Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the achievements of Lenore Croudy. A Birthday Tribute will be held on March 30th in Flint Michigan in her honor.

In addition to being a dear friend, Lenore Croudy is a tremendous asset to the flint community. She was an educator for the Flint Community Schools for over 40 years. During that time she worked as a teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, assistant dean, Director of the Reading, Language Arts and Humanities Department, and Steward for Resource and Information. Prior to her retirement she also served as President of the Congress of Flint School Administrators.

Lenore has also served as a member of the Mott Community College Board of Trustees for over 20 years. Re-elected to her 4th term in 2005, she has been the board chairperson since 1995. Recognized by her peers, Lenore has served on the National Board of Directors and as Central Region Chairperson for the Association of Community College Trustees. She is active with the YWCA of Flint, Center for the Visually Impaired, Salvation Army, Flint Rotary Club, Voluntary Action Center, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Boy Scouts of America Tall Pine Council, Hundred Club of Flint, and Flint Chapter of the NAACP. She is also the founder of the Youth Leadership Institute. In appreciation of her accomplishments, Lenore has received numerous awards including the Governor's Service Award in 2007--the George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding Lenore Croudy. I have known Lenore for many years and she is always compassionate, focused, faithful, and dedicated to improving the lives of those around her. Her enthusiasm for serving others is contagious and I am proud to call her my ``lifetime'' friend. I wish her a happy birthday and many, many more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John Alfred Feaster as he celebrates his 80th birthday. A celebration will be held in Burton Michigan on March 19th in honor of the occasion.

John Alfred Feaster graduated from Arkansas A&M College in 1954 with a degree in economics. He served in the U.S. military during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal in 1956. A year later he married the former Lillian Battle in Flint Michigan. Mr. Feaster worked at AC Spark Plug retiring in 1991 and he is a member of UAW Local 651.

As an active member of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Mr. Feaster has served as President of the Laymen Organization, on the Steward Board, on the Trustee Board, in the Men's Fellowship, in the Men's Choir, and the Chancel Choir. He was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on December 17, 1952 and is a lifetime member. He is currently active with the Epsilon Upsilon Lambda (Flint Grad) chapter of the Fraternity. Mr. Feaster is also a lifetime member of the Flint Chapter of the NAACP.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating John Alfred Feaster as he celebrates his 80th birthday. I would like to extend to him my best wishes for a delightful day and may the coming year be filled with happiness and good health.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of this amendment to prevent federal funds from being used to open the Chicago area locks to protect the Great Lakes from the threat of Asian Carp.

The Great Lakes are among our nation's most precious natural resources. They provide recreation and enjoyment for countless families in our region, and support more than $7 billion in fishing and approximately 800,000 jobs.

Mr. Chair, this important resource is currently under great threat. The dangerously invasive Asian Carp is moving quickly towards the Great Lakes. These ravenous fish can grow as large as 100 pounds, will eat nearly everything in their path and have no known

natural predators. If these fish are not stopped, we are risking the destruction of the delicate ecosystem of the Great Lakes and the countless industries and communities that rely upon them.

Mr. Chair, current efforts to stop the Asian Carp are not getting the job done. Indeed, last year a live Carp was found well beyond the electronic barriers and only 6 miles from Lake Michigan. Despite the imminent threat, the Supreme Court has refused to consider Michigan's request to close the Chicago locks. Congress must act now; there is no time to lose. The Chicago-area locks must be kept closed to protect our region from this grave danger.

I commend my colleague Congressman Camp for introducing this important amendment to keep the Chicago area locks closed and protect our Great Lakes. I urge my colleagues to join us in protecting these great bodies of water. We cannot allow the Great Lakes to become a smorgasbord for the Asian Carp. We must act now so that our communities and industries can continue to rely on these great bodies for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my Chief of Staff, Callie M. Coffman. Twenty years ago today, I made one of the best decisions o my career by hiring a young, intelligent and ambitious intern to join my staff. I was so impressed by her work that after she graduated from the University of Michigan I asked her to join my permanent staff. Over the years, Callie worked her way up from interning to running my entire office. On the wall next to Callie's desk, she still has the original letter I sent to her offering her an internship.

It is not often that we get to celebrate a staffer's 20th anniversary on the Hill, especially in the same office. Over the years, I have seen many talented staff come and go. Today, I am thankful that Callie decided to stay and dedicate the last 20 years working for the people of mid-Michigan. Over the years Callie has put her mark on almost every legislative issue in my office. She has been instrumental in accomplishments such as welfare reform, reauthorization of Child Nutrition programs, the Higher Education Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the reauthorization of Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

It is a testament to her character and ability that she rose to become Chief of Staff. It is not only important to find staff with a good head, but also a good heart and Callie is blessed to have both. I am fortunate to have had Callie on my staff for the last 20 years. Today, I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for her service, friendship and loyalty.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Genesee District Library as it celebrates the 10th Annual Black History Month Brunch on Saturday, February 19th in Grand Blanc Michigan.

Proceeds from the Brunch help fund the Genesee District Library's Summer Reading Program. The Library operates this program at its 19 locations with 5,000 young people participating. This year the program will feature renowned gospel singer, Vickie Winans, and jazz recording artist Randy Scott.

The Genesee District Library will also present six individuals from Genesee County with the Award of Excellence. These individuals have made significant contributions to the community and provide inspiration to future generations. These individuals are: Dr. George Ross, a Flint Northern High School graduate who is the first African-American President of Central Michigan University; former state representative and educator, Genesee County Commissioner Brenda J. Clack; Floyd Clack, former state representative and educator, currently an Eastern Michigan University Regent; Samuel Cox, owner and operator of three area McDonalds Restaurants; Dr. Reginald G. Flynn, pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church and community activist; and Judge Tracy Collier-Nix of the 68th District Court and the second African-American female to join the Genesee District Bar Association.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Genesee District Library for showcasing Black History Month through its recognition of these outstanding citizens and providing a nurturing environment for all generations to contemplate new ideas, discover new skills, encounter new cultures, and develop the enthusiasm to work for a brighter tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, today we will be saying farewell to the pages who have served this House so well. They are standing in the back of the Chamber here now. We wish to thank you for your service.

I've been on the Page Board for about 30 years. Speaker Tip O'Neill appointed me to that board, and this has been a tremendous group of pages. You've worked hard, you've worked well, and you've worked honorably.

You've seen history. You've seen a change of party control of this House. You've seen our joys and our sorrows. You witnessed the sorrow we all experienced and you experienced when a Member of this House was attacked back in her district.

There is a program called Close Up where people come to Washington, people your age, to observe the Congress, and they learn a lot. It's a great program. But no one sees the Congress as close up as you do. And we appreciate the fact that you recognize that as a great responsibility and a great honor, and you will go back home and tell others about this Congress.

I think you can tell them that everyone who serves in this Congress, even though we may have differences--sometimes very sharp differences-- the one thing that does bind us together is that everyone here in this Congress loves this country.

Go back and tell them that we are imperfect people trying to make a more perfect Republic.

I yield, Mr. Speaker, to my colleague on the Page Board, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop).

I want to thank Mr. Bishop and Ms. Foxx, who also served on this committee. We have enjoyed our work, and you've made our work very enjoyable.

Departure Ceremony Page Names Fall Class of 2010

Haley Alderete

Carissa A. Almendarez

Alexandra Baker

Shraddha Batra

Bethany Blakeman

Christopher Michael Tydingco Borja

Derek Kristopher Bowdle

Taylor Brooks

Hunter Layne Chapman

Fernando Chavez, Jr.

Josilyn Chowen

Joseph Cortes

Nicholas Dellasanta

Hannah Elizabeth Dillman

Domine Ezechukwu

Melissa Lynn Finno

Megan Fleming

Gerardo Flores

Ashley Nicole Flowers

Hector Javier Garcia

Derek Gartee

Megan Greeley

Kallie A. Hargrove

Kaitlin Elaine Hinojosa

Kathryn Elizabeth Hopper

Peter Alex Kanjorski

John D. Kohler

Ra'Nisa Kyles

Olga Lefebvre

Josiah Lippincott

Schaeffer Mallory

Gomez J. Martin

Jacqueline McGrath

Hannah Mery

Meghan Myhill

Diona Okunbo

Rachel Olivares

Tyler Olkowski

Cemal Ozgur

Joshua L. Perry

Tyler Jacob Petersen

Brendan J. Pfaller

Levi Andrew Phillips

Alexis Robbins

William Douglas Rodenberg

Caroline Saca

Nicole Marie Santeiro

Kameron Simmons

Everett Sotelo

Camden Scott Wiggins

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dale Majerczyk as he retires as city manager for the city of Essexville Michigan. After 15 years as city manager, Mr. Majerczyk's last date will be on Friday, January 14th.

During his tenure as city manager, Mr. Majerczyk has worked to improve the city of Essexville. He was instrumental in securing funding to reconstruct streets, upgrade the waste treatment plant, develop the industrial park, build a new Department of Public Works facility, develop a brownfield plan for the city, fund landfill testing, and secured funding for a sewer project. He has represented the city with various local, state and national organizations. He helped start Kids Fest and assisted local businesses with expansion and development.

Prior to his work with the city of Essexville, Mr. Majerczyk worked for the city of Petoskey, the city of Traverse City and the Teamsters State, County and Municipal Workers Local 214. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and has several public service and mediation certifications.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Dale Majerczyk as he retires as the city manager of the city of Essexville and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and offer prayers for my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff and all the victims of the tragic and senseless shooting in Tucson.

She is a brilliant and caring public servant. She loves this country as all Members of Congress do.

At times like these, words are always inadequate to express the full extent of our grief. What we can do is pray, reflect, and seek to gain some meaningful perspective from this time of great sorrow.

Mr. Speaker, this terrible act, whatever the cause, does violence to the democratic principles our country was founded on.

As I pray for the victims of this terrible event, I also pray that our country can move forward from this tragedy with that love and respect that Gabrielle Giffords has for human dignity.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow Genesee Gardens Independent Retirement Community will unveil its Wall of Honor in recognition of the veterans that have served our nation. The residents of Genesee Gardens that have served in our Armed Forces and will be honored are: Joseph Almassy, United States Navy; James Bean, United States Army; Harold Blight, United States Air Force; George Booker, USMC; Donald DeSilva, United States Army; Ralph Dreyer, United States Navy-Air Force; Lotof Farah, United States Navy; Alan Flesher, United States Army; Tomas Garza, USMC; Kenneth George, United States Army; Earl Graves, United States Army; Bernard Green, United States Army; Leon Hannah, United States Army; Bernard Hendriksen, Army Air Force; John ``Jack'' Houton, United States Army; Matthew Kvintus, United States Army; Saver Mrdutt, United States Army-Air Force; Donald Nichols, United States Army-Air Force; David Trajano, United States Navy; Charles Wallace, United States Navy-Air Force; Robert Wenzel, United States Army; Gordon Wilson, United States Army; Richard Wittum, United States Army; Charles Wyatt, United States Navy; William Yehle, USMC.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join with me in applauding these individuals for their bravery, sacrifice and commitment to preserving our freedom. We owe them our gratitude for answering the call of duty. Their steadfast devotion to safeguarding our nation serves as a shining example for future generations and I thank them for their faithful service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Michigan-Flint for being designated an ``Engaged University'' by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The Carnegie Foundation announced this classification yesterday and a

formal presentation will take place on the University of Michigan-Flint campus on Monday, January 10.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching created the ``Engaged University'' classification to acknowledge the achievements of schools throughout the United States that have created institutional practices of community involvement. Universities apply for the classification and are granted the classification based upon their mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices.

The University of Michigan-Flint was able to demonstrate the integration of curricular engagement, outreach, the exchange of knowledge, and partnerships, with the larger community to the benefit of both groups. The school has an established practice of honoring faculty for their involvement, encouraging students to extend the education process outside classroom walls, and utilizing the school's resources to enhance the community.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the chancellor, Dr. Ruth Person, the provost, Dr. Gerard Voland, the faculty, staff, students and community for their vision, enthusiasm and commitment to this partnership. I commend the University of Michigan-Flint for their hard work and for receiving this classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

``To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures; to provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States; to establish post offices and post roads.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Beulah B. Roman as she celebrates her 105th birthday on December 19. A

party will be held in her honor in Burton Michigan to celebrate the occasion.

Born in 1905 at Mandate Ohio, Mrs. Roman relocated to Flint Michigan and worked at the Fisher Body Plant for 35 years retiring in 1961. She has been an active member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, joining the congregation in 1928. She has worked with the Missionary Society, the Ada Barry Bible Class, and the Mother's Board. She still attends church services every Sunday. She is also an avid golfer, bowler, reader and likes to solve crossword puzzles.

Mrs. Roman has one son, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Beulah B. Roman as she celebrates her 105th birthday. I wish her the best for the day and the coming year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Eugene Gwizdala as he retires from the Bay County Commission after serving 34 years as the Commissioner for the 8th district. A celebration is planned for December 14th in Bay City, Michigan in his honor.

First elected in 1975 to represent the 4th district, Eugene served through 1984. He was elected in 1987 to represent the 8th district and has held the position since that time. During his tenure he was Chairman of the Board in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2005; and Vice-Chair of the Board in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. He also served on numerous county boards and commissions. He was a member of the MSB Airport Commission, working tirelessly to develop and secure services for airport customers and ensure the future of the airport. Eugene was also instrumental in the creation of the Bay County Mosquito Control Program.

Madam Speaker, Eugene Gwizdala has served the people of Bay County with diligence, insight, and enthusiasm. He has spent the past three decades of his life committed to improving the quality of life for the residents of Bay County. I wish him the best as he retires and enters the next phase of his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the workers, management and owners of Nexteer Automotive as the company transitions to its new partnership with Pacific Century Motors.

In 1906 the machining firm of Jackson, Church, and Wilcox developed a better quality steering gear for Buick Motors and began manufacturing the steering gear in Saginaw that same year. Four years later General Motors purchased Jackson, Church and Wilcox and renamed the company Saginaw Steering Gear Division. Over the years, Saginaw Steering Gear Division became Saginaw County's largest employer as the sole supplier of steering mechanisms to General Motors. The first power steering system, the first energy-absorbing steering column and the first adjustable steering wheel were developed and built by Saginaw Steering Gear Division. Saginaw Steering Gear became the Saginaw Division and later Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems. As Nexteer Automotive they persist in innovation, recently designing QuadraSteer and Active Steering drive train technology. Nexteer Automotive and Pacific Century Motors are starting a ``New Beginning'' that will allow Nexteer to advance its products in the global marketplace.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the employees and management of Nexteer Automotive for their past achievements and as they embark upon a new international partnership with Pacific Century Motors. I welcome this collaboration of ideas, diligence and enthusiasm and I hope their success in technological development will continue for many, many years to come.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 4783, the Claims Resolution Act of 2010. I want to thank Chairman Nick Rahall and Congressman Tom Cole, my fellow cochair of the Native American Caucus, for their hard work on this legislation.

In the past, the U.S. Government mismanaged over 300,000 individual Indian trust accounts, causing unneeded hardship and strain. H.R. 4783 will go a long way towards righting this terrible wrong.

This legislation authorizes and approves the settlement, the 14-year long Cobell v. Salazar litigation. The settlement agreement provides for the distribution of $1.5 billion directly to individual Indians and for the creation of a $1.9 billion fund to purchase highly fractionated interests in trust lands. It also sets up $60 million for educational scholarships for Indian children.

This win/win agreement was already passed by the Senate. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4783 to turn the page on this sad chapter of Federal Native American relations.