Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ypsilanti Firehouse Museum in Ypsilanti, MI on the 25th anniversary of their founding. The historical education they provide while celebrating the accomplishments of our firefighters is worthy of commendation.

The Ypsilanti Firehouse Museum was established in 1998 by Norma and Howard Weaver. Norma's father, Henry Clement, was a firefighter for the city of Ann Arbor and died while on-duty in 1961. The Weavers were members of several vintage car clubs, including the Antique Fire Truck Association, also known as SPAAMFAA. In 1998, they created the Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center.

Needing a permanent home for their museum, the Weavers purchased the Old Firehouse in the historic district of Ypsilanti. The building, still standing from 1898, contains a bunk area and brass pole. A modern, multi-level exhibit area was constructed in 2002. Now encompassing a total area of over 26,000 square feet, the exhibits feature the history of fire fighting in the State of Michigan and the evolution of fire fighting technology. The collections include trucks, hoses, extinguishers, ladders, breathing apparatuses, and more.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Ypsilanti Firehouse Museum. For 25 years they have provided not only an excellent educational experience for people of all ages but have also honored our brave men and women who fight fires and save lives on a daily basis across the state of Michigan. We thank the volunteers who make the Museum possible and wish them all the best for the next 25 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County (JFS) on the occasion of their 30th anniversary. The job they have done in providing invaluable social services and resources to a diverse, international population in Washtenaw County is worthy of commendation.

JFS traces its roots back to the late 1970s, when several passionate volunteers formed a group to assist the growing number of Soviet refugee families settling in Ann Arbor. Over the course of the next two decades, these individual volunteers built the JFS's initial resettlement program, primarily addressing the needs of these ``new Americans'' for the first 90 days after their arrival, until they became eligible to receive government assistance. These essential services included locating suitable housing, providing basic furnishings, assisting with employment searches, and teaching English and Civics lessons, among others. Upon the JFS's official founding in 1993 by the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County, its members continued to focus on this resettlement program while analyzing other potential areas of need in the community.

Over the last 30 years, JFS has expanded to provide a diverse array of programs and services that widely benefit the residents of Washtenaw County. Today, the organization serves more than 9,000 clients annually, offering services pertaining to Aging & Caregiving, Employment and Economic Empowerment, Community Assistance, Crisis Intervention, and more. Their Resettlement and Immigration Services programs are as strong as ever, helping individuals and families from over 20 different countries and offering assistance in 35 different languages. In recent years, they have focused on helping those escaping conflict in Afghanistan and Ukraine, easing the transition into a new community and helping these refugees achieve self-sufficiency as they begin this new chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County. For the last three decades, JFS has been working tirelessly to provide valuable services to all residents of Washtenaw County, from the old- timers to the newly-settled. We thank them and are excited to see how they continue to serve our diverse Washtenaw County community over the next 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the MotorCities National Heritage Area (MCNHA) on the 25th anniversary of their founding. Their preservation and promotion of our area's unique automotive and labor history is worthy of commendation.

The MCNHA was inspired by the 100th anniversary of the automobile, an invention that shaped not only our state but the entire 20th century. In 1896, Henry Ford test drove his first automobile, the Quadricycle, through the streets of Detroit. Legislation co-sponsored by two Michigan Congressmen, John D. Dingell and Joe Knollenburg, was signed into law in 1998 by President Clinton. This law designated over 10,000 square miles, 260 municipalities and townships. and 1,200 auto and labor related sites as the MotorCities National Heritage Area.

The automotive and labor history of the region begins with Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903 in Dearborn, MI. Key investors in that company were brothers Horace and John Dodge, who would go on to found their own brand of vehicles in 1914. The moving assembly line that Ford introduced in 1913 at their Highland Park Plant would revolutionize not only industry, but labor as well. Daily wages were more than doubled to $5, shifts were reduced from 9 to 8 hours long, and the mass production of vehicles allowed automobiles to become much more accessible to the average American. Major international automotive brands, like GM (1908), Chevrolet (1911), and Chrysler (1925), were also founded in the Detroit region at that time. Decades later, car factories were converted to produce bombers in order to help in the Second World War. The factories of this area, like Willow Run in Ypsilanti, were so crucial to the effort that this region came to be known as the ``Arsenal of Democracy''.

Over the last 25 years, the MCNHA has built an appreciation in both residents and visitors for how the automobile changed Michigan, the nation, and the world. With the vast number of heritage sites across the region, the MCNHA started a grant program to focus on partnerships, connecting organizations and providing resources critical for preservation and promotion. It has directly provided over $1 million in grants to over 100 organizations to make these preservation, tourism, and educational projects a reality. The MCNHA has also been a boon for the State of Michigan, generating over $400 million in economic impact annually while supporting over 4,500 quality jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the MCNHA. Our auto and labor industry helped establish and expand the United States as an industrial power and was a driving force for the creation of the middle class, and we thank the MCNHA for their great work in promoting and preserving our unique legacy. Just last year they were reauthorized for another 15 years, and we are excited to see how they will continue to tell our incredible story. Thank you to MCNHA.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is an important member of our Democratic Caucus and our Michigan delegation. Her voice matters. She is the only Palestinian American in Congress, and this is a representative body. Her perspective reflects many that she represents, especially when it is not twisted.

Congresswoman Tlaib is entitled to the same constitutionally protected freedom of speech and expression that every other American and every other Member of this body has. This resolution is an attack on that fundamental right.

I spent all weekend in Michigan this last weekend talking to all the communities about the meaning of this phrase. There are very strong feelings on all sides. It is very clear that people interpret words in different ways. Personally, I choose not to use a phrase that is offensive to some and that many perceive as a threat, but I also take seriously living in a country that does not restrict, forbid, or censure free speech.

Mr. Chair, I rise with a great deal of respect for my colleague but in opposition to this amendment, which seeks to cut funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.

Here is the reality. The world is moving to alternative transportation. It is not all going to be electric vehicles. It could be hydrogen. It will be others.

Right now, electric vehicles are the future of transportation in this country and in the world, and we are competing in a global marketplace.

As we continue to invest in this EV transition, it is critical that we get the charging infrastructure right. We must do everything within our power to keep America competitive, to make it easier for consumers to make this transition, and that is what this program does.

It plays a vital role in expanding our charging infrastructure, alleviating fears, and creating an interconnected network that everybody has access to, not just those that have access to expensive chargers.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program provides funding to States to deploy EV charging infrastructure and establishes networks that make them more accessible.

Let's work together to expand EV charging accessibility and invest in American-made EV chargers. We must support and advance through development the production and distribution and the infrastructure nationwide.

To meet these goals, we have to get serious. We have to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Defunding these programs is not how we should be legislating.

To ensure that we have a competitive future and that we are competing in a global marketplace with other countries and their manufacturers, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment.

This amendment seeks to prohibit funding for the implementation of a bill known as the Honoring the Abbas Family Legacy to Terminate (HALT) Drunk Driving Act. I wrote it. I am the sponsor.

The HALT Drunk Driving Act honors the Abbas family from Michigan who were tragically killed in a car accident by a drunk driver. It requires NHTSA to do a rulemaking to create rules for impaired driving prevention technology in new vehicles to stop these tragedies from continuing to occur.

Thirty-seven alcohol-impaired driving deaths happen every day, equivalent to a death every 39 minutes. Studies show that the HALT Act would save over 10,000 lives annually. Our constituents agree. We need to stop drunk driving by making impairment prevention technology standard in new vehicles. If the technology exists to prevent drunk driving, why wouldn't we consider it?

Let me close by saying this amendment and the sponsor mischaracterized what the HALT Act is. It does not mandate kill switches or allow data collection that invades vehicle occupants' privacy. I protect data privacy

in vehicles probably more than the sponsor of this does. That is ridiculous. It doesn't monitor how you drive.

This amendment is an insult to every American who has been hurt or lost loved ones to drunk driving, including the Abbas family. Let's honor the memory of those affected by drunk driving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wendy Pate, City Councilwoman for the City of Trenton, on the occasion of her retirement. The dedication and love that she has shown to her community during her tenure is worthy of commendation.

Wendy is a lifelong Downriver resident, and she and her husband, Carl, have lived in Trenton for the last 19 years. Together they have two children, Daphne and Carl III. Her family has been volunteering in community activities for years, including working with the local Boy Scouts and events put on by the Trenton Business Association, the Trenton Educational Foundation, and the local Student Council. Wendy is a retired high school math teacher and MEA-retired member. She served as MEA-RA, class congress sponsor, and staff morale committee chair.

Wendy was elected to the Trenton City Council in 2019. She was a member of the City Beautiful Commission and is a member of the Trail Town Advisory Committee. She also co-founded a community action group, the DCC Coal Grant Riverfront Community Group, whose mission is to support the Trenton Coast Resiliency Master Plan and engage residents to support sustainable uses for Trenton's waterfront and revitalize their downtown. Wendy also spearheaded the project to paint murals on West Jefferson Ave in order to beautify a main intersection in Trenton as well as celebrate their 2021 designation as a Pure Michigan Trail Town.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Councilwoman Wendy Pate for all that she has done for the City of Trenton. Both in her position on the city council and in her private life, Wendy has worked tirelessly to make Trenton and the Downriver area healthier and more sustainable for future generations. I thank Wendy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob Gatt, Mayor of Novi, Michigan, on the occasion of his retirement. His decades

of tireless service to the city of Novi are worthy of commendation.

Born and raised in Detroit, it was a childhood dream of Bob's to become a police officer. When looking for a position, Bob was saddened to find that most police departments at that time had a height requirement. Luckily for Bob and for Novi, the Novi Police Department had no such requirement. Bob began his service to the City of Novi as a police officer in 1975.

Soon after starting the job, Bob learned about the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. After attending a two-week course and becoming a DARE Officer, Bob launched the DARE program here in Novi. To this day, Bob teaches DARE to the children of Novi. Bob's leadership within the department led him to be promoted to the role of Detective, later earning the rank of Seargent shortly before his retirement in 2002.

After spending some time on Novi's Zoning Board of Appeals, Bob decided to run for City Council, a seat he would hold for the next 8 years. In 2011, Bob took the next step and was elected Mayor of the City of Novi. His 12 years at the helm has led Novi to reduce its debt by 75 percent and cut its crime rate in half. Novi has received national recognition for their support of small businesses, community schools, and technology innovation. In 2022, Fortune Magazine ranked Novi in the Top Ten Best Places to Live for Families in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Bob Gatt and the 48 years of service he has given to the residents of Novi. While he is retiring from local politics, service runs in his blood, and Bob plans to continue as the Manager of the Oakland County Animal Shelter. We thank Bob for his tremendous service and wish him some much-deserved tranquility in this next chapter of life. I thank Bob.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Carla Scruggs, the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Saline, on the occasion of her retirement. Her contributions to the health and wellness of the Saline community over the last three decades are worthy of commendation.

Born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI, Carla graduated from Pioneer High School before attending Central Michigan University, where she spent four years on the softball team. After earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees, she set out on a career in public service throughout Southeastern Michigan. In 1988, Carla began at the City of Hazel Park as a graduate intern specializing in senior programming and youth and adult sports. She then went to Novi, where she took on the position of Recreation Coordinator for the city's Parks and Recreation Department. In 1991, Carla was brought on as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Saline, where she has been serving ever since.

Carla's tenure at the head of the Saline Parks and Recreation Department has seen countless improvements to Saline's green spaces. These include, but are certainly not limited to, the Recreate Our Mill Pond Park play structure, multiple dog parks, and the creation of Salt Springs Park. As well as being the Director, Carla also acts as the Staff Liaison to the Parks Commission and the Youth Council. She has been an active member for the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association for the entirety of her tenure and is currently the Chair of their Awards Committee. In her free time, Carla volunteers every year for the Punt Pass & Kick State Competition, Saline's DARE golf outing, the PPSA golf outing, and the University of Michigan Softball Academy to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 32+ years of public service that Carla Scruggs has been kind enough to dedicate her life to. She has given our children spaces to play, our dogs spaces to run, and altogether has made Saline a warmer and more welcoming place to live. Though we are sad to see her go, the families of Saline will be feeling her positive influence for decades to come. I thank Carla.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Alyssa Milano, an actress, producer, writer and activist who has used her platform for decades to promote social causes and provide a voice to those who are not heard. Her trailblazing work both nationally and internationally is worthy of commendation.

Alyssa's activist career started as a young woman when she made an appearance on the The Phil Donahue Show with Ryan White, a young man who had been diagnosed with AIDS and forced out of his public school in Indiana. A kiss on the cheek to showcase that AIDS could not be contracted from simple skin-to-skin contact was the beginning of almost 40 years of activism coinciding with her incredible career in movies, television, books, and podcasts. In 2017, a post by Alyssa relaunched the #MeToo movement, encouraging survivors of sexual harassment and assault to speak up and bring awareness to the commonality of these sex crimes to the public. To this day, Alyssa remains an active and effective voice in the #MeToo movement.

In 2013, Alyssa created the comic book series Hackivist, which explored the modern world of hacking and global activism. In 2019, she released a children's book Hope: Project Middle School Book which is part of her `Hope' book series which she co-authors with Debbie Rigaud. Alyssa also hosts the podcast Alyssa Milano: Sorry Not Sorry which deals with social and political commentary and frequently features fellow actors, activists, and political luminaries. Following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018, Alyssa co-founded #NoRA, a coalition of artists, activists, and survivors of gun violence in an effort to reduce the influence of the National Rifle Association in American government. In her current role as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for the United States of America, she continues to champion civil rights and charitable causes around the world.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the lifetime of work that Alyssa Milano has been kind enough to share with us. Wildly successful in her long professional career, Alyssa could have rested on her laurels and had an easy life. Instead, she has taken her platform at every stage in her career and used it to fight for good and what is right. I thank Alyssa, and we excited to see what more she can accomplish in the coming decades.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Barbara L. McQuade, currently a professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School. Her service to her nation and the state of Michigan is worthy of commendation.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Barbara earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1987 and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1991. She began her career at the law firm of Butzel Long in Detroit before serving as a clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. From 1998 to 2010, Barbara was an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan on top of being a professor of law at Detroit Mercy School of Law from 2003 to 2009.

In 2010, Barbara was appointed by President Obama to be the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, the first woman to serve in that position and a post she held until 2017. During her tenure, she oversaw cases involving public corruption, terrorism, corporate fraud, and healthcare fraud, among others. A brilliant legal mind, Barbara has been quoted in the New York Times, Politico, Newsweek, and Time Magazine as well as serving as a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. Back here in Michigan, Barbara has been a recipient of the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership as well as The Detroit News Michiganian of the Year Award. Since 2017, she has served as the Law Professor from Practice at the University of Michigan Law School.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Barbara L. McQuade's service to our nation and to our great state of Michigan. No matter what position she has held, she has always been a bulwark against those who would prey on the weak from positions of power. Barbara is an incredible role model for public servants everywhere, and the future of our country is brighter with her teaching our children. I thank Barbara for her service.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Reverend Freddie Banks, the Pastor of New Testament Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of his retirement. For the last 40 years, the leadership he has displayed for his congregation and his greater community is worthy of commendation.

Reverend Banks was born in 1937 in Merigold, Mississippi. His family would later move to Ypsilanti, Michigan where he graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1957. Shortly thereafter in 1959, Reverand Banks married his wonderful wife, Evelyn. Their legacy now includes 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Reverend Banks began his journey with the St. John Missionary Church of Ypsilanti in 1965. There he served as Sunday School superintendent, President of the Usher Board, and Chairman of the Deacon Board. He would preach his first sermon in September 1977 and was ordained as Assistant Pastor in 1978. Reverend Banks attended classes at the Detroit Bible College, later the William Tyndale Bible College, where he graduated in 1984.

Reverend Banks went on to serve at St. Mary Baptist Church in 1983 as their Assistant Pastor. Later, he was called to preach at Fellowship of Believers, which was later named New Testament Missionary Baptist Church. His service to the community includes execution of marriage ceremonies, providing marriage counseling, and providing funeral services.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing and celebrating the lifetime of work that Reverend Freddie Banks has been kind enough to share with us. He has spent his entire life in the service of others, and though he may be stepping down from the pulpit, we will be sure to feel his influence for years to come.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Asaad Kelada, a director and producer of many of America's favorite sitcoms over the last 40+ years. His contribution to American cinema is worthy of commendation.

Born in Egypt, Asaad began his studies at the American University in Cairo. In 1961, he earned a student visa and he came to the United States where he studied directing at the Yale School of Drama. After years of teaching drama and directing stage plays, Asaad got his first big break in 1976 when, after spending five years working on the set of the sitcom Rhonda, he was given an opportunity to direct an episode.

Since then, Assad has been entertaining generations of American families with shows like WKRP in Cincinnati, The Facts of Life, Family Ties, Who's the Boss, Everybody Loves Raymond, Dharma and Greg, Two and a Half Men, and The Office. Immigrants have always enriched and strengthened the fabric of our nation, and Asaad has said ``I never tried to minimize who I am. For me, being an Egyptian was one of the strongest aspects of what I had.''

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Assad Kelada for his almost five decades of incredible work. As a young man, he quickly dazzled us with his humor and has been making families laugh together for decades, all while never forgetting his family and where he came from. He is exemplary of everything we highlight when we speak about the American Dream, and I am sure he will continue to make us laugh for years to come. I thank Asaad for his contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Riverview, Michigan on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of their founding. The growth of the city over the last century and the contributions it has made to Southeastern Michigan is worthy of commendation.

Riverview began as limestone quarry and source of lumber for the nearby city of Trenton. As the quarry grew, so did the local population, but the area lacked city water. With that in mind, the people of the area decided to incorporate the Village of Riverview in 1923 with a population of 704 and an annual budget of $20,000. The first thing they did after the vote was to start a city water system, allowing for the growth of their village well into the future. The Village of Riverview remained intact until the late 1950s, when some residents drew up petitions to become a city. At the same time, the city of Trenton was trying to annex Riverview to become part of their own city. The petitions arrived in Lansing in 1958 only an hour apart, but Riverview's were submitted first. On March 24, 1959, Riverview officially became the City of Riverview.

From 1956 to 1963, the city of Riverview was home to a Nike Missile site, one of many that dotted our homeland during the height of the Cold War. Crucial to our home defense, the site at Riverview was tasked with protecting the automobile and steel industries in the Detroit area from a Soviet missile strike. The current Riverview Community Center was once the barracks for the men serving at the Nike missile site.

Riverview has been called home by some of our most famous Michiganders. These names include Woody Widenhofer, defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who won four Super Bowls with their famous ``Steel Curtain'' defense in the 1970s and Lloyd Carr, who served as Michigan's head football coach from 1995 to 2007, including leading our 1997 team to the national championship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the centennial of the city of Riverview. From their humble beginnings, they have developed into a modern, progressive city that is crucial to the cultural fabric of Southeastern Michigan. We are excited to see what the residents of this great city can accomplish over the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Revolutionary War Veterans Lieutenant Samuel Waldron and Drummer Archibald Armstrong on the occasion of the laying of a plaque in their honor at Oakwood Cemetery located in Saline, Michigan by the Huron Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Freedom is not free, and today we pause to remember two men who served their country during the Revolutionary War. Their service to our Nation at the time of its birth is worthy of commendation.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Lieutenant Waldron first enlisted in the Continental Army as a private in 1776. He was later promoted to First Lieutenant in the New Jersey Militia and served in this position for the remainder of the war. He died in Washtenaw County, Michigan in 1837 at the age of 75.

Archibald Armstrong was a native of New York City, New York. As a 10- year-old boy, he was taught by his father to be the drummer for his father's militia company. Although the minimum enlistment age was 16, exceptions were made for quality drummers. Archibald moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan where he passed away at the age of 82.

Both Lieutenant Waldron and Drummer Armstrong are remembered for their honorable military service and dedication to our Nation. They are just a few of the native and adopted Michiganders who fought for our country during the revolution. It is important for us to honor the veterans of our community who fought for the freedom of our Nation, a value we continue to hold dear today. We are thankful for the path these soldiers laid out for past, present, and future Americans over two centuries ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the honorable men Lieutenant Samuel Waldron and Drummer Archibald Armstrong as they are memorialized in Saline, Michigan. We join with Americans everywhere in extending our thanks to the Huron Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Ypsilanti Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Sarah Caswell Angell DAR for their work remembering these important men. Today and every day, we honor the brave patriots we lost in the fight for our independence. We are grateful for their military service and their willingness to fight for the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand in solidarity with our UAW workers. I have seen many negotiations in my lifetime, but these are the most important I have ever witnessed, and I am likely to, in my career.

The industry is at a crossroads, and quite frankly, the domestic auto industry's future is at stake.

We must manufacture electric vehicles here in America to stay at the forefront of innovation and technology in the world. We are competing in a global marketplace, and these workers are critical to it. They are the backbone of the American economy.

This is not a talking point moment. This is where the rubber is meeting the road.

Too many people are trying to make this an either/or, that you can protect the environment or you can protect the worker, but you can't do both. We can and must do both.

There are a lot of important issues on the table right now, but let's talk about the autoworkers. This industry was near bankruptcy in 2008 and 2009, quite frankly, because of poor management decisions. Nobody wanted to see the auto industry go bankrupt, so the workers stepped up and said they will give up their cost-of-living adjustment to help save this industry.

In reality though, it is 2023, and those workers' wages in real terms are 10 percent less than what they were making in 2008 and 2009. They just want their wages to keep up with inflation.

Workers need to be able to support their families. I have talked to these workers. I am in their halls. I am not just going because suddenly there is a strike. I am in a union hall every single weekend. These workers are working overtime shifts just to support their families.

It is not fair that someone is a temporary worker for 8 to 10 years and is not making benefits. It is not right that someone is on the line doing the exact same job somebody else is doing but being paid less because they are a different tier.

Everybody in our country benefits when our workers are paid well and paid their value. Autoworkers deserve a decent wage and benefits. By the way, when they do well, it raises all people's wages.

We cannot forget that there are many things that we enjoy today, like a 40-hour workweek, benefits, sick days, pensions, nurse-to-patient ratios, teacher-to-student ratios, safe working conditions, that were negotiated by a union so that we would all benefit.

I want a competitive auto industry. I am not going to let China or any other country beat us. I am going to work hard for a competitive auto industry. We need to make sure, as the industry goes through this transition, that we are protecting the workers, that their livelihoods are safe and they are not left behind.

Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the workers were telling me in the halls this weekend how much overtime they have been working just to keep up, but there also have been chemical spills that are happening in nonunion plants. We have to talk to the occupational health and safety people about what is happening. There are people who are worried.

I mean, there really are workers who have been temporary, so they are getting paid, but they are not getting any benefits. There are a lot of issues.

By the way, they don't want to see the companies destroyed. They need a competitive auto company so their jobs are safe. What they want is just to be paid a fair wage for the work that they are doing.