Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jayne Homco for her outstanding achievements and career with Kroger Co. As president of Kroger's Michigan division, Ms. Homco's leadership and business expertise have helped make Kroger one of America's premier companies.

After graduating from Indiana University, Ms. Homco joined Kroger in 1978 and has served with the company in a variety of roles. She was named co-manager of an Indianapolis store before she turned thirty, and has held management positions with five different divisions within the company across six states. Prior to being named president of Kroger Michigan, Ms. Homco served as vice president of merchandising for Kroger's Southwest division, where she oversaw merchandising for over 200 Kroger supermarkets. In her current role, Ms. Homco leads a division of 16,000 Michigan employees across over 100 stores, which collectively account for billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Ms. Homco's pioneering career has helped her break down barriers for women in the workplace while providing outstanding leadership for Kroger Co. During her career, Ms. Homco became the first woman vice president at Kroger's Dillion's and QFC divisions. Additionally, she is active in the Michigan business community, serving as a board member of the

Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Forgotten Harvest, a hunger relief organization in Metro Detroit. Ms. Homco's ability to leverage her business experience and management skills on behalf of Michigan has helped make it a great place to live and work, and I have confidence that she will continue to lead in business and in the community in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jayne Homco for her work with Kroger Co. and in the community. Ms. Homco has been an effective leader as President of Kroger's Michigan Division while working on behalf of the southeast Michigan community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken Fischer for his 30 years as President of the University of Michigan's University Musical Society. Under Mr. Fischer's leadership, UMS has become one of the leading performing arts organizations in the country, brought some of the world's top performers and artists to the University of Michigan, and provided unparalleled cultural and artistic opportunities at the University and to the southeast Michigan community.

Mr. Fischer has been the President of UMS since 1987. During these years, Mr. Fischer has helped the UMS grow and expand its artistic offerings to the wider southeast Michigan community by attracting world-class performers to UMS, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, UMS has partnered with local communities to expand access to the arts. He has done extensive work with metro Detroit's Arab American community, which launched a multiyear program to showcase art from different regions and cultures. Under Mr. Fischer's direction, UMS has also commissioned many new works, sponsored artist residences, and organized collaborative performances with local, national and international artists.

Mr. Fischer's outstanding tenure has positioned UMS for success in the coming years. In addition to introducing new programs and expanding the organization's outreach to students and new members of the southeast Michigan community, Mr. Fischer has also grown the organization's development efforts to support these new initiatives. Since appointing Mr. Fischer as President, UMS's budget has increased fourfold, allowing it to reach new audiences. Mr. Fischer has also worked to further intercultural understanding by serving as a speaker and cultural ambassador to Brazil, China, Lithuania and Mexico under the direction of the U.S. State Department. Because of Mr. Fischer's outstanding leadership for three decades, UMS was chosen as a 2014 recipient of the National Medal of the Arts, which is awarded by the President of the United States to organizations that have demonstrated artistic excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ken Fischer for his 30 years of success as President of the University of Michigan's University Musical Society. Mr. Fischer talent and passion for the arts has built a world-class organization that offers access to artistic performances to a variety of audiences.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Toyota Motor North America on the date of the Toyota Supplier Center and Prototype Development Facility grand opening. Toyota Motor North America has been a strong partner to southeast Michigan by utilizing our state's automotive expertise to help produce its next generation of automobiles.

Originally established in July 1977, Toyota Motor North America's Research and Development has contributed significantly to the leadership of southeast Michigan as a leader in automotive engineering, driving important breakthroughs in automotive design and safety. Toyota employs approximately 1,440 individuals in its Ann Arbor and York Township facilities whose work has critical input to many of Toyota's most popular vehicles. These facilities collectively have contributed to the vehicle development of many of Toyota's most popular vehicles, including the 2014 Tundra and 2015 Camry designs, and its advanced research and prototype development efforts continue to serve as a critical source of innovation for the company at large.

Toyota Motor North America's significant investment in expanding and upgrading its Ann Arbor and York Township engineering facilities underscores the importance of the groundbreaking research and development being done here. The expansion of the powertrain development facility in Ann Arbor Township, as well as further improvements to the York Township site, will allow a continuation of the successful partnership between Toyota and the State of Michigan. The talented and educated southeast Michigan workforce, combined with Toyota's new facilities and additional resources, will help ensure that Michigan's automotive industry remains a worldwide leader in the coming decades.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Toyota Motor North America and Mr. Toyoda during the grand opening of the Toyota Supplier Center and Prototype Development Facility expansion. This critical investment will leverage Michigan's talented workforce to conduct cutting-edge automotive research and development.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this misguided legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

This vote might be the single most important issue our Congress deals with. It literally means life or death for too many people in our country.

What we vote on today is ultimately a reflection of our values as a nation. I believe that we have a moral responsibility to take care of the most vulnerable among us. The nuns taught me that. The Bible teaches us that. They are the sick, the poor, the elderly. This dangerous bill does nothing to protect them. In fact, it will do more harm to our most vulnerable.

There are 129 million Americans who suffer from a preexisting condition. They are our neighbors, our friends, and, for some, our family. They are the people attending their townhall meetings.

For me, I am a caregiver. I spend more time at the hospital and with the doctors than I want to. Person after person comes up to me and tells me their story and begs me not to lose their insurance. Healthy Michigan let them go to the doctor for the first time.

The Affordable Care Act made a guarantee that someone with a preexisting condition could not be charged more than healthy people and that coverage would be available to all.

Please vote against this shameful bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John A. Obee, an attorney who has effectively served the State of Michigan for nearly 40 years, on the day of his retirement. Mr. Obee has had a distinguished career utilizing his legal expertise on behalf of his clients and during his time in public service with the State of Michigan.

After graduating from Wayne State University Law School in 1978, Mr. Obee began his legal career as a judicial law clerk with Justice Blair Moody, Jr. of the Michigan Supreme Court. He then served as an Assistant United States Attorney with the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District until 1982, after which he entered private practice. Mr. Obee's work has focused primarily on real estate litigation, including serving as an arbitrator for construction and labor matters. In addition, Mr. Obee has worked extensively on fair housing issues in Michigan and has served as a Hearing Referee for the Michigan Department on Civil Rights. He also has utilized his legal experience as an Adjunct Law Professor at Michigan State University and the University of Detroit Law School, where he taught classes on housing discrimination law.

Mr. Obee has had an outstanding career as a lawyer and advocate for fair housing. He has received numerous accolades for his tireless advocacy on behalf of his clients, including the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit's Fair Housing Leadership Award for his work on fair housing litigation. Additionally, Mr. Obee has served on numerous labor panels, including the Federal Mediation on Conciliation Service and the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. Mr. Obee's membership on these panels, as well as his extensive contributions to trade publications and scholarly journals, underscore his legal expertise as well as his dedication to his clients.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring John A. Obee for his exceptional career as an attorney. Mr. Obee has had an outstanding legal career in public service and working in private practice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule and underlying bill, and I thank my colleague from Colorado for yielding.

Contrary to its name, the Working Families Flexibility Act provides no flexibility for working families but makes it harder to plan financially at a time when wages have stagnated and American workers are working harder than ever.

The 40-hour workweek is a long established American way of life--a way of life won by hardworking American men and women. This legislation aims to undermine the Fair Labor Standards Act and the 40-hour workweek by handing even more power over to employers by giving them the right to not pay for overtime hours.

This legislation amounts to a handout for large American companies at the expense of their workers. Hardworking Americans can't afford to loan their bosses overtime pay for months at a time. Employees would also find themselves at a disadvantage if they wanted to get paid for overtime instead of opting for comp time. Companies would find it in their financial interest to select comp time workers instead of workers who want overtime pay. This isn't the flexibility that American workers need.

The bill is right about one thing: American workers do deserve an update to the FLSA. If they really want to talk about helping American working families gain more flexibility in the workplace, Congress should be taking up bills on paid sick days, paid family and medical leave, and a real increase in wages.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Robin Sproul for her work with ABC News as she prepares to begin the next chapter in her storied career. For the past 41 years, Ms. Sproul has had an accomplished career as a journalist with ABC and has helped make it a world-class news organization that maintains the highest standards of professionalism. In sum, she has become one of Washington's most respected journalists.

Ms. Sproul began her career as a news assignment manager WMAL-Radio in Washington, D.C. in 1976. She then joined ABC News in 1981 as a Washington bureau chief for ABC News Radio, covering election analysis and political conventions. In addition to these responsibilities, Ms. Sproul produced U.S. radio coverage of military operations, including missions in the Persian Gulf. In 1993, she was named vice president and Washington bureau chief for ABC News, where she supervised and directed the organization's TV, radio and digital coverage of Washington, D.C. Ms. Sproul excelled in her role covering national news and events and also served as the organization's liaison with the federal government. In 2014, she was promoted to Vice President of Public Affairs for ABC News, where she focused on the network's political debates and external relations in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Sproul has had an outstanding tenure at ABC and was critical to the growth and success of the organization. Throughout her career, Ms. Sproul has earned numerous honors for her balanced and comprehensive coverage of important events. She was a member of the ABC News team to win an Emmy for their coverage of President Barack Obama's Inauguration. In addition, Ms. Sproul has won George Foster Peabody Awards for coverage of September 11 attacks and coverage of U.S. military actions in the Persian Gulf. These accolades underscore her commitment to honest and accessible coverage of the news, as well as the respect she has among her industry peers. Through it all, Ms. Sproul recognized the importance of mentoring, especially other women. Breaking many glass ceilings herself, she has always practiced women supporting women. She will be missed as she moves on to a new stage in her career.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Robin Sproul for her work with ABC News. Her hard work, knowledge and professionalism have been vital to making ABC News the organization that exists today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. John Providence Health System for receiving the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce's Humanitarian of the Year Award. The physicians and staff of St. John Providence provide lifesaving medical care to southeast Michigan and the Chaldean community.

Founded in 1999 after a merger of several local hospital systems, St. John Providence Health System operates four hospitals and 125 medical centers that collectively act as the largest provider of inpatient medical care in southeast Michigan. These facilities offer services including advanced treatments for cancer, neurological diseases and other specialized care. SJP also offers special assistance to improve the quality of care for the Chaldean community, including Arabic signage, cultural programming and Middle Eastern food options. They also partner with Medical Emergency Relief for Christian Iraqis, an organization that provides medical services and supplies to Iraqi Christians in need. Additionally, SJP has collaborated extensively with the Chaldean American Association for Health Professionals, helping them sponsor continuing medical education for medical professionals and working with local churches to increase access to preventative care.

St. John Providence Health System has provided world-class medical care to the southeast Michigan community since its formation. Its comprehensive offering of advanced medical services, as well as its specialized outreach to the wide variety of ethnic groups in southeast Michigan, has helped SJP's hospital services and patient outcomes rank among the best in the country. Its unique approach to care allows it to continue serving the specific medical needs of Chaldeans and other patients, and it is my hope that SJP and its affiliates continue to be a model for healthcare delivery to these groups in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. John Providence Health System for its world-class healthcare and service it provides to southeast Michigan. SJP serves patients well through its suite of offerings in southeast Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Victor Saroki for being named the Chaldean American Business Person of the Year by the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Saroki is a renowned architect who has helped design and restore many of the iconic buildings in southeast Michigan.

After graduating from Lawrence Technological University, Mr. Saroki founded Saroki Architecture with his wife Michelle in 1983. The firm, based out of Birmingham, Michigan, has established a reputation as an exceptional architecture and interiors firm as a result of its successful work on high-profile projects in southeast Michigan. Under Mr. Saroki's leadership, the firm has designed the expansion of the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, ABC Harley-Davidson and St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church. These projects have been met with widespread acclaim and have helped earn the firm more than 60 design awards. Additionally, Mr. Saroki is active in the community, having served on numerous nonprofits and community associations.

Mr. Saroki's entrepreneurship and leadership has been instrumental in helping strengthen the southeast Michigan community. His firm has received numerous plaudits for its work, having been named the 2007 Firm of the Year Award by the American Institute of Architects' Michigan chapter, as well as receiving recognition from the Construction Institute of Michigan and numerous Birmingham Historic Preservation Awards. Additionally, Mr. Saroki has also been named to the American Institute of Architects' College of Fellows. This widespread recognition is a testament to the high quality of Mr. Saroki's architecture and designs. Mr. Saroki's work with the community at large has also been impactful. As a board member of the Chaldean Community Cultural Center and other civic groups, his work has played an important role in improving the quality of life for the Chaldean community. These accomplishments are worthy of recognition, and it is my hope that Mr. Saroki and his firm continue their excellent work in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Victor Saroki for receiving the Chaldean American Business Person of the Year. His distinguished career and community activism have served southeast Michigan well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vista Maria and its 2017 Woman of Achievement Honoree Glenda Reed. As founder and CEO of Crossroads Learning Center, Ms. Reed has dedicated her life to protecting children, teens and adolescents.

Founded in 1883, Vista Maria is a private, non-profit agency that provides treatment and care for vulnerable youth with emotional and behavioral problems resulting from neglect or abuse. Since its establishment by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the organization has evolved into a multi-service agency that provides comprehensive support to children and their families. In addition to its community youth assistance programs, Vista Maria runs two on-campus charter schools at their 37-acre Dearborn Heights campus, as well as a health clinic, residential treatment programs, and foster care initiatives. Collectively, these initiatives provide critical services to support and improve outcomes for high-risk youth and adolescents. Vista Maria also raises awareness and recognizes outstanding women in the community at its annual Celebrating Women event.

Vista Maria's 2017 Woman of Achievement Honoree is Glenda Reed, an educator who founded the Crossroads Learning Center, an early childhood education facility in Detroit. Crossroads provides high-quality childcare and after-school care for children ages 0-12. In addition, Ms. Reed runs Once Upon a Time, a nonprofit organization that recognizes and supports survivors of childhood abuse. Her efforts to support these individuals have helped empower them to take control of their lives and fulfill their potential. She has also traveled around the country as an advocate for these women, and her exceptional work on their behalf is more than deserving of this prestigious honor. It is my hope that Ms. Reed and Vista Maria continue to build on their legacy of service on behalf of these youth.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Vista Maria and its 2017 Woman of Achievement Honoree, Glenda Reed. Their work has had a tremendous impact and helped improve the lives of countless women.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Trenton Fire Department on the 90th Anniversary of its founding. The Trenton Fire Department has provided important fire prevention and lifesaving services to the City of Trenton and the surrounding communities.

Founded in 1927 to replace the previous all-volunteer system, the Trenton Fire Department initially consisted of seven full-time firemen and one pumper truck. Since its inception, the Department has grown and expanded to accommodate the increased size and needs of the community. Today, the Fire Department has 29 personnel, three fire trucks and two Advanced Life Support ambulances housed in two stations that operate 24 hours a day. These resources help the department serve the approximately 2,500 calls for help that it receives each year with an on-scene response time of less than four minutes. The Trenton Fire Department is also a member of the Downriver Mutual Aid Group, which offers surrounding communities emergency assistance in times of need.

The Trenton Fire Department's effectiveness plays a critical role in keeping the Trenton community safe from fires, hazards and other emergencies. In addition to its emergency services, the department has engaged in community-based initiatives to further protect the well- being of Trenton residents. These include offering free smoke detectors to residents on fixed incomes, as well as operating the Trenton Firefighters Charity Organization, which provides financial support to over 100 organizations that serve the community. Collectively, these efforts have had a tremendous impact in keeping Trenton and its residents safe from danger. It is my hope that the Trenton Fire Department continues its outstanding legacy of public service and care for the sick and injured in Trenton and the surrounding areas.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Trenton Fire Department on the 90th Anniversary of its establishment. The Trenton Fire Department's wide spectrum of services are key to protecting public health and providing emergency support to the city.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Exchange Club of Trenton on the 90th anniversary of its founding. The club has provided outstanding support to service projects and community initiatives since its establishment.

Founded in 1927, the Exchange Club of Trenton began as a professional gathering of prominent businessmen in the Trenton area and has since evolved into a community organization that provides funding and support to a variety of different causes active in the city. The organization raises money through an annual spaghetti dinner, as well as other events like a 5K run and comedy night. Using these funds, the Exchange Club assists a multitude of initiatives to improve the Trenton area. These include supporting child abuse prevention services, as well as activities including an Adopt-a-Highway cleanup program on Fort Street and helping organize the Memorial Day and Christmas parades in the city. Additionally, the Exchange Club also works with Boy Scout Troop 1721 to provide community service and leadership opportunities for troop members.

The Exchange Club of Trenton has been instrumental in helping the Trenton community grow and develop over the past 90 years. By bringing together local leaders and concerned citizens, the Exchange Club has not only provided an important forum to discuss solutions to issues facing the Trenton area, but also helped drive action to make the city a better place to live and work. The Exchange Club of Trenton'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 Trenton on its 90th anniversary. The Exchange Club has successfully supported important local initiatives in Trenton since its founding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Specialist James C. McCloughan for his service as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. SPC McCloughan demonstrated extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill, and his actions as a combat medic saved the lives of his fellow service members during this encounter.

In 1969, then-Private First Class James McCloughan was serving as one of two medics between the 89-man Charlie Company when the group came under fire from an estimated 2,000 enemy soldiers. During the subsequent two-day Battle of Nui Yon Hill, then-PFC McCloughan braved heavy enemy gunfire to rescue and provide medical care to his fellow service members. Then-PFC McCloughan refused to leave the battle, fighting through shrapnel and gunfire wounds and continued to serve Charlie Company for the remainder of the battle. For his efforts during his service, he received multiple awards, including the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, the U.S. Army Valorous Unit Citation and the National Defense Medal. Additionally, SPC McCloughan was authorized to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War on December 27, 2016.

SPC McCloughan's remarkable record of valor during his service in the Vietnam War is worthy of special recognition. He went above and beyond the call of duty throughout his

military service to aid his comrades, and the fellow service members' lives he saved at great personal risk are a testament to his bravery. His tenacity and willingness to sacrifice on behalf of others is extraordinary and demonstrates his character. It is my hope that SPC McCloughan continues to receive the acclaim that his military record merits while serving as an inspiration for current service members.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring SPC James C. McCloughan for his courage under fire as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. SPC McCloughan saved countless lives through his actions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Bernstein for receiving the John Dingell Outstanding Public Official Award at the 2017 Governor's Fitness Awards Banquet. Mr. Bernstein has had an outstanding legal career and served as a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court with distinction.

After earning a law degree from Northwestern University in 1999, Mr. Bernstein joined the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein, where his work focused on defending the rights of the disabled. In addition to his work in ensuring that public facilities in Michigan are accessible by disabled individuals in accordance with federal law, Mr. Bernstein has also served as an advocate for disabled rights internationally through visits and lectures in various countries, including Australia, Ecuador and Israel. Mr. Bernstein has also compiled a distinguished career in public service. In addition to currently serving an 8-year term on the Michigan Supreme Court, Bernstein has previously been elected to the Wayne State University Board of Governors in 2002 and serving as its chair from 2009 to 2010.

Mr. Bernstein has fought tirelessly on behalf of Michigan residents and those with disabilities. During his time in private practice, Mr. Bernstein helped represent the Paralyzed Veterans of America in a case that resulted in improved accessibility to the University of Michigan's athletic facilities. In addition, his advocacy and effort have resulted in improved accessibility for disabled fliers at Detroit Metro Airport. For these accomplishments, Mr. Bernstein has received numerous awards, including the University of Michigan's James T. Neubacher Award for his work to ensure equal rights for individuals with disabilities. Mr. Bernstein's record of outstanding public service and advocacy on behalf of Michigan residents is more than deserving of this prestigious award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Richard Bernstein and his record of achievement. Mr. Bernstein's professional record and public service have benefited Michigan and are worthy of commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mike Ilitch for receiving the 2017 Vern Seefeldt Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Governor's Fitness Awards Banquet. Mr. Ilitch was a Detroit icon whose business and philanthropy have shaped Detroit and the surrounding communities.

A lifelong Detroiter, Mr. Ilitch joined the Marines after graduating from Cooley High School and then played professional baseball in the Detroit Tigers organization. He then began a pizza operation that, along with his success as a door-to-door salesman, earned enough money to open a dedicated restaurant called Little Caesar's. The chain became a massive success, and Mr. Ilitch used the proceeds to purchase the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers sports franchises. Additionally, Mr. Ilitch was a strong supporter of the city of Detroit, refurbishing the Fox Theatre and moving his business headquarters downtown in the 1980s, and continued to support education, nonprofit and civic initiatives in the city throughout his life.

Mr. Ilitch is a Detroit icon whose life and work impacted countless individuals and was crucial to the City of Detroit's revival. His passion and hard work created a world-class organization in Ilitch Holdings, and he was committed to helping Detroit and its citizens throughout his life. Additionally, Mr. Ilitch revived two of America's great sports teams in the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, bringing Detroit four Stanley Cups and two American League pennants while helping revitalize downtown. In addition, Mr. Ilitch was a committed philanthropist whose nonprofit organization, Ilitch Charities, invested in the community and future of southeast Michigan through its contributions to Detroit area civil groups. He was also a committed father and authentic individual with a kind heart, and he is missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mike Ilitch for receiving the 2017 Vern Seefeldt Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Ilitch was a once in a generation entrepreneur and philanthropist whose work impacted countless lives.