Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join Dr. Dunn and Mr. Panetta in supporting H.R. 2781, the Ensuring Veteran Enterprise Participation in Strategic Sourcing Act. This bill and my bill are complementary legislation.

In addition to the vital healthcare and benefits VA provides to our veterans, it also awards billions of dollars of contracts annually to their small businesses. The impact of these contracts to support livelihoods and create jobs all over our country cannot be overstated.

Just as veteran businessowners must abide by the rules, VA must abide by the rules and make available to them the contracting opportunities they have earned. Federal procurement is a very complicated system that sometimes produces strange outcomes. We must continue to work on that procurement and make sure that it functions properly.

I strongly urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 2781.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. We Michiganders are so proud of the rodeo's half-century of world-class entertainment, turnkey production, and commitment to confronting domestic violence.

This tradition began in 1968 to showcase the rich agricultural production and culture of the Upper Peninsula. Originally established as the ``Iron River Area Championship Rodeo,'' the name was changed to ``Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo'' when Michigan state Senator Joe Mack introduced a resolution proclaiming Iron River to be the ``Rodeo Capital of the Upper Peninsula.'' To anyone who visits the wonderful city of Iron River, it is immediately clear that the bustling community takes great pride in hosting the only professional rodeo in Michigan.

Throughout its proud history, the Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo has featured some of the First District's greatest musicians, athletes, and citizens of the last half-century. The rodeo consistently brings folks from across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula together to enjoy a weekend of community, culture, and competition. Moreover, each year, the economic benefits brought to Iron River cannot be understated as thousands of people travel to the region. The Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo is about more than just competition, it's a charitable event committed to bringing public awareness to the issue of domestic violence. By raising money for local organizations working to better our communities, the rodeo has set a positive example of what can be achieved when a social event becomes a force for good in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo for 50 years of entertainment and community service. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a dynamic event and I look forward to enjoying the rodeo's continued success and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and his committee for their diligent work on this extremely important and timely law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3004, Kate's Law. Our immigration system here in the United States is the most generous in the world. Good people from all over the globe who understand the American Dream seek to join us, and we are better for it.

Alexander Hamilton, Levi Strauss, Albert Einstein, and so many others have called themselves Americans because of it. But as we continue to draw on that spirit of understanding and acceptance, we have to remember that a nation without borders is not a nation.

We have a responsibility here in Congress to be proactive and protect our communities and our citizens from unlawful and criminal immigrants, and that is what this legislation does.

Kate's Law, named in honor of 32-year-old Kate Steinle, who was shot and killed in the prime of her life by an unlawful immigrant who had accumulated seven felony convictions, been deported five different times--you have heard this many times said--aims to strengthen public safety by imposing hasher mandatory prison sentences for deported felons who return to the U.S. and increasing penalties for unlawful immigrants who have been convicted of nonimmigration-related crimes.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation just makes sense, and I am confident that we can continue to welcome the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free in our country without giving free rein to dangerous convicted criminals in any of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Captain David Lemire as the 2016 Marquette Police Officer of the Year. The Marquette Police Officer of the Year Award is presented annually to a well- rounded law enforcement officer who has excelled in the line of duty by demonstrating a distinct pattern of community service and professional achievement.

Captain Lemire was born and raised in Marquette, where, after serving for a decade in the U.S. Army, he returned to give back to his community. For 25 years, David served the citizens of Marquette with distinction, honesty, and a willingness to take responsibility. Honor is David's defining characteristic, and he undertakes every endeavor with discipline and dedication. As a decorated officer, he has received numerous awards that speak to his character, including: A Life Saving Citation for the rescue of two persons on a capsized boat on Lake Independence, the Michigan State Police Award for Professional Excellence, an award for Exemplary Performance and Professionalism from the Michigan Army National Guard for his assistance after a helicopter crash, and the Outstanding Instructor Award at the Northern Michigan University Regional Police Academy in both 2002 and 2010.

These awards only begin to describe David's commitment to his community. For every recognized deed, there are hundreds of small achievements that are never acknowledged in the public eye. There is no doubt that Captain Lemire's countless achievements are a contributing factor to Marquette being named one of the safest cities in the United States. Moreover, it's clear that he has positively impacted the citizens of Marquette County. David has received myriad letters of appreciation from citizens thanking him for his comfort and kind words after the death of a family member or at the scene of a tragic accident. His commitment to justice and public service has gone beyond the call of duty. Captain David Lemire has consistently set an example of what a police officer should strive to achieve in their career.

Mr. Speaker, Captain Lemire's long list of accomplishments cannot be understated, and I am confident that he will continue to serve as a role model for the next generation of great community leaders in Michigan's First District. His wife, Cindy, and son, Mitchell, can take pride in knowing the Upper Peninsula is a better place thanks to David's work. On behalf of my constituents and the First District of Michigan, I wish to congratulate Captain David Lemire on being named the 2016 Marquette Police Officer of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize nine exceptional young women from Michigan's First District who have been recognized as All-State athletes in the state of Michigan by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. Receipt of All-State Honors signifies that these young women dedicated themselves entirely, through countless hours of practice and preparation, to their sport.

These outstanding young women may represent different schools and different teams, but they all share a unique love of the game. Onaway Cardinals pitcher Calley Selke, for instance, earned the right to be called an All-State athlete.

Additionally, the Alpena Wildcats took their seventh straight Big North Conference title with outfielder Liz Kendziorski and utility player Jade Schultz represented among those who earned All-State Honors.

The Rogers City Hurons had several players who were selected to receive All-State Honors including pitcher Jayna Hance, shortstop Kayla Rabeau, third baseman Hannah Fleming, outfielder Taylor Fleming, and designated player Saige Wagner. These young women led the Hurons to their sixth straight district title and fourth regional title in five years.

Not to be outdone, the Indian River Inland Lakes Bulldogs, a team that boasted two All-State athletes of its own in pitcher Chloe Mallory and catcher Pamela Braund, ultimately prevailed as Division 4 State Champs.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize these young women as recipients of All-State Honors for the sport of softball. Their accomplishments have brought pride to their teams, schools, and hometowns. They have set a positive example of what is possible for anyone in Michigan's First District. On behalf of my constituents, I wish to congratulate Jayna Hance, Kayla Rabeau, Hannah Fleming, Taylor Fleming, Saige Wagner, Chloe Mallory, Pamela Braund, Calley Selke, Liz Kendziorski, and Jade Schultz and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1094, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act.

Anyone who has been responsible for the success of a business or organization knows that the most important part of the equation is the people. It is no different with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Our veterans have given their all, and they deserve our all; but, unfortunately, vulnerabilities in the VA's administrative processes have led to incompetence, neglect, and even unchecked illegal activity on the part of a small number of VA employees.

Unfortunately, lack of oversight and accountability in the hiring and retention process mean that the VA is still failing our veterans. Even in the few instances where the VA has tried to discipline employees for wrongdoing or neglect, it has been foiled by a complex and lengthy administrative process that rarely yields results.

S. 1094 addresses the VA's administrative shortcomings by providing the Secretary with the authority to remove, demote, or suspend any employee for poor performance or misconduct while, at the same time, enhancing protections for whistleblowers.

As a leader of marines and a Vietnam veteran, I know what our servicemen and -women across generations and conflicts have sacrificed for our freedoms and our country. They don't just deserve quality care; they have earned it.

We made a commitment to defend our veterans just as they have defended our way of life, and that starts with reforms that restore efficiency and accountability at Veterans Affairs.

I would like to thank Chairman Roe and the committee for all their hard work. I strongly urge my colleagues to support.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Friendship Centers of Emmet County as they celebrate 50 years of meaningful work in Michigan's First Congressional District. Families throughout Michigan understand how important it is to have quality and compassionate care for seniors, and we are grateful for the Friendship Centers of Emmet County's half-century of community service.

The Friendship Centers of Emmet County date back to 1960 when a small group of friends in the basement of a Petoskey church decided to gather for social activities on a regular basis. Eight years later, the group of friends, which had grown significantly and formed a ``Steering Committee for a Drop-in Center,'' successfully petitioned the city for the use of space in the old Petoskey City Hall building. In 1988, the Friendship Center of Petoskey was officially reincorporated as the Friendship Centers of Emmet County (FCEC) with three satellite locations in Alanson, Harbor Springs and Pellston, aimed at serving the educational, social, and physical needs of senior citizens. The Friendship Center of Petoskey remained at the old city hall for the next thirty years until it moved to its current location on Anderson Road in December of 1999.

In addition to offering a fun and social space for senior citizens to gather, the Friendship Centers of Emmet County have consistently proven to be leaders in the community through targeted initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of elderly citizens. Programs like ``Sit and Be Fit'' and Tai Chi classes help members stay healthy, engage seniors in activities that enhance their standard of living, and prepare them for an active lifestyle in their later years. The FCEC also hosts several special guest speakers who provide lectures to seniors on topics ranging from health and volunteerism to the arts and environmental issues. This program is one of several that exemplify the FCEC's tremendous efforts to foster continued academic growth within the community, and promote lifelong scholarship in a robust social setting.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Friendship Centers of Emmet County for 50 years of service in the Emmet County communities. Northern Michigan residents can take great pride in knowing that Emmet County is a better place thanks to the work and dedication of the Friendship Centers. On behalf of my constituents across Michigan's First District, I thank the Friendship Centers of Emmet County for their work and look forward to their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to acknowledge the life of a devoted community leader and dedicated educator, Dr. Thomas Pleger, who passed away at the age of 48 on Sunday, May 7, 2017.

Thomas was born on April 24, 1969, to Ernest and Barbara Pleger, and grew up just across the border from Menominee, Michigan in Marinette, Wisconsin. He earned his doctoral degree in archaeology and anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and spent 21 years teaching at various private and public institutions throughout the region. Following his tenure as Campus Executive Officer and Dean at UW Baraboo-Sauk County, Thomas followed his passion for education into the Upper Peninsula where, on July 1, 2014, he became the eighth president of Lake Superior State University, a position he would hold until his untimely passing.

As the president of Lake Superior State University, Thomas is remembered for his warmth, generosity, and tireless devotion to the school and its students. Lake Superior State University experienced a tremendous period of growth under Dr. Pleger's stewardship, including the implementation of a One Rate tuition plan, the financial restructuring of the university, the advancement of the R.W. Considine Hall Renovation project, and the procurement of funding for the proposed Center for Freshwater Research and Education. These accomplishments eventually led to him earning an appointment to Governor Rick Snyder's 21st Century Economy Commission, where he applied his extensive background in education to identify Michigan's economic priorities for the next 20 years.

Beyond the campus, Dr. Pleger's leadership translated into real results for his community. Indeed, it was not uncommon for Thomas to lend a listening ear or life advice to prospective students, and he was known to connect on a personal level, with a lighthearted sense of humor. Today, Dr. Pleger is survived by his wife, Teresa, father, Ernest, brother, Tim, sons Matt, Andrew, Chad, and Collin, and his sister, Amy Pfister. Not only will Lake Superior State University bear the positive impact of Dr. Pleger for generations to come, but communities around the country will benefit from the countless lives he touched.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Pleger's outstanding career in education cannot be overstated, and his family and community can take great pride in knowing that the Upper Peninsula is a better place thanks to his life's work. On behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, I ask you to join me in recognizing an outstanding public servant whose contributions will continue to bless Yoopers for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2288, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, a bill that addresses the Department of Veterans Affairs' broken appeals process.

As of April 1, 2017, the number of pending appeals for disability compensation with the VA has reached 470,000. That is more than a 20 percent increase since fiscal year 2015. At current funding levels and using its current operational structure, the Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that it will take at least 5 years to address the backlog of appeals claims.

That is unsatisfactory. We can do better. We must do better. Our veterans deserve better. They have risked their lives to protect the freedoms we hold so dear, and it is up to us to make sure they receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.

H.R. 2288 modernizes the appeals process to efficiently and effectively resolve backlogged claims and prevent this kind of backlog from happening in the future. This bipartisan piece of legislation takes a giant leap toward a more efficient Department of Veterans Affairs, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

Madam Speaker, before I begin, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the topic of my Special Order.

The topic of today's Special Order is to recognize the importance of Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.

I am not going to give a history lesson here tonight, but, rather, a series of personal remembrances that started when I was about 5 or 6 years old in the early 1950s.

My father, a World War II veteran, and some of his fellow veterans organized the local VFW in Minnesota where I was born. We would spend Memorial Day in the morning visiting three cemeteries in our local town.

At each cemetery, the color guard would post the colors, the rifles would give their report, and taps would play. Everyone who attended-- and when I say everyone who attended, that was really the whole town-- came out in a long train of automobiles to go to these three cemeteries to honor the veterans who were no longer of this Earth.

I remember the solemnness of that day. I remember the tears for family members and friends who had passed on, those who had worn the cloth of our Nation both in peace and in war. Those kinds of memories, as I stand here and talk tonight, are very vivid in my mind.

Some years later, in the mid-1960s, we were involved in Vietnam, and I was a sophomore in college. Because of the fact that my parents had both stepped up during World War II, I felt--and with their support--it was the right thing to stand up and take the oath that sent me into the Marine Corps to serve our country.

When you go into harm's way, you don't know what the outcome is going to be, but you do know that those you serve with are going to give it their all and you are going to remember them and honor them for as long as we walk this Earth.

I was very fortunate to have absolutely spectacular commanding officers along the way that taught me what it was like to be a young leader and what it meant to take care of your marines--most notably my commanding officer in Vietnam, who, thankfully, is still with us. He was the kind of individual that made the tough calls because he understood the sacrifices needed and the outcomes that were required.

One by one, we all pass. Memorial Day is our opportunity to remember, share stories, share tears, share laughter for those who have now gone on into God's hands. The past and the present set the tone for the future.

As David French said:

Sacrifice sustains our Nation far beyond the battlefield.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another in times

of stress. In times when we are under great duress, that

ability to sharpen not each other's bodies but each other's

souls carries us on.

We remember on Memorial Day those who have made that effort.

In the Marine Corps, we believe a lot of things, but three words encompass them all: honor, courage, and commitment.

Tonight we honor those who fought for our country, who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the service of our country, and those who have passed on since their service. It is our job to make sure that their sacrifice wasn't in vain.

Courage: there is moral courage and there is physical courage. You never know until the time comes whether you have the physical courage, but you do find out. It is the moral courage that we know from the beginning, and it is set by our predecessors that sets our attitude and our mindset in stone that we know that we have that. And when it is tested, we are ready.

Commitment: Our commitment is always to the mission and to one another. We never leave anyone behind. Never. No one is more invested in peace than our men and women in uniform. They take the risks. They make the sacrifices, and they bear the cost of the battle in full force. Those rows of white headstones across the bridge in Arlington remind us of their commitment every day, and for that we owe them more than gratitude. We owe them every effort to keep our world at peace.

On Memorial Day in 1982, President Reagan said:

``War will not come again, other young men will not have to die, if we will speak honestly of the dangers that confront us and remain strong enough to meet those dangers.

``It's not just strength or courage that we need, but understanding and a measure of wisdom as well.''

We owe it to our men and women who have fought and died for our country to take a stand, to prepare for peace not by ignoring the dangers we face and placating the enemies of freedom but by facing them head on.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to yield to my fellow Members who will be presenting and speaking tonight. I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Lewis).

Madam Speaker, it is our job not just to remember but to carry the torch of freedom forward so that the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters have not and will not be in vain.

Oliver Wendell Holmes said: ``But grief is not the end of all. . . . Our dead brothers still live for us, and bid us think of life, not death--of life to which in their youth they lent the passion and joy of the spring.''

I would strongly encourage all, all of our American citizens, next Monday, May 29, the official observance of this year's Memorial Day, to take your families to a local cemetery, walk around, look at those headstones and those gravestones, explain to your children and your grandchildren, and anyone else who may have questions, the meaning and the significance of the many flags that fly next to those headstones.

Those folks, those comrades, sacrificed it all so we can be here today. It is up to us to honor them, to remember them, and to carry on to ensure that the challenges we face as a country will be defended against and protected because of our willingness to sacrifice for the United States of America.

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

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 8 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Michigan's police officers for their selfless service and to honor the fallen.

Isaiah 6:8 says: ``Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, `Here I am. Send me.' ''

Every time our law enforcement officers put on their uniform, they are saying, ``Send me.''

In cities and small towns all over the United States, law enforcement officers act as our protectors, defenders, and ambassadors of peace. They hold that thin blue line between thriving, healthy communities and chaos.

During the past few months, I have had the pleasure of getting to know officers serving the Escanaba, Gaylord, and Traverse City communities in specific, and all across the First District, and I can say without pause that Michiganders are in capable and caring hands.

We owe a debt of gratitude, a debt of cooperation, and a debt of consistent support to our law enforcement officers.

God rest the souls of the fallen. Keep their friends, families, and fellow officers in your hearts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize four, extraordinary students at Hinks Elementary School in Alpena, Michigan, for organizing the school's first ``Coins for Cops, Change Drive.'' The students, Lilly Gembel, Avery Dubey, Cecelia Magdaleno, and Abbey Ruby, designed the program to raise money for the Michigan State Fallen Trooper Fund, which supports the families of troopers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

After hearing stories from her grandfather, retired-Sheriff Deputy Ken Gembel, Lilly Gembel recruited Avery, Cecelia, and Abbey to begin collecting money for the families of fallen troopers. Setting an initial goal of $500, the students and their fellow classmates started asking friends and family for donations, and, after one month, the girls had doubled their goal by raising $1,000. The students scheduled their fundraising efforts to coincide with the Michigan State Police's 100th Anniversary in April. The ``Coins for Cops, Change Drive'' culminated at Hinks Elementary where the students presented a check to Michigan State Police Alpena Post Commander Lt. John Grimshaw and Trooper Ashley Simpson.

Our men and women in uniform work each and every day to provide safety and security in the communities where we live and work. Folks in the First District know how important it is to have a dedicated force working in some the most remote areas in Michigan, and for 100 years, the Michigan State Police have acted as role models for young people throughout the state. The students at Hinks Elementary School have displayed tremendous compassion and leadership in honoring our law enforcement professionals, and I am confident they will continue to achieve great things by applying this maturity.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Lilly Gembel, Avery Dubey, Cecelia Magdaleno, and Abbey Ruby for their work in gathering support among their classmates to raise $1,000 for the families of Michigan's fallen troopers. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing that Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have such bright students with drive and passion that will allow them to do great things in whatever path they choose to follow. On behalf of my constituents across the First District, I wish to thank Lilly, Avery, Cecelia, Abbey, and their classmates at Hinks Elementary School for their selfless work in organizing the ``Coins for Cops, Change Drive.''

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library as it celebrates 50 years of meaningful work in the Alpena community. Michiganders understand how important it is to have reliable access to library services, and we are so grateful for Alpena County Library's half-century of community service.

The establishment of a public library in Alpena dates to 1860 when the up-and-coming community commissioned just $25 a year to maintain a collection in the private home of Diane Morse Richardson. Thirteen years later, the Alpena Public Schools system began housing the library's collection at Alpena High School, where it remained until a temporary location on Second Avenue was acquired. In 1967, the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library was officially established as a county library serving the educational, social, and historical interests of the community. Serving a community of just 2,700 people in 1860, the library now accommodates a population nearly 15 times that size by circulating some 120,000 articles and books.

In addition to offering an extensive collection of literature and other resources, the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library has consistently proven itself to be a leader in the community through targeted initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of all citizens. Programs like READ Tutors, which helps students achieve new reading levels and learn English as a second language, engages our young people in activities that help them reach their potential and prepare them for the next steps in their lives. The library has also started a new early childhood literacy-project called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, which encourages parents to read 200 books a year to their children before the age of five. This program exemplifies the library's tremendous efforts to foster academic achievement within the community, and promotes childhood development in a robust family setting.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library for 50 years of service in the Alpena community. Northern Michigan residents can take great pride in knowing that Alpena is a better place thanks to the work and dedication of the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library. On behalf of my constituents across Michigan's First District, I thank the Alpena Community Library for its work and look forward to its continued success.

Mr. Speaker, it's my honor today to acknowledge the life of a devoted public servant and United States Veteran, Steve Andrews, who died at the age of 67 on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Petoskey, Michigan.

Steve was born on October 15, 1949, to Tracy and Barbara Andrews and grew up in the heart of Northern Michigan in the city of Gaylord. Following his high school graduation in 1967, Steve joined the United States Navy where he worked as a medic on a number of bases around the world. Steve served with distinction from the U.S. Naval Hospital in Guam to the 1st Marine Division and Marine 1st Force Reconnaissance Company in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal for his role in saving countless Marines' lives during the Vietnam War.

After coming back home, Steve became a successful entrepreneur, and in 1978, Northern Michigan residents recognized Steve's commitment to community service by electing him to serve as State Representative for the 106th Michigan House District. Steve retired from the Michigan legislature in 1982 after serving two terms and refocused his efforts on his small business and family.

During the next 35 years, Steve and his wife, Karen, grew their small business, Sturgeon River Pottery, into a well-established and widely respected Midwest retailer with a robust operation and thousands of supporters across the country. Further, Steve's creative talents and generosity led him to be an active member in his community where, in addition to being a successful small business owner, he coached youth football and baseball teams, served on the Board of Trustees of North Central Michigan College, served as President of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of Petoskey's Art in the Park.

Mr. Speaker, Steve's contributions to Northern Michigan cannot be overstated, and his family and community can take pride in knowing that Northern Michigan is a better place thanks to his life's work. On behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I ask you to join me in recognizing an outstanding public servant whose contributions will continue to bless Northern Michigan residents for many years to come. May God bless Steve and his family always.