Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend and the chairman and the entire House Foreign Affairs Committee for knowing the importance of this.

I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 272. With this resolution, we are reaffirming, as a House, as an institution of the U.S. Government, our unwavering commitment to bring Paul Whelan home.

Paul has been wrongfully imprisoned in Russia for more than 4 years. He is a native Michigander. Representative Stevens and I now share him. He is my constituent, but he has got two women you don't want to tick off and are not going to stop until we bring him home.

His parents are my constituents and our entire Michigan delegation-- we don't put a party in front of it--stands united in this effort. His imprisonment continues to be an affront to due process, international law, and human rights.

We have witnessed increasingly bold and reckless action by Russia in wrongfully detaining American citizens. This is unjust, it is unconscionable, and it is unacceptable. Our people are not political pawns.

We must pursue every avenue to secure his immediate release, and I will work with everyone here and throughout our government to make that happen.

Paul needs hope. I hope he sees all of us today. His family desperately needs hope. This House of Representatives needs to send a strong message to the Russians that Paul is not a pawn in international relations, and we all want him home. The House needs to tell Paul and his family today, we need to send a message that we aren't forgetting you, we are fighting hard, and we will never give up.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution. This is an opportunity for this body to once again demand, with one unified voice, the immediate release of Paul Whelan. It is far beyond time we bring him home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Ellen Bell, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department of Milan, Michigan, on the occasion of her retirement. Her dedication to her local community is worthy of commendation.

Ellen is a lifelong resident of Milan and graduated from Milan High School in 1976. Working as a beautician and delivering newspapers until 1985, Ellen embarked upon a career in public service first as a secretary for the Parks and Rec Department. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an integral member of city government and, through the years, earning the title of Program Director, Interim Director, and finally the Director of Parks and Rec. Ellen has dedicated herself to improving the quality of life for Milan residents. Her legacy will live on through the many projects she pioneered; Ellen's final project as Director of Parks and Rec--a splash pad in Wilson Park--will provide area youth with countless hours of summer fun for years to come.

Ellen is an active and well-known participant in Milan's civic life. Along with her husband, Mike, and her children and grandchildren, her entire family regularly participates in community events, demonstrating the value of volunteerism to the next generations. She regularly donates her time at Milan Seniors for Healthy Living, where she teaches quilting and other crafting projects. She is an active member of the Peoples Presbyterian Church in Milan where she is an elected Elder, spending countless hours teaching Bible stories to children, as well as organizing the Christmas Pageant and countless Chicken Broils and Steak Fry's over the years. Ellen was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award by the Milan Chamber of Commerce in 2015.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Ellen Bell's service to the city of Milan. Over the last 38 years, she has dedicated herself to making her city more attractive and welcoming, both in public and in private. She is a tremendous example for all those who serve as a public official and those who wish to serve their community on their own time. I thank Ellen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Gene Overholt, a veteran of the Second World War and a longtime resident of Plymouth, Michigan, on the occasion of his passing. His service to the nation and dedication to his community over 99 years of life is worthy of commendation.

Gene was born in the small town of Bippus, Indiana in 1924, before moving to Huntington, Indiana. He and his wife, Jane, were childhood sweethearts and began dating at the age of 13. He joined the armed forces as soon as he was of age, where he was trained as a ``telephone man''. On the battlefield, Gene served by running communication channels, culminating in his participation in the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944/45.

He came home and began work at Michigan Bell, where he would spend the rest of his career. He and his wife Jane raised their three daughters in Plymouth, Michigan, and though he was done with his military service, his service to his community was just beginning. Gene was one of the founding members of the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth, and eventually was elected as the President of Kiwanis International in 1988-89. In 1962, Gene assisted in the creation of the Plymouth Salvation Army, where he served on the Board until his passing earlier this year. He also spent a decade on the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees and was eventually inducted into the Plymouth Hall of Fame. In honor of his three daughters, all of whom taught in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Gene founded the Gene and Jane Overholt Educational Scholarship Foundation. This foundation, which gives scholarships to students going into the field of education or other service professions, will carry on Gene's legacy for decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Gene Overholt's life of service to our country and to his community. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of service will live on through his daughters, his foundation, and the indelible impression he has left upon his city. I thank Gene.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Virginia Basler, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her dedication to her country and local community is worthy of commendation.

Virginia was born in Alpena, Michigan on a family farm as the middle of three children. During WWII, while her older brother enlisted in the Air Force, Virginia and a friend moved down to Ypsilanti to work at the Willow Run Bomber Plant. For almost two years, she worked on the production line, drilling rivet holes for B-24 Liberator bombers.

As soon as she met the age requirement, Virginia enlisted in the Coast Guard Women's Reserves (SPARS) in order to serve her country in another way. She attended Boot Camp at Sheepshead Bay, New York where she was trained as a baker, and she was assigned to the Coast Guard Station in Washington, D.C. where she would remain for the duration of the war. After her service was finished, Virginia came back to Ypsilanti where she again worked at the Willow Run Plant, now a Kaiser- Frazer car factory.

In the decades since, Virginia has lived a full life. She married Leonard, a WWII veteran himself, and raised a family of three children. She continued her life of service, cooking for Ypsilanti Public Schools and Eastern Michigan University. Since her retirement in 1990, Virginia has been active in the community, volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the local charity Thrift Shop. She has been very active with the American Rosie the Riveter Association, attending events with other Rosies and WWII vets. We were overjoyed to host Virginia and other Rosies in the Capitol during the Honor Flight event last month.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Virginia Basler's tremendous life of service to her community and her nation. No request for help has ever been too big or too small for her to consider. We thank her for her service and wish her the happiest of birthdays.

Madam Speaker, I call on my Republican colleagues today to stop holding our Nation's economy hostage.

It is dangerous, and it is unconscionable knowing the devastating impact it is going to have on American working families.

Kim from Van Buren Township in my district called my office yesterday scared. She is in the process of buying a house and thinks she should stop because she is worried that the Nation's economy is going to tank.

She reflects the American people and their concerns, but Republicans will be posting messages of support for veterans on social media this weekend

while advocating for a plan that will abandon all of those veterans and their families at the moment they need their country most.

I am staying. I am missing my goddaughter's wedding because I have a job to do.

Where are Republicans?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Riverview Highlands Golf Club in the city of Riverview, Michigan on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. The contribution that they have made to the quality of life of the residents of Southeastern Michigan is worthy of commendation.

The course's first 9-hole ``Gold Course'' opened on May 15, 1973. It was one of the first projects of the now famed golf architect, Bill Newcomb, who would go on to design classics like The Medalist in Marshall, Michigan and Calderone Farms in Grass Lake. Just a few years later in 1976 the club would build its ``Red Course'', borrowing heavy equipment and labor from the City's neighboring landfill, a testament to the unique blend of Downrivers' industrial heritage and its reverence for connecting residents to the outdoors. In 1981, Riverview Highlands was again graced with a renowned architect, Arthur Hill, who designed its ``Blue Course,'' thus bringing the course to its current state of 27 holes.

Each year, Riverview Highlands hosts 50,000 rounds of golf. The club is one of only 6 Michigan courses selected for the National USGA Junior Drive, Chip and Putt site. Through concerted stewardship, River Highlands has transformed from its original 9 course to a full-fledged facility for every aspect of your golf game. They boast an outdoor driving range, chipping green, as well as a new indoor ``Learning Center'' that allows golfers to escape the rain and snow . . . a reality Michigan golfers know all too well.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Riverview Highlands Golf Club. Their dedication to providing a quality afternoon on the course or a memorable evening in the clubhouse has not wavered for 50 years and we thank them for it. Keep up the good work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ypsilanti Community Choir on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of their founding. The contributions they have made to the culture of the city of Ypsilanti is worthy of commendation.

The Ypsilanti Community Choir was founded in 1983 by Denise Rae Zellner, who originally needed a small choral group for her acting group, the Ypsilanti Players. The Choir quickly outgrew that supporting roll, and by March of 1984 nearly 60 musicians stood on the stage at Holy Trinity Chapel for their first official performance.

For the last 40 years, the Ypsilanti Community Choir has participated in special events in and around the city, like the Harvest Festival and sidewalk caroling during the holiday season. Residents of the local Senior Living Communities have been blessed with countless performances, drastically improving their quality of life. The Choir also sings the national anthem at basketball games for Eastern Michigan University, as well as Memorial Day ceremonies at the local Washtenaw Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

All of these events, large and small, help foster a sense of community in the city of Ypsilanti. Dozens of different voices, working together for a singular purpose, and the end result being more beautiful than any one of them could accomplish alone. The Choir is an excellent example of what we need to do on the local, state, and national level, and what we can accomplish if we work together with a common goal.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the founding of the Ypsilanti Community Choir. For 40 years, they have been making the city of Ypsilanti a more vibrant and welcoming place for all residents. We thank them for their contributions to this great city, and I cannot wait till the next time I get to hear those voices ring.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lori Richert, a native of Ypsilanti, Michigan who has been named Michigan Department of Education's 2023-2024 Regional Teacher of the Year. Her hard work and dedication to the 2nd and 3rd graders at Childs Elementary are worthy of commendation.

Lori grew up in the Ypsilanti area before graduating from Lincoln High School in 1994. A true homebody, Lori attended our great Eastern Michigan University and did her student teaching in Saline, right down the road. She began her teaching career in the same place that she spent her time as a student, in the Lincoln Consolidated School District in 2001. She has been teaching at Childs Elementary since 2011.

Over the last 22 years, Lori has made quite an impact on the children in her classroom. Her knowledge of the curriculum as well as her understanding of the challenges an 8-year-old may face makes her an exceptional teacher. Particularly with the struggles of learning in a pandemic and post-pandemic world, her investment in her students gives her the ability to help them not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. According to her principal, ``It's not uncommon for children to make great strides behaviorally in her classroom.'' Lori is also well involved in student leadership within the building, as well as after-school events.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Lori Richert, an incredible mentor for our youth in Ypsilanti, Michigan. As one of ten Regional Teacher's of the Year, Lori is in the running to be selected as the Michigan Teacher of the Year, a prospect we wholeheartedly support. We thank her for her dedication and her service to our youth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Theodore Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, Michigan on the occasion of their Centennial Celebration. Their steadfast commitment to the education of our area's youth over the last 100 years is worthy of commendation.

The cornerstone of Roosevelt High School was laid in 1921, and over the next two years while the school was being built not a single power tool was used. ``The pride of Wyandotte'' as it was referred to at the time, is still to this day a beautifully conceived building, with a limestone facade and hand-carved English Oak throughout the building. Though there were only 500 high school students at the time, the new school was built to hold 1,400, allowing it to serve the city of Wyandotte for the next century.

Since the first graduating class crossed the stage in 1923, tens of thousands of students have walked the halls of Roosevelt High School. Many renovations and additions have happened, from the five large WPA murals that were installed in the auditorium in 1942 to the new gym and workout facilities that were built in 2003, with many in-between. What hasn't changed is the staffs drive to educate and empower the children of Wyandotte, as well as the tradition of parental involvement and partnerships with local businesses. From the many events John and I attended over the years, it has been so heartwarming to see the entire community committed to the mission of helping their students succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the staff, students, and community that have made Theodore Roosevelt High School a tremendous educational environment for the last 100 years. From athletics and debate club to the Roosevelt Marching Band participating in President Obama's inauguration, we have always been so proud to see how they represent the state of Michigan. I am excited to see them produce amazing graduates to send off into the world for the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles Steele, a resident of Manchester, Michigan on the occasion of his 93rd birthday. His dedication and patriotism to his country and to his city is worthy of commendation.

Born in 1930, Charles moved to Manchester shortly after his birth. During high school and after graduation, he was a member of the Navy Reserve. Shortly after an honorable discharge from the Navy Reserve, Charles was drafted into the Army in 1951, where he stayed until being honorably discharged in 1953. In April of 1953 he joined the Manchester American Legion, Post 117.

Charles' dedication to Post 117 and the veteran's community over the last 70 years cannot be understated. He was heavily involved in the construction of their new hall in the 1970s, which for decades served as a popular location for community events, parties, weddings, and bingo games. The last seven decades has seen him serve as the Commander of Post 117 on five separate occasions, as well as being the Post Chaplain for the last 15 years. As Chaplain, he has spoken at many of the Memorial Day Services in the area, as well as attending military funerals where he presents the flag to the families of fallen veterans.

Over the last 70 years, Charles' involvement in his community has been visible to everyone outside of the veteran community as well. He started the Color Guard Team that has been present at every Manchester High School football game since 1953. He missed his first game in 70 years last season but is hopeful to be back this fall. Starting with the Centennial Celebration of the City of Manchester in 1967, there are around 70 flags that are put up and taken down daily on holidays and special occasions on Main St. For 55 years, he has helped with the flags. Most recently and when he is available, he drives the truck with the flags.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Charles Steele's lifetime of service to this Nation and his community. His commitment and dedication go beyond Legion Post 117. He has demonstrated the same qualities to his community, Emanuel United Church of Christ, the Manchester Athletic Boosters, and his family. We thank him for his service and wish him the happiest of birthdays.

Madam Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1.

As one of the few Members who serves on both the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Natural Resources, I have seen almost every version of this package as it was crafted. Hearing after hearing and markup after markup, it has been clear. I love my Republican colleagues, but they are more focused on advancing partisan bills that will benefit the oil, gas, and mining industries while selling out landmark environmental laws in the name of permitting reform, instead of advancing meaningful, bipartisan solutions for the American people that will help us achieve our climate goals and solidify our energy security for future generations.

For months now, my Republican colleagues have called for policies and permitting reforms in Congress that would strengthen our energy security. I have consistently been willing to work with my colleagues-- and still want to--in this pursuit, but what we have here is not reform.

Gutting the National Environmental Policy Act, otherwise known as NEPA, is not permitting reform.

Weakening enforcement under the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and other critical public health laws is not permitting reform.

Granting mining companies the ability to take minerals from public lands without paying a dime to taxpayers in royalties or helping clean up these toxic sites afterward is not permitting reform.

Forcing Federal agencies to hold oil and gas sales on public lands, even if they are not needed, is not permitting reform.

Repealing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, a $27 billion program, that I admit I helped author, to deploy clean energy projects nationwide and cut greenhouse gas pollution, is not permitting reform and will not strengthen our energy security in any meaningful way.

To my Republican colleagues who continue to refuse to believe the science or to acknowledge we are facing an existential threat from the climate crisis, just read the United Nation's most recent IPCC report from 2022.

This legislation instead puts polluters, profits, and pollution over the American people. It is that simple.

In order to truly attain meaningful energy independence here at home, we need a net zero energy economy built on solar, wind, hydropower, batteries, electric vehicles, and even nuclear.

What we cannot do is expect more drilling for oil and gas to solve all of our current and future energy woes. I do understand bad weather. The last four weekends, I have had snow and ice, and I have lost my electricity every single weekend.

Listen, we are at the beginning of a transformational shift toward a clean energy economy, a shift that has now accelerated due to the historic investments and legislation Democrats and the Biden-Harris administration were able to enact into law over the last 2 years.

This transition will likely present the greatest permitting challenge in generations. However, we must permit and build in ways that do not harm communities or our environment.

That is why Democrats enacted historic legislation last Congress, the Inflation Reduction Act, that directed over a billion-dollar investment to increase staffing and resources across Federal agencies for conducting efficient and effective environmental reviews and permitting.

The bill today doesn't have real solutions to high energy costs, and it is going to drive up the deficit, not according to Democrats, but according to the independent Congressional Budget Office.

I am pragmatic and I am seasoned enough to know we have a lot of work ahead. If we can do it collectively, Republicans and Democrats, it can serve as an important tool to combat climate change, strengthen our economy, and protect our national security.

But again, let me be clear: We must not entertain proposals that roll back landmark environmental laws across the board, including NEPA, so we can line the pockets of Big Oil.

As I mentioned at committee, when John Dingell and Senator ``Scoop'' Jackson originally authored and advanced the National Environmental Policy Act, it was done thoughtfully, through a meaningful legislative process, to build broad and bipartisan support. This is the process that we need.

We can't gut NEPA. It was brought about to include community and to care about the economy. We have got to work together. I remain open to working with my Republican colleagues on bipartisan energy security and permitting reform efforts. I hope we can. My colleague, the chairman, knows I want to, but I still do not see this legislative package as a serious proposal.

I don't want to be dependent on China more than anybody else does for our batteries, or Russia or any other country. We need to do it in the good ol' USA. We can do it with ingenuity, innovation, technology, and protect our environment at the same time.

Madam Chair, I am strongly opposed, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rotary Club of Dearborn on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of their founding. The services that they have provided the city of Dearborn and its residents are worthy of commendation.

For the last 100 years, the members of the Rotary Club of Dearborn have been putting ``Service Above Self'' and providing humanitarian aid to the residents of Dearborn. Their assistance has been invaluable over the years and it is clear that they have made a lasting imprint on the city. They host fundraisers, organize events to bring the community together, and provide food and supplies to those in need. No matter how they are helping, you can always count on the Rotarians of Dearborn to go above and beyond the call of duty. One of the primary ways that the Rotarians of Dearborn help their community is through scholarships. People of all walks of life, including graduating high school seniors, nursing students, and veterans, have been awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships since 1999.

For the last 100 years, the Rotarians has been integral to the public spaces of Dearborn. In 2009, they partnered with Henry Ford College to build the beautiful Kingfisher Bluff overlook on the Rouge River. They have planted trees at Fort Street Heritage Park, Salina Elementary, and Greenfield Village. Every year, the Rotary Club is one of the largest patrons of the Dearborn Public Library. This year, with the proceeds from their 100th Anniversary Gala, the Rotary Club of Dearborn will fund a community project to help renovate the auditorium of Dearborn's Henry Ford Centennial Library, making it more accessible to individuals and groups.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Rotary Club of Dearborn and all of its members and volunteers for 100 years of ``Service Above Self'. Their efforts have made Dearborn more beautiful, more welcoming, and a community where anyone would be happy to raise their child. Hats off to 100 years of incredible work, and here's to 100 more years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joseph P. Berkey, a resident of Grosse Ile, Michigan who has served his Nation and community admirably over the last 100 years. His dedication to duty and mentorship of our youth is worthy of commendation.

Joe was born on March 15, 1923 in the former Yugoslavia. Shortly afterwards, his father took his family and immigrated to Canada before eventually settling down in the Delray neighborhood of Detroit. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He completed Boot Camp in San Diego where he earned the Navy Good Conduct Medal and was subsequently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-7) working on the ship's engines. In September of 1942, while serving as part of a task force supporting the invasion of Guadalcanal, the Wasp was hit with three torpedoes by a Japanese submarine. Seaman Berkey along with 1945 of a total crew of 2,400 were rescued and later that day the Wasp was scuttled due to severe damage beyond repair. In his five years of service, Joe served in Africa, Malta, the Middle East, and Asia.

After discharge, Joe took full advantage of the G.I. Bill, attending both Eastern Michigan University and Western Michigan University and earning a Bachelors in Science. Joe spent the next 30 plus years teaching at various elementary and middle schools throughout Detroit. His greatest accomplishment was that he

never missed a single day of work, tirelessly dedicating himself to the education of our youth. During those decades Joe met and married his lovely wife, Anne, and raised two children, Jerry and Anne Marie. Joe has stayed involved with his local VFW in Grosse Ile as well as being heavily involved in his local parish. His secret to staying active this late into life? ``I always feel young because I married an older woman.'' Anne turned 100 this Valentine's Day, a month before her husband.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the incredible life of Joseph P. Berkey, a man who served our country honorably during its darkest hours and who has been a positive influence on thousands of children who were lucky enough to learn inside his classroom over the decades. I thank him for his service to this Nation and to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Christopher Jeruzal on the occasion of his retirement from the Dearborn Fire Department after almost 20 years of service to the City of Dearborn, Michigan. His significant service to our community is worthy of commendation.

Captain Jeruzal joined the Dearborn Fire Department in 2003 and that same year received a Departmental Commendation. Within the next 2 years, Captain Jeruzal earned the Fire Chief Life Saving Award on three occasions. He consistently moved up the ranks of the Department, being promoted to Fire Engineer in 2015, Lieutenant in 2020, and finally Captain earlier this year. Captain Jeruzal's dedication to duty is evident in earning a Perfect Attendance award in 2018, as well as earning a Military Service Award from the U.S. Navy in 2017 and a Vaccination Center Award when we were at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of his extensive career, Captain Jeruzal has been the recipient of countless awards for excellence in service including the Meritorious Company Award, Fire Chiefs Unit Recommendation, and seven Safe Driving Awards.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Captain Christopher Jeruzal for his exemplary 20 years of service. He has selflessly served the City of Dearborn in his role as a Captain of the Fire Department and has been steadfastly dedicated to the safety of our community. I join with Captain Jeruzal's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition of H.J. Res. 27, which would roll back important clean water protections.

Colleagues, for over 50 years, the Clean Water Act has served as an essential pollution prevention tool and helped us clean up our nation's streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Clean water is a human right. And it is our shared responsibility to ensure we protect human health and our environment for future generations. Whether you live in the heartland near the Great Lakes, or out west near the incredible Colorado River, we all benefit from the federal protections of our waters. As one of the architects of the Clean Water Act, John Dingell, wrote and made clear the intent was to protect ``all the `waters of the United States.' ''

Wetlands, rivers, lakes, and streams must be protected and due to the 2019 repeal of this rule, there have been hundreds of development projects that were able to move forward with limited regulation, putting our water systems at risk. I would like to thank the Biden administration for their leadership on its rule to establish a revised definition of the ``Waters of the United States'' to protect our most vital natural resource--water.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to oppose this resolution and protect clean water for all Americans.