Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in recognition of the service of Commander Donald ``Hoppy'' Hanson of Novi, Michigan and in celebration of his 93rd birthday.

Serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, Commander Hanson served his country valiantly, defending our nation's fundamental principles of freedom and democracy around the world.

He has been an unwavering defender of liberty, and it is thanks to him that we have the privilege to live in the greatest country in the world.

Commander Hanson represents the best of our great country. He's a strong believer in the traditions built by Americans before him, but he never lost sight of the future of our nation.

As a Livonia school teacher for 20 years, he nurtured the promise of every generation to come, enriching the minds of the next generation, the future of a nation he fought so courageously to preserve.

Today, I echo an eternally grateful nation in thanking Commander Hanson for his devout service and in celebration of his 93rd birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Harrison's 3rd grade class at Plymouth Christian Academy in Canton, 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. Harrison'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. Harrison'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. Harrison'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. Harrison and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Ms. Korpela's 3rd grade class at Nijo-Iro Japanese Immersion 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 Ms. Korpela's.

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

Brimming with talent, Ms. Korpela'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. Korpela'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. Korpela and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Ms. Spencer's 3rd grade class at Auburn Elementary in Auburn Hills, 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. Spencer'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. Spencer'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. Spencer'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. Spencer and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Stevenson's 3rd grade class at Deerfield 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. Stevenson'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. Stevenson'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. Stevenson'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. Stevenson and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs.

Champe's 3rd grade class at Deerfield 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. Champe'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. Champe'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. Champe'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. Champe and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Dutkiewicz's 3rd grade class at Deerfield 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. Dutkiewicz'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. Dutkiewicz'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. Dutkiewicz'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. Dutkiewicz and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Ray's 3rd grade class at Plymouth Christian Academy in Canton, 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. Ray'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. Ray'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. Ray'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. Ray and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Bares's 3rd grade class at Houghton Elementary in White Lake, 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. Bares'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. Bares'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. Bares'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. Bares and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the bright young artists in Mrs. Geyer's 3rd grade class at All Saints Catholic School in Canton, 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. Geyer'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. Geyer'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. Geyer'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. Geyer and the young artists she has the pleasure of teaching

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of the new Commerce Township Community Library.

Since 2005, the Commerce Township Community Library has served the residents of Commerce Township and Wolverine Lake by providing a wealth of knowledge for those of every generation.

This year, they moved to a new location, one more centrally located within our community, representing the vital role they play as an educational epicenter for residents.

Commerce Township Community Library's new location now offers a children's reading room, allowing our community's youngest minds to foster their creativity and imagination in a space created just for them.

The over 10,000 additional square feet offered by their new facility allows staff to continue to curate and grow their collection while preserving the vast knowledge already housed on their shelves.

In an age of ever-changing technology, the dedicated staff who serve at Commerce Township Community Library have ensured they continue to evolve in a 21st century world, offering eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines, along with free technology classes.

As a place of learning and discovery, I applaud the Commerce Township Community Library for the vital role they play in fostering the continued learning and intellectual growth of our entire community. I look forward to witnessing all of the great work they continue to do as they serve our community from their new facility.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the heroic actions of Sean English of Northville, Michigan.

As he and his family drove down I-96 in Detroit, they witnessed a rolled over SUV and selflessly pulled over to help a fellow Michigander. However, at the scene of the accident, Sean and another Good Samaritan, Cynthia Ray, were struck by another vehicle. Tragically, Cynthia Ray, a doctor at Henry Ford Hospital, passed. However, thanks to the actions of Michigan State Police Trooper Patrick Arena, we are blessed to have Sean still with us.

As a junior at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Sean is admired by his classmates and teachers alike. His dedication to service and kind and uplifting spirit make him the true embodiment of his high school's motto--``men for others.''

A shining star on his school's cross country and track teams, he is a talented runner who challenges not only himself, but his teammates and his friends to give it their all and be the best they can at everything they do.

I am so thankful that Sean will continue to be a vibrant presence in our community, surrounded by his family, friends, and fellow Michiganders who will continue to recognize his selflessness on that day and as he continues to serve others.

Sean's a fighter with an unbreakable spirit--a spirit that will sustain him as he experiences life's peaks and triumphs over its hurdles. My thoughts and prayers are with Sean and his family--John, Peggy, and Megan--as he makes a speedy recovery

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1343, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act.

I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Hultgren and Mr. Delaney, for their thoughtful and bipartisan work on this issue.

This is a commonsense, simple bill that makes it easier for employees to obtain ownership in the companies

they work for. When I was in the private sector, I gave dozens of employees an ownership interest. It worked out great for them, it worked out great for the company, and it worked out great for our customers. Ownership interest gave them an upside that could not be realized through a salary. The stock instilled loyalty and dedication. More importantly, it created a family atmosphere. We were all in it together. Our opportunities would rise and fall, depending on our collective success.

To have a career where someday, through your hard work, you can end up owning a piece of action is what the American Dream is all about. The outdated cap is keeping this dream, for no good reason, from many Americans.

I suspect that those who oppose the bill, while they may understand the legislation, probably have never worked in the private sector and have no clue how meaningful incentives and opportunities, such as stock ownership, are to individuals. I found it was the best way to motivate and reward employees. In fact, it worked so well, no one ever left the company except to retire.

My friends from Michigan and Minnesota oppose the bill because of a lack of transparency. The argument is flawed because it assumes stock ownership opportunities comprise all or a significant portion of the individual's compensation. This is not correct. A stock ownership benefit is typically over and above salary and bonuses.

To require the owner of a small business or a startup to make disclosures will cause many employers not to give employees this opportunity. Implicit in their argument is an assumption, like in so many other areas of life, that individuals cannot be trusted to make decisions on their own, that they need the help of all of the smart politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., to tell them what to do and what they need to see, and, of course, we cannot trust people to make decisions and discern for themselves whether stock ownership is a fair opportunity.

This bill had the support of a bipartisan group in our committee. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1343.

Mr. Speaker, due to the funeral of a personal friend, I was unable to vote on Thursday, February 16, 2017. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 99, H.J. Res. 43, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule submitted by Secretary of Health and Human Services relating to compliance with title X requirements by project recipients in selecting subrecipients and YEA on Roll Call No. 98, H.J. Res. 69, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the final rule of the Department of the Interior relating to Non-Subsistence Take of Wildlife, and Public Participation and Closure Procedures, on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of a great American, Mike Ilitch.

Born to Macedonian immigrants on the west side of Detroit, Mike Ilitch became one of the most successful businessmen in the history of our country. From humble beginnings, he built one of the largest food, sports, and entertainment empires of our time. He personified the American Dream, a constant reminder that anyone from anywhere who is willing to work hard and dream big can enjoy the opportunities in America.

However, he was more than an icon. He was a pillar of our community. During our city's most challenging times, he never turned his back. When so many others gave up on Detroit, he never lost faith in the resilience of the city and the people he loved so much.

All of us who have enjoyed ``pizza-pizza,'' or Redwings hockey, or Tiger baseball, or the Fox Theatre know of Mike Ilitch's success. But what we will miss most is Mr. I's kindness, generosity, and compassion for others.