Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise today to congratulate the Chargers of Flint Powers Catholic High School, on winning the 2005-2006 Michigan High School Athletic Association Division IV football championship. The Chargers defeated the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars 17-10 in the final game, held November 25 at Ford Field in Detroit.

It was certainly an exciting game that showcased some of the best talent the State of Michigan has to offer.

The Chargers are a true testament of what hard work, dedication, determination, and a passionate desire to win can accomplish. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jack Pratt, and Assistant Coaches John Zintsmaster, David Pratt, John Pratt, and Brian McInerny, the championship served as a wonderful finish to a remarkable year, highlighted by a tremendous record of 12-2.

The Chargers roster includes: seniors Josh Babcock, Tom Birchmeier, Eddy Brady, Nick Brown, Nick DeGroot, David Filipovich, Austin Flores, Billy Gonsler, Matt Gregson, Nate Kopydlowski, Tre Leoni, Andy McCarthy, Jamie Metcalf, Joe Mounger, Dain Murphy, Alex Perry, Tony Poma, Stevie Sleva, Zach Smith, Justin Ward, Ryan Webber, Zeke Zanettaj juniors Matthew Callahan, Kyle Everhart, Chris Filipovich, Eric Fridline, Ricky Guerra, Lance Harchick, Spencer Hickoff, Laval Lucas- Perry, Bobby Macciomei, Michael McPherson, Joshua Michalik, James Milne, Matt Ockerman, Adam PeIc, Ryan Riker, Ryan Sitko, Andrew Skowronski, Thomas Strong, Brad Wittj and sophomores Chris Beer, Steve Bonar, John Buck, Louie Chamberlain, John Crook, Andy Herman, Ernie Jones, Tim Kirtek, Andrew Kowalczyk, Brendan Laney, Ronnie Lark, Jeff Maksymowski, Josh Miller, Aaron Sitko, Kyle Steibel, Alex Summers, David Weishuhn, Tom Zintsmaster, and Mike Zureikat. These young men, led by senior captains Birchmeier, Filipovich, Leoni, Poma, and Ward, proved to be leaders in the classroom, the football field, and the community. They are all shining examples of the school's commitment to success in all aspects of life.

Mr. Speaker, I salute the accomplishments of the Powers Chargers, and share the joy of victory with the students, faculty, parents, alumni, and the entire Flint community. I am certain that when these fine young men look back upon their high school days, they shall deservedly count this state championship as one of their most cherished memories. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating them, and wishing them the very best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend, John D. Dingell of Michigan.

Today marks John's 50th year of service in the U.S. House of Representatives. John's entire life has been one of service. He has served his community, his State of Michigan and his country as a prosecutor, as a soldier in World War II and now as a congressman.

He is not only the Dean of the House, he is the dean of our Michigan Congressional Delegation. He brings our delegation together to do what is best for the State of Michigan, and our State is a much better place because of all his hard work.

Mr. Speaker, no one in this House has a firmer grasp of the legislative process and the Rules of the House, and John uses his knowledge and experience to move his legislative agenda forward to passage.

John has always taken a balanced approach to the art of governing. While justly earning the title of defender of the automotive industry, John has amassed one of Congress's most meaningful legislative records of protecting our Nation's air, water, land and wildlife. And he has fought tirelessly to protect the rights of organized labor.

This balance tells a lot about the kind of man and the kind of legislator John Dingell is.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to number John Dingell among my colleagues in this House. But I am even more proud to number John among my close, personal friends.

Mr. Speaker, this country is certainly a better Nation because of John Dingell. This Congress is certainly a better body because of John Dingell. And I know, Mr. Speaker, that I am a better person because of John Dingell, and I shall always be grateful for that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4340, the Bahrain Trade Agreement. Although our trade with Bahrain is limited, this agreement is a symptom of what is wrong with our Nation's trade policies.

I firmly believe that we should have a thorough review of the impact of these free trade agreements so that we can create a national trade policy that protects the American manufacturing industries. We need an American trade policy that encourages the export of American manufactured goods, not our American manufacturing jobs.

Mr. Speaker, that is why I have introduced H.R. 4407, a bill to impose a 2-year moratorium on negotiating or conclusion of any additional free trade agreements. As our trade deficit continues to set new records, we should call a `timeout' on this headlong rush into these free trade agreements. Our current domestic trade policy encourages the closing down of American factories and moving them overseas, usually to a country where wages are low and environmental standards are lower. This race to the bottom has real consequences, and it's time to stop negotiating bad trade deals that make American jobs our leading export.

For years, the American people have been promised that bilateral and regional trade agreements would throw open the doors of international markets eager for American goods. However, in the 10 years following passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which I opposed, millions of American jobs have been lost, threatening entire industries that were once bedrocks of this country. And China and Japan continue to manipulate their currencies without any significant pressure from our government, tilting an already uneven playing field further away from America.

Nearly three million manufacturing jobs have been lost since the Bush Administration took office in 2001. In 2004, the United States had a record $162 billion deficit on goods trade with China and a $617 billion trade deficit on goods and services worldwide. Eliminating tariffs and allowing companies to exploit foreign labor has destroyed entire American industries and has resulted in the highest American

trade deficit ever, placing America at a huge economic disadvantage.

Mr Speaker, our current trade policies have failed the American worker and the average American family. We cannot continue to the hemorrhaging of our manufacturing jobs and expect our economy to be strong.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote no on this free trade agreement with Bahrain, and any free trade agreements in the future, until we can create an American trade policy that is in the best interests of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you today on behalf of one of my district's premier human service organizations, the Child Advocacy Center of Genesee County. On Thursday, November 10, the Center will hold its inaugural Awards Dinner, where they will acknowledge several individuals who have shown tremendous courage, kindness, and selflessness through acts of goodwill toward our young people.

Polly Sheppard will have the distinction of being awarded the first Volunteer of the Year Award.

The honor of the Mental Health Therapist of the Year Award will be presented to Penny Lantz.

The cooperation between the CAC and the Michigan Department of Human Services will be shown, as Linda Crouch and Director Denise Chambers will receive DHS Worker of the Year awards.

The CAC will recognize its friends in law enforcement, as Detective Matt Bade of the Burton Police Department, and Detective Diana Mills of the Mt. Morris Police Department will be honored as Police Officers of the Year. John Greene and Marcie Mabry will be honored as Prosecutors of the Year.

The Sponsor of the Year Award will be presented to the Ruth Mott Foundation.

Additionally, Dr. Edwin Gullekson will be honored as the CAC 2005 Physician of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud these wonderful men and women for all they have done for others. Through their actions, they ensure that our children are able to enjoy healthy, productive, and safe lives, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in recognizing their heroic efforts.

Mr. Speaker, the bill we consider today cuts over $50 billion from essential programs that help Americans struggling just to get by. Over a quarter of these cuts, a staggering $14.3 billion, will be slashed from student aid programs, the largest cut in the history of these programs. According to a new CBO estimate, much of these so- called savings are generated by forcing students and parents to pay nearly $8 billion in new fees and increased interest rates. These cuts will force individual students and their families to pay as much as $5,800 more for college.

Why would Congress want to force students to pay more for college? The harsh truth, Mr. Speaker, is that the underlying intent of this bill is to balance the massive deficit and pay for additional tax cuts on the backs of students already struggling to pay for college. Instead of reinvesting the so-called savings into making college more accessible and affordable, we will vote later to hand out an additional $70 billion in tax cuts. These additional tax cuts, Mr. Speaker, will benefit the wealthiest in our country while increasing the burden on ordinary Americans.

Mr. Speaker, our budget decisions reflect our values. This bill does not reflect the values that I cherish. I oppose this Robin-Hood-in- reverse bill. I ask my colleagues to vote their conscience and oppose this merciless reconciliation package.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you today on behalf of one of my district's premier human service organizations, the Child Advocacy Center of Genesee County. On Thursday, November 10, the Center will hold its Inaugural Awards Dinner, where they will acknowledge several individuals who have shown tremendous courage, kindness, and selflessness through acts of goodwill toward our young people.

Polly Sheppard will have the distinction of being awarded the first Volunteer of the Year Award.

The cooperation between the CAC and the Michigan Department of Human Services will be shown, as Linda Crouch and Director Denise Chambers will receive DHS Worker of the Year awards. The CAC will recognize its friends in law enforcement, as Detective Matt Bade of the Burton Police Department, and Detective Diana Mills of the Mt. Morris Police Department will be honored as Police Officers of the Year. John Greene and Marcie Mabry will be honored as Prosecutors of the Year.

The Sponsor of the Year Award will be presented to the Ruth Mott Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud these wonderful men and women for all they have done for others. Through their actions, they ensure that our children are able to enjoy healthy, productive, and safe lives, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in recognizing their heroic efforts.

Madam Speaker, I move to table the motion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today with a heavy heart, as I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to join me in honoring the life and accomplishments of a great man and a great friend, Robert Ringlein of Swartz Creek, MI, who died October 30. I am deeply saddened by this loss, for I have known the Ringlein family for many years, and count them among my closest friends.

It has been said that ``death ends a life, not a relationship,'' and this is certainly the case with all those who have ever come into contact with Bob Ringlein. Born and raised in my hometown of Flint, MI, Bob attended St. Mary's School and St. Mary's Parish. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, where he honorably served for four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After the war, Bob returned to Michigan and began working for General Motors at Buick Plant # 36. He also joined the United Auto Workers, where he strived to do whatever he could to ensure that a strong, equitable, and positive environment existed in the workplace and throughout the community.

Outside of work, Bob was heavily active with the Knights of Columbus. For many years, he represented Flint Council # 695 with distinction, including his time spent as Grand Knight. Together with the Knights, Bob was constantly at the forefront of campaigns designed to improve the Greater Flint Area, and make it a better place in which to live. The effect they have had, and continue to have on a local, state, and national level is tremendous, and I have always appreciated Bob's leadership and insight during these times.

Bob leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy his wife of nearly 50 years, Marilyn, their three daughters Sharon, Kathy, and Teresa, and son Christopher.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in offering condolences to the family of Mr. Robert Ringlein, and in thanking them for sharing him with our community. It is people like Bob, who make it their life's work to improve the quality and dignity of life for us all, that inspire us to greater efforts. I, along with the family and all those who have been impacted by Bob will truly miss him greatly.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise before you to honor a dedicated group of men and women, the Genesee County Medical Society. On November 5, the members of this distinguished organization will gather to pay tribute to their history and the diversity of their membership at their Past Presidents Ball.

The Genesee County Medical Society was originally formed in the winter of 1841, when Drs. Robert D. Lamond, John Hoyes, John King, and George W. Fish, all natives of New York and graduates of Fairfield Medical College, met in an office in the tiny village of Flint, and drafted the constitution and bylaws for what was to be the region's first medical society. On August 17, 1871, 14 physicians gathered to organize the Flint Academy of Medicine, the precursor to today's Genesee County Medical Society. Over the years, thousands of doctors joined the society, addressing all public health issues, as well as working to improve the community and making it a safer and healthier place in which to live.

Today, the Genesee County Medical Society is home to an ever- increasing roster of health professionals, hailing from all four corners of the world. Society members, as well as their spouses and families, represent each continent and virtually every religion. The various cultures, languages, dialects, and customs exhibited by the men and women of the society, and experienced by all those they come in contact with, serve as a microcosm of our very Nation and what it stands for. Their celebration of diversity reminds us that we are ``One Nation, under God.''

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the House of Representatives, I consider it my duty and my privilege to work to improve the quality of life for our citizens. I am grateful that the work performed by the members and staff of the Genesee County Medical Society helps make this task easier. Each member honors the spirit of the Society's vision: leadership, advocacy, and service on behalf of its members, and their patients. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating them on their tremendous work.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to U.S. Marine Colonel Wayne J. Hallem of my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Colonel Hallem is receiving a promotion to his present rank by Lt. General Michael A. Hough on November 2, 2005 at a ceremony at the Pentagon.

I have known Wayne and his family for many years. He spent his entire childhood in Flint, graduating from Flint Southwestern High School and Michigan State University, earning a degree in Criminal Justice and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant via the Platoon Leadership Course (Combined) in 1983.

After completing Basic School in Quantico, Colonel Hallem reported to MCB Quantico Security Battalion for duty as a Military Police Platoon Commander. He then attended Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida where he earned his designation as a Naval Aviator. After qualifying as a CH-53E pilot, Colonel Hallem reported to HMH-466, where he worked in a number of positions. He also made two deployments with the 15th and 11th Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable) and participated in Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Team Spirit, Desert Stay, Eager Mace and Nautical Mantis. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air Medal with Numeral ``2'', Navy Commendation Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' Device and several Unit Awards and Expeditionary Medals.

During his participation in Desert Storm, Colonel Hallem flew approximately 60 missions. After serving for 10 months in Desert Storm, Colonel Hallem volunteered to remain in the Middle East in order to allow married Marines to return to their families. That kind of sacrifice represents the spirit of Wayne Hallem and is why I am so honored to pay tribute to him today.

In March of 1993, Colonel Hallem reported to the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in New Orleans where he worked as a pilot and instructor. But more importantly, it is here where Wayne met his wife, Denise. They were married in New Orleans in October of 1995 and they now have three children, Sidney, Jake and David. Colonel Hallem was stationed in Japan for several years before being transferred back to Andrew Air Force Base in Maryland. He also maintains a career flying commercial aircraft for Northwest Airlines. Colonel Hallem's commitment to a strong America was evident once again when he was mobilized back into active duty in support of the global war on terrorism. Today, Colonel Hallem is the Director of the Crisis Response Center, Marine Corps Operations Center, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

I know that family is very important to Wayne. He is close to his parents and his brother, Joe as well as his extended family. He is actively involved with all of his children. Whether he is watching Sidney play football and soccer, or playing Monopoly with Jake or playing catch with David, Wayne cherishes his time with his family. Despite his busy schedule, Wayne finds time to stay involved in neighborhood activities and go on field trips with his children's school.

Wayne also deeply values his relationship with his friends and colleagues. He was always looked upon as a leader in the Marines. In fact, many of his Marine friends continue to seek Wayne's counsel when they consider career decisions and personal issues. It is a role that is well suited for Wayne.

I have been friends with Wayne's parents for decades, and I know Joan and Jim are extremely proud of Wayne's accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Marine Colonel Wayne Hallem on his promotion to the rank of Colonel. His dedication and service to our country and his commitment as a husband, father and friend serve as an example for all of us. I wish Wayne all the best on his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, many people too easily forget that the rights and privileges we enjoy today did not come easily. They did not come without struggle, without suffering, without sacrifice.

The passing this week of Rosa Parks should remind all of us that freedom does not come free. It comes, partly, because a middle aged African American woman in Montgomery, Alabama was tired from yet another long day's work as a seamstress. She was too tired to give up her seat at the front of the bus to a white man--as the racist Jim Crow Laws of the time required her to. Her simple act of defiance inspired a city, inspired a movement and inspired a nation. And her courage inspired me to get more deeply involved in the struggle for civil rights in our country.

Mr. Speaker, freedom is not free. It must be earned and nutured by the courage and commitment of patriots like Rosa Parks.

Mr. Speaker, Rosa Parks has helped make our nation a fairer, better country for all Americans, no matter their race, creed, sex, or national origin. It is right and fitting that this Congress of the United States recognize the contribution to our nation made by Rosa Parks.

I am honored to support this concurrent resolution authorizing her body to lie in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 3368, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6483 Lincoln Street in Gagetown, Michigan, as the Gagetown Veterans Memorial Post Office.

It is an honor to recognize all of our Nation's veterans in this visible manner. Mr. Pablo Lopez brought this idea to my attention, and the village of Gagetown overwhelmingly passed a resolution in support of designating the post office to honor our veterans. I am also pleased that the entire Michigan delegation has joined me as cosponsors of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I believe we owe all of our veterans a debt of gratitude for their service. In my years of public service, there are few people I have met who deserve the word ``heroic'' as do those who have served in our Armed Forces. We can honor that heroism here today to show the respect and gratitude due to those who have served in all of our forces.

Mr. Speaker, when I was a schoolteacher in Flint, Michigan, I took a year off to travel around the world. I traveled through many countries and saw many wonderful sights and met many wonderful people, but the one sight that always gave me a feeling of security, integrity and decency was the American flag as I approached an American Embassy. That flag still flies proudly, because of the sacrifices made by our veterans.

Today we are a Nation whose freedom has been guaranteed by our veterans, all of our veterans, and each deserves our pledge of justice, equity and care. Throughout my years in public office, I have always supported veterans programs because I know that each vote on veterans issues directly touches the lives of nearly one out of three Americans, the veteran themselves, and the fathers, the mothers, the sons, the daughters, the brothers and sisters whose sacrifice deserve our undying gratitude.

My heart guides my hand on each vote I cast for veterans. Those votes are a demonstration of gratitude and a pledge of support. All of us need to honor the memory of those who paid so dearly with their lives. We need to think of the pain and loss felt by those left behind.

Theodore Roosevelt wrote the following upon the death of his son Quentin during World War I. He wrote, ``He had his crowded hour, he died at the crest of his life, in the glory of the dawn.''

Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans died at the crest of their lives because they believed in the absolute of America's promise. We can properly honor the memory of our fallen by assuring our Nation lives up to its obligation to its veterans.

If I could request my Government to do one thing, if I could ask my fellow citizens to do one thing, it would be to grant our veterans the care, respect and recognition that they so richly deserve.

Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, please join me in supporting H.R. 3368, to honor all of our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today on behalf of C.S. Mott Community College located in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. On October 24, members of Mott's administration, faculty, staff, and student body will gather to pay tribute to the contributions made by Clarence S. Haines, a true pioneer in the fields of Applied Sciences and Technical Education at the college. Mr. Haines, who died in 1995, will be honored with a plaque honoring his life and legacy, to be displayed in Mott's Regional Technology Center.

Born in 1905, Clarence ``Mike'' Haines was the first chairman of Mott Community College's Trades and Industry Department. In 1955, he was awarded the Ballenger Chair of Learning in that area. He created specialized curricula that helped usher the school into the technology age, and facilitated the planning, coordination, and implementation of these programs. Clarence also assisted with designing the school's Mott and Gorman Buildings to simulate workplace environments and provide practical experiences for students. Mott's Applied Sciences program was created largely as a result of his influence.

Mr. Speaker, as a former teacher, I applaud Clarence Haines' dedication and commitment to education. His insight and vision have helped create many opportunities for our young people, past, present, and future. I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in acknowledging his memorable achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the administration and staff of HealthSource Saginaw, Inc. For 75 years, this facility has provided superior medical care to patients throughout the Saginaw area, and on October 21, they shall break ground on a new, larger facility.

Originally known as Saginaw County Hospital, HealthSource Saginaw was established by county officials in 1930 as a tuberculosis sanitarium. In 1991, it became a Municipal Health Facility Organization and qualified for non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service. Throughout the years, it has maintained a vision to offer the finest care available, care that meets and exceeds the latest in healthcare, communications, and information technology. At the same time, HealthSource Saginaw has continued to provide the quality level of compassion for which it is known for throughout the State of Michigan.

With 319 inpatient beds, HSS is comprised of three divisions: Behavioral Medicine Services, an Extended Care Center, and a Medical Rehabilitation Center. They offer specialty services such as inpatient and outpatient Chemical Dependency and Mental Health care and treatment, restorative care, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and the region's only inpatient adolescent mental health program. They receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, who have given them the most optimal level of distinction for their hospital level services.

In addition to its non-profit status, HSS receives significant funding from Medicare, Medicaid, and of course through the support of Saginaw County residents, who have authorized a millage to help with costs. Over 99 percent of their total budget, including funds received by the millage, is earmarked for direct patient care, with the remaining one percent slated for equipment.

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and a pleasure for me to have this opportunity to recognize this outstanding group of medical professionals. Many families have benefited from their care and services. The staff considers it their duty and privilege to protect and defend human dignity and the quality of life for their patients. I am grateful for HealthSource Saginaw's commitment to go beyond the ordinary when providing healthcare services, and I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in congratulating and wishing them well on their expansion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to celebrate a true milestone in our Nation's history, the 85th anniversary of our Constitution's 19th amendment, guaranteeing that ``the rights of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.''

The efforts of pioneers in the fight for women's suffrage such as Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Lucretia Mott, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, served not only to advance women's rights, but also promoted equality for all Americans.

I would also like to acknowledge the contributions made by Business and Professional Women/USA during the suffrage movement, most notably the organization's oldest Michigan chapter, located in Saginaw. These women were dedicated to protecting and defending human dignity. Those beliefs remain today with the current members of BPW, who continue to strive for the betterment of women in society.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 109th Congress to please join me in recognizing the 85th anniversary of the 19th amendment to the Constitution. It has helped make our country a better place in which to live.