Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in honoring Alex Izykowski of Bay City, Michigan. Alex is a member of the Men's 5,000 Meter Short Track Relay Team that won the Bronze Medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy on February 25th.

Alex, nicknamed ``Izy,'' started speed skating at the age of eleven after watching the 1994 Winter Olympics from Lillehammer, Norway. His first foray onto the ice was on borrowed skates. Determined to succeed and one day become an Olympian he continued to practice and entered his first competition in 1995. One year later he placed fifth at the junior nationals. Always striving to do better, he set three state juvenile outdoor records in 1997 and in 2001, Alex was named to the U.S. Junior Short Track team at the U.S. Championship held in Walpole, Massachusetts. Competing with the team in Italy that year, Alex won the 1,000 meter race.

The following year he became the Junior American record holder in the 1,500 meter and 3,000 meter competitions in Calgary. As a member of the U.S. Junior World Cup team Izy won a Silver Medal as a participant on the relay team in 2003. Two years later he won a Bronze Medal in Beijing as a member of the U.S. World Championships Relay Team. After finishing second overall in the lap time trials at the Marquette Training Center, Alex was given a slot on the U.S. Olympic Team fulfilling his 1994 dream to become an Olympian.

He competed twice in the 2006 Olympics, first in the Men's 1,500 meter race and the second time in the Men's Relay. As an integral part of the relay team, Alex was able to pull the team from fourth place to third place during one of his laps around the track. Along with fellow teammates, J.P. Kepka, Rusty Smith, and Apolo Anton Ohno, Alex was able to maintain momentum during the fast paced relay and win the Bronze Medal with a time of 6:47.990.

A 2002 graduate of Bay City Western High School, Alex credits his entire family as his strongest influence and support. Many of his relatives were able to travel to Turin to watch him compete. In tribute to his parents, Alan and JoAnn Izykowski, Alex presented the bouquet given to him during the medal ceremony to his mother. He remarked, ``Just showing some respect.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise to their feet and join me, the Bay City community, and the State of Michigan in welcoming home a tremendous athlete, an inspirational role model, and a fierce competitor, Alex Izykowski. Please join me in applauding his achievements as he takes his place in the history of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in congratulating Cloyce Dickerson as he receives the Walter Reuther Award from UAW Local 659. Cloyce will be honored at a reception on Sunday by the membership of the Local.

The Walter Reuther Award is given to UAW members, public officials and community leaders, in acknowledgement of their contributions to the advancement of working people and their families. 41 years ago Cloyce Dickerson began his career with General Motors Chevrolet Manufacturing Plant and started his lifelong commitment to improving conditions for his fellow workers.

He was employed with Chevrolet as a skilled tradesman and a Building Repairman. He worked for the UAW in the capacities of Alternate Committeeman, UAW/CAP Council Member, Jobs Bank Coordinator, Attendance Coordinator, EAP Coordinator-International Appointment, Health and Safety Representative-International Appointment, Quality Network Representative-International Appointment, served on Person to Person Committee, the Joint Council, and was chair of the UAW Black Caucus.

In addition he also was a founding member of the North End ``GOTV'' Headquarters, a member of Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, former Vice-President and life member of the NAACP-Flint Branch, a board member of Big Brother/Big Sisters, works with Boys and Girls Club, and the Democratic Black Caucus. As the father of six and the grandfather of nine, Cloyce understands the importance of instilling community values in our youth and was recently honored by the Flint Human Relations Commission with the Service to Youth Award.

Cloyce was inducted into the Afro-American Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2005 the Bruin Club of Flint gave him the Athletic Alumni Award because of his athletic prowess during his high school and college years. Cloyce was an All Conference and All State honoree basketball player during his years attending Central High School. Attending Mott Community College, Cloyce was on the school's 1964 Regional Championship Basketball team.

Mr. Speaker, may the members of the House of Representatives join me in honoring a remarkable, committed, compassionate man, Cloyce Dickerson, and he is recognized for his lifelong contributions to the UAW and its members.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the achievements of a remarkable group of women and men in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, the Hurley Medical Center Auxiliary. On February 21, they will celebrate their 50th anniversary by holding a luncheon for the members and local dignitaries.

First organized on February 15, 1956, over 100 women attended the first membership meeting. In October 1959, the membership amended the constitution to allow men to join the organization. Currently there are 200 members donating 40,000 volunteer hours to Hurley Medical Center annually in 14 service areas.

Since its inception the Hurley Auxiliary has raised and given $3.2 million dollars for Medical Center programs. Especially important to the auxiliary members is the care provided to children. During the 1950s they conducted the ``Wish a Child Well'' wishing well fundraisers and today the group is a significant donor to the Children's Miracle Network. The Auxiliary has generously supported pediatric programs and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Because of the Auxiliary membership's commitment to serving all patients, they have also raised money to purchase vans for Hurley's Senior Services. The vans allow seniors to have door-to-door transportation for doctor's visits. The vans are handicapped accessible and were paid by the Auxiliary through fundraisers, the gift shop and hospitality carts.

The Hurley Auxiliary has also contributed to the Michigan Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. Five Hurley members have served as president of the East Central District and two members have been president of the Michigan Association of Hospital Auxiliaries.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Hurley Auxiliary for 50 years of dedicated service to Hurley Medical Center and working to provide the best available medical care for its patients.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me today in recognizing Sandy Germany the National President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary. The Curtis-Wolverton Post Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3243 Ladies Auxiliary is welcoming Mrs. Germany to their facility on February 22 in Fenton, Michigan. This is an official visit to the State of Michigan by Mrs. Germany.

Sandy Germany was elected to her position at the 92nd National Convention of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in August 2005. Reflecting the beliefs of the Ladies Auxiliary she underscored the need to remember the sacrifices of the men and women that have fought to preserve our freedom. This belief is an underpinning of the Ladies Auxiliary as they work to preserve the memory of our courageous Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

Sandy Germany is a life member of the Kichler-Pippen Auxiliary Post 5658. She is eligible to be a member through her brother, her father and her son. Her son, Curtis, is currently serving with the U.S. Army in Korea and Iraq. She has served in many positions with the Ladies Auxiliary in addition to being employed as the Town Clerk in Elberta, Alabama. She is a mother and grandmother, giving of her time, as a Life Member, to the VFW National Home for Children. Sandy also belongs to the American Legion Auxiliary and the Military Order of the Cooties Auxiliary.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the life and service of Sandy Germany. I commend her for her commitment to helping our service personnel and for working to preserve the ideals that set our Nation apart from all others.

Mr. Speaker, on February 17, the Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau will present its Pinnacle Award to William ``Tiny'' and Dorothy Zehnder for their remarkable contributions to the convention and tourist industry in Saginaw County. The Zehnder family has had a positive impact on Frankenmuth, Michigan, and changed the area forever. Theirs is one of the great American success stories, replete with foresight, courage, and hard work.

In 1950, the Zehnder family purchased the Fischer Hotel, and William Zehnder became the manager. Dorothy Zehnder became the kitchen manager, a role she continues today. At that time, the Zehnder family had 21 years of experience running their own restaurant across the street from the Fischer Hotel. After a series of improvements to the Fischer Hotel culminating in a major renovation in the late 1950s, the Fischer Hotel was renamed the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. The decor and architecture of the Bavarian Inn started the transformation of Frankenmuth into ``Michigan's Little Bavaria.'' The weeklong opening celebration held in 1959 proved to be very popular and has turned into the annual Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. The addition of the Glockenspiel and Wooden Bridge has enhanced the character of Frankenmuth's downtown area.

Dorothy developed most of the recipes served in the restaurant. The restaurant can accommodate 1200 diners at one time, and annually over 750,000 pounds of chicken is served to its guests. Dorothy plays a vital role in ensuring the food is prepared correctly and served promptly. Many local Frankenmuth leaders started their work life in the Bavarian Inn kitchen under Dorothy's tutelage. Today the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn is one of the top ten family-owned restaurants in America.

In addition to the restaurant, their holdings include Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place, Castle Shops, Freeway Fritz, Frankenmuth Motel, and several gift shops on Main Street. The Zehnders employ over 1,000 people and serve one million visitors each year making Frankenmuth a top tourist destination.

Tiny Zehnder's vision for the Frankenmuth community has made it a great place for families to gather, live, and work. The Zehnders buy locally and utilize Michigan commodities. They are always looking for ways to improve their business and their community. They have passed on their skills and work ethic to their children. The Bavarian Inn enterprise is a multi-generational operation with their children and grandchildren managing and working in various capacities. Tiny and Dorothy Zehnder are an inspiration to everyone and excellent role models for our youth. I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the outstanding success of the Zehnders and congratulate them as they are honored by the Saginaw community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor George Weeks, who is retiring as a political columnist from The Detroit News, where he has written for over 20 years. George has been the premiere political columnist for Michigan for over two decades.

George Weeks was born in 1932 in Traverse City, MI. A graduate of Traverse City High School in 1950, Weeks stayed close to home, earning his undergraduate degree in journalism from Michigan State University just 4 years later.

George Weeks spent the first 15 years of his journalism career at United Press International, working as a Lansing staff correspondent and later Bureau chief, Detroit Bureau radio and news editor, diplomatic correspondent, and Washington foreign editor. He also entered public service as press secretary, special counsel, and executive secretary for Michigan Governor William G. Milliken, who later remarked of Weeks's character and credibility as the chief reason Weeks was able to seamlessly move from journalism to public service and back.

In 1981, Weeks resumed his studies as a Kennedy Fellow at the prestigious Harvard University Institute of Politics. However, Weeks's love for on-the-record journalism brought him back to print as a political columnist for the Detroit News in 1983, where he remained until his retirement. During that time he freelanced many articles and has written several books on Michigan. Weeks was honored for his 40 years as journalist, historian, and public servant with a well-deserved place in the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 1996.

Mr. Speaker, for over 20 years, George Weeks brought a keen eye, a sharp wit and a unique perspective to Michigan and national politics. His work will be greatly missed by the people of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Richard A. Ryan, who is retiring from his post at The Detroit News, after 40 years as a distinguished news reporter, 37 of those years a Washington correspondent.

Dick Ryan has spent most of his life in journalism, reporting for the Muskegon Chronicle and Toledo Blade before establishing his position at the Detroit News in 1966. Ryan was at the News for the tumultuous Watergate period, ending with the historic 1974 resignation of President Richard Nixon and subsequent elevation of former Michigan Congressman Gerald Ford to the nation's highest office. Ryan watched as Ford was sworn in as the nation's 37th President, announcing the end of what he called ``our long national nightmare.''

In all, Dick Ryan covered the highs and lows of seven presidents, from Nixon to George W. Bush, traveling overseas with Ronald Reagan for his memorable speech in West Berlin, urging the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. He witnessed the first official visit of an Arab leader to Israel, watching a tenuous peace process initiated by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, whose nations had been at war for decades. He viewed the talks that culminated in the signing of a historic peace agreement between the two nations before the world at the White House.

In addition, Dick Ryan served as President of the Washington-based National Press Club in 2000, elected to that post by his peers in journalism. After a career that has placed him in the front row of some of this country's most fascinating events, he will enjoy his retirement enjoying the company of his five grandchildren, golf, travel, and the endless pursuit of every true journalist: writing.

Mr. Speaker, I have known Richard Ryan to be a person of great professionalism and absolute integrity. He has truly brought credit to a profession which he has served so well. The Michigan Congressional delegation will certainly miss the integrity, dedication and professionalism which drove Dick to always get the story right, and the people of Michigan will miss his insightful reporting from Washington. And I will miss Dick Ryan because not only is he a consummate professional journalist, he is a very dear personal friend.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of 4 individuals selected by UAW Local 1292 to receive the Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award.

The Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Award is one way the United Automobile Workers acknowledges the contributions made by its members, public officials and community leaders, to the advancement of working people and their families. The achievements of each recipient are registered with the Wayne State University Labor and Urban Affairs Archives at Wayne State University creating a permanent record.

UAW Local 1292 has selected four persons to receive this prestigious award. These people exemplify the attitude of Walter Reuther and strong commitment to serving their fellow UAW members.

Russell Cummins has served the membership for over 19 years. He has held the positions of Alternate Committeeman, Trustee and Veterans Representative.

Barbara J. Eastman has served as a Trustee, a Guide, Recording Secretary, on the Education Committee, Women's Committee, the Building Committee, and the CSC for the past 19\1/2\ years.

For the past 20\1/2\ years, Ruth A. St. Pierre worked on the Women's Committee, Elections, Civil Rights, Citizenship and Legislation, Education, Union Label, and as the Retiree Recording Secretary.

Eva Thornton started her career as a Benefits Representative in 1988 and has continued in that position until the present day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating these four individuals for their outstanding service to the UAW. They have exhibited the character to persevere in the fight for justice and human dignity. Working men and women have benefited by their generosity of time and courage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man that is a giant in the United Steelworkers of America, Harry Lester. Harry is retiring from the United Steelworkers on February 10 and will be honored at a dinner that evening. With his retirement working men and women are losing a remarkable advocate.

Harry's association with the labor movement began when as a child, he witnessed the tragic death of his father in a coal mining accident in West Virginia. Thus began a lifelong commitment to social justice. Relocating to Michigan, Harry went to work for McLouth Steel Corporation and became a member of the United Steelworkers in 1954.

Working with his local, Local 2659, Harry was elected shop steward that same year. He rose through the ranks of the union and was sworn in as the District 2 Director in 1981. He has been re-elected director ever since. Harry has earned the reputation of a tough and fair negotiator. He negotiated the workplace safety and health language that was later handed down in a Supreme Court decision as the standard for all workers. Twice he has worked to keep McLouth Steel Corporation in operation, first in 1982 and the second time in 1987. At that time his ingenuity saved the company by putting together an employee buyout. The employees owned 87 percent of the company and created, for that time, the largest Employee Stock Ownership Plan in this country.

Simultaneously, as he was working to save McLouth Steel Corporation, Harry was working with the negotiating team for National Steel Corporation. He helped craft the Cooperative Partnership Agreement that gave the company's employees a say in the decisionmaking process. His efforts on behalf of the membership advanced worker input and saved their employers millions of dollars. In 1993 he was appointed chair of the United Steelworkers of America National Steel Negotiating Committee.

Harry's commitment to social justice extends beyond the workplace. He is active with numerous organizations including the Metropolitan AFL- CIO, the Michigan State AFL-CIO, United Foundation, United Way of Michigan, National Kidney Foundation, Economic Alliance of Michigan, Blue Care Network, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Parks Authority, Citizens Advisory Committee of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Greater Detroit Area Health Council, Michigan Economic and Environmental Roundtable and is the founder of the Annual Downriver Community Prayer Breakfast. Harry serves on the Salvation Army Board of Directors and with his wife, Mary, is a bell ringer every Christmas.

As District 2 Director, Harry believed it is essential for local union leaders to be as skilled and as educated as their company counterparts. He developed training classes and encouraged lifelong learning. In this he led by example. Harry has taken every Labor Studies class offered by the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Michigan State University. In May 2005 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by Michigan State University and actively works with the school's Labor Education Program on curriculum development.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in expressing admiration for a man that has devoted his entire life to the betterment of those around him. Through his foresight every worker in this country has benefited. I, and other Members of this body, have long sought his guidance and I have welcomed his wisdom. I wish to thank Harry Lester for his service and wish him the best as he retires from the United Steelworkers of America.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution recognizing the contributions Catholic schools make to our society.

Both public and Catholic schools provide a strong foundation for our Nation's children. While our public schools educate the vast majority of our children, our Catholic schools provide an excellent and enriching alternative.

I have attended Catholic schools myself. I received a high-quality education from these schools and have benefited greatly. Sister Jean and Sister Jerome taught me to read and master phonics. Sister Hilary taught me Latin, which I in turn taught also. They were the greatest influence outside of my family. They not only challenged me intellectually, but forced me to examine my own personal formation.

At St. Mary's I learned the greatness of God and the dignity of humanity. In Congress, my basic principle is that government's role is to promote, protect, defend and enhance human dignity. I examine every bill on these principles of human dignity that I learned at St. Mary's. Children across America have benefited from the same positive influence a Catholic education had on me. H. Res. 657 recognizes and celebrates our Catholic schools for this contribution.

I believe that one of the greatest aspects of the American education system is its diversity. The goal of American education is to provide anyone with the opportunity to succeed. Catholic schools are a critical part of that equation, teaching critical values and providing their students with beneficial and life-enriching experiences.

The contributions which Catholic schools make to our Nation and our children strengthen our society and our place in the world. Our children have more opportunities because both Catholic and public schools can provide them with a high-quality education. Together these two sectors of our education system will work to ensure our excellence in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to a dear friend, Dr. Charles Pappas. Mott Community College in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, will host a luncheon on February 13th in his honor. In appreciation of his contributions to the school, Mott Community College will name a building in tribute to him.

Charles Pappas has had an enviable career as an educator. After working in the public school arena, he took a position with the Cuyahoga Community College in 1965 as Dean of Business Administration. He went on to become the founding president of the Metropolitan Campus, and then in 1970, he accepted the post of president of Genesee Community College. It was later renamed to Charles Stewart Mott Community College. Thus began a fruitful association with the Flint area. Dr. Pappas served as president until 1981 and was elected to the Board of Trustees and served in that capacity for 6 years after he left the presidency.

Under his leadership the school partnered with the Michigan School for the Deaf and started offering classes to the hearing impaired. He initiated the Weekend College concept at Mott Community College allowing adults greater opportunities to attend classes and he initiated a program to allow senior citizens to attend classes for free. This implementation of the lifelong learning concept put Mott Community College on the cutting edge of innovate education for adult students.

In recognition of Dr. Pappas's vision the UAW has bestowed the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award on him. For developing a labor studies program at Mott Community College he was named to the Labor Hall of Fame at Wayne State University. Ohio State University conferred the Vocational-Technical Education Distinguished Service Award on Dr. Pappas and the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce previously named him the Charles Stewart Mott Citizen of the Year. He has served as the president of the Council of North Central Community and Junior Colleges, president of the Michigan Community College Association, and president of the Michigan Vocational Business Education Association.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Dr. Charles Pappas as he is honored by the Flint area community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating A.D. and Shirley McGregor as they are honored by the Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau on February 17th in Saginaw, Michigan.

A.D. and Shirley McGregor are lifelong residents of the Saginaw area and have worked tirelessly to promote and enhance the life of the community. They exemplify true volunteer spirit. Since 1948 when they were still in school, the McGregors have worked tirelessly to make Saginaw a wonderful place to live. At that time they became volunteers for Healthsource Saginaw and began a lifelong commitment to service.

During the intervening years the couple has helped numerous organizations and worked at various events. For 28 years they have helped the Saginaw CROP Walk raise money to alleviate world hunger. For 30 years they have played Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for churches, schools, nursing facilities and non-profits. They have spent the last several years organizing Christmas caroling for shut-ins. The Castle Museum of Saginaw has benefited from their help for the past 28 years.

Fridays in the summertime can often find them working with the Friday Night Live concerts for Pride in Saginaw Incorporated. Many other organizations have benefited from their dedication. The Saginaw County Fair, Rescue Mission/Community Village, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Temple Theatre, Saginaw Depot Preservation, and Saginaw Valley State University have all reaped the rewards of A.D. and Shirley's generous giving.

Their guiding prayer is ``Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last.'' Day after day the McGregors live this prayer in an openhanded, amiable way. The McGregors are excellent role models for our youth. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise and join me and the Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau in thanking this wonderful couple for their compassion, charity and congeniality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Her death is a great loss for America and for peace and justice the world over.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. King on two occasions; once in my congressional office and again at a ceremony marking the 25th Anniversary of the March on Washington. I was always impressed by her inner strength and graciousness. In troubled and violent times, she raised a family and was a genuine partner with her husband Martin Luther King, Jr. in the fight for civil rights and equality. She ensured that his dream did not die by leading the fifteen year fight to make her husband's birthday a national holiday and by establishing the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. Her personal activism included traveling the world advocating for women, promoting world peace and protesting apartheid. I know that I am a better person because of her and indeed our country is a better place because of her legacy.

In closing I would like to express my condolences to the King family. May the God of all comfort be there for them through all the days ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Chief Richard Cupit for 43 years of service to the Mundy Township Fire Department and community.

Over the past 43 years, Chief Cupit has saved lives, homes, and businesses. His actions have directly impacted the quality of life in Genesee County. His courageous actions saving a life in 1988 and the Chief's assistance during the Clara Barton Nursing Home disaster are just two of many acts that have been singled out by the State of Michigan and Genesee County.

The Mundy Township community has changed since Chief Cupit first started working as a fire fighter for the township in 1963. As he moved up through the ranks the community grew and the nature of firefighting changed. His work with the 800MHz Committee, the Hazmat Committee, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Genesee County, Michigan and International Fire Chiefs associations, reflect his strong commitment to serving the people of this community. As the director of county fire department coordination he exhibited the ability to work with a diverse group of peers with competing priorities and often under stressful and life threatening circumstances.

I ask the Congress to rise with me today and congratulate Chief Richard Cupit on a long and illustrious career as a fire fighter and a Fire Chief and extend our best wishes to him as he enters a new phase of his life.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution 326, 109th Congress, I move that the House do now adjourn.