Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my staff to recognize an essential, founding member of my team, Ms. Mela Louise Norman.

In her time serving as my chief of staff, Mela has been an invaluable partner. No matter the situation, my office has been able to rely on her strong leadership and fierce advocacy for getting the job done. She has been a consummate professional, ably navigating the various issues we've faced with grace and dignity.

It's no exaggeration to say that our success over the past three years can be directly attributed to Mela's knack for finding talent. In fact, every single member that currently works on Team Slotkin in our D.C. office was interviewed and hired by Mela.

Now, as Mela gets ready to embark on her next chapter as Secretary Lloyd Austin's deputy chief of staff, I wanted to take a moment to recognize her on the floor of the People's House with tributes from the team that she has led for the past three years.

When asked to sum up the essence of Mela, most of my staff pointed to her strong work ethic and her ability to stay calm, cool and collected under pressure. They talked about her leading by example and seeing no job too large or too small. They also mention her deep compassion toward the people we serve and her thoughtful and skillful communication.

Those who were with us at the very beginning remember the chaos of setting up our freshman congressional office. They recall a moment of endless opportunities and seemingly endless challenges, requiring patience, discipline, and immense attention to detail.

As my staff will tell you, Mela dove into the role of chief--adding additional team members, implementing processes, and getting our office up and running in order to serve the folks who call Michigan's 8th district home.

When staff needed decisive action without a moment's hesitation, they attest that Mela was always there to execute. When staff in the district office and the D.C. office needed to circle up and hash out a way forward, Mela was instrumental in facilitating the conversation. And when our partners back home needed a reliable partner in dealing with the office, they praised Mela for building relationships that still bear fruit to this day.

For the younger members of my staff, particularly the younger women, they've learned from Mela by seeing her operate up close. On too many occasions to count, they saw her think, both on her feet and outside the box, in order to make the impossible seem possible. They mention her mentorship and professional development as instrumental in giving them the confidence to assert themselves in the workplace.

My staff also appreciated Mela's unique ability to jump in--at any level--to help the team. In three years, she guided our team through an impeachment inquiry, public town halls to explain the decision, a war powers resolution drafted in the wee hours of the night, an insurrection and a second impeachment. Every member of the staff remembers how Mela was in the trenches with them during every one of these key events.

When the COVID-19 pandemic turned congressional offices upside down last March, our office was able to nimbly adapt, thanks to Mela. One of our congressional fellows at the time appreciated how she spearheaded the transition from in-person work to telework in the span of a week, making sure that folks had the tools to do their jobs in order to avoid any drop-off in service to our constituents.

Lastly, my team has appreciated the culture of respect and cooperation that is instilled in every new addition to the team. More than one staffer talked about her metaphor of our office being in a boat--with each member rowing as hard as they can in the same direction. With Mela at the helm, we've been able to accomplish this in spades.

No tribute to Mela would be complete without mentioning her husband, Kurt. In the military, there is a tradition of honoring a retiring member's service as well as their family's sacrifice. To Kurt, who well understands this sentiment as an active duty service member in the U.S. Navy himself, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for his willingness to support Mela when we had an early morning prep session or a late night mark-up.

Madam Speaker, to say that Mela Louise Norman will be missed is an enormous understatement. Her record speaks for itself.

In the days and weeks ahead, I have no doubt that our team will be putting out the latest fire or handling the next crisis with the question: ``What would Mela do?''

In the meantime, we wish her all the best as she returns to her old stomping grounds at the Pentagon. On behalf of a grateful district and a grateful team, I thank Mela.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 3233, which would create an independent, bipartisan ``National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex.''

The attack on the Capitol was one of the darkest days in our Nation's history--an assault on the foundation of our democratic system, and an attempt to stop Congress's work through violence. I am proud that we didn't let the attempt succeed: thanks to the heroism and incredible sacrifices of the U.S. Capitol Police that day to defend the heart of our democracy, both houses of Congress returned to the Capitol and worked through the night to certify and uphold the will of the American people.

Now, it is our duty to ensure that such an attack on our democracy is never able to happen again. That work begins with ensuring that we have an honest, independent investigation of what happened that day and how it was possible--a task perfectly suited for the commission the House has voted to create today, with bipartisan support. This bill creates a 1/6 Commission that follows the model set by the 9/11 Commission, whose landmark investigation wasn't just for Washington insiders or policy wonks, but the American people.

The 9/11 Commission's final report was written in easily accessible prose, and published as a bestselling paperback which was available in bookstores and newsstands across the country. It helped ordinary Americans understand how such an appalling attack had been possible, who needed to be held accountable, and what we as a nation had to do to ensure it would never happen again.

And two decades later, its impact hasn't faded: even today, a whole generation of Americans who were just children on 9/11, or were even born after the attacks, have looked to the Commission's work to help them make sense of that dark chapter in our history.

The Commission also delivered a vital wake-up call to our national security establishment. As one of the first dozen staff members at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which grew out of the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, I saw firsthand how the Commission's independent investigation pushed our government to meet the serious challenges we faced. I keep my original, dog-eared copy of the 9/11 Commission report in my congressional office as a constant reminder, because it drove systemic change where systemic failures had occurred.

The 1/6 Commission that the House has approved today is built on the same principles that enabled the success of the 9/11 Commission: It has a bipartisan structure--five Republicans, five Democrats--and bipartisan support in Congress.

It will operate by consensus and will have the subpoena power, budget and staff needed to conduct a proper investigation.

And it has a mandate to look at the full scope of facts and causes that led to or influenced this specific, unprecedented attack on our democracy. As those of us from Michigan are well aware, this attack didn't happen in isolation. It was the result of months, if not years, of escalating rhetoric and activity--which is why it's vital that this commission has a strong, focused mandate.

But even beyond its structure, what characterized the 9/11 Commission's work was a commitment among its members to work together in good faith, to uncover the truth behind what led to the attack on our Nation, no matter how disturbing or painful.

As Governor Tom Kean and Congressman Lee Hamilton, the bipartisan leaders of the 9/11 Commission, said in a statement today, it was their commitment to ``put country over party, without bias'' that led to the ``unity of purpose [that] was key to [its] effectiveness.''

The Commission's findings and work were seen as objective and legitimate because of that combination of structure and patriotic, good faith commitment--the model only works if we have both.

That's why it's so important that this is, from its very design, a bipartisan initiative. To that end, I want to take a moment to thank Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Katko for their leadership and their commitment to finding this consensus.

As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and as Chair of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism, I have been honored to work alongside them both over the past few years. Their collaboration sets an example that we would all do well to follow.

We cannot allow this vital inquiry to turn into a political football--it's simply too important to our country. That's why I opposed an early proposal for this bill that skewed the number of commissioners towards Democratic appointees.

I'm committed to ensuring that this commission has the credibility it needs to take on this investigation, and I am pleased that the bill we passed today gives it the structural integrity it needs. That's why I urge my Republican colleagues in the Senate to take the time, and do what I did last week: actually sit down and read this bill.

Print out a copy of it, as well a copy of the bill from 2002 which created the 9/11 Commission. Put them side-by-side, take out a pen and mark up the similarities.

You'll see that in so many cases, this bill uses the exact same language on scope, participation and authorities as the 9/11 Commission authorization, which was approved by a Republican-led House, and signed into law by a Republican president.

Because, let's be clear: if you oppose this bill and the commission it creates, you would have opposed the 9/11 Commission twenty years ago. The American people deserve the truth, and we owe it to them as their elected representatives to ensure they hear it in its entirety from an independent and objective body they can trust. And if you oppose this bipartisan legislation, you are choosing political expediency over ensuring that our citizens hear the truth they deserve.

The 9/11 attacks took place during my first week of graduate school, and I joined the CIA because I wanted to help make sure nothing like it ever happened again--a motivation that was informed by a clear understanding of what had happened and of our own failures, made possible by the 9/11 Commission.

Today, I will cast my vote in support of taking the next step that will help us understand this attack on our Nation--no matter how disturbing or painful that truth may be.

Its work will be vital to meeting the new security challenges we face, and to beginning to heal the divisions across our country. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join the House in passing this bill and starting an honest conversation with the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. I am incredibly proud to be co-leading this bipartisan bill to connect veterans with service dogs in their communities through a new pilot program at the VA.

There are two organizations in Livingston County in my district that train dogs and place them with veterans in need: Veteran Service Dogs in Howell, and Blue Star Service Dogs in Pinckney, Michigan.

In 2019, I had the chance to visit Blue Star Service Dogs. It was incredible to see these dogs in action and to hear directly from the veterans about how these remarkable animals are helping them heal from depression, PTSD, and so many other invisible service-related wounds.

The bill sets up a pilot program through the VA to partner with local nonprofits, just like the ones in my district, to create work-therapy programs for veterans to train and potentially adopt service dogs.

The issue is extremely personal to me. I am an Army wife, married to a 30-year Army officer and Apache pilot. I have a stepdaughter currently on Active Duty and another stepdaughter who is a doctor at the VA. I am also the mom of two wonderful rescue dogs, Rocky and Boomer.

I have seen how big of an impact service dogs can have on people's lives when it comes to dealing with mental illness, and that is why I am so passionate about this pilot program.

When we make the decision to send men and women in to fight for our country, we make the decision to support them for the rest of their lives.

The PAWS for Veterans Service Therapy Act helps us honor the commitment and will have a real impact on the day-to-day well-being of our veterans.

I want to thank Representative Stivers for his leadership on this issue, and wish him all the best as he departs Congress. He is a Republican, but much more concerning for me, he is from Ohio, and we have still managed to work closely together on this issue.

To my colleagues, if I can work with a graduate of Ohio State University, you can get on this darn bill. I urge both sides to join me in supporting the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Demings, for holding this Special Order hour in honor of fallen law enforcement officers.

It is National Police Week, a time to recognize and honor the men and women who have answered the call to protect and serve our community. Their service puts them in harm's way every single day, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their willingness to sacrifice for us.

Last November, it was my privilege to speak in this Chamber in honor of Caleb Starr, a Michigan State Police Trooper from my district, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call. I spoke about the community of Mason, Michigan, where he was born and raised, coming together to support the Starr family.

Tonight, I am proud to recognize an organization in my district that has continuously provided support to the loved ones of our fallen officers.

The 100 Club of Greater Lansing was founded in 1984, after the death of Officer James Johnson of the East Lansing Police Department. Every year, Members of the 100 Club contribute dues of $100 to provide immediate assistance, as well as long-term support, to surviving families of those who have died in the line of duty.

In the nearly 40 years the 100 Club has been doing its work, it has helped the family of Officer Johnson, as well as the families of Officer Dean Whitehead of the Lansing Police Department; Officer Julie Engelhardt of the Lansing Parks Police Department; Sergeant Paul Cole of the Ingham County Sheriff's Office; Deputy Grant Whitaker of the Ingham County Sheriff's Office; and so many others.

In addition, the 100 Club keeps the spirit of those heroes alive by establishing a scholarship fund for qualified survivors, providing an annual honor award to officers, and funding an annual scholarship for a student enrolled at the Mid-Michigan Police Academy at Lansing Community College, where I visited just a couple of months ago.

During National Police Week, we honor fallen heroes who have given their lives while on duty. To them we owe so much. As long as we keep their memory alive, they remain with us. With these words, they will remain in the permanent Record of the people's House so that their contributions can live on.

I am grateful for their selfless courage and for my colleagues tonight who have served. Thank you for taking the time to honor, respect, and remember them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James J. Tobin--a man who dedicated almost 40 years of his life to the automotive industry before retiring at the end of last year.

In the close-knit community of auto manufacturing, Mr. Tobin was a model of integrity, leadership, and hard work. As an executive with Magna International, the world's largest supplier for vehicles and automobiles, he was integral to strategic planning for an ever-changing landscape.

That knack for adapting--the ability to innovate as an industry leader while having the flexibility of someone helming a start-up--was instrumental when the first wave of COVID-19 hit our state last March.

Working closely with the State of Michigan, Oakland County, and my office, Mr. Tobin helped retool Magna's global supply chains to secure PPE for our frontline workers. His expertise with logistics and operations helped overcome challenges by bridging the gap between Asian and North American markets.

Whether it was supporting domestic production of gowns, face shields and ventilators, or coordinating meals to local health care workers, Mr. Tobin stepped up when folks needed it most.

The open dialogue and communication between his team and ours brought essential supplies and equipment to the front lines of the pandemic.

I am ever-grateful to have had him as a partner in our efforts. There is no doubt in my mind that lives in Michigan were saved because of Mr. Tobin and the folks at Magna.

Now, as he enjoys his well-earned retirement, I am wishing him all the best. He deserves the R&R but, knowing him, I'm certain he'll continue to give back--as a loving husband and father of three and as a dedicated role model in the community.

It's my privilege to recognize him on the floor of the People's House so his achievements and contributions can forever live on.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 16 graduating seniors from Howell High School who recently participated as contestants in the 14th annual ``Senior Survivor'' fundraiser.

I'm thrilled to honor Gage Altrock, Felicia Berendt, Nicole Caudy, Jackson Dukes, Lucas Gonzalez, Olivia Gray, Alyssa Johnson, David Johnston, Julia Jolly, Ryan Lane, Danny Maura, Zach Metz, Taylor Newstead, Alaina Schrock, and Molly Tucker--as well as the winner of this year's Senior Survivor: Morgan Pasini.

For a full week, these students lived at Howell High, collecting money and competing against each other in reward and immunity challenges that included scavenger hunts, trivia challenges, and cake- baking contests. This year's Senior Survivors were put to the test--not just to prove who could outwit, outlast, and outplay their fellow competitors--but also by the extraordinary circumstances they each have faced in adapting to a school year affected by COVID-19.

Each Senior Survivor was supported by a Junior Survivor from the 5th grade classes at Howell's elementary schools. These Junior Survivors led a coin drive in their schools to benefit their respective seniors.

Together, Howell students raised a whopping $220,427--which will go towards building an inclusive playground for children of all abilities at Genoa Township Park.

This playground, which will be named the Senior Survivor Playground, will let kids play together in a natural environment in order to develop physical, imagination, and problem-solving skills through self- directed play. Together with its nationally-recognized Unified Sports program, it's just one more example of the Howell community's steadfast commitment to including students with disabilities and special needs.

None of it could have been possible without the 16 seniors who came together to raise money for a noble cause. Over the years, Senior Survivors have raised more than $760,000 for various charities. It is why I have the great privilege of recognizing them on the floor of the People's House--so that their selfless service to others may be forever known.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent in Michigan's Eighth District who embodies the definition of service to others: Mr. Brent Earl, of Livingston County.

Mr. Earl's roots in the county run deep--he's a graduate of Howell High School's Class of 1985 who now serves as Vice Chair of the Howell Public Schools Board of Education. He serves in this role in addition to working a full-time job and being involved in several local organizations, all while raising cattle and other animals as a sixth- generation Livingston County farmer.

At his core, Mr. Earl is a giver and a helper. Alongside his wife, Jen, and his four kids, he runs the Earl Farm Foundation, a non-profit that has been donating thousands of pounds of ground beef to local food pantries and shelters since 2009.

During the pandemic, when our community needed it most, Mr. Earl stepped up as a Good Samaritan. When local school children eligible for free or reduced lunch were dependent on food banks, Mr. Earl's donations literally put food on the table. For needy families priced out of grocery store beef, his generosity allowed their kids to enjoy hamburgers, meat loaf, and spaghetti.

For years, Mr. Earl has been a friend of the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA). As a former member of the Advisory Council and current Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Mr. Earl has guided the organization with the steady hand and easy demeanor that he is known for.

Whether he's been raising money or personally distributing goods and services to those in need, Mr. Earl has given countless hours to OLHSA efforts. For the past five years, he's been the Chair of its annual Walk for Warmth, which raises money to help community members stay safe and warm during heat-related emergencies.

For his work and his efforts, he's been recognized as a Person of the Year, Big Brother of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. But beyond these personal awards and accolades, Mr. Earl is something much greater. He's a local Fred Rogers: a good man and a good neighbor who simply wants to help.

On behalf of a grateful community, I thank Mr. Earl for his tireless devotion to his family, his town, and our community. It's my honor to insert these remarks into the permanent record of the People's House so that his legacy of service may live on.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of mine and a true American hero from Fenton, Michigan--Mr. Joseph Cherup, Jr.

Throughout the course of his life, Mr. Cherup has worn many hats in the service of his nation, his community, and his family. While serving his country in Korea, he proudly wore the cap of an Army captain. As an officer at the Koje Do POW prison, Mr. Cherup was instrumental in negotiating the successful release of General Francis Dodd when he was held hostage for three days.

When Mr. Cherup returned home, he wore the hat of an engineer. He has owned several businesses and was a founding member of the Leelanau Conservancy, Traverse City Condominiums, Custom Electric, Revolution DC, Kolene Corporation, and Trade Winds Bar in Detroit.

But beyond his honorable service and his achievements in business, at his core, Mr. Cherup is simply a kind man who has helped take care of others.

When he was 21 years old, his father, Joseph Sr. passed away, leaving him to care for his mother, Rose, and his younger sister, Delores. In 1984, his mother moved in with him in Fenton so he could take better care of her, which he did until she passed away in 2007.

His entire life, Mr. Cherup has generously donated his time and his money to charities and causes that help others. He has worn

many hats--Army officer, business owner, and loving son. For this and for all he has given back, it is my honor to recognize his contributions on the floor of the People's House.

Madam Speaker, I strongly support our bipartisan efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. On April 15, 2021, I missed Roll Call No. 112 on the DEBAR Act. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 112.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Olivia Letts, who passed away on February 1 at the age of 93. Ms. Letts was a true trailblazer.

After being hired as the first Black schoolteacher in Lansing, she was a constant force for good in the community. It is my privilege to honor her with my remarks on the floor of the people's House.

Born on the south side of Chicago, Ms. Letts did not let anything get in the way of her own education. According to her grandsons, the only time she was ever late for school was because of a trolley accident.

At the rooming house that she and her family shared with other families, she would wake up as early as 4 a.m. to study in the bathroom because it was the only time she could find peace and quiet.

She maintained her devotion to learning during her time at the Chicago Teachers College and her three advanced degree programs at Michigan State University. Nothing could keep Ms. Letts from the classroom, not even the racial discrimination of the day.

To be sure, breaking the color barrier in Lansing schools wasn't easy. The first time she applied to be a teacher, she was rejected with a letter that said the district ``had never made a practice of hiring anyone of her race, but would keep her under consideration.'' Undeterred, Ms. Letts lobbied local leaders until she was asked to reapply. Ten years later, she was promoted to principal.

Ms. Letts' story wouldn't be complete without mention of her husband and lifelong love, Richard, who passed away in 1997. For nearly half a century, their union was an unstoppable force for good in Lansing--she as the consummate advocate and role model for students and he as the city's equal opportunity officer and human relations director for 44 years. They are the namesake of the Letts Community Center, where this photo was taken.

Ms. Letts was an eternal optimist. She liked books with happy endings, whether they were Nicholas Sparks novels or President Obama's memoirs.

She lived a full life, and her story had a happy ending, too. Just a few days before her passing, she parked herself in front of the television, thrilled to watch her fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha sister, Kamala Harris, be inaugurated as Vice President.

She is survived by her daughter, Eileen; her two grandsons, Robert and Matthew; as well as the countless individuals she touched with her grace and humility.

Since her passing, the tributes to her life have been effusive:

``She was just delightful.''

``She helped pave the way.''

``She just did what was right.''

And my personal favorite, ``Her legacy lives on in the work that folks are doing here in the community.''

What a fitting way to remember such a towering figure of the Lansing community. May she indeed live on in the work and in these words spoken into the permanent Record of the people's House.

Honoring the Legacy of James Bibbs

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor another legend in the Lansing community, Mr. James Bibbs.

Mr. Bibbs has had many words written about him over the years, and almost all of them mention his distinction as the longest-tenured track-and-field coach in Michigan State University history.

From 1968 to 1995, his students won 52 Big Ten titles, 26 All- American honors, three NCAA titles, and broke two world records.

But those who know Coach Bibbs will tell you that it has never been about the number of titles and his own career. What has distinguished him over the years was the size of his heart and the kindness he has shown over the course of his life.

From high school to AAU club teams, collegiate squads, to national and international teams, Coach Bibbs lived by the words he spoke in 2010 when he was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame: ``I just loved track and I loved to work with the youngsters.''

And yet, it almost didn't happen. After graduating as a star baseball recruit from Ecorse High School, he turned down a minor league contract offered by the Yankees to attend Eastern Michigan University.

At the time, EMU didn't have a freshman baseball team, so he decided to join the track team instead. And as with the races he would win as a champion sprinter, he never looked back.

Mr. Bibbs later became a teacher in Detroit before assuming the title of coach for the first time in 1959. He led his hometown high school in Ecorse to multiple championships before arriving in East Lansing as an assistant in 1968, the first African-American coach ever hired at Michigan State.

In 1977, Coach Bibbs became head coach, and over the next 27 years, he inspired hundreds of student athletes to be their best selves by connecting their personal achievements on the track with their personal achievement in life.

Many of his former runners have credited him with planting the seeds of confidence that allowed them to compete all over the world. It is no surprise that several of them have paid it forward by becoming track coaches themselves.

Today, his path has taken him full circle as a volunteer with the team at East Lansing High School, where his son is the principal.

Even after all the Hall of Fame inductions and all the honors bestowed on him, Mr. Bibbs is still the same gentle and humble man he has always been, a man who loves track and the lessons it can teach others.

His wife, Martha, who passed away in October of last year, was his partner of 50 years. A trailblazer in her own right, she was the first woman and first Black woman to serve as personnel director for the State of Michigan.

These two were a power couple in Lansing, recognized for their high profile jobs and their contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to deliver these remarks so that Coach Bibbs' achievements may forever exist in the Congressional Record, as a proud Spartan, as a legend in the track and field community, and as a pioneer for equality.

Recognizing the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an organization that has been on the front lines of advocating for racial equality over the past 40 years: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Mid- Michigan.

Founded in 1979, with the goal of establishing a Federal holiday for the icon of the civil rights movement, the MLK Commission realized its mission just 4 years after its founding. Ever since, the group has been working to preserve the legacy and teachings of Dr. King, in part, by supporting community agencies and empowering youth to achieve their goals.

The Commission's success can be found in its record: 40 high schoolers sponsored each year to go on a college tour of historically Black colleges and universities, more than $100,000 in scholarships awarded, and more than $70,000 in grants given to local organizations.

In the past, the Commission has sent delegations to notable milestone events, from the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama.

Under the capable leadership of my friend, Ms. Elaine Hardy, its chairperson, the MLK Commission has flourished as a proud beacon of justice in our State.

But to really understand the impact, you need only look at the annual Day of Celebration, the largest and longest-running in the entire country. I have been many times.

Every third Monday of January, more than 1,500 attendees come together in Greater Lansing to recognize local students, hear from keynote speakers, and recommit to the unfinished work of Dr. King.

Each celebration is focused on one of Dr. King's quotes. For this year's event, held remotely for the first time due to the pandemic, the Commission selected: ``Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope,'' and invited Bernice King to address the group.

At a time when we face unprecedented challenges, the MLK Commission of Mid-Michigan is that stone of hope for so many in our beloved community.

For 42 years, the Commission has shown what is possible when folks from all walks of life come together under the banner of equality and justice.

May it continue to shine as an example of community leadership for the next 42 years; and may its legacy live on forever in the official record of the U.S. Congress.

Honoring the Legacies of James Riley, Sr. and James Riley, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a father and son duo who, between them, have served Lansing for over 60 years: James Riley, Sr. and James Riley, Jr.

Their story begins when the elder Riley moved to Michigan after graduating high school at 17. He took a job at the Ford plant in River Rouge but left 2 years later to join the military when World War II broke out.

While stationed in Charleston, he met his future wife of 70 years, Deresa, at a dance. They moved back to Detroit soon after, and Mr. Riley used his GI benefits to attend Wayne State University while working at the Post Office.

On the advice of a friend, he majored in mortuary science, obtaining his license before moving to Lansing and starting Riley Funeral Home in 1957.

As the oldest Black-owned funeral home, and perhaps even the oldest Black-owned business in Lansing, the Riley name is synonymous with being active in our community, being kind and courteous, and serving families with professionalism and grace.

But it wasn't an easy path. When Mr. Riley first set out to get his business off the ground, he found that no bank would extend him a loan. It was a time when financial institutions could deny a man a line of credit based on the color of his skin.

Indeed, Mr. Riley would later recall that loan officers seemed almost amused by the novelty of a Black man asking for a loan. So he turned to the community, cobbling together his savings with some contributions from his sisters and friends who sold or lent him equipment.

At first, business was slow. They had just seven services in their first year. This was the late 1950s, a time when African Americans would routinely be turned away from other funeral homes. If and when they were able to secure a service, they were continually assigned a date and relegated to the afternoon, after the White services were finished in the morning.

And so it went for the Rileys in their first decade of operation, working hard to earn the trust of the community with sincerity and good faith. It took time and concerted effort, but by the time James, Jr. took over the business from his parents in 1993, Riley Funeral Home was handling 150 services per year.

In a business that operates on trust, the younger Riley has taken his family's business even further, making sure that every family that comes to him is treated with care and respect.

After almost 30 years at the helm, James Jr., has devoted the same attention to detail and standard of excellence his father was known for.

James, Sr., passed away in 2016, 1 year after Deresa. And while they may be gone, it is clear that their legacy lives on with their son.

Last October, I had the opportunity to visit Riley Funeral Home and talk to James personally about his family story. He shared how Black- owned businesses were routinely discriminated against and regularly denied capital and credit. It is thanks to legislation passed by this body that that discrimination is no longer the case.

The Rileys have overcome tremendous obstacles to get where they are. It is my honor to recognize both father and son today so that their contributions to the Lansing community may live on in the permanent record of the House of Representatives.

Honoring the Legacy of Gregory Eaton

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate a living legend in Lansing, Mr. Gregory Eaton, proprietor of Gregory's Soul Food Bar & Grill.

Mr. Eaton embodies the motto of ``no job too small, no job too large.'' It may be his name on the door, but he is often found on the floor, busing tables, offering refills, and making sure that guests are taken care of.

Growing up, Mr. Eaton developed a legendary work ethic that continues to inspire to this day. His first jobs were shining shoes for his dad, who worked at the Lansing Country Club and later ran a shoe repair store.

When Mr. Eaton was 20 years old, he founded his first company, Greg's Janitorial Service, with the slogan, ``We search for dirt.'' He won cleaning contracts the old fashioned way, by word of mouth, working hard, and helping others.

He hired local student athletes as a way to help them. Even future superstars like Magic Johnson punched a time card under Mr. Eaton, for a whopping $1.65 an hour.

Mr. Eaton has lived a life out of a movie. He is one of only a handful of individuals to have attended all 53 Super Bowls in person. He has been to title fights, the Masters, and was even in the stands at the 1968 Olympics when Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists at the podium.

But no matter how far and wide he travels, Mr. Eaton's heart remains in Lansing. It remains with his three kids, 8 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. And it remains with all the individuals he has helped along the way with his never-ending generosity.

Even in the midst of a pandemic that has claimed so many local restaurants, Gregory's Soul Food has been able to keep its doors open, thanks to a loyal and dependable clientele. Gregory's is an institution, like the man it is named after.

So today, I am proud to recognize him on the floor of the people's House, so that future generations may learn about his selfless service to the Lansing community.

Honoring Alex's Great State Race

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an organization that brings together fierce rivals in the name of shared community; an organization that bridges the sometimes impossible differences between us; an organization helping to bring arch rivals together for the betterment of the community and, most specifically, an organization that literally bridges the 64 miles between Michigan State University in East Lansing and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Most days, any Spartan or Wolverine will tell you that those miles are still too close for comfort. But on the Friday before the big game between both schools, a new tradition has emerged in the name of charity, community spirit, and expanding access to education for all: It is called Alex's Great State Race.

Named after Alex Powell, a young man accepted to Michigan State as he underwent treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer, Alex had always dreamed attending MSU. But the surgeries, chemo and radiation treatment left him unable to carry out his studies with the normal vigor of a freshman student.

Thankfully, Alex turned to MSU's Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, or RCPD. Devoted to inclusivity on campus for students, employees, and visitors alike, the RCPD provided Alex with a dorm room near his classes, offered support to him and his family, and accommodated his needs as they became more complex.

They made arrangements to provide Alex the same MSU experience as any other student, even when he was being treated at a cancer center at the University of Michigan, 64 miles away.

Despite has valiant fight, Alex lost his battle with cancer in 2011. Those around him remember his vibrant spirit and easy sense of humor, even in the midst of a debilitating illness.

More than anything, Alex wanted to leave a legacy that would inspire others, which is how his mother, Juliana, got in touch with the folks at the Resource Center who played such an important role in his life.

Together, they created the Great State Race in Alex's name, a charity organization dedicated to raising money for the RCPD, as well as its counterpart at the University of Michigan, the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.

Now celebrating its seventh year, Alex's Great State Race is an example of what can unite us. Each year, no matter how intense the rivalry between the two schools, ROTC cadets from both Michigan and Michigan State come together to run the game ball the 64 miles separating the two campuses.

Supported by police that line the route, gracious donations that make it possible, and a community united by the spirit of charity, Alex's Great State Race proves that despite our split allegiances, we absolutely have a common humanity.

Today, I am proud to honor the Powell family, the ROTC cadets, and all of the folks involved at both schools who raise money for such a worthy cause.

As the Jewish Prayer of Remembrance says: ``So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.''

Mr. Speaker, we all remember Alex as long as these words will exist in the Congressional Record, which is to say, we remember Alex forever.

Honoring Jessica Witkowski

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jessica Witkowski, a young woman making a difference in her hometown of Hartland, Michigan. For her efforts, she has earned the distinction of being one of the first female Eagle Scouts in the country. Drawn by the Scouts' emphasis on environmental stewardship, service to community, and development of leadership skills, Jessica joined the Scouts 2 years ago as a sophomore in high school, shortly after they opened membership to girls.

She set her sights on a lofty goal, being a part of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts. After building and installing bluebird houses in Settler's Park for her Life Scout rank, she started brainstorming Eagle Scout projects that would similarly align with her love of the outdoors.

But soon after, the pandemic hit, and stay-at-home orders forced a change. Like a good Scout, though, Jessica adapted. She soon realized that the greatest need in the community was for face masks for seniors in retirement homes. Through Zoom meetings and video tutorials, she gathered 16 of her classmates and set out to teach them how to create face masks.

The fact that she had never sewn before did not hold her back, nor did the fact that she would have to sew with gloves on in order to follow the best practices for sanitation and avoiding potential spread.

From start to finish, the project took 2 months. By the time it was completed, Jessica and her determined group of volunteers had surpassed their initial goal of creating 600 masks, which Jessica distributed to the three local organizations taking care of seniors vulnerable to the pandemic.

Last fall, just by chance, on a tour of cider mills in my district, I actually ran into Jessica at Spicer's. Even now, I can still remember her infectious personality and her thousand-watt smile, even behind her face mask. She is an impressive young woman, and I am proud to represent her here in Congress.

Although we haven't been able to hold her official court of honor due to the pandemic, I know that it will come, and Jessica will be able to celebrate her achievement surrounded by her friends and family. In the meantime, it is my personal honor to speak these remarks into the Congressional Record so that folks back home can read about her hard work and dedicated service to community.

Celebrating Marcus Goller

Mr. Speaker, lastly, I rise to pay tribute to Marcus Goller, a cornerstone of the Brighton community who sadly passed away late last month.

Marcus owned and operated the Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater alongside his wife, Amy, and their two kids, Spencer and Macy.

The spot is a mainstay of downtown Brighton, a place to pop in for a quick coffee or pastry or to take in a show in its 70-seat black box theater. But before it was a reality, it was just a dream between a couple and their kids.

Marcus had had a long career in the coffee business, running a chain of coffee shops in college towns all across the Midwest. Amy had acted professionally and directed productions at Brighton High School.

One day, while sitting in the children's reading room at a small bookstore on Main Street, they had the idea of opening their own coffeehouse. What started that day as a dream became a reality in 2018 when Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater opened its doors and quickly became a cornerstone of downtown.

It is the perfect place to gather. I still remember hosting a townhall conversation there in 2019 and the incredible sense of community that you felt as soon as you walk in the door. It is the reason that student organizations and performers constantly use the space, because you immediately feel at home.

As anyone will tell you, that is because of Marcus. He was the soul of Brighton Coffeehouse, a quiet, kind presence. He treated visitors like neighbors and neighbors like family, always making sure that they were well served and had everything they needed.

It was his idea to start the Brighton Yacht Club, a fleet of dozens of little motorized remote-controlled sailboats that people could rent and sail on the millpond just outside. He loved his business, and the people loved his business back.

He would be the first to tell you that it wasn't easy, that the road from a conversation to construction was filled with twists and turns and setbacks, but Marcus never met an obstacle he couldn't overcome.

His passing is our loss. To Amy, Spencer, and Macy, to all those who knew Marcus and loved him, may they hold on to the dark roasts, the baked goods, the theater productions that brought them close together.

I speak these words today so that his legacy is forever remembered in the permanent Record of the people's House, letting all who read know Marcus made a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 3.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the NDAA.

I want to thank Chairman Smith, the entire committee, Members on the other side of the aisle, and staff on the other side of the aisle.

Funding our national defense is and should always be a bipartisan priority. We have created a bill that is strong on defense and stays true to our values as a country. This bill includes important provisions that all Americans can get behind:

It funds our military at the highest levels in history and ensures the readiness of our forces;

It includes a 3.1 percent pay raise for our servicemembers;

It strengthens provisions to combat foreign information operations, protecting us from foreign adversaries that wish us harm;

It enhances our military's resilience to climate change, which poses a growing threat to national security; and

It ensures protections for military families.

As a former Pentagon official, as an Army wife with a stepdaughter serving on Active Duty right now, I firmly believe that we have a solemn responsibility to our men and women to pass a bill that funds our military. Failure to do so, despite concerns about certain provisions, would be an abdication of that responsibility.

This bill also funds priorities that are important to the economies and the safety of our local communities and our districts. I fought hard to include provisions that directly impact my community in Michigan and communities like ours across the country.

The NDAA will reduce PFAS contamination by phasing out the firefighting foam with PFAS chemicals and ask the Pentagon to come up with a plan of action on how they plan to transition and clean up PFAS sites.

This NDAA includes provisions that help States like Michigan capitalize on our unique capabilities in autos, cyber, robotics, and software to help fuel innovation at the Defense Department.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Sergeant Donald Burgett, an American hero to whom the people of the 8th District of Michigan, along with the entire nation, are deeply indebted. As Congress has deemed, the United States Post Office in Howell, Michigan, shall henceforth be known as the Sergeant Donald Burgett Post Office Building, enshrining the legacy of this valiant champion of freedom for generations to come.

Sergeant Burgett was born in Detroit in 1925 and served as a rifleman and machine-gunner in the 101st Airborne Division's 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. His service took him throughout the European theater and included parachuting into Normandy in the opening hours of D-Day.

His devotion to country did not end with his service, however, as he returned to Howell after the war and committed himself to bettering the community through veterans' organizations and civic leadership, and by chronicling the war's events in several highly acclaimed books.

Sgt. Burgett was deeply committed to recording the experiences of his colleagues-in-arms so that their legacy would live on. Now, we have the distinct honor of doing likewise, by dedicating a public building in his name.

I can think of no more fitting tribute on this Flag Day, which comes just days after the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, than to honor the heroism of a man who lived and died under the flag and whose very name is synonymous with its ideals.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Sgt. Burgett and his extraordinary life and legacy of service. May all who enter the building that now bears his name be inspired to the principles of service over self and love of country by which he lived.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act.

For me, this issue is particularly personal. It is a major reason why I ended up coming here to Congress.

I believe that the sabotage, the attempts at legislating out protections for people with preexisting conditions, is something that is just out of touch with the American people, certainly in Michigan's Eighth Congressional District.

It is particularly personal to me because of my mom. My mom passed away in 2011 from ovarian cancer. When she was diagnosed, she did not have healthcare.

She had trouble with healthcare her entire life. She had breast cancer as a young 31-year-old mom, so for the rest of her life, she had a preexisting condition.

My parents divorced, and she lost her job. Because of that preexisting condition, she could not afford health insurance. She went 5\1/2\ years without a checkup and no gynecological exam.

We finally got her health insurance, my brother and I. It was $1,000 a month, with a $10,000 deductible, her highest bill in Detroit.

In 2009, without us knowing, she let it lapse. Two months later, she walked into an ER and was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer.

I am sure my colleagues around the room know what it is like to have a loved one get a terminal diagnosis. Your life as you know it explodes.

That same week and that same month that our lives were exploding was the same week and the same month we spent filling out the paperwork for her to declare bankruptcy.

I think no matter whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, or an independent, it is essential that we support people with preexisting conditions, and I urge my colleagues to do so.

Madam Speaker, I claim the time in opposition.

Madam Speaker, I rise because this motion to recommit is simply another attempt to take away protections for people with preexisting conditions.

Madam Speaker, at face value, the amendment appears to maintain protections for people with preexisting conditions, but make no mistake, no matter the language included in this MTR, the goal of the 1332 guidance expands and promotes junk plans that discriminate against people with preexisting conditions. These plans also make comprehensive coverage for people with preexisting conditions more expensive.

It is not enough to say, my colleagues, that you protect preexisting conditions. It is what happens on the ground that matters.

If my colleagues are serious about protecting Americans with preexisting conditions, I urge them to oppose this amendment, support the underlying bill, and join us in doing what the American public has made very clear they want.

While Members of the other party may claim they are ready to work to protect individuals, their actions tell a different story.

Madam Speaker, 2 years ago, exactly this week, most House Republicans voted overwhelmingly for a bill that would have gutted the ACA and weakened protections for people with preexisting conditions.

My colleagues--including you, sir--stood on the White House lawn and celebrated that bill and would have made it more difficult for people with preexisting conditions.

A few courageous Republicans, who I applaud--including the late Senator John McCain--joined Democratic Members and Senators in preventing this bill from becoming law.

You can boo John McCain if you want.

Since then, the administration has tried every play in the book to undercut, sabotage, skirt protections in the ACA, including protections for people with preexisting conditions.

We currently have an open suit from your side that is meant to invalidate the entirety of the ACA, including protections for people with preexisting conditions.

I stand in opposition to this motion because the issue of protecting people with preexisting conditions is deeply personal to me, as it is to so many people in this room and in our districts.

My mom passed away in 2011 from ovarian cancer, and when she was diagnosed, she did not have healthcare. She had struggled to afford healthcare her entire life.

She had breast cancer as a 31-year old mom, leaving her with a preexisting condition for the rest of her life. When she lost her job in 2002, she lost her insurance, and it was impossible to find coverage that she could afford. She went 5\1/2\ years with no insurance, no checkup, no gynecological exam, no one saying ``you should get tested.''

In 2008, we finally helped her get insurance. Because of her preexisting condition, it was $1,000 a month and a $10,000 deductible. She let it lapse and walked into an ER a few months later and was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer.

Now, I am sure my colleagues on the other side of the aisle know exactly what it is like to have a loved one get a terminal diagnosis. Your life as you know it explodes.

And that same week and that same month that my life was exploding, was the same week and the same month that I spent filing the paperwork for my mom to declare bankruptcy. So, no one should be gouged because they happen to be born with a preexisting condition.

We have evolved as a country, as a Nation, to see that, and I urge my colleagues to evolve as well.

Madam Speaker, in my district protecting people with preexisting conditions is not a Democratic or Republican issue. It is what people of all political backgrounds are demanding of us as their representatives.

That is our mission. That is our mandate. And to ignore the interest of our constituents at this point, is dereliction of duty, plain and simple.

I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this amendment that would hurt people like my mom. To my colleagues across the aisle, do the right thing. Put people before politics. Vote against this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a hospital that embodies the spirit, standard, and strength of the community it has now served for 90 years. As St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital celebrates its 90th anniversary in the community, I would like to offer my congratulations and appreciation to the hospital's leaders, caregivers, and volunteers on this most extraordinary accomplishment.

In its 90 years, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital has grown its healing mission from humble roots in a 3-story home to a state-of-the- art, modern hospital with two campuses in Livingston County. With a staff that today includes more than 500 physicians, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston is the county's only full-service hospital, and includes state-of-the-art robotic surgical services, a cancer center, 3-D breast imaging, a sleep disorders facility, and Michigan's very first short- stay center, which provides overnight care for patients not requiring hospital admission.

St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital has received numerous accolades for its dedication to patient safety, quality of care, and excellence. But the organization stands out not just for its commitment to the health of its patients, but for its devotion to the health of the entire region. Before a single patient enters the hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital is reaching out to. As one of the county's main employers, the organization generously donates time, talent, and treasure to countless community events, school groups, and non-profits each and every year. The residents of Livingston County are so fortunate to have at their disposal this level of quality care and community support so close to home. I am honored to represent the fine men and women who work hard every day to make St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital a source of pride.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital for 90 years of service, and to the promise of many more years of healing to come.