Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the Habitat for Humanity--Grand Traverse Region's ReStore located in Traverse City, Michigan. Established in 2003, the ReStore quickly grew to become an asset in the community and has helped many in Northern Michigan. I am certain that, given their extensive track record of offering a hand up to those in need, they will continue to create a positive ripple effect for the communities they serve.

Beginning as an offshoot of Habitat for Humanity, the ReStore has an illustrious history of community service and has been sustained by the numerous volunteers and staff that have provided key services over the last two decades. I commend all directly involved in making the ReStore a success, as well as a safe and reliable option for quality goods within any budget. Offering items ranging from household appliances to building materials, they allow for quick and easy solutions to their community's needs through their donated stock.

Celebrating 20 years in Traverse City, the ReStore held a fruitful event to highlight their achievement, connect with the community, and to relight the store with more efficient LED lighting. I would like to thank everyone involved for contributing to this event's success and I look forward to seeing greater progress for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Habitat for Humanity-- Grand Traverse Region's Restore in Traverse City for 20 years of continued service to the community. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish the ReStore's volunteers and staff the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Perry Farm Village for 20 years of continued service and for their upcoming dedication ceremony on June 28, 2023, which launches their newest living space, The Birches. Perry Farm Village is a world-class senior living facility in Harbor Springs that has offered services and care to residents over the age of 55 for two decades. From in-house dining to a plethora of supportive services designed to make the transition from independent living to assisted living as seamless as possible, Perry Farm Village has had a positive impact on many in Northern Michigan and will continue to do so for years to come.

Operated by Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM), a well-respected non-profit with over 75 years of experience across the state, Perry Farm Village has been able to build and grow off the success of PVM and has become an invaluable resource for seniors and their families to rely on in times of need. Their experience in providing care, living assistance, and a loving and nurturing environment for seniors is unmatched in our state.

Perry Farm Village allows for new areas of care to be prioritized and individualized for each resident electing to reside in these spaces, especially with the opening of The Birches. Memory and Respite Care is the hallmark of The Birches, and it is heartening to see such devotion to seniors' wellbeing in all capacities. I appreciate the staff, volunteers, and everyone involved in making this facility a success and a living testament to the hard-working spirit of all Michiganders.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Perry Farm Village for 20 years of continued service to the residents of Harbor Springs and to congratulate them on the opening and dedication of their new living space, The Birches. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish everyone involved in Perry Farm Village and their history of successful service the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize General Jozef Haller's ``Blue Army'' Veterans buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan. Dressed in horizon blue uniforms, they valiantly served on the Western Front of World War I and in Poland's subsequent struggle for independence. These individuals deserve unwavering praise and respect for their sacrifices. We posthumously extend our gratitude to all buried at Sepulchre Cemetery and celebrate their legacy for generations to come.

Consisting of 24,000 Polish immigrants from the United States, many of the 68,000 total in the ``Blue Army'' concluded their service in the early 1920s and returned to the United States to further pursue the American Dream. Unfortunately, upon their return stateside, they did not receive the support and recognition they deserved. Many relied on charity in order to survive and could not find support from the United States or Polish governments. For this, I call on us all to come together and share a moment of well-deserved appreciation and thanks to those that had not been properly acknowledged during their lifetimes.

On June 17, 2023, we will show our respect with the placement of a monument and gravestones in honor of those buried at Sepulchre Cemetery. Many families did not have the funds available to properly mark the graves of their loved ones, so to remedy this, the Polish Institute of Culture and Research has worked tirelessly to construct a monument and 60 gravestones to cement the memory of those buried.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize General Jozef Haller's ``Blue Army'' Veterans and those buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. I also want to thank the Polish Institute of Culture and Research for their work and for honoring the lives and sacrifices of so many Polish Veterans. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to all members of the ``Blue Army'' and their families and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Job Winslow Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Located in Traverse City, the chapter was initially organized and chartered in 1914. It was named in honor of Job Winslow, a Veteran of the Revolutionary War from Dighton, Massachusetts. He was a soldier, patriot, and loving father to his daughter, Elida Jane Winslow Lind, who resided in the Traverse City area. As Michiganders, we extend our utmost gratitude to the Winslow Family and offer best wishes to the members of the chapter for their Commemorative Marker Ceremony, held on June 17, 2023.

The NSDAR boasts over 50 chapters in Michigan alone and has connected with countless members throughout their time in our state. They offer programs to their local community, schools, Veterans, and military personnel, which throughout the chapter's 109-year history has emphasized health, structural support systems, and other lifeline resources.

On June 17, 2023, members of the chapter, their families, and other attendees will gather at Oakwood Cemetery to bestow a well-deserved plaque upon Elida Jane Winslow Lind's grave, honoring the legacy of both Elida and her father.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Job Winslow Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and I wish them well for their Commemorative Marker Ceremony on June 17, 2023. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my appreciation to all involved in the NSDAR and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Captain Anthony R. Jones and Captain James R. Bendle of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie. Captain Jones will be relieved by Captain Bendle on Friday, June 23, at their Change of Command Ceremony. Since beginning his time as Sector Commander of USCG Sector Sault Sainte Marie in July of 2020, Captain Jones has overseen and protected over 1,850 miles of shoreline and 560 miles of border between the United States and Canada. His expertise and exceptional work over the past few years have allowed the station to navigate everchanging weather, obstacles, and needs from the public--and for that I am grateful.

Leading more than 750 active duty, reserve, civilian, and supplemental personnel, Captain

Jones and his colleagues have cultivated a truly strong and capable team in Michigan's First District, one that performs lifesaving services across Northern Michigan and the Midwest. Captain Jones's time as Sector Commander has certainly brought with it times of great stress and gravity, but his spirit and determination to serve our nation's citizens has remained unbroken.

His successor, Captain Bendle, will soon be assuming his position and taking responsibility for the Sector's personnel, as well as their 23 watercrafts distributed across their seven stations. The various challenges that he will face will certainly be a little easier to overcome, thanks to the example of Captain Jones.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Captain Anthony R. Jones for his exceptional work as Sector Commander of USCG Sector Sault Sainte Marie and Captain James R. Bendle for being selected to replace him during their Change of Command Ceremony being held on June 23, 2023. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Captain Jones, Captain Bendle, and their families, and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Patrick Rickley and his upcoming retirement after 30 years of service to the Mackinac Bridge Authority and the state of Michigan. Since starting his employment with the Bridge Authority, Patrick has become a staple of our community in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. His welcoming demeanor, kind attitude, and unwavering drive to serve the community has had a positive impact on countless residents. Patrick's retirement may sadden many across the Upper Peninsula, but his legacy of goodwill is bound to continue shaping and benefiting the local community for years to come.

Patrick will be leaving his post as a Bridge Services Representative when he retires later this month. Having the ability to give a smile and a kind word to all who come into contact with him, Patrick cemented himself as a familiar and trustworthy face for many across the Upper Peninsula and beyond. His dedication to providing high quality work and assistance to travelers will be missed and should not be taken for granted in his final days with the Bridge Authority.

A long-time member of the local community in Saint Ignace, Patrick has become the standard when it comes to community service and individual impact. Over the course of 30 years, Patrick's dedication to his work, his family, and travelers is admirable and all of Michigan's First District owes Patrick our support and gratitude for all he has done.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Patrick Rickley for his steadfast service to the Mackinac Bridge Authority and our great state. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Patrick and his family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Tony Anderson for his upcoming retirement after 40 years of service with electric cooperatives, including 20 years with the Cherryland Electric Cooperative as their General Manager. During his time at Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Tony cemented himself as an indispensable member of their leadership team and a key contributor to their overall success. Tony's career is worthy of celebration and his impact on all he served will continue to facilitate positive change in his absence.

While becoming one of the cooperative's most valuable team members, Tony also directed his energy towards helping others. In an effort to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan, he ran marathons in each state and Washington, D.C., soon accumulating more than $500,000 to help his community. He was also named Michigan's Volunteer of the Year, attending the Governor's Service Awards in 2012. Tony continues to pay it forward in his new capacity of President of the NRECA Board of Directors, where he will share his insight and wealth of knowledge dealing with cooperatives across the Nation.

Tony deserves immense praise for all he has done throughout his career and the selfless ways in which he's served the community. Over the course of 40 years, Tony's unwavering dedication and staunch commitment to both his craft and community has been immeasurable--and for this, I am grateful.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Tony Anderson for his steadfast service to Cherryland Electric Cooperative and our great state. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Tony and his family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation on Posttraumatic Growth (PTG).

Whereas, Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) refers to the transformative positive changes that can occur in individuals following traumatic experiences, leading to personal growth, resilience, and a newfound sense of purpose;

Whereas, Boulder Crest Foundation, a renowned nonprofit organization headquartered in Bluemont, Virginia, has been at the forefront of providing Posttraumatic Growth-based support and resources to veterans and first responders experiencing trauma;

Whereas, the Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) Program, developed by Boulder Crest Foundation, is a groundbreaking initiative that offers a comprehensive and evidence- based approach to help individuals overcome the invisible wounds of war and trauma;

Whereas, Ken Falke, a distinguished Veteran and entrepreneur, and his wife Julia Falke founded Boulder Crest Foundation and have dedicated their lives to assisting fellow veterans and first responders in their journey towards healing and growth;

Whereas, Josh Goldberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Boulder Crest Foundation, has displayed exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the well-being of those impacted by trauma;

Whereas, Dr. Richard Tedeschi, the Executive Director of the Boulder Crest Institute, and co-founder of the science of Posttraumatic Growth has created a pathway for transforming pain into purpose and loss into gain;

Whereas, the tireless efforts of Boulder Crest Foundation, Ken Falke, and Josh Goldberg have positively impacted the lives of countless individuals. empowering them to overcome adversity and thrive;

Whereas, recognizing and promoting Posttraumatic Growth can help foster a greater understanding and acceptance of the potential for growth and resilience that exists within individuals who have experienced trauma;

Whereas, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of Posttraumatic Growth and to encourage initiatives that promote healing, resilience, and personal development;

I, Jack Bergman, do hereby resolve:

June 13th shall be designated as ``Posttraumatic Growth Day'' to recognize the transformative potential and resilience demonstrated by individuals who have experienced trauma.

I commend Boulder Crest Foundation for their outstanding contributions in the field of trauma recovery and their development of the Warrior PATHH Program. The commitment and dedication of Boulder Crest Foundation, Ken Falke, Josh Goldberg, and Dr. Richard Tedeschi to helping Veterans, first responders, and others affected by trauma are deserving of the highest recognition.

I strongly encourage individuals, communities, organizations, and educational institutions to observe Posttraumatic Growth Day by raising awareness of Posttraumatic Growth, sharing stories of resilience, and promoting initiatives that support healing, personal growth, and the well-being of those affected by trauma.

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, should take appropriate measures to disseminate information about Posttraumatic Growth, Boulder Crest Foundation, the Warrior PATHH Program, and the efforts of Ken Falke, Josh Goldberg, and Dr. Richard Tedeschi to ensure widespread awareness of the available resources and opportunities for growth and healing.

I recognize the significant contributions of Boulder Crest Foundation, Ken Falke, Josh Goldberg, and Dr. Richard Tedeschi in advancing the field of trauma recovery and commend their dedication to improving the lives of individuals impacted by trauma.

I pledge my support to further research, education, and initiatives aimed at understanding and promoting Posttraumatic Growth, and acknowledges the importance of comprehensive trauma recovery programs such as the Warrior PATHH Program in supporting individuals on their journey toward growth and resilience.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize a young hero from Alpena, Michigan. Fourteen-year-old Owen Burns sprang into action to protect his sister from an attempted kidnapping. On May 10, 2023, Owen's 8-year-old sister had been looking for mushrooms in their backyard when a person attempted to kidnap her. Witnessing the harrowing scene, Owen didn't hesitate to hurl objects at the assailant with his slingshot, striking him in the head and chest, which later helped police to identify the suspect. His actions displayed extraordinary courage in the face of danger and for his quick response, I am grateful.

No child should have to be put under that level of duress, but Owen did what we all as parents and grandparents would hope our children might do. He leapt into action and bravely fought for the life of his sister. Releasing those two shots from his slingshot, Owen was able to distract and disorient his sister's attacker long enough for her to escape. Out of the grasp of her attacker, Owen's sister was able to make it back safely to the house.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the heroic actions of Alpena-native Owen Burns who saved his sister from a would-be kidnapping. Owen thwarted the attack and because of him, we are celebrating her rescue and not mourning a tragedy. I want to thank Owen for his selfless courage and also want to acknowledge his little sister for her fortitude. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Owen and his family and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 125th Anniversary of Les Cheneaux Golf Club in Cedarville, Michigan. Established in 1898, the Les Cheneaux Club began as a modest operation that quickly developed into one of Michigan's premier golfing venues. Resting on the previous homestead of devout Jesuit, Andrew Piret, Les Cheneaux Golf Club is rich in local history and has endured immense changes throughout its storied past.

Beginning as a dually developed course by W.M. Derby and W.H. Crawford, the location opened in May of 1898 and was soon redesigned in the early 1900's to meet the demand of evolving players and the surrounding community. Following the innate flow of the land, the design of the course utilizes natural obstacles to provide a classic and enjoyable experience to the player. Playing a round at the Les Cheneaux Golf Club allows for someone to walk through local history while engaging with one of Michigan's most beautiful and significant courses.

Acting as an outlet for youth development, Les Cheneaux Golf Club also offers a plethora of camps and classes which mold future golfers and create upstanding individuals, both on and off of the course. The club has continually worked to improve the local community and they deserve our utmost respect for being one of Michigan's oldest and continually played courses.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Les Cheneaux Golf Club for 125 years of continuous operation and for becoming an historical centerpiece of Michigan. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish the club, its staff, and the local community the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Laura Coleman for 16 years of service as President of Bay College. Set to retire on June 30th, Laura has carved out a positive legacy for herself as the longest serving President in the institution's illustrious history. She has secured countless grants and development opportunities for students and has prioritized their success on an individual basis. Her undying commitment to her students has changed countless lives and will continue to do so long after her retirement.

Starting her time as President of Bay College in 2006. Laura strived to create the best place for students to learn and develop themselves for life beyond the classroom. She helped to spearhead the renovation of over 70 percent of campus buildings and to establish new academic and extracurricular opportunities for students to foster success on all fronts. Laura's holistic approach to cultivating a well-rounded student also led to the reintroduction of athletics in 2017, creating a greater sense of community within the institution.

With Laura at the helm, Bay College has further cemented itself as a respected academic institution and has expanded its student-centric outreach. She deserves our unwavering respect and gratitude for her tireless service to her students and colleagues during her tenure.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Laura Coleman on her upcoming retirement after 16 years as President of Bay College. She has become a respected and loved fixture of the Bay College family and will be missed by many within the institution and community. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Laura and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Eugene Gargaro, Jr., for 20 years of service as Board Chair of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Retiring after the selection of his successor, Gene has led the Institute to greater notoriety and accessibility for all. His tenure has been benchmarked by numerous accomplishments on behalf of the Institute, which houses over 65,000 unique pieces across a multitude of genres.

Eugene's impact on the DIA goes beyond the preservation of priceless art within their facilities. Since being elected in 2003, he has spearheaded a renovation in excess of $160 million to give the public and the institute's staff the best possible complex to enjoy the expanding collection, as well as helped to raise tens of millions of dollars in the form of public donations and millage initiatives across local counties.

His leadership was tested during the global financial crisis of 2008 and again in 2013 when Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy. Gene's commitment to the museum and the institution never faltered. His actions throughout his time as Chairman displayed his unwavering desire to help both the art community and his local community, for which he was formally recognized in 2015 when he was awarded the DIA's Lifetime Service Award for outstanding volunteer service. He deserves our gratitude and appreciation for his efforts to expand access, cultivate art, and preserve history for posterity throughout his time at the DIA.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Eugene Gargaro, Jr., for two decades of esteemed service to the Detroit Institute of Arts as Board Chair. Gene has become an irreplaceable part of the community, and his absence will sadden many across the institution. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Gene and his family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 467) to modify the age requirement for the Student Incentive Payment Program of the State maritime academies.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 467, the CADETS Act.

The CADETS Act was introduced earlier this year by a bipartisan group of Senators led by Senator Peters of Michigan. It passed the Senate by unanimous consent last month. I am the proud sponsor of the companion legislation here in this House.

The CADETS Act will begin to help solve the problem our Nation faces in recruiting qualified mariners to serve in the Navy Reserve and crew our strategic sealift vessels.

Our fleet of strategic sealift vessels is critical to our ability to project and sustain U.S. forces around the world and defend ourselves and our allies. However, we can't do that without qualified Americans willing and able to crew these ships.

S. 467 will incentivize Americans to serve in this critical defense role by making those older than 25 years of age eligible for MARAD's Student Incentive Payment Program.

The Student Incentive Payment Program provides financial assistance to cadets who attend one of the six State maritime academies and commit to a post-graduation service obligation in the Navy Reserve.

I am proud to represent the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan, and I was honored to address the cadets at their graduation ceremony just a few weeks ago in May.

Cadets at Great Lakes and other maritime academies can receive up to $32,000 in incentive payments over 4 years to help offset the cost of tuition and other education expenses. However, current law prohibits candidates older than 25 years of age from participating in the program. This is despite the fact that Americans between the ages of 18 and 42 can currently join the Navy Reserve and that State maritime academies are actively seeking to enroll veterans and servicemembers, many of whom are older than age 25.

S. 467 amends the Student Incentive Payment Program to align its eligibility age with the age requirements for enlisting or commissioning in the United States Navy Reserve.

This is a good bipartisan bill that will help our veterans transition to well-paying jobs, support the great work done by our State maritime academies, and help fill critical national security vacancies.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, please accept this personal explanation as I was unexpectedly detained during vote proceedings. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 247 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 248.

Motion to Reconsider

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for all of his support for these bills that not only make life better for the veterans but also for their families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1669, the VET-TEC Authorization Act, which, as amended, includes the text of legislation I originally introduced as H.R. 234, Gerald's Law.

Gerald's Law was drafted and introduced on behalf of Gerald Elliott, a U.S. Army veteran and a resident of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, as well as on behalf of his family and the thousands of other veterans like him.

A lifelong Yooper, Jerry was a member of The American Legion Post 363 and was an active volunteer with U.P. Honor Flight and the Iron Mountain VA Hospital.

After a cancer diagnosis in 2019, Gerald received his care at the Iron Mountain VA. As the disease progressed and he was placed on hospice care, he decided to go home to enjoy his final days with his family.

Following his death, Jerry's family discovered that even though he received hospice care through the VA, his family did not qualify for burial benefits after his death; that is, burial benefits for Jerry himself. That is because under current law, VA hospice care provided at home does not qualify as a death under VA care and is, therefore, not covered under the nonservice-connected burial and plot benefit.

As a result of this quirk, if a veteran with a terminal illness wants the full burial benefit, they would be forced to die in a hospital or nursing home under the VA auspices instead of transferring to home hospice care. This is just, I am sure, a mistake. This injustice is unacceptable and unconscionable.

No veteran should worry about losing VA benefits for their family when choosing to spend their final days in the comfort of their own home. Gerald's Law will address this by extending VA burial allowance eligibility to veterans whose passing occurs at home while receiving VA hospice care if they were previously receiving VA hospital or nursing home care.

I am thankful for the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for their work to assist the thousands of veterans and family members being denied benefits due to this legislative oversight.

H.R. 1669, which includes Gerald's Law and other bipartisan, commonsense reforms, was approved unanimously by the committee in April.

Mr. Speaker, I urge every Member of Congress, every Member of the House, to support its passage on the House floor today.