Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to highlight the distinguished career of one of my constituents, United States Marine Corps Major Jeffery A. Sierpien.

Enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1997, Major Sierpien has been deployed seven times throughout his career, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

He has been an unwavering defender of liberty, selflessly putting his life on the line time and time again so that we may have the privilege to enjoy the freedoms and liberties that make this country the greatest in the world.

Exemplifying the bravery and honor embodied by so many of our nation's servicemen and women, he has received numerous military decorations and awards, including two Iraq Campaign Medals and two Afghanistan Campaign Medals.

Now back in his home state of Michigan, retiring from a career that has moved him not only across the country, but around the globe, I thank him for his dedicated service and wish him the best of luck in everything he does next--from spending time with his beloved family, to teaching his children the art of hunting and fishing, to setting out on his next adventure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Patricia Lucille McKenzie, of Garden City, Michigan. Patricia passed away on May 31, 2017, and is dearly missed by her many family and friends, including her husband of 55 years, Doug McKenzie, and her children, Pamela, Barbara, Phil, and Marcia, as well as her 12 grandchildren.

In her 78 years, Patricia was devoted to her loving family, her faith, and to her strong belief in the principles of American democracy. She is also remembered for her love of her dog, Patty Lou, and, of course, for her passion for the Montreal Canadiens.

Patricia's story is the story of countless Americans: a hardworking person, a patriotic citizen, a loving wife, and a devoted mother.

To Patricia's many family and friends, I hope that during this difficult time you will find comfort in the knowledge that she has been called home in peace and harmony. Remember that Scripture tells us ``the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.''

Mr. Speaker, our friend, Patricia Lucille McKenzie, will be dearly missed, but we go on to remember and honor her legacy, just as she would want us to do.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate City Clerk Terri Kowal of Auburn Hills, Michigan, as she receives the prestigious Quill Award from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions in her profession, Clerk Kowal was selected as one of only two recipients for this unparalleled recognition, an incredible honor considering the thousands of municipal clerks across the United States and Canada. With this achievement, Kowal is proclaimed an international champion of her craft.

Having dedicated her life to helping the City of Auburn Hills and her community, Kowal has built her career on serving others. Understanding the responsibility and ethics required to be a municipal clerk, she did not waver in taking on this important task and great responsibility in service of her fellow citizens.

Receiving this award is not only a great honor for Clerk Kowal and a testament to her

hard work, but invokes a great sense of pride for the city of Auburn Hills, Oakland County, and the great State of Michigan. Clerk Kowal should be seen as an example of the ideal public servant--one who puts the needs of the community before her own.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to Terri Kowal as she receives this extraordinary honor and is celebrated as a pillar of the City of Auburn Hills.

Mr. Speaker, during my first term in Congress, I had the opportunity to join Habitat for Humanity on one of their builds back in Oakland County, Michigan. It was a lot of fun and time well spent.

Earlier this year, I met with Habitat and heard about their struggle to provide affordable homes under the regulations imposed by Dodd- Frank. Habitat for Humanity relies on the generosity of so many: not just volunteers who build the home or donate to their cause, but those who provide professional services free of charge.

Of course a home needs to be appraised before a loan is approved, and many times professional appraisers volunteer their services. Under Dodd-Frank, however, that is not allowed. Dodd-Frank mandates that appraisers receive customary and reasonable compensation for their services. This means Habitat can no longer accept donated services. In fact, Habitat told me that the complex Dodd-Frank rules have tripled the cost of loans.

That is why I introduced the HOME Act; and I urge my colleagues to support the act, as it is part of the CHOICE Act we are considering later today. Let's make sure Habitat can continue its important mission.

Mr. Chairman, one of the consequences of the financial crisis is the government had to step in with taxpayer dollars and bail out the financial industry.

Once Dodd-Frank was enacted, however, we were told: Don't worry. There will never be another bailout. Rest assured, the orderly liquidation authority under title II will give the FDIC all the tools it needs to resolve a failed financial institution.

Indeed, title II does give the FDIC the ability to borrow from the Treasury all of the taxpayer dollars it needs to reorganize a failed financial institution. That kind of sounds like a bailout to me.

The Financial CHOICE Act truly ends the risk of taxpayer-funded bailout. Under the Financial CHOICE Act, a failed bank will go through bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a tested, transparent process. Judges sitting in open court instead of unelected bureaucrats sitting behind closed doors will make consistent, predictable decisions based on decades of case law.

More importantly, bankruptcy puts the risk of failure on the bank's shareholders and creditors, not the taxpayers.

I urge my colleagues to support the Financial CHOICE Act, and truly put an end to the possibility of yet another taxpayer-funded bailout.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in recognition of the lifetime of dedication and service of Clarence E. Goodlein of Wixom, Michigan.

Serving his community well for 37 years, as Police Chief for five years and Police Chief and Director of Public Safety for ten, Mr. Goodlein dedicated his life to ensuring the City of Wixom continued to be a safe and desirable neighborhood for those of all ages.

Mr. Goodlein built his career on a foundation of protecting others and his unwavering dedication to this principle and his community earned him the appointment of Wixom City Manager in 2015. Here he brought a unique combination of vibrant leadership and years of proven experience to inspire new direction to the city's government.

As a proud graduate of Madonna University, the University of Detroit- Mercy, Oakland University, and the FBI National Academy and Executive Leadership Programs, his wealth of knowledge built a sound future of success for our entire community.

His outstanding leadership has not gone unnoticed. It helped model the Lower Peninsula Law Enforcement Risk Control Advisory Committee, which aids local law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Michigan.

While his retirement from City Manager will leave a great void in City Hall, I have no doubt that Mr. Goodlein will continue to be a vibrant part of our community, continuing to serve each and every one of his neighbors for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to Mr. Goodlein for his decades of service to our community, the City of Wixom, and the great State of Michigan, and wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise, today, to highlight the distinguished career of one of my constituents, Petty Officer Michael John Crutchfield.

On April 27, 1970, when others were awaiting their draft notices, 20- year-old Petty Officer Crutchfield took it upon himself to enlist in the United States Coast Guard and serve his county.

A true patriot, in February 1972, Petty Officer Crutchfield, once again, decided to volunteer for our country, this time in Vietnam. Despite landing unarmed with a dozen of his colleagues, Michael fulfilled his mission and returned to Barbers Point, Hawaii, where he served the balance of his three-year assignment.

Following his service in Hawaii, Petty Officer Crutchfield served as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Heilo No. 1377 crew, conducting search and rescue missions in a HH-52A helicopter based out of Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Petty Officer Crutchfield's service to our nation is exemplified by such acts as saving a young man from having his legs amputated and aiding the search of 29 crewmen who perished when the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in the icy water of Lake Superior in November of 1975.

But, Petty Officer Crutchfield is more than one man--he is a testament of the selfless patriotism and sacrifice embodied by the over 35,000 veterans in Southeast Michigan.

He is a representation of the bravery and honor embodied by so many servicemen and women in my district.

Today, I would like to recognize each and every one of them, especially Petty Officer Crutchfield, for their outstanding service to our great nation.

Representing them in Congress is my utmost honor, and I will continue to work tirelessly for them to give them the recognition and respect they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. McCready's 3rd grade class at Franklin Road Christian School in Novi, Michigan.

I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Mrs. McCready's.

In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program.

Brimming with talent, Mrs. McCready's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a-kind program.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. McCready's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way.

It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional district office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent.

Congratulations to Mrs. McCready and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Daily's 3rd grade class at Garfield Elementary in Livonia, Michigan.

I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Mrs. Daily's.

In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program.

Brimming with talent, Mrs. Daily's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a-kind program.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Daily's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way.

It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional district office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent.

Congratulations to Mrs. Daily and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Rollins's 3rd grade class at Garfield Elementary in Livonia, Michigan.

I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Mrs. Rollins's.

In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program.

Brimming with talent, Mrs. Rollins's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a-kind program.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Rollins's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way.

It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional District office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent.

Congratulations to Mrs. Rollins and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Kuhn's 3rd grade class at Hickory Woods Elementary in Novi, Michigan.

I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Mrs. Kuhn's.

In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program.

Brimming with talent, Mrs. Kuhn's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a-kind program.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Kuhn's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way.

It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional district office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent.

Congratulations to Mrs. Kuhn and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Weckstein's 3rd grade class at Hickory Woods Elementary in Novi, Michigan.

I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Mrs. Weckstein's.

In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program.

Brimming with talent, Mrs. Weckstein's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a- kind program.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Weckstein's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way.

It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional district office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent.

Congratulations to Mrs. Weckstein and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Murray's 3rd grade class at Hickory Woods Elementary in Novi, Michigan.

I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Mrs. Murray's.

In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program.

Brimming with talent, Mrs. Murray's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a-kind program.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Murray's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way.

It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional district office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent.

Congratulations to Mrs. Murray and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Hillard's 3rd grade class at Randolph Elementary in Livonia, Michigan.

I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Mrs. Hillard's.

In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program.

Brimming with talent, Mrs. Hillard's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a-kind program.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Hillard's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way.

It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional district office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent.

Congratulations to Mrs. Hillard and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Ms. Marcus's 3rd grade class at Pembroke Elementary in Troy, Michigan.

I know that artists get their start long before high school and college, learning to expand their imagination and foster their creativity in classrooms just like Ms. Marcus's.

In an effort to highlight young artists from across Michigan's 11th Congressional District, this year, I announced the 1st Annual ``Color my Capitol'' Program.

Brimming with talent, Ms. Marcus's students were eager to showcase their amazing artistic skills and take part in this one-of-a-kind program.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, Ms. Marcus's 3rd graders did not disappoint. Their creations are unique, innovative, and imaginative. Their colorful artwork embodies our country's bright and promising future with these sharp young minds leading the way.

It is my utmost honor to have their artwork displayed in my Congressional district office in Troy, Michigan for everyone who visits to enjoy. Each and every time I walk into my office, I am reminded of their talent.

Congratulations to Ms. Marcus and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.