Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, with unemployment in Michigan at over 12 percent, I am not going to support a bill that raises taxes on small businesses. Let us be clear. Voting for the Patients' Rights Repeal Act will eliminate the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. Small businesses have faced outrageous increases in their health care costs over the past decade. This tax credit helps reduce that burden and is already making a real difference.

The L.A. Times reported that small businesses are signing up for health care coverage for their employees, despite the bad economy, since the tax credit took effect. Among firms with three to nine employees, there has been a 46 percent increase in the number offering health benefits. But this bill would put a stop to that.

The Detroit News reported that last week more than 126,000 small businesses in Michigan would lose the tax credit under this bill. The last thing that small businesses in Michigan and across the country need right now is higher taxes. But that's exactly what this bill would deliver.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' and join me in standing up for our small businesses.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I take to the floor of the House today to pay tribute to the fallen, but also to honor the heroes, to express grief in the wake of tragedy, but also to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who showed incredible bravery in the face of evil.

Madam Speaker, I come to the floor of the House today to honor my colleague and friend Gabby Giffords, because I want every American to know that she exemplifies what every American wants to see in their Member of Congress. The Gabby I know is smart and hard working. The Gabby that southern Arizona knows is personable and accessible. The Gabby we all know is dedicated and humble.

Gabby takes her job representing Arizona seriously. She works hard to effect change on the issues that matter most to her southern Arizona constituents. We both served on the Committee on Science and Technology in the last Congress, and I was privileged to be able to collaborate with Gabby on her signature issue--solar energy development. She worked tirelessly to create not only clean energy for America, but also new jobs for Americans.

We are both residents of border States, albeit different borders, and I was proud to cosponsor her legislation to help give businesses the tools necessary to enforce immigration standards. I admired her strong commitment to our national defense and her tireless dedication to the men and women who serve our country in uniform. But even more than her legislative prowess, it is her smile and friendly nature that makes her a beloved figure here in the Halls of Congress as well as in her home district. And we all pray for her speedy recovery.

We also mourn the loss of those who were senselessly murdered while participating in the most fundamental democratic tradition--talking with the people who represent us; victims like 9-year-old Christina Taylor, who was just elected to her student council. Christina attended Representative Giffords' Congress on Your Corner event because she cared about her community, and a neighbor thought she would enjoy it.

But while this tragedy has extinguished lives of promise, it has also revealed some incredible heroes. Today we stand shoulder to shoulder and pray for the speedy recovery of our friend and the other wounded victims.

And I just say to all, God bless the victims and their families; God bless all those who are grieving, and God bless America.

Madam Speaker, the America COMPETES Act supports American manufacturing, innovation, and global competitiveness. COMPETES recognizes the challenges facing America's 21st century manufacturers, as well as the importance of a healthy manufacturing base. The bill includes new manufacturing loan guarantees, improved research and development, and strengthens the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. The bill also places a much-needed emphasis on science education, from grade schools to the university level. We need a highly educated workforce to create the next advanced vehicle technology or innovative product that will produce more high-quality jobs in America.

COMPETES also supports innovation clusters around the country and creates a focus on innovation within our Federal programs and agencies. America simply cannot afford to sacrifice its innovative edge to growing economies like China and India. The investments made by COMPETES are critical to America's long-term economic health, and I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bipartisan legislation.

Madam Speaker, on December 9, 2010 I missed rollcall vote No. 627 because I was attending a White House signing ceremony for the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010--legislation which I helped author. Had I been present I would have voted in favor of H.R. 6412, the Access to Criminal History Records for State Sentencing Commissions Act of 2010, legislation which will help improve criminal sentencing procedures in states throughout the country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Representative Murphy and Leader Hoyer's Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

As a former lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Reserve, I served with many brave, patriotic and dedicated men and women who were always ready to serve their country. I was never concerned about their sexual orientation, just their ability to serve the United States honorably.

This discriminatory policy has forfeited over 13,000 able-bodied men and women from our military while our Nation is engaged in two wars. It has wasted over 1 billion taxpayer dollars through investigations, legal proceedings, and the wasted training of fighter pilots, mechanics, medics, and even Arabic translators. Military leaders have testified before Congress in support of repeal, and Defense Secretary Gates has said ``this can be done and should be done.''

We must allow our military to recruit and retain any qualified, patriotic, and courageous American who wants to serve our country. This is why I urge passage of the rule and of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me as I salute Richard L. Hughes upon his retirement from the 67th District Court in Burton, Michigan, after 15 years of proud and principled service.

Judge Hughes was first appointed to the bench in 1994. He ran successfully for the balance of the judicial term in 1996, and was twice re-elected to the position in 1998 and 2004. But his tenure on the bench was merely a capstone to his many years of formal public service. Dick's story is truly the archetype of ``local boy makes good.'' Not many years after graduating from the Detroit College of Law in 1968 and practicing law in Detroit for a time, Dick and his wife Suzanne moved their young family to their long-time homestead in Otisville, just miles from where he was raised.

Dick practiced law in the community for 26 years before his appointment. During that time and continuing today, Dick was active in his church and as a Rotarian in the Davison and Burton clubs.

In formal service to the community, Dick truly carried on a long family tradition of holding public office. He was urged by community members to serve on the Lakeville School Board when the district was in the midst of challenging financial times. He served nearly a decade, and 6 years as president. True to his nature and sense of practicality, Dick successfully reduced the board member's compensation to just $1 a year during the lean years.

When Dick was appointed to the 67th District Court bench in 1994, he was presented the gavel of our great-great grandfather Julian Peters who was Justice of the Peace for 24 years in Rochester, Michigan. We are all grateful that Dick has carried on our family's tradition of proud public service in the judicial branch of government.

I know that Dick's thoughtful expertise on the bench will be missed. The Burton community is fortunate, however, that Dick's son-in-law Mark Latchana will carry on Dick's tradition of proud and principled service after Mark's successful election to the seat this past November.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join my salute to my cousin, Dick Hughes, for his commitment to excellence on the bench, his dedication to community and family, and his tireless service to the public. I wish Dick, his wife Suzanne, their children Beth and Michael and their families the very best enjoyment of Dick's formal retirement. I have no doubt that although he is shedding the black robe, his service to the community will continue in earnest for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Barb DeMarco, a member of the West Bloomfield School District Board of Education and lifelong local activist, on the occasion of her retirement. As a Member of Congress, it is both my honor and privilege to recognize Ms. DeMarco for her decades of service and work to build a better future for the West Bloomfield community and its youth.

For the past 25 years, Ms. DeMarco has been at the fore of many grassroots initiatives in West Bloomfield to improve the quality of life for its residents. Ms. DeMarco was often the driving force behind many of the millage initiatives that were directed toward acquiring and developing land for use as community

parks. It is with this same sprit of activism and bettering the community that Ms. DeMarco embarked on her journey to advocate for improving public education for our youth. As a concerned citizen, well before her tenure on the board of education, Ms. DeMarco spearheaded campaigns to pass bond initiatives to strengthen West Bloomfield schools and create an environment of academic excellence for its students.

Beginning in 2001 Ms. DeMarco took her passion for activism and advocacy to the West Bloomfield School District Board of Education, where she has served with selflessness and tenacity. Ms. DeMarco's initial work focused on improving school curriculum, where she fought for a rigorous academic program to provide students every opportunity to excel. After just 3 years on the Board, Ms. DeMarco was appointed to the Oakland Schools Intermediate School District Board of Education where she took that same zeal for fighting for public education to both a county and national level.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Ms. DeMarco's decades of advocacy on behalf of her students and her community. Her presence will surely be missed. It is with much gratitude for her service and dedication that I wish her many more years of advocacy and success in building a better community for our youth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a truly extraordinary young man from my district. Army Staff Sergeant William McLaurin, known as Staff Sergeant Mac to those who serve with him, is a field artilleryman serving in southern Iraq. His unit is assigned to help protect the civilian State Department provincial reconstruction mission that is helping to rebuild Iraq.

Our former colleague, Mike Flanagan, is serving with the State Department in Iraq and informed me of Staff Sergeant Mac's heroism and sacrifice. Staff Sergeant Mac was wounded twice by a sniper. In the first attack, he was hit in the backside but did not flinch from completing his mission. He returned to duty only 3 weeks later without even so much as a limp.

Several weeks later, while patrolling and escorting Mike on an important mission, he was hit again by the same sniper in the chest and shoulder. While his wounds this time are much more serious, I am happy to report that Staff Sergeant Mac is expected to make a full recovery and is already trying to make it back to his unit in Iraq.

Staff Sergeant Mac is a truly extraordinary young man and one we can all be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 325) supporting the goals and ideals of National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 325, which supports the goals and ideals of National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day.

I want to thank Congressman Alcee Hastings for introducing this important resolution.

An estimated 2 million people experience homelessness in the United States each year, and every night, more than a half a million people are homeless. These individuals are at a high risk for mortality, sickness, and mental illness. The mortality rate among homeless persons is four times greater than that of the general population.

Furthermore, according to a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Public Health, over 70 percent of the homeless population has at least one unmet health need, and almost half report two or more. In particular, approximately 2 million youth experience homelessness over the course of a year, and nearly 200,000 children in families were homeless, which is according to a recent one-night count of homelessness by the Urban Institute.

The problem facing the homeless is also why House Concurrent Resolution 325 is so important. It will recognize December 21, 2010, as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, and it will reaffirm the commitment of Congress to end homelessness by promoting a comprehensive national response to address the housing, health, and economic causes and consequences of extreme poverty.

Preventing homelessness has been a longtime priority for Congress and this administration. On May 20, 2009, President Obama signed into law S. 896, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, which included the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act.

House Concurrent Resolution 325 furthers the mission of Congress to help prevent and end homelessness in the United States. I commend Congressman Hastings for introducing this very important legislation and urge my colleagues to vote in support of House Concurrent Resolution 325.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, OLHSA, as it celebrates the completion of its new Welcome Center.

For 46 years, the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency has been an invaluable community institution in Southeast Michigan, providing services to make low-income, senior and disabled persons more self- sufficient. Along with its 1,100 fellow Community Action Agencies, OHLSA provided service to 11.5 million Americans last year, specifically thousands of Oakland county residents. In fulfilling its mission to diminish poverty and empower the disaffected, OLHSA has tirelessly advocated on behalf of its clients, provided educational and economic resources to those in need and fostered the involvement of area residences in the design of programs and initiatives to provide needed services in a tailored and specialized manner. The completion of OLHSA's new Welcome Center marks a significant moment in the Agency's fight on poverty, in which it will have facilities to expand its programs and reach even further into our community.

The opening of the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency's new Welcome Center marks a new venture for OLHSA with a new presence and a renewed determination to combat poverty in Southeast Michigan. The Welcome Center makes OLHSA's vital services such as its weatherization, Emergency Utility Assistance, Head Start preschool, foreclosure counseling and food assistance programs more easily available to residents of Oakland county who are in need. Additionally, extended hours of operation will ensure that all who seek assistance will have an opportunity to do so.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today and recognize the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency on the completion of its new Welcome Center, which will expand access to vital services for those in need in Oakland County and across Southeast Michigan. I look forward to the day when we can rise together to celebrate the eradication of poverty and the protection of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Umicore Autocat USA Inc. of Auburn Hills, Michigan on the occasion of the milestone achievement of 10 years without a loss time accident. As a Member of Congress it is both my honor and privilege to recognize and congratulate Umicore Autocat USA Inc. for its dedication to safety at its Auburn Hills facility.

Established in 1997, the Automotive Catalyst Technical Center in Auburn Hills has since provided catalyst system development and emission testing capabilities to its customer base for a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines as well as alternative powertrains. This 10 year milestone is a tribute to the quality and character of the employees at the technical center. Their safe practices and internal safety programs has made this achievement possible.

Umicore is a materials technology group with an eye fixed on the future of industry in Michigan. The primary focus of its work is materials science, chemistry and metallurgy, with up to 80 percent of its R&D budget devoted to development of clean green technologies. These technologies such as emission control catalysts, materials for rechargeable batteries and photovoltaics, fuel cells, and precious metals recycling are the keys to supporting advanced manufacturing, next-generation vehicle production, and alternative energy development in Southeast Michigan. In its current operations the Umicore Group has industrial operations on all continents and currently employs approximately 14,300 people worldwide, with the potential for more opportunities as Umicore's plans come to fruition and these next- generation technologies are developed.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the safe work environment Umicore has created in its pursuit of developing technologies for the industries of Michigan and America's future. Ten years of

accident free work is a significant achievement and I wish the workers and leadership of Umicore many continued safe and productive years of prosperity.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Birmingham Optimist Club on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary of service to the community. As a Member of Congress, it is both my honor and privilege to recognize this outstanding community organization on achieving this most impressive milestone.

Since its inception in 1960, the Birmingham Optimist Club has operated with the mission of ``Bringing Out the Best in Kids.'' To this end, the Club has focused on sponsoring activities which promote a philosophy of optimism in one's daily life, encourage the development of youth, highlight the importance of service to others as a key component of one's own well-being and promote the development of friendship through social and business networking. In keeping with these principles, the Club offers a strong array of multi-faceted programs which offer our youth the keys to developing the skills, passion and community-minded focus necessary to become our next generation of leaders.

Throughout the years, the Birmingham Optimist Club has sponsored a number of activities, programs, and events centered on promoting the future of our youth. For over 35 years, the Club has offered an annual oratorical contest, which prepares high school students for the professional world by providing

them the opportunity to hone their public-speaking skills. Since 1998 the Club has sponsored its annual Imagineers contest, which encourages area fifth graders to use creativity and critical thinking to design solutions to current problems using everyday materials. Furthermore, the Club promotes the need for youth to develop a well-balanced set of skills by sponsoring athletic competitions for area youth in addition to its countless academic and scholarly programs.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Birmingham Optimist Club. The Club has provided a great service and continues to profoundly impact the community by working with our youth to develop and shape the leaders of tomorrow. I wish the Club many more years of continued success as it enriches our communities and helps today's youth develop into tomorrow's leaders.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Patrick Lynch as he assumes his presidency of the National Funeral Directors Association. As a Member of Congress, it is my honor and privilege to recognize Mr. Lynch on achieving this milestone in his career.

As owner and operator of Lynch and Sons Funeral Directors in Clawson, Michigan, Mr. Lynch has worked since 1972 to provide support for families in their time of greatest need. As a second generation funeral director, Mr. Lynch has worked diligently to ensure a high quality of service and support for families in grief over the loss of their loved ones. Mr. Lynch's career is marked with many years of service in both the Michigan (MFDA) and National Funeral Directors Associations (NFDA). His many assignments have included work on the executive boards of both MFDA and NFDA, as well as service on NFDA's Public Relations, Pursuit of Excellence and Consumer Protection Committees.

Mr. Lynch has shown a lifetime of leadership in his field and unyielding commitment to the pursuit of excellence in service. Under his leadership, the Lynch and Sons Funeral Directors have sought to the highest standards in its work at its seven Detroit area locations. As President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, MFDA passed landmark consumer protections to ensure the rights of grieving families. Furthermore, while leading the MFDA, Mr. Lynch brought together over 1,600 clergy, hospice workers, and funeral directors to discuss how to provide the best continuum of care to the dying, the dead and the bereaved. At the national level, Mr. Lynch has been recognized with the Golden Eagle Award for his work in the NFDA's Pursuit of Excellence program.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Mr. Patrick Lynch on the occasion of his installation as President of the National Funeral Directors Association for 2010-2011. Mr. Lynch's career is comprised of decades of tireless dedication to assisting grieving families in a time of great need. I wish him success in his tenure of President of NFDA and many years of continued service to our community and country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Leukemia and Lymphoma, LLS, Society Michigan Chapter on the eve of its tenth annual ``Light the Night'' walk in Michigan. As a Member of Congress, it is my honor to recognize the Michigan Chapter of LLS for its decades of work to help find a cure for these devastating illnesses.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a leading organization in the fight to find a cure for blood cancer diseases. Since its inception in 1949, LLS has been a significant resource by supporting blood cancer research with almost $600 million in finding, providing counseling and informational services to over 100,000 patients and family members who have been confronted with these diseases and providing the resources necessary for blood cancer patients to seek treatment for their illnesses. In addition to these services, LLS has

also been a key organization in raising awareness of blood cancer and how blood cancer affects the lives of not only patients, but also their family, friends, and co-workers. One such awareness-raising event is the LLS' annual Light the Night walk to find a cure to blood cancers.

Each year, in communities across the country, thousands of supporters, gather to walk in Light the Night to shine a light into the darkness of battling cancer. The passion and support of Michigan residents who come out to Light the Night ensures that resources are available to researchers, support services for LLS Michigan Chapter's Family Support Groups and First Connection peer-to-peer counseling program, and increased availability of specialized assistance through LLS' Information Resource Center.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to recognize the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Michigan Chapter as its members hold its tenth annual Light the Night walk to raise awareness and support for treating blood cancer. I look forward to the day this walk can celebrate a cure for these devastating diseases and provide much needed relief to victims of blood cancers.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedication of the Hindu Temple of Canton, a beacon of community and spirituality benefitting the Hindu community of Greater Detroit.

Just a little over a year ago, I stood at the Temple site along with the members of the Hindu Temple to turn the first shovels of soil for this center's major expansion. Its completion marks a new phase of growth and prominence for this vibrant community, and I am proud and honored to recognize this dedication.

In October of 1986, a small group of dedicated members of the Hindu community decided that there was a clear need to build a Temple that would cater to the western suburbs of Detroit. Construction began in 1988, and the Temple first opened its doors on December 25, 1990.

For the past 20 years, the Temple has fulfilled its role as a true center of the community--offering classes and concerts, hosting countless gatherings, annual celebrations of Indian Independence Day, and supporting the broader community through a Scholarship Program for graduates of Plymouth Canton High School.

With the completion of this new expansion, the Temple will be able to welcome ever-larger numbers of members into its doors and continue to provide the rich and dynamic programming that has become its signature.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to mark the dedication of the Hindu Temple of Canton and the milestone of progress and growth it represents for the Hindu Community of metro Detroit.