Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the service of Sheriff Scott Strait, who recently retired after serving the people of Mackinac County for nearly 35 years. Through his selflessness and devotion to the common good, Scott has become an indispensable part of the state of Michigan.

After graduating from Lake Superior State University, Scott began his work at the Mackinac County Sheriff's Office on April 28, 1986. In his service he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those in Mackinac County and across Michigan. He also continued his professional growth while working full time, earning his Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University in 2001. Scott has been an active leader throughout the state, serving on multiple statewide boards and councils including the Board of Directors for the Michigan Sheriffs Association. He also served as President of the Association in 2013 and previously sat on the outreach committee of the National Sheriffs Association. He has been honored for his selflessness on multiple occasions, including earning the rank of Master Sheriff in 2019 and being named Sheriff of the Year in October of 2020. Scott's tireless dedication to the public good touched the lives of countless Michiganders, and the impact of his work cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I ask you to join me in honoring the service of Scott Strait. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless leader. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Scott all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the service of Gerry Pelissero, who recently retired after serving the people of Gogebic County as the clerk of court and register of deeds for more than two decades. Through his tireless work ethic and devotion to the common good, Gerry has become an indispensable part of the state of Michigan.

A U.P. native, Gerry graduated from Bessemer's A.D. Johnston High School in 1977. After studying broadcasting at the Brown Institute in Minneapolis, Gerry returned to Gogebic County to become a radio personality and sports director at WUPM in Ironwood. Following his career in radio, Gerry worked as an agent with Prudential Financial for 11 years before deciding to run for county clerk in January of 2000. He would go on to win the election and serve five terms in office as clerk of court and register of deeds for Gogebic County. In this role, Gerry oversaw the modernization of the clerk's office--moving from phone calls and faxes to email and other digital technology. His dedication and leadership allowed the county's functions--including the courts and administrating elections--to run smoothly, and the impact of his work cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I ask you to join me in honoring the career and service of Gerry Pelissero. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless leader. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Gerry all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Bill Speer, who retired as the publisher and editor of The Alpena News after 42 years in journalism. Through his tireless work ethic and devotion to his community, Bill has become an indispensable part of Northern Michigan.

After graduating from West Virginia University in 1978, Bill began his career in journalism working at The Wheeling Intelligencer, where he was initially responsible for covering local governments and the area's steel and coal industries. His skills as a writer and reporter were recognized quickly, as he was named Ohio Bureau Editor of The Intelligencer just three years later. In 1988, he and his wife Diane moved to Alpena, Michigan, where he would serve as the editor of The Alpena News. As the paper's head, Bill oversaw its transition to new ownership, the move from an evening to a morning publication, an expanded Weekend Edition, and the rise of the internet in modern journalism. Bill's dedication and effective leadership has allowed The Alpena News to thrive today. His commitment to the Alpena community and the state of Michigan touched the lives of countless Michiganders, and the impact of his work cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I ask you to join me in recognizing the career of Bill Speer. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a dedicated leader. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Bill all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I was unexpectedly detained during vote proceedings. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 61, and NAY on Roll Call No. 62.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Jordan Valley District Library upon the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. Through its trusted service, reliable staff, and community investment, the Jordan Valley District Library has become an indispensable part of Northern Michigan.

Opened in July 1919 as the East Jordan Public Library, a grant from the Carnegie Corporation and an incredibly determined board of directors and staff built the library into the local institution it is today. Over the course of 100 years, the Jordan Valley District Library forged its path to success while maintaining its commitment to the community it was built upon. While its building and name may be different today, the Jordan Valley District Library still promotes the same ideals of giving the curious a place to explore and discover. The library's 100th Anniversary will be celebrated today, July 11th, in its original building first constructed in 1919. Day after day, the Jordan Valley District Library continues to set a positive example of what can be achieved when the people of a community work together for the common good.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate the Jordan Valley District Library and its staff for 100 years of success, service, and community investment. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such dedicated citizens. On behalf of my constituents, I wish the Jordan Valley District Library all the best in its future endeavors.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today with disappointment. What was once a bipartisan bill is now a vehicle for policies that hinder our readiness and our defense capabilities.

For almost 60 years, the NDAA has been a bipartisan endeavor. The NDAA fulfills the number one role of Congress: to provide for our common defense. But House Democratic leadership has turned this into yet another partisan bill.

Let me be clear. I support a pay raise for our troops. I support providing all warfighters with the best resources available and a National Defense Authorization Act that empowers America and our allies. But, unfortunately, this bill, in its current form, poses a significant threat to our ability to carry out the national defense strategy now and in the years ahead.

As President Reagan often said of our national defense strategy, ``Peace through strength.'' This bill does not--I repeat, does not-- show strength. We can and must do better.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 75th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, based out of Cheboygan, Michigan.

The original Icebreaker Mackinaw (WAGB-83) was constructed during World War II to facilitate winter shipping over the Great Lakes and maintain year-round war-time production of steel. Cheboygan served as her home port as she played this critical role. After more than 62 years of outstanding service facilitating commerce in support of the economy and security of the entire nation, the original Mackinaw was decommissioned in 2006 and replaced with the USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30). Performing the same critical icebreaking role as her namesake, the Mackinaw also serves year-round as an Aids to Navigation ship and conducts law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental emergency response missions. Its unique design makes it exceptionally maneuverable and capable of breaking smooth ice up to 42 inches thick. Since the first ship was launched 75 years ago, the impact of the Mackinaw on economy and security of Michigan and the entire country cannot be overstated.

The anniversary celebration for the Mackinaw will take place as a part of the 8th Annual Michigan Waterways festival, a 4-day community celebration of the Michigan Inland Waterway and Northern Michigan, running from June 27th to the 30th.

Madam Speaker, the celebration of the 8th Annual Waterways Festival is the perfect opportunity for us to appreciate the history and service of the USCGC Mackinaw and her crew. Michiganders can take immense pride in knowing that the First District is home to such an important vessel. On behalf of my constituents, I wish the Mackinaw, her crew, and the city of Cheboygan all the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Grand Hotel upon the occasion of its 30th anniversary as a National Historic Landmark. Through its extraordinary history, cultural significance, and commitment to excellence, the Grand Hotel has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.

The National Historic Landmark system was created in 1935 to recognize structures that are of outstanding historical significance, icons of ideals that shaped the nation, and pristine examples of design or construction. There is no other landmark more deserving of this designation than the Grand Hotel. First opened in 1887, the hotel was created to serve as a retreat for vacationers looking to enjoy summer on Lake Huron. Over the next 132 years, the Grand Hotel would grow to become not only a beloved part of Michigan, but a prominent feature in popular culture and premier destination for visitors from around the world. Its unique design has been widely acclaimed, and its world's- largest 660-foot porch has been enjoyed by everyone from John F. Kennedy and Gerald Ford to Thomas Edison and Mark Twain. The National Park Service designated the hotel as a National Historic Landmark in 1989, citing its historic architecture and representation of the American dream of a ``summer place.'' Today, its role as a summer place remains stronger than ever for thousands of guests to Mackinac Island every year.

Madam Speaker, the celebration of the Grand Hotel's 30th anniversary as a National Historic Landmark is the perfect opportunity for us to appreciate its unique history, cultural impact, and significance to Mackinac Island, Michigan, and the United States. Michiganders can take immense pride in knowing that the First District is home to such an important landmark. On behalf of my constituents, I wish the Grand Hotel all the best in its future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the Speaker to immediately schedule this important bill.

Mr. Chair, on roll call no. 398, I mistakenly voted ``no'' when I intended to vote ``yes''.

personal explanation

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the city of Manistee upon the occasion of its 150th Anniversary. Through one and a half centuries of community investment and growth, Manistee has become an indispensable part of Northern Michigan.

The first Europeans to settle in what was eventually called Manistee were Jesuit missionaries in the 18th century. By the mid-1800s, the settlement had grown into a successful hub for the fur and lumber trades in the region. While the town was nearly destroyed by the Great Michigan Fire in 1871, the city of Manistee would recover and evolve over the following century and a half into the jewel of Northern Michigan that it is today.

In honor of Manistee's sesquicentennial, the Manistee County Historical Museum is hosting a variety of events and celebrations throughout the year. The festivities kicked off in February with the ``Fun with the Founding Fathers'' event, where visitors learned about the incorporation of the city of Manistee, the first city council, and the people that made Manistee what it is today. The closing ceremonies for the year-long festivities will be in December, with the ``Wintertime in the City'' exhibit of photographs showing the winter season in Manistee over the last 150 years.

Madam Speaker, day after day, the city of Manistee continues to set a positive example of what can be achieved when the people of a community work together for the common good. It's my honor to congratulate them for their 150 years of success and community growth. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Manistee all the best as it ventures into the future.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Mike Sheehan, also known as ``The Professor,'' upon the occasion of the 900th episode of his program Words to the Wise on WTCM NewsTalk 580 in Traverse City, Michigan. Through his exceptional insight, expert knowledge of the English language, and unique ability to teach with accuracy and humor, The Professor has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.

Born and raised in the southside of Chicago, Sheehan spent much of his early life as a monk in the Order of St. Augustine, being ordained as a priest in 1965. He would later leave the priesthood to become an instructor of English at the Olive-Harvey College of the City Colleges of Chicago, where he taught for 26 years and wrote three textbooks, a dictionary, and two novels. Upon retirement, he and his late wife decided to make Northern Michigan their home. Deciding to stay active in his retirement, Sheehan has served on the state of Michigan's Commission on Services to the Aging and is a member of the Society of Midland Authors, the Dictionary Society of North America, the American Dialect Society, and Michigan Writers. He also received the Distinguished Senior of the National Cherry Festival award in 2013.

For the past 18 years Mike has also hosted a weekly radio show, Words to the Wise, on WTCM NewsTalk 580. This show, which is heard by listeners in 19 counties throughout Michigan, dives into the interesting, humorous, and sometimes bizarre world of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and etymology. His unique passion and sense of humor have resulted in his show being beloved by students, retirees, and everyone in between. The 900th episode of Words to the Wise will air live from the City Opera House in Traverse City, Michigan, on July 16.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize ``The Professor'' for hitting the milestone of 900 episodes full of entertainment and education. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a dedicated individual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Mike all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the City of Manistee Fire Station upon the occasion of its 130th anniversary and designation as the ``Oldest Continuously Manned Operating Fire Station'' by Guinness World Records. Through its extraordinary history and commitment to the public good, the Manistee Fire Station has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.

First constructed in 1889, the Manistee Fire Station has been manned continuously--24 hours a day, 7 days a week--ever since. The hundreds of firefighters that have since served in the station's 130 years fully devoted themselves to protecting the lives and well-being of the residents of Manistee, and the impact of their heroism cannot be understated.

Efforts to receive recognition from Guinness World Records were spearheaded by Fred LaPoint, who first joined the fire department in 1979. The approval process required more than two years of verification and was only possible thanks to the tireless effort of community leaders like Mark Fedder, executive director of the Manistee County Historical Museum. The fire station was finally awarded the title of ``Oldest Continuously Manned Operating Fire Station'' on its 130th anniversary--the very first time Guinness World Records has ever made this award designation.

Madam Speaker, the celebration of the Manistee Fire Station's 130th anniversary and designation as the oldest continuously manned operating fire station is the perfect opportunity for us to appreciate its unique history, cultural impact, and significance to Northern Michigan. Michiganders can take immense pride in knowing that the First District is home to such an important landmark. On behalf of my constituents, I wish the City of Manistee Fire Station all the best in its future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Kenn and Beth Zelten for being named 2019 Citizen Drivers. Through their dedicated service, exceptional leadership, and steadfast devotion to their community, Kenn and Beth have become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The Citizen Driver program honors the hardworking professional truck drivers that demonstrate good citizenship, safety, community involvement, and leadership. None are more deserving of this honor than Kenn and Beth. During their more than 30-year career as a team, they have driven nearly 5 million miles, receiving multiple awards for their customer service, safety, efficiency, and overall excellence. When they're not driving, Kenn and Beth are active in their community-- supporting charities like the St. Christopher Fund, The Salvation Army, Mission of Hope, and Landstar BCO Benevolence Fund, and working with several groups to help the less fortunate like Abundant Life Mission and Project Give.

There are more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the United States. While their work often goes unnoticed and underappreciated, it is vital to keeping our economy moving and daily life on track. Programs like Citizen Driver are a tremendous opportunity for us to recognize the hard work and dedication of professional drivers like Kenn and Beth that go above and beyond and serve as role models for every American.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Kenn and Beth Zelten for their decades of service and for being named 2019 Citizen Drivers. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such selfless and devoted individuals. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Kenn and Beth all the best in their future endeavors.