Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bishop Charles Ellis on his reelection as the Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) earlier this year.

This milestone in Bishop Ellis' service to the PAW and his congregation of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit is a recognition of the significant impact his spiritual leadership has made on the Greater Detroit community and on the broader community of PAW worshippers around the world.

As the son of a pastor, Bishop Ellis grew up with a deep appreciation and understanding of the power that spiritual leaders have to be agents of positive change within their communities. After graduating from Mumford High School and Wayne State University, he went on to serve the congregation of Greater Grace as its main financial administrator. Upon the death of his father, then Elder Charles Ellis was elevated to pastor of congregation at Greater Grace, where the congregation has continued to grow it is present membership of nearly 6000. It was just a few years later that he was appointed as a Bishop in the PAW, becoming the second youngest bishop in its history.

Under Bishop Ellis' leadership, Greater Grace Temple has developed more than 300 ministries that offer vital support to the Greater Detroit community--leading efforts to assist others that include issues of: education, the arts, families in need, victims of domestic violence and seniors. The impact of these ministries has been significant, and as a result,

Bishop Ellis and the congregation of Greater Grace Temple have been honored with recognition from many organizations. These honors include being named: Distinguished Leader of the Year by DTE Energy, Michigan Pastor of the Year by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and Black Alumni of Year by Wayne State University.

In addition to his leadership at Greater Grace, Bishop Ellis also serves on the boards of many local organizations, volunteering his energy to the success of community groups that improve the quality of life in the Greater Detroit region. Among the organizations he serves as a board member are: the Detroit Zoo, the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Sinai-Grace Hospital and the Booker T. Washington Business Association.

Mr. Speaker, throughout his decades of service to the congregation of Greater Grace Temple, the members of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and the Greater Detroit community, Bishop Charles Ellis has made an impact that has affected thousands of lives. I congratulate him on his re-election as the Presiding Bishop of the PAW and wish him and his congregation continued success in their mission of fellowship and service to the Southeast Michigan region.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday September 15, 2014 I was not present for 1 vote. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 497, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Job Corps program, which was founded in 1965 as a key part of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty. Founded with the mission of empowering youth, ages 16 through 24, from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their own quality of life, the Detroit Job Corps Center has been a vital part of the Southeast Michigan region by providing vocational and academic training.

Created under the administration of the U.S. Department of Labor under the Economic Opportunity Act, the dedicated staff of the Job Corps program have been working for half of a century to address the many different barriers that youth encounter in their efforts to obtain employment and attain independence. By providing youth with a combination of academic, vocational, and work-based learning experiences, alongside assistance with resume writing and interview preparation, the Job Corps program helps its students develop the tools they need to find stable, long-term, and well-paying jobs. Today, 125 Job Corps centers across the United States serve more than 60,000 youth annually, ensuring that employment is a goal that can be obtained regardless of one's personal circumstances.

To carry out the mission of the Job Corps program locally, the Detroit Job Corps Center has engaged with an extensive network of community stakeholders in Southeast Michigan; which allows it to offer its students a wide array of experiences as they seek to build their skills and determine their future career path. Among its partners are Quicken Loans, the United Auto Workers, the NAACP, many local elected officials, Southwest Solutions and the Wayne County Department of Homeland Security. With these connections, the Detroit Job Corps Center has been able to offer its students internships and community service activities with organizations that are making a difference in the Southeast Michigan region, organizations like: the Greening of Detroit, the United Way of Southeast Michigan, Forgotten Harvest and the U.S. Veterans Administration.

The record of Detroit Job Corps Center is embodied in the success of its graduates, 95 percent of whom end up obtaining a college degree, pursuing advanced training, finding fulltime employment or serving our nation in the Armed Forces. Of the 125 Job Corps centers across the nation, the Detroit center ranks second in graduate ranking and sixth in overall program ranking for the 2013-2014 period. In recognition of its success, the Detroit Job Corps Center has received a National Job Corps Gold Star Award for outstanding achievement each year since 2010.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the remarkable impact the Job Corps program has made over the last 50 years and it is my pleasure to specifically recognize the Detroit Job Corps Center for the work it has done to empower youth in the Southeast Michigan community to build a better future for themselves. As our economy becomes increasingly knowledge-based, the value and power of an education takes on an ever-growing importance. The work of the Job Corps program and the Detroit Job Corps Center is vital to ensuring that a quality education is available to all youth in our communities, regardless of their background or circumstances. I congratulate the Detroit Job Corps Center on its many achievements and wish its staff continued success in fulfilling the mission of the Job Corps program and realizing President Lyndon Johnson's dream of an America free of poverty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Michigan/Ontario Council of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC), as they celebrate 100 years of fellowship.

Founded in 1897 by then-Elder Charles Harrison Mason, the COGIC arose from humble beginnings--holding its first meetings in the living room of one of its members. Driven by a desire to better fulfill the tenants of their believes in the Gospel, Bishop Mason and his followers embarked upon a spiritual journey to grow closer in fellowship through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Over the decades of the new century that soon followed, COGIC grew and prospered, with new congregations being formed across the United States. Among the many jurisdictions formed, was the jurisdiction for the State of Michigan.

Established in 1914, the COGIC jurisdiction for the State of Michigan was formed under the leadership of Elder W.G. Johnson. Under his leadership and the leadership of successors, the COGIC quickly expanded in Michigan, with several jurisdictions being formed within the first decades of its founding. Over its 100-year history, the Canadian/ Michigan Jurisdiction of the COGIC has grown to include 8 sub- jurisdictions within Michigan and Ontario comprised of nearly 90 congregations across the region--including many in Michigan's 14th Congressional District.

In the Greater Detroit region, COGIC congregations not only serve as houses of worship where members of the community can create a deeper connection with their faith, they bring together devoted community members in the tenants of service to our community. From food pantries to youth development and education, COGIC congregations are engaging communities in Greater Detroit, the State of Michigan and across North America to answer the calls of our friends and neighbors in their time of need. So many of these programs support families in times of crisis and afford them the opportunity to confront those crises and move forward to overcome those obstacles.

Mr. Speaker, over the past 100 years, the members of COGIC in Michigan have not only grown deeper in their covenant to their faith, but have channeled their faith into strengthening lives, families and communities across the State--much as their counterparts have done in others states across our nation. I congratulate the Michigan/Ontario Council of Bishops and the members of COGIC congregations across the Canada/Michigan Jurisdiction for achieving this great milestone in their fellowship and look forward to their continued efforts to strengthen the communities which they call home.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, September 8, 2014 I was not present for 3 votes. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 481, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 482, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 483, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday July 29, 2014 I inadvertently voted ``yes'' on final passage of H.R. 4315 (rollcall 463). I wish the Record to reflect my intention to vote ``no'' on H.R. 4315.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to mark the passing of an incredible philanthropic leader of the Greater Detroit community and a dear friend, Mr. David Campbell. As the President and CEO of the McGregor Fund, David devoted many years of his professional life to building a brighter future for the residents of Southeast Michigan.

As a lifetime resident of Michigan, David grew up with a deep affection for his state. After graduating from Midland High School and obtaining Bachelor's Degree from our shared alma mater, Alma College, David went on to obtain his Master's Degree from Central Michigan University. David was later bestowed an honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Madonna University for his work as a passionate advocate for higher education.

David's incredible journey in Southeast Michigan began when he and his wife, Susan, moved to Detroit in 1980 for him to assume the role of Dean of Students for the College of Creative Studies. While at CCS, David earned a reputation as an empathetic and thoughtful leader that sought to uphold the highest standards of integrity. After six years at CCS, David brought his passion for helping others to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, where he served as Vice President of Programs for eight years. In 1995, David continued to expand his impact on the Greater Detroit community when he accepted the position of Executive Director for the McGregor Fund, a foundation dedicated to promoting the well-being of mankind. David later went on to serve the McGregor Fund as its CEO, President and Trustee. In his nearly twenty year tenure at the helm of the McGregor Fund, David oversaw the awarding of more than $150 million in grants to Detroit area nonprofits in the areas of human services, education, healthcare, arts and culture, and public benefit.

It is hardly surprising, given his reputation and passion, that David felt compelled to broaden the range of his impact on the Southeast Michigan community. In addition to his primary work with the Community Foundation and the McGregor Fund, David was an active leader on boards for many non-profit organizations. His volunteer work included service as a founding member on the boards of: the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, City Year Detroit, City Connect Detroit, Detroit Local Initiatives Support Coalition, Excellent Schools Detroit and Michigan Future Schools. Thanks to David's work at the Conservancy, Detroit is realizing so many gains from its unique position within the Great Lakes. His record of service included work on the boards of New Detroit, the New Economy Initiative of the Community Foundation and the Greater Downtown Partnership. In these roles, David was integral to developing the infrastructure and securing the creation of endowments that are empowering the creative entrepreneurs of today and for succeeding generations to move their ideas from concept to reality.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to an incredible record of philanthropic leadership and service to the Greater Detroit region, David was a devoted family man. David's family was an immense source of pride for him, and my thoughts are with Susan, and their daughter, Morgan, his parents: Charles and Margaret, and his siblings: Sandra and Kevin, during this difficult time. My family and I were fortunate to call David a friend and we will greatly miss his ceaseless passion and determination for improving the well-being of the Greater Detroit region. Even as the community mourns his loss, we can all take pride in his accomplishments, his legacy of service and his vision of a prosperous Greater Detroit community--a vision which will continue to inspire current and future generations of leaders to invest deeply into the Southeast Michigan region and create the innovations that are putting the Detroit community at the forefront of the 21st Century economy.

Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment that builds upon the existing language in this bill to strengthen protections for American students. My amendment ensures students have the information that they need to make important financial decisions that could impact their lives long after graduation.

As you may be aware, combined student loan debt in our Nation has topped $1 trillion, and the unfortunate reality is that many of those students do not know the enormous harm that defaulting on that debt can cause to them. Nearly 15 percent of the student loan borrowers default within 3 years of graduation, and this can have serious consequences on their ability to rent an apartment, to purchase a car or a house, or to even obtain future employment.

Madam Chair, I applaud the spirit of this bipartisan legislation to provide enhanced financial counseling services to our Nation's students, and I look forward to voting in favor of it. My amendment will make a very simple adjustment to ensure the full effectiveness, however, of the bill.

My amendment will simply require that all student borrowers receive an explanation of the impact of a delinquency or of a default on loans to their credit scores, including the borrower's future ability to find employment or to purchase a home or a car. It is important for students to have this information when they first receive the loans. For many recent graduates, the idea of a credit report or a credit score may seem very abstract. My amendment ensures that the impact of delinquencies or defaults are explained in very concrete terms.

Recent graduates are the top in their fields but, all too often, fall behind when it comes to financial literacy, which can have a lasting impact on their lives, and it can also take a toll on our economy. For more than 20 years, I worked as a financial adviser, helping families plan for their futures. It is important that all of our graduates understand how the decisions they make today will affect them and their families down the road when they are finding a job, buying a car, or renting or trying to own a home. We need to promote financial literacy when it can do the most good--before a borrower gets in trouble.

As we continue working to make college more affordable for our students, I believe this legislation and my amendment to it are both commonsense steps in the right direction that we can act on immediately. I look forward to a strong bipartisan vote on this bill, and I hope the Senate takes up this important legislation in a timely manner. I urge my colleagues to join me in the support of this amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to reunification efforts in Cyprus. July 20th marked the 40th anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus which tore the island in two. It is time to end this forcible division and ensure the rights of all Cypriots.

In the summer of 1974, Turkish armed forces invaded Cyprus and captured portions of the northern region of the island. Nearly a quarter of the captured residents were expelled from the island, of which about 80 percent were Greek Cypriots. The invasion concluded with the installation of the UN-monitored buffer zone which still divides Cyprus today. It is crucial that we find a solution that allows Greek and Turkish Cypriots to prosper together.

Cyprus is an anchor for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and has been a reliable partner in combating terrorism and threats to international peace. Cyprus has played a critical role in the removal of chemical weapons from Syria. At a time when the stability of the wider Middle East has become increasingly fragile, it is important to ensure the security of a reliable ally in the region.

The Cypriot people deserve a free republic, one without foreign troops patrolling their neighborhoods and one where exiled Cypriots have the right to return to their homes. In early 2013, the President of Cyprus outlined several measures that, if adopted, could significantly contribute to a favorable atmosphere for reunification negotiations. I am reassured by the efforts made by the Cypriot government; however, as a nation who highly values its relationships with our allies, the United States should support initiatives to end the 40 year division of Cyprus. A united Cyprus is the best solution to respect the sovereignty of the Mediterranean nation as well as the rich history of its people.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 I was not present for 4 votes. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 433, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 434, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 435, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 436, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, with a heavy heart, to mark the passing of Michael J. George, a respected business leader, philanthropist and patriarch of the Chaldean American community in Southeast Michigan.

From a young age, Mr. George worked to develop his expertise in business and entrepreneurship. After graduating from Catholic Central High School, he went on to work with his brother, Sharkey, to establish Melody Farm Dairy Company. From a single milk route, Mr. George and Sharkey grew Melody Farms to a business with over $150 million in revenue, and a customer base 10,000 strong. He later went on to found George Enterprises LLC with interests in food products, real estate, technology, healthcare and banking

As a man dedicated to his community, Mr. George felt a responsibility to help empower other aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve success. It was undoubtedly this commitment that led to his leading role in the creation of the Bank of Michigan, a community-oriented institution that specializes in small business lending programs. As a result of Mr. George's leadership, many small business owners have been able to realize their dreams--results that have strengthened the backbone of Michigan's economy.

Mr. George applied his commitment to serving others to every facet of his life. Therefore, it seemed only natural that when his country asked him to serve, he answered its call and proudly defended democracy in Korea. In taking time away from his business interests and family, Mr. George's sacrifices and service helped millions of Koreans to realize their dreams of a free and democratic society.

In Greater Detroit's Chaldean American community, Mr. George was a leader whose actions and vision were instrumental in its development. As the former Chairman of the Chaldean Federation of America and co- founder of the Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan, Mr. George was a driving force behind so many charitable endeavors that assisted newly arrived immigrants and refugees to integrate into their new home country. With his experience and engaging in refugee issues, Mr. George was an important advisor to me and other legislative leaders on the challenges that religious minorities have faced in their ancestral homelands. Specifically, Mr. George's advice was vital to my ongoing efforts to modernize the Refugee Assistance Act.

However, regardless of the transformational impact Mr. George has made on communities, families and lives across the Southeast Michigan region, no achievements brought him more pride than those of his family. To his loving wife, Najat, their six sons, and many grandchildren, he displayed unwavering dedication. Whether it was working in business with his sons or his family's Sunday night dinners, his moments with his family were of the greatest importance to Mr. George.

Mr. Speaker, Michael George approached every endeavor in his life with passion and expectations that allowed him to see the best qualities of those with whom he worked. His belief in the goodness of others was exemplified by his method of engaging in business deals on a simple handshake. With unending optimism and dedication to helping others achieve the success that came to him so early on in his life, Mr. George has touched the lives of many people in Southeast Michigan and has left the region with a brighter future because of his endeavors. While I will miss his leadership, experience and friendship, I know that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders to be active in the Greater Detroit community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency's (OLHSA) 50th Anniversary. OLHSA, founded in 1964 as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, provides over 70 collaborative programs to the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents of Oakland and Livingston Counties.

Created with the mission of empowering individuals to attain self- sufficiency, OLHSA has developed a long record of success. Just last year, it provided information, advice, and material assistance to over 50,000 people--support that helped them to improve their own lives, as well as the vitality of their communities. OLHSA provided them with crucial resources such as food assistance, tax preparation, financial planning, foreclosure prevention counseling, referral guidance, early childhood development and energy assistance.

Recognizing the key role that education plays as a tool that empowers individuals to shape their own future, OLHSA has directed significant resources into education at the youngest ages with its Head Start program. Centered on the principle of involving parents directly in their children's learning process, OLHSA sees its Head Start program as a vital component of its efforts to break the poverty cycle. Through this program, OLHSA continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening communities by providing the basic services that enable its clients to attain prosperity.

Veterans facing housing insecurity can also turn to OLHSA to access the VA Supportive Services for the Veteran Families program, which was created with the goal of eliminating homelessness amongst veterans and their families. By providing case management, rent payment assistance, and emergency housing, OLHSA energetically works to ensure that veteran families in Oakland and Livingston Counties receive the housing and peace of mind they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, as the Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency celebrates its 50th Anniversary of service to communities across Southeastern Michigan, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the remarkable impact it has made on its clients. Thanks to OLHSA's leadership and the dedication of its staff, many tens of thousands of residents of Oakland and Livingston counties of Michigan have received support at critical moments in their lives. In the face of the recent economic challenges in Michigan, OLHSA's programs were vital to families' continued well-being. I congratulate OLHSA's staff on all of their organization's accomplishments over the last five decades and I look forward to continuing to work with them to strengthen the Southeast Michigan community by empowering its residents with the necessary tools to build a successful future.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday July 14, 2014 I was not present for 2 votes.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 405, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 406, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound sadness to mark the passing of an incredible leader in the Greater Detroit community and a dear friend to my family, David Page.

From early in life, David charted a course of excellence--graduating with a Bachelor's Degree from Dartmouth College and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School. In addition to these degrees, he studied at the London School of Economics as a Fulbright Scholar.

At Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, where David worked for more than 50 years, he brought his considerable talents to bear in the field of law. While there, David developed a reputation of tireless service to his clients and a commitment to providing excellent counsel.

While David's legal career came into focus, he became an active leader in the Greater Detroit community, where he was a force in the effort to revitalize the region. Throughout his decades of loyal service to the community, David served on the boards of many community organizations that have improved the quality of life for the residents of Southeast Michigan. The boards he served on included: the Detroit Zoological Society, City Year Detroit and the Detroit Chamber Music Society. David was a founding trustee of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and was directly engaged in the efforts that led to the creation of endowments that will power the work of future generations of community organizations in the Greater Detroit region. As a committed leader of the Jewish community, David served as president of the Jewish Fund, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, and Temple Beth El. David also served as chair of the board of the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation and as chairman of the hospital's board for almost a decade of his more than 40 years of tenure with that organization.

While David provided invaluable leadership to many organizations in Southeast Michigan and helped empower them to magnify their impact, one of his most satisfying endeavors was his work with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, where he served as vice chair of the board. With a prominent view of the Detroit River from his office, David leveraged his position as vice chair and trustee of the Kresge Foundation to build the public-private partnership that would become the Conservancy, which is transforming the Detroit riverfront. With a focus on a 5.5 mile stretch of riverfront between Belle Isle and the Ambassador Bridge, the Conservancy has realized the revitalization of Gabriel Richard Park, Rivard Plaza, and the Dequindre Cut greenway linking Eastern Market to the riverfront and one of Michigan's crown jewels, William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor--the first urban state park in Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, over the years my wife, Colleen, and I have been so fortunate to work with David and share many warm memories with him and his family. All of us who have had the fortune to know him will greatly miss his leadership and indomitable spirit. David's passion for helping others was rivaled only by his passion for his family, and my thoughts are with his loving wife, Andrea, their children: Jason, Mark and Sarah, and their grandchildren during this difficult time. However, even amidst the sadness, there is so much from which David's family may take solace--a legacy of dedicated service toward building a brighter future for the Greater Detroit region, which continues to impact the lives of so many across our community. I am confident his legacy will be a beacon that continues to inspire not only those of us who currently seek to strengthen and revitalize the Southeast Michigan region, but to future generations of leaders and community activists as well.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday June 23, 2014 I was not present for 2 votes. I wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been present to vote.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 339, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 340, I would have voted ``yea.''