Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Enhancement Act introduced by Representative Stefanik of New York.

This bill would add the remaining portion of Saratoga County and Washington County in New York to the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.

First designated in 1996, this heritage area preserves and celebrates the nationally significant, cultural, and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley, including the significance of the location during the American Revolutionary War.

As a Member of this House, Representative Hinchey fiercely advocated for the success and growth of the heritage area throughout his career. His leadership and dedication made such an incredible mark that Congress chose to designate the area in his honor after he tragically passed away in 2017.

This bill is a fitting way to continue the success of the heritage area and honor his legacy. I urge support for this bill. I have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Councilwoman Karen George of Southgate, Michigan, as she is inducted into the Southgate Parks and Rec Hall of Fame this evening. Her decades of service to her community are worthy of commendation.

Karen first served on the Southgate City Council from 1983 to 1999. During this time she was the Council Liaison to many Boards, Commissions, and to the Southgate Community School District. After her retirement as an Adjunct Professor at Wayne State University, many residents urged her to run for City Council again. In her second term as Councilwoman, Karen is currently serving as Council Liaison to the Library Commission and the City Beautiful Commission.

In addition to her leadership chairing community events and working tirelessly to strengthen programs and services in Southgate, Karen is also legendary for her many and varied contributions to sports in the Southgate Community. An accomplished softball player herself, she coached and financially sponsored girl's softball for over thirty years. Karen believes that sports play a vital role in giving girls a strong sense of worth, a feeling of belonging, and provides discipline that extends off the field of play. She also helped organize the Southgate Men's Senior Citizen Softball team, which she managed for six years, as well as the Downriver Women's Softball League.

Karen is a storied athlete herself, having competed in the Downriver Senior Olympics for many years and earning 25 medals for her city. A gun enthusiast, she competed in pistol matches hosted by the Southgate and Taylor police departments and took 1st place in the 1989 Women's Division.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Councilwoman Karen George for all of her contributions to the sporting world in Southgate, Michigan. Her dedication over decades has led to a more cohesive and healthier community for all who live there.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Delphine Klaput of Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her century of service to her family, community, and Nation is worthy of commendation.

Delphine was born on November 23, 1924, in the small coal mining town of Cadogan, Pennsylvania. She was aware of the nastiness of war as her father, Angelo, served during World War I and was exposed to mustard gas, suffering side-effects from that exposure for the rest of his life.

Delphine met her future husband, George, while in high school. George and his twin brother, Joseph, joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 where they flew missions over Europe as gunners in B-17 bombers during World War II. During that time, Delphine dropped out of high school and moved to Baltimore, Maryland, to live with her uncle. Delphine's uncle got her a position as a classified documents clerk at the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company, where her daily duties consisted of keeping track of plans and small parts for the aircraft and distributing them to the appropriate people in the plant. Some of the plans she ferried around were classified as top secret.

Delphine and George were married in 1944 when he returned from Europe. They moved to Denver, Colorado, when George was stationed at Lowery Air Force Base. After a short stop in Greenville, Mississippi, they moved back to Cadogan, where their first three children, Sandra. Jerry, and Diana, were born.

In 1952, George and Delphine moved their family to Royal Oak, Michigan, where they had two more children, Cheryl and Mary Jane. Delphine was a stay-at-home mom while their children were growing up and sewed clothes and crocheted in her spare time. When her children were older, she took a job at the local clothes cleaner doing alterations. She also started volunteering at the nearby senior center. In her mid-70s, Delphine went to work at Costco doing demonstrations for 16 years. In April of this year, Delphine along with a delegation of 27 original Rosies went to Washington, DC, where they were presented with Congressional Gold Medals, honoring all Rosie the Riveters for their service during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th birthday of Delphine Klaput, a woman who answered the call of duty at the tender age of 18 and served our country with dignity in its darkest hours. We thank her for her service and wish her much laughter and blessings in her 101st year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Genesis of Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Housing both a Jewish and a Episcopal congregation, Genesis of Ann Arbor exemplifies interfaith understanding, cooperation, and friendship. For the past five decades, Genesis has been a beacon of hope, tolerance, and community in southeast Michigan.

In 1969, Temple Beth Emeth moved into the building housing St. Clare's Episcopal Church. While their relationship was always harmonious, by 1974, the members of Temple Beth Emeth felt that their congregation had grown large enough to warrant its own synagogue. St. Clare's Reverend, Doug Evett, offered to Temple Beth Emeth's Rabbi, Bruce Warshal, that the two congregations become one legal entity. The offer was accepted, and Genesis of Ann Arbor was founded in 1975.

From the time that the two congregations began their relationship, Genesis of Ann Arbor was a ray of light during the tumultuous 1960's and 1970's. The congregations continued to grow, and Temple Beth Emeth is now the largest Jewish congregation in Washtenaw County, Michigan. These congregations were, and still are, a reminder that whatever their differences may be, two communities can come together around an understanding of shared principles. This includes an annual pulpit exchange between the two congregations' clergy as well as a joint Thanksgiving service. Every year over Thanksgiving, they jointly host the Rotating Shelter, which provides a weeklong overnight shelter for men experiencing homelessness. A local non-profit food bank, Food Gatherers, has hosted its Back Door Food Pantry there for several years, where members of both the church and the synagogue donate to and volunteer at the food pantry.

Since its founding, Genesis of Ann Arbor has shown that the joining of two congregations can reinforce common values while maintaining distinct religious traditions. Over the decades, the members of Genesis have fought for a wide range of goals rooted in those values, from advancing racial justice to combating the climate crisis. Their commitment to the environment is proven by only using renewable energy to power the building by the large solar panel array they had installed on their roof as well as switching from gas heat to geothermal heating and cooling. Two years ago, the congregations organized their first annual Ann Arbor Climate Teach-In at Genesis. The event served as an opportunity to draw environmental advocates together to discuss important climate issues, and I have sincerely enjoyed participating both years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of Genesis of Ann Arbor. Its members represent the spirit of America, serving their community and promoting peace, and understanding, all while worshipping in their own way. We wish them the best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mandy Grewal, Supervisor of Pittsfield Charter Township, Michigan, on the occasion of her retirement. Her decades of public service to the residents of Pittsfield Township and Washtenaw County are worthy of commendation.

Mandy was born in Chandigarh, India as the youngest of three children. Her father, a Brigadier General in the Indian Army who she describes as the ``original feminist'', and her mother encouraged Mandy and her sister, in the early 1990's, to move to the United States so they could pursue their graduate studies. Mandy graduated with a Master's degree in Development, Trade & Planning from Eastern Michigan University. She went on to work as an Institutional Research Analyst at EMU before moving to the Great Lakes Commission where she found her passion for environmental preservation. This led to her pursuing a doctoral degree in Urban Planning at the University of Michigan.

After graduating with her doctoral degree in 2004, Mandy became active with the Washtenaw County Democratic Party and was appointed to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners in April 2006. Mandy campaigned for her first election later that year and was elected to the position of Pittsfield Charter Township Supervisor. She was the first woman and first person of color elected to the township supervisor's position and said she is proud to have been a part of a diversification of the township board, now majority women and among the most racially diverse elected bodies in the county.

Along with cultivating a culture of team work at Township Hall, Mandy credits her many successes to the partnerships she nurtured in the community, not just with Pittsfield residents but also through her civic engagement at Ann Arbor SPARK, Michigan Association of Planning, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study, Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, SAFE House Center, Therapeutic Riding Inc., Urban County, and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. Some notable accomplishments under her tenure include pioneering multimodal transportation in the Township by installing connecting sidewalks, bike lanes, and improving public transportation. She also was crucial in Canton acquiring over $60 million in grant funding to push through such legacy projects as the Public Safety Building improvements and Michigan Avenue reconstruction. Outside of her position as Supervisor, Mandy serves as Chairperson of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) where she is also a member of both the Executive Committee and the Finance & Budget Committee. In 2021, she was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Michigan Municipal Services Authority and in 2022 was appointed to the Board of the Michigan Planning Association.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to celebrate the tremendous career of Mandy Grewal. Under Mandy's leadership, Pittsfield Township has become an example of how inclusive, respectful, and transparent planning practices, undertaken with patience and consistency, can yield a physical and cultural landscape that is both sustainable and equitable. I thank Mandy and we are excited to see what she accomplishes in her next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia Scribner, Treasurer of Pittsfield Charter Township, Michigan, on the occasion of her retirement. Her decades of public service to the residents of Pittsfield Township and Washtenaw County are worthy of commendation.

Patricia got her start in local politics when she joined the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission in 1989. She is still a member and has been serving as the commission's Vice President since 2007. A resident of Pittsfield Charter Township for thirty years, she has been the Township Treasurer since 2008.

Patricia's time as the Township Treasurer has been a boon for the Township and the surrounding areas. Under her direction, the Treasurers Office set a higher standard for fiduciary responsibility, resulting in Standard & Poor's Bond Rating for the Township being upgraded by two steps to AA+. They also implemented additional tax payment options, updated software programs to increase efficiency, and implemented an online payment system for Parks and Rec programs. She has earned the Michigan Certified Professional Treasurer (MiCPT), credential certified by the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association (MMTA) in 2011. Patricia has continued to maintain her credential as a MiCPT through a yearly MMTA program accredited by Central Michigan University and through additional treasury-specific education offered by the MMTA.

Outside of her work with the Treasurer's Office, Patricia also serves on Pittsfield Charter Township's Board of Trustees, Washtenaw County Treasurers Association, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission, Pittsfield Historic District Commission, and the Arts & Culture Excellence in Pittsfield Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to celebrate the tremendous career of Patricia Scribner. Her dedication to her community and determination to be the best Treasurer she can be is a shining example of what we should expect from our elected officials. I thank her for her service and wish her the best as she opens up the next chapter of her life. I thank Patricia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Steven Sneideman of Canton, Michigan, on the occasion of his retirement from Canton Township's Board of Trustees. His dedication to his community during a career of service is worthy of commendation.

Steven started out his education career by earning his Bachelor's degree in economics from Harvard University and a Master of Business Administration from New York University. Steven moved to Canton in 1994 and over the

last three decades has held multiple positions helping the Canton community. He served on the Partnership for the Art Board and the Plymouth-Canton School Board from 2006 to 2012, where he was President for two years. While on the board, Steven was instrumental in diversity and inclusion programs at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and adding Chinese Language to the curriculum.

After his time on the Partnership for the Art and School Boards, Steven was elected to Canton's Board of Trustees in 2016. He has been instrumental in the passing of the Human Rights ordinance, as well as the Canton roads program and the balancing of the township budget. In recognition of his hard work and dedication to his community, Steven was inducted into the Canton Hall of Fame in 2019 as a resident that has supported the community for many years. From preserving green spaces to addressing deteriorating and crowded roads and ensuring equal rights for all that live there, Steven has consistently showed the love that he has for his community. Presently, Steven is the Chairman of the Canton Community Foundation and has led the foundation in offering scholarships to students, providing grants to organizations for local youth and seniors, as well as veteran support. Steven has done all this while balancing being a global program manager for AT&T and a dedicated family man to his wife, Kelli, and his two daughters, Maggie and Emily.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to celebrate the tremendous career of Steven Sneideman as he continues to be a pillar of the Canton community and is a beloved friend and neighbor. I thank Steven.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lincoln Consolidated Schools of Augusta Township, Michigan on the occasion of their Centennial Celebration. Their steadfast commitment to the education of our area's youth over the last 100 years is worthy of commendation.

Dr. Marvin Pittman was a visionary educator in the early 1920's who believed in the strength and power of public education. The consolidation of thirteen one-room schools was voted for by the community on May 2, 1923, and in April 1924, the cornerstone of a new K-12 school was laid. This school was named Lincoln Consolidated School in connection between the equal education opportunity ideals of Abraham Lincoln and the goals of the district. Once welcoming 500 students in 1924, Lincoln now hosts a diverse student population of over 3,000.

Lincoln Consolidated Schools District is currently home to four elementary schools, one middle school, and one enlarged high school. Their commitment to developing students into high-achieving, inspired adults is exemplified through their partnership with Eastern Michigan University's Early College Alliance. At no cost, high school students are given the opportunity to experience higher education and earn college credits, opening their eyes to the possibilities after graduation. With a $25 million bond passed in 2018, the district was able to improve facilities for athletics, fine arts, technology, and more. The Lincoln Athletic Building, with new fitness and multi-sport areas was opened in 2021 and showcases the district's dedication to community involvement by encouraging community members to also utilize the space.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the staff, students, and community that have made Lincoln Consolidated Schools a tremendous educational environment for the last century. Dr. Pittman would be proud of how they have continued to build upon his ideals for public education. I am excited to see the district foster and encourage this community's students for the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Pastor Jermaine Johnston of Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the 8th anniversary of his Founder's Day. Since 2016, his ministry ``Berea City of Hope'' has been a beacon of good will for the community and his work is worthy of commendation.

Pastor Johnston came to Ypsilanti as a young boy when his family relocated from Brooklyn, New York. His path to the ministry is not all surprising, as he was often referred to as ``the little preacher'' by those who knew him. Raised by a single mother, Pastor Johnston grew up attending the St. James Church of God in Christ in Ypsilanti. He was a devoted church drummer for over 20 years, but despite everyone's expectations, he had no desire to preach.

After attending a transformational service at Burning Bush International Ministries, Pastor Johnston decided to heed the calling and dedicate his life to the church. Under the guidance of then Pastor Don W. Shelby, Jr., Pastor Johnston served as an armorbearer, observing, learning and growing spiritually. In 2008, he was licensed as a minister, and in 2010, he was ordained as an elder by Bishop John H. Sheard. His dedication to the ministry led to his appointment as an Assistant Pastor in 2015.

In the summer of 2016, Pastor Johnston brought the idea of having his own ministry to life, opening up the Berea City of Hope in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Together with his wife, Lena, the last eight years has seen Berea City of Hope truly become a bastion of hope for their community. This year, they will be hosting then 6th annual Back to School Fair, where they will be giving out free backpacks and school supplies to the neediest in the community. They also run a food pantry on the 3rd Saturday of each month, a summer literacy program, and a coat drive in the winter.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the accomplishments of Pastor Jermaine Johnston and all of the good he has done for his community. It is leaders like Pastor Johnston that make our communities safer, stronger, and more prosperous. We thank him for his service, and are excited to see how his ministry continues to serve his community well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 101st Anniversary of Turkish Republic Day and the contributions of the Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan (TACAM) in strengthening the relationship between Turkiye and the United States. Their steadfast commitment to the improvement of the humanitarian and cultural welfare of the Turkish community both locally and internationally is worthy of commendation.

The founding of the Turkish Republic on October 29, 1923, symbolizes the immense resilience and determination of the Turkish people. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his beliefs in the importance of culture and humanity through the establishment of a progressive, democratic state are representative of the core values of modern-day Turkiye. On this 101st Anniversary of Turkiye Republic Day, we celebrate the continued peace and security of the region and the unified ties between Turkiye and the United States.

Since 1972, the Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan has been dedicated to upholding the values of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in their work for Turkish-American communities. They have been a strong voice for the Turkish people, fostering and executing programs that have advanced economic, social, educational, and general welfare for Turkish communities. The leadership they have brought to the state of Michigan, especially its 6th Congressional District, has enriched our communities with Turkish culture, making Michigan a more inclusive and thriving state.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 101st Anniversary of Turkish Republic Day and the contributions of the Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan in Turkish-American communities. The strong ties between Turkiye and the United States are made possible by the remarkable work of Turkish-American organizations like TACAM and Michigan is proud to be a beneficiary of their efforts. I am excited to see the continued accomplishments of TACAM and Turkish- Americans in Michigan and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the historic work conducted by the Institute of Social Research, or ISR, at the University of Michigan in the social sciences. As one of the world's largest and oldest academic survey research organizations, the ISR has paved the way for modern social science methods across the globe. Their work is worthy of recognition.

The ISR's founding director, Rensis Likert, creator of the Likert scale, along with six of his colleagues from the Bureau of Agricultural Economics established the institute in 1948. One of the center's first major projects was changing the way they sampled people to conduct polling for the 1948 U.S. presidential election between Harry Truman and Thomas Dewey. While most national polls, using biased methods, predicted a Dewey landslide, the ISR accurately concluded that Harry Truman had a popular advantage.

Currently, the ISR consists of five separate, but interdependent centers, including the Center for Political Studies, Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research, Population Studies Center, Research Center for Group Dynamics, and the Survey Research Center. These five centers are home to over 300 professionally acclaimed research scientists ranging from over 20 academic disciplines that focus on the fields of governance, economics, demographics, inequality, health, and sustainability. Some of the institute's major projects include the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, which has become an industry standard in indicating how American consumers feel about the general economy. The American National Election Studies, founded in 1948 by the ISR, has been the oldest continuous research study

producing high-quality voting and public opinion data in the country. Methods developed at ISR have helped academics, government agencies, and corporations for 75 years learn about how people think and act.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending the incredible work conducted by the ISR at the University of Michigan for the past 75 years. Their dedication to continually improving the rigor of the social sciences has made an everlasting impact across Ann Arbor, Michigan, the United States, and the world. Their educational and training programs have influenced the social sciences everywhere. Thousands of researchers who work around the country have had training ISR, and they produce high-quality studies on the full spectrum of human behavior. ISRs impact cannot be overstated, and their work should be celebrated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 8th annual Chinese American Culture and Arts Festival for Detroit China Day. This year also marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of U.S.-China relations, a time to recognize the cultural and economic contributions of Chinese Americans to Michigan. Detroit China Day, which allows the community to experience the richness of Chinese culture and to build stronger ties with members of our community, is worthy of commendation.

Michigan's 6th Congressional District is home to one of the largest concentrations of Chinese Americans in the Midwest. In these challenging times, when our Nation faces divisions that may seem insurmountable, it is essential to embrace and celebrate our diversity. This festival is a testament to the power of unity among different cultures through showcasing Chinese performances, fashion shows, live paintings, food and tea tastings, and more. By sharing and educating our fellow community members on our stories, traditions, and art, we can bridge divides and cultivate understanding to strengthen the bonds that connect us all.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of U.S.- China relations and provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on the contributions of Chinese Americans to our community, state, and Nation. Their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and hard work have been pivotal in driving economic growth and fostering a thriving business environment. Chinese American professionals and entrepreneurs have left an indelible mark on our economic landscape, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 8th annual Chinese American Culture and Arts Festival for Detroit China Day and the 45th anniversary of the normalization of U.S.-China relations. For the last eight years, this festival has been monumental in cultivating a deeper appreciation for

the ways in which Chinese culture has enhanced the American way of life, celebrating decades of contributions to Michigan's communities and economy. I thank Detroit and its community members for their commitment to hosting the Chinese American Culture and Arts Festival, and we are excited to see how the festival will continue to educate and unite the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ann Arbor CROP Hunger Walk on the 50th anniversary of their efforts in the fight against hunger. The contributions that this event has made to Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities in support of access to meals and greater food security are worthy of commendation.

The Crop Project began in 1947 when farmers were asked to donate food and seed crop to post-World War II Europe and Asia. They soon expanded their target to ending hunger at home as well. The first CROP Hunger Walks took place in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1969 and York, Pennsylvania in 1970. Since then, CROP Hunger Walks have grown to over 1,300 annual events across the nation with thousands of participating communities raising funds to eradicate hunger worldwide. 75 percent of the money raised at a CROP Hunger Walk is used to support global grassroot organizations while 25 percent of the funds stays in the host community for local hunger fighting agencies.

Ann Arbor held its first CROP Hunger Walk only four years after the program's founding. The city has helped raise, on average, $30,000 to $45,000 each year. That money has supported various community based programs and non-profits, dedicated to assisting all people with access to healthy food options, personal hygiene products, accessible housing, affordable health care, and more. The success of their CROP Hunger Walk would not be possible without the devotion of its volunteers and participants. As more communities have begun hosting their own CROP Hunger Walks, the committed community members of Ann Arbor have carried on this tradition and will continue to do so in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Ann Arbor CROP Hunger Walk and the contributions it has made to the fight against hunger. For the last 50 years, the event has brought together Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities in support of the common goal to end hunger. Thanks to the efforts of all participants and volunteers, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised to fund local hunger-fighting programs in Ann Arbor and support global efforts to end world hunger and poverty. We thank the Ann Arbor CROP Hunger Walk for its service to Michigan and are excited to see how the event continues serving the community in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Deb Polich and to celebrate her work as a champion for the arts and creative industries in Washtenaw County, Michigan. As President and CEO of Creative Washtenaw and Artrain, Inc., Deb's commitment to advancing the arts in Michigan is worthy of commendation.

Deb attended Eastern Michigan University where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Arts Administration. She started her career in the arts at the historic Michigan Theater where she assisted in the theatre restoration initiative. Launching the ``Not Just for Kids'' program, she increased family and child involvement in the performing arts in Ann Arbor, where she was an inspiration for those of all ages to get started in the arts.

As President of Artrain, Inc. for over three decades, she has worked tirelessly to deliver inspirational museum galleries to local communities using a museum-on-a-train model. Travelling across Michigan and the United States, her 600 plus visits meant that countless individuals--from schoolchildren to grandparents--experienced Artrain programs and many became creative practitioners, consumers, and supporters themselves. Her mentorship and leadership throughout the United States was recognized by First Lady Laura Bush, who presented Deb with the National Medal for Museum Service in 2006.

Her energy seemingly has no limitations as Deb frequently involves herself in multiple projects in order to spread the message on the importance of art and culture in Michigan. As Founder and President/CEO of Creative Washtenaw, she spearheaded the effort to create an agency based in Washtenaw County

that aims to directly support artists, businesses, and the government to maintain the region's dominance in the artistic and creative industry. By connecting industries and communities all over the greater Ann Arbor area, she has directly led to the flourishing creative scene in Washtenaw County.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the magnificent career of Deb Polich and congratulating her as she moves on to the next chapter of her life. Her dedication to her community and country in advancing the field of art has created a more beautiful world for us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of Congressman David Curson and to grieve his passing. A dedicated member of the United Auto Workers, he has forever fought for the right of working-class Americans and his work should be commended.

David always had a strong connection to the working people of the United States. Following his high school graduation, David started working at the Libby-Owens-Ford Glass Company. He then enrolled at the University of Toledo but had to drop out after being drafted into the United States Marine Corps in during the height of the Vietnam War.

After his return in 1970, David started working at the Ford Rawsonville Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan where he worked as a Die Maker Journeyman. At his plant, David became increasingly involved with the UAW and was eventually elected as the UAW Plant Chairman for the factory. During his tenure with the union, he served as Director of Special Projects and Economic Analysis as well as executive assistant to three UAW presidents including Steve Yokich and Ron Gettelfinger.

Upon the resignation of Representative Thaddeus McCotter, David won the special election to replace the vacant seat from Michigan's 11th congressional district. Congressman Curson immediately stated his intentions of retiring after serving the remainder of the six-week term, demonstrating his dedication to the American people and not himself. During his time in Congress, he expressed his strong support for the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which he believed would strengthen the middle class.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating and remembering the life of Congressman David Curson and all that he accomplished. His dedication to his country, community, family will not be forgotten. His passion for strengthening the conditions for working Americans, inspired by his own working-class upbringing, drove so much of his work and impacted so many. His impact should be celebrated and remembered.