as the youngest president of the Genesee County Medical Society.

Bobby and his family have dedicated their lives to providing health care to our community. His parents, his wife, his sister and brother- in-law are all physicians. Bobby fondly remembers playing as a child on the grounds of Hurley Medical Center while his mother, Dr. Sumathi Mukkamala made her hospital rounds. The twin sons of Bobby and his wife Dr. Nita Kulkarni, Nikhil and Deven, play today on that same playground while they wait for their parents to finish rounds.

Despite his young age, Dr. Mukkamala has extensive leadership experience. Bobby served on the Michigan State Medical Society Board as Young Physicians Section Chair in 2002 and was elected as a District Director to the Board earlier this year. Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Bobby to the Board of Audiology for the State of Michigan. In 2008, Bobby received the American Medical Association Foundation Leadership Award.

Dr. Mukkamala was tapped in October of 2010 to serve as President of the Genesee County Medical Society where in his tenure he dramatically increased membership while encouraging his colleagues to focus on the many diverse needs of the Flint community. This was a realization of his dream to serve as President as his father, Dr. AppaRao Mukkamala, did in 1994. His commitment is best illustrated by the scholarship that was created by Bobby and his wife Nita at the University of Michigan- Flint and the endowment fund they established for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

Mr. Speaker, I find Dr. Mukkamala's dedication and leadership in the community a great inspiration and I am a better person for knowing him. That is why I ask You to please join me in congratulating Dr. Mukkamala on his many accomplishments as President of the Genesee County Medical Society. We graciously thank him for the leadership and vision he continues to bring to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two great men and one great company.

As a young man Robert Matsko served in the United States Air Force. After leaving the military he earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Michigan State University. Upon completion of his degree, Robert worked at A.C. Spark Plug for 7 years. In 1967 he began teaching at Randels Elementary in the Carman School District. Mr. Matsko found his calling as an elementary school teacher. He taught at Carman for 27 years making a lasting impression on hundreds of young students, especially Keith Kirby. During his career, Robert Matsko was twice awarded ``Who's Who of Teachers in America.''

At the age of 11, Keith Kirby decided to start his own business. Keith began mowing lawns and that business became what is known today as Curbco. Curbco is a multimillion dollar business that has grown from lawn care to a full service maintenance company. They specialize in landscape, snow removal, street sweeping as well as paving and asphalt maintenance. Keith embodies the American Dream and the entrepreneurial spirit that makes this country great. His vision and investment have created jobs for many and helps provide for our community.

In his humble ways Keith credits much of his success to his 4th and 5th grade teacher, Mr. Robert Matsko. We all have a teacher that has changed us for the better and Keith thought it was important to highlight his teacher at Curbco's 25 year anniversary party.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Keith Kirby and Curbco on reaching the milestone of 25 years in business. Also, join me in thanking Mr. Robert Matsko for his years of dedication to the profession of teaching.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to express my outrage and disappointment about the bill before us, H.R. 1904.

In my 36 years in Congress I have seen many terrible bills, but this legislation stands out as among the worst. In one fell swoop, this legislation tramples on the rights of Indian tribes, damages our environment and cheats American taxpayers.

Mr. Chair, this legislation is, quite simply, a travesty. It authorizes a land exchange giving Resolution Copper, the subsidiary of two foreign companies, the right to mine potentially billions of dollars worth of copper from American land. In return, the American people receive nothing, except the loss of our resources and damage to our land.

My friends on the other side of the aisle like to talk local and state rights, yet this legislation completely ignores the rights and sovereignty of local Indian tribes. Mr. Chair, a large portion of the proposed mine is considered sacred to local Indians. Tribes, nations, pueblos and communities in Arizona, New Mexico, and across the country adamantly oppose this transfer; however, H.R. 1904 ignores these concerns, going so far as to waive federal statutes that require timely consultation with affected tribes. Resolution Copper claims that they can mine the land without disturbing these sites, a ridiculous assertion that is at best naive and at worst, an outright lie.

Mr. Chair, many of us have fought long and hard to protect Indian land and constitutionally retained rights. Over the years we have strived to improve the government to government relationship between the U.S. and Tribal Nations and I am proud of the progress we have made. For this legislation to turn over rights to sacred Indian lands to a foreign mining company, over the clear protests of Indian people is outrageous and would be a shameful step in the wrong direction for U.S.-Tribal relations.

We have no idea how the local environment and water resources would be affected, because no impact analysis would be done until after the transfer. Resolution Copper is estimating they will need as much water as the entire city of Tempe on a yearly basis. It does not take significant analysis to know that this could have potentially devastating impacts on local water resources.

And what does our country get in return for all of this damage? Nothing. Resolution Copper has estimated the mine to be worth several billions of dollars, yet H.R. 1904 does not

require any royalties to be paid to the American taxpayer. Once they have taken our copper, it can be shipped overseas to be processed and utilized. First it was our jobs, now it's our natural resources. And there are no guarantees that there will be any significant local job impacts.

There are so many things wrong with this legislation that it is hard to even mention them all. It is a disgrace that we are debating this ill-conceived and destructive bill and I urge all my colleagues to vehemently oppose it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 358. As a staunch pro-life member of Congress, I have always supported the Hyde Amendment. During the health care reform debate, I made it very clear on the House floor and reassured my pro-life colleagues that the Hyde Amendment was included in the Affordable Care Act. It has been the law since 1976 and it is still the law now. Not only is the Hyde Amendment included in the Affordable Care Act, but the President signed an executive order reinforcing that federal funding cannot be used for abortions. We cannot let people imply or infer that the Hyde Amendment is not already part of the Affordable Care Act. A vote in support of H.R. 358 would be an admission that the Hyde Amendment was not included in the Affordable Care Act.

Mr. Speaker, the month of October marks the 50th anniversary of First Union Baptist Church's Christian service in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, which they are commemorating with a celebration: ``Honoring our Past, Fulfilling the Present, Preparing for the Future.''

Under the faithful stewardship of Rev. Archie Powell, Sr., Union Baptist opened its doors in a storefront on North Street. At this location, Pastor Archie Powell, Sr., Deacon David Sawyer, Mother Tennesee Sawyer, Mother Loread Perry, Mother Lela Lee, Sister Gertha McGhee, and Sister Mary Ann Sawyer Jones met for the first time.

After 25 years of steadfast leadership, Rev. Archie Powell, Sr. was called to rest on November 2, 1986. In the following months, the Rev. Archie Powell, Jr. was installed by Rev. Grandville Smith of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Flint, Michigan. Like his father, Rev. Archie Powell, Jr. is a dedicated servant to the Lord and recently celebrated 24 years of pastoral care to the congregation of First Union Baptist Church.

In 1996, the First Union congregation had grown too big for the building it occupied at the time and decided to break ground on a new place of worship with room for 450 people at 7004 Fleming Rd., Flint, Michigan. The congregation moved in on April 20, 1997. Under the careful stewardship of Rev. Archie Powell, Jr. the congregation was able to pay off the mortgage in December of 2010.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating First Union Baptist Church on their success and dedication to the Flint community. I pray that the ministers, staff, and congregation of First Union will continue their work and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ for many, many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my dear friend, Robert Foy, a joyous and wonderful retirement. I have known Bob for most of my life. We grew up in the same neighborhood and went to St Mary's Catholic school together. Like me, he spent time studying in the seminary and found great reward in serving his community.

Public service is something that is deeply ingrained in Bob. His service began as young man when he entered the United States Air Force. After rising to the rank of Colonel, Bob left his successful military career and joined the Flint Mass Transportation Authority in 1975 as comptroller. From there, he rose to assistant general manager and then general manager in 1984. Upon his retirement, Bob will have served an astounding 27 years as the general manager of the Flint MTA.

While general manager of the Flint MTA, Bob created a state-of-the- art transportation system and infrastructure. His focus on low-income and seniors has created more opportunities for the clients and jobs throughout the community. The Your Ride program that he designed and implemented serves almost 50,000 passengers a month with an emphasis on seniors and the disabled.

Bob has been called a visionary by many who know him and I echo this sentiment. His work to modernize the transportation system will have a lasting impact on the community. He created unique partnerships with Kettering University and Michigan State University that paved the way for a MTA Alternative Fuel Facility. This cutting edge Compress Natural Gas/Propane fueling station will serve as ground zero for research that could lead to increased efficiency and cost savings that will save taxpayers money across the state.

Mr. Speaker, I can honestly say that everything Bob touched became better because he was involved. He brought decency to whatever he did personally and professionally. Please join me in congratulating Robert Foy on his tremendous career and wish him well in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sympathy to commemorate the life of a tremendous journalist and friend Alfred L. Peloquin.

Mr. Peloquin enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, where he was a 1st lieutenant and later promoted to captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. After a stint in Europe during WWII he became a reporter at The Bay City Times in 1946. He was later named city editor of The Times in 1959. In the 1970s he was named metro editor of The Saginaw News until 1981 when he was named editor of the Flint Journal, a job he held until his retirement in 1989.

During his time in journalism, Alfred Peloquin remained deeply involved in each community, serving as chairman of Bay City's Planning Commission, Commodore of the Bay City Yacht Club, a member of the Bay City Ski Club, Bay City Industrial Development Committee, the Bay City Community Concerts Association and Chairman of the United Fund Campaign. In Flint, he helped establish the former Alliance for Greater Flint and the community-wide World of Difference anti-prejudice program. He also created a high school workshop for minority journalists.

Shortly after his retirement, he joined the Flint AARP chapter and held a variety of posts with the local and Michigan AARP. Mr. Peloquin was active in AARP from April 1990 until December 2005 and his positions include Chairman of the AARP Michigan State Legislative Committee and member of AARP's Executive Leadership Council. In the 90s, he was also vice chairman of the Bay City Planning Commission, director for Jennison Hardware Co., a member of the Steering Committee for the Bay County Civic Arena and a member of the Community Round Table on Care for the Patient with Dementia. He sponsored numerous seminars and public forums addressing civic responsibility and good government and he continued to share his wisdom and knowledge to aspiring journalists throughout his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the Peloquin family and my gratitude for having met Alfred. I am a better person for knowing him and our community is better because of his tireless and dedicated work.

Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record, a thoughtful, clear and eloquent opinion piece written for The Washington Post by my friend Congressman John Dingell. As the Dean of the House and one of the hardest working members of this body, Congressman Dingell has seen many Congresses come and go and has witnessed countless successes and failures. His wisdom and experience is unmatched. Every member of Congress, and those who aspire to be, will benefit from reading this and historians will find this article valuable in understanding the changes that have take place in Congress throughout the 20th century. It certainly is an important document that will continue to be a source of information about Congress for years to come.

[From the Washington Post, Sept. 9, 2011]

Congress Needs a Fresh, Bipartisan Start

(By John D. Dingell)

I am saddened by what I heard when I was home for the

August congressional recess. The American people are fed up

with finger-pointing, blame games and infighting by all of us

in Washington--the president, Congress and the media.

They are angry and frustrated, and they want Congress to do

its constitutional duty. Only 12 percent think we are doing a

proper job. It is easy to see why the public is losing

confidence in the federal government.

In our debates over the fiscal 2011 spending bill and the

debt limit, Congress put off its duties until the eleventh

hour in favor of partisan squabbling and stubborn political

games. I am ashamed of our performance--of us all, on both

sides of the aisle. As a member of Congress who takes pride

in this institution and holds its history and procedures in

high regard, I am deeply disappointed by the unwillingness of

members of all parties to come together for the common good.

Our Founding Fathers intended no parties when they created

this institution. And until recently, members took the time

to stay in Washington and learn the substance of issues, as

well as the rules laid out by our forefathers in the

Constitution and by previous generations in Congress. We

learned how to draft good, bipartisan bills. Most members of

Congress wouldn't remember, and for many Americans this may

seem hard to believe, but there was a time not so very long

ago when Republicans and Democrats worked well together. We

worked long hours, typically five days a week or more for

months at a time. Members of both parties came to the table

ready to work, debate and negotiate.

For many years, legislation was drafted from the middle,

and we passed bipartisan bills frequently. It wasn't uncommon

for an important bill to get 400-plus votes; we didn't stop

just because we had 218. Members didn't engage in partisan

misbehavior for the sake of a good Twitter hit or the

opportunity to call out the other side on cable news. Rather,

members had respect for one another and for the political

spectrum. They managed to limit outside parties from

disrupting the legislative process for political gain.

We in Congress are tearing our country apart and weakening

the foundation established by great leaders before us. Is

anyone in Congress truly proud that we have not produced a

budget? That we caused the downgrading of U.S. government

securities, as well as appalling disorder and confusion in

financial markets? Or that this situation caused the lack of

job creation and economic growth that has contributed to the

hopelessness and misfortune of millions of Americans?

Wrangling by all parties, from the top down, cripples our

work, and media that encourage confrontation instead of

negotiation fuel the fire. Being locked into this system of

starting from the far left or the far right and then doing

just enough for passage may get a single bill done, but it's

not a system that produces the best law that does the most

good for all Americans.

This partisan viciousness needs to stop.

I am ashamed of our recent record. I am disgusted with our

performance, Republican and Democratic alike. There has been

failed leadership and, worse, failed following within the

ranks--and we owe the country far better. My daddy taught me

that if God had wanted us to talk more and listen less, he

would have given us two mouths and one ear. In our most

combative moments, we must remember that no cause is greater

than this institution and the ideals on which it was founded;

no single man or woman is greater than this body and the

collective wisdom we are capable of exhibiting. If we hold on

to that core principle, we can make changes that will be

better for Congress as an institution and for the American

people.

We must all help this body improve and call upon our

colleagues to join in doing better. It is our duty. If we do

not, the people, in their righteous and justified outrage,

will get rid of us all--as well they should. I beg my friends

in Congress and the administration to put the interests of

this great nation before partisan political interests and not

let the rivalries of the past prevent us from acting in ways

that will better the future of our nation.

The writer, a Democrat from Michigan, is dean of the U.S.

House of Representatives and a senior member of the House

Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Bay City Armory Building.

The landmark Bay City Armory building, designed by local architects Pratt and Koepke, celebrates its 100th birthday this month.

Dedicated on September 18, 1911, the Bay City Armory was first used by the military to organize and train local soldiers to chase Mexican strongman Pancho Villa along the U.S. border. They later trained soldiers for the battlefields in France and Belgium during World War I. Their units were on hand to help with disasters, riots and the conflicts of World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The building became home for Company C of the Peninsulars militia. The armory also was home to what became the 128th Ambulance Company, later the 121st Ambulance Company and the 207th Engineering Battalion.

In 1912, the Armory was also the site of the Republican state convention, where infighting among the delegates, some supporting President William Howard Taft and others backing former President Theodore Roosevelt, was so fierce that fist fights broke out inside and in front of the building. The 1912 convention broke apart the party, with the splintered faction helping to form the Progressive Party, or Bull Moose, in the November elections.

The last National Guard units moved out of the building in 1986 and it was acquired by the Bay County Historical Society to be renovated as the new historical museum. It opened as a museum in 1988 and continues to highlight Bay County's history.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Bay County Historical Society for preserving the Bay City Armory Building, one of Bay City's architectural jewels, and keeping Bay County's rich history alive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a brave public servant Officer Gary Conklin of the Linden Police Department.

Recently, tragedy struck the town of Fenton when two contractors fell twenty feet into a sewer filled with methane gas. One of the contractors was killed in the accident and the other severely injured. If it were not for the bravery of Officer Conklin there would be two families grieving the loss of a loved one.

Upon arriving at the scene Officer Conklin saw the two men laying face down in two feet of water. Knowing the risk the gas posed Officer Conklin obtained a respiratory device from his vehicle. The device was not made for these types of toxic situations but he knew it was better than nothing. Putting himself in harm's way he entered the sewer and began working to stabilize the men.

He was able to prop the survivor Joseph Flipansick up on the side of the sewer. A civilian entered the sewer to assist and the two of them were able to roll the other victim over so he did not drown. After moving the men Officer Conklin felt his time running out and exited the sewer ordering the civilian out as well.

When Linden Police Chief, Scott Sutter asked Officer Conklin why he entered the sewer Officer Conklin responded simply ``that's what I signed up for.'' Because of Officer Conklin's selfless act of courage and bravery Joseph Flipansick is alive.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sympathies to the family that lost their loved one that day. I would also like to thank Officer Conklin for acting with such brazen courage. He embodies what it means to be a public servant and his commitment to ``protect and serve'' is inspiring to all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sympathy to commemorate the life of a tremendous public servant, Mr. Bryan Coleman

After graduating from Flint Northern High School in 1988 Bryan attended Mott Community College and then Eastern Michigan University. In 1994 he was hired as a Flint Police Officer protecting the community he so dearly loved. He served on the force admirably for 17 years rising to the rank of sergeant and later becoming a detective.

Detective Coleman was not just known for his work on the Flint Police force. He was known by many as a gregarious and outgoing gentleman. People who knew Bryan called him a ``people person,'' and it did not take long after meeting Bryan to know him. His natural love for life drew many people into his life and for that they are thankful.

Bryan loved life; one of his many loves was the University of Michigan football team. Each fall he spent most Saturdays watching his beloved maize and blue often at the stadium cheering them on. What Bryan loved the most was spending time with his family and his son Brandon. Bryan's love for his son was deep and meaningful. The firm foundation that Bryan created for Brandon will have a lasting impact on Brandon's journey through life. Bryan's commitment to family, friends and loving life will be carried on by all of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to his family and host of friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Eugene Rutledge on his retirement from Flint Community Schools.

Eugene moved to Flint from Gary, Indiana and was educated in the same schools to which he devoted his life. After attending Flint Junior College he graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. His passion for education can be found in his body of work as well his thirst for knowledge. While teaching, Eugene obtained a Master's Degree in Reading Instruction from Michigan State University and has done post graduate work at Oakland University.

Mr. Rutledge has been a fixture in the Flint school system for over 66 years as a student, instructor and administrator. He began his career as a social studies teacher, remaining in the classroom for twenty-four years. He left the classroom and took his passion for education to a broader prospective, working as an administrator, focusing on curriculum and instruction for 19 years. While there he mentored new teachers and prospective administrators and served on the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet.

As a man of God, Eugene gathered strength from one of his favorite scriptures. Proverbs 3:5 and 6: ``Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.'' Everyone in Flint can say thank you for taking the path he has taken and his continued dedication to the City of Flint, Flint Community Schools, and most importantly the children.

Mr. Speaker I would like to congratulate Eugene Rutledge on his retirement. Eugene's dedication to the community and the children is second to none.