Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Historical Society of Saginaw County for being selected by the American Association of Museums for participation in the Museum Assessment Program. The Historical Society of Saginaw County operates Castle Museum in downtown Saginaw. The Society is holding its annual Membership Lumberjack Brunch and Open House on October 18th at the Museum.

The American Association of Museums conducts the Museum Assessment Program to help museums identify challenges and develop strategies to address them. The program also helps museums to ensure high standards in collections care, governance, institutional planning and effective community engagement. Over 3500 museums have benefited from this program.

The Historical Society of Saginaw County was founded in 1938 and incorporated in 1964. The Society has operated Castle Museum since 1992 and is committed to telling the continuing story of the people of the Saginaw region. The Castle Building was constructed in 1898 in the French chateau style. At that time the Federal government decided all Federal buildings were to be built to reflect the historic legacy of the community and Architect William Aitken decided to design the building to reflect the early French traders that settled in the region. Originally utilized as a Post Office, the Castle Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the cornerstone of the Historical Society's dedication to preserve Saginaw's heritage for future generations.

Today, the Castle Building serves as the Castle Museum and houses over 100,000 archeological and historical artifacts from the region. Traveling and long-term exhibits are displayed in the facility. The Historical Society of Saginaw County has utilized the building to showcase their educational programs, film presentations, and community tours. They also offer research services, an oral history recording program and a living history program at the Museum. Currently, the Historical Society is retrofitting a van to take the museum's programs to elementary schools and they are planning to launch this project in early 2010.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Board President, Margaret E. Clark, the Board members, staff, volunteers, and Society members as they are honored by the American Association of Museums and wish them continued success in preserving our history for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Illustrious Potentate of the Oman Temple No. 72, Chester Hughes, Jr. Chester will be feted at the 53rd Annual Potentate Ball to be held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, on Saturday, October 3rd.

Chester Hughes received his B.S. degree from Jackson State University and his M.S. degree from Eastern Michigan University. He has taught at schools in Mississippi and Michigan, retiring from Beecher Community Schools in 2003 with 37 years of service. He served as the Regional Director of Amicus II during 2006-2007 and works part time at Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home. He is also the CEO of the Hughes Educational Leadership Institute and a PrePaid Legal Insurance Associate/ Distributor.

Chester is affiliated with many community organizations and has received numerous awards from the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Central Optimist Club, the Flint Inner City Lions Club, the Flint Pan- Hellenic Club, the Urban League of Flint, and the Beecher School System. He has held several positions with the Oman Temple No. 72 and the Masonic Order. The 33 degree was conferred on him on May 26, 2008. Chester and his wife Myra have 2 children, DeWana Denise Hughes-McCarty and Chelonde Nichelle Hughes.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to applaud the life and work of Chester Hughes, Jr. I congratulate him on his elevation to Illustrious Potentate and may he continue to serve the community for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize the City of Frankenmuth, Michigan as it celebrates its 50th anniversary on October 1st. A ceremony commemorating the anniversary will be held on that date.

During the 1840s a German missionary named Frederick Wyneken working in the Ohio Valley and Michigan, appealed to Lutherans in Germany for help, citing the need for pastors, churches and schools. Fifteen farmers from Mittelfranken, Bavaria responded to his appeal and traveled to the Saginaw Valley in Michigan. They settled on the banks of the Cass River in 1845 and called their community Frankenmuth. The name means ``courage of the Franconians.'' The following year 90 more settlers arrived from Bavaria and the community grew. A business district started to grow about a mile east of St. Lorenz Church and a dam and mill were built on the river. In 1854 Frankenmuth Township was organized and in 1904 the Village of Frankenmuth was incorporated.

On March 9, 1959 the voters elected a City Charter Commission. The Commission voted unanimously to submit a Charter to the State of Michigan and on July 9, 1959, Governor G. Mennen Williams approved the Charter. After the village residents voted to adopt the Charter, the City was officially incorporated on October 1, 1959. James Wickson served as the first mayor and held office until 1965. At the time of incorporation the City's population was 1,725. Today the population is 4,838. Gary Rupprecht is the current mayor and has held office since 1986.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the City of Frankenmuth as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. The community has embraced its German heritage and strives to build on the dreams and hard work of the original settlers. I congratulate the community for their achievements and pray that ``Little Bavaria'' continues to thrive for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John R. Ribner as he is honored at the Flint Youth Projects' 15th Annual Roast and Toast on October 1st in Burton Michigan.

John Ribner grew up during the 1940s in New York City. He started high school on a baseball scholarship at St. Anne's Academy in New York. After two years he transferred to North Branch High School in Michigan to help care for an ailing relative. He continued his schooling and athletics at North Branch, playing several sports and making the first team in All-State basketball. This led to a basketball scholarship to Central Michigan University. John obtained his teaching degree from that school and in 1964 began teaching with the Flint School District.

He taught at Fairview School, Holmes School and Whittier. During this time he was named Teacher of the Year by the school district and by Flint Sales and Marketing Group. He is now retired but still devotes his time and energy to helping children in need. Along with his wife, Dolly, John distributes turkeys at Thanksgiving every year to families and children. He believes that many people over the years have given to him and the turkey drive is a way to give back to the community. He said, ``Of all my life's accomplishments, I am especially proud of the turkey drive for this reason.''

As a trustee of the Westwood Heights Board of Education, John continues his interest and commitment to education. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the achievements and contributions of John R. Ribner.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Bishop Raymond H. Dunlap, Sr. for 21 years broadcasting the ``Hour of Power'' Radio Program. Bishop Dunlap will be honored this weekend by the congregations of Bethlehem Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith and New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church.

After attending the West Virginia Institute and Aenon Bible College, he served in the US Armed Services for two years. He was discharged in 1952, married Lillian Thomas in 1953, and accepted his call to preach the Gospel in 1954 under the direction of his father, Bishop Sandy Dunlap.

He moved to Flint, Michigan in 1966 and founded The Eliezer Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was elevated to District Elder and then Junior Bishop. In August 1983, he was ordained a Bishop and currently presides as Diocesan of the Northern Diocese of Michigan; he is the former Diocesan of Minnesota. Bishop Dunlap also serves as the establishmentarian of Berea Bible College. He has directed the establishment of 13 churches of the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Michigan and 3 churches in Minnesota. In addition to being heard daily on the ``Hour of Power,'' Bishop has reared more than 46 ministerial sons and Eliezer Church operates the Hope Academy School.

Bishop Dunlap and his wife, Lillian, have been blessed with 6 children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I applaud the work of Bishop Raymond H. Dunlap, Sr. He has devoted his life to bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to the people of Flint, Michigan. His radio broadcasts are a source of comfort and joy to his listeners. I pray that he will continue for many years to inspire and elevate the spiritual life of the community and bring his message of hope to those with the most need.

Information for Proclamation or Congratulatory Letter for Bishop

Raymond H. Dunlap, Sr., D.D. THA.A B.A.

Two (2) day City Wide Celebration Honoring Bishop Raymond

H. Dunlap, Sr., for 21

years with the ``Hour of Power'' Radio Program. We will be

honoring a great man and appreciating his works at 6:30 pm

on;

Friday, September 18, 2009 Services at: Bethlehem Temple

Church of the Apostolic Faith, 3401 M. L. King, Jr., Avenue,

Flint, MI 48505.

Saturday, September 19, 2009 Services at New Jerusalem Full

Gospel Baptist Church, 1035 E. Carpenter Road, Flint, MI

43505.

Bishop Dunlap, known as ``a man with a Vision'' was born

January 19, 1929 in Pratt City, Alabama. Pastor Dunlap

graduated from Buffalo High School in West Virginia. He

attended West Virginia Institute in Charleston, West Virginia

and later became a student at the world famous Aenon Bible

College in Columbus, Ohio. He served two years in the U. S.

Armed Services, receiving an honorable discharge in 1952.

Celebrated 80 years of life in January.

Bishop Dunlap married the love of his life Ms. Lillian

Thomas on June 1, 1953 and to this blessed union was born six

(6) children.

Bishop Dunlap accepted the call of God to preach the Gospel

in 1954 under the tutelage of his father Bishop Sandy Dunlap

in Columbus, Ohio. By 1960 he was elevated to Assistant

Pastor--through the years he served in many other positions

in the local church and also held state offices.

In 1966 he relocated his family to Flint, Michigan, sought

employment and shortly thereafter established The Eliezer

Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1977 he was elevated to

District Elder, three years later he was elevated to the

office of Junior Bishop. His steadfast character and

leadership earned him the honor of being ordained as a Bishop

in August 1983 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He presently

presides as the Diocesan of the Northern Diocese of Michigan

and the former Diocesan of Minnesota. He is the

establishmentarian of Berea Bible College (formally Christ

Bible College, Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ) since 1998.

Under his spiritual leadership there has been the

establishment of 13 churches of the Church of Our Lord Jesus

Christ in Michigan and 3 in Minnesota. Bishop Dunlap has

reared more than 46 ministerial. In 2001 Eliezer established

and operates ``The Hope Academy School.''

Since 1988, Bishop Dunlap is heard daily at 12:30 pm on the

``Hour of Power'' radio broadcast on WFLT 1420 AM. The

spiritual effects of Bishop's ministry is known in the city

of Flint and the many places he has ministered; giving proof

of God's call on his life, and the vision he has been given

by God.

Bishop Dunlap is a dedicated family man; loving husband,

father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is an avid

fisherman, a pianist, song writer, composer of poems. His

godly lifestyle, winning smile, gentle manner and love for

people has earned him great respect among his peers,

community leaders, business associates and citizens through

this community.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to extend congratulations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint as they mark their 65th anniversary. This Saturday, September 12, a celebration will be held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, in honor of this occasion.

The Flint area Big Brothers program developed from an idea of Frank Manley to pair at-risk boys with mentors. He established an informal program during the 1930's and then Father, later Monsignor, Earl Sheridan brought Father Flannigan from Boy's Town to Flint in the 1940's. Through his example and inspiration, the Flint Youth Bureau was formally established in 1944. The Mott Foundation provided the funding and Joe Ryder was the first Executive Director, serving in that capacity for 23 years.

In 1955, Frank Manley, William Minardo and Allen Matherne started the Big Sisters program. The two organizations merged in 1985. Since that time Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint has partnered with several organizations to expand mentoring programs in the area. They have also developed innovative programs like school-based mentoring. Working with the Urban League the 100 Men 100 Boys group was started. The Superstar Club serves unmatched children. In addition, 25 congregations signed agreements to support the Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program (AMACHI).

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint as they celebrate 65 years of providing positive role models to children, especially children from single parent homes. Their partnerships with the Flint Community Schools and the Genesee Intermediate School District will help them expand their mission to include even more children. I congratulate them for their commitment to serve the youth of our community and to help them grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of women in the labor and social movements. The UAW held a ceremony this past Labor Day in Flint Michigan to honor the contributions of women in labor, civil rights, the military, women's rights, and the political arena.

From the 300 women that came together in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848, to promote women's rights and suffrage, women have banded together to improve our country. Jane Addams, ``the mother of social work,'' worked with the labor movement in Chicago to eliminate poverty, and advance the living conditions of workers. From her work at Hull- House in Chicago, Jane Addams became a moving force in the passage in the first Federal child labor law passed in 1916.

Women have played a pivotal role in the organization and development of every social movement of the past century, including the labor movement. In my hometown of Flint, the Women's Auxiliary provided support for the families of the sit-down strikers. The Women's Emergency Brigade was on the front lines as the police attempted to stop the union. Since the formation of the UAW, women have toiled side by side with men in the factories and have taken their place at the bargaining table.

The labor movement had one of its greatest advocates in Frances Perkins. She was the first female Secretary of Labor and was the first female member of a President's Cabinet. During her younger days she lived at Hull-House and embraced the concept of unionism but it was witnessing firsthand the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in 1911 that cemented her commitment to the workers of our country. As the architect of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal, her vision of a better life for all cannot be underestimated. She was at the center of the 15 major pieces of legislation passed during the first 100 days of Roosevelt's Administration. She conceived the Social Security Act of 1935, the most important piece of social legislation in U.S. history, and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and shepherded them through Congress until they were enacted into law. Social Security, unemployment compensation, minimum wage, maximum work hours and the right to collective bargaining are just part of her legacy to the American people.

Madam Speaker, today the number of women registered to vote exceeds the number of registered men by 8.3 million. Women make up 14 percent of active duty military personnel, and two-thirds of all new union members in the United States are women. Women have organized, financed, marched, volunteered, worked and are still working to fulfill the dreams of those 300 women that came together in 1848 and because of their efforts we all live in a better world.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the Flint Central High School Class of 1959 as they celebrate their 50th Class Reunion. A party was held in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, on September 4 in honor of this milestone. I am proud to say that I was their teacher.

Over 1,000 students graduated from Flint Central High School in 1959 and their senior year was highlighted by outstanding academic and athletic programs. The football team won the State Championship, the cross-country team won the State Championship, the basketball team won the Regional Championship, and the track team won the State Championship.

The Class of 1959 boasted six Valedictorians. Many students accepted college scholarships and military academy appointments. Over 350 students participated in the 33rd Annual Kaleidoscope and the theatrical production that year was ``A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.''

The graduates spanned all walks of life and went on to careers in law, research, education, medicine, the fine arts and manufacturing. The surviving 700 classmates live in almost every state in the United States. Members of the Class of 1959 spread out over the globe and currently can be found in Scotland, Japan, and Mexico.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in commending the achievements of the Flint Central High School Class of 1959. As their former teacher, I take deep pride in helping to shape the minds and abilities of these graduates and I congratulate them on their talents, accomplishments, and triumphs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Reginald R. Palmer. Sadly, Mr. Palmer passed away on August 3rd. His funeral was held in Flint, Michigan on August 15th.

Reginald Palmer was a member of Canaan Baptist Church, and served Our Lord, Jesus Christ, through the Unity Choir and Canaan's Male Chorus. He was an attentive, conscientious member of his Church. His faithfulness to his Church community was a hallmark of his life.

His enthusiasm, hard work and resolute belief in a better world led him to become active in our political process. Reginald served as the Vice Chairperson for Precinct 20 and he knew and helped many of the residents of that area. He worked tirelessly for many years to elect candidates that would improve the lives of everyday citizens. Many elected officials, including Vera Rison, benefitted from Reginald's wisdom and loyalty. I have counted him among my supporters for many years and I will miss his insight and counsel.

He leaves behind his wife, Rosemary; daughters, Talishiya and Regina; and sons, Manus and Marshall; along with many other relatives and friends that bear witness to the good and fruitful life he lived.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and pay tribute to the passing of a great human being, a devoted servant of Our Lord, a determined worker for a better tomorrow, an excellent and loyal friend. I will deeply miss Reginald Palmer and it is with great sadness that I mourn his passing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill H.R. 2004, which would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4282 Beach Street in Akron, Michigan, as the ``Akron Veterans Memorial Post Office''.

The Akron Post Office was first established at the house of its first postmaster, Samuel B. Covey. At the beginning of the Civil War, the post office was moved to the home of Lucius Waldo, about 7 miles south west of Unionville, Michigan, and relocated to Akron village in 1882.

As the only Federal office in the town of Akron, Michigan, this facility should have the honor of recognizing all of the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform.

It has long been a goal of mine to honor all veterans. As a father of two sons, both of whom served as captains in the United States Army, I am a firm believer that our Nation owes an immense debt of gratitude to its armed forces veterans.

That is why I will continue to advocate for America's most important obligation, caring for its defenders and honoring they for their service.

Designating this facility will provide citizens with the opportunity to be mindful of the sacrifices our armed forces' veterans have made, and continue to make today.

I would like to thank the entire Michigan delegation for their support on this legislation and urge my colleagues support in passing this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bruce G. McAttee as he retires from his position as CAP Coordinator for UAW Region 1C. A retirement party is planned for August 28th in Lansing Michigan.

Bruce McAttee began his career working for General Motors in August 1976. In 1982 he completed his Electrician Apprenticeship and ran for Committeeman in November of that year. He was elected and held the position until 1990. He was elected Financial Secretary Treasurer of UAW Local 652 in June 1990. During this time he also was elected Vice Chair of Region 1C Skilled Trades Council and Chairman in 1986. This made him the youngest person to ever serve on the UAW International Skilled Trades Advisory Committee. In 1994 he accepted a position on the UAW International Staff and was assigned to UAW Region 1C as CAP Coordinator one year later.

Bruce's interest in politics was sparked at the age of 13 when he worked on his first political campaign. He went to Wolverine Boys State during his high school years and he served as an intern with the Michigan House of Representatives. Since that time he has worked on numerous campaigns including the campaigns for every Democratic Presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter ran for office in 1976. He has served on the Michigan Democratic Party's State Central Committee for the past 14 years. He has served as delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2000 and 2004. In 2004 he served as a Presidential Elector for the 8th District casting his ballot for John Kerry. The Clinton County Democratic Party honored him with their 2009 Phil Hart Award.

In addition to his work with the UAW and the Democratic Party, Bruce is active with Cancer Society, the Martin Luther King Holiday Commission and the Red Cross Great

Lakes Regional Board of Directors. The Lansing Area APRI Chapter recognized him earlier this year as a Role Model for his work in Civil Rights and the community.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the work of a dear friend, Bruce G. McAttee. For many years an important member of my own campaigns, I consider Bruce a dear friend and skilled analyst. I value his capable, proficient expertise on a broad variety of subjects. I wish him the best as he enters this next phase of his life.

Mr. Speaker, when we passed the Cash for Clunkers legislation last month, I said it would provide a much needed boost to our auto industry and our manufacturing communities. After just 1 week, we see the great success of this program. I've been working closely with the White House, the auto task force and my Congressional colleagues to add additional funds to the program to keep it up and running. This program has been an unprecedented success, and there are no plans to suspend it. This program is a successful example of economic stimulus at work.

To continue this positive program, I join my colleagues today to introduce legislation to redirect $2 billion from the economic stimulus bill to the Cash for Clunkers program. We are poised to pass this legislation through the House of Representatives today, and I urge my Senate colleagues to do the same as quickly as possible.

Madam Speaker, Gabriel Perez, the Director of the Saginaw Michigan Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, has been appointed as the new Health System Administrator/Medical Center Director of the Veterans Affairs HealthCare System in Phoenix, Arizona. He will start his new position on July 19, 2009.

Mr. Perez graduated from Loyola University in 1968, attended the University of California at Los Angeles Law School and obtained his Master's Degree in Public and Health Care Administration from the University of Southern California. Prior to his work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Perez spent several years working for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and teaching courses at the university level in medical legal law and personnel.

Prior to becoming the Director of the Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2000, Mr. Perez was the Chief Operating Officer and Acting Director of the Honolulu VA Medical and Regional Office Center. Since assuming his duties in Saginaw, he led the facility to improve its overall performance and move to a top ten spot among Department of Veterans Affairs facilities nationwide, ranking 3rd in the nation for its hospital grouping. From October 2005 to August 2006 he also served as Acting Director of the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

Patient care and safety has been his primary concern and his practices have earned him the respect of his peers. The delivery efficiencies he developed have been adopted nationwide and have won awards for improving VeteranCare delivery. He is a member of several professional organizations and community groups. His work with veterans, Hispanics, workers and children has been recognized numerous times and he is a regular participant in efforts to promote veterans and Hispanics at the local and national levels.

Madam Speaker, Gabriel Perez has brought insight and innovation to the day-to-day operations of the Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center over the past 9 years. He has worked to enhance the health and well- being of veterans, improve service to veterans, and expand accessibility for all veterans. I congratulate him on his new position and wish him the best as he enters this new phase of his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister Dorita Wotiska, O.P. as she retires from her position as Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Lansing. A dinner will be held in her honor on June 22 in Lansing, Michigan.

Sister Dorita entered the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1954 and embarked upon her career as an educator. After working at the elementary level first as a teacher then assistant principal and principal, Sister Dorita became the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Gaylord. She moved to the position of Associate Superintendent with the Diocese of Lansing before assuming the duties of Superintendent for the Diocese in 1986. In 1994 she accepted the additional responsibilities of Chairperson of the Department of Education and Catachesis and became a member of the Bishop's Cabinet. In this capacity she supervised 47 Catholic schools with a combined enrollment of 15,000 students.

In addition to her Diocesan duties, Sister Dorita is the President of the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools and she is a member of the Education Committee of the Michigan Catholic Conference. The list of organizations Sister Dorita has served with over the years is extensive and includes: the United States Department of Education National Review Board for the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, Task Force on Restructuring the Diocese of Lansing Offices, Michigan Association of Middle School Educators, National Conference of Catholic Schools for the 21st Century, School Financial Management Services Inc., United States Department of Education Exemplary Schools Program, Michigan Non- Public School Accrediting Association, Board of Trustees for Adrian Dominican Independent Schools, Michigan State Board of Education Accrediting Association, Greater Lansing Food Bank, Excellence in Education Committee of the Greater Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Office of Technical Assistance and Evaluation Advisory Council and the Advisory Committee on Budget and Planning with the Michigan State Board of Education, Mayor's Inter-Agency Committee on Youth, Association for Supervision, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, Michigan Association for the Individually Guided Education, Michigan State University Alumni Association and Chief Administrators of Catholic Education with the National Catholic Education Association.

Sister Dorita has worked with Gull Lake School District, Lansing Public Schools and Lansing Community College. She currently is Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University's College of Education. Sister Dorita received her Doctor of Philosophy degree from Michigan State University in 1980. In 1990 she was selected as the Distinguished Diocesan Leader by Today's Catholic Teacher and School Financial Management Systems. In 1993 she was elected as Educator of the Year by Phi Delta Kappa. She has published several articles on education.

Madam Speaker, Sister Dorita Wotiska has spent her life focused on enhancing the Catholic education system and experience. She has used the talents given to her by God to advance educational and spiritual ideals and through her ministry she has imprinted the message of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, into the hearts of countless students. I have valued her input, her dedication and her vision of a vibrant educational system, and I pray this new phase of her life contains only the best.

I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2751, the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act. This bill will provide incentives for the purchase of new, more efficient vehicles helping to revitalize our auto industry, preserve jobs, and clean up our environment. The need for this bill could not be greater. As we all know too well, our domestic industry has been suffering a prolonged downturn, and our families are feeling the effects. The recent bankruptcy filings by Chrysler and General Motors further underscore the critical need for action.

H.R. 2751 will provide consumers with up to $4,500 in vouchers for trading in their old vehicles and purchasing new, more fuel-efficient models. Not only will this provide a much-needed boost to the auto industry, including manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers, but it will help preserve jobs in our communities.

Additionally, we are cleaning up the environment by reducing our demand on foreign oil. I have always said that what America drives drives America. And I am committed to a strong and vibrant automobile industry. This legislation will help us get through this difficult time and get our automakers on the path to being the economic engine that has driven the American economy.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.