Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Grand Traverse Industries for their 50 years of service to the Northern Michigan community.

Founded in May 1974, GTI has continuously provided services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Over the years, GTI has expanded to also offer vocational training, employment, and habilitation services to individuals across seven counties of Northwest Lower Michigan. During their half century of service, GTI has helped thousands of people find their passion in life and guide them into fulfilling careers. Their advocacy for those with special needs is admirable and appreciated, and the work that they have done has touched countless lives.

GTI has certainly lived up to their core values of integrity, mercy, empathy, and inclusion, as well as being an important partner for businesses across the region, such as Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Cherry Capital Airport.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Grand Traverse Industries on their 50 years of service to the Northern Michigan community. I wish them all continued success and I thank them for their hard work and compassion.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Keweenaw Research Center at Michigan Technological University for earning the Defense Counterintelligence Agency's Industry Award for Excellence.

Every year, DCSA annually recognizes entities which exhibit the most impressive counterintelligence capabilities and cooperation with U.S. Government efforts to deter, detect, and disrupt the theft of sensitive or classified information and technology by foreign entities.

This is just the latest achievement in what has been a tradition of excellence at Michigan Tech, which has $110 million in research expenditures and has experienced a double-digit increase in research awards over last year's totals. Such an award is quite the achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of both the faculty and students of this exemplary institution.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Keweenaw Research Center at Michigan Technological University for earning the Defense Counterintelligence Agency's industry award for Excellence. I have no doubt they will continue to serve Northern Michigan and our Nation well, as they are always on the cutting edge of innovation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the staff of ShareCare for thirty years of dedicated service to the Leelanau community.

ShareCare is a volunteer service organization that provides assistance to senior citizens across the Northern Michigan community, with services ranging from yard clean-up to simply calling and checking in. Their staff is renowned for their kindness and willingness to help anytime, anywhere.

ShareCare's volunteers drive their own vehicles to provide transportation for those seniors who do not have it, and will assist with errands such as grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or paying a visit to loved ones. Volunteers assist caregivers as well, often giving them a much-needed break in their constant responsibilities.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate the committed and compassionate staff of ShareCare for thirty years of incredible service to the Leelanau community. I wish them all the best and commend them for their steadfast support of our senior citizens.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kelly, a Queens, New York native, graduated from Notre Dame in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also earned an MBA in 1966 from St. John's University. He spent much of his career with Textron Inc., eventually rising to President of the company's Marine & Land Systems in New Orleans, after departing his role as President of Bell Aerospace Textron in Buffalo, New York.

During his time at Bell Aerospace, Mr. Kelly played a critical role in the manufacturing of the lunar ascent engine which was crucial in the Apollo 11 mission piloted by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Mr. Kelly later joined Pan-American Life Insurance Company's Board of Directors in 1994, becoming chairman in 2004. He has been active in a multitude of organizations, including as a director of the Whitney Bank and as a founding director of the World War II Museum in New Orleans. He is also a founding member and former chairman of the Louisiana Technology Council, and additionally served on the board of directors of Rivada Networks LLC from 2005 to 2010.

Mr. Kelly is a founding member and former chairman of the Louisiana Committee of 100, and a founding member and former vice-chairman of the New Orleans Business Council--and most importantly, Mr. Kelly is my friend. I thank him for the memories we have made over the years and for his dedicated service to this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to wish John Kelly a happy 90th birthday, and I look forward to celebrating with him.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Northwest Michigan Action Agency for their 50 years of service to the Northern Michigan community.

Since 1974, NMCAA has provided Northern Michigan with community-based service, helping bridge the gap between poverty and self-sustainability by supporting independence and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Providing assistance for 10 counties across Northwest Michigan, NMCAA has touched countless lives and helped families from across the region find opportunities which due to unfortunate circumstances may have not been available to them otherwise.

During their half century of service, NMCAA has become an anchor for the Northwest Michigan Community. It is a place providing opportunity for those who need it most and the organization has certainly lived up to their self-stated mission of fostering positive change, improving quality of life, and building stronger and more connected communities. NMCAA provides a multitude of services for residents, ranging from Housing and Energy Efficiency Services, Homeless Prevention Programs all the way to Economic Security and Child/Family Development initiatives. Their broad scope of assistance is a credit to the phenomenal staff and volunteers of NMCAA, who work tirelessly year- round to ensure that their impact is felt in the community.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Northwest Michigan Action Agency for their 50 years of service to the Northern Michigan community and I wish them nothing but continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Master Chief Bradford Young of U.S. Coast Guard Station Traverse City for his dedicated service to our grateful Nation.

Master Chief Young, a native of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, completed boot camp in 1996. His first duty assignment was aboard the USCGC POLAR SEA, which deployed to Antarctica, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Russia, and Alaska during his service. After his deployment he attended Avionics Technician (AVT) ``A'' School in Elizabeth City, NC, and then reported to Air Station Los Angeles, CA, it was there that he became an Avionics Electrical Technician (AET).

In 2008, Master Chief Young returned to Air Station Los Angeles and deployed 3 times to Central America. His heroism didn't stop there, as he also supported Border Patrol Operations and helped to stop drug smuggling and illegal migrants off the coast of California.

Master Chief Young an arrived at Air Station Traverse City in June 2019 as the Command Master Chief, where he served honorably until June 2024. His decorated career includes three CG Commendation Medals, three CG Achievement Medals and numerous other personal and unit citations which serve as a testament to his valor and character.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Master Chief Bradford Young of U.S. Coast Guard Station Traverse City for his humble and extraordinary service to our country. I wish him the best in his retirement and future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the extraordinary career of Tom ``SunTan'' Sullivan, from his service to our Nation to his hard work at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Northeastern University.

Tom has been called the ``backbone'' of the operations at the Barnes & Noble--as a warehouse manager he assured smooth facilitation of operations and inventory, holding a vital role which contributed greatly to the University throughout his tenure.

Tom served his country honorably as well, aboard the Navy's USS Brownson DD 868 from 1970 to 1975. Tom demonstrated great humility, honor, and determination in that role.

August 3rd is now known as ``National Suntan Day,'' honoring a man who is beloved, admired and respected by all.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the extraordinary career of Tom ``SunTan'' Sullivan and I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Mr. Howard Seid as U.P. Veteran of the Year. An Air Force Academy graduate, Mr. Seid served in a multitude of roles

since 1981. His career's impressive capstone came in 2007 when he served as the Vice Commander of the 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland AFB.

Since retiring from the USAF, Howard has worked tirelessly for other veterans and his community, continuing to exemplify all of the values that are ingrained in our brave men and women in uniform--those of humility, courage, and service above self.

Since 2016, Howard has been the Western U.P. representative for the Veteran's Community Action Team (VCAT), working on many issues and barriers that our veterans face every day. As the Vice-Chairman of the VCAT Steering Committee, Howard and his commendable team were notably able to donate over $400,000 in food cards to veterans across the U.P.

Howard additionally gives back to his community through the Ontonagon County Veteran's Association, serving as the Commander of Rockland Legion Post 92 and coordinating county-wide veterans' outreach events. As Commander of Post 92, he has almost doubled the membership in seven years.

Every year, Howard plans, organizes, and hosts a Veteran's Day dinner party for almost one hundred veterans and spouses in Rockland, thanking them for their service. He also acts as the speaker for the event each year and personally delivers meals to all veterans that cannot attend.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and entire First District, I would like to acknowledge Mr. Howard Seid for his humble and dedicated service to his community and our Nation. I can think of no one more deserving of recognition as the U.P. Veteran of the Year, and I wish Mr. Seid the best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Mr. Larry Straus for his 74 years of dedicated service to the United States Postal Service.

A Drummond Island native, Mr. Straus has been a mail carrier of the USPS since 1950 and has served many Michigan communities over the past seven decades, including Mt. Pleasant and Kingsley. Larry has served the Drummond Island community since 2000 and recently just celebrated his 95 birthday.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Mr. Larry Straus for his 74 years of dedicated service to the United States Postal Service and wish him an incredibly happy 95th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to posthumously honor John G. Youker for his service to the United States in the War of 1812. Known to all as ``George,'' Mr. Youker was born to Revolutionary War Patriot John Youker, Sr. and Elizabeth Schall on February 3, 1789, in Montgomery County, New York within the Mohawk Valley Region.

Mr. Youker served as a Private in the NY Militia under Captain Frederick German's Company and Lt. Colonel Commandant Calvin Rich's 11th Regiment. From August 22, 1812 to February 22, 1813 he was stationed at Sackets Harbor, which became the center of American military activity during the war. The First Battle of Sackets Harbor began July 19, 1812. It was a major ship building location for the war and a highly important location to defend. Mr. Youker was discharged 3 months before the second battle of Sackets Harbor.

After his service, Mr. Youker and his wife, Catharine Burkdorf Youker, lived in Montgomery County, New York with their children. They later settled in Harrison, Pennsylvania in the mid-1840s before following their children to the Grand Traverse Area in the 1860's. Mr. Youker passed away in Blair Township in May of 1870 and was buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery, in what is now Green Lake Township, Grand Traverse County Michigan.

In 1870, Veteran stones were not provided and military status was rarely made apparent

on a person's headstone, and I would personally like to thank the Northern Michigan Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for honoring John George Youker in a formal ceremony on August 3rd of this year. The work that they do truly honors our heritage and those that have valiantly served before us.

Mr. Speaker, today I offer the posthumous recognition and gratitude that John G. Youker deserves, and I honor him for his service to the United States in the War of 1812.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record an open letter from myself and Congressman Correa, the founders of the PATH Caucus, to ensure stakeholders have a voice in crafting the rules and regulations surrounding psychedelic assisted treatments.

Dear Commenter: In 2022, a new Congressional caucus was

created to raise awareness among federal lawmakers about the

therapeutic potential of psychedelic and entactogenic drugs

to treat several mental health conditions that were

refractory to contemporary evidence-based therapies. The

Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus

aimed to accelerate and support clinical research in the use

of these novel substances, specifically psilocybin and 3,4-

methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

To better inform Congressional members, the bipartisan PATH

Caucus is seeking input on how to implement programs and

policies that address the range of complex issues with

potential novel therapies that may use a psychedelic or

entactogenic drug in medically supervised and interpersonally

supportive settings.

To gain a more complete understanding of the issues

associated with use of these substances, the PATH Caucus

believes that taking an inclusive, intentional, and reasoned

approach to gathering input from the public may engender

valuable insights that can more accurately and

comprehensively characterize how different modalities

incorporate the use of these substances while also ensuring

responsible, accountable, safe, and ethical use. We seek

information from the general public, those who have received

psychedelic-assisted therapies as an intervention, interested

stakeholders, and those individuals and entities working

within the bio-psycho-social-spiritual behavioral health

ecosystem (e.g., palliative care, addiction services), which

stresses a holistic system of care comprised of clinical

providers, counseling, and peer support (Courtney et al.,

2023; D'Souza, 2007; Urutia et al., 2023).

It will be essential to receive input from people and

organizations with specialized experience in implementing

therapies where psychedelic or entactogenic drug substances

are administered, such as in clinical research protocols

(e.g., depression, palliative care, substance use disorders,

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), or experience in

naming others for such therapies. As a part of the PATH

Caucus information gathering effort, we acknowledge the

significant anthropological role of certain psychedelic

substances such as ayahuasca, peyote, and Psilocybe

mushrooms. Some indigenous peoples of the Americas have

extensive traditions dating back hundreds to thousands of

years, where they incorporated these substances into

spiritual ceremonial or ritual healing practices. The PATH

Caucus believes that respectful, inclusive, cultural

knowledge sharing from these communities may provide

substantial insights, further informing our overall

understanding, and we welcome their input.

If medications derived from psychedelic or entactogenic

drug substances are ultimately approved for therapeutic

indications by the FDA, it is important for States to

understand the risk mitigations frameworks FDA has

established and develop ways to make sure they are supported.

Aspects of real-world risk reduction and mitigation

frameworks may include, but are not limited to, providing

comprehensive transparent public education, implementing

substance misuse prevention programs, minimizing the

potential for adverse reactions, and developing implementable

risk mitigation, safety, and ethical monitoring strategies.

Moreover, it will be vital to consider how Congress can best

support states in developing and adopting scalable

infrastructures and sustainable service delivery systems

that ensure proper accountability and monitoring, as well

as facilitate access and equity in utilization, with a

particular focus on communities that may be at risk for

experiencing inequities in care resulting in disparate

health outcomes (e.g., veterans, the uninsured, those who

are experiencing homelessness, people with lower incomes,

and individuals living with mental illness and/or co-

occurring substance use disorders; Ortiz et al., 2022). In

addition, when federal agencies such as the Department of

Veterans Affairs make these products available, we need to

be sure there is sufficient infrastructure to ensure

patient safety. All of these components, when collectively

addressed, may contribute to more responsible,

accountable, safe, and ethical use of psychedelic and

entactogenic derived substances in medically supervised

and interpersonally supportive settings.

The PATH Caucus seeks input that can inform Congress so any

potential future appropriations will support states

collectively addressing the relevant issues and support

necessary federal initiatives such as research,

implementation and FDA regulation. Congress believes that by

listening and learning from the broader ecosystem, staying

abreast of potential innovative evidence-based therapies that

may treat individuals with behavioral health disorders

refractory to current treatment modalities, and

simultaneously undertaking proactive measures for developing

real-world risk reduction and mitigation frameworks, will

help protect public health and safety.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to submit extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.

Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker), my good friend and fellow freshman classmate from the 115th Congress.

In Memory of Randy Alan Walker

Madam Speaker, I am honored to lead this Special Order today to discuss post-traumatic growth. I repeat: Post-traumatic growth.

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and today, June 27, is National PTSD Awareness Day.

Post-traumatic stress is a serious condition that impacts far too many members of the communities that we love and serve and especially among those who have served in uniform.

Raising awareness of PTSD has helped in our efforts to reduce stigma, recognize the struggles faced by many, and encourage those in need to seek help. However, it is also critical that we balance the story we tell about times of struggle and trauma.

For far too long, society has focused exclusively on the negative impacts of trauma and struggle and pushed a narrative dominated by ideas of dysfunction, disorder, and diagnosis. This language can feel debilitating, a label far too heavy to carry.

The result is we are left feeling permanently diminished and damaged and victims of the worst experiences of our lives.

It is time to change the conversation, to shine a light on the possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma and how struggle can be a catalyst, a positive catalyst, for profound growth and transformation.

Last year, in partnership with the Boulder Crest Foundation, I introduced H. Res. 496, a resolution to proclaim June 13 as National Post-Traumatic Growth Day. This June 13, Boulder Crest launched the Choose Growth initiative, focused on proliferating the notion of post- traumatic growth, or PTG, across our country.

This initiative is intentionally brand and organization agnostic. The objective is to spread the word of growth, possibility, and hope to every corner of our country.

Through the Choose Growth community, we will increase support and awareness of the possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma. We will encourage individuals to share their stories of turning their personal struggles into strength and positivity.

The initiative aims to foster a supportive community that embraces growth as part of the healing process. We must ensure that all of those who struggle, no matter who they are, and those who love and care for them, realize that how things are isn't how they have to be, and that growth and strength are possible in the aftermath of trauma.

There is much more for us to do here in Washington and around the country in support of those who have experienced trauma. We hope you all will join us in raising awareness of post-traumatic growth as we continue these efforts.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), a fellow classmate from the 115th Congress and fellow General officer.

Madam Speaker, I thank General Bacon for his words.

One of the first steps to healing is to be able to share stories. When you think about previous times of conflict in our country, the ability to de-stress was a lot simpler than it is now. I will deal with that here in a couple of minutes.

The topic of post-traumatic growth is an opportune time to discuss the promise of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat mental health disorders like PTSD.

Just a couple weeks ago, I spoke here on this floor in support of two amendments that I had led with my friend Congressman Lou Correa of California in support of psychedelic-assisted therapies at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Both amendments were passed unanimously by this Chamber.

Psychedelic-assisted therapies have the potential to be the first genuine advancement in the treatment of veterans' mental health in decades. It is a true breakthrough therapy potential.

Unfortunately, just recently, the FDA's drug advisory committee recently voted against recommending approval of MDMA-assisted therapy to treat PTSD.

Many of us in Congress, and especially among those of us who have served in uniform, were deeply disappointed and frustrated by this, what I believe and what we believe to be, shortsighted decision.

The advisory panel chose to ignore the voices of veterans whose lives have been forever improved by MDMA-assisted therapy in favor of those who have been on a mission to discredit--and I repeat discredit--this promising treatment at all costs.

That is shameful. We can accept a ``no,'' but it should be for the betterment of the greater good, in this case, of helping veterans and those who need different kinds of help. It should not be a shortsighted and potentially uninformed bureaucratic decision.

I have had the opportunity to personally meet with many of the researchers involved in this study and the veterans whose lives have been forever changed by these therapies in such a positive way.

That experience made the potential of this treatment clear to me, and many of the veterans told me that they would not be alive today were it not for this therapy.

I am confident that this will be a speed bump in our overall efforts to truly heal the invisible wounds like PTSD that millions of Americans face today.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller- Meeks), who is another fellow leader in uniform and an esteemed member from the Iowa delegation.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I am extremely grateful for all of my colleagues who have spoken here today and shared their stories and also celebrated the people who have gone through tough times, whether it be, if you will, something as simple as weather related, but, more importantly, the stresses related to life.

We are the greatest nation in the world because we treat people right, and we expect the same in return.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to raise awareness of post- traumatic growth, and I want to repeat that: post-traumatic growth, a positive way forward and not a negative ending.

It is my sincere hope that those of us in Congress and Americans across our country can work to help those who have experienced trauma, that they can find growth, purpose, and connection.

I say as a veteran and a marine: Our veterans never quit on us. We will never quit on them.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mackinaw Trail Winery and Brewery on 20 years of business and service to the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan.

Founded in 2004, the esteemed business is owned and operated by Ralph and Laurie Stabile, fulfilling Ralph's lifelong dream of owning a winery. In 2010, their son Dustin took over the operations of the production facility, continuing the family tradition of producing excellent wines for patrons all across the UP and state of Michigan.

Mackinaw Trails is rapidly expanding and is one of the best wineries in Michigan, with a brand new, state of the art facility that was recently built in Petoskey, Michigan.

The winery has been critically acclaimed as one of the finest in the entire state and has even been referred to as the ``North Star'' of the Michigan wine industry.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mackinaw Trail Winery and Brewery on 20 years of business and service to the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan. Their excellence and hard work has been a boom for the local economy and a staple of the community, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Senator George Alvin McManus, Jr., who served the great State of Michigan in many capacities throughout his long and well-lived life.

Born on the Murray Farm of Old Mission Peninsula, George was very familiar with hard work and the Michigan way of life.

A devout man of God, George proved to have a humble servant's heart as well as a vibrant sense of humor. I am sure it was those qualities that sustained his incredible 70-year marriage to his wife, Clara.

Though George boasted many accolades in his lifetime, perhaps his most important achievements were his 9 children, 23 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

In 1990, George was elected to the Michigan State Senate, where he served until 2002.

George was a wealth of advice, especially when it came to agriculture. He was an instrumental voice in northern Michigan and our entire State.

George McManus was an important part of the fabric of his community and will be dearly missed. May God bless George's family and his loved ones in their time of grief.

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

Mr. Speaker, June 14, 2017, was a dark stain on America's history. There are several of us in this room today who would not be here for two reasons. Number one, and first and foremost, by the grace of God, and number two, by the fact that then-Majority Whip Steve Scalise showed up for practice that morning. Without his security detail, none of us would be here.

The deranged gunman that took, for whatever reason, revenge upon the Republicans on the baseball field that morning sought to give no mercy, just to create havoc.

We know that we are better than the behavior that we saw that day. The bond that brought us all together, especially that day on the baseball field, spread, I believe, throughout the country to bring people together at a time when we needed it. We continue to need it.

When I mention now-Leader Scalise coming that day, he is only here because of the actions of one of our Members, and that man is Representative Brad Wenstrup, combat surgeon, dedicated soldier, and ready for the task at hand. As I personally witnessed Brad tending to Representative Scalise on the field, it was truly Brad's readiness and professionalism that enabled the life flight to occur and Scalise to successfully make it to the hospital.

I commend Colonel Wenstrup for what he did and the calm with which he did it. It is the calm, not the excitement, that drives us to the positive results. I cannot thank him enough, as a personal friend, for what he has done for the community as a whole to show what good behavior really means in the face of extreme adversity.

I am honored to be among my colleagues here tonight.

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