Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Hecker, the President of AFT Michigan on the occasion of his retirement. The tireless work he has put in to ensure our state has a strong public school system and the teachers to staff it is worthy of commendation.

David was born in the Bronx to a family of strong Polish roots. Both parents were proud union members and like many Jews of the era, were supporters of progressive politics. David and his wife, Alice Audie- Figueroa, who is also a well-known activist, are longtime members of Shir Tikvah in Troy.

Aimed with a Masters degree from the University of Massachusetts and a PhD from University of Wisconsin, David began his work in labor when he joined Local 3220 in 1977, the union of graduate assistants at University of Wisconsin. After being elected president, David decided that building the labor movement would be his life's work. Subsequent experience with the Allied Industrial Workers, Michigan State AFL-CIO, and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO led to David taking a position at AFT Michigan, where he was eventually elected president in 2001. Since 2004, he has also been the Vice President of the National AFT.

David spent his time as President of AFT Michigan aggressively promoting the ideal that ``K-12 public education is the foundation of our democracy''. During his tenure, AFT Michigan organized many new locals representing thousands of new members and built deep partnerships with community allies. Notably, David was one of the co- chairs of the Coalition for the Future of Detroit School Children. This Coalition's report and legislative work resulted in legislation that saved the future of the Detroit Public Schools. David is also a co- chair of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, a group of leaders brought together from business, labor, and the government to the same table to respond to our region's challenges and opportunities. No matter where he is, David is always working to bring people of all perspectives together to reach common goals that improve our region for all who live here.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the lifetime of work David Hecker has contributed to the cause of public education. Within our state and around the country, children in our public schools have quality educators and better access to resources due in no small part to his tireless efforts. We are saddened to see him leave, but we know his activism will not stop in ``retirement''. I thank David for his significant contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Conference of Western Wayne on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of their founding. The services that they have provided to 18 different communities in Western Wayne County are worthy of commendation.

The Conference of Western Wayne was created in 1978 to help integrate the local governments of Western Wayne County. Encompassing 18 communities, 340 square miles and over 730,000 residents, the CWW coordinates 911 services and projects for the residents of Western Wayne. CWW also represents its 730,000 residents by meeting monthly to discuss issues such as transportation, public safety, community and economic development, the environmental health of the region, and legislation. The conference is constantly strategizing on potential legislation at the federal, state, and local level that impacts the communities of the conference. This constant discussion allows for the conference to identify areas where their communities can work together and support each other.

In 2016, the CWW was the first 911 Service District in Wayne County to implement Text to 911, a service that has done wonders for those who are deaf, mute, or those for whom English isn't their first language. On top of their 911 responsibilities, the CWW is also well involved in the communities they represent. The CWW oversees the Rescue Recovery project in partnership with Growth Works and Trinity Health to provide substance use services to those in need, with a primary focus on opioid abuse. Last year, the Western Wayne Rescue Recovery program met with over 1,100 clients, providing support through face-to-face and telehealth meetings, as well as coordinating services with healthcare providers and the court system. CWW also partners with local Youth Assistance Programs to help provide families and youth within the CWW region with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the achievements of the Conference of Western Wayne over the last 45 years. With the support of the CWW, the residents of Western Wayne County have had better response times to emergencies and have had access to a plethora of programs to enhance their daily life. We thank the CWW for all the support they provide to our Western Wayne communities and hope to see another 45 years of tremendous service to those in need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition of H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act.

It is disappointing and, quite frankly, dangerous that this political messaging bill is intentionally being brought to the floor, given its potential impact on ongoing labor negotiations that expire at midnight tonight.

Unfortunately, this is yet another Republican attack on the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to keep Americans safe from dangerous air pollution, and it will have widespread, harmful effects on the future of the domestic automotive industry.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to reject this false choice between protecting our environment and protecting our working families. We can and must do both.

The UAW opposes this bill. Sierra Club opposes this bill. LCV opposes this bill. We must stand with men and women who know what is best and oppose this bill.

This bill prevents the EPA from granting a waiver of Federal preemption under the Clean Air Act for any California vehicle emissions standard that directly or indirectly limits the sale or use of vehicles with an internal combustion engine. On top of this, it directs the EPA to revoke waivers that were already granted more than a decade ago that don't comply with this vague metric. This would immediately put existing waivers dating back a decade in jeopardy.

This doesn't affect just California. It has nationwide ramifications that every Member should be concerned about. It infringes on States' ability to voluntarily adopt standards to protect their citizens from dangerous air pollution and climate change.

My Republican colleagues are always saying that we have to protect States' rights. They are not doing it in this.

Let's be clear: The Clean Air Act is explicit in the EPA having the authority to protect all Americans from dangerous air pollution, including in the transportation sector.

Do you know what worries me the most? It is whether we are going to be prepared to be competitive in a global marketplace.

Revoking past waivers would throw unnecessary uncertainty into the marketplace. Companies need certainty to be competitive. This creates confusion for both industry and consumers.

Beyond undoing standards to protect citizens from dangerous air pollution, it will also stymie future automotive innovation that drives this Nation forward.

I will not cede our American leadership in the transportation sector to any other country in the world. Europe has already exceeded selling electric vehicles beyond the 50 percent mark, and we can't allow partisanship to stand in the way of building these cars here in this country.

Mr. Speaker, we cannot let future mobility be dictated to us by foreign competitors when we put the world on wheels.

I love my Republican colleagues, and they know that I do, but we couldn't get the defense bill this week so we are playing this game with the livelihood of my constituents, the autoworkers in my district.

I am not going to let these cars be built in China. I am not going to let them be built anywhere but in America, and that means we have to compete. I will fight for them every single day, and I am not going to stop.

This bill is not good for the American automobile industry, and I urge my colleagues to oppose the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of James Kinard, the former Mayor of Melvindale, Michigan, and grieve his passing. His dedication to his community and family is worthy of remembrance and commendation.

Jim was born in 1949 in Highland Park, Michigan, to William and Clara Kinard. After graduating from Melvindale High School in 1967, he answered the call and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served valiantly until 1972.

After leaving the Navy, Jim dedicated the next four decades of his life to his father's business, Bill's Cutter Grinding. Outside of his commitment to the family business, Jim proudly served the city of Melvindale in many positions. Through the 1970s and 1980s, he was the Recreation Commissioner, working to enhance the outdoor experiences and quality of life of Melvindale' s residents. That dedication to community was rewarded by being elected Mayor Pro-Tem and eventually Mayor of Melvindale from 1995 to 2003. Recognized as an exceptional leader, Jim was appointed as the chairman of the Downriver Community Council, where he fostered collaboration between the Downriver cities and worked hard to address the challenges that faced the region.

In addition to his decades of public service, Jim will be remembered for the impact he had on the lives of Melvindale's youth. For 12 years, Jim served as the Melvindale Little League Baseball Coach, imparting upon his players the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience. He also served on the board of the Melvindale Athletic Booster Association, ensuring support for young athletes no matter what field, court, or track they competed on. Jim was also an advisor for the youth group at Melvindale Methodist Church, where he shaped the futures of many young people looking for guidance.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life and service of James Kinard. A leader of his community and mentor to many, his leadership will be greatly missed but not forgotten. His memory lives on in his wife, Mary, 2 children, and 6 grandchildren. We offer them prayers of solace in this difficult time, and thank them for sharing their husband, father, and grandfather with us. He made our corner of Michigan a better and more welcoming place for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carolyn Bloodworth, the Executive Director of Corporate Giving at Consumers Energy and the Secretary-Treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation and the CMS Energy Foundation in Jackson, Michigan on the occasion of her retirement. Her decades of service to the residents of the state of Michigan is worthy of commendation.

Carolyn began her career with Consumers Energy as a part-time junior office clerk in 1981. After finishing her bachelors degree, Carolyn's many skills had her working in Graphic Operations, Customer Service, and Communications. In 1993, Carolyn took over as Executive Director of Corporate Giving as well as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation and CMS Energy Foundation.

The Consumers Energy Foundation and the CMS Energy Foundation have had a significant philanthropic impact under Carolyn's leadership. Since she took the helm, the Foundations have given over $90 million in grants. She has served on a number of local and statewide nonprofit boards throughout her career, including the Michigan Community Service Commission, Food Bank Council of Michigan, Michigan FFA Foundation and the Council of Michigan Foundations. Her awards include America's Service Commission's Outstanding Commissioner Award and March of Dimes Volunteer of the Year, among many others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the career of Carolyn Bloodworth. For 42 years she has been serving the people of Michigan in some form, but for the last 30 years she has had a direct hand in steering funds to the most underserved in our communities. We thank her for her service, and wish her a long and relaxing retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) on the occasion of their 30th anniversary. The job they have done in preserving the deep history of Washtenaw County's African American population is worthy of commendation.

Founded in 1993, the AACHM has been crucial in helping local residents understand their shared history, from the many Underground Railroad stops in the area to the Broadway Historic District in Ann Arbor. Originally a ``museum without walls'', the museum currently resides in their Historic Albert Polhemus House, built in 1848 to house Albert and Leah Polhemus and their 6 children. A later resident by the name of Joseph Mills Maltby was the pastor of Ann Arbor's First Presbyterian Church from 1888 to 1909, at which the Michigan Anti- Slavery Society was founded in 1836.

The exhibits at the AACHM are in constant rotation, and each and every 1 is worthy of a visit in person. Whether it was an exhibition of the Great Migration of the 20th century or a collection of the origin stories of local black families, the AACHM are consistently collaborating with our local high schools and universities to make sure that residents of all stripes participate in our shared history. The AACHM is also well known for their ``Journey to Freedom'' tours that showcase the role Washtenaw County played in the Underground Railroad. Michigan was often the last stop on the way to freedom in Canada, and 2 crucial routes went through Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the AACHM. They say that ``those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it'', and for the last 3 decades the AACHM has been working tirelessly to ensure that the residents of Washtenaw County remember their history, both the highlights and the low points. Progress in the present requires an understanding of the past, and the AACHM is vital to that cause. We thank you and are excited to see what history you uncover over the next 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Legion Post 46 in Ann Arbor, MI on the 100th anniversary of their founding. The support and care that they have shown to our veterans and our community over the last century is worthy of commendation.

The Erwin Prieskorn American Legion Post 46 was issued its charter in 1923, named in honor of Erwin Prieskorn, an Ann Arbor native who died of his wounds in France during the First World War. Over the next 40 years, membership increased to over 1,000 veterans. Membership has fluctuated over the years, but Post 46 is now 1 of the faster growing American Legion posts in the country by growing over 30 percent in membership in the last year alone.

For the past 100 years, the members of Post 46 have dedicated themselves to their fellow veterans. Members are consistently volunteering at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital; visiting with patients, assisting spouses, and providing transportation for those who are not able to drive. In 2019, Post 46 gathered $100,000 to donate for the construction of a Fisher House at the Ann Arbor VA. The American Legion Department of Michigan followed suit, urging other legionnaires to also contribute during a yearlong campaign. In total, more than $500,000 was raised and the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House welcomed its first guests on June 1, 2020.

Over the decades, Post 46 been committed to other community-based programs in the greater Ann Arbor area working on youth education, combating domestic violence and sexual assault, food insecurity, homelessness, and public health. Post 46 regularly donates and raises funds for the following organizations; SafeHouse Center, Food Gatherers, Hope Clinic, Staples Family Center, Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Youth Scouting, placing flags at veterans graves every Memorial Day, high school scholarships, Boys State, Veterans Memorial Park, Washtenaw Community College, U of M ROTC, MSP Student Trooper Program and so much more.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Erwin Prieskorn American Legion Post 46. For the last century, their members have continued serving their community well after being out of uniform. We thank them for their service, both at home and abroad, and are excited to see what they can accomplish over the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Dorothy Ford, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan and the Director of Greater Faith Mission and Greater Faith Transition. Her service to the people of her community is worthy of commendation.

Dorothy started dating her husband, Pastor Robert L. Ford, when they were 15 and 16. A few years later, 55 years ago this October, they were married. Together their legacy includes 6 children, 23 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. In 1981, Dorothy founded the Greater Faith Mission, a non-profit helping with food insecurity in the region. 42 years later Greater Faith Mission is still going strong, with many partnerships in the region to help get food in the hands of families and seniors that need it the most.

After several years of running the food pantry, Dorothy and Robert had a calling to start a church of their own. They began with eight couples and their children, holding services in the Fords' home. By the end of 1988 the church moved into a small building on Ecorse Road. As the church grew and evolved, so did the charitable programs it offered, although some kind of food ministry was always central to the mission. Dorothy was ordained and became a licensed Minister in 2009. In 2014, they purchased the old Kaiser Elementary school building and moved into their current home.

Today, Greater Faith Transition Center offers Sunday school and a Sunday service, preceded by a free breakfast. A special women's group meets monthly. The church has partnered with Food Gatherers since 1989 and offers a free food distribution event the first and fourth Tuesday of each month, as well as a five-week summer dinner program. The church also utilizes its large, commercial-grade kitchen, built just a few years before the school closed, to prepare a huge, free Thanksgiving dinner for the community every year.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Dorothy Ford for the tremendous contributions she has made to Ypsilanti, Michigan and all of its residents. With her actions, Ypsilanti has become kinder, more welcoming, and more generous to those in need. We thank her for her service and are excited to see how she transforms the city with her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Victoria Swanson James, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan whose life her community is celebrating on her passing. Her lifelong dedication to her family, church, and community is worthy of remembrance and commendation.

An Ypsilanti native, Victoria earned her Bachelor's in Education from our great Eastern Michigan University. After earning a Master's in Education as well as a Certificate of School Administration, Victoria served as an educator in the Willow Run and Ann Arbor Public Schools for over a decade. In 1978, she answered the call to the ministry. She was later ordained in 1981 at the Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church, also in Ypsilanti. Under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. S.L. Roberson, Victoria served as his First Assistant for over 20 years.

Outgrowing her role as an assistant, Victoria founded the Ekklesia Fellowship Ministries in Ypsilanti in 2000 and assumed the role of Pastor. In 2004, she founded the ``Women of The Word, Too'' an organization that provides mentoring and an outlet for women clergy throughout Washtenaw County and the surrounding area. Active in a range of organizations, Pastor James's service areas were quite extensive: member of the Love Ypsi Pastors Network, Washtenaw County Sheriff Council of Clergy, Hope Clinic Board of Directors, Pastoral Advisory Council for the Hope Clinic, former President of the Ypsilanti Gateway Economic Development Board, and former 1st Vice-President of the Ypsilanti Willow Run branch of the NAACP. Victoria's son, DeVaughn, who has been preaching in her stead, had this to say: ``She loved her city. Mom believed in the village mindset. There's a proverb in our community that says `it takes a village to raise a child.' Mom was confident in the strength and richness of the Ypsilanti village. That's why she committed her life to uplifting this village.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life service of Pastor Victoria Swanson James. Despite being the mother of 8 and Nana of 15, Victoria always had love to spare for her congregation and her community. We remember her fondly, and her presence will continue to be felt in the Ypsilanti community for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to S.J. Res. 24.

This year, we're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Endangered Species Act.

This milestone anniversary is very special to me. Not only is protecting America's imperiled species one of my top priorities, but it's a value that was shared by my husband.

As an avid outdoorsman, strengthening our Nation's conservation and environmental policies was a core value of his, which is why he was 1 of the lead authors of the Endangered Species Act 50 years ago.

But instead of celebrating this historic legislation's successes over the course of the last half century, our colleagues across the aisle are pushing legislation to worsen the already-dire state of America's wildlife and attack the Endangered Species Act.

We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis that's threatening the future of some of America's most treasured species. A report has recently found that 49 percent of bird species worldwide have declining populations, and monarch butterflies have declined 85 percent in 2 decades. This should alarm all of us.

That's why I'm so disappointed with the resolution under consideration, and further attack the ESA by using the Congressional Review Act to gut protections for the lesser prairie-chicken and northern long-eared bat.

I want to take a moment to point out how ridiculous and ill-timed these resolutions are.

We are all preparing to go home and spend the next 6 weeks working in our districts. So this week, the last time we will be passing legislation until September, our colleagues have decided to use these final moments to push bats and chickens to the brink of extinction instead of doing anything to actually address our Nation's worsening biodiversity crisis, like making proactive investments in wildlife to prevent the need for additional listings in the first place.

In the middle of an expanding heatwave that's directly harming communities across the Nation, I find inaction on the climate and biodiversity crisis irresponsible and these resolutions entirely misguided.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rosa Margaret Cartwright of Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of her 100th Birthday. Her dedication to her family and local community over the last century is worthy of commendation.

Rosa was born on July 18, 1923, in Roanoke, Alabama to Eva and George Dozier. Rosa came to Michigan by way of Ohio in the 1940s. During this time, she attended the National Beauty Culturists' League for Cosmetology and held the title of 3rd Vice President and Secretary to the League. Rosa also pledged Theta Nu Sigma sorority and is currently 1 of the oldest living sorority members. She has also held the title of Theta Nu Sigma's Ambassador for the State of Michigan for many years.

After receiving her degree in Cosmetology, Rosa married her husband Benjamin in 1951. Together the couple had 4 children. A proud small business owner, Rosa was the owner and proprietor of Tony's Beauty Salon for over 70 years in addition to a small convenience store. Rosa is still an active community member and has served in many city and local organizations, including the Eastern Star as well as serving as Choir Director and Vice President of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Rosa still meets up weekly with a group of avid game players, and until recently taught piano.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th birthday of Mrs. Rosa Cartwright. We are so proud of her continued tenacity and spirit at such a well-seasoned age. She continues to be a pillar of the Ypsilanti community and is a true beacon of love and friendship to all family and friends that are lucky enough to be in her presence. Happy birthday to Rosa.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dennis Muchmore, a member of the Board of Trustees of Oakland University and the Honingman Law Firm in Detroit, Michigan. His contributions to his university, community, and his state are worthy of commendation.

Dennis was born and raised in Charleston, Illinois, and stayed in town after high school to attend Eastern Illinois University. After graduation, he attended graduate school at Michigan State University, where he completed a Master's in Public Administration.

In the 1970s, Dennis began a long career of public service to the state of Michigan and his community. He served as a consultant to the Select Committee on Municipal Finance, an Administrative Assistant to multiple senators, and for four years was the Senior Vice President of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Dennis also served as executive director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the chair of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. His work in government culminated by serving as Governor Rick Snyder's chief of staff from 2010 to 2016.

Though he is no longer working for our state government, Dennis still interacts with government daily as the Co-Leader of Government Relations and Regulatory Practice at Honigman Law Firm. He has been involved in major projects like the purchase and maintenance of the high-speed AMTRAK line between Detroit and Indiana and the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a public bridge connecting the city of Detroit and the Canadian city of Windsor that is currently under construction. These projects have and will greatly increase the ability of commuters, tourists, and commerce to reach our great state.

As a Trustee for Oakland University, Dennis has overseen a period of substantial renovation on campus in order to better serve the faculty and students and bring the university into the 21st century. Renovations to Varner Hall, O'Dowd Hall, and South Foundation Hall, among others, have made campus life more enjoyable for all and made the university more competitive with Michigan's other fantastic institutions. Later this year, construction will begin on a new Visitor Center that will ``redefine the visitor experience for everyone who walks through the gates.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the lifetime of work that Dennis Muchmore has accomplished. Whether in public or in private, Dennis has always taken the time to improve the lives of Michiganders everywhere. We thank him for his continued service, and are excited to see what he will help develop here in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Micka, Chairman of the Board for the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, on the occasion of his retirement. The contributions he has made and the stewardship he has shown for the International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton, Michigan is worthy of commendation.

Richard was born, raised, and still to this day resides in Monroe, Michigan. A graduate from the University of Detroit, Richard has always appreciated all the natural beauty that this region has to offer. The only time he has spent away was for the seven years he spent in the Medical Corps of our United States Air Force, where he was a Captain. When he returned from the service, he spent 36 years working at La-Z- Boy's Monroe Headquarters.

While at home, Richard's hobby is caring for the outdoor spaces in Monroe County. He has spent time on the Commission on the Environment and Water Quality, the River Raisin Public Advisory Council, as well as the Monroe County Drain Commission. In 1974, he earned the Conservationist of the Year Award from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs for his work on restoring the Point Mouillee State Game Area.

For the last 14 years, Richard has served as the Chairman of the Board for the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance. The Alliance is essential to coordinating the private and public partnerships that allow the DRIWR to be an incredible habitat for our region's wildlife as well as a destination for people of all ages to come and appreciate our world's natural beauty. Richard has been there since the beginning, and his fingerprints are everywhere you look. Under his leadership, many new plots of land and educational programs have been added to the Refuge. His tenure also saw the opening of the Refuge Gateway and the John D. Dingell, Jr. Visitor Center, a project that was well over a decade in the making. Today, the DRIWR stands as a beacon for all those anglers, dog walkers, mushroom hunters, or people who just want to catch a beautiful sunset from the pier.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the lifetime of work that Richard Micka has accomplished. Since his earliest days, he was shown a passion for our wild places that few could match. Both John Dingell and I always valued his partnership, energy and wisdom, and though we will miss him as the Chairman of the IWRA, I am sure that we will continue to find him out in the wild, educating our youth and making sure everyone appreciates the beauty that surrounds them. I thank Richard.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vivian Litchard, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her lifetime of service to her family and to her Nation is worthy of commendation.

Raised right down the road in Belleville, Vivian and many other young women began working at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan in February of 1942. Eighteen years old and fresh out of high school, the women of the Sewing Department worked 54 hours a week hand sewing the covers of the B-24 Liberator bombers' ailerons, rudders, and elevators. It took a couple months for her to see the first completed bomber roll off the line, but soon the Willow Run Bomber Plant would be producing a completed plane every hour. After the war ended, most everyone was sent home. Shortly thereafter, the plant was sold and became the Kaiser Frazer car factory. Vivian said ``I realized that I had grown up at the bomber plant in the 3\1/2\ years that I worked there'' and when Kaiser Frazer asked many of the wartime plant workers to come back, Vivian answered the call by driving the cars off the line and parking them in the lot.

After the war, Vivian met and married her husband, Lyle, who served in the Signal Corps during the war in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Together they had a full and extraordinary life. They raised three children and traveled the world, with the only continent they failed to visit being Antarctica. Their legacy now includes six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. After Lyle's death in 1995, Vivian visited Europe with her seniors group, specifically the beaches of Normandy. This made the war much more real to her, and she became very involved with her fellow Rosie's, including an Honor Flight out to the capital in 2016.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th birthday of Vivian Litchard, a woman who answered the call of duty at the tender age of 18 and served our country with dignity in its darkest hours. Though she may say ``It really wasn't a big deal, its just what we all did'', we know that without the skilled workers assembling B-24 Liberators in Willow Run, the result of the war may have been much different. We thank her for her service, and wish her much laughter and blessings in her 101st year. I thank Vivian.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. M. Roy Wilson, the president of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan at the end of his tenure. His contributions to the lives of students and staff at Wayne State and universities across the Nation are worthy of commendation.

Prior to joining Wayne State, Dr. Wilson served as the deputy director for strategic scientific planning and program coordination at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health. Previously, Dr. Wilson was vice president of health sciences and dean of the School of Medicine at Creighton University. president of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and chancellor of the University of Colorado-Denver while simultaneously serving as chair of the board of directors of the University of Colorado Hospital.

Under the leadership of President Wilson for the last decade, Wayne State has seen an era of growth and prosperity. Before my time in Congress, I served as Chair of the Wayne State Board of Governors, where I was able to see firsthand President Wilson's hard work in many different areas. In 2018, Wayne State won the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities' Degree Completion Award, which recognizes innovative and successful approaches to improve degree completion and ensure educational quality. Improvements were particularly seen among first-generation, low-income and minority students. As a result of efforts to promote the recruitment and retention of those who represent out global community and create the best clinical experience within our cities, the School of Medicine saw a tenfold increase in the number of traditionally underrepresented students from 2014 to 2020.

President Wilson's tenure also saw a drastic improvement to Wayne State's campus. In 2018. Wayne State opened the new Mike Illitch School of Business in downtown Detroit, made possible by a generous donation from Mike and Marian Illitch. That same year, groundbreaking took place for two major projects: the Hilberry Gateway Performance Complex for theatre, music. dance, and the arts, and the renovation of an unused science library into the STEM Innovation Learning Center, an instructional learning environment for undergraduates that opened in Fall 2021. The university established a partnership with the Detroit Pistons to construct a new $25 million arena for Wayne State's men's and women's basketball teams, which opened in fall 2021. The arena also serves as the home of the new NBA G League affiliate in Detroit. Lastly, the university invested $4 million to upgrade and refresh Wi-FI across campus to improve connection reliability and speed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the lifetime of work that Dr. Wilson has accomplished. Though his legacy will certainly live on at Wayne State University, this is simply the most recent chapter in a long and successful career in education for Dr. Wilson. I thank him for his service and wish him the best in any future exploits.