Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Women in Data Science Conference (WiDS) and the Michigan In Data Science professors and scholars who are participating in this forum. WiDS plays an important role in bringing together world-class researchers to share cutting edge findings and best practices.

The Women in Data Science conference is a Stanford University- affiliated technical conference that brings together the latest data science techniques and findings across a variety of disciplines. The conference features exclusively women speakers and includes seven distinguished scholars from the University of Michigan from its College of Engineering and School of Information. Their research covers a variety of fields including healthcare, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Additionally, it includes a poster session to showcase current student and faculty research as well as a livestream featuring industry and academic leaders at Stanford University.

Data science is a new field that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of a variety of disciplines, and forums like WiDS play a critical role driving advances by facilitating knowledge transfer between top scholars and industry researchers. It is inspiring to see women from the University of Michigan leading the way in publishing groundbreaking discoveries that further our understanding of critical areas like healthcare, communications and statistical analysis. The real-world impact of this research underscores the importance of the work being showcased, and it is my hope that the University of Michigan continues to be a leader in this field.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the University of Michigan researchers and other participants in the Women in Data Science Conference. The innovative research and support for women help inspire and educate individuals about the important work being done on data science across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Margaret Mary Canty, RSCJ for her life and service and work on behalf of the southeast Michigan community. As a former headmistress and current member of the Academy of the Sacred Heart's Board of Trustees, Sister Canty has served the school and community at large through her tireless efforts and service.

As Headmistress of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills from 1988 through 2000, Sister Canty's leadership played a critical role in helping the school grow and evolve to meet the needs of the students, staff and community at large. Under Sister Canty, the school established the Early Childhood Program and oversaw a successful capital campaign that allowed it to expand its science facilities and build a new After School Learning center. These actions helped the Academy of Sacred Heart modernize and serve a new generation of students. After she left Sacred Heart in 2000, Sister Canty worked with the Kenwood Academy (now Doane Stuart) in New York, in a variety of positions to help the school restructure and serve its retired RCSJs. Today, Sister Canty serves on the Academic of the Sacred Heart's Board of Trustees, where she provides guidance and advice to the school.

Sister Canty's life of service and leadership has inspired a new generation of thoughtful and community-minded students and educators. Her tenure at both Sacred Heart and Doane Stuart was transformative, and the initiatives that she has championed continue to help cultivate a new generation of Sacred Heart leaders. It is my hope that these institutions will build on Sister Canty's legacy of excellence in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Margaret Mary Canty, RSCJ on her 50th Jubilee for her lifetime of service and accomplishments. Sister Canty has served the southeast Michigan community well through her work with the Academy of the Sacred Heart and the critical role her involvement played in its growth and development.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to give voice to my constituents and their families whose worlds have been turned upside down following President Trump's executive order last Friday, which they feel is directed at Muslims. Since the order was signed, we have been flooded with calls, with messages; and no matter where I am in the district, people are scared and terrified.

I cannot convey to this House enough the feelings of individuals who have gone through a stringent vetting process, who hold green cards, who are official legal residents--in some cases, even citizens--who are afraid that someone is going to knock on their door at 3 a.m. and take and deport them from this country. They are real people.

The Detroit headlines are full today of stories of an Iraqi whose mother died, who had served with the military in Iraq, and was trying to bring his mother back. He is an American citizen. Another is a doctor whose wife is in Qatar and had taken her baby home--both here legally.

We all care about keeping this Nation safe. We also have to protect the fundamental pillars of our Constitution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize University of Michigan Head Softball Coach Carol Hutchins for receiving the ATHENA International Leadership Award. Coach Hutchins has had a distinguished career and helped the University of Michigan softball team achieve success on and off the field.

Coach Hutchins joined the University of Michigan softball program in 1983 as an Assistant Coach and became Head Coach in 1985. During her tenure, the Wolverines have become one of the premier softball programs in the country and have reached the Women's College World Series in 12 of the last 22 seasons. In addition, Coach Hutchins has won over 1,400 career victories with the team, more than any other coach in Michigan athletics history. In recognition for her teams' stellar performance, Hutchins has earned 16 Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year honors, 9 National Fastpitch Softball Association Regional Coach of the Year awards, and was inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame in 2006. Hutchins' teams have also excelled academically, with the team achieving 100% graduation rate and 135 student-athletes earns Academic All-Big Ten honors.

Coach Hutchins has also distinguished herself through her service to the Ann Arbor community. In 2010, she founded the Michigan Softball Academy, a one-night on-field clinic for adults that raises funds for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative. To date, Coach Hutchins and the Michigan Softball Academy have raised nearly $750,000 for the organization. This level of support underscores her commitment to helping those in need. In addition, Coach Hutchins has been a fierce advocate for Title IX and works to support LGBTQ equality as well.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Carol Hutchins for receiving the ATHENA International Leadership Award. She is more than deserving of such an honor, and it is my hope that she continues to excel on the field and in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emily Torrance for receiving the ATHENA Youth Leadership Award in recognition of her public service to better the Ann Arbor community. Emily's advocacy on behalf of less fortunate in the Ann Arbor community has helped improve the lives of the homeless.

Ms. Torrance has distinguished herself with her volunteer and philanthropic achievements that have achieved concrete results on behalf of Ann Arbor's homeless population. As a sixth grader, Ms. Torrance started S4 the Homeless after an encounter with homeless people on a cold day. In order to provide resources for those in need, Ms. Torrance hand knit and sold scarves. With the profits from these sales, she began bulk purchasing sub-zero sleeping bags at discounted rates. She was able to contact social services and work with these organizations to distribute the sleeping bags to help those in need. These provided shelter and warmth during the cold winter months in southeast Michigan. Ms. Torrance has since pivoted the organization's direction to sell services and better provide for the needs of the homeless.

Ms. Torrance is now in 9th grade but continues her work to provide aid to those in need through S4 the Homeless. She advocates for the homeless through her school and in the community at large, and her efforts are instrumental to raising awareness and driving action to better provide for these individuals. Emily has motivated others to be more active within their communities, and it is inspiring to see her begin the journey of public service at such a young age. It is my hope that Ms. Torrance continues to serve her community in new and innovative ways in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Emily Torrance for her years of service to the Ann Arbor community through S4 the Homeless. Ms. Torrance's advocacy on behalf of those less fortunate is inspiring and worthy of commendation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ana Skidmore, entrepreneur and founder of TwoFoot Creative, for receiving the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award. Ana has achieved business success through her hard work and vision in founding TwoFoot Creative, a wedding and event planning organization that has successfully served the community for 10 years.

Founded in 2007 by Ms. Skidmore, TwoFoot Creative has established a reputation as a premier wedding and planning organization that effectively serves its clients. The organization offers full service wedding planning services, including negotiating contracts, invitation design and comprehensive scheduling of the wedding week for clients. TwoFoot Creative has received many accolades for its outstanding service, including being named a Knot ``Best Of'' wedding planning company for seven years in a row. In addition, colleagues have named TwoFoot as having the ``Best Team'' at the wedding industry's Event Professionals in Class Awards that are held annually in Metro Detroit. These awards and distinctions speak to the high quality of work and effective service that the organization provides to its clients.

The success and acclaim of TwoFoot Creative speaks to the vision and tireless efforts of Ms. Skidmore and the other team members. Starting a successful company requires a unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit, vision and leadership that few possess. Having created an award-winning organization that consistently wins praise from its clients and other industry professionals, Ms. Skidmore has proven to exemplify these values. I am proud to recognize Ms. Skidmore and TwoFoot Creative for their success, and it is my hope that they continue to grow and serve the community in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ana Skidmore for her outstanding entrepreneurial success. The acclaim and business success of TwoFoot are inspiring and deserving of the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sue Schooner, founder of Girls' Group, for receiving the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award. Sue has leveraged her background in management to create a first-class organization that helps girls in need.

Ms. Schooner founded Girls Group in 2003 to provide support for young women to achieve self-sufficiency by becoming first-generation college graduates. The group supports approximately 300 middle school through college age girls through a variety of programs. These include in- school programs in participating middle and high schools that promote academic and college planning, as well as one-on-one mentoring and homework support groups to provide further academic assistance. Girls Group also offers College Prep tours to historically black colleges and universities as well as other colleges in the Midwest. This comprehensive offering has been integral to providing young women with access to opportunities and establishing support networks to help them succeed academically and professionally.

The growth and success of Girls Group is a testament to Ms. Schooner's hard work and dedication to the organization. Through the work of Girls Group staff and volunteers, hundreds of young women have been empowered to pursue their dreams. The group has also played a pivotal role in helping the girls' emotional and life skills development, and the record of success in improving these girls' lives speaks to the impact that Girls Group has had. The organization and staff continue to inspire, and it is my hope that the organization continues to be a positive force in the community in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Sue Schooner for her work with Girls Group. The group has enabled young women in southeast Michigan to achieve their academic and life goals through its multifaceted academic and support programs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber's 50 Year Anniversary on the date of its Business to Business Exposition Best of Downriver Black Tie Event. The SWCRC has played a critical role in promoting business and economic development by providing training and leadership opportunities to the Downriver community.

Since its founding in 1967, the SWCRC has helped the Downriver business community grow and prosper. The SWCRC today has over 650 members and provides them with a variety of networking, business development and education programs. The SWCRC gives emerging leaders in Southern Wayne County education and training through its Leadership 21 initiative, a six month program that gives individuals multidisciplinary training in the fields of economic development, government and healthcare. Additionally, the Chamber offers opportunities to network and meet other members of the business community, as well as promotional events and roundtables with leaders in a variety of fields. These services have allowed businesses to better serve the individuals in the Downriver area, have helped to improve the business climate in Southern Wayne County and have contributed to the economic revival of southeast Michigan.

The SWCRC's efforts have been instrumental in creating a strong business community that effectively serves the Downriver area. Its efforts have inspired a new generation of business leaders who are uniquely equipped to address the issues facing the community. It has also allowed organizations in the area to share best practices and better serve Downriver. I am proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of the SWCRC and its members, and it is my hope that they continue to make Southern Wayne County a great place to live and work in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Southern Wayne Regional Chamber and its 50 years of success. Its work on behalf of the Downriver community has played a key role in helping the area grow and develop while providing jobs and other opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, last weekend, I held a roundtable discussion in my district with healthcare providers, hospitals, doctors, nurses, clinics, labor leaders, and working families

to talk about what the Affordable Care Act means to them. All of them are opposed and concerned for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

We talked about how important it was to protect the 695,000 Michiganders who have gained coverage since the ACA was enacted and the fact that the uninsured rate in Michigan has been cut in half.

The story that struck me the most was from a local clergyman, Bishop Walter Starghill, who gained coverage for the first time through Medicaid expansion. He told me:

The impact on Black men with increased access to insurance

coverage is big. We didn't take care of ourselves until it

was too late. We ended up in the emergency room and some of

us died. Now we can get checked out early.

I heard from another local UAW worker who said:

I come from a family where many members have struggled with

cancer. We wouldn't have healthcare coverage after leaving

our jobs or we'd have gone bankrupt without the ACA.

Everywhere I go in the district, people are frightened and come up and say: What will happen?

Tomorrow, you need to look people in the eye and tell them why you are taking their insurance away.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Azizah al- Hibri, a distinguished women's and human rights advocate, on receiving the prestigious ACCESS Purple Rose Award. As a Member of Congress it is both my privilege and honor to recognize Dr. al-Hibri for her many years of service and contributions which have enriched and strengthened our community.

Dr. al-Hibri is the Founder and Chair of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights. KARAMAH is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting human rights throughout the globe, especially focusing on gender equity, religious freedom and civil rights in the United States. KARAMAH translates as ``dignity'' in Arabic and the stated vision of the organization is ``Dignity for All.'' In 1993, Dr. al-Hibri, then a law professor and

noted Islamic scholar at the University of Richmond, was inspired by the verse which reads: ``We have given dignity to the Children of Adam.'' With faithful commitment to the idea that this verse establishes the fact that human dignity is bestowed upon all human beings, Dr. al-Hibri has committed herself to advancing this understanding of the unalienable rights of women, a cause she continues to champion today.

Dr. al-Hibri has dedicated her life to education, legal outreach and advocacy. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. al-Hibri is a Fulbright scholar and is the founding editor of the journal Hypatia, which is dedicated to Feminist philosophy, particularly as it relates to Muslim women. Recognizing the national importance of her voice and contributions, in 2011 President Obama appointed Dr. al-Hibri to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a truly deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Dr. al- Hibri for her many contributions to our community and her leadership in advancing Human Rights. I wish her many more years of health, happiness, and productive advocacy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise in opposition to the rule and the underlying bill. I may be new to this Chamber, but it sure seems like Groundhog Day around here to me. This is the 56th time my friends on the other side of the aisle have tried to repeal or weaken this landmark law, and the puzzle for me is that I know that they believe in so many of the provisions and support them.

Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, millions of people who didn't have insurance now have it and have signed up for the marketplace plans; 299,000 in Michigan alone.

I know my friends on the other side of the aisle believe that nobody's health coverage should be dropped when they suddenly get diagnosed with cancer. I know my friends on the other side of the aisle don't want to tell 129 million Americans that they are going to be denied insurance because they have a preexisting condition. I know my friends don't want to kick young people off their parents' insurance plan, and I know they never want to go

back to the days of lifetime caps on health coverage or tell seniors they have got to start paying more for their medicine again. This is why I am totally perplexed, because if this bill were to pass, over 9.5 million Americans would be hurt and left behind without access to quality, affordable coverage.

The ACA may not be perfect. The last perfect law that there was agreement on was the Ten Commandments; and honestly, in today's climate, I am not sure we could get it through the Congress today. I urge my colleagues to work together with us on how to improve the law instead of constantly trying to do something they don't believe in.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 240, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2015. Without further action by Congress, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will face a shutdown on February 28, 2015. Everyone agrees DHS should receive robust funding to carry out their mission of keeping the American people safe, and I'm pleased to see there is bipartisan, bicameral agreement on funding levels for the agency. However, I am very disappointed that the Republican majority had decided to add poison- pill amendments to this legislation related to the President's actions on immigration. This is putting the American people at risk and is unacceptable.

Global tensions remain high following the terrorist attacks in France, and we should not be letting down our guard at this critical time. Yet this is exactly what we are doing by passing H.R. 240 today. This legislation has no chance of being signed into law, as President Obama has already said he would veto the bill. If my friends on the other side of the aisle are so concerned about immigration, they should work with Democrats in a bipartisan manner on comprehensive immigration reform. I stand ready to work with them on this critical issue.

I want to address the DeSantis Amendment to this legislation. As a woman who is active on domestic violence issues, I will always do everything in my power to protect victims of abuse. However, this amendment is misleading and I am afraid it could have unintended consequences if adopted. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that this amendment would discourage victims of domestic violence from reporting abuse to the proper authorities. I also spoke with domestic violence groups in Michigan, and they have pointed out the unintended consequences of this amendment as well. We need to make it easier to report incidents of domestic violence, not harder, which is why I am opposing the DeSantis amendment today.

In the meantime, we should pass a clean DHS appropriations bill so the operations of this critical department can continue uninterrupted. Their mission is simply too important to jeopardize. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 240.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon regarding Fast Track authorization.

There are many reasons to oppose Fast Track, but the first and foremost is that Fast Track is an abdication of Congress' fundamental responsibilities.

The Constitution authorizes the Congress, not the executive branch, to regulate commerce between nations. This

deal was negotiated by the administration, in secret, without the proper input or oversight from the Congress. The grapevine tells us-- because they are not talking to us directly--that it will do nothing to address currency manipulation, the mother of all trade barriers.

Just one consequence is an $8,000 cost advantage to a Japanese vehicle sold in the United States, which is then used to subsidize parts, advertising, or to undercut the cost of a vehicle in the marketplace. In fact, Toyota made more in profits last year from currency manipulation than Ford made last year in its entire worldwide operations.

What I know about the domestic auto industry is that they can outcompete any of their competitors in the world, but they cannot outcompete the Bank of Japan or the Japanese Government.

Those who care about the constitutional responsibilities of Congress should oppose Fast Track.

``Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States: but the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and

subject to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment, according to law.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act. While I welcome an open and transparent debate about whether building this pipeline is in our national interest, that is not what this legislation is about. Instead, we are being asked to circumvent the administration's permitting process and pass legislation that has been rushed to the House floor, without consideration by any committee or proceeding through regular order. This is no way to legislate.

The people of Michigan sent me to Congress to fight for our shared values. And no one knows better than the people of my state the importance of protecting our natural resources. This legislation puts those resources at risk by exempting the operators of the pipeline from paying into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which helps the federal government respond to oil spills. It also waives all the requirements of the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, both of which contain critical environmental protections that cannot be ignored. I simply cannot support legislation which sets these landmark laws aside.

Congress needs to have a real and thoughtful debate on how we promote clean energy in the United States. I am ready to have that debate, but until then, I cannot support flawed legislation that puts our natural resources at risk.

I urge all my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 3.