Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 100th anniversary of American Legion Post 92 for their century of service to veterans, their families, and our communities. Through their tireless work, exceptional leadership, and steadfast selflessness, Post 92 has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula and the State of Michigan.

Post 92 was created in 1919 in Victoria, Michigan, following the national charter of the American Legion by Congress. The post was formed to establish a local organization to bring fellow Yooper Veterans together within the U.P. Two years later, the Legion moved to Rockland, Michigan, where they have been headquartered ever since with the mission of defending the U.S. Constitution and honoring our men and women in uniform, amongst many other goals. Over the last century, the American Legion has grown to two million members with over thirteen thousand posts nationwide. Post 92's work has significantly improved the lives of countless Veterans and their families, and their dedication cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize American Legion Post 92 for a century of service to the veterans and communities of the Upper Peninsula. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such devoted organizations and citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the life of George LaBlonde, who passed away recently after a lifetime of service. Through his extreme dedication to the public good, George became an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula, the State of Michigan, and the United States of America.

A native Yooper, George was born in Ironwood, Michigan, on October 17, 1938. He was raised in Ironwood and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1956. With a deep-rooted drive to serve others, George furthered his education at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1960 while also earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He went on to attend several other prestigious institutions including Purdue University, the U.S. Army War College, the Department of Defense Language Institute, the Army Command and General Staff College, and completed numerous other specialized courses. In addition to his impressive and comprehensive military education, George's 30 years of service earned him several honors and decorations including the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' device, the Parachute Badge, amongst many others. As a retired Marine myself, I greatly appreciate the longtime devotion George gave to our Nation.

George passed away on October 29, 2021. His steadfast care and friendly nature towards all members of his community will surely leave a lasting mark on those who had the opportunity to know him. He is missed dearly by his family and friends, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come. George's tireless dedication to public service touched the lives of countless Michiganders, and the impact of his work cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of George LaBlonde. His legacy will forever live on in his family and in the many lives he bettered through his service.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Kiel Atanasoff for receiving the Patriot Award by the Department of Defense. Through his exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion to workers and servicemembers at Krist Oil Company, Kiel has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The Patriot Award is presented to supervisors and employers across the country who display exceptional support towards servicemembers in their workforce. In recognition of his exceptional leadership and devotion to his colleagues, fellow employee and Guardsman David Froland nominated Kiel for this distinguished award. This is in response to Kiel's continued support to Mr. Froland when he was deployed to Washington, D.C., earlier this year with the U.S. National Guard. A longtime U.P. company, Krist Oil has continued to exemplify the gold standard of support for our military members and communities. As a veteran myself, I greatly appreciate the dedication they give to both our active and retired Servicemembers.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Kiel Atanasoff for receiving the Patriot Award. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless leader. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Kiel all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the life of William ``Bill'' Mouser, who passed away recently after a lifetime of service to his fellow Michiganders. Through his constant dedication, tenacity, and leadership, Bill became an essential part of the Northern Michigan community.

William Mouser was born in Hastings, Michigan, on September 10, 1950, and graduated from Lake Wood High School in Lake Odessa in 1968. He furthered his education at Lansing Community College where he met his future wife, Shirley Jean Peters, who he married in 1972. With a drive to serve his local community, Bill spent much of his retirement as a part-time facilities manager in Garfield Township and served on numerous local boards including the Grand Traverse County Road Commission, the Green Lake Township Planning and Zoning Committee, and the Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Commission. Bill's passing is a significant loss to our community, and he is missed dearly by his family and friends. Mr. Mouser's tireless devotion to the public good touched the lives of many Michiganders, and the impact of his work cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of William ``Bill'' Mouser. He will be forever remembered for the many lives he bettered throughout his life.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Graveraet Elementary School of Marquette, Michigan, for being selected as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Through their dedication to their students and the local community, Graveraet Elementary has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula and the State of Michigan.

For 39 years, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has set out to recognize the exceptional efforts of schools around the U.S. who symbolize the gold standard for teaching and learning. Through their longtime devotion to education and academics, Graveraet Elementary School continues to go above and beyond for their students and perfectly exemplifies Yooper values on the national stage. To help their community adapt to a modernizing society, Graveraet invested in Chromebook and iPad programs that bring crucial technology to all of their students regardless of their background. The school also offers several other critical programs such as One School One Book, which organizes assemblies and luncheons each month with the Principal. Graveraet and their staffs tireless commitment has positively changed the lives of countless families and students. The impact of their work cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate the Marquette community and Graveraet Elementary School for being named a National Blue Ribbon School. With the many difficulties our schools have faced this past year, their dedicated service has created a positive and caring environment for their students to thrive in. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Graveraet Elementary School all the best in its future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Biden Department of Justice attack on our parents who advocate for their children to our local school boards. These efforts undermine the very foundation of our public schools. That is what they do.

We have recently seen an unprecedented level of local civic engagement allowing parents, teachers, and government officials to navigate our pandemic recovery and promote accountability in the classroom. However, this administration has responded by using scare tactics to prevent any criticism from parents against biased policies.

Parents don't want their children's educational development stunted by mask mandates or corrupted by critical race theory. What parents do want is a say in their children's educational futures without being threatened for exercising their First Amendment rights.

The Attorney General must immediately withdraw this memorandum.

I will continue fighting for a mom's or dad's right to make their opinion heard because that is the America our parents and students deserve.

Madam Speaker, I was unexpectedly detained during vote proceedings. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 348.

Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress

Axne (Spanberger)

Barragan (Gallego)

Bowman (Tlaib)

Brown (Mfume)

Cardenas (Gomez)

Cohen (Beyer)

Crist (Castor (FL))

Davids (KS) (Cleaver)

DeFazio (Blumenauer)

Deutch (Rice (NY))

Doggett (Raskin)

Fletcher (Escobar)

Gaetz (Greene (GA))

Gonzalez, Vicente (Gomez)

Hagedorn (Carl)

Kirkpatrick (Stanton)

Larsen (WA) (Connolly)

Lawson (FL) (Evans)

Meng (Jeffries)

Morelle (Rice (NY))

Norcross (Pallone)

Ocasio-Cortez (Garcia (IL))

Palazzo (Fleischmann)

Payne (Pallone)

Pingree (Kuster)

Rush (Underwood)

Schiff (Thompson (CA))

Sires (Pallone)

Smucker (Joyce (PA))

Speier (Scanlon)

Steube (Franklin, C. Scott)

Strickland (Jeffries)

Swalwell (Gomez)

Thompson (MS) (Butterfield)

Thompson (PA)

(Reschenthaler)

Titus (Connolly)

Trone (Beyer)

Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Madam Speaker, I am proud and honored to host today's Special Order in light of Veterans Day being just around the corner on November 11.

Here in D.C. and back home in Michigan, I stay closely connected with all my fellow veterans, and I can tell you this: From the Afghanistan debacle to lingering backlogs at the VA, it has not been an easy year for veterans and their families.

But I want to remind you all, veterans, you are not alone. We are here with you; we are listening; and we are working through the difficult times to get things done. You are going to hear today from many of my colleagues who not only share this feeling but want to remind you that we are working every day on your behalf, not for any political reason but because we strive to thank you and honor you for your service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Bost), who is my friend, colleague, and fellow marine.

Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Bost for his comments, and I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), my friend and colleague and fellow Air Force veteran.

Madam Speaker, I yield to my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly).

Madam Speaker, I am proud to yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), my friend.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and I accept that for all the veterans who served, especially the marines.

Now, it is my honor to yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer), my friend and colleague.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert), my friend and Army veteran.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Tiffany), my friend and border colleague.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Clyde), my friend and colleague and Navy veteran.

Madam Speaker, in closing, during my 40 years in uniform, and now here in Congress, and also even before uniform, being raised in a family of World War II veterans, I feel as though because of my parents' guidance and example, I have dedicated my life to our military community, in one form or another.

Through all of that and all I have learned, there is one thing about Veterans Day that I really want to make sure that I talk about; all of you, talk to a veteran. Don't just say ``Thank you for your service,'' but engage them, find out about their story.

Veterans, to you, share your stories, because we don't know how many more days that we might have to walk the face of the Earth. It is so important for us to share our stories as veterans with the next generations.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

We live in the greatest country in the world because men and women have sworn an oath to give their lives for our country. Never forget that. That is what makes us the United States of America.

May God continue to bless our troops, all of our veterans and their families.

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

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 125th Anniversary of the Traverse City Elks Lodge. Through their steadfast devotion and service to their community, Lodge No. 323 has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.

Since 1896, the Traverse City Elks Lodge has not only worked to provide a supportive environment for their members, but has also continuously assisted others in their community through service and charity. Since their establishment, TCEL has worked to follow and uphold their four cardinal virtues: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.

As a result, their organization has helped many Michiganders and families through the multiple charities and scholarships they work with. This notably includes the Elks National Foundation which provides $3.64 million in college scholarships each year. In addition, their work with the Michigan Elks Major Project supports special needs children that do not receive assistance from other agencies or groups. Their help has improved the lives of countless Americans and their families, and their dedication to the well-being of our communities cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Traverse City Elks Lodge for decades of success and service to Northern Michigan. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the life and legacy of Dr. Daniel Joseph Benishek, who passed away recently after a lifetime of service to the First District and the state of Michigan. Through his dedication to his patients and constituents, Dan changed the lives of countless Michiganders and became an indispensable part of his community.

A native Yooper, Dan was born in Iron River, Michigan, on April 20, 1952, and he spent his childhood in the western Upper Peninsula until his graduation from West Iron County High School in 1970. With an inherent drive to serve others, Dan furthered his education at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University School of Medicine. After completing medical school, he returned

to the U.P. and went on to positively impact many Veterans' lives during his two decades of service at the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center.

After years of work on behalf of Yooper Veterans, Dan was driven to become an advocate on behalf of all Michiganders when he ran for Congress in 2010. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, he continued his steadfast support of Veterans in his district while also working to pass legislation to protect our state's most valuable landmarks as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources--most notably the nationally-recognized Sleeping Bear Dunes. I have been and continue to be greatly inspired by Dan's selfless work and dedication to our Veterans as well as his fellow Yoopers. He served the First District of Michigan for three terms from 2011 to 2017, leaving a lasting mark in Washington, D.C.

Dan's passing is a significant loss to the Upper Peninsula, but Michigan and the United States have benefited immensely from his lifetime of public service. He is missed dearly by his family and friends, and his memory will undoubtedly live on for generations to come. Dan's tireless devotion to the public good touched the lives of so many Michiganders, and the impact of his work cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Dr. Daniel Joseph Benishek. I was honored to call Dan a friend, and it is an honor to uphold his legacy in Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Daniel Joseph Benishek, or as he was better known to those of us in Michigan, Dr. Dan.

On Saturday, October 15, after a lifetime of service to the First District and the State of Michigan, Dr. Dan passed away.

Through his dedication to his patients and constituents, Dr. Dan changed the lives of countless Michiganders and was an indispensable part of our entire community.

From his decades of service as a doctor, to his 6 years fighting for the First District in Congress, he embodied servant leadership and was an ally to all our veterans and all who were blessed to call Michigan's First District home.

Dr. Dan's passing is a significant loss to our State. Those of us who call Michigan home have each benefited from his life and service and are grateful for the impacts he made. He did make a difference.

He loved the outdoors like no one you would believe, and he loved to tell the stories of how his cabin was completely off the grid and that he ate what he caught or hunted. He was a man truly of the Upper Peninsula.

We all send our deepest condolences to his dear wife, Judy, and the entire Benishek family and all of Team Benishek.

Please join me in a moment of silence to honor the memory of Congressman Dr. Dan Benishek.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response. Through their dedicated service and steadfast devotion to their communities, HOPE AACR has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District and the United States.

Since 2001, HOPE AACR has tirelessly worked to provide mental and emotional support to Americans during individual or national crises. Their organization has brought needed assistance to many local community groups including first responders, schools, hospitals, and churches. In addition, they often work directly with mental health professionals and counselors to bring the maximum level of care for those experiencing personal hardship.

HOPE AACR has also brought vital support to our nation during numerous tragic events such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the wildfires in California. Their help has improved the lives of countless Americans and their families and their dedication to the well-being of our communities cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response for decades of success and service to Michigan and the United States. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize AMVETS Post 114 of Elk Rapids, Michigan, for its 75 years of service to Veterans, their families, and their local community. Through their tireless work, Post 114 has become an indispensable part of Northern Michigan.

As soldiers returned home from the battlefields of World War II, many recognized the need for a nationwide group advocating on behalf of our Veterans--in response, American Veterans (AMVETS) of World War II was founded on December 10, 1944. Shortly after, President Harry Truman and Congress officially chartered AMVETS in 1947. Throughout its 75 years of service, AMVETS Post 114 have worked tirelessly to support and advocate for meaningful policies on behalf of local servicemembers, Veterans, and their families. From scholarships for local students to organizing Military Funeral Honors, the efforts of Post 114 have assisted thousands of Michigan Veterans and ensured the people of Elk Rapids and Northern Michigan honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize AMVETS Post 114 for decades of successful support for the Veterans of Northern Michigan. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his leadership on this extremely important issue.

I want to expose for my constituents the real truth about the so- called infrastructure portion of the Democrats' destructive $5.5 trillion package.

You can read for yourself in the bill that only a fraction of the funds go to roads, bridges, broadband, and other things people outside the swamp would generally consider infrastructure, a true and embarrassingly small drop in the bucket, considering the current state of Michigan's infrastructure. By the way, our roads still haven't been fixed.

But more importantly, I am asking you to read between the lines to understand that this package will stretch the long, intrusive arm of the Federal Government into your life, more than ever before. Your energy bill, your taxes, your job, your Nation's borders, your economic freedom.

As your Representative, I can't let this happen, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Good Hart General Store of Emmet County, Michigan. Through its five decades of service and steadfast devotion to its community, the General Store has become a local landmark and an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.

The General Store was first constructed in 1934 by local resident, Cliff Powers. Along with serving as a local Postmaster, Mr. Powers used his store as a grocer and gas station to bring needed supplies to his community. He would continue to operate his local business for almost 40 years until selling it to Carolyn Sutherland in 1971. She has successfully preserved the history and significance of the General Store ever since. While also managing the store, Ms. Sutherland leads Graham Real Estate in Good Hart where she has continuously worked to better the lives of her community and the State of Michigan.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Good Hart General Store for fifty years of success and service to Northern Michigan. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens that help preserve our most treasured businesses and landmarks. On behalf of my constituents, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.