Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band on being selected to represent Michigan in the ``Salute to Independence 250th-USA Celebration Parade,'' commemorating America's Semiquincentennial Anniversary. This remarkable and well- deserved accomplishment reflects the band's commitment to excellence, their dedication to one another, and the steadfast support of their community.

For the last 30 years, the Petoskey Steel Drum Band has entertained communities across Northern Michigan and has frequently performed in Chicago and New Orleans. Founded by Petoskey Band Director, Barry Bennett, this 40-piece ensemble goes beyond traditional Caribbean steel drum music by thoughtfully blending this genre with a wide range of contemporary and familiar favorites, from the Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett to classic Christmas carols.

On July 3, 2026, the band will march along a 2.4-mile parade route that passes directly in front of and through the very streets walked by our Founding Fathers 250 years ago. Immediately following the parade, in a true testament to their gratitude and commitment to their hometown, the band will board their motor coaches and begin the journey back to Petoskey so they may perform in their own community's Fourth of July parade the following evening at 6 p.m. In an extraordinary act of leadership and generosity, Duane Willson, Director of Bands for Public Schools of Petoskey, has committed to fully funding the trip. Currently working to raise the $80,000 needed to make the experience possible, his

effort will ensure that every student has the opportunity to take part in this historic celebration of our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band on being selected to represent Michigan in the ``Salute to Independence 250th-USA Celebration Parade.'' I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the students, their director, the families, and the entire Petoskey community. May they travel safely, perform proudly, and continue to represent Michigan with excellence, integrity, and patriotism.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Scott O'Dell on being named New Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education (MI ACTE). This distinguished honor reflects his exceptional leadership in the classroom and his steadfast commitment to preparing the next generation of aviation mechanics.

In just over two years at the Northwest Education Services Career Tech Center, Mr. O'Dell has quickly established himself as a leader in Michigan's Career and Technical Education community. Prior to entering the classroom, he worked in the aviation industry training new employees. It was there that he discovered his passion for teaching. In 2023, he became North Ed's first instructor of the Aviation Maintenance program, bringing hands-on, real-world experience directly to his students.

His expertise in aviation mechanics fosters a classroom environment where theory meets real-world practice, an impact that Assistant Superintendent Pat Lamb has noted significantly enhances student engagement and success. His dedication helps ensure that Michigan's workforce remains strong and that young men and women are well prepared for meaningful, high-demand careers.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Mr. Scott O'Dell for earning the distinction of New Teacher of the Year from the Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his commitment to shaping the future of our skilled workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Bill Sweet on being named Veteran of the Year by the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition. This well-deserved distinction reflects his steadfast dedication to his fellow Servicemembers, the communities throughout Northern Michigan, and our Nation.

In May of 2025, Mr. Sweet embarked on an extraordinary 116-mile walk over the course of ten days to raise awareness for Veterans' mental health in partnership with Reining Liberty Ranch, a local Veterans nonprofit. Inspired by fellow Veteran, Travis Snyder, who was unable to complete his annual walk around Lake Michigan promoting awareness for Veterans' mental health and suicide prevention, Mr. Sweet chose to carry forward the mission by walking the M-22 stretch from Manistee County to Traverse City.

With a sturdy pair of walking shoes and an American flag resting on his shoulder, Mr. Sweet set out to accomplish what he humbly described as ``a little bit of a selfish goal.'' Yet his journey was anything but selfish. As he traveled along the M-22 highway, he reflected on his family and friends and on the greater purpose of his walk: drawing attention to the challenges Servicemembers face long after their time in uniform has ended.

His efforts embody the very best of American values: selflessness, determination, and an unwavering commitment to community. His walk serves as a powerful reminder that service does not end with one's final military contract; it continues in our dedication to supporting those who have sacrificed for our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing Mr. Bill Sweet for being named Veteran of the Year by The Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition. I thank him for his enduring commitment to our Veterans, his community, and our great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate James and Wendy Falkner for their many years of dedication to Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge, and Ice Cream, and to commend them on their recent purchase of the Kilwins store in Traverse City, Michigan.

James and Wendy's story is one that is rooted in hard work, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for their community. James began working for Kilwins in 1994 as a summer employee at the Mackinaw City store while pursuing a degree at Michigan Technological University. A year later, Wendy began working at the Mackinac Island Kilwins store as a summer employee while pursuing her studies at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids. What began as a summer job would later turn into a lifelong calling.

After completing their college education, James and Wendy initially went to work in their respective fields of study. However, their passion for selling ice cream, making fudge, and spreading joy throughout their community quickly brought them back to Kilwins in Holland, Michigan, as part time employees. Another opportunity soon followed when they took full-time positions managing the Kilwins of Frankenmuth. Later, they co-operated a Kilwins in Charleston, South Carolina, where they honed their skills in leadership and business.

In 2015, James and Wendy took the next step with the Kilwins franchise by purchasing their very own store in Mackinaw City, and a few years later, they proudly restored Kilwins presence on Mackinac Island. Recently, they have expanded their business ventures with the purchase of the Kilwins in Traverse City. Under their leadership, Kilwins stores have become gathering places for celebrations of all kinds, such as wedding anniversaries, family vacations, academic achievements, and victories after a baseball or softball game. In an era defined by technology and automation, James and Wendy have managed to preserve something fleeting: genuine human connection.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating James and Wendy Falkner for their outstanding service and continued commitment to communities across the great State of Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of William Huston Gnodtke, a steadfast public servant, devoted husband and father, and a tireless advocate for the State of Michigan, who passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 87.

Prior to starting his long career in politics, Mr. Gnodtke proudly served our Nation for two years as a communications specialist in the United States Army. His military service reflected the same sense of duty, patriotism, and discipline that would define his commitment to public service.

After his military service, Mr. Gnodtke became a respected fixture in Michigan politics, spending 18 years on staff with the Michigan House Republican Caucus, including a two-year stint as executive director. He later served as finance director for the Michigan Republican Party. In each of these roles, he worked diligently to shape policy and strengthen Northern Michigan leadership in Lansing. In 1988, he founded Gnodtke & Associates, a fundraising and political consulting firm that supported Republican candidates and conservative causes across our great state.

Mr. Gnodtke's involvement with the Republican Party ran deep. He served as a Michigan presidential elector for President Gerald Ford in 1976, state party treasurer, and for more than 30 years as a precinct delegate and county party officer in Ingham and Clinton counties. In addition to his party leadership, he served on the Michigan Board of State Canvassers and as a Clinton County commissioner, always seeking to improve the communities he called home.

After retiring to Northern Michigan in 1997, Mr. Gnodtke began what would become an impressive 21-year tenure on the Mackinaw Bridge Authority, including 16 years as chair. His steadfast and principled leadership ensured that the Bridge's operational and financial independence remained firmly intact.

Mr. Speaker, let us join in recognizing Mr. William Gnodtke, whose life was marked by service to his country, his party, and fellow neighbor. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Gnodtke family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of a truly remarkable man, my cousin, my friend, and a true pillar of his community, Robert ``Bob'' Backon.

Bob passed away on February 15 at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy defined by service to his family, his students, and the community that he loved so deeply.

Life and tomorrow are never guaranteed. Little did any of us realize when I met with Steve, his son; Steve's wife, Leigh; and his granddaughter, Charleigh, about 10 days ago to think about the planning of Bob's memorial service, that today I would be extending condolences to Steve and Charleigh on the passing of Leigh, unexpectedly last Sunday. Again, life and tomorrow are never guaranteed. The only thing that is guaranteed is God's love and God's forgiveness.

Born in Highland Park, Michigan, and raised in Ironwood, Bob devoted his life to learning and to helping others succeed. After earning his bachelor's degree from Northland College and a master's in education from Northern Michigan University, he moved to Houghton, Michigan, in 1967. For the next 35 years, he taught U.S. history and government at Houghton High School, shaping the minds and the character of generations of young people.

To many of his students, he was simply ``Mr. B.'' To the community, he was much more than a teacher. Bob was a mentor, a coach, and someone who believed deeply in investing in young people. He coached basketball and golf. Even after his coaching days ended, he stayed involved in athletics as a referee, bringing fairness, enthusiasm, and integrity to every game he worked. He was that kind of referee on the basketball court who celebrated the players of both teams on a shot well played and sometimes would chastise them a little bit for them being on the outside edges of the rules.

In fact, he told me a story. One time he said to his class in the beginning of November: You know November 15 here in northern Michigan is not a holiday. Just because it is the opening of deer season doesn't mean you get a day off of school. However, if a few days after November 15 there is some fresh venison on my desk, your grades won't suffer.

That was the kind of guy Bob was when it came to engaging his students and celebrating life as it was meant to be for these young high schoolers.

Bob believed that service with the community didn't stop at the classroom door. In 1990, he stepped into public service, first on the Houghton Planning Commission and later on the Houghton City Council. In 2008, he was elected mayor of Houghton, a position he held with pride and dedication for more than a decade.

Those who worked with him often described Bob as the kind of leader who brought people together. He led with kindness, wisdom, and an optimism that made others believe in the future of their town. He was the kind of person who knew everyone, encouraged everyone, and celebrated every success, big or small.

To our family, Bob was something even more important. He was a steady presence, someone who cared deeply about the people around him. He faced life's hardships with strength and grace, carrying forward with the same generosity of spirit that defined him.

Bob loved his family, and one of his greatest joys was being a grandfather. He took pride in watching that next generation grow, just as he had taken pride in helping generations of students find their way. As his granddaughter, Charleigh, heads off to Miami of Ohio this fall, I know she is going to take the memories of her grandfather with her and celebrate that every day.

Mr. Speaker, communities across this country are built by people like Bob Backon, people who quietly dedicate their lives to others: teachers who inspire, coaches who mentor, local leaders who step forward, not for recognition, but because they care deeply about the place that they call home.

Bob embodied the very best of Michigan's Upper Peninsula: hard work, humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to community.

His impact will live on in the countless students he taught, the athletes he coached, the city he helped lead, and the many people whose lives were better simply because they knew him.

Whenever you hear the song ``Sweet Caroline,'' you think about Bob humming that somewhere and leading the chorus. That was his song, and I am sure he is still singing it up in heaven.

I will always be proud to call him my cousin and friend. May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sergeant Dennis Wagner of the Michigan State Police for his decisive actions and lifesaving efforts in responding to a medical emergency at Nub's Nob Ski Resort. Due to his courage and professionalism, a life was saved, and a man in need will return to his family safely.

On January 3, 2026, while cross-country skiing off duty at Nub's Nob Ski Resort, Sergeant Wagner observed a skier collapsed along the side of the trail. Without hesitation, he stepped in to assist Nub's Nob ski patroller Steve Biggs, who had begun providing emergency care. Sergeant Wagner helped roll the

skier onto his back, positioned the head to open the airway, and immediately initiated chest compressions.

Members of the Nub's Nob Ski Patrol arrived shortly after with an automated external defibrillator, administering two shocks. CPR continued following the defibrillation once it was deemed safe to do so, and oxygen was delivered using a bag-valve mask. Sergeant Wagner assisted ski patrol in securing the skier onto a toboggan for transport down the trail.

Upon arrival at the ski patrol room, Emmet County Emergency Medical Services assumed care and transported the skier to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery. Medical staff later confirmed that the rapid response, early CPR, and timely use of an AED were critical to saving the skier's life.

Mr. Speaker, let us join together in recognizing Sergeant Dennis Wagner for his lifesaving and selfless actions. I thank him for his continued dedication to the people of Michigan through his service with the Michigan State Police, and I commend him for embodying the very best of public service.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Thomas L. Pelissero for his heartfelt tribute to his hometown of Bessemer, Michigan in his new book: Bring One Home: A Memoir of Boyhood, Basketball, and Hometown Spirit. His memoir serves as a salute to the town of Bessemer and speaks to the character of communities across Michigan's Upper Peninsula when facing profound economic hardship from the decline of iron and copper mining industries throughout the 1960s.

On January 21, 1966, the Bessemer Speedboys basketball team ended a 42-game losing streak, at that time, the longest ever recorded in Upper Peninsula high school basketball history. Even in the face of such an arduous stretch, A.D. Johnston gymnasium remained packed on Friday nights as the people of Bessemer cheered on their beloved high school basketball team. Their loyalty and perseverance serve as a true testament to the never-give-up spirit of this U.P. town. Mr. Pelissero's story reminds us of how hard work, determination, and dedication can shape a community.

Much like the sense of community shown by the people of Bessemer during the days of the Speedboys losing streak, Mr. Pelissero's book was released in front of a standing room only crowd at the Bessemer City Hall, helping raise over $5,000 dollars for the Bessemer Public Library to support literacy in the community. Even 60 years after the Speedboys triumphant victory, the spirit of fellowship is still vibrant throughout Bessemer and communities across the Upper Peninsula.

Since the release of his book on November 1, 2025, Bring One Home has received positive reviews from New York Times Best Sellers authors such as Seth Wickersham, been added to the Library of Congress, and recently won the North American Book Awards Bronze Medal for 2025. Despite such success, it has been the overwhelming support from the people of Bessemer that Mr. Pelissero finds most meaningful.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Thomas L. Pelissero for authoring Bring One Home, which captures the outstanding character of his hometown of Bessemer, Michigan, its people, its high school team, and their unwavering dedication to one another.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Thomas Pelissero for his heartfelt tribute to his hometown of Bessemer, Michigan, in his book: ``Bring One Home: A Memoir of Boyhood, Basketball, and Hometown Spirit.''

This book is not only a salute to Bessemer, but the tough, resilient communities across Michigan's Upper Peninsula and middle America.

Mr. Speaker, 60 years ago this week, the Bessemer Speedboys basketball team ended a 42-game losing streak, at the time, the longest in Upper Peninsula high school basketball history.

The people of Bessemer always showed up, cheered, and stood by their team. That loyalty and perseverance reflect the hardy spirit that defines this town and so many communities across our Upper Peninsula.

That spirit remains alive today.

Mr. Pelissero's book launch filled Bessemer City Hall to standing room only and raised more than $5,000 for the Bessemer Public Library. Since its release in November of 2025, ``Bring One Home'' has earned national recognition to include inclusion in the Library of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Pelissero for capturing the character, resilience, and enduring fellowship of Bessemer and the Upper Peninsula we are all proud to call home.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Ben and Alison Sklarczyk for receiving the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy's Conservation Innovation Award, which will be presented at the Great Lakes Crop Summit on January 28, 2026.

Ben and Alison Sklarczyk are third-generation farmers who operate Sklarczyk Seed Farm in Otsego County, where innovation and sustainability are at the heart of their work. Their family-owned operation encompasses approximately 2,000 acres of barley, oats, wheat, corn, and soybeans, along with 50,000 square feet of advanced greenhouse space, making them leaders in Michigan's agricultural community.

The Sklarczyks' commitment to conservation is reflected in their use of cover crops, reduced-till practices, and high-efficiency greenhouses, all of which protect soil health and conserve resources. Within their greenhouses, they produce more than nine million disease- free seed potatoes each year, spanning over one hundred varieties. As well as using clean growing environments that reduce the need for pesticides while promoting soil conservation.

Beyond their success in potato production, Ben and Alison continue to look toward the future by exploring new and emerging crops, including making barley, which exceeds current quality standards. By combining scientific research with practical, hands-on experience, they are helping build a more diverse, sustainable, and competitive agricultural economy for Michigan and all of the Great Lakes region.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating Ben and Alison Sklarczyk on receiving the Conservation Innovation Award and to thank them for their dedication to Michigan agriculture, environmental stewardship, and the future of our Nation's food system.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Ms. Tracey Ann Tippett on being named Michigan Marine of the Year and on her induction into the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Hall of Heroes. This well-deserved honor reflects her steadfast dedication to Veterans, our Nation, and the communities throughout Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Ms. Tippett served honorably as a heavy equipment mechanic in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Throughout her distinguished military career, she was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Badge, as well as a Letter of Appreciation and Certificate of Appreciation. Her unwavering commitment to her fellow Marines and Veterans has not wavered since returning from her service.

Since being honorably discharged in October of 1992, Ms. Tippett has devoted her time and energy to serving Veterans and strengthening her community. While it would be difficult to fully capture the scope of her service, her leadership and dedication are evident across Michigan. Recently, she was elected as Commandant of the Michigan Marine Corps League, an organization that supports and unites Marines from both the past and present. Notably, Ms. Tippett is only the second woman to hold this position, serving as a powerful inspiration to young women who aspire to serve our Nation.

In addition to her work with Veterans, Ms. Tippett has been a constant presence in her community, supporting programs like Toys for Tots, the Marquette and Ishpeming Christmas parades, Negaunee Pioneer Days, and Trinity Lutheran Church. Her actions within her community have been recognized on multiple occasions, including being named 2022 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year and 2021 State of Michigan Veteran of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating Ms. Tracey Ann Tippett on earning the distinguished honor of being named Michigan Marine of the Year and on her induction into the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Hall of Heroes. I thank her for her enduring commitment to Veterans, her community, and our great country.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Master Sergeant (MSgt) David Friets on his retirement from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) after 20 years of dedicated service. I thank MSgt. Friets for his steadfast dedication towards keeping his fellow Servicemembers, the communities throughout Northern Michigan, and our Nation safe.

Born and raised in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the values of determination, integrity, and service to his country were instilled in him by his parents and community. It was these core values that would guide him through a distinguished and proud career with the USMC, shaping his dedication to his mission and fellow Marines.

On December 6, 2005, shortly after graduating from Escanaba High School, MSgt. Friets enlisted in the USMC where he would go on to serve as a Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare (SIGNT/EW) Chief. In this role, he directed complex SIGINT collection, analysis, and dissemination efforts while also supervising the implementation of electronic warfare tactics for operational support. Within a variety of high-pressure environments, he ensured the security, integrity, and effectiveness of communications and intelligence systems.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating MSgt. David Friets on his retirement from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of service. I wish him great happiness in retirement and thank him once more for keeping Michigan's 1st Congressional District and our Nation safe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Menominee High School football team on winning the Division 7 Michigan State Championship. This remarkable and well-deserved accomplishment reflects these young men's commitment to excellence, their dedication to teamwork, and the steadfast support of their community.

When the Maroons took the field for the MSHAA football Division 7 title game, they carried with them the hopes of bringing a state championship back to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for the first time since 2015. In an impressive display of discipline and determination, the Maroons prevailed with a commanding 34-6 win over Schoolcraft, earning the program its fourth ever state championship while helping to restore ``U.P. Power'' by bringing a title home to the Upper Peninsula. Under the leadership of head coach, Chad Brandt, the Maroons dominated opponents

throughout the fall, with only one game being decided by less than ten points, capping off an undefeated season.

What makes this accomplishment even more remarkable is the extraordinary effort from the surrounding communities to help the Maroons make the trip down to Ford Field in Detroit for the game. Those of us from the Upper Peninsula know that a sudden trip downstate is no easy feat. The Maroons needed funds for a three-day trip, including money for charter buses, two nights of lodging, and three meals per day. The Menominee community rallied around the team and raised nearly $30,000 in two days. Such generosity and determination speak to the spirit, resilience, and pride that define the people of the Upper Peninsula.

Mr. Speaker, let us all join in recognizing the Menominee High School football team for winning the Division 7 Michigan State Championship. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the players, coaches, and all those who supported them.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I am impressed with our Nation's will to face down potential aggressors. From protecting the shipping lanes in the Red Sea to using sea power to protect our allies to securing our borders and, finally, to projecting power to strike a nuclear-ready Iran, our military continues to be up to the task.

Our servicemembers should be commended on their professionalism and commitment, but we have much more to do to better prepare. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 continues to press needed reform to make our military more lethal and ready.

Accelerating the acquisition cycle, slaying a bloated military construction process, delivering environmental stewardship to communities impacted by PFAS, and providing quality housing for our servicemembers, this bill is essential for keeping trust with our servicemembers and their families.

This bill is laser focused on the future to ensure our forces have the training, maintenance, and equipment to deliver a credible future deterrent that prevents any would-be aggressors.

Undoubtedly, Mr. Speaker, this bill is worthy of your support.

Before I conclude, I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their steadfast support and leadership in delivering this bill.

Our national security is stronger when we can work across the aisle and deliver commonsense outcomes for our Nation. I urge all Members to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Menominee Maroons football team.

The Maroons proudly represented Michigan's First Congressional District and the Upper Peninsula by winning the Michigan Division 7 State championship, capping off a 14-0 season.

This wasn't luck. This was discipline, toughness, and outright superiority.

What makes this championship even more special is how the U.P. made it possible. With just days to prepare for the long trip to Ford Field, the Maroons suddenly needed tens of thousands of dollars for buses, lodging, and meals. Our Yoopers stepped up, raising nearly $30,000 in a matter of days with the entire community pulling together because they believed in this team.

Coach Brandt restored U.P. Power to Michigan high school football, bringing home the first State title to the Upper Peninsula since 2015. As Coach Brandt said: ``We couldn't be here without our town and community.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the Menominee Maroons for bringing the State championship back to the U.P. The undefeated State champions are a true source of pride for our Yooper community. I congratulate the Maroons. Well done.