Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the CHIPS and Science Act.

Semiconductor chips help power nearly every sector of our economy, and I have witnessed firsthand how the global chip shortage has led to idle plants and layoffs and continues to hurt the auto industry, union workers, and our Nation's competitiveness by the hour.

The reality is that we need to make more chips, and we need to make them in America. We are at an inflection point where we can and must cement U.S. leadership and keep America at the forefront of innovation and technology.

The CHIPS and Science Act will support long-term investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, including $2 billion for mature- node semiconductor chips that are critical for the automotive industry, advance research and development, and create good-paying American jobs. These provisions will assist in revitalizing our States' economies that have been constrained by supply chain vulnerabilities, reducing production and driving up prices.

This isn't just a manufacturing jobs issue, but it is also of vital importance to our national security.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which would provide critical extensions of existing telehealth flexibilities that have been in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021, which I co-led with my colleague, Congresswoman Cheney, will do just that. It will extend a broad range of telehealth flexibilities that are central to enabling access to care via telehealth from any location through December 31, 2024.

This includes allowing any site in the United States, including a patient's home, to be considered an eligible originating site for the delivery of telehealth services. It also extends other vital services, including coverage of certain telehealth services delivered via audio- only format.

Collectively, these changes will build on what has worked during the pandemic. It will expand access to quality, affordable healthcare across the country, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

It will also, Madam Speaker, allow those who have been afraid to go to the doctor, who haven't been able to get in, to be able to consult with medical professionals as they need it.

I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Cheney, for partnering with me on this effort, as well as Chairman Pallone for his thoughtful leadership and input on the legislation before us today.

It is also important to recognize other leading voices on the telehealth issue in the Congress, including Congressman Mike Thompson for his pioneering efforts on this issue.

This legislation is a bipartisan win for the American people. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6929, the Susan Muffley Act of 2022.

Every worker deserves a secure and dignified retirement. That shouldn't be negotiable, especially when they were promised a pension as part of their income and put into it.

This legislation restores the pension benefits of Delphi salaried retirees that were impacted by the Great Recession, some of whom saw their pensions cut by as much as 70 percent as a result of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's termination of their benefits unfairly.

My State of Michigan was particularly impacted, as I know the State of Ohio was--it was a good midwest company--by the termination of these plans, with thousands of retirees losing pension benefits they earned, they were promised. They deserve the full value of what they earned and were promised.

These retirees have been fighting for over a decade to receive these benefits, and it is time to make them whole.

I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill.

I thank my colleague for his leadership. When we are home, we listen to these people who are just in total tears. They don't know what to do. And my colleague has never stopped leading the charge for them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 175th Anniversary of the City of Taylor, Michigan, located in the Downriver area of Metro Detroit. The City of Taylor is strong and resilient--just like their residents. The city offers beautiful recreation areas, excellent educational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. Their nearly two centuries of excellence are worthy of commendation.

Named after former President Zachary Taylor, the city began as a small township. In the city's early days, it was part of Ecorse Township, but residents of the area found they were too spread out to fully participate in the necessary civic functions. Because of this, residents petitioned to form a separate community, which was approved in 1847. For what started as an agricultural area, Taylor has flourished into a diverse city of many industries and opportunities. Residents of Taylor can live, work, and shop all within a twenty-four square mile area. The city is well connected to the rest of Metro Detroit through highways and is just east of the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. As they say: ``all roads lead to Taylor.''

Taylor's talented residents are employed at various medical centers, retail locations, and transportation practices, providing essential services to the entire Downriver community. The city is home to the Taylor High School, Taylor Prep Charter High School, Trillium Academy, and the Downriver campus of Wayne County Community College where students thrive. Natives of Taylor include famous athletes, actors, and musicians--there is no shortage of talent coming from this city.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the City of Taylor as they celebrate 175 fantastic years. Although much has changed over the years, the sense of resilience and community that is found in Taylor has never changed. We wish Mayor Tim Woolley and the entire Taylor community the very best during this time of recognition and celebration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal Foyid Mockbil of Howell, Michigan on the occasion of his retirement from Dearborn Police Department. His 25 years of service to the Dearborn community are worthy of commendation.

A graduate of Fordson High School, Corporal Mockbil was the first Yemeni American hired at the Dearborn Police Department, joining the team in 1997. Throughout his career, he has held various positions in the department including in Patrol Operations, Field Training, and on the SWAT Team as an operator. Additionally, he has served as an Honor Guard Member, School Resource Officer and as a plainclothes officer. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as Senior Officer of the Patrol Division on the night shift.

From the halls of Dearborn's elementary schools to events throughout the community, Corporal Mockbil is a familiar face to generations of Dearborn residents. Known for his bravery, professionalism, and compassion, he was active in the ACCESS substance abuse program and a frequent volunteer at charity events all over Metro Detroit. A friend to all and a mentor to his peers, Corporal Mockbil has been a great representative of the department for almost 3 decades. All who have the pleasure of knowing him can attest to his infectious energy and joy. Despite being an officer, he never misses a chance to have fun and make memories. Corporal Mockbil resides in Howell, Michigan with his wife Marcie and their daughters Elayna and Elissa.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Corporal Foyid Mockbil for his exemplary career at the Dearborn Police Department. I join with Corporal Mockbil's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to him for his honorable service and thank him for his role in protecting our community and the people of Dearborn for over 2 decades. We wish him the best in retirement and lots of time spent with friends and family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Tim Stacy of the Dearborn Police Department on the occasion of his retirement, His honorable 22 years of service to our community is worthy of commendation.

A graduate of Southgate Anderson High School, Schoolcraft College, and Wayne County Community College Sergeant Stacy began his career in the Dearborn Police Department in 1994 as a reserve police officer. After obtaining his criminal justice degree in 1996; he was promoted to the role of Police Ordinance Officer in 1997. From there, he worked his way up the ranks becoming certified in traffic safety and accident investigations and was promoted to the position of Sergeant and Office in Charge of the Police Motor Carrier and Ordinance Enforcement Units in 2015.

Known for his caring heart and willingness to help those in need, Sergeant Stacy has always looked for new ways to advance professionally and better serve his community. He has frequently attended trainings at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In addition to his duties as an officer, he served as a community liaison for the department, helping improve the lives of his neighbors each day. A dedicated officer and known for his commitment to improving his community, he was awarded the Chiefs Outstanding Service Award in 2018. He has always been there to help anyone who needed a helping hand. He continues to reside in Lincoln Park, Michigan with his wife Maya and is an outstanding father to their children Ava, Emma, and Lily.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sergeant Tim Stacy for a career of exemplary service to the Dearborn Police Department. I join with Sergeant Stacy's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to him for his decades of honorable service. We thank him for serving the people of the City of Dearborn for the past 22 years. We wish him the best in retirement and lots of time spent with friends and family as he fights cancer. He is a man of honor and bravery--Cancer has never had a more formidable opponent.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Mary Kerr, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor on the occasion of her retirement. Her honorable 27 years of dedication to our Washtenaw County community are worthy of commendation.

Ms. Kerr's service to Washtenaw County started even before her time in tourism. Ms. Kerr began her career in hospitality as a manager at the historic Haab's Restaurant in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She served as the Executive Director for the Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureau before becoming Executive Director for the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau. Under Ms. Kerr, the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureaus were merged into one countywide entity, bringing together our diverse communities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti for good.

During her time at Destination Ann Arbor, Ms. Kerr was instrumental in growing the budget of the organization. She also oversaw the creation of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, a ten-year destination master plan for Washtenaw County that consists of a strategic plan to boost the local economy and other key initiatives to ensure Ann Arbor is a destination for travelers and locals alike. Outside of work, she continues to advocate for the hospitality industry through her roles on various boards in Washtenaw County.

Ms. Kerr has been recognized for her dedicated service through various awards, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award by Michigan Meetings and Events. She was also named CVB Star of the Year at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism. Her stellar work as an ambassador for our community makes her beyond worthy of this recognition.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Mary Kerr for her 27 years of service. As we come together to celebrate her retirement, all of us in the Washtenaw community reflect on the great work she has done that will benefit our area for years to come. I join with her family, friends, and colleagues in wishing her the very best in her retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Leslie of Clinton Township, Michigan. His heroic efforts are worthy of commendation.

On the night of Saturday, July 31, 2021, John Leslie was driving on Northwestern Highway when he noticed a vehicle fire on the side of the road. The off-duty border patrol officer and trained Emergency Medical Technician rushed to investigate the scene. Two men who were already at the scene told him that there was a man trapped in the burning vehicle. He saw a person in need and did not hesitate to risk his life to save another.

With the front of the vehicle destroyed by the crash, the driver remained trapped in the vehicle at a scene that was becoming more dangerous by the minute. Endangering himself, he climbed into the back of the vehicle to see if he could help remove the driver. The damage prevented him from pulling him out the back or the front. With the clock ticking, he noticed a bowling ball in the backseat. After several strikes, he broke through the driver's side door and was able to open the door and remove the driver. Moments later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Agent Leslie had acted just in time to save the life of the driver. Using his training as an Emergency Medical Technician, he attended to the driver until the authorities arrived on the scene. If it was not for Agent Leslie's heroic actions, the driver would not be alive today.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Agent John Leslie for his efforts that saved a life. We are grateful for Agent Leslie's service to our country as a Border Patrol Agent protecting us from harm. I am proud to commemorate his heroic efforts here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Robert Toth on the occasion of his retirement from Woodhaven Police Department. His thirty years of service to the Woodhaven community are worthy of commendation.

A graduate of Siena Heights University, the Eastern Michigan University Police Staff and Command School, and the FBI National Academy, Chief Robert Toth began his career as an intern for the Adrian Police Department, later serving as a Police Officer. On January 13, 1992, he was hired by the Woodhaven Police Department. Over the course of his career, he has served in every position that the department has to offer. In his thirty years at the Woodhaven Police Department, Chief Toth has served as a Patrol Officer, as an Undercover Narcotics Investigator, in the Traffic Bureau, and in the Detective Bureau. As a valued leader in the department, he was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and then Deputy Chief, finally becoming Chief of Police in August 2017.

In addition to his job at the Woodhaven Police Department, Chief Toth has served as a member of the Downriver SWAT team for twenty-two years before retiring in 2016. He also took time to share his extensive law enforcement experience with others and volunteered as an advisor for the Woodhaven Police Explorers for fourteen years, taught classes at the Wayne County Regional Police Academy, and acted as drill instructor at the State Explorer Academy. Though he may be retiring, Chief Toth remains active in the department's Honor Guard. A treasured mentor and friend, he continues to reside in Woodhaven with his wife Lauren and their two sons.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Chief Robert Toth for his exemplary career in public service at the Woodhaven Police Department. I join with Chief Toth's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to him for his honorable service and thank him for his role in protecting our community and the people of Woodhaven for the past three decades. We wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Honoring our PACT Act.

Toxic exposure has devastating health consequences for our veterans,

including many in my district. I talk to them every week when I am home.

One is the Michigan president of the VFW, Kevin Hensley, who is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who was stationed near open burn pits and has been diagnosed with several severe illnesses after inhaling that toxic smoke. Despite his sacrifices and his dedication yet today, he faces challenges every day receiving care through the VA, and that is simply unacceptable.

With the passage and enactment of this legislation, we can lift the barriers that have been blocking veterans from accessing the life- changing care they need. This bipartisan package will expand healthcare access to veterans across the country, and it will finally ensure that veterans receive the support they deserve.

I thank the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for his leadership in advancing the PACT Act, the ranking member, and all the members of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the grand reopening of the Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This special occasion and Washtenaw Community College's nearly 60 years of educating and enriching our community is worthy of commendation.

This building is named after Dr. Morris J. Lawrence, an influential musician, and former Washtenaw Community College jazz orchestra instructor. Dr. Lawrence made a tremendous impact on his students and our community with his teaching and his music, and this building was dedicated to him shortly after his passing in 1993. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a gifted musician, Dr. Lawrence started composing music in high school. He studied instrumental music at Xavier University of Louisiana, and after graduation moved to Ann Arbor to teach band at St. Thomas High School. He later became the director of music at the school and began teaching at Washtenaw Community College-- all while working on his doctorate at the University of Michigan. A legendary teacher who touched the lives of so many, he wrote forty band compositions, sixty-four dance orchestra pieces, and four string quartets before the age of 30.

The reopening of the Morris Lawrence building follows an eight-month closure for renovation and upgrades. The building includes a 495-seat auditorium and is a hub for the creative arts student community. The remodeled Morris Lawrence Building and its new technological advancements will allow Washtenaw Community College to provide many years of quality education to present and future students. A new eco- friendly energy system, fast high-speed internet, and other welcoming amenities are among the new features that will enrich the student experience and reinforce a positive learning environment. Founded in 1965, Washtenaw Community College enrolls nearly twenty thousand students annually and offers over one hundred degree or certificate programs in numerous subject fields. The college has partnerships with local and national businesses as well as the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University to help their students follow any path they choose.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Washtenaw Community College on this special day as the ribbon is cut at the entrance of the renovated Morris Lawrence Building. We are grateful to President Rose Bellanca and the Board of Trustees for their commitment to making Washtenaw Community College a fantastic place to learn and grow for Washtenaw County students of all ages. This new and improved creative arts facility will be an asset to the college and to the greater Washtenaw community for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Sean Sanford Sims who passed away on June 19, 2022. His honorable service to our country, the state of Michigan, and to our local community is worthy of commendation.

Mr. Sims was born on December 28, 1970, to Shirley Ann and Walter Sims of Detroit, Michigan. He was the brother of Willie Erwin. In 1989, after graduating from Chadsey High School, he heard the call of his Nation and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his time of military duty, he courageously served in the Persian Gulf and Desert Storm Wars, rising to the rank of Lance Corporal at the time of his honorable discharge. After completing his military service, he returned home and went on to receive his higher education degrees, earning a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Social Work, both from Wayne State University.

A dedicated member of his community, Mr. Sims was employed by the State of Michigan after his time in the military. Since 2000, he worked as a Veteran Career Advisor within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity at Michigan Works! in Ypsilanti. Throughout his career, he touched the lives of many, changing their path for good. He provided training, counseling, and case management to Michigan veterans in Washtenaw County and from around southeast Michigan.

Mr. Sims was a reliable, kind man that cared deeply about his friends and family. He enjoyed meeting and talking to all kinds of people, was committed to public service, and always made sure to make time for those he cared about. Mr. Sims enjoyed the little things in life and always finding something to laugh about. He resided in Ann Arbor and was a father figure to those who knew him, including Patrick.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Sean Sanford Sims. He was a dedicated veteran, a true public servant, and most importantly--a friend to all. He will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amy Langdon on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her contributions to our community as a Rosie the Riveter are worthy of commendation.

Born on July 25, 1922, Mrs. Langdon was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she attended Northern High School until her family moved to Huntington Woods, Michigan prior to her senior year. She graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1940. She later attended Michigan State University where she studied History. During her summers off from college she worked at Hudson's in Downtown Detroit. In 1943 she was offered the opportunity to serve her country and work at the Highland Park Ford plant where she did the electrical wiring on the M-5 Director, which determined the altitude of an aerial targets. Working on this confidential project, she didn't know the names of the other women she worked with and wasn't able to tell her family about her top- secret job. She played a critical role in supporting American troops overseas and provided for the defense of our soldiers during World War II. As one of the original Rosie the Riveters, Amy's hard work, grit, and patriotism not only sustained the American war effort, but paved a path for the next generation of working women.

While attending Michigan State University she met her husband, who served in the United States Air Force. She traveled to the military base by train on her own and they married on March 20, 1945. Together they spent their life raising their family and travelling to over fifty-five countries. In her spare time, she is an avid golfer, puzzle enthusiast, and talented oil painter. The longest running volunteer in Beaumont hospital history, she has delivered mail to patients for over forty-five years until COVID hit. An active member of her community and a friend to all, she is a longtime member of Philanthropic Educational Opportunities for Women and multiple garden clubs. Beloved by her family, she made sure that she hosted Thanksgiving every year. The biggest Michigan State sports fan, she never misses a football or basketball game.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Amy Langdon on her 100th birthday. I join with her family--including her two children, two grandchildren, and two great grandchildren and friends in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day and as they dedicate a rosebush in her honor at the Ross McFadden House in Dearborn. I am proud to honor her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions to our nation as a Rosie the Riveter. Today we should all live by her motto as we celebrate one hundred years of Amy--Yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn't here yet, I live for today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anita Twardesky on the occasion of her retirement from the Downriver Linked Greenways, where she served as Chair for over two decades. Her years of service to the Downriver community and to our environment are worthy of commendation.

Ms. Twardesky is a Michigan native and a longtime environmental advocate in our community and previously worked as Recreation Director for the cities of Flat Rock and Woodhaven before starting as the Community Outreach Manager for Riverside Kayak Connection. The non- profit the Downriver Linked Greenways was launched in 1999 as a result of the Downriver Summit hosted by the late Congressman John Dingell. As Chair of the Greenways, Ms. Twardesky spearheaded multiple projects to extend the Downriver Linked Greenways trail system, including the embarking on the first Downriver trail project and the Detroit Heritage River Water Trail. Furthermore, she helped the organization become a 501(c)(3) and secured over $15 million in funding for trail construction as well as gap analysis of the trail system. Her efforts have helped create over one hundred miles of trails in Downriver.

In addition to her role at the Downriver Linked Greenways, Ms. Twardesky has long been a leader in Downriver. She served on the Healthy Trenton Coalition and helped found the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance. Additionally, as the founder of Destination Downriver, she is actively changing the perception of Downriver and attracting new businesses and visitors to the area. Ms. Twardesky's dedication to the evolution of Downriver and its community has not gone unnoticed, and in 2019, she was awarded the Women of Achievement Leadership Award from the Southern Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Outside of work, Ms. Twardesky has headed the ``Go Impact'' program through her church, Southpointe Church, which supports seniors and disabled community members with yard and residential clean ups. A passionate volunteer, she also assists in feeding and housing our neighbors that are experiencing homelessness. Ms. Twardesky resides in Flat Rock with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Anita Twardesky for her exemplary work at the Downriver Linked Greenways. I join with Ms. Twardesky's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to her for her tireless commitment to our community and to thank her for her role in Downriver's environmental and economic development. Though we will miss her passion for Downriver and for our wildlife, we wish her the very best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. It is past time that Congress take action to end the gun violence epidemic that is harming communities across the Nation. We need to protect all people who are vulnerable to gun violence, and this includes survivors of domestic abuse.

Existing Federal laws allow abusive dating partners to access firearms. Known as the ``dating partner loophole,'' this dangerous gap in Federal law puts survivors of domestic abuse at risk every day.

I thank people for including this and acknowledging that this is an issue. However, it is critical that the Department of Justice swiftly issue regulations and definitions pertaining to the implementation of the dating partner provisions.

The definition of ``dating relationship'' in this act is not intended to be overly restrictive, and the definition should be broadly constructed to cover dating relationships as commonly understood in the Violence Against Women Act.

Mr. Speaker, intimate partner violence is a serious issue, and 50 percent of domestic violence fatalities are caused by their intimate partner. I understand this. I lived in it.

Let's be clear: this is a significant bill. We have made progress, but we have more work to do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to enter into a colloquy with my esteemed colleague from California, Congressman Mike Thompson, regarding the S. 2938, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

Mr. Thompson, is it your understanding and intent in supporting this bill that the Department of Justice promulgate regulations pertaining to Section 12005?

Is it further your understanding and intent in supporting this bill that the Department of Justice in those regulations define the meaning of the terms `serious,' `continuing,' `recent,' and `recently?'

Mr. Speaker, I am glad for the clarification from the gentleman from California and pleased to know it is the legislative intent that the Department of Justice promulgate regulations to govern the application of section 12005, including defining the terms `serious,' `recent,' and `recently.' A consistent and authoritative interpretation of these terms that is reflective of the lived experiences of survivors of dating violence is critical to the successful implementation of this section.

Rulemaking is necessary to both ensure that in its application, the law actually protects victims of dating violence and to stave off chaos. A lack of clearly defined terms will encourage trial level litigation into the specifics of the intimate relationship. State judges who are adjudicating these cases will be determining the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator based on the laws of their state. The introduction of `serious,' `continuing,' and `recent' should not be read to require judges to include specific findings of seriousness or continuity. Instead, the existence of a dating relationship must be determined based on the enumerated factors set forth in subparagraph (B) of this section, with the acknowledgment that a finding of a dating relationship under a state law with a definition that is substantially similar to federal law constitutes a finding of `dating relationship' for the purpose of this section.

For example, in my state of Michigan, the term `dating relationship' means `frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. This term does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between two individuals in a business or social context.' This very clearly parallels the definition of `dating relationship' in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and a finding of a `dating relationship' under Michigan law must constitute a finding of a `dating relationship' for the purposes of this section.

The Bipartisan Safe Communities Act shrinks the dating loophole, but it does not eliminate it. I will keep leading the fight to fully close it in future legislation. No dating abuser who has shown by his actions that he poses a danger to his victim, whose actions led to the issuance of a protective order after a hearing, should be legally allowed to possess firearms for the duration of the order.