Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I was unexpectedly detained during vote proceedings. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 369.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan, it is my honor to recognize the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye. For nearly a century, Turkiye and the Turkish people have served as a beacon of cooperation, democratic ideals, and good citizenship.

Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to travel to Turkey, meet with Turkish leaders, and get to know the Turkish-American community in Michigan Turkish Republic Day is an annual milestone and has been celebrated with great pride and joy since the republic's founding on October 29th, 1923, by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk By replacing an aging empire with a vibrant democratic republic, Turkiye facilitated its own modernization and established itself on the National stage, including by being an important member of NATO for 70 years. Today, Turkiye remains a vital ally--from our work together against terrorist organizations, to countering international adversaries like Russia

In Michigan, the Turkish diaspora community and those of Turkish descent have had a lasting impact on our state's culture, economic development, and education system, and have personified Michigan's ideal citizen This especially includes the Turkish-American Cultural Association of Michigan, which has worked to promote Turkish culture and support programs benefitting the welfare of citizens throughout the state. The impact of their work on the people and communities of Michigan cannot be understated

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Turkish Republic Day and the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye. I join with my constituents in celebration with the Turkish people, and wish them the best as they venture into the future

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of my amendment to H.R. 4366.

This amendment will ensure the VA conducts large-scale studies into the efficacy of drugs with FDA breakthrough therapy status to treat post-traumatic stress disorder through medication-assisted therapy trials.

Every day, roughly 20 veterans take their own life. This number has stayed high despite our best efforts here in Washington. Fortunately, new breakthrough therapies have offered significant help.

Under the Trump administration, the FDA granted breakthrough therapy status for MDMA-assisted therapy to treat PTSD. Since then, privately funded research has demonstrated clear, positive results in treating previously untreatable PTSD with little or no risk for patients.

This includes studies in cooperation with the VA, for instance, at the Bronx VA hospital.

Let me be clear. These trials are conducted with full FDA approval, under medical supervision, and in safe clinical environments.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself an additional 1 minute.

Additionally, Mr. Chair, because these medications are only ever administered directly in-person and in a clinical setting by medical professionals, there is no potential for misuse.

It is now time for the VA to do its part to expand research into these lifesaving therapies and refine best practices for our treatment for our veterans.

If psychedelic-assisted therapy can help treat a veteran's PTSD or prevent them from taking their own life, then we owe it to them to take an active role in researching these potentially lifesaving therapies.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague and partner, Representative Correa, for his remarks.

We have both worked long and hard on the commitment to our veterans in so many different ways. This is just one more example of Congress doing the right thing for our veterans.

This amendment will unlock potential treatments that have been shown to actually cure post-traumatic stress disorder, something current medicine and modern psychology have been unable to do; give our veterans a chance to live a long, happy life that we all take for granted.

Mr. Chair, I strongly urge all our Members to vote for our men and women--our heroes--who have served in uniform and to support the Bergman-Correa amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Marine Corps League. The Congressionally Chartered Veteran Service Organization over the past century has been critical in the care and welfare of our military, its Veterans, and their families.

The Marine Corps League was established in 1923 by World War I hero, then Commandant of the Marine Corps Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune. On August 4, 1937, it was Congressionally Chartered by the 75th Congress of the United States and signed and approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The Marine Corps League provides millions of hours annually in service to the community, represents thousands of Veterans in cases with the Department of Veterans Affairs, performs tens of thousands of funeral honors annually for our passing Veterans, and provides millions of toys to the youth of America through the Toys for Tots Foundation and Marine Corps Reserves. This volunteer work directly and positively impacts force readiness for the Marine Corps Reserves allowing additional focus on training and preparation.

As a retired Lt. General and the former Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and Marine Forces North, I deeply understand the importance of strong and battle-ready reserve units and will continue to support their mission here in Congress. The work of the Marine Corps League and the impact of their advocacy on behalf of our servicemembers, Veterans, and their families cannot be overstated.

It is an honor to recognize the Marine Corps League for 100 years of service to our country. I look forward to assisting in fulfilling their mission to support our Servicemen and women. Please join me in congratulating the Marine Corps League for this historic achievement.

Mr. Chair, I would like to include in the Record the following letter in opposition to Section 813 of H.R. 3935.

July 18, 2023.

Dear Members of Congress: We write to urge you to oppose

the weakening of a law that protects the millions of sports

fans and spectators who attend professional and collegiate

sporting events each year. The current statutory ban on

aircraft--including unmanned aircraft systems (``UAS'') or

drones--flying over large stadium sporting events throughout

the country provides necessary safety and security

protections against real and potential threats.

We are deeply concerned about section 813 of the House

version of the Federal Aviation Administration (``FAA'')

Reauthorization Act. If adopted, the language would establish

a broad and complex waiver program that would permit

countless aircraft to fly near and over stadiums during

games, putting millions of fans at risk, and unnecessarily

so. Congress wisely eliminated a similar waiver program back

in 2003, after discovering troubling and persistent failures,

gaps, and vulnerabilities in the process for conducting

background checks and issuing waivers.

The FAA first established flight restrictions over large

stadium sporting events immediately following the terrorist

attacks of September 11, 2001, in response to concerns about

terrorists using aircraft as weapons. Congress subsequently

twice codified and strengthened these restrictions, providing

specific criteria for aircraft operations permitted within

the flight restricted area. Section 813 would effectively

eliminate the specific criteria and replace it with an open-

ended waiver program.

The long-standing, congressionally mandated flight

restriction enhances the safety and security of large stadium

events, while minimizing the disruption to the National

Airspace System (``NAS''). Specifically, airspace over large

stadiums--with a seating capacity of 30,000 people or more

and where NFL, MLB, and NCAA Division 1 football games or

major motor speedway events, such as NASCAR and INDYCAR

races, are taking place--is closed to all aircraft from one

hour before until one hour after a major sporting event. The

flight restrictions extend to three nautical miles from the

center of the stadium and from the surface to 3,000 feet

above the stadium. The flight restrictions do not apply to

authorized aircraft, such as Department of Defense, law

enforcement or air ambulance flight operations, or those in

contact with air traffic control for take offs and landings

at nearby airports, among others.

Having devoted substantial resources to secure our stadiums

on the ground, we regard the stadium flight restriction as

essential to safeguarding the airspace overhead. Moreover,

given the proliferation of UAS in our NAS, as well as the

continuing need to remain vigilant to other current and

emerging risks, the stadium flight restriction is as vital

now as ever to our national security and public safety. We

believe section 813 complicates the airspace over stadiums,

compromises public safety and security, and courts potential

disaster.

We, therefore, urge you to uphold current law and maintain

existing flight restrictions that protect the safety and

security of millions of fans who attend large stadium

sporting events every year.

Sincerely,

Cathy Lanier,

Chief Security Officer, National Football League.

David Thomas,

Vice President, Security and Ballpark Operations, Major

League Baseball.

Bill Rhodes,

Managing Director, Security, National Association for Stock

Car Auto Racing.

Dan Gavitt,

Senior Vice President, National Collegiate Athletic

Association.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Graves for his leadership. This is not an easy bill that is done every day, and it is something that is essential to the safety and security of our country as well as the advancement of all the good economic policies that we have.

Mr. Chairman, as one of the only two commercial pilots in Congress with three-plus decades in the air, I understand very personally the importance of having a strong FAA reauthorization bill.

While this bill makes critical investments that benefit the flying public and aviators alike, I have significant concerns about several amendments made in order by the Rules Committee, especially one aimed squarely at Michigan's First District and other rural areas that eliminate the Essential Air Service, and I implore all Members to oppose McClintock amendment No. 62.

However, what was left out of the bill is far more concerning than what was put into it.

My amendment, which has broad bipartisan support, would simply allow for a debate and vote on a critically important topic regarding unproductive pilot retirement age changes in the underlying bill.

However, the powers that be pulled out all the stops to silence dissent and shield the American public from a debate they know they can't win.

For these reasons, Mr. Chairman, I will be voting ``no'' on H.R. 3935.

Mr. Chairman, as a former commercial airline pilot with more flight hours than pretty much almost anyone in Congress, so I have been told, I value safety first, safety second, and safety third. I am proud to stand with Representative Langworthy in support of his amendment.

The substitution of simulator time--while you could argue that simulators are better today, yes, they are--for a reduction in actual flight time provides no substantive benefit to a prospective pilot.

While some may say that pilots only build hours by spinning around in circles in the sky, I say that is patently false and portrays a pilot workforce that Congress relies on each and every day of the week in a very negative way.

Pilots have a variety of options when it comes to building hours, and we should not assume every pilot will always do the bare minimum. In fact, I have seen pilots always do the extra just to make sure they got it right.

Congress should not be reducing safety and statutory flight hour requirements under the assumption that somehow this will make pilots gravitate toward regional airlines for employment. It won't.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman, and I offer great support for his amendment.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Smith family of Johannesburg, Michigan, for an exceptional history of military service and for their dedication to serving our nation for decades. Tracing their military lineage back to 1812, the Smith family has been involved in our Armed Forces for over 150 years and deserve to be recognized for their generational sacrifices for the preservation of our liberty.

The Smith family, many of whom are now deceased, consisted of 10 sons and 4 daughters, with all of the men serving in our military in varying capacities. In both the Navy and Army, Frank Dutton Smith's 10 sons began their selfless careers during World War II or shortly thereafter. Their family has exemplified a shared sense of duty and sacrifice for our country, and they have continued to dedicate themselves to this higher calling throughout their lives. I am thankful for extraordinary citizens like this family and extend my appreciation to the Smiths for all they have done to protect our freedom.

Generational service, as seen in the Smith family, is a rare and commendable ethic that not many families can boast of. We must offer well-deserved praise and acknowledgment of their actions while celebrating their legacy for years to come. This level of devotion and commitment to our nation is inspiring to all and I am pleased to acknowledge them for it.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Smith family of Johannesburg, Michigan, for their exceptional service to the United States Armed Forces. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish Marlene, David, and all other family members the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and celebrate the life of retired United States Army Captain Edward Downing. Passing away on February 10, 2023, at the age of 87, Captain Downing has lived a life of unparalleled service and dedication to his community. Throughout his life, Capt. Downing has served in our Nation's military, as the President of Interlochen Center for the Arts, and President of Traverse City Rotary. I commend him for his leadership and steadfast commitment to help those around him.

Captain Downing began his professional life in music and arts in the early 1970s, acting as the director of the Interlochen Center for the Arts and being named Michigan's `Music Teacher of the Year' in 1974. Edward Downing continued his career in music for another 46 years in various capacities across the state of Michigan, and his genuine love for the arts made him an exemplary instructor, mentor, and friend to those who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Captain Edward Downing for his life of service to lnterlochen, our nation, and the arts across the state of Michigan. Captain Downing's passing has saddened many in the community, but I am certain his legacy will continue for generations to come. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish Captain Edward Downing's family, friends, and colleagues the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Lakestate Industries for 50 years of continued service to the state of Michigan and for their celebratory anniversary event held on June 28, 2023. Lakestate Industries is the Upper Peninsula's leader in employment and training opportunities for those experiencing intellectual disabilities. Before the establishment of Lakestate Industries in 1969, employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities were severely lacking in Michigan. Their work throughout their impressive history has helped reshape the lives of those they serve, their staff, and the surrounding community.

Acting as a private non-profit organization, the agency has cemented itself as a trustworthy and exemplary source of support for those with disabilities and their families. They have been a voice for the voiceless and will continue to stand in the gap and affect real change by providing life changing services for years to come.

I commend all involved in Lakestate Industries' extensive history of success and cannot wait to see what they have planned in the future. They have helped one of our most vulnerable populations become more independent and flourishing members of society, and I extend my wholehearted appreciation for the organization's exceptional work and selflessness.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Lakestate Industries for 50 years of continued service to Michigan and to offer my congratulations for holding a successful event in celebration of that milestone. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish Lakestate Industries, their staff, and the families they serve the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Robert LaMarche for 25 years of service to the city of Escanaba. Throughout his time with the Escanaba Department of Public Safety, Robert has shown extraordinary commitment and dedication to his community, continually putting the safety and well-being of Escanaba residents above his own.

As Director of the Escanaba Department of Public Safety, Robert has played an integral role in the department's continued success and effectiveness, and his selfless service to the people of Escanaba has left an indelible mark on so many. Since beginning his work in public safety in the late 1990s, Robert has become a familiar and trustworthy face, and his service will continue to have a positive impact for years to come. Our Nation needs more humble, upstanding leaders like Robert who protect and uplift our communities in the First District, and I cannot thank him--along with every law enforcement officer across our Nation--enough for his profound work in keeping our communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Robert LaMarche for 25 years of service to the Escanaba Department of Public Safety. His leadership and hard work are greatly appreciated and on behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Robert, his family, his colleagues, and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Erwin Township Historical Society and their newly constructed walking trail and artifact building in Erwin Heritage Park. Erwin Township Historical Society has played an instrumental role in the preservation of Erwin's culture and history, and I'm confident their newest offerings will continue to have a lasting impact on residents for years to come.

Named as the first grant recipient from the Michigan History Alliance, the Erwin Township Historical Society has been deservingly recognized for their part in protecting and cataloguing Michigan's rich history. From erecting park benches to the restoration of the East End Schoolhouse to become their museum, the Erwin Township Historical Society has expanded their reach in the community and has become a familiar and trustworthy service for all residents to utilize. We are blessed to have organizations of this caliber in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, and I am appreciative of their work and service.

On July 1, 2023, the Erwin Township Historical Society will celebrate the completion and dedication of their new walking trail and artifact building in Erwin Heritage Park. I want to thank all involved in the Erwin Township Historical Society for making these endeavors possible and for facilitating a successful ceremony.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Erwin Township Historical Society for their work to preserve the history and culture of their community. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish the historical society and their supporters the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Chairman, to quickly amplify on Mr. Gallagher's comments, sometimes you don't know what you don't know until it is too late, and the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee focuses on knowing things early to prevent disaster.

Today, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024.

I sincerely thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in bringing this truly bipartisan legislation to the floor for the 63rd consecutive year. This bill is critical for the national security of our Nation as well as providing congressional oversight of the Department of Defense.

This bill provides resources and capabilities to counter our Nation's number one threat--China. The Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee portions of the bill accomplishes this by ensuring the Defense Intelligence Enterprise, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and the Special Operations Forces have the proper authorities, force structure, flexibility, and technically and tactically competent people to support the Department's efforts in strategic competition and counter China.

There is more work to be done. This bill is far from perfect and requires compromises from both sides, but it is an overwhelmingly bipartisan bill that supports our servicemembers with a 5.2 percent pay raise, the largest in 20 years. More importantly, it provides our servicemembers with the resources to accomplish the task our Nation asks of them.

This is a critically important bill, and I urge all of my colleagues, regardless of differences, to support it.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I also thank Representative Sherman for the articulate history of the Marine Corps and also the articulate present of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the museum.

We don't get to where we are going in life without looking at history and looking at the commitment of others over time to ensure that those times when we had to use American force to preserve our freedoms and the freedoms of others that the Marines were and are the force in readiness. It is called the 911 force, ready to fight tonight. That is who we are. That is our ethos, and we will always remain that.

This coin bill is just the tip of the iceberg for the next generations as they hold that coin to understand what it means for the United States to have the Marine Corps, but also what it means to a young man or woman to become a marine.

By the way, marines are not afraid of work. In fact, we kind of pride ourselves on the fact that we can get 25 hours out of every 24-hour day. That is just the way we are.

Getting a coin bill done takes a lot of work. Unlike more substantive policy bills, which require countless hours of research, meetings, and hearings, a coin bill requires two-thirds of all the Members of the House to cosponsor the legislation. By the way, two-thirds of the House is a significant number of people--290, to be exact.

To highlight how high of a bar that is, since I arrived in Congress in 2017, the House has seen more than 36,000 bills introduced. Of those, just 0.72 percent of the bills have received 290-plus cosponsors. We are in that top 1 percent, with the number of Members of the House who got behind this bill. That is a big deal.

This was a labor of love on my part and, I am sure, on Mr. Moulton's part. I enjoyed the literally hundreds of conversations I had with fellow Members here on the floor to hit that 290 mark, to talk about the Marine Corps and the huge benefits and proceeds of this bill, which costs the taxpayer nothing but will provide revenue to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

In an attempt to educate some of my colleagues on the importance of this bill, if they didn't understand the Marine Corps, I said: Just remember, this bill is going to commemorate 250 years of tradition of the Marine Corps unmarred by progress. They looked and said: Are you serious? I said: Well, think about it. I just want your signature.

The bottom line is, when they stopped laughing, they saw how serious we were as marines. We are all serious, but we laugh. Yes, we were founded in a bar in Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Yes, there were some recruiters there probably making some outlandish promises, but on November 10, every marine everywhere in the world does celebrate that day in Tun Tavern.

The heritage center is located very close to D.C. It is in Triangle, Virginia. It exists to preserve and promulgate the history, tradition, and culture of the Marine Corps and to educate all Americans and all who visit it on the virtues of what the Marine Corps stands for. As my colleague said, ``Semper Fidelis'' is our motto. We believe it. We live it.

After we pass this bill and it is signed into law, the next best thing happens: The U.S. Mint will work with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation on the coin's design. Once the design has been approved, the coin celebrating the illustrious 250 years of history of the Marine Corps will be minted at the only facility where the United States produces precious metals and commemorative coins.

There is a little irony here. It will be produced at the West Point Mint aboard the campus of the United States Military Academy, the preeminent institution for educating our next generation of Army leaders.

By the way, one of my grandsons is in his second year at West Point. I told him he gets a free tour of the mint, and I will buy him a coin.

Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, colleague, and fellow marine, Seth Moulton, for starting the ball rolling here and for helping to get this bill over the finish line, and Chair McHenry for his kind words in the process.

Madam Speaker, again, I thank all my colleagues here in the House, all the folks in the Senate who have made this coin possible because it is the right thing to do for the country to show the young men and women who will someday decide to become marines that it is worth it. I urge all Members to support H.R. 1096.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all my colleagues for getting involved in this relevant and timely bill.

I rise today in support of H.R. 3672 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Indian River, Michigan, as the ``Pfc. Justin T. Paton Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.''

It is an honor for me to lead this legislation to rename the VA care facility in the hometown and the final resting place of a young man who embodied the ethic of service above self as he gave his last full measure of devotion for our Nation.

Justin Paton was born and raised in northern Michigan and graduated from Inland Lakes High School in the year 2000. Feeling called to serve, he enlisted in the Army in 2005 and was deployed to Iraq on October 31, 2006. There, he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, Delta Company and was named one of the unit leaders.

In February 2007, at the age of 24, he was killed in action in Iraq when his patrol came under intense sniper fire north of Baghdad.

Private First Class Paton was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his sacrifice and heroism.

He is interred in the Ohioville Cemetery, just down the road from the Indian River VA clinic opening later this year that I am confident will bear his name.

Naming the Indian River CBOC is one small way to honor Justin and his family's sacrifice. His legacy is beyond deserving of the designation that we are seeking today.

I sincerely thank Pfc. Paton's family for all of their support. I thank the local leaders in Indian River and Tuscarora Township, who have been key in our efforts; the Michigan veterans service organizations for backing this bill; and the entirety of my Michigan delegation colleagues, who have come together in a bipartisan manner to cosponsor this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3672.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Indian River Golf Club on Chippewa Beach Road in Indian River, Michigan. Established in 1923, Indian River Golf Club has evolved into one of the premier golfing venues of Northern Michigan. Welcoming their members and the general public alike, the club has been able to offer easy and affordable access to their pristine locale. They have continued to innovate and find new means of connecting with the community, celebrating their storied history, and fostering positive change in Indian River--for this I am grateful.

Following the natural flow of the land on which it resides, Indian River Golf Club is a challenging, yet peaceful golf experience, one which makes the most of Michigan's natural beauty. A round at Indian River Golf Club brings with it changes in elevation, beautiful trees and vegetation, and water obstacles. With their level of attention to detail, it's easy to see why the club has been a staple of Indian River for a century, and I'd like to extend my appreciation to all involved in their success.

Rated by Golf Digest as one of the best places to golf in Northern Michigan, the members, staff, and public should be proud of this course's continued excellence. I look forward to another century of exceptional work and to the club's effort to preserve the game of golf for future generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Indian River Golf Club for 100 years of continuous and exemplary operation in Northern Michigan. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish the club, its staff, and the local community of Indian River the best in their future endeavors.