Floor Statements

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 1920s 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 Revolutionary War Veteran Dr. Eleazer Root on the occasion of the laying of a plaque in his honor at Oak Grove Cemetery located in Manchester, Michigan. Freedom is not free, and today we pause to remember a man who served his country with honor during the Revolutionary War. His service to our Nation at the time of its birth is worthy of commendation.

Born in Coventry, Connecticut in July of 1764, Dr. Root first enlisted in the Continental Army as a Private at the tender age of 15. He was stationed at West Point, New York, where he contributed to the fight for American independence. Following his military service, Dr. Root moved to Manchester, Michigan not long after its founding in the early 1800s. He died in 1837 at the age of 72, and Dr. Root's grave was the first at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Doctor Root is remembered for his honorable military service and dedication to our Nation. He is just one of the few native and adopted Michiganders who fought for our country during the revolution. It is important for us to honor the veterans of our community who fought for the freedom of our Nation, a value we continue to hold dear today. We are thankful for the path these soldiers laid out for past, present and future Americans over two centuries ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the honorable Dr. Eleazor Root as he is memorialized in Manchester, Michigan. We join with Americans everywhere in extending our thanks to the Huron Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Ypsilanti Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution for their work dedication to honoring Dr. Root in the run up to Nation's 250th anniversary. Today and every day, we honor the brave patriots we lost in the fight for our independence. We are grateful for their military service and their willingness to fight for the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) on the 80th anniversary of their founding. For the last 8 decades, NSF has been setting the standards for food and water sanitation in Michigan, North America, and around the world, and their contributions to the health of our people and our planet is worthy of commendation.

NSF was founded in 1944 by Walter Snyder, Henry Vaughan, and Nathan Sinai as a part of the University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Shortly afterwards the NSF formed the Council of Public Health Consultants, which introduced NSF Standards 1 and 2, marking the inception of food equipment standards in the United States. To date, NSF has developed more than 80 public health and safety standards that have been accepted by the American National Standards Institute.

In the decades since, the mission of NSF has become much larger and more diversified. They now not only have a Food Division, but also Health Sciences, Consumer Products, and Biological Safety. Education and training in food safety, water, health sciences, and consumer products is also offered to those in the industries. Serving manufacturers operating in over 180 countries, NSF has earned the Collaborating Center designations by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Food

and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Its 1,200+ staff includes microbiologists, toxicologists, chemists, engineers, food safety specialists, food scientists and public health professionals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring NSF for their accomplishments over the last 80 years. Their commitment to public health, safety, and the protection of the environment has fundamentally changed how the world operates, and their influence is crucial as we try to tackle the challenges facing our people and the planet in the 21st century. We thank them for their dedication and are excited to see the developments they make over the next 80 years. Thank you to NSF.

Madam Speaker, I thank my dear friend from Michigan, who has been a partner on all of these issues.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in very strong opposition to H.R. 7980, the so-called End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act. This bill will not end Chinese electric vehicle dominance. In reality, it will ensure it.

The Inflation Reduction Act's 30D tax credit was designed to level the playing field for American autoworkers who faced fierce competition from very heavily subsidized Chinese competitors. However, what this bill would effectively do is eliminate this vital tool, making it harder for American companies to compete.

Instead of promoting American innovation and creating jobs in this country, this bill would push companies to import more batteries from Chinese suppliers.

H.R. 7980 would lead to American job losses, and it would have a ripple effect throughout the economy. It would impact suppliers, manufacturers, and our domestic autoworkers throughout communities that rely on our domestic auto industry.

I will read a tweet from United Auto Workers this morning: ``The House GOP is going after nearly 2,000 battery manufacturing jobs in Michigan''--Mr. Kildee is in my home State--``that we negotiated under our master agreement. We urge a no vote on H.R. 7980. Don't get distracted by their rhetoric and don't take the bait. This bill is an attack on good union jobs in the United States, and we're not going to stand for it.''

That is the UAW, who wants those jobs here in the United States of America, not China.

If this bill passes, it will kill good-paying union auto manufacturing and building trade jobs here. This bill would undermine the United States' ability to compete in the global EV market, and it blatantly ignores the fact that American automakers are already diversifying their supply chains and reducing their reliance on China.

I remind my colleagues: I am not old, but I am seasoned. I was a child in the 1970s, but I remember when the domestic auto industry was caught flatfooted. The key to the American auto industry being competitive is we are competing in a global marketplace, not just here.

The global marketplace is demanding EVs. In the 1970s, the domestic auto industry wasn't ready for small-car vehicles when gasoline prices went up, and we lost a decade. We closed small towns in our State. We have never recovered. Those jobs have never come back.

Madam Speaker, I am committed with my colleagues in Michigan to keeping our industry competitive in a global marketplace. We cannot make that mistake again. This time, we must be ready to innovate and do so in a competitive way.

Republicans want to ship our jobs overseas. I want them home, here in this country. Democrats fight every day to ensure our jobs stay in our communities and invest in America.

At the end of the day, the bill hurts everyday Americans who support and have benefited the most from the IRA's historic domestic investments.

For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit

this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, which it did not, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill.

My amendment assures that certain investments made in reliance upon the rules and regulations promulgated under the Inflation Reduction Act are not undercut by Congress changing the rules.

This amendment ensures that these crucial projects that made significant investments upon the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act will continue to operate to produce EV batteries and electric vehicles here in this country and that the jobs that these investments have brought to the districts in which they are located won't be lost to foreign manufacturers.

We want them here. I want them built by American autoworkers; not subsidized by China, who wants to dominate us.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record the text of this amendment immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for this motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Earl and Diane Horning, residents of Manchester, Michigan, on the occasion of their induction into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame. Their hard work and dedication to their farm and their community over the last sixty years are worthy of commendation.

Horning Farms was founded in 1877 by German immigrants Gottlieb and Barbara Hornung. At that time, the primary purpose of the farm was to provide food for the family. The Hornung family, anglicized to ``Horning'' family, later made the decision to focus on dairy farming.

After attending Michigan State University, Earl Horning returned to Manchester to become the 4th generation to manage the family farm. Earl and Diane were married in 1964, and the last six decades has seen a massive expansion in the farm's dairy production. The farm's initial sixty cows in 1963 has grown to over four hundred cows, replacement heifers, and one hundred dairy beef. The Hornings additionally farm an impressive one thousand acres for feed and crops.

Earl and Diane have been involved in all things dairy since soon after they took over management of the farm. Earl served on the Michigan Milk Producers Advisory Committee as well as its board. He has also served as the Chairman of United Dairy Industry of Michigan, as well as the National Director for Dairy Management, Inc. Diane has been active in county, state, and national Farm Bureaus. She has spent time on the Farm Bureau's State Policy Development, Promotion and Education, and Washington Legislative Committees. Recently, she served as Director of the Michigan Farm Bureau Board and delegate to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the Horning's well-deserved induction into the Michigan Farmer Hall of Fame. With the 5th and 6th generations of Hornings now hard at work, it is safe to conclude that Earl and Diane's legacy will be living on well into the future. I thank them for their hard work, and congratulate them on this momentous achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sergeant William Barksdale, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. His dedication to his family, community, and Nation is worthy of commendation.

Sgt. Barksdale was born on August 3, 1924. Before enlisting in the U.S. Army, he was still a part of the war effort, building tank treads in Detroit. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 8, 1943, and served with the U.S. Army 415th Ordinance Evacuation Company during the Rhineland campaign in Central Europe during World War II. Sgt. Barksdale earned a plethora of awards during his time serving, including the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Medal, European Theater Medal, Army Occupation Germany Medal, and the Weapons Qualifications Sharpshooter (Carbine and Rifle).

After the war, Sgt. Barksdale earned a commission as First Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve and began to work at the GM Willow Run Transmission plant, formerly the Willow Run Bomber Assembly in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He also took full advantage of the G.I. Bill, graduating with honors from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University as a Geology major. He married the love of his life, Mary Jane Cosner, in 1949. He built their house in 1958, where he still lives today.

Notably, he has dedicated much of his time to his family, not only building a house for them but also a large garden. Impressively, he still maintains his own cars and those of his friends and family, and it is said that he can fix any appliance. His legacy of service also extends to his family, many of whom have themselves served this country valiantly. His two daughters served with the Red Cross Military Service, with one working for 25 years with the Department of Defense. His son served in the U.S. Army and currently, there is a great- grandson and great-great-grandson serving in the United States Marine Corps while a great-granddaughter serves in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the incredible life of Sergeant William Barksdale, a man who served our country during its darkest hours and who has continued to bring joy to others. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, he faithfully served his family and Nation with a sense of duty, respect, and integrity. We thank him for his service and wish him the happiest of birthdays. I thank Billy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Village of Dixboro, Michigan on the occasion of the bicentennial of their founding. The growth of Dixboro over the last 200 years and the contributions it has made to Southeastern Michigan and the Nation is worthy of commendation.

The land was originally purchased by Captain John Dix, a retired ship captain, who purchased the land in Superior Township at $1.25 per acre. Dix began building, raising a barn in July 1825, along with a sawmill and grist in 1826. From then on, a village began to develop with 64 lots emerging soon after Dix's construction. These 25 acres, originally known as Section Eighteen Township Two, would go on to be renamed to the now known Dixboro.

Dixboro, being a small village, survived on its location between Ann Arbor and Detroit in which the crossroads allowed for economic prosperity. While traveling through these crossroads, many travelers found themselves stopping into town for the family owned Dixboro Family Store that has maintained its family roots for 177 years. Built in 1840, the store has gone through many changes, from originally being a simple corner store with housing for merchants. The effects of World War II forced the store to close its doors, yet in 1964 it reopened as an antique store until 1980. Then in 1990, the store was purchased by Allan and Cheryl Goode, and was transformed into the Dixboro General Store as known today. This landmark appeals to both the locals and tourists and has been selected as Best General Store in Michigan along with being voted Best Gift Store in Southeast Michigan on five separate occasions. This unique general store has been one of the great prides of Dixboro, as well as the Dixboro United Methodist Church. Completed in 1858, the Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and still operates today.

The village has started a revival with the introduction of the Dixboro Project. The project, founded by Sava Farah, saw the historical The Lord Fox and the previous Farm Cupboard barn and decided to preserve its history and beauty through food. The Farm Cupboard specialized in taking in travelers, pouring stiff cocktails during prohibition, and mastering its Fried Chicken recipe for over 30 years. The following Lord Fox was similarly known for its hospitality and food. To continue this legacy, The Dixboro project has similarly brought the community together through food, hospitality, and the preservation of Dixboro history. Sava similarly owns the Boro, which also embraces history into the modern age through food and hospitality.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the Village of Dixboro for the contributions its citizens have made to our Nation over the last 200 years. From its founding in 1825, Dixboro and its citizens have demonstrated resilience with keeping the town prosperous but also hospitable, treating both local and traveler with kindness. We thank them for their tremendous resilience and dedication over the last 200 years and we are excited to see the small town continue to prosper.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Coach Kevin Fite, a resident of Detroit and the leader of the Detroit City Chess Club (DCCC). His efforts in ensuring that the Metro Detroit youth have a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment is worthy of commendation.

The DCCC was born out of the competitive chess team at Detroit Duffield Elementary and Middle Schools in the early 2000s. Inspired by the interest of his students who wanted to continue their competitive playing after leaving Detroit Duffield, Coach Fite set up a meeting with the Detroit Institute of Arts to discuss using their space for his players. The meeting went well, and the DIA has been the host of the DCCC for the last 21 years.

Over the years, the DCCC has grown from a few students from Detroit Duffield to reaching thousands of kids from all over the Metro Detroit area. DCCC not only reaches kids but has a large following of adults that regularly play every Friday evening. DCCC students have traveled all over the United States competing and winning National Championships. One of their star players, Charisse Woods, represented the United States two years in a row at the World Youth tournament in 2018 (Greece) and 2019 (India). She is the first player in Detroit history to compete on the world stage.

Detroit City Chess Club has also hosted the Thinkers series chess tournament for the last 10 years to provide kids in Metro Detroit the opportunity to hone their skills. Along with putting on tournaments, the DCCC has hosted many grandmasters to play games of give lectures, like 5-time U.S. champion Hikaru Nakamura and 7-time U.S. female champion Irina Krush.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Coach Kevin Fite, a man who has been committed to improving the lives of the children who also call the city of Detroit home. His efforts over the last 20+ years is a glowing example of spreading kindness and joy in an increasingly hostile world. We thank him for his efforts, and we are excited to see what the students of the DCCC can accomplish over the next 21 years. I thank Coach Fite.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken Hayward, a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the occasion of his induction into the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame. His contributions to Wolverine athletics and the state of Michigan are worthy of commendation.

Ken was born in 1963 to Bud and Pat Hayward as their only child. A native of Waterford, Michigan, Ken's talent and passion on the baseball diamond was evident from an early age. After a tremendous high school career, he received a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Michigan.

A four-time letterman, Ken was also a four-time First Team All-Big Ten honoree. His time on the team saw the Wolverines win two Big Ten Conference Titles, two NCAA Regional Championships, and multiple trips to the College World Series. He still holds Michigan career records for batting average, RBIs, and games played. Going the extra mile for his team, Ken also pitched for his last two seasons, going 12-2 and recording 7 saves. In 1985, as a senior and team captain, Ken batted 432 with 13 home runs and 64 RBIs in 65 games. His achievements earned him a Big Ten Medal of Honor and the 1985 Michigan Athlete of the Year award.

Shortly after he graduated from the University of Michigan, Ken embarked on a long and successful career in the hospitality industry. Starting in 1985 as a sales representative, by 2010 he was the Executive VP and Managing Director of Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, consistently ranked as one of the world's top hotels. Ken was appointed to the Michigan Travel Commission by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2005 and then reappointed in 2008. Ken served as the commission's chairman from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure as chairman, Travel Michigan secured funding to develop the Pure Michigan advertising campaign, which continues today as a national brand and marketing effort for Michigan travel and tourism. Since 2021, Ken has been a VP at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, directing their social mission and community affairs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Ken Hayward and all the accomplishments he achieved on behalf of our Wolverines and the entire State of Michigan. A consummate professional, we couldn't have asked for a better representative of our great state. I thank Ken and congratulate him on this tremendous achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Novi Chamber of Commerce on the opening of their new office location in Novi. This office opening not only represents exciting opportunity for the future but allows reflection on the great service the Novi Chamber of Commerce has already provided to the community.

For over 50 years, The Chamber has committed itself to serving the businesses of Novi and promoting prosperity in the region. By providing a community networking space for Novi businesses and industries to come together, The Chamber has shown its dedication to building up the Novi community. With traditions like the Annual Golf Tournament, Kentucky Derby, and Toast of the Town, The Chamber has routinely brought together its members to form a strong business community and network in the area. Additionally, The Chamber provides local businesses, non- profits, and citizens with tremendous resources and programs to promote prosperity and growth in the local economy. By regularly hosting networking events, educational programs, and promoting local businesses, they have fostered an environment of innovation, support, and success in Novi.

The work and legacy of the Novi Chamber of Commerce is commendable. This new office location will allow The Chamber to serve the community better than ever before. The Chamber is now located to allow citizens better access to the services of The Chamber and participate in the thriving economic community. The growth, prosperity, and support this change represents is an exciting development for the Sixth District. The newer, bigger, and more central location will equip The Novi Chamber of Commerce and the community with greater resources and opportunity to continue to grow and serve.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the new office of the Novi Chamber of Commerce. We thank the Novi Chamber of Commerce and its team members for its service to the Sixth District and are excited to see how the new location helps serve the community well into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels on the occasion of 50 years of service to the

community. The care and service that they provide to homebound members of the greater Ann Arbor community is worthy of commendation.

Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels began in 1974 as a program to provide homebound neighbors with fresh, nutritious meals. Since then, the program has expanded its services to include pet food delivery, home energy efficiency kits, personal care items, and wellness checks during drop-offs. Additionally, the program offers recipients a variety of meals that are inclusive of dietary restrictions, nutritional risks, and cultural traditions. Their delivery of over 120,000 of these meals to over 430 clients every year shows a distinct level of dedication and commitment to the community.

Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels is a community effort. It is led by the University of Michigan Health Department of Community Health Services and is made possible by the additional support of more than 250 volunteers. Staff at the Patient Food and Nutrition Services at Michigan Medicine work six days a week to prepare meals while volunteers assist in delivering meals, completing wellness checks, and providing community members with compassion and support. Many times, they are the difference in isolation as they build connections and care for those they serve. Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels also works with Lucky Kitchen, Washtenaw County, the Huron Valley Humane Society, DTE Energy, and other local institutions. This network of partnerships and dedicated volunteers demonstrates the integration of the program in the community, as well as the extent of the impact of the program.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels. For the last half- century, the program has been diligently serving homebound members of the community when they need it most. We thank Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and its team members for their service, and we are excited to see how the program will continue to serve the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Revolutionary War Veteran Sargeant David Depue on the occasion of the laying of a plaque in his honor at Highland Cemetery located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Freedom is not free, and today we pause to remember a man who served his country with honor during the Revolutionary War. His service to our Nation at the time of its birth is worthy of commendation.

Born in Sussex, New Jersey in October of 1750, Sargeant Depue first enlisted in the Continental Army as a Private in 1776. He was soon promoted to the rank of Sargeant in 1777, the position in which he served for the remainder of the war, including the battles of Germantown and Beaver Creek. Following his military service, Sargeant Depue moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan not long after its founding in the early 1800s. He died in Ypsilanti, Michigan on July 4, 1843, at the age of 92.

Sargeant Depue is remembered for his honorable military service and dedication to our Nation. He is just one of the few native and adopted Michiganders who fought for our country during the revolution. It is important for us to honor the veterans of our community who fought for the freedom of our Nation, a value we continue to hold dear today. We are thankful for the path these soldiers laid out for past, present, and future Americans over two centuries ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the honorable Sargeant David Depue as he is memorialized in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We join with Americans everywhere in extending our thanks to the Huron

Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Ypsilanti Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution for their work dedication to honoring Sargeant Depue in the run up to our Nation's 250th anniversary. Today and every day, we honor the brave patriots we lost in the fight for our independence. We are grateful for their military service and their willingness to fight for the freedom and liberty that we enjoy today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Kresge Foundation on the occasion of the centennial of its founding. The growth of the Kresge Foundation over the last 100 years and the contributions it has made to Southeastern Michigan and the Nation is worthy of commendation.

When Sebastian S. Kresge's first company turned 25 in 1924, he established the Kresge Foundation in the City of Detroit. The foundation was created to promote the ideas of philanthropy and charity while advancing human progress. The Kresge Foundation's first donation was to the Salvation Army of Detroit and was soon followed by grants to important institutions such as the Detroit YMCA and the Methodist Children's Home.

The Kresge Foundation continues to uphold its stated values of creativity, partnership, equity, respect, opportunity, and stewardship, all of which have guided the foundation to continue its impactful work throughout the last 100 years. The foundation has produced 16,500 grants and disbursed more than $5.1 billion dollars, $1 billion of which have supported the Metro Detroit region. The Kresge Foundation has leveraged these grants to invest in our arts, education, environment, health, and community development. Additionally, The FUEL and ProInspire programs offered by the foundation to grantees show that The Kresge Foundation is committed to fully equipping communities with the tools needed to make lasting change in their cities. By employing a socially and historically conscious strategy to their work, The Kresge Foundation has centered racial equality, diversity, and prosperity for all members of the community in its work over the past century. While the foundation has expanded nationally to Memphis, New Orleans, and Fresno, its continued dedication to its work in Detroit remains clear and impactful.

When Detroit became the largest U.S. city to file for bankruptcy protection in 2013, the Kresge Foundation contributed $100 million to ensure the city met its pension, which then played a considerable role in allowing Detroit to exit bankruptcy quickly and successfully. In recent years, the foundation contributed $17 million in grants and $2 million in social investments to assist in relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. Other projects such as The School at Marymount and fellowships for local artists show a continual investment and commitment to Detroit and the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the Kresge Foundation for the contributions it has made to our communities over the last 100 years. We thank the foundation for its century of service, as well as the opportunities that it has made possible for the City of Detroit and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Tommie Frye, a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan and veteran of the Vietnam War, and to mourn his passing. His dedication to his country and local community over a long and exceptional life is worthy of commendation.

Tommie served honorably as a medic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He met his wife, Sally Frye, at church while stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. After finishing his service, he worked at Ford until his retirement.

Throughout his life, Tommie gave much of his time, energy, and resources to Parkridge Community Center in Ypsilanti. He worked tirelessly with the young people in his community as a beloved mentor, helping to keep them away from trouble and steering them towards successful futures. His unwavering support as a donor and fundraiser was also vital to Parkridge Community Center's ability to continue operating as a pillar of support for the young people of Ypsilanti.

Tommie's faith was a crucial part of him. He was a member of Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ in Ypsilanti, Michigan for his entire life. He was a pillar of the Mt. Olive community, serving as a deacon, usher, and trustee. He lived out his faith in every aspect of his life through his service, generosity, love, and compassion for everyone around him. His faith in God gave him strength in his final days as he went to claim his eternal reward.

Tommie is survived and remembered by his loving wife Sally, to whom he was married for 52 years, his four children, and his thirteen grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the life of Tommie Frye. Tommie was an incredible representation of answering our nation's highest calling. He served his country with honor in Vietnam and afterward throughout his local community, bringing joy, enthusiasm, and love to everyone he met along the way. We mourn with his loved ones and thank them for sharing Tommie with us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Ann Arbor on the 200th anniversary of its founding. The contributions its residents have made to the State of Michigan and to the Nation over the last two centuries are worthy of commendation.

Originally the Village of Annarbour, this community was named after the wives of its two founders, who were both named Ann, and was also inspired by the large forest in the area. Founded in 1824, historic Ann Arbor predates the establishment of the State of Michigan by thirteen years.

Ann Arbor is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world: The University of Michigan. The University of Michigan was originally established in 1817 as Catholepistemiad Michigania in Detroit, then a fledgling capital of the Territory of Michigan, and later relocated to Ann Arbor in 1837. Since its founding, the university has brought defining cultural, economic, and intellectual growth to greater Ann Arbor. The students, staff, and faculty come from all 50 American states and over 100 countries globally, contributing to the worldly and diverse culture of this community. In addition to its numerous accolades for its academic prestige, University of Michigan Athletics continues to make Ann Arbor proud. Just this past January, the University of Michigan Football Team defeated the Washington Huskies, bringing a national championship title back to Ann Arbor for the first time since 1997.

It is not just the University of Michigan that makes Ann Arbor special. The cultural and religious diversity of the city has been a source of strength and has also led to Ann Arbor being the site of many monumental political and civil rights activities. From traditional denominations to more contemporary organizations, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Beth Israel, one of the oldest synagogues in the state, was founded in 1916. The city was also the home of the first meetings of the Students for a Democratic Society in 1960, a national student activist group. That same year, President John F. Kennedy set in motion the development of the Peace Corps on the steps of the Michigan Union. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson gave his ``Great Society'' speech at the University of Michigan's commencement. In 1965, the city was the location of the first American ``teach in'' in protest of the Vietnam War.

Ann Arbor has long been known as a hotbed for technological innovation and start-ups. The International Radio Corporation, established in Ann Arbor in 1931, was responsible for the first mass- produced AC/DC radio as well as the Argus C3, one of the top-selling cameras in history. ProQuest, founded in 1938 as University Microfilms, has been at the forefront of the preservation of documents for research purposes since their founding. Thomas Knoll, an Ann Arbor native, created Adobe Photoshop in 1987 while completing his Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. Duo Security, a leader in two-factor internet security, was founded in 2009. Presently, Ann Arbor is host to over 20 video game and XR studios of varying sizes and hosts monthly meetings of the International Game Developers Association. Ann Arbor is also home to many nationally and internationally recognized businesses like Domino's Pizza, one of the largest pizza brands in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the City of Ann Arbor on the occasion of their bicentennial. For the past 200 years, Ann Arbor has stood as a beacon of progress, diversity, and excellence. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a thriving and exemplary city, this milestone is a testament to their commitment to innovation, education, and community. We are excited to see what the residents of Ann Arbor can accomplish in the years to come.