Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbara Niess- May for her 15 years of service at SafeHouse Center in Washtenaw County. As Executive Director of SafeHouse Center, Mrs. Niess-May's leadership and expertise have impacted countless lives and greatly enhanced the Center's programming capabilities.

SafeHouse Center first opened its doors in 1978 with the hope of providing leadership and support for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in Washtenaw County. The organization's founding mission has endured throughout the years, and SafeHouse has been able to expand its services through popular public support and a 1992 millage that funded a new facility with increased boarding capacity. Today, due to the Center's new location, over 5,500 women and children are served out of the shelter every year.

Since joining SafeHouse as Executive Director in 2002, Mrs. Niess-May has overseen the agency's daily operations and is critical to the continued growth and success of the organization. She has advocated for survivors and implemented programs to help both women and children get back on their feet by finding safe and affordable housing, employment, and childcare. Successful SafeHouse programs include a children's playroom, Teen Voice Peer Education at local schools, and four different onsite support groups. Additionally, Mrs. Niess-May works as an adjunct faculty member at Eastern Michigan University's School of Social Work and Graduate School of Criminology, bringing her real world experience to the classroom and educating the next generation of social workers. She has saved many lives, been a shelter for those desperate for a hand, and is a leader in changing the dialogue on domestic abuse. It is my hope that Mrs. Niess-May continues to advocate on behalf of domestic violence survivors and build on her lifetime of distinguished work supporting women and children.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Barbara Niess-May for 15 years of outstanding service at SafeHouse Center. Her tenure at SafeHouse has greatly contributed to the organization's ability to provide important services and support to women in need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mariam Saad Bazzi on her investiture as Judge of the Third Circuit Court of Wayne County. Judge Bazzi has served Wayne County and southeast Michigan with distinction and honor throughout her involvement in community organizations and previous judiciary service.

After graduating from Wayne State University Law School in 2005, Judge Bazzi began her legal career as a law clerk at the Law Offices of Hamood, Runco & Fergestrom. A year later, she was hired at the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, where she most recently served as the lead attorney on the Deed and Mortgage Fraud Task Force. During her 11 year tenure at the Prosecutor's Office, Judge Bazzi also oversaw a unit that prosecutes financial crime, with a focus on complex mortgage and property related fraud, and earned respect for her commitment to the law and to the southeastern Michigan community. Her work as an assistant prosecuting attorney brought her years of experience in complex and diverse parts of the law as well as a respect and deep understanding of the role of the judiciary.

Judge Bazzi has also distinguished herself through her outstanding record of community service. She served as president of the Dearborn Board of Education and chair of Henry Ford College's Board of Trustees until Governor Snyder appointed her as Wayne County Circuit judge, where her leadership was integral to the district's high graduation rates and top national ranking. Additionally, Judge Bazzi is a member of the Michigan Middle Eastern Affairs Commission, the Governor's Environmental Justice Task Force, and the Arab American Political Action Committee. Judge Bazzi has been an impactful leader and involved citizen, and it is my hope that she continues to build on her success and involvement in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Judge Mariam Bazzi for her appointment to Wayne County's Third Circuit Court. Her commitment to the rule of law and exemplary service to Wayne County will surely continue in her new role.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, for yielding and for her leadership on making this happen, as well as thanking Chairman Latta, Chairman Walden, Ranking Member Pallone, and my good friend Fred Upton from Michigan.

The hard work here has gotten us to the point where we are today. The SELF DRIVE Act is going to improve our economy and save lives on the road.

Passing this bill today means we are one step closer to signing a responsible framework for the deployment of highly automated vehicles into law. It means we are going to improve mobility for seniors and people with disabilities, reduce congestion on the road, improve energy consumption, and, as everyone has said, actually improve safety on the road.

More than 35,000 people died on our roadways. And as you heard Mr. Upton say, we are hearing 40,000 self-driving cars has the promise to save lives when 90 percent of those are by human error, but only if we get it right. And that is why it is so important that we study these issues and do this the right way.

Our legislation ensures that safety is at the forefront by requiring manufacturers to submit safety assessment certifications before one self-driving vehicle hits the road. It also requires that manufacturers, for the very first time, submit a plan for how we will address both cybersecurity and data privacy. It is moving the needle forward on safety while providing a reactive and flexible framework for the regulation of self-driving cars.

Today we are one step closer to reshaping American innovation for generations to come. We cannot let this opportunity slip by us. It is essential to ensure the future of American innovation because this is fundamentally an issue of American competitiveness.

Automated vehicles are going to be developed, whether we want it or not, and it is a question about whether we are going to remain in the driver's seat and not secede it to China or India or Western Europe.

The SELF DRIVE Act steers us in the right direction on these important issues.

Mr. Chairman, while I have great respect for my friend and colleague from Georgia, this misguided amendment would undermine FDA's work to enforce the critical patient safety protections that were passed in the Drug Quality and Security Act in response to a deadly fungal meningitis outbreak that killed 22 people in my home State of Michigan. Passing this amendment could ultimately lead to another crisis like what we saw.

This amendment would prohibit the FDA from finalizing a draft memorandum of understanding that outlines when and in what quantity traditional compounding pharmacies can distribute compounded drugs across State lines. Hamstringing FDA's ability to ensure that interstate shipments are only made from pharmacies in States that are exercising oversight over that activity could create a gaping loophole and would turn back the clock to the days when bad actors like NECC were free to ship tainted products and murder people across the country without oversight.

It is completely unacceptable. We should be standing up for the strong patient protections in DQSA rather than turning back the clock.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bob Allison for his outstanding career in Michigan broadcast media and community activism. For the past 55 years, Mr. Allison has brought joy to countless households through his ``Ask Your Neighbor'' radio program and work in the Detroit community.

In February 1962, Mr. Allison launched his ``Ask Your Neighbor'' program on WWJ-AM in Detroit, Michigan, and the program quickly became a staple of southeast Michigan culture. A light and conversational radio program, ``Ask Your Neighbor'' is a two-hour call-in show featuring area residents sharing recipes, helpful tips and community news moderated by Mr. Allison. The program is well-known as a civil forum that brings listeners together, with Mr. Allison receiving acclaim for his polite and genial rapport with callers. In addition, Mr. Allison also hosted ``Bowling for Dollars'', a popular game show in the 1970s that awarded prizes based on contestants' performance in a game of bowling. He is also known for his work and involvement with charitable causes in the Detroit community. An accomplished pianist, Mr. Allison has performed at local service club meetings, weddings and other events. He and his wife, Maggie, have also generously underwritten many charitable endeavors and nonprofits, including donations to Wayne State University's Department of Dance and local healthcare organizations.

Mr. Allison's career and work have helped shape the direction of Detroit culture and played an important role in the city's development. His kind demeanor and involvement with local organizations have made him beloved figure, and he is well-known among the community for his philanthropic work. He continues to serve as a host of ``Ask Your Neighbor'', which remains popular among Detroit-area listeners. He has been a strong voice for the city and its residents, it is my hope that he remains engaged in the community in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Bob Allison for his career in media and involvement with Detroit-area nonprofit and charitable organizations. Mr. Allison has impacted countless lives through his work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Phillip L. Ferrell for his 25 years as Pastor of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church in Belleville, Michigan. Pastor Ferrell has provided important spiritual leadership and community assistance during his decades of service.

A lifelong resident of southeast Michigan, Pastor Ferrell has been a strong voice for justice and recognized leader in the community. He gave his first sermon in 1990 and served under Rev. Garther Roberson Jr. in the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, as an Associate Pastor until 1992. In June 1992, Pastor Ferrell was named as Pastor of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, where he has served since. Throughout his tenure, Pastor Ferrell has distinguished himself as a pillar of the southeast Michigan community. In addition to serving as a spiritual leader through his work with the church, Pastor Ferrell has been involved with nonprofits as a member of the Washtenaw County Literacy Council, which provides tutoring and books for needy children, as well as the local branch of the NAACP. These efforts have helped provide important aid to area residents in need.

Pastor Ferrell's leadership has helped create a vibrant and thriving community in southeast Michigan. He is well regarded among his peers, having served as President of the Ministers' Alliance of Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Vicinity. In this position, Pastor Ferrell helped promote unity and social justice by leading a group of ministers based in southeast Michigan in coordinating their outreach and efforts to address issues facing the region. He currently serves as Treasurer for the organization and continues to remain active in a number of other charitable causes and religious groups. He has been an effective advocate in the ministry and in the community, and it is my hope that Pastor Ferrell continues to serve as a leader and remain engaged with these causes in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pastor Phillip Ferrell for his 25 years as Pastor of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. Pastor Ferrell's religious leadership and activism have impacted countless lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Cunningham Jr. for his distinguished career with the Dearborn Fire Department. For the past 25 years, Mr. Cunningham has served the City of Dearborn and its residents with distinction.

As the Battalion Chief for the Dearborn Fire Department, Mr. Cunningham oversees the operation of several fire stations and fire companies that serve the City of Dearborn as well as nearby Melvindale. As a key member of the 140-man department, Mr. Cunningham helped coordinate the response to fires and other emergencies, and served as a liaison between the department and the communities in which it operates. Throughout his career, Mr. Cunningham established a reputation as a dedicated and welcoming presence in the community, and is well known among his peers for his leadership and expertise. He has received multiple commendations for his service, including a Certificate of Special Recognition for going above and beyond the call of service, as well as multiple Meritorious Company Commendations and Fire Chief Unit Life Saving Awards for his actions in the line of duty.

Mr. Cunningham's work with the Dearborn Fire Department played a key role in protecting the health and safety of the residents of Dearborn and surrounding communities. As a leader in the department, Mr. Cunningham helped the firefighters handle an increasing number of calls for service throughout his tenure, including 15,000 in 2016 alone. His courageous actions throughout his career helped save lives while safeguarding his fellow firefighters and emergency responders. Mr. Cunningham's career and actions embody the values of public service, and he will be missed as he retires from his current position.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Robert Cunningham Jr. for his career with the Dearborn Fire Department. Mr. Cunningham's work has helped save lives and make Dearborn a safe place to live and work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Jerry Hatter on the date of his 26th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration. Pastor Hatter has provided spiritual guidance and leadership during his tenure as Pastor of the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Born in Haynesville, Louisiana, Pastor Hatter moved to the Detroit area to further his education, earning an MBA from the University of Detroit in 1976. He quickly established himself as a pillar of the southeast Michigan community through his work with Ford Motor Company and in religious life. Pastor Hatter began his work with the ministry in 1986, when he began serving as a minister Deacon and later as an Associate Minister with Oak Grove AME Church in Detroit. He then graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary and began serving as a pastor for Brown Chapel AME in 1991, where he has remained for 26 years. Pastor Hatter is well-known in the community for his work and activism, providing religious guidance for the Brown Chapel congregation and leadership in caring for his community by working with organizations offering financial help, healthcare and job training. These include Good Samaritan Outreach, which provides food assistance to those in need.

Pastor Hatter's decades of service to the Ypsilanti community has helped it grow and prosper. Throughout his time with Brown Chapel, Pastor Hatter has earned a reputation as a steadfast spiritual leader and effective advocate who is dedicated to the well-being of those less fortunate. His work with the Hope Clinic, Southeastern Michigan AME Minister's Alliance and SOS Community Services has been critical for supporting social, economic and educational well-being and promoting human dignity for all. Pastor Hatter's commitment to Ypsilanti and its residents has impacted countless lives, and it is my hope that he continues to provide leadership for Brown Chapel and the city in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Jerry Hatter on his 26th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration. Pastor Hatter is a force for good for southeast Michigan through his spiritual guidance and outreach.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Marge Preston for her outstanding career in higher education. Ms. Preston has served the State of Michigan and its young people well through her work with Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University.

Ms. Preston began her career with Central Michigan University, where she spent 27 years serving in a variety of positions, including Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Coordinator of the University's Career Resource Center. In 2003, she joined Eastern Michigan University and has served the EMU community with distinction during her tenure. She began as the university's Executive Secretary to the Vice President for University Relations, and ultimately held several positions, including Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Government and Community Relations. In this capacity, Ms. Preston managed all aspects of the GCR office, including assisting the University's legal counsel with inquiries, serving as a liaison for state and federal officials and coordinating special events and projects on behalf of the EMU Vice President.

Ms. Preston has been a tireless advocate on behalf of EMU and the Ypsilanti community at large through her service to the university. As a result of her efforts, EMU has been an effective policy advocate whose work with the state and federal government has benefitted both students and educators. Ms. Preston also received recognition throughout her career, including receiving the Central Michigan University Staff Excellence Award. She was also a

co-chair for EMU's United Way Campus Wide Drive, helping raise over $100,000, and served on the EMU Planning Committee for Michigan Women's American Council on Education's annual meeting. She has had a tremendous impact on the direction of higher education in Michigan, and her hard work and expertise will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Marge Preston for her distinguished career in higher education. Ms. Preston has effectively served the State of Michigan and its students through her work with the state's public universities.

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 I wish him well as he retires from his position in the ministry.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the organizers and vendors of the Pittsfield Charter Township Farmers Market. For the past five years, the market has provided a forum for the community to come together and offered a wide variety of goods from local producers.

Originally founded in 2012, the Pittsfield Farmer's Market serves the community at large by offering locally produced goods to residents of Pittsfield Charter Township and surrounding areas. Several dozen vendors, all based less than 40 miles away from the market, gather each week on Thursday to offer a variety of goods, including local produce, artisan bread and baked goods, honey, fresh pasta and pasture-raised meats. The vendors are vetted to ensure a wide range of goods are served and to further Pittsfield's commitment to supporting local Michigan growers while providing access to healthy and natural foods. The market also hosts free events each week like live music performances, tips from a certified Master Gardener and public safety demonstrations. These activities, along with the wide variety of vendor offerings, have established the market as a key pillar in the southeast Michigan community, with over 8,000 guests visiting these attractions in 2016.

The Pittsfield Farmer's Market's growth and development has helped engage the community while supporting local businesses. The success of the market has empowered Michigan growers while providing high-quality produce and goods to visitors, and the gathering space in nearby Prairie Park has served as an important forum for events and presentations hosted by the market participants. Collectively, these have helped create a strong sense of community while engaging and educating visitors. The growth and development over the last five years underscores the value ofthe services that the market provides, and it is my hope that the market continues to experience success while effectively serving nearby residents in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Pittsfield Farmer's Market on the fifth anniversary of its founding. The market has been a tremendous success through its offering of local products and promotion of community interaction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Marge Preston for her outstanding career in higher education. Ms. Preston has served the State of Michigan and its young people well through her work with Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University.

Ms. Preston began her career with Central Michigan University, where she spent 27 years serving in a variety of positions, including Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Coordinator of the University's Career Resource Center. In 2003, she joined Eastern Michigan University and has served the EMU community with distinction during her tenure. She began as the university's Executive Secretary to the Vice President for University Relations, and ultimately held several positions, including Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Government and Community Relations. In this capacity, Ms. Preston managed all aspects of the GCR office, including assisting the University's legal counsel with inquiries, serving as a liaison for state and federal officials and coordinating special events and projects on behalf of the EMU Vice President.

Ms. Preston has been a tireless advocate on behalf of EMU and the Ypsilanti community at large through her service to the university. As a result of her efforts, EMU has been an effective policy advocate whose work with the state and federal government has benefitted both students and educators. Ms. Preston also received recognition throughout her career, including receiving the Central Michigan University Staff Excellence Award. She was also a co-chair for EMU's United Way Campus Wide Drive, helping raise over $100,000, and served on the EMU Planning Committee for Michigan Women's American Council on Education's annual meeting. She has had a tremendous impact on the direction of higher education in Michigan, and her hard work and expertise will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Marge Preston for her distinguished career in higher education. Ms. Preston has effectively served the State of Michigan and its students through her work with the state's public universities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month and on behalf of Americans diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Initiatives like Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month are crucial for raising public awareness about the effects of the disease while driving action and new treatments for individuals that result in improvements in care.

Muscular dystrophy is a family of diseases in which abnormal genetic mutations interfere with protein production that is critical to forming healthy muscle. The disease progressively causes weakness and loss of muscle mass in affected individuals and can result in the complete paralysis of all voluntary muscles, including those used in breathing and swallowing. Over one million individuals in the United States are affected by some form of muscular dystrophy, and there is currently no cure for the disease. However, research into muscular dystrophy has recently led to new treatments for several types of muscular diseases, and experimental treatments like gene therapy have also shown promise.

It is critical that we work to raise awareness of muscular dystrophy and related diseases

while promoting research initiatives that have the potential to lead to breakthroughs in treatments and advances in care. Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month provides a special opportunity to bring together advocates and researchers to educate the public and support efforts to better understand this disease while working to improve the quality of life for impacted individuals. Washtenaw County's participation in the Light It Up Green event underscores the community's support for individuals diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, and it is my hope that public officials continue to play a leading role in combating this disease and promoting policies that provide all Americans the opportunity to live healthy lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing June as Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month. We must continue to support efforts to better understand muscular dystrophy so that there will one day be a cure for this devastating disease.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John Kelmendi for his career as an educator and involvement in the southeast Michigan community. Mr. Kelmendi has been a dedicated advocate for students during his career with the Detroit Public Schools and involvement with local community groups.

Mr. Kelmendi, a native of Albania, began his career with Detroit Public Schools in 1993 and established a reputation as a dedicated teacher invested in the success of his students. Mr. Kelmendi initially taught social studies to students at Pershing High School and became curriculum leader of the school's social studies department in 2003. In this role, Mr. Kelmendi helped coordinate the staff and manage the instructional material in the social studies department. He also served as an instructional specialist, where he helped observe and evaluate other educators in addition to teaching students. Mr. Kelmendi's work with the students at Pershing resulted in significant improvements in academic achievement, including a strong upward trend in social studies test scores relative to other DPS students.

Mr. Kelmendi's time as an educator and community activist was critical to improving student achievement and establishing a culture of excellence within the social studies department at Pershing High School. As a result of his actions, Mr. Kelmendi received a lifetime achievement award from Detroit Public Schools and was well-known for his passion for teaching. Additionally, he was active in the Metro Detroit Community, having served as a member of Detroit's School- Community Relations Committee, which helped establish and improve collaboration between the DPS academic community and residents of Detroit. Mr. Kelmendi went above and beyond what was expected in the classroom and the community, and his efforts are worthy of commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. John Kelmendi for his work as an educator and in the Metro Detroit community. Mr. Kelmendi's actions have impacted countless lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Damon J. Keith for his outstanding legal career. For the past fifty years, Judge Keith has served the United States with distinction as a member of the federal judiciary.

Judge Keith began his career on the bench in 1967, when he was nominated by President Lyndon Johnson to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. During his time with the Eastern District, Judge Keith distinguished himself as an ardent defender of the Constitution, prohibiting President Nixon's warrantless wiretapping initiatives and eventually being named Chief Judge of the District Court. As a result of his distinguished service with the Court, President Carter nominated Judge Keith to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 1977, where he has served since his confirmation. Throughout his career, Judge Keith's decisions have played a critical role in shaping the legal landscape. He helped end the Bush administration's practice of conducting post- 9/11 deportation hearings in secret and create a more just and equal society by helping to desegregate public schools and combat systemic racism. He has also inspired a new generation of legal scholars who share his commitment to justice and the principles of the Constitution.

Judge Keith has received widespread acclaim for his service in the federal judiciary and his civil rights record. In 1997, he was the recipient of the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award, the highest honor available to the federal judiciary. He has also received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP for outstanding achievement, as well as over 40 honorary degrees from institutes of higher education. Judge Keith was known for his commitment to equality for all during his time in public service, and his decisions continue to play a major role in shaping the nation's legal discourse. His work has impacted countless lives, and I wish him well as he retires after an extraordinary and impactful career.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Judge Damon J. Keith for his groundbreaking legal career. He has provided exceptional service to our country throughout his career as a federal judge.