Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Bo White for his distinguished military and special operations career, as well as his unwavering commitment to helping those in need across the globe. Throughout his life, Bo has continually put the interests of others over his own, risking his personal safety and well-being to do so. He deserves our utmost respect and gratitude for all he has done to protect our national security and the most vulnerable in society.

Following his graduation from Traverse City Christian School, Bo became a pararescueman for the United States Air Force, joining an elite company in one of our Nation's most prestigious and respected special forces groups. When the war in Ukraine began in February of 2022, Bo played an integral part in the safe extraction of FOX News' Benjamin Hall and personally led ventures into afflicted areas to facilitate evacuation and relief efforts.

Bo's sacrificial actions throughout his military career warrant the highest praise and national recognition. He has proven on many occasions that he will risk his life for a stranger without seeking acknowledgement or thanks. That extent of humility and valor has made Bo one of Michigan's most prized citizens. We owe him our utmost respect and appreciation for what he has already accomplished throughout his storied life and for what he will achieve in the future.

Mr. Speaker, again it is my honor to recognize Bo White for his exceptional service to our country, his determination to help others, and his extraordinary impact on the lives of those in conflict zones in Eastern Europe. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Bo and his family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Andrea Kritcher for being named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2023. Andrea is an exemplary nuclear engineer and physicist. She has been credited with making countless advancements in inertial confinement fusion and continues to have a lasting impact on the global understanding of nuclear sciences. As a native of the Traverse City area, Andrea deserves our praise and respect for being named into this illustrious group of individuals.

Upon her graduation from Traverse City Central High School, Andrea attended Northwestern Michigan College and the University of Michigan before studying at the University of California Berkeley to pursue nuclear engineering. Andrea then began her time at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and has become an invaluable asset to their team.

Andrea's commitment to her work is undeniable, and she has had a direct impact on countless lives across the globe. The communities of Traverse City, Michigan's First District, and the entirety of the scientific community owe Andrea our utmost appreciation for her continuous effort to expand science and human understanding beyond its current scope.

Mr. Speaker, again it is my honor to recognize Andrea Kritcher for being named one of science's most influential figures of 2023 and for her work in nuclear sciences. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Andrea and her family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Maddy Maline of Manistique Middle and High School for her exemplary service to her community and her astounding achievements in and out of the classroom. Maddy has excelled in serving others, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and being awarded the Congressional Award for her generous service. Maddy has become an invaluable part of Manistique and the surrounding area and has had a lasting impact on her peers, garnering the respect of many across her community. She deserves our praise for her determination and drive in her endeavors to be an asset to Michigan's First District.

Maddy's dedication to bettering herself and her community will continue to have an enduring, positive effect on those she encounters. As she continues beyond Manistique Middle and High School and expands her horizon, we celebrate the connections she has made, the lives she has changed, and any future opportunities she will have during this monumental shift in her life.

Mr. Speaker, again it is my honor to recognize Maddy Maline for her exceptional community service and the ripple effect of positive change she has created as she graduates Manistique High School. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Maddy and her family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to commemorate End Jew Hatred Day and to recognize the Jewish community of the United States for their stalwart perseverance as a religion, culture, and ethnic identity while bearing the brunt of endless adversity throughout history. Surviving one of the most heinous genocides and mass enslavements in the 20th century, the Jewish population has since thrived in the United States and become one of our greatest proponents of human rights and opportunity in society.

Since the Jewish population first established itself in North America in 1654, they have had an integral and enduring impact on the social structure, evolution, and ideals of our emerging Nation. Jewish emigration to the United States peaked in the mid-20th century and directly influenced the magnitude and traction of the civil rights movement. Familiar with facing discrimination and persecution, the Jewish and African-American communities were intertwined in their fight to ensure that equality and liberties are enjoyed by all.

Despite their advances in global and national standing, the Jewish people have been subject to an increasing number of hate crimes as they are targeted in the social sphere. Hate crimes of any type are unacceptable and deserving of absolute condemnation. In our fight to combat and denounce hatred for the Jewish population, we must commit to supporting them in their right to freely express themselves, their culture, and their heritage without being subject to persecution of any kind.

Mr. Speaker, again it is my honor to recognize the resilient Jewish community of the United States and to call for national support in their fight against discrimination and bigotry. I, and all of Michigan's First District, join the Jewish community in their efforts to combat these abominations, and I call for an end to all forms of hate, persecution, and antisemitism.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Robert Brick for receiving the 2022 Distinguished Service Award on behalf of Traverse Connect.

Bob is a tenured real estate broker with 50 years of experience, as well as the owner of RE/MAX Bayshore Properties, a nationally recognized real estate firm in the greater Traverse City area. Since starting his career in 1973, Bob has continually displayed professionalism and a desire to help his local community through his business.

Upon graduating from St. John's University of Minnesota, Bob began his time in real estate and cemented himself as one of the Nation's top brokers. Working with his children, Bob has facilitated positive change throughout the area by partnering with organizations such as Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and by creating his own relief fund for those impacted or displaced by natural disasters.

Bob has continually strived to be the best community member he can be and has used his platform to extend a helping hand to his fellow residents. His commitment to the people of Traverse City is undeniable and his work will have a lasting impact on the area's most vulnerable residents for years to come. Traverse City, the surrounding communities, and all of Michigan's First District owe Bob our support and gratitude as he accepts this well-deserved award. His dedication to the betterment of others' lives highlights the character of both Bob and his family.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Robert Brick for his steadfast service to the Traverse City region. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Bob and his family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize First Sergeant Ryan Dubuque on his retirement from the U.S. Army after 21 years of service to our Nation. After more than two decades of military service, including working to recruit the next generation

of Servicemen at the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Ryan has become an indispensable part of the state of Michigan.

Receiving his education from Columbia College and Liberty University, 1SG Dubuque's service has made him a respected leader among Michiganders. In addition to his time with Army Recruiting, 1SG Dubuque also served multiple tours in Iraq. Choosing to defend our Nation's values both at home and abroad, 1SG Dubuque has continually shown his desire to lead those around him. His years of service in our Nation's military, both in recruitment and in deployment roles, has had a lasting effect on the community and his absence from our Armed Services will be felt across the state of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize First Sergeant Ryan Dubuque for his 21 years of service in the U.S. Army. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to 1SG Dubuque and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Nadine Elmgren for 42 years of service as a Montessori Educator. Of her 42 years in Montessori Education, Nadine spent 35 years in The Children's House, acting as the Young Children's Community Guide, Primary Classroom Guide, Teacher Mentor, and Elementary Classroom Guide. Her undeniable drive to support her students and the community is applaudable, and she has had an immense impact on the lives of those she has worked with throughout her extensive career.

Upon graduating from Marylhurst College with a bachelor's degree in education, Nadine began her certification process for Montessori Education. She has continually strived to be an example for her students, as well as a reliable and trustworthy influence during their formative and perhaps most important years in school. Nadine has demonstrated what it truly means to be an exemplary educator, contributing to the academic and social growth of countless children throughout her time in Montessori Education.

Prioritizing the success and wellbeing of her students, Nadine has personally sacrificed much in her endeavor to change her students' lives for the better and to prepare them for their bright futures. It is a loss for the region that Michigan's First District will be without Nadine when school starts next fall, but her retirement is the culmination of years of hard work and an unwavering dedication to putting her students above herself. She deserves our gratitude for her tireless efforts to help those around her and the community in its entirety.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Nadine Elmgren for her decades of service to the Montessori Education system, including 35 years at The Children's House. She has led by example for her career and has been truly cherished by her coworkers and students alike. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Nadine and her family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Lieutenant Brian Giddis for over 25 years of service in the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office. Throughout his time working in the department, Brian has displayed professionalism and respect for law and order while working to protect his community and its citizens.

Upon graduating from Montague High School in 1987, Brian pursued higher education at Delta College. After ranking 3rd in his class for Basic Police Academy Training at the college, Brian served as a part- time patrolman at the Hart and Montague Police Departments until becoming a deputy of the Grand Traverse County Sheriffs Office in 1997. Committed to his work, he has had a lasting impact on the local community and the department.

Deserving of unwavering respect and recognition, Lieutenant Brian Giddis' decorated career underscores his faithful commitment to the people of Grand Traverse County and epitomizes the ideal police officer. Grand Traverse County, and all of Michigan's First District, owe Brian our praise and gratitude for his time and devotion to his county over the past 25 years as a public servant.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Lieutenant Brian Giddis for his decades of service to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office. His continued commitment to and sacrifice for our communities is something we must not take for granted. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Brian and his family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Senator Wayne Schmidt for his 14 years of service in Michigan's State Legislature. As a State Representative and Senator, Wayne's work had an immeasurable impact on the people of Northern Michigan, and his commitment to his community cannot be overstated.

After graduating from Traverse City Central High School and the University of Chicago, Senator Schmidt began his distinguished career in the Grand Traverse region, where he served for five terms on the Traverse County Board of Commissioners. In 2008 he was elected to the State House of Representatives, where he served for three consecutive terms before being elected as the State Senator representing the 37th District. His many legislative accomplishments during his time in office included streamlining government regulations, promoting job creation, and helping turn a $1.5 billion state government deficit into a $500 million surplus. Outside of his work in public office, Senator Schmidt has given his time to many local community organizations, including the Boardman Neighborhood Association, the Traverse City Kiwanis Club, the Economic Club of Traverse, the National Cherry Festival, the Downtown Traverse City Association, Grand Traverse Area Right to Life Association, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Wayne Schmidt for his lifetime of service to Grand Traverse County and his 14 years in Michigan's State Legislature. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Senator Schmidt and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize retired aviator Major Warren Schwab for his distinguished military service and for recently celebrating his 102nd birthday. Flying B-24 Liberators during World War II, Warren valiantly took part in over 20 missions during the largest and deadliest global conflict in history. Upon its conclusion in 1945, he continued his military career by serving in both the Korean War and Vietnam. Warren's commitment to the state of Michigan and to the defense of our Nation has been unwavering and serves as an inspiration to many.

Born in 1921, Major Schwab grew up during the Great Depression and enlisted in the military shortly thereafter. Upon entry into our armed forces, Warren demonstrated exemplary tact and bravery in every mission he was part of. Notably, he led the way on June 6, 1944, by conducting morning bomb raids on enemy positions across the Normandy Coast and Munich. His unparalleled gallantry and commitment to his peers is undeniable and worthy of recognition.

Major Warren Schwab is a living testament to all who have sacrificed in service to our country. Surviving one of World War II's most dangerous positions with some of the highest mortality rates of all enlisted personnel in the war, Major Schwab chose to continue his service to our country and his community. His recent 102nd birthday on February 24th prompts all residents of Michigan's First District to cherish and thank those servicemembers who reflect Mr. Schwab's caliber of devotion and sacrifice. We are blessed as a Nation to have Veterans like Major Warren Schwab.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Major Warren Schwab for his service in the U.S. Armed Forces and for his 102nd birthday, celebrated on February 24, 2023. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend our utmost respect and gratitude to Major Schwab for his military service, and our congratulations for his recent birthday. I would also like to extend my best wishes to him and his family in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize retired aviator Charles Northrop for his distinguished military service and for recently celebrating his 100th birthday. Flying P51s during World War II, Charles Northrop valiantly served our Nation during the largest global conflict in history. He is a longtime resident of Traverse City and has had a profound impact on his community. Northrop's commitment to the state of Michigan and to the defense of our Nation has been unwavering and serves as an inspiration to many.

Joining the armed forces in the early 1940s, Charles was assigned to his unit and began his time in the P51 Mustang shortly thereafter. While flying for the United States, Charles became an indispensable part of our rapidly expanding wartime air wing. Upon the War's conclusion, Charles returned to the United States and started his time at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Established in 1941, Redstone Arsenal acted as a chemical weapons production center and is now one of the Nation's largest defense complexes.

Charles Northrop is a living testament to the sacrifice and fortitude of countless United States servicemen and women. He has dedicated himself to our Nation in service both at home and abroad and is the embodiment of American exceptionalism. His recent birthday on February 13th, on which he turned 100 years of age, is worthy of our recognition and celebration. I wish you a happy birthday, Charles, and thank you for your tireless service to our country and to the residents of Michigan's First District.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Charles Northrop for his service in the U.S. Armed Forces and for his 100th birthday, celebrated on February 13, 2023. On behalf of Michigan's First District, l extend my gratitude to Mr. Northrop for his legacy of service and wish him a happy birthday. I would also like to extend my best wishes to him and his family in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to commemorate the Veterans of Foreign Wars Cherryland Post 2780 for 90 years of continued service to their members and community. Since being chartered in 1933, Post 2780 has grown significantly, originally having 43 members, and now boasting more than 900 members. Post 2780 has cemented itself as one of Northern Michigan's most impactful organizations for community members and veterans alike. Their impact on the community is immeasurable, and their organization has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.

Since 1933, this post has encountered obstacles on all fronts, yet has continually evolved to stand the test of time and to become one of America's most respected VFW posts due to their exemplary work at the district, state, and national levels. Through donation drives and fundraisers, Post 2780 has helped their community and local veterans acquire the necessary tools to live happy and healthy lives. From distributing donated wheelchairs to those in need, to being a key contributor to the Toys for Tots Program, Post 2780 prioritizes the most vulnerable members of society and aims to make an indelible impact on all who require assistance.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Veterans of Foreign Wars Cherryland Post 2780's staff, families, members, and volunteers for their continued efforts to make the post an extraordinary part of Northern Michigan. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors and wished everyone had a safe and enjoyable afternoon at their 90th Anniversary event on Saturday, March 25th.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Traverse City's outgoing City Manager, Marty Colburn, for his exceptional work since taking the position in 2015. Throughout his time as Traverse City's City Manager, Marty has displayed exceptional professionalism and gained the respect of many in his community.

In nearly eight years as City Manager, Marty has overseen the completion of multiple community projects that have benefited the city and the livelihoods of its residents. From the long-anticipated Boardman Lake Loop Trail to affordable housing projects, Marty has pushed many initiatives over the finish line for the health and well- being of all community members.

Marty's accomplishments are deserving of respect and have had an indelible impact on Traverse City and the surrounding region. The relationships he has forged with local townships and communities will continue to have positive effects for years to come. Marty deserves praise for his time as City Manager and his continued devotion to the community he served.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Marty Colburn for nearly eight years of service as Traverse City's City Manager. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Marty and his family and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to be leading this Special Order to discuss the ongoing efforts to tackle our national debt and the looming debt ceiling crisis.

Since my first day in office some 7-plus years ago, I have said that one of the single greatest threats to our national security is the Federal Government's reckless, uncontrolled spending. This is now more obvious than ever.

To be clear, it is essential that the United States honors its debts and pays back every single dollar that we have borrowed.

However, this cannot come without reforms to fix the unsustainable and dangerous spending habits that threaten our long-term solvency.

The Limit, Save, Grow Act, which I am happy to say the House approved only moments ago, is a good faith, middle-of-the-road approach to raising the debt ceiling while reining in--and I repeat--beginning to really rein in unnecessary, wasteful Federal spending.

Included in the bill are popular provisions, which would reclaim billions in unspent COVID funds, now that the pandemic is over.

It will also defund President Biden's army of 87,000 new IRS agents. It will strengthen the workforce, lower energy costs, and end the era, again, of reckless spending in Washington, D.C., all while protecting veterans, Social Security, Medicare, and national defense.

I am grateful to be joined by several of my colleagues that are here tonight to further discuss this issue, and I urge the administration to come to the table, sooner rather than later, to address the debt ceiling and begin the necessary reining in of spending.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

Mr. Speaker, when we talk about debt ceiling limits, as my colleague stated, we have already spent the money. Now it is time to pay our bills. When you think about how that all starts, it starts with responsible spending and allocation of funds on the front end, knowing that there are limits.

In my first term in the 115th Congress as a member of the Budget Committee, I still remember very starkly a data point that was given to us as new members of the committee. The subject was improper payments by the Federal Government. Seven years ago, that number was $150 billion a year in improper payments by the Federal Government.

When we talk about limiting debt and we talk about clawing back funds that have already been appropriated and are sitting in accounts, we always have to consider the fact that are we as the Federal Government really managing the expenditure of the dollars?

Because of the fact that there is no incentive within Federal bureaucracies to attack improper spending, we haven't addressed the entire problem.

When you think about an example of what that $150 billion annually would mean in improper payments, an example would be if a person who, God rest their soul, has been deceased, but yet, their Social Security check still comes, or other checks come. You know there is an end game for that.

Another example would be that a person is receiving a check for $1,000 that really should be for $100. That is just an error. So we need to look inside ourselves, within the bureaucracies, within the Federal Government to cut down

the improper payments because we have to look at the debt control, if you will, and the debt reduction, or, as you have heard other people say, bending the curve down to a reasonable rate of repaying our debts without increasing the debt and increasing unnecessary wasteful expenditures. We have to figure out a way to incentivize the good, hardworking folks within our government bureaucracies to take a closer look at all those things and be part of solutions that are going to benefit our country as a whole and all of its citizens.

I will conclude by just saying we got a great start here about 30 minutes ago when we passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act. This is just the next step towards hopefully fruitful, honest, thoughtful negotiations with the White House to help us begin to be able to bend that curve of wasteful spending.

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

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

H.R. 1 will unleash domestic energy production and reverse the Biden- led Democrat assault on American energy.

Democrat punitive policies have led to record-high gas prices, limited supply, and unrelenting inflation. Folks back home in Michigan are yearning for leadership that has been sorely

lacking in Washington these past couple of years.

H.R. 1 will streamline permitting, open up new markets to export natural gas, and repeal billions in inflationary Green New Deal giveaways. H.R. 1 will also protect the land we live on, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.

Of great importance to me and my constituents is the provision continuing the longstanding ban on drilling in our Great Lakes. As the Representative for the district with the longest shoreline in the lower 48 States, including three of the five Great Lakes, I will continue to fight and defend our Great Lakes for future generations.

As we talk energy, I live in the middle of copper country. As this board shows, we need to control for our future the precious metals necessary for what we do.