Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) for years of devoted and distinguished leadership as they are recognized by ATHENA International. The organization's devotion to the professional and athletic development of women is deserving of acclaim.

ATHENA International was founded in 1982 by Lansing businesswoman Martha Mertz to honor the contributions of those who help women to succeed. Ms. Mertz has long held the belief that it takes a village to help women in our communities thrive and has seen her small nonprofit grow exponentially over the years. Today, ATHENA International is a global organization that mentors and trains women in more than 500 cities and 8 countries around the world. The ATHENA Leaders of Huron Valley help develop and support women through various programming initiatives including entrepreneurial classes and one-on-one mentoring. The great work of Michigan's female leaders is honored at the ATHENA Awards each year. This year's winners include the Ladies Professional Golf Association, an organization dedicated to promoting women in sport.

Founded in 1950 by a group of female golfers dedicated to integrating women into the sport, the LPGA is the oldest women's professional sports organization in the country. The association's 13 founders are revered as trailblazers for standing up for equality in a time where women's sports organizations were not in existence. In the 78 years since LPGA was established, the tenacity and courage of the organization's founders has translated into today's leadership and programming. In addition to its publicized competitive tours, the LPGA supports golf teachers and develops young players through its qualifying school. The association is known for its dedication to the players of tomorrow and gives young golfers playing privileges on the LPGA tour. Their years of work have both equipped and inspired countless women to follow their dreams and reach their full potential as golfers and community leaders.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Ladies Professional Golf Association for their dedication to cultivating the athletes of tomorrow. We are grateful for their years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wyandotte Exchange Club's 90 years of service to our southeast Michigan community. The organization has bettered countless lives through its service initiatives.

Chartered on May 1st, 1928, the Exchange Club of Wyandotte has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings. The organization stems from the National Exchange Club, the only national service organization that solely serves communities within the United States. Today, there are over 650 local clubs that support the unique cities that they exist in. The Exchange's Core Values are family, community and country, and these pillars of service are no better exemplified than by the work done by members of the Exchange Club of Wyandotte.

Since its founding, the Exchange Club has grown both in size and scope. Its increase in membership and funding has allowed the organization the increased ability to focus on helping children, families and other local civic agencies. The Exchange Club is known as a force for good within Wyandotte and its dedication to partnering with other local charities and schools without seeking recognition. From partnering with local churches to holding fundraising events to supporting the Wyandotte Soup Kitchen, the Wyandotte Exchange Club has provided invaluable service and friendship to our southeast Michigan community for the past 90 years. The Exchange Club of Wyandotte's longevity and record of success are testaments to the great work that it has done, and it is my hope that the organization continues to build on these achievements in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Exchange Club of Wyandotte on its 90th anniversary. The Exchange Club has successfully supported important local initiatives in Wyandotte since its founding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pat Montgomery for years of devoted and distinguished leadership as she is recognized by ATHENA International. Her service to her students has given them the confidence to go out into the community and make a difference.

ATHENA International was founded in 1982 by Lansing businesswoman Martha Mertz to honor the contributions of those who help woman to succeed. Ms. Mertz has long held the belief that it takes a village to help women in our communities thrive and has seen her small nonprofit grow exponentially over the years. Today, ATHENA International is a global organization that mentors and trains women in more than 500 cities and 8 countries around the world. The ATHENA Leaders of Huron Valley help develop and support women through various programming initiatives including entrepreneurial classes and one-on-one mentoring. The great work of Michigan's female leaders is honored at the ATHENA Awards each year. This year's winners include Pat Montgomery, an educator who sees endless potential in each one of her students.

Inspired to promote education in an unstructured setting, in 1967, Ms. Montgomery founded Clonlara School in Ann Arbor in an effort to further her vision of a school that allowed students the freedom to explore their interests in an intellectually stimulating learning environment. Initially consisting of only 8 students, Clonlara's education offerings have grown and expanded over the decades, and the school today runs a homeschooling program that serves students through international offices in Europe and Central America, as well as with online offerings. Ms. Montgomery was the driving force behind the conception and development of Clonlara, serving as a teacher, executive director and in other roles and has been fundamental to the school's longevity. Her efforts have created a lasting impact on the Michigan educational community and have bettered countless lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pat Montgomery for her years of service. She has set a high bar for educators in Michigan and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John Van Camp for his outstanding career at Southwest Solutions. Mr. Van Camp has served the state of Michigan and its homeless population well through his service.

Mr. John Van Camp returned to his hometown of Detroit, Michigan after living overseas and serving in the Peace Corps. Once back in the United States, he attended graduate school at Wayne State University and became involved in the newly created Southwest Solutions. The company was established as a mental health agency in 1972 in response to deinstitutionalization in Michigan and across the nation. Mr. Van Camp joined Southwest Solutions as an administrative assistant in 1973 and worked at the company for years before being named Executive Director in 1981. Throughout his tenure as CEO of Southwest Solution, the company has expanded into one of the largest nonprofits in the state of Michigan.

Mr. Van Camp is known by his coworkers and friends for his leadership abilities and dedication to the men and women of metro Detroit. Under his leadership, Southwest Solution offers over 70 programs for Michigan residents ranging from housing assistance to workforce development to community engagement. The programs assist various populations throughout southeast Michigan, primarily focusing on vulnerable populations including the homeless, veterans and children. Southwest Solutions is lauded for its unparalleled work in housing development-- the company has spearheaded over 700 units of affordable housing and restored 25 multi-story buildings. Mr. John Van Camp has made a tremendous impact on the direction of mental health and rehabilitation services in Michigan, and his hard work and expertise will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring John Van Camp for his service as CEO of Southwest Solutions. Mr. Van Camp has effectively served the state of Michigan and its vulnerable populations through his nonprofit work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Kosteva as he retires from the University of Michigan. Jim has been an outstanding public servant who has served the students of southeast Michigan with distinction.

After receiving his bachelor degree in Metropolitan Studies from North Central College, Mr. Kosteva took a position as the Director of Community Planning for Canton Township in southeast Michigan. It was there that his passion for the state and the issues facing Michigan residents grew. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1984 where he served for four terms. During his tenure as a Michigan legislator, he focused on the issues of school finance reform, public transportation, solid waste management and land use. His legislation, the Michigan Education Trust, was passed into law during his first term and created one of the first pre-paid college tuition plans in the country. His years of effective public service and passion for education issues allowed him to excel in his next role as Director of Communications at the University of Michigan.

Mr. Jim Kosteva joined the University of Michigan in 1994 as the Director of Community relations. In this position, he coordinates partnerships with local and national organizations, works with the City of Ann Arbor on issues of mutual concern and fosters philanthropic engagement among the student body and faculty. Under his leadership, the University has cultivated a meaningful relationship with the City of Ann Arbor that has led to the resolution of public and campus safety concerns as well as a 62.3 percent growth in Ann Arbor's tax base since 2001. Mr. Kosteva is known by his colleagues and students for his creative and strong leadership as well as his passion for city- university relations. Throughout his career, he has represented the University on a variety of local boards including the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau and Washtenaw United Way. He has had a tremendous impact on the direction of the University of Michigan's community relations, and we look forward to his continued positive impact on our Michigan community in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Kosteva and his years of service to the southeast Michigan community. His dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the University of Michigan made him an exemplary public servant.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ana McCune van de Velde for being named a Woman of Achievement by the Kappa Foundation. Mrs. McCune has distinguished herself through her leadership and community involvement.

The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti-Inkster Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity was established on December 6, 1958. The organization was founded in order to foster relationships between Michigan Kappa Alpha Psis, provide leadership to current students at Michigan universities and mentor youth in suburban Detroit. Since its founding, group members have come together to serve the local community in a variety of ways including golf tournaments, college fairs, pancake breakfasts, Meals on Wheels programs and robust scholarship programming. In addition to their myriad civic endeavors, the fraternity honors female leaders in southeast Michigan annually at their ``Women of Achievement'' event. This year's honorees include Ana McCune van de Velde, a well regarded leader in southeast Michigan.

A lifelong Midwesterner, Mrs. McCune moved to Michigan after graduating from college. She is an accomplished entrepreneur and businesswoman, serving at various companies including AT&T Corporation, New Detroit and the Automotive Strategy Corporation. Although she is an accomplished leader in the private sector, Mrs. McCune's real passion lies in civic work, specifically children's education. She sponsors the Pink Panthers, an all-girls robotics team in Detroit and has served on the Indiana University Alumni Association Executive Council. Her distinguished career and philanthropic engagement has bettered countless industries and individuals and we are grateful for her commitment to southeast Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ana McCune van de Velde for being named one of The Kappa Foundation's Women of Achievement. Mrs. McCune has distinguished herself with her work as an entrepreneur and through her philanthropic work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss the pension crisis facing American workers and businesses across the country and the urgent need for Congress to act.

Men and women in my home State of Michigan and across the country worked a lifetime to retire with the dignity and security promised by their pensions. They earned their retirement with blood, sweat, tears, and many sacrifices along the way. They played by the rules, they put money into their pension, and now they are scared to death about how and what they will live on. They are worried about whether they will have a safe and secure retirement.

A few months ago, we created the Joint Select Committee on the Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans with the goal of coming up with a bipartisan solution to the pension crisis by year's end. This is an urgent task because, if we do not act this year, the major multiemployer plans will start going under, and it could drag the entire economy down with it. Not only would we face staggering benefit cuts for retirees, but it will mean less money flowing in local economies and more people relying on the social safety net for support. It could be the perfect storm.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act.

Finding a way forward on the future of our Nation's nuclear waste storage is no easy task. But I believe we have arrived at a bipartisan agreement on nuclear waste storage that we need to advance today to address this issue.

I would first like to thank Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Pallone, and Chairman Shimkus and Ranking Member Tonko for their outstanding leadership, and thank all of my colleagues who worked on this in committee because it wasn't easy, but we worked together in a bipartisan way.

This bill will authorize the Department of Energy to establish and maintain interim storage facilities to hold nuclear waste until there is a clear decision on the national repository.

Also, included in this bill is an amendment I offered at the full committee with my good friend, Fred Upton. This important amendment expresses the sense of the Congress that the governments of the United States and Canada should not allow permanent or long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel or other radioactive waste near the Great Lakes.

Mr. Upton and I were proud to get this amendment included on behalf of every Member of the Great Lakes region.

The Great Lakes account for 20 percent of the world's fresh water supply, and it is absolutely critical for millions of Americans who rely on them for drinking water, jobs, and their way of life.

Nearly 1/10th of the U.S. population lives in the Great Lakes Basin, and more than 35 million people, with approximately 24 million of them being Americans, rely on the Great Lakes.

This provision reinforces the importance of the healthy Great Lakes Basin, free of nuclear storage.

Mr. Chairman, I commend all of my colleagues one more time for their good work in crafting a bipartisan agreement that will ensure nuclear waste is stored at secure storage facilities.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize All Things Artistic Ministries for their annual History Alive program. Their efforts enrich the lives of Michigan students through their programming.

Established in 2009 by Dr. Debby Mitchell, All Things Artistic Ministries was founded in the hopes of creating a community of artistic Michigan residents who would like to cultivate a love for the arts and humanities in the next generation. Four years after it was created, Dr. Mitchell designated Ypsilanti, Michigan as its main outreach area for arts education and student programming. The organization puts on a variety of youth programming including an eight-week ``Art in the Park'' summer program, formation groups for artists and creative writing workshops. All Things Artistic Ministries engages a diverse student body and helps grow their love for the arts and creative studies.

This year marks the 5th annual History Alive: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Program put on by All Things Artistic Ministries in conjunction with Washtenaw County schools. The program runs for 14- weeks and allows 5th to 12th grade students to write, stage, and put on a play based on the lives of two distinguished Washtenaw County residents. The students first interview the ``giants'' and then write a play based on their lives and accomplishments. Approximately 50 students are involved in the final stage production and participate in singing, dancing, acting, photography, sound technology and stage crafting. This year's honorees are Reverend Garther Roberson and Greg Harden, two Washtenaw County community members who represent the best of southeast Michigan. We are grateful for All Things Artistic Ministries' service to our state's youth and look forward to their continued programming in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring All Things Artistic Ministries for their creative programming for Michigan youth. Their educational initiatives inspire our next generation of leaders to dream big and think outside the box.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize All Things Artistic Ministries for their annual History Alive program. Their efforts enrich the lives of Michigan students through their programming.

Established in 2009, Dr. Debby Mitchell founded All Things Artistic Ministries in the hopes of creating a community of artistic Michigan residents who would like to cultivate a love for the arts and humanities in the next generation. Four years after it was created, Dr. Mitchell designated Ypsilanti, Michigan as its main outreach area for arts education and student programming. This year marks the 5th annual History Alive: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Program put on by All Things Artistic Ministries in conjunction with the Washtenaw Community schools. The program runs for 14-weeks and allows 5th to 12th grade students to write, stage, and put on a play based on the lives of two distinguished Washtenaw County residents. This year's honorees are Reverend Garther Roberson and Greg Harden, two Washtenaw County community members who represent the best of southeast Michigan.

Mr. Greg Harden is a world-renowned life coach and motivational speaker who calls southeast Michigan home. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan and took jobs as a steelworker and TV cameraman before returning to school. Mr. Harden received his bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan and was hired as a counselor at a residential drug and alcohol treatment center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Due to his reputation as a caring and passionate individual, he was then hired on as a student-athlete counselor at U of M in 1986 under football coach Bo Schembechler. It was through his work at the University that he impacted the lives of countless athletes and leaders including Tom Brady and Desmond Howard. His life's work shows us that one person can make a difference in the lives of many.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Greg Harden for his lifetime of motivational counseling. His leadership inspires us all to spread kindness and encourage those around us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Garther Roberson, Jr. for his decades of service to the Ypsilanti community. Pastor Roberson has provided spiritual guidance as leader of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church and community assistance through his involvement with local nonprofits and advocacy groups.

As a lifelong resident of southeast Michigan, Pastor Roberson has been a critical leader in the community throughout Ypsilanti's growth and development. Prior to becoming a pastor, he was involved with the Second Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, where he directed youth activities and served as a deacon from 1967 to 1977. After being ordained as a Reverend by Pastor B.T. Hopkins at Second Baptist Church in 1979, Roberson was named Pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, where he has served since. Under Pastor Roberson's leadership, Mount Olive grew to become a pillar of the Ypsilanti community, offering support and guidance to its congregation and other individuals in need. Additionally, Pastor Roberson has been active in local charitable and religious organizations, including the President of the Minister's Alliance of Ypsilanti and the President of the Huron Valley District Congress of Christian Education; where he has utilized his experience as a faith leader to provide assistance to the city at large.

Pastor Roberson's work and moral leadership has helped revitalize the Ypsilanti community. Through his time as head of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Pastor Roberson has become known as a friendly and welcoming presence dedicated to service and building a future for the city and its residents. He is recognized for his leadership, having served as a board member of local organizations including Hope Clinic, Students and Friends of Washtenaw Community College, and the regional branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Pastor Roberson has been an effective advocate for the city and its residents, and we are grateful for his years of service and guidance.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pastor Garther Roberson, Jr. for his work in the Ypsilanti community. Pastor Roberson has impacted countless lives through his leadership and efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) as they celebrate 50 years of service to Michigan students. Their efforts enrich countless lives through their educational programming and community service.

Founded in 1967 by the Legislature of the State of Michigan, Wayne County Community College District opened its first campus in Detroit with no facilities of its own. The seven-member Board of Trustees worked diligently to interview professors, establish programming and curricula and enroll students before the first semester began in fall 1969. The County of Wayne was a large resource for WCCCD throughout its first few years, providing classrooms and other necessities which formed a partnership that still exists today. The college's positive reputation allowed it to expand throughout Wayne County, and there are now six WCCCD campuses throughout Michigan.

Throughout its 50 years of service, WCCCD has expanded its course programming and partnerships throughout southeastern Michigan. The University has established state of the art educational and entertainment facilities throughout the state, including the Michigan Institute of Public Safety Education, the Heinz C. Prechter Education and Performing Arts Center as well as two Mary Ellen Stempfle University Centers. The school continues to serve the state and country with its expansive and ever-growing academic programming. Classes and certifications range from video game design to cybersecurity, dental hygiene to anesthesia technology, teacher education to social work, and more. The college's commitment to providing hands-on teaching and passionate, well-qualified educators has set WCCCD apart as one of Michigan's finest education institutions. Wayne County Community College District has successfully served our community throughout the past 50 years, and it is my hope that they will continue their work in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Wayne County Community College District during its 50-year anniversary celebration. WCCCD's record of excellence is worthy of commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pakistan Women Association of Michigan (PWAM) as they are recognized by the American Human Rights Council (AHRC). The organization has been critical in protecting and advancing women's rights in our state and internationally.

Founded in 2014, the AHRC brings together community leaders and civil rights activists to promote and defend human rights defined in the United States' Constitution and by the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights. Initially focused on protecting and preserving the rights of prisoners, the AHRC has expanded its advocacy efforts to address pressing humanitarian issues in the United States and abroad. The AHRC has been able to draw attention to human rights issues through its work with local and state partners, including the Pakistan Women Association of Michigan.

Since its founding in 2009, PWAM has promoted and strengthened the unity between Michigan's diverse population and various ethnic groups. The organization is an active part of our southeastern Michigan community and partners with a variety of social, civic and educational initiatives to further their message and reach more women. Events held by the organization include an International Women's Day celebration each year where women gather to discuss the progress made throughout the year and goals for the year ahead. PWAM's advocacy for women of all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds has bettered our Michigan community, and I look forward to their continued contributions in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Pakistan Women Association of Michigan for their service to southeastern Michigan. Their work continues to inspire us to celebrate our differences and shows the community what strong women can accomplish when we come together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Detroit Jewish News as they celebrate 75 years of service to our Michigan community. Their journalism enriches the lives of countless Michigan residents.

Founded in 1942, the Detroit Jewish News was established to give voice to southeast Michigan's growing Jewish population. The paper was founded with the mission of providing diverse viewpoints while advocating for Jewish unity and representing issues that affect both the local and international Jewish American community. After it was purchased by Charles Buerger, owner of the Baltimore Jewish Times in the 1980s, the paper was transformed into what would become a national voice for Jewish Americans. Today, the Detroit Jewish News is published by Jewish Renaissance News and headquartered in Southfield, Michigan where it serves the same population that it set out to more than 70 years ago.

Years after its founding, the Detroit Jewish News remains in weekly circulation, reaching over 40,000 Michigan residents each week through its paper route and website. It is considered the largest, most comprehensive Jewish newspaper in North America and seeks to represent varied voices in its publication. Its main journalistic focus includes local news, the arts, spirituality and religion as well as an esteemed opinion page that represents Jewish Americans from all walks of life. The paper has won numerous honors from the Michigan Press Association, including Design, Editorial Writing and Local Columnists. These accolades underscore the paper's commitment to honest and accessible news coverage, and we look forward to the Detroit Jewish News' continued service in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Detroit Jewish News as they celebrate 75 years of service to our Michigan community. Their hard work is vital to the fabric of southeast Michigan's vibrant Jewish community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rasheda Ali as she is recognized by the American Human Rights Council (AHRC). Her efforts have been paramount in bringing recognition and hope to those suffering from various neuro-cognitive disorders.

Founded in 2014, the AHRC brings together community leaders and civil rights activists to promote and defend human rights definded in the United States' Constitution and by the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights. Initially focused on protecting and preserving the rights of prisoners, the AHRC has expanded its advocacy efforts to address pressing humanitarian issues in the United States and abroad. The AHRC has been able to draw attention to human rights issues through its work with local and state partners, including Rasheda Ali.

As the daughter of Muhammad Ali, Ms. Rasheda Ali has witnessed the devastating toll of Parkinson's Disease firsthand. After watching her father suffer for more than 30 years from the disease, she was inspired to speak publicly about his struggles and help shine a light on Parkinson's Disease. Her book ``I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall-- A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease'' has been read by families all across the world. Ms. Ali travels across the globe raising awareness for neuro-cognitive disorders and meeting with families who shared her family's experience. Her work has elevated her to a public platform and she has appeared on many news networks including NBC, CNN, MSNBC and FOX. Through her speaking events and travel, Ms. Ali has raised awareness and funds for Parkinson's Disease, and we are grateful for her work. It is my hope that she will continue to advocate for medical research and lead the way into a world without Parkinson's Disease.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Rasheda Ali for her life's work as a Parkinson's Disease advocate. Her actions inspire us to put others before ourselves and speak up to advance the causes that we believe in.