Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, there's an old saying, ``Will the last one out please turn out the lights.'' Well, this bill turns out the lights for many Americans. And no matter what you say, this bill does not have the job protections that will prevent jobs from leaving our country and going to India or China. What do you tell that small refinery that came to our committee a couple of weeks ago, a small refinery that's got 1,200 jobs--that it's going to cost $150 million to ramp up the changes that they're going to have to do, and they're going to end up going out of business? That asphalt and that petroleum is going to be made someplace else--India.

What do you tell that small company that I visited last month in Niles, Michigan, a company that figures out that their energy costs are going to increase by perhaps as much as $20,000 dollars a month? Well, they're thinking about it. They want to stay in business. They're thinking about telling the folks not to come to work anymore during the day so they can do the night shift, and they can maybe pay lower utility rates. There are more coal-fired plants in China than there are in the United States, India and Britain combined; and it's going to double by the year 2030. Emissions in China are going to grow by 86 percent.

What does this bill do about emissions in China or India? It does nothing. Environmental restrictions in this country, protections, are the reason why steel, per ton, has one-third the emissions in this country than in China. We want those jobs to stay in this country and not go to China. Michigan, my State, we're already at 15 percent unemployment and headed maybe towards 20. We were told earlier this week that we're going to have as many as 100,000 people, unemployed folks, lose their benefits that they're receiving today because those benefits are going to be exhausted. I didn't come up with the figure that gasoline costs were going to increase by 77 cents a gallon because of this legislation or that diesel prices were going up 88 cents a gallon. It wasn't me. It was the CBO who said that. I hope and pray that they're wrong because I want to protect our workers here to make sure that we can grow jobs, not lose them.

Consumers Energy came up with a study, a major utility in my part of the State, that shows that the estimate of the impact, including certain requirements in this bill, are going to grow as much as 38 percent by the year 2024. Some folks say that it's only going to cost a postage stamp. Well, I'm glad I bought a lot of promise stamps because these stamps are good for life. If they're not worth 44 cents, these may be worth thousands of dollars apiece based on what these costs are going to do to the average consumer.

Let me just close. We as Members of Congress may have to declare these in our financial disclosure reports if we bought more than 10 of them.

Mr. Speaker, as dean of the Michigan Republican delegation, I have the sad duty to relay the news that our former colleague Carl Pursell from Michigan passed away this morning. He was the ranking member on the Labor-HHS appropriations subcommittee for many years. He retired in 1993.

I would yield to Mr. McCotter who represents Plymouth, Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask for a moment of silence.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate my colleague from Ohio and my colleague from Michigan, Mrs. Miller. This is not the perfect bill, but this is it. There is no plan B. This is not the original bill that Ms. Sutton and Mrs. Miller introduced, but this is the bill that passed our committee 50-4.

One in 10 jobs in America are auto-related. In the last couple of years now, particularly through this tough recession, we have lost one in five manufacturing jobs, and certainly the Midwest has been critically hurt.

The auto sector, we've seen auto sales plummet from 17 million car sales just 2 or 3 years ago to probably what will be less than 10 million, not only this year, but next year as well. Not only the Big 3 supports this, but Toyota, Honda, the Chamber, a whole number of different groups, the UAW, the Auto Manufacturers, the National Association of Manufacturers, the auto dealers as well. You know what this bill is? It's a jobs bill.

But more important than that, it's an American jobs bill, and it's time to stop the dominos from falling the wrong way and beginning to turn the switch from ``red'' to ``green'' for auto jobs and get something in the hands of consumers that will boost their confidence.

Now, who else has done this bill? Well, 16. And guess what? The sales are up. Germany, sales have increased by 40 percent; France, sales are up March through May; the UK, Japan, China, Korea, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, Austria, Romania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands. Even Slovakia, auto sales have increased by some 18 percent.

Madam Speaker, this is a very good bill. It's one that has bipartisan support. It's time to put American jobs first and begin to move this process forward. We know we have a majority in this House for this bill. The question is do we have two-thirds. I would like to think we do. This is it. We're not going to have another bill. It's not going back to Rules. We need to pass this.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would yield 2 minutes to the distinguished Republican whip, Mr. Cantor from Virginia.

Madam Speaker, at this point, I would like to yield to 2 minutes to one of the cofounders of the Manufacturing Caucus and certainly a member of the Automotive Caucus, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo).

Madam Speaker, at this point I would yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from the great State of Michigan, who was an original author with Ms. Sutton of the first bill, Mrs. Miller, for 2 minutes.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama and a member in good standing of the Auto Caucus, Mr. Rogers.

Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is left on both sides.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would just note that I have a list of folks wanting to speak, but they're not here. That is why I am reserving the balance of my time.

I will yield the gentlelady 4 minutes of my time to control.

Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman another minute.

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

Madam Speaker, it is time to get America moving again, and that's exactly what this bill does. The auto sector is so important to our country in virtually every single community. It doesn't have to just be a community that has an assembly line. It's the communities that build parts, whether it be a gas cap or a part for a brake, a side panel, a piece of trim, a window. Auto dealers are in virtually every community across the country, and they average about 50 employees per dealership. So this bill impacts every single community across America.

No one here today has talked about what this bill also does. We will rely less on foreign oil because the average consumer, by taking advantage of this program, will save $780 in fuel costs because they're going to trade in that old car and they're going to have a more fuel- efficient, better emission vehicle than they had before; $780 per household for those that take advantage of it. We have fraud and abuse provisions in here so that they won't be taken advantage of.

And to my good friend Mr. Flake, yes, there is a sunset. This program doesn't go on forever. There is a sunset. It's a temporary Band-Aid to fix an economic problem that needs America's attention.

Isn't it better, isn't it better to have people work and have a job and pay taxes than having them laid off and receive benefits? I think most Americans would rather have that job. They want to pay their taxes. This is a bill that helps America, and that's one of the reasons why it passed in our committee 50-4.

I would urge all of my colleagues to support this. And, sadly, because of the procedure, it does have to pass tonight by a two-thirds vote rather than a majority. I would like to think that we can exceed that two-thirds and pass it.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matt Giraud, a great talent from Kalamazoo, Michigan, for placing in the top five on the eighth season of Fox's American Idol.

Every week, Matt has been a staple in our living rooms, helping us forget about Michigan's challenges for a little while as he sang the hits in his own impressive style.

A life-long Michigan resident, Matt grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan where he began his musical career by playing drums at his local church. As time passed, Matt became more serious about music. He taught himself how to play the piano and began singing at the age of sixteen. Matt spent his college years in Kalamazoo and attended Western Michigan University, where he studied organizational communication and was a member of the jazz ensemble Gold Company II. After graduating from Western, Matt decided to make Kalamazoo his home and became a regular performer at Monaco Bay and Zazio's lounge, building quite a local following--including me and my staff.

Matt was a performer on American Idol this season, wowing us time and time again with his polished performances. The State of Michigan has been rooting for him from the beginning and we in Kalamazoo are proud to call Matt Giraud our home town idol. Matt, congratulations on your success and we look forward to watching you succeed in the years ahead.

Although Matt's run is over on American Idol, a brilliant career is just beginning.

Mr. Speaker, I too rise in strong support of this legislation, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2009, which I introduced to restrict the distribution of this product to entities registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

I want to thank the House leadership for scheduling this bill. I particularly want to thank Mr. Pallone, who has helped shepherd this legislation a couple of times as we have passed it in the House, and yet the other body, the Senate, has not taken it up in the same form. We hope that the third time is the charm. I also want to thank the chairman of the full committee and my good friend and colleague from Washington (Mr. Larsen) for cosponsoring this again with me.

We know that DXM can be and is a safe and effective non-narcotic cough suppressant used in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. However safely and effectively that these might be used by literally millions of Americans every year, taken in extremely large quantities it does produce a hallucinogenic high and it can cause brain damage, seizures, and even death.

Currently, there are no restrictions on the distribution of this raw bulk DXM. This bill ensures that DXM is used only for legitimate purposes and stays out of the hands of drug dealers and adolescents. The FDA would have the authority to seize bulk DXM if found in the possession of anyone not authorized to have it. This measures would cut off the supply chain of unfinished DXM to those purchasing it on the Internet to get high or sell it as a street drug.

I would note that this act is endorsed by the American Pharmacists Association, the Consumers Healthcare Products Association, and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. And, I would note that it is my understanding that the Partnership for a Drug-Free America believes that perhaps there are hundreds of thousands of young Americans misusing this DXM. So it is important that we pass this legislation.

I am the father of two. I am alarmed at the growing trend of teens abusing cough syrup, particularly this one, to get high. Our kids are engaging in a game of Russian roulette each time they get high off DXM, and sooner or later someone will die. That is why this is bipartisanship legislation to try to get it enacted, and I would urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Lady Tigers of Benton Harbor High School on their first ever state basketball championship. These outstanding young women have come a long way this past season and have made their community so very proud. It had been 25 years since the Lady Tigers last appeared in the Class A finals . . . and this time they emerged as champions!

Winning a state championship is something that will last a lifetime. It is a remarkable achievement that few teams in southwest Michigan ever experience, and it is a legacy that will live with the 2008-09 Lady Tigers forever. The Lady Tigers and Coach Harvey know what brought this state title back to Benton Harbor--hard work. It is doing that one extra sprint, that extra drill, shooting that extra free throw after practice that helped make the Lady Tigers champions. Nobody outworked the Tigers and nobody could beat them in the state tournament. And nobody had a greater following or more community support than our Lady Tigers.

It is an honor to pay tribute to the entire Lady Tiger squad: Olivia Askew, Damonica Buford, Tiara Greer-Allen, Andrea Ellis, Iesha Ellis, Deborah Meeks, Rashonda Pargo, Nyesha Winbush, and All-American Destiny Williams, who led the Lady Tigers with 31 points and added 21 rebounds. We salute all of you.

On behalf of all the residents of southwest Michigan, congratulations again to the Lady Tigers and Coach Harvey and the entire Benton Harbor community--you are an inspiration to us all. It is Tiger Pride at its finest. Go Tigers!

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of HR 1105, the Omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Fred Upton

1. Dredging of St. Joseph Harbor

Department: Army Corps of Engineers

Account: Operations & Maintenance

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Berrien County, Michigan

Address of Requesting Entity: Berrien County Administration Center 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085

Description of Request: This request is for securing funds for dredging both the inner and outer harbor of St. Joseph, Michigan. The inner harbor is a key port for raw materials such as limestone, sand and gravel for state highways. Road and building construction projects in the area receive a majority of their aggregate materials through the three commercial docks located in this harbor. Additionally, it is a major hub for recreational boaters, with over 1,600 boat slips. This project has been authorized through many WRDA acts, is vital to the economic viability of Southwest Michigan, and has the support of the entire community. This project is consistent with the mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and has been authorized through multiple WRDA Acts. Maintaining commerce in St. Joseph Harbor is vital to the economic well-being of Southwest Michigan.

Amount: $793,000

Financial Breakdown: The entirety of this funding will go towards Dredging to 21 feet in

the entrance and inner channel of the harbor and 18 feet in the inner river channel and turning basin. Supplemental funds will be provided by Berrien County and local municipalities.

2. Western Michigan University Geological Carbon Sequestration Research and Education Program

Department: Energy

Account: Office of Science Biological and Educational Research Account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Western Michigan University Address of Requesting Entity: Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Description of Request: This request is for MICHCARB, a Geological Carbon Sequestration Research and Education Program for Michigan. The program will develop partnerships with Michigan industry, energy utility companies and State and local governments to create and present educational and research programs to help government decision makers and industry leaders identify and evaluate local and regional potential for Geological Carbon Sequestration in deep Michigan geological formations. There is a national need to remain competitive in a global marketplace by motivating and training geosciences professionals skilled in the area of carbon sequestration. Our nation needs to explore all options to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy, and the work being done at the MGRRE is an important step toward that goal.

Amount: $618,475

Financial Breakdown: Faculty, post doctorate, student and professional staff, 36%; materials and supplies for public outreach and K-12 classrooms, 13.6%; travel for public outreach and K-12, 5%; research analytical services and supplies, 13.6%; piggyback drilling, analysis and testing in wells, 31.8%.

3. Benton Harbor Workforce Transformation Program

Department: Labor

Account: Employment and Training Administration Training and Employment Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan Works Benton Harbor, MI

Address of Requesting Entity: Michigan Works, 499 W. Main St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Description of Request: Michigan Works, a state-supported job recruitment and training organization, is starting a job-training program designed to work in tandem with the upcoming $500 million Harbor Shores mixed-use economic development project being undertaken by Benton Harbor. The basic workforce transformation program, which would be funded by the monies requested here, includes at least three core elements: basic skills training, including workforce literacy remediation; skills training for in-demand, high-growth occupations; and transitional job services. All activities will be based on proven programs administered by workforce training professionals as part of the region's existing and ongoing workforce development activities. All programs will be designed to reduce the unemployment rate, increase the local labor participation rate, increase job readiness, place people into jobs, and increase per capita income. These funds are consistent with the mission of the Employment and Training Administration. Benton Harbor, Michigan is the poorest city in one of the most economically challenged states in America. The magnitude of Benton Harbor's problems is stunning--a workforce with an average 6th grade literacy level and an 80% high school dropout rate by young males. In Benton Harbor 42% of the available workers are out of the workforce, a fact exacerbated by the lack of basic skills needed to maintain employment which has only served as a barrier to attract new employers into the area.

Amount: $381,000

Financial Breakdown: The majority of this funding (around 70%) will go to staffing services, stipends for program participants, as well as literacy remediation services. The remainder of the funding will be provided for training scholarships, community outreach, participant assessments and support services. Michigan Works will provide supplemental funds.

4. Kalamazoo Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Nursing Distance Learning Initiative

Department: Health

Account: Health Resources and Services Administration--Health Facilities and Services

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kalamazoo Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Address of Requesting Entity: 3299 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Description of Request: The Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services agency will partner with Wayne State University's School of Nursing, the only nursing school in Michigan offering an Advanced Psychiatric and Community Public Health Nurse Practitioner degree program, to bring the opportunity through the use of distance learning technology for nurses in Kalamazoo and surrounding communities to participate in this three-year program right in their home communities, rather than have to travel all the way across the State to Detroit. The plan would provide scholarships to local nurses who wish to participate in exchange for a commitment to remain in and serve their Southwest Michigan communities. Southwest Michigan is a medically underserved area, with a shortage of nurses, and a particularly acute shortage of nurses with advanced training to meet community mental health needs. The Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Nursing Distance Learning proposal promises to be an innovative and successful way to address this pressing need.

Amount: $285,000

Financial Breakdown: The majority of funding for this project (around 60%) will go to nursing faculty, with supplemental funding going to polycom and video conferencing equipment, as well as scholarships for nursing students.

5. Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport Terminal Improvement Project

Department: Transportation

Account: FAA--Airport Improvement Program

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kalamazoo Aeronautics Board of Trustees Address of Requesting Entity: 5235 Portage Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49002

Description of Request: Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is undergoing the initial planning and design phases for the construction of a new terminal building. The existing terminal, built in 1958, has undergone three expansion projects during its lifetime and is still over capacity and continues to grow. Expansion of terminal capacity and enplanement levels is critical for the airport to be able to continue to provide efficient service. Additionally, the new terminal will be a ``green'' building, and as such, will lower operating costs for businesses that utilize it. This request is consistent with the mission of the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. The terminal has been in the works for years, and will provide much needed economic development for Kalamazoo.

Amount: $1,615,000

Financial Breakdown: This funding will go toward costs associated with construction of the terminal, which is a project totaling $34,000,000. A portion of matching funds will be contributed by the Airport in the form of bonds; Airport capital; PFC funds; and State of Michigan funds.

6. Kalamazoo Metropolitan Transit Authority Facility Expansion

Department: Transportation

Account: FTA--Bus and Bus Facilities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Kalamazoo

Address of Requesting Entity: 530 N. Rose St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Description of Request: The Kalamazoo Metro Transit Authority is undertaking a facility expansion to accommodate their consolidation of all mass transit in the county. The expanded facility will allow the new transit authority to more efficiently serve its riders. This request is consistent with the mission of the FTA's Bus and Bus Facilities account.

Amount: $950,000

Financial Breakdown: Proposal includes administrative office expansion and vehicle storage for countywide demand/response program currently offered by Kalamazoo Metro Transit. Kalamazoo is providing their required matching funds.

7. St. Joseph County Bus Replacement and Software Purchase

Department: Transportation

Account: FTA--Bus and Bus Facilities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Joseph County Transportation Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 810 Webber Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49093

Description of Request: The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority is seeking to replace one medium-duty bus that has met its useful life and is in need of replacement. They will also use a small part of the request for the purchase of new routing software to improve the efficiency of scheduling and bus routing. This request is consistent with the mission of the FTA's Bus and Bus Facilities account.

Amount: $142,500

Financial Breakdown: Most of the money ($115,000) will be used to purchase one medium duty bus. The rest of the money will be used for upgraded routing software. St. Joseph County will be providing their required matching funds.

8. Van Buren County Bus Replacement and Routing Software Purchase

Department: Transportation

Account: FTA--Bus and Bus Facilities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Van Buren County Public Transit

Address of Requesting Entity: 610 David Walton Dr., Bangor, MI 49079

Description of Request: The Van Buren County Transportation Authority is seeking to replace one medium-duty bus that has met its useful life and is in need of replacement. They will also use a small part of the request for the purchase of new routing software to improve the efficiency of scheduling and bus routing.

This request is consistent with the mission of the FTA's Bus and Bus Facilities account.

Amount: $142,500

Financial Breakdown: Most of the money ($115,000) will be used to purchase one medium duty bus. The rest of the money will be used for upgraded routing software. Van Buren County will be providing their required matching funds.

9. Niles Dial-a-Ride Bus Acquisition

Department: Transportation

Account: FTA--Bus and Bus Facilities

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Niles

Address of Requesting Entity: 623 N. Second St., Niles, MI 49120

Description of Request: The City of Niles is seeking to purchase two medium-sized busses to accommodate a new route that will stop at all major retail centers between Niles, MI and South Bend, IN. This request is consistent with the mission of the FTA's Bus and Bus Facilities account.

Amount: $228,000

Financial Breakdown: The entirety of this money will be used to purchase two medium-sized busses. The city of Niles will be providing their required matching funds.

10. Apple Fire Blight

Department: Agriculture

Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity:

Description of Request: Fire Blight is a major threat to Michigan's apple trees and has reduced apple acreage in Michigan by an astounding 24%. Michigan and New York researchers are taking aggressive measures against fire blight including development of blight-resistant varieties and new, environmentally responsible control strategies. Finding ways to control and curb fire blight is of critical importance to apple growers in my district and elsewhere. This research is very promising, and its results will help apple growers significantly increase their yields.

Amount: $346,000

Financial Breakdown: Approximately, $148,000 is for the salaries of laboratory and field research personal; and $36,000 is for materials and supplies. Michigan State University has obtained funding from the Michigan Apple Committee and industry sources and will continue to fund the tire blight research at MSU at a level of $52,500 in FY09.

12. Phytopthora Research

Department: Agriculture

Account: Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Michigan State University

Address of Requesting Entity:

Description of Request: Researchers at Michigan State University are leaders in the fight to control Phytophthora capsici, a fungal-like pathogen that lives in the soil and causes numerous plants to rot. Phytophthora management has been complicated by its longevity in soils (10 or more years), its ability to spread in water, its resistance to a key fungicides and lack of disease resistant varieties. Michigan State University has developed new techniques for control and resistant varieties. However, losses caused by Phytophthora have become so large throughout the nation in recent years that the economic viability of the vegetable industries in many states is at risk, and more research is necessary. Since 1996, researchers have leveraged private, state and federal funds to significantly advance disease management. The widespread crop loss caused by Phytophthora capsici will be lessened, keeping family farms and their communities viable. Spread of Phytophthora to new sites will be stopped. Ways to remediate/treat infested ground and water sources will be identified. Integrated management strategies that emphasize cultural methods and environmentally friendly practices will be developed.

Amount: $346,000

Financial Breakdown: This money will provide 346,000 in funding for Phytophthora research at Michigan State University. Approximately 85 percent of the funding will go to researchers, technicians and students. Approximately 15 percent will be used for materials, supplies and administration. Michigan State University has received outside sources of funding for Phytophthora research as well. This funding is consistent with the authorized purpose of the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of the illustrious life of Dr. Diether H. Haenicke, president emeritus and distinguished professor at Western Michigan University.

From 1985 to 1998, Diether served as the University's fifth president, while later serving as interim president for the 2006-07 academic year. During his 13-year presidency, WMU emerged as one of the leading public research institutions in the nation, becoming a pioneer in the life sciences. A lifelong champion of international study, the University's Office of Study Abroad and Department of Foreign Languages flourished during his tenure as well. At the same time, the University also conducted a successful multi-million dollar capital campaign that allowed for the construction of many major buildings across campus as well as the major renovation of several others.

Shortly after retiring from the presidency in 1998, Diether began writing a popular weekly column in the Kalamazoo Gazette, which continued for over 10 years. The subject matter of his column ranged broadly from reflections on his childhood in Germany and his experiences as a naturalized citizen to commentaries on current events and musings on the absurdities of campus life. Like the man himself, these writings often gave the community a moment of pause.

Not only a successful administrator, but a widely respected intellectual in his own right, Diether came to the United States as a Fulbright lecturer in the early 1960s. Having earned a doctorate, magna cum laude, from the University of Munich in 1962, he was the author of hundreds of published works on such diverse matters as comparative literature, history, academic administration, and international study.

In his so-called retirement, Diether remained actively engaged within the University and also involved himself in countless civic and charitable organizations throughout southwest Michigan.

There truly was no better friend to the University and the greater Kalamazoo community than Diether. And while his intellect, humor, and constant guidance will be sorely missed, perhaps the qualities that will be remembered most were his genuine approachability and astonishing gift for friendship. Throughout his career, thousands were fortunate enough to look to Diether as a friend and mentor--incoming first-year students and Members of Congress alike.

May the Haenicke family find comfort in knowing the far-reaching impact that Diether had upon his community and those who were attracted by the university he built up. American higher education has lost one of the best and so have we all lost a supporter of the greater good.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Mr. David Foster of Grand Haven, Michigan. After 34 years of service, Mr. Foster is set to retire as the Chief Engineer of the Army Corps of exemplary Engineers Lake Michigan Area Office in Grand Haven.

Mr. Foster is an accomplished engineer who has spent most of his career near Lake Michigan. He was born in Muskegon, graduated from Whitehall High School, and received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University. Dave began his work with the Army Corps of Engineers in 1975 and has served with distinction and honor in Muskegon, Fort Wayne, and Grand Haven.

Throughout his career Dave has played a vital role in supporting Great Lakes shipping, flood control, and clean up through his work with the Army Corps. In Southwest Michigan, residents and businesses have benefited from Dave Foster's effective ability to solve problems and find solutions to difficult situations. On many occasions, residents have praised the work of the Army Corps in beach nourishment and flood control projects, both which are essential for our area. Just last year, commercial shipping in my district ground to a halt as silt clogged the federal shipping channel. It

was through the efforts of Dave Foster and the Lake Michigan Area Office that we were able to open up the St. Joseph Harbor and save hundreds of jobs in our region.

Southwest Michigan is very fortunate Dave Foster stayed close to home. Thousands of people have been impacted by his hard work and commitment to the Army Corps of Engineers. I salute his efforts and thank him for his service as a career federal employee. I wish Dave all the best in his retirement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, today is Dingell Day. John Dingell has served more than 53 years in this body. And at a wonderful reception last night in Statuary Hall it was commented over and over, it is not length of his service, but it in fact is the quality of that service.

As chairman of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, he has been certainly one of the most influential legislators in the history of the United States, as he'd like to say, with jurisdiction over almost everything. In fact, I think he coined this term many years ago when he said, ``If it moves it's energy, and if it doesn't, it's commerce. With that, our committee has that jurisdiction.'' And this resolution honors that service.

Mr. Speaker, time will judge all of our actions, and serves as the legacy that each of us will carry as it relates to the difference that we made on behalf of the districts that we represented, but also the Nation that we serve. And history will certainly look favorably on the wonderful service of John Dingell in this body. He has been on the right side almost all the time, but not always, but certainly he's been an architect of the great debates that we have had in this Chamber.

John Dingell is a governing type of legislator, and he knows that good ideas are not just Democratic ideas, and that awful ideas are not just Republican ideas. He demands the best from all of us. And, as a consequence, he has had tremendous relationships with the ranking member or the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, certainly, for all the years that I've served, whether it be with Norman Lent, Tom Bliley, Billy Tauzin, and certainly Joe Barton, one of his best friends.

John Dingell doesn't care about the pride of authorship. He wants the job done. We've sat and had many conversations about issues that he's asked me to carry, and it has strengthened those bills as we moved those pieces of legislation to the floor.

We teamed most recently on the auto legislation. Dale Kildee, the sponsor of this resolution, and myself are co-

chairs of the Auto Caucus. But together, we teamed together with all of our Michigan colleagues, regardless of party, and we were able to shepherd that legislation through to really help try and save the manufacturing base of this country over these last few months.

For me, I've always enjoyed the relationship that I've had with my good friend, John Dingell. Obviously, there are times when we've been on the opposing side of an issue, but plenty of times when we've been in the same foxhole, on the same side. And I'll confess, it's the latter that I enjoy the most. It's a lot easier for, I would like to think, the both of us when we're on the same side.

But John Dingell plays by the rules. I think maybe in another life he would have been an umpire or a referee. Ken Duberstein, Ronald Reagan's former Chief of Staff, said this most recently: ``He followed wherever the facts dictated. Sometimes you don't like what he finds, but you know that he did it honestly. He is a straight shooter.'' Indeed, he is.

We are a wonderful and diverse country, and we know that sometimes this is a very tough place to govern. And it comes with the territory that to be a good legislator, you need to be blessed with a lot of things. Luck is one. You need a great staff. You need a district back home that respects your decision-making, you need colleagues that know that you're somewhat of an expert and they will listen. But you also need a great spouse. All of those elements make a necessary and personal sacrifice to the success of your career.

Well, John Dingell has been one that has hit a home run with all of those qualities. He has been a man for all seasons. He is a true giant in the history of this institution. We wish him well in the many years that he has left.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this point I would yield 1 minute to the distinguished minority leader of the House, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. McCotter).

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the great State of Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

Mr. Speaker, I have a number of Members who may be coming over. We have no one here at the moment, but I would ask at this point to give all Members the opportunity to revise and extend their remarks and to be able to submit that material for the Record.

Mr. Speaker, at this point I would yield 2 minutes to another gentleman from the great State of Michigan (Mr. Rogers).

Mr. Speaker, at this point I would yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the good State of Indiana (Mr. Buyer).

I yield an additional 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would yield 4 minutes to the former chairman and now distinguished ranking member of the powerful and influential Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Barton.

(Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier).

(Mr. DREIER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

I yield the gentleman an additional 2 minutes.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that my good friend Ed Markey's statement that, ``I'm just a poor Polish lawyer,'' that reminds me of a story. I wasn't going to tell this until then, but those of us on the committee certainly know the story because our good friend Mr. Tauzin has told this story many, many times. And that was when Mr. Dingell, I think then the chairman, used that line, ``I'm just a poor Polish lawyer.'' And Mr. Tauzin, who is always known to have one of the best wits ever not only in this body but across the country, was about to relate to him a ``Polish joke,'' Mr. Dingell reminded him that he was just a poor Polish lawyer. And Mr. Tauzin then said, ``Well, I will then tell the joke very slowly.''

Mr. Speaker, in the short time that I have served in this body, John Dingell and I have had really countless conversations and stories. Our offices were across the hall for a number of years, so we would walk to the floor for votes. We would do joint press conferences. We often sat together on the Northwest flight to Detroit, where I then would fly on to Kalamazoo or South Bend and he would stay with his constituents on that side of the State. We obviously worked very closely and in my work on the committee and subcommittees in so many different ways, as not only the dean of the House for Mr. Dingell, he was also the dean of our delegation and I have been dean of the Republican side of that delegation as well. So our delegations work very closely on many fronts. And in all of those conversations, I want to say I think they have all ended with his closing, ``God bless you, my friend.''

We are fortunate that God has blessed the Dingell family, certainly this House in all the great work that he has done as a real legislator, a good friend of all the people regardless of party or affiliation, or staying on the issue. He has been there for the country.

So we say, God bless you, our friend, Mr. Dingell. We salute you for your service. And we look forward to our continuing strong relationship in so many ways.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Barton.

I was one that several years ago helped write this legislation that we're amending today, and the reason that we did it was because we listened to the 9/11 Commission, and their number one recommendation was our first responders need the analog spectrum. They have got to have that so that they can communicate with each other. The fire fighters have got to get the same message that the police folks got on that fateful day back in September.

In Katrina, the Coast Guard folks couldn't talk to the sheriffs as they tried to rescue people off the roofs, and we knew that it was because of the spectrum. They did not have the slice of the analog spectrum necessary so they could communicate.

So the 9/11 Commission made their report, and then they did a follow- up report a couple of years later, and they said Congress still hasn't acted, and they took all of us on. They gave us a flunking grade, E, and we came back and said, well, there was a number of things that had to happen.

We had to convert the television stations from analog to digital. We had to make sure that we stop selling analog TV sets. We had to be able to develop the technology and be able to get it out to these converter boxes, and we actually came up with a way that could help fund the consumer to pay for that box so that they could get the picture over the air.

Our broadcasters have done a marvelous job. They have spent more than $1 billion across the country informing the Nation about the February 17 date, a date that we set, Chairman Barton and myself, more than 3 years ago.

And our broadcasters, like my Channel 22 in South Bend, Indiana, which broadcasts in Indiana and Michigan wrote me almost a month ago and it says, ``Anticipating the February 17 analog shutoff, WSBT is in the process of converting our backup analog transmitter to digital. This means there is currently no backup for our analog signal in the event of any technical failure to the primary transmitter. We do not stock any backup analog transmitter parts. We have been told that the age of the parts means they are likely to fail soon and replacements are either not in stock or exceptionally difficult and expensive to find.''

The Fraternal Order of Police, understanding probably better than just about anyone else is relating to the need for access to analog spectrum,

says this particularly with the arguments that were made by some previous speakers in support of this bill. ``While S. 328 would still allow broadcasters to voluntarily transition by 17 February, subject to current FCC regulations, and allow public safety to occupy this vacated spectrum, unless all the surrounding broadcast stations also voluntarily transition, it is unlikely anyone can move.''

That's the point. They're ready. So are our consumers. The NTIA told this body in November that they were going to have trouble with the coupons, and we should have acted then to do a number of different things in terms of figuring out how to appropriate the money.

If we had acted then to figure out how we could send these coupons out, not use third-class mail but first-class mail, we could have easily fixed this without the costs so that our consumers, our broadcasters, and yes, our first responders would be able to have this spectrum available on February 17.

But we didn't do that job. We didn't do it, and here we are today now looking, after spending more than $1 billion to inform the consuming public about February 17, we're just going to move it to June 12. Who knows if it moves again.

Dates have meaning. Americans know about the date called April 15, the date that we pay our taxes; yet there are still a number of folks who don't file on time.

We need to file on time. We need this analog transition date to stick so that if we do have another emergency, particularly in the next couple of months, whether it be our police, our fire fighters, our EMS folks, that they will begin to have that technology so they can communicate to save lives.

That's what this is about. Please vote ``no.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Josephine Arnold of Portage, Michigan, for her nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the Portage Senior Center and the greater Kalamazoo area.

Jo began working with the Portage Senior Center in 1979 and was named its charter director in 1992 when the Portage City Council created the Department of Senior Services to give the senior center a direct link to the council. Since its inception 30 years ago, the Portage Senior Center has gained 2,000 members and currently has a regular daily attendance of 200 senior citizens. Under Jo's leadership in 2000, the Portage Senior Center became Michigan's first nationally accredited senior center and one of an elite group of 127 centers that have been nationally accredited. Throughout the years, Jo's overriding goal at the center has been to promote personal growth, health, friendship, and independence for area seniors and all generation participants. In addition to her career with the city of Portage, Jo has been an active community member as an instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and as the activities director of Friendship Village.

Jo has been an inspirational figure, exuding friendship, generosity, and leadership in her commitment to a population often neglected by society. Her dedication to community development will be remembered for years to come and her example followed to continue to aid senior citizens in Kalamazoo.

Once again, I would like to personally congratulate and thank Jo Arnold for her many years of public service to the citizens of this great country. Southwest Michigan is truly a better place because of her contributions.

Mr. Speaker, 4 months ago, this Nation was not talking about a bailout. They weren't talking, say, about a bad economy, although it was certainly weak in Michigan, to say the least. We weren't talking about the loss of 525,000 jobs the month before. No, we were talking about energy and the need for an all-American energy plan. Part of that debate was to wean us off foreign oil and to develop the cars that, in fact, will do just that.

As I sat down with Ford and with Chrysler and with GM and saw their Volt and the other vehicles, we were excited. We were going to make a lot of progress to wean us off foreign energy,

but we could only do it if we got the money to retool.

Four months ago, in August, we, in fact, got the tip that the lenders weren't lending. No. They were coming in at 20 percent interest rates. That's what they were going to charge. We went to the administration. We went to the leadership on both sides of this Congress, and we said, if that happens, they'll never get the money; we'll never build these cars, and these companies will go bankrupt before the end of the year.

Sadly, we are here today on December 10, and that may exactly happen if we do not get a bill to the President's desk. It looks like our prediction from last August may be right on track, but if you thought 525,000 jobs lost last month was a problem, you wait until we get to 2 million to 3 million jobs when we lose those in a month or two if we don't get this bill done.

This isn't new money that we're asking for. It has already been directed. It has already been appropriated. What we ask is just redirection to help a domestic industry so that we can make these vehicles in America--that's right--made in America, not someplace else.

China, as my colleague Sandy Levin has indicated, has already approved $55 billion for the domestic auto manufacturing in China. Europe is doing the same thing.

Mr. Speaker, we are in a recession now. We've been in one in Michigan for a long time. You can only imagine where we're going to go--into a deep recession for who knows how long if we don't get this money approved for the Big 3 so that we can build the cars that consumers want that will wean us off foreign oil.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Gloria Cooper of Niles, Michigan for over two decades of broadcasting excellence.

For nearly a quarter century, we in southwest Michigan welcomed Gloria into our homes as the hostess of the popular ``Here's Gloria'' and ``Gloria's Place'' radio programs on WNIL-AM 1290. Since she first hit the airwaves in 1966, Gloria's in-depth interviews and community focus through the years earned her the reputation as the ``Voice of Niles.''

In 2006, Gloria took her show to the Web where she has continued to educate and entertain her faithful listeners. On November 24, Gloria will record her final interview, marking the end of an era. We will all miss Gloria's voice over the airwaves and Internet. She is a treasure of our community, and I will miss being ``grilled'' by my friend on the pressing issues of the day.

Once again, I would like to congratulate and express my gratitude to Gloria Cooper for her many years of distinguished service to the residents of Berrien County. I wish Gloria and her husband Richard all the best. May God continue to bless the entire Cooper family. Gloria's gift of communication has enriched us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Mr. William Johnson of St. Joseph, Michigan. An accomplished businessman and community leader, Bill Johnson is retiring from the board of directors of Lakeland Health Care after more than 33 years of service.

During that time he has led Lakeland through a period of phenomenal growth, with the construction of new facilities, the addition of state- of-the-art equipment, and many awards for quality health care. Beginning back in 1975, Bill Johnson has used his leadership and team building skills to implement hospital mergers, build model care programs, and develop world-class community health initiatives. Since 1993, Bill Johnson has served as the chairman of the Lakeland Health Care Board, and he leaves a legacy that will shape health care in southwest Michigan for years to come.

Bill Johnson was born in Lincoln, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Illinois. He served his country as a first lieutenant and company commander in the United States Army.

Following that service to his country, he became an innovative and respected business leader. He was president of Heath Company, vice president of strategic alliances for Zenith Data Systems, and even after his retirement, he came back as chief operating officer for Gast Manufacturing Corporation.

He brought his business experience and entrepreneurial flair to Lakeland Health Care and to a number of other community organizations. And while Bill Johnson formally steps down as the chairman of the board, we all know he will continue to be involved in the community he loves. He and his wife Patt and family are true cornerstones of our corner of Michigan.