Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of the extraordinary life of Ms. Linda Bailey Johnson who peacefully passed away on August 30, 2020. Linda was an incredible friend, spouse, mother, and mentor to many and is greatly missed.

It was an honor to have spent many years learning from Ms. Johnson. Linda was known as a strong, compassionate, and loving soul with an infectious laugh, characteristics that so many fondly recall. Those of us who were fortunate enough to spend time with Linda know that she was full of life and joy, an endearing persona that she maintained through the end of her life. Her quick wit and wisdom made a profound impact on me and all those around her, showing each person in her life that she truly cared.

The example that Linda set is imprinted on those who survive her, continuing to inspire others to live a life of kindness and connection. This legacy continues through her devoted husband, Carl Eugene Johnson, and beloved daughters, Elizabeth Bailey Johnson and Jessica Reid Dunevant (Robert). Linda would have also been proud of her new grandchild, Lillia Elizabeth Dunevant, who joined the family since her passing, and would have mastered the role of grandmother. In addition to her family, Ms. Johnson will be fondly remembered and genuinely missed by the many friends and community members who knew her and were touched by her warm demeanor.

Madam Speaker, the scope of Ms. Linda Bailey Johnson's impact on her expansive community is endless, and we are fortunate to live in a world that was made better by her positive influences. Please join me in remembering the life of Ms. Linda Bailey Johnson and her many contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in awe of the courageous Ukrainian people defending their sovereign land, and in fierce condemnation of the sickening violence the Kremlin is inflicting upon them.

Our children are watching an attack on democracy and a grave violation of international law and global peace unfold, and we must continue to show them it will not be tolerated.

For over 3 years, the Kremlin has tried to intimidate America with the wrongful detention of my constituent, Paul Whelan. While we remain profoundly concerned about our citizens wrongfully detained in Russia, including Trevor Reed and now, Brittney Griner, we will never give up on our mission to bring them home and make President Putin pay.

Financially, economically, militarily, and strategically, the United States is battling for the Ukrainian people.

It is time to ban Russian oil. We prepared for this moment in close coordination with our allies, and the Kremlin will be held accountable.

Our country is united in praying for the safety and well-being of the Ukrainian people on the front lines, for nearly 2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, and for those who dwell within our own borders doing everything they can to support their family and friends back home.

I ask my colleagues to join me in demanding Russia end its invasion of Ukraine, withdraw its military forces at once, and release political prisoners.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the inspirational life of Mr.

David Kahan, a national leader from Michigan's 11th District who passed away on January 8th, 2022. Among the many contributions Mr. Kahan made to our community, he will be remembered to many as the beloved patriarch of the Kahan family, a savvy business owner, and an advocate for the Jewish community.

Mr. David Kahan has been described by his family as ``one-of-a- kind,'' and his inspirational personal story of perseverance demonstrates how unique he was: At just sixteen years old, David Kahan and his family were captured from their home in a remote town in Transylvania and imprisoned at the Auschwitz concentration camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. Despite experiencing severe malnutrition, Typhus, and unimaginable abuse, David Kahan survived the horrific conditions of Auschwitz and moved to the United States to start anew.

Like many Holocaust survivors, Mr. Kahan initially found his time at Auschwitz too disturbing to share. His children recall the moment in the 1970's when a professor from Northwestern University in Chicago incorrectly challenged the scale and cruelty of the Holocaust, motivating their father to speak out about his experience as a survivor. For the remainder of his life, Mr. Kahan worked to ensure that this important history was not forgotten and that the Jewish community was represented. He spoke at various high schools, civic centers, and events to advocate for Holocaust education and the Jewish community for almost 50 years.

Mr. Kahan was proud of his country and made it his mission to ensure that the United States could continue to serve as a ``land of opportunity'' for those like him. He worked selling shoes and then in a tool and die shop before establishing himself in real estate in 1967. Over the course of his career, Mr. Kahan advanced to work alongside several of Southeast Michigan's most prominent business leaders. He said that his personal success is a true example of how the U.S. presents opportunities unlike any other place in the world, and he dedicated his life to expanding these opportunities for others.

Mr. David Kahan will be fondly remembered and genuinely missed by all who knew him and were touched by his remarkable life. His legacy continues through his wife, Terry, and their children, Douglas, Jeffrey, and Michael Kahan. Madam Speaker, the scope of Mr. David Kahan's impact is immeasurable, and Michigan's 11th Congressional District is fortunate to have been home to such an inspirational leader. Please join me in remembering the life of Mr. David Kahan and his many contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that, in the engrossment of H.R. 4521, the Clerk be authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, spelling, and cross-references, and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the actions of the House.

Madam Speaker, I rise solemnly today, at the start of this new year, to draw attention to an appalling national benchmark. This is Gun Violence Survivors Week, the time of year that gun deaths in America surpass the number of gun deaths that most other countries will mourn at the end of the year, if at all.

Madam Speaker, 2022 is barely underway, and yet, here we are. Exceptional in the most disastrous and yet unacceptable way, already at a completely incomprehensible count of lives lost to the scourge of gun violence in the country. Gun violence leaves a mark on each individual and community it impacts, and it spares none of our constituents and none of our fellow countrymen and women.

Madam Speaker, this week, I am thinking about the students and parents back home in Michigan, in Oakland County, who can no longer distinguish between a practice exercise and an active shooter scenario in our schools. The threats have been perpetual, and the violence has become too real for far too many.

So we join in this House of Representatives to commit to acting on gun safety legislation. For those who are not working for it, are working against it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible life of Dr. S. L. Husain Hamzavi, an influential resident of Michigan who passed away on January 15th. Dr. Hamzavi was proud to be the devoted husband of Aquela and loving father of Iltefat, Fasahat, and Asra. He will also be remembered by many as a caring healthcare provider, passionate academic, and noble servant to the community.

Syed Latafat Husain Hamzavi was born in Aurungabad, India in 1940. After earning a degree from Nizam College, Syed Hamzavi attended Liaquat Medical School in Hyderabad, Pakistan, and then continued his education at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. At the University of Glasgow, Dr. Hamzavi earned his PhD, researching the usage of Zinc for the treatment of leg ulcers, and was trained in dermatology. He fondly recalled his time in Glasgow, sharing memories of how the British dermatology community embraced him despite the prevailing ethnic biases of the time.

In 1969, Dr. Hamzavi married Aquela. In 1977, the family moved to Detroit as one of the first South Asian and Muslim physicians to become an American Board of Dermatology-certified physician, working with Dr. Herman Pinkus to develop the Contact Dermatitis Unit. Dr. Hamzavi began his full-time academic practice at Wayne State University in 1980, and his commitment to the education of aspiring medical professionals persisted for decades thereafter. He and his wife were also the founders of Hamzavi Dermatology, growing the practice to include dozens of healthcare providers, across many locations in Southeast Michigan over the course of their careers and inspiring their children to pursue a career in the medical field. Those who knew him say that he cared deeply about his patients and staff alike, following his beloved Aquela's lead in treating his staff like family.

Beyond the many significant contributions that Dr. Hamzavi made to the medical profession, he was also an active philanthropist and organization leader. His passion for education was further evidenced by his generous support of the Pinkus Chair and the Aronson lectureship at Wayne State University, The Henry Lim research Chair at Henry Ford Hospital, and multiple student scholarships at The University of Michigan, in addition to leading the weekend Islamic school activities at the IAGD mosque in Rochester, Michigan. Proud of his Indian and Pakistani heritage, Dr. Hamzavi served on the board of various cultural organizations such as APPNA, the Pakistani American Association, and was a member of the Indian medical group, AAPI. Dr. Hamzavi was a man of deep religious conviction who believed in an inclusive world. Leading by example, he was generous to all and always sought to improve himself.

Madam Speaker, Dr. Syed Latafat Husain Hamzavi will be truly missed by his family and all who knew him and benefitted from his many contributions to the community. His incredible legacy will continue to improve the lives of others for a long time to come, and we are truly grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill. I rise in support of American supply chains. I rise in support of the American workforce. I rise in support of advanced manufacturing. I rise in support of autoworkers who are waiting for those chips.

I thank the incredible chairwoman from the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Congresswoman Johnson.

We ask ourselves often as policymakers what the world is going to look like in 10 years, in 20 years, in 30 years, what we can do today to ensure that my neighbors in southeastern Michigan are on a strong path to succeed right here and now for the rest of the 21st century. The Democrats have come yet again to save the day and get the job done for our economy.

The America COMPETES Act--this legislation that we are debating today will answer the big questions. It will secure our competitive edge for generations to come. It is an investment in our people. And it reflects on our ability to reach higher, think deeper, and invent solutions to not only today's problems but tomorrow's challenges as well.

I will always bet on the American workforce. My job in Congress is to connect people to the tools that unlock our future, and those tools are in this bill, turbocharging America's leadership in science and technology, a doubling of scientific investment, and a plan for our supply chains, including how we address climate change.

It also mends the acute stressors that we are all feeling today. I was talking to my car dealership just yesterday, and they are scared of being out of work.

Let's get this done as of today.

Over the past 30 years, the U.S. manufacturing capacity for semiconductors has collapsed. The crazy thing is that the U.S. led the world in inventing them.

Let's come together. Let's get this done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Donald Jordan, who passed away on November 28th after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer.

Mr. Jordan is a lifelong Michigander born in Flint, Michigan, on April 15, 1943. In 1961, he graduated from Plymouth High School but stayed connected to his school and classmates through his leadership as a member of the Class Reunion Committee. In college, he was an active member of the Fraternity Phi Delta Tau and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1975 with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Jordan worked at Ford Motor Company for over 30 years, during which time he earned his Professional Engineering Certification. He is survived by his wife Alice Jordan, his sons James and David, and his grandchildren Maxwell, Isabella, and Josue.

Mr. Jordan loved spending time with his family. They traveled on many vacations, including camping trips up North, Cooperstown, Myrtle Beach, Toronto, and Key West, but his favorite was the annual trip to Cancun. As a husband, he was deeply devoted to Alice, and they cared for each other through the course of their 49 years of marriage. As a father and grandfather, he was dependable and comforting, very involved in his children and grandchildren's activities, and always in the stands cheering them on.

In his free time, Mr. Jordan was a band member at his church and a proud member of the Plymouth Community Band. He played several instruments, including the euphonium, and taught accordion lessons. Furthermore, he volunteered at the Ascension Hospital for many years, where he valued the opportunity to care for others.

Mr. Jordan lived his life devoted to his family, helping others, and caring for the community around him. His example of love for his family and his community will forever be a reminder to his children, his grandchildren, and

all who knew him. Mr. Jordan will always be remembered for his love of family, spirit, and commitment to his community--all of which he passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with the Jewish community, with Jewish parents, with our rabbis, people who are still reeling in the aftermath of yet another attack on one of their houses of worship.

Anti-Semitism is real and growing, and it is a threat to our neighbors and to our collective conscience in this country. Paired with near-unfettered access to firearms, spaces for online hate to fester, and the echo of xenophobic dog whistles from our Nation's highest offices, it has and can cost us American lives.

We have failed when our educators and faith leaders need to supplement their daily duties with violence intervention rehearsals. We have failed when our students and congregants need to calculate exit plans upon entering classrooms and sanctuaries. And we have failed when we fear the next attack that impedes our neighbor's ability to practice their faith.

To the Jewish community of Michigan's 11th District and beyond: I see you, I am here for you, and I will continue to do my part to uproot intolerance and hate wherever it grows.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pontiac resident and Precinct Delegate Ms. Veronica Taylor. Ms. Taylor is an exuberant figure within our community and one of the most tireless advocates for economic justice, voting and women's rights, and progress for all. On December 20, 2021, Ms. Taylor experienced a major car accident on Perry Street. With a wrecked vehicle and lucky to be alive, Ms. Taylor's fortitude and optimism have seen her through this difficult period. Her light continues to shine on the City of Pontiac and her political work within Oakland County. She continues to bring people together and rise above any challenge. Madam Speaker, Veronica Taylor survived her auto accident through the grace of God; she has more to give to this world, and every one of us will be better off as a result. Please join me from the United States Capitol in saluting Veronica Taylor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional constituent and community leader in Michigan, Ms. Sigrid Grace.

Ms. Grace is a lifelong Michigander who graduated from Central Michigan University where she met her late husband John Grace during her freshman year.

As the Rochester Area Democratic Club Chair for over twenty-five years, Ms. Grace fostered and grew the club's membership, supporting many causes and candidates. Our community is deeply grateful for her many years of leadership at RADC, and we congratulate her on her recent retirement.

Ms. Grace's passion for education has no limits. She taught for forty years, most notably as a second-grade teacher in the Almont Community School District.

Furthermore, Ms. Grace served as the local bargaining president on behalf of local educators and as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention from 2000 to 2004. She later became the National Chair of the early childhood education caucus at the National Education Association, where she advocated for the importance of pre-kindergarten education.

Ms. Grace currently resides in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where she volunteers at various community events and teaches school children how to read with her Shetland sheepdog, Baron.

Fighting for Michigan teachers, Ms. Grace exemplifies what it means to be an educator and a community leader. Her work is inspiring and a positive example to many in Michigan and across the county.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the outstanding contributions Ms. Grace has made to Michigan, our teachers, students, and our country at large.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice support for my friend Representative Susan Wild's bipartisan Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, a bill that establishes training programs for healthcare workers to prevent suicide and burnout.

As I am here in Congress today, I think of my constituents back home in Michigan who are in the midst of another COVID-19 spike, who are in our hospitals telling us they are full, who cannot provide care in the way they have been trained and taught and in the way they would like to. These spikes leave us exhausted. They leave our healthcare workers all the more stressed.

People are being pushed to the limit. Since the start of this pandemic, Michigan's healthcare workforce has become fragile. We have lost workers due to the stress of this pandemic, yet this bipartisan legislation that brings us together here today will provide support to the workforce.

Michigan healthcare workers deserve this. They are working and are continuing to work on the front lines of this pandemic. It is time to change how our healthcare industry approaches mental health. We must step up to provide a more reliable culture and supportive infrastructure for healthcare professionals to count on for years to come.

It took a pandemic for us to get this Dr. Lorna Breen bill, and we will not forget our healthcare workers. We will continue to stand up for them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Charlie Arthur Zink, who passed away on June 20, 2021.

On March 3, 2006, Charlie was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Eric and Alyssa Zink. Charlie was a vibrant young child with so many passions in life. Playing the video game Planet Coaster, he pursued his dream of becoming a world-renowned roller-coaster designer. As part of his summer RV travel plans, he planned to visit Cedar Point and other amusement parks along the way to ride the steepest, fastest and craziest coasters in the world.

Charlie was a rising 10th grader at Bedford High School. Inspired by many Bedford educators, Charlie was looking forward to his new classes in the fall. He was proud to work at his family's restaurant, the Puritan Backroom, and he represented the fifth generation to bus tables and work in the kitchen.

Charlie was a great athlete but loved basketball more than anything. He loved to play pickup with his siblings in the backyard under the lights, and he played as part of many teams over his short career.

Charlie is survived by his parents, three siblings, and two pets whom he loved dearly: 13-year-old Annie, 11-year-old Eva, 8-year-old Oliver, Wilson the dog, and Hazel the cat. Charlie's uncle, Mr. Chris Pappas, represents New Hampshire's first district and loved his first nephew with all his heart. Alongside Mr. Pappas and his family, we join them in honoring the wonderful and inspiring life of Charles Zink.

Charlie will also be remembered for being a fiercely loyal companion, a son, sibling, and friend. We will never forget his curiosity and love for adventure, memories that will continue to inspire everyone who knew him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Fadwa Hammoud, who made history on October 5, 2021, becoming the first Arab American woman to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Davenport, as the Solicitor General of Michigan. Ms. Hammoud is a true trailblazer, and we are so proud of her work and career as a Michigander.

Prior to her role as Solicitor General of Michigan, Ms. Hammoud clerked for the Honorable Judge George Steeh on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She also served as an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Under Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy, Ms. Hammoud established the Business Protection Unit and prosecuted cases involving criminal enterprises, homicides, financial crimes, and identity thefts.

On February 18, 2019, Ms. Hammoud took the oath of office to be sworn in as the first Solicitor General of Michigan making history. In her role, she oversaw the investigation related to the Flint Water Crisis and many other important cases.

On October 5, Ms. Hammoud argued on behalf of Petitioner Brown that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit should have applied the precedent established by Chapman v. California in a case involving habeas corpus.

Fighting for all Michiganders and delivering results, Ms. Hammoud exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. Her work is inspiring and an amazing example for women in Michigan and across the country.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the outstanding contributions Ms. Hammoud has made to the Michigan community and our country at large.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the small business. I rise today in support of the hardworking man and woman who has bootstrapped an enterprise, a barbershop, a gym, a manufacturing firm that isn't often represented by a large lobbying firm that is able to knock on the doors of the Halls of Congress and demand what they need. These people deserve to be heard.

The pandemic resulted in the permanent closure of roughly 200,000 U.S. establishments above historical levels during the first year alone.

Individual companies, the small ones, account for about two-thirds or roughly 130,000 of the extra closures. The gym across the street from my house, an independent enterprise run by a cancer survivor, closing today. The Milford House Bar & Grill, where people celebrated anniversaries and graduations, closed.

We hear you. Your voice and what you do and the hard work that you represent matters in this body.

A May 2021 Federal Reserve report found 35 percent of service-based businesses that closed during the pandemic were still closed. The report also estimated that just 3 percent are likely to reopen.

What does this mean? Poor neighborhoods getting poorer. Less jobs. Open storefronts. A blight toward economic development.

Absolutely this body acted when we needed to: PPP, $800 billion; $14 billion in grants and forgivable loans at the local level. In Michigan we acted quickly. We have seen tough times.

Our manufacturers, the small ones, were the first to put up their hands: How can I source the protective personal equipment? I have got it in my back pocket. I am ready to act.

And yet we are getting whacked by a chip crisis. We don't have what we need to meet the demand, and people are suffering as a result. It is not just the billions of dollars, a loss of profit at the top. It is the jobs. It is the single moms who want to get back to work. And yet they are at $15 an hour, and no one is watching their kid for under $16.

Here in this Congress, we have been working to reorganize the tapestry of this country so people can succeed, individual hardworking Americans can succeed.

They are not following every line of our debate, but they are counting on us. Invest in daycare, give us paid family leave, support the small business.

That is what this week is all about, Madam Speaker. That is what compels me to come to work every single day, and we are not going to stop until the job is done.