Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Kenneth W. MacGregor. Kenneth passed away on January 9, 2009 after battling cancer. He was an outstanding advocate for public education and providing a better future for our children.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Kenneth taught high school government and coached swimming. He became active in the Michigan Education Association and was instrumental in the development of their Political Action Committee. Working in the Michigan Education Association's Government Relations Department, Kenneth was active in promoting education issues in both Lansing and Washington. He advocated for public education and public education employees at all levels of government. During his 30 year career he implemented strategies that made the Political Action Committee a force to be reckoned with and emulated.

During Gary Owen's tenure as the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, he tapped Kenneth to serve as his Director of Public Affairs. In 2001 he joined the National Education Association's political team and worked as the Field Manager, Government Relations West. He retired from this position in 2006.

Even after his retirement, Kenneth still devoted time to political causes. He was an active backer of ``Get out the Vote'' campaigns. He had a can-do frame of mind and always believed that students deserved the best education possible.

Kenneth was married to Sue MacGregor for 21 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother and two brothers.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the memory of Kenneth W. MacGregor. His legacy lives on in the classrooms and public schools of Michigan and across our nation. Because of his life's work, students have gained better resources, better teachers, and better services. The public education system has lost a great supporter and I mourn his passing.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

My tenure here started about the same time as Gay Topper's tenure, and you know, through those years I never knew what party she belonged to. I do know that she was a great American and a great human being, and those of us who had the opportunity of coming in contact with her became better people because of her professionalism, her kindness, her gentleness, her knowledge, not just to the Members but to the pages.

The two pages sitting right there, when my son, one summer, sat there as documentarian, he would come home at night and talk about how kindly, how friendly Gay was to the pages. That's very important. That kindness means so much in this House. It helps sometimes take off those sharp edges, and she has done that.

This House is a better House because of Gay Topper, and I can say personally, Mr. Speaker, that I'm a better person because of Gay Topper.

Thank you very much. God bless you, Gay.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 22nd anniversary of the naming of Chavez Drive in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. To honor this occasion, and to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of Cesar Chavez's birthday, the Hispanic Latino Collaborative of Genesee County is sponsoring a Citizens March on March 28th along Chavez Drive. The march will be followed by a reception and luncheon on the campus of the University of Michigan-Flint.

After his family lost their farm during the Great Depression, Cesar Chavez spent his childhood as a migrant worker following the crops across the Southwest. After serving in the Unites States Navy during World War II, Cesar returned to farm work and began his lifelong quest to bring justice, equality and dignity to migrant workers throughout our Nation. He adopted the nonviolent philosophy of Gandhi and founded the United Farm Workers of America. In the face of formidable odds he persevered and after a 5 year struggle against California grape growers, Cesar Chavez won the first union contract for migrant workers and brought about respect for the workers toiling in our fields.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to persons that have served democracy and advanced the universal interests of humanity. The list of recipients is an honor roll of individuals that have struggled against adversity for the common good. In 1994, as he posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Cesar Chavez, President Clinton said, ``He was for his own people a Moses figure.'' Cesar Chavez exemplified compassion, dedication and advocacy for farm workers everywhere. He passed away 1 year earlier leaving our world better than he found it.

Madam Speaker, Flint Michigan was the first community in our Nation to honor this great humanitarian by naming a street after Cesar Chavez. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Hispanic Latino Collaborative for honoring the memory of Cesar Chavez and his legacy to the American people.

I rise today in remembrance of William Raymond Keith, who passed away on January 30, 2009. Bill was born in Jackson, MI on October 24, 1929 to Ruth Arlene Young and Raymond Joseph Keith. Bill graduated from Detroit's Wilbur High School in 1948 and the University of Michigan's School of Banking in 1963.

Bill served in the U.S. Army in Germany in 1950-51, singing vocals with the 82nd Army Band. Employed by Manufacturers National Bank for 19 years, he worked his way up from messenger to branch manager and bank officer. Bill was well respected and admired for his 22 years serving in the Michigan House of Representatives. He chaired the House Education, Colleges & Universities, and Banking and Finance Committees. He was a champion for public education, always fighting to enhance learning opportunities for children. His long years of service took him to many international locations including China, Japan, Korea, France and Germany. The German President awarded him the Officer's Cross of Merit (the highest honor that can be given to a non-German citizen). Bill has received numerous awards for his work in public service. In 1991, he was inducted into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. During his retirement, he volunteered as a docent at the Michigan Capitol Building, enjoying sharing that beautiful treasure with schoolchildren from around the state.

Bill also loved music and singing. Starting in high school when he sang with the Don Large Chorus on WJR, performing with big bands in the Detroit area, and more recently singing with his wife Phyllis in their church choir, at nursing homes, senior residences and local events, Bill loved to revive classic songs of the 40's and 50's. Many people over the years were touched by his music. Bill had and amazing sense of humor, and was always waiting to greet you with a new joke. Most of all, he treasured his family, including his wife, kids, grand-kids and his dogs. He was a kind, generous and gentle man with a great strength of character and wisdom.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Keith, and his six children: Brian W. Keith of Lansing, MI; David R. Keith of DeLand, FL; April M. Keith of Lake Orion, MI; Betty Keith Pomerantz of Newbury Park, CA; Robyn S. Hubbard of Grand Rapids, MI; and Ryan E. Zaiser of Bloomingdale, GA. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren.

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life of William Raymond Keith--an accomplished legislator, great leader and endearing family man.

Madam Speaker, as Democratic Chairman of the House Native American Caucus, it is my distinct honor to join my friend and colleague Congressman Raul Grijalva in support of H. Res. 132. This resolution honors the life and extraordinary bravery of Geronimo, the great Chiricahua Apache leader, and recognizes the 100th anniversary of his death on February 17, 2009, as a time of reflection and the commencement of healing for the Apache people.

Geronimo, a spiritual and intellectual leader, became recognized as a great military leader by his people because of his courage, determination, and skill. He led his people in a war as the Apache homeland was invaded by citizens and armies first of Mexico, and then the United States. While the Apache people were forcibly removed by the United States and interned at San Carlos, Arizona, Geronimo led some of his people out of captivity and evaded military forces for several years. Upon surrendering to the United States, Geronimo and other Apache prisoners were interned in military prisons in Florida, Alabama and Oklahoma, far from their homeland. Geronimo died on February 17, 1909, and was buried in a military cemetery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

The Apache people continue to honor and hold sacred Geronimo's efforts to preserve their traditional way of life and to defend their homeland. While we cannot erase the deplorable history of Indian policy in the United States to terminate tribal nations and their culture, perhaps this resolution will bring about a healing among the Apache people and their children will look back at their history and be proud that the United States paid tribute to Geronimo, a great Apache warrior.

As the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other Apache tribes across the country gather on February 17, 2009, in San Carlos, Arizona to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Geronimo's death, I wish them Godspeed as they begin their journey of spiritual healing.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 154) honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I introduced this resolution, along with my Michigan colleagues, so that we might recognize the milestone reached by the gentleman from Michigan, John D. Dingell, who, as of today, has served longer in the House of Representatives than any Member in its history.

I have had the great privilege to work closely with John Dingell the past 32 years. I can tell you that through all the changes we have seen in this institution over those years, John Dingell has played a major role in those that have made this a better country. Throughout his tenure here, he has remained constant in his determination, his toughness, and certainly, in his fairness.

John knows of the great importance of the automobile industry in this country. He knows that when line workers can earn a decent enough wage to support their family and send their children to college, our whole economy prospers. He knows that what America drives drives America.

John played an essential role in the passage of the Chrysler loan guarantee in 1979, which actually earned $311 million for our government. Recently, he provided a wealth of knowledge necessary to pass the bridge loans to the Big Three automakers.

John's expertise and devotion to providing all Americans with health care is unsurpassed in this Congress. Historians writing about health care will always note the role of two men bearing the name John Dingell, the one serving today and his father.

His rich Polish heritage is demonstrated each year on Fat Tuesday when I enjoy the delicious paczki which he presents to me.

I've always been grateful to have a reliable friend and adviser in John Dingell. Mr. Speaker, this is a better Congress, a better country, and I know I am a better congressman, but more importantly, a better human being, because of John Dingell.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters) be permitted to control the remainder of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Thomas G. Landaal. Sadly, Mr. Landaal passed away on December 5, 2007, at the age of 53, and the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation will posthumously induct Tom Landaal into their Circle of Distinguished Leaders on March 31st in Washington, DC at the joint meetings of the Fibre Box Association and the Association of Corrugated Converters. Mr. Landaal will be the ninth person to be inducted into this circle.

Born in Hinsdale, IL, Tom, as he was known to his friends, relocated to Flint, MI as a child. After graduating from Powers Catholic High School he obtained two degrees from Ferris State University, an AS degree in Building Construction and a BS degree in Business Administration. In 1979 he assumed a managerial role in the family business, Landaal Packaging Systems. As president of Landaal Packaging Systems he went on to become a leader in the packaging industry. He was affiliated with the International Corrugated Case Association in Paris, the Federation Europeenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondule based in Paris, the Sales and Marketing Executives and Technical Association Pulp and Paper Industry, as well as the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation. Tom served on the Board of Directors of the Fibre Box Association and the Independent Corrugated Converters Association. He was chair of the Fibre Box Association's Independent Sheet Plant Committee and served as the Fibre Box Association's representative on the Board of the Independent Corrugated Converters Association for many years.

In addition to his work in packaging industry, Tom Landaal was very active in his community and is sorely missed. He held leadership roles with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Hurley Medical Center, Hurley Foundation, Flint Classroom Support Fund, Hero of Flint, Burton Business Association, Burton Economic Development Corporation, Friends of Sloan Museum, Flint College and Cultural Center, Incorporated, Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan, Heartland Manor, Information Services of Michigan, Michigan State University, University Affiliated Hospitals of Flint, the Industrial Mutual Association, the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Manufacturers Association, and Powers Alumni Association. He belonged to several golf and ski groups including the National Ski Patrol.

Madam Speaker, the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation's Circle of Distinguished Leaders was instituted to honor

those persons that have brought vision, creativity, and energy to the promotion and advancement of the packaging industry. Tom Landaal was an advocate for improved technology and safe working conditions. This recognition by his peers is a fitting tribute to his enthusiasm for designing the best system to deliver the best product to his customers and to ensure the packaging industry remained on the cutting edge for fulfilling customer needs. I congratulate the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation for their selection of Thomas Landaal for this honor and hope his example will inspire the next generation to continue his work. I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me today and applaud the life and work of my good friend, Thomas Landaal.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bishop Robert J. Carlson, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, as he celebrates the 25th anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination. The Diocese is celebrating this event in honor of Bishop Carlson at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Bay City, Michigan, on January 11.

Bishop Carlson is a native of Minneapolis. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1970, for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and his Master of Divinity degree from Saint Paul Seminary. He continued his studies at Catholic University of America, receiving his Licentiate in Canon Law in 1979.

On January 11, 1984, Bishop Carlson was ordained as an auxiliary bishop for his home archdiocese. In 1994 he was appointed the Bishop of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He served at this post until Pope John Paul II directed he become the Bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw. He was installed as the fifth Bishop of the Saginaw Diocese on February 24, 2005.

Currently Bishop Carlson serves as co-chair of the Mission Advisory Committee of the Institute for Priestly Formation, as a member of the Canon Law Society of America, a member of the Board of the International Dominican Foundation, as a member of Board of Sacred Heart Seminary, a member of the Board of Los Cabos Children's Foundation, a member of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors. In 2004 he founded the Messengers of Peace Religious Community in Colombia.

Bishop Carlson's pastoral letters, speeches and publications reflect his commitment to the Catholic Church, priestly formation, the sanctity of human life, and evangelizing. He has written on the Sacraments and the role of Bishops in the Church.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the work of Bishop Robert J. Carlson. His motto is, ``Before the Cross there is no Defense,'' and expresses his deep faith in Our Lord, Jesus Christ. The cross on his coat of arms represents his commitment and mission to the faithful entrusted to his custody. Bishop Carlson has devoted his life to the care and nurturing of people of the Catholic Church and all humanity. The best testament to his life's achievement is the love, respect and spiritual growth they reflect back to him.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the City of Linden, Michigan, on their 20th Anniversary. A celebration will be held at Linden City Hall on Friday, December 12th.

Linden is located in southern Genesee County on the headwaters of the Shiawassee River. Consider Warner and Eben Harris built a sawmill on the river in 1840 and the village of Linden grew up around the mill. During the 1980s the residents of Linden decided to become a city and in 1988 the City of Linden was incorporated. The Charter Commission was comprised of Keith Wenger, chairperson; Judy Pieczynski, Secretary; Harvey C. Charbonneau; Robert Nellett; Doug Morgan; Marjorie Kimble; Craig Newberry; and Farrand Ward. Their goals were to provide better representation, better infrastructure, have a professional administration and still maintain the historic integrity of the town. To this end they decided on a council/manager form of government.

Over the past 20 years the City of Linden has worked to provide quality service to its residents. The city has completed 25 projects to enhance the infrastructure by paving streets and sidewalks, installing water and sewer lines, building a streetscape, facade projects, a water treatment plant, a playground and a boardwalk. The City also maintains a full-time police department, a 22-member fire department and a department of public works.

The City Council, Planning Commission and Historic District Commission work closely to preserve the historic nature of the city. They draw upon the resources of their local historian, Claude Cranston, for advice on the character of the early Linden area. In 2007 a fire destroyed a landmark historic building in the downtown area but the community pulled together to work around this loss.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the City of Linden, Michigan, as the community comes together to celebrate its 20th anniversary. I congratulate the elected officials, the staff and inhabitants of this wonderful city. City Hall is centered on providing quality assistance to the residents. They have created a family friendly community rooted in the past but looking toward the future. I wish them continued success in the years ahead.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Sister M. Claudia Burke as she retires to the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Motherhouse in Cincinnati. She has been a cornerstone of social services in my hometown of Flint, Michigan since 1960.

Sister M. Claudia Burke entered the convent on January 6, 1944. She attended Our Lady of Cincinnati College, graduating in 1953, and worked at Catholic Charities of Cincinnati. She was transferred to Catholic Social Services in Steubenville, Ohio and continued there providing family and child welfare counseling. In 1958 she was responsible for the foster care, and supervision of 10 Hungarian refugee teen-age boys.

In 1960 Sister Claudia was transferred to Flint, Michigan to work at Catholic Social Services. Since that time she has left Flint twice, once to obtain her Master's in Social Work degree from St. Louis University and a 1 year assignment in Cincinnati. She returned to Flint and continued her service to the people of Genesee County.

Through her work at Holy Angels Convent and Catholic Social Services, Sister Claudia recognized the need to help families facing difficult economic circumstances. Known for her tenacity, Sister Claudia provided the unique leadership to organize Catholic Outreach to respond to the need in the community. Countless individuals have directly benefited from her hard work and devotion to the poor. Supported through a variety of channels, Catholic Outreach assists about 12,000 people a year and the number is growing. Though her responsibilities as an administrator and fundraiser consumed most of her time in recent years, Sister Claudia preferred to spend her time working directly with clients. She has said, ``You can't look at the face of poverty and not feel for people.'' In addition to founding Catholic Outreach, Sister Claudia was also instrumental in creating the North End Soup Kitchen and the Displaced Workers Center.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Sister M. Claudia Burke. The Flint area is losing one of its truly great humanitarians. Sister Claudia has spent her life acknowledging the needs of others and responding with selfless, caring love. Recognizing the divine in all humans she lives the teaching contained in Matthew 25:40, ``Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.'' Through the years Sister Claudia has been an inspiring, thought provoking, tireless laborer in the vineyard of Our Lord Jesus Christ. She has put her love into action and set an example for the lives of those following in her footsteps. I know I am a better person for having known her and will miss her wisdom, and compassion. I pray she will find a much deserved relaxation and peace in this next phase of her life.

Mr. Speaker, not many people were here back in 1979 when this House and the Congress passed the loan guarantee for Chrysler. I was a cosponsor of that bill, and we made over $300 million on that loan. Before that vote, I was responsible for finding out how many congressional districts were affected by Chrysler. I spent hours on the phone looking at congressional district after congressional district. My research didn't yield many, if any, congressional districts that were not affected by the viability of Chrysler Corporation. Steel, aluminum, glass, plastic and computer chips are obvious components in today's cars.

But it goes beyond that, Mr. Speaker. My Republican colleague at the time, Congressman Jim Broyhill of North Carolina, asked me one day, ``Kildee, when are you people of Michigan getting back to work?''

I said, ``Jim, why do you ask?''

He said, ``Because my constituents in the carpet fiber manufacturing industry are suffering.''

This goes beyond the automobile industry. It touches all of America. What America drives drives America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Raymond Hatter, as he retired from his position as Executive Director of Salem Housing Community Development Corporation. An open house was held in his honor on November 7, 2008 in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

For the past 14 years, Raymond Hatter has provided leadership to the Salem Housing organization. He has reinforced the Salem Housing commitment to provide safe, affordable housing for limited income families and to support families through education, property management, and economic development. During his tenure, Salem Housing has developed relationships with economic development organizations, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the Genesee County Land Bank Authority, and community groups in an effort to bring re-investment into City of Flint neighborhoods. Mr. Hatter's vision became reality when the area of Wood Street, M.L. King Avenue and Garland Street was cleared, cared for and became the Metawanenee Hills neighborhood. At a cost of 4 million dollars the 24 new homes provide affordable, safe and energy efficient housing to families.

In addition to his work revitalizing neighborhoods, Mr. Hatter is a member of the Flint Board of Education, the Co-Chairperson of the University of Michigan-Flint University Outreach Department, Advisory Council Member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Board Member of the Mass Transportation Authority Board of Directors, Board Member of the City of Flint Zoning Board of Appeals, and a Reader Representative of the

Flint Journal's Editorial Board. His work as Co-Chairperson of the City of Flint ``Fifty Year Master Plan'' Planning Committee guided the drawing up of comprehensive community development plans for the City.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the work of Raymond Hatter. His foresight with Salem Housing Community Development Corporation has laid the groundwork for thriving, vibrant neighborhoods to take root in the City of Flint and his leadership has transformed the lives of numerous families.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Melvin Phillip McCree. Melvin passed away on November 12th following a long illness and a tribute will be held tomorrow in remembrance of his life and work.

After graduating from Flint Northern High School, where he was the Student Council President, Melvin went on to graduate from Mott Community College. He continued his studies at Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan-Flint. In 1981 he was elected to the Flint City Council for the Fifth Ward. During his service on the Council, he was elected to a record-setting 5 consecutive terms as Council President.

Appointed to the position of Register of Deeds in 1990, Melvin was re-elected for 4 more terms. During the 18 years he served as Register of Deeds, Melvin sought to bring the office into the 21st century. He was diligent in implementing new technologies to provide better service to the public. Melvin developed an office website, a system to scan and store all documents digitally, and the ability to provide documents to the public in a variety of media. Through his foresight, the Genesee County Register of Deeds office is a model for other county offices to image and store records.

Melvin McCree was an enthusiastic, conscientious public servant, an insightful innovator, and a thoughtful humanitarian. I knew Melvin since he was a child and I watched him grow and develop into a good man, and a kind friend. I valued his counsel, his sense of humor, and his community spirit.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and honor Melvin Phillip McCree. The people of Genesee County have lost a dedicated public official and I mourn his passing.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the individuals honored by the Child Advocacy Center of Genesee County for their service to the young people of the greater Flint area that are the victims of child abuse. Genesee County expressed its gratitude to these persons at a dinner on November 6, 2008 in Flint, Michigan.

The Child Advocacy Center of Genesee County was founded to react to allegations of child abuse. A multidisciplinary team responds by providing forensic interviews, medical evaluations, therapeutic intervention, and victim support/advocacy. Their goal is provide these services to children and families in a safe and consistent manner.

Three persons were honored that evening. The 2008 Stars for Children Awards Law Enforcement Officer of the Year is Detective Diana Mills of the Mt. Morris Township Police Department. The 2008 Stars for Children Awards Child Protective Services Worker of the Year is Marie Putnam. Andrea Legendre was named the 2008 Stars for Children Awards Prosecutor of the Year.

May the House of Representatives rise with me and applaud the work of these individuals. Their commitment to abused and vulnerable children is exemplary. They perform an invaluable service to our community and through their work abused and neglected children in Genesee County have help for a safer, happier life.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 31 for celebrating their 90th anniversary. The troop will celebrate this milestone on October 25 in Flint, Michigan.

In 1909, William D. Boyce of Chicago was visiting London and became lost in a dense fog. A Boy Scout helped him to safety. When he offered a tip to the youngster, the young man responded that a Boy Scout could not take a tip for doing a good deed. William Boyce was so impressed with the child that he sought out Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, to learn about the organization. From that meeting the Boy Scouts of America was born. The concept of boys coming together to learn life skills spread across the United States and in 1918 Troop 31 was founded by Charles P. Coates at Court Street United Methodist Church.

Troop 31 is the fifth oldest troop in Michigan and 1 of 250 troops across the Nation that have been in existence for 90 or more years. Charles Coates was the first Scoutmaster leading the troop for the duration of World War I. During this time the Scouts served as messengers for the War Board, sold Liberty Loan Bonds, and collected War Savings stamps. C.S. Mott was mayor of Flint and his son, Harding C.S. Mott, was one of the first members.

Over the years, Troop 31 has been blessed with outstanding Scoutmasters and leaders. Norman A.J. Asselstine, known as ``Mr. A'' served the troop for over 40 years and Robert Bigler, known as ``Mr. B'' served for 50 years. Robert Bigler was the oldest and longest registered member of the Tall Pine Council when he passed away in 2004. Over 1,000 boys have belonged to Troop 31 over the past 90 years and over 60 Scouts have reached the rank of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Scouts, Scout alumni, parents, leaders, and Scoutmasters of Boy Scout Troop 31. For the past 90 years, young men have gathered at Court Street United Methodist Church and pledged in the Scout Oath, ``On my honor I will do my best To do my duty to God and my country and obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.'' These words combined with the example of their leaders have guided the Scouts of Troop 31 as they matured into men. I pray Troop 31 will carry on this legacy for many years to come.