Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, consistent with New Republican Earmark Disclosure Requirements, I hereby submit the following information regarding earmarks listed in the Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Act which, to my knowledge, have my name listed as a sponsor of the given earmark. The information provided for each earmark consists of the name of the project, account, funding level, and the justification for the use of taxpayer dollars.

Requesting Member: Representative Joe Knollenberg.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account Information: Army, RDTE, PE 0603002A, Line 30.

Name of Earmark and Amount Listed in the Report: Mild, Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment and Triage Using Smart Sensor Technology--$3.2 million.

Legal Name and Address of Receiving Entity: William Beaumont Hospital, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48073.

Earmark Description: Funding will be used for a Beaumont Hospital-led consortium on mild traumatic brain injury assessment and triage using smart sensor technology in military helmets and vehicles. The potential application of sensor-equipped helmets could not only save the lives of military personnel but could enhance the medical outcomes of sports- related injuries as well. The funding will be used for administrative work, information technology, project supplies, and site personnel.

Requesting Member: Representative Joe Knollenberg.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account Information: Army, RDTE, PE 0602618A, Line 14.

Name of Earmark and Amount Listed in the Report: Globally Accessible Manufacturing and Maintenance Activity (GAMMA)--$3.5 million.

Legal Name and Address of Receiving Entity: POM Group. Inc. 2350 Pontiac Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326.

Earmark Description: The proposed program entitled ``Globally Accessible Manufacturing & Maintenance Activity (GAMMA)'' will develop rapid, precision Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) technology, combined with current materials removal technology, using the same (single) laser platform which will provide a quantum leap in force readiness and significantly impact the US economy by greatly reducing the time of making complex, 3-D shaped components for dual-use applications. In addition. GAMMA will greatly enhance the currently fielded US Army effort called the Mobile Parts Hospital (MPH) where modules are deployed to remote locations to fabricate metal parts on site from bar stock. Incorporation of the DMD technology would eliminate the need for bar stock $60 billion inventory. The funding will be used for design. factory testing. and validation practices.

Requesting Member: Representative Joe Knollenberg.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account Information: Navy, RDTE, PE 0603123N, Line 16.

Name of Earmark and Amount Listed in the Report: Mobile Manufacturing and Repair Cell/Engineering Education Outreach Program--$1.0 million.

Legal Name and Address of Receiving Entity: Focus: HOPE, 1355 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, MI 48238.

Earmark Description: The purpose of this program is to attract, train and educate technicians and engineers capable of deploying new critical technologies in support of Navy forces. The funding will be used for research. recruitment, curriculum development, demonstrations, outreach, and administrative costs.

Requesting Member: Representative Joe Knollenberg.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account Information: Army, MilCon National Guard.

Name of Earmark and Amount: Multiple Ranges: Live Fire Shoot House, Urban Assault Course, Infantry Squad Battle Course, Grayling--$4.36 million.

Legal Name and Address of Receiving Entity: Michigan National Guard, Lansing, Michigan.

Earmark Description: Each range facility provides the ability for combat leaders to train and evaluate their unit during live fire exercises in an indoor building, a built- up/urban area, and an outdoor squad tactical movement engagement scenario. Range targetry includes wireless systems, solar-battery power, stationary and moving, automated target systems, varying from up-close indoor and outdoor target engagements to 1000M, controlled and scored by computers in an operations center or control tower. The funding will be used for construction of a primary facility, secondary facility, other supporting facilities.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize and congratulate Mr. Jerome L. Schostak for receiving the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit District Council of the Urban Land Institute.

In 1954, Mr. Schostak joined the commercial and industrial real estate development, management, and brokerage firm, Schostak Brothers & Co., which was founded by his father Louis in 1920. Jerome Schostak's leadership, ingenuity, and vision transformed the company from a brokerage firm into the national property management and development company that it is today.

Now, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Schostak Brothers & Co., Mr. Schostak is continuing the traditions and practices that have made him so successful. Still a family business, as three of his sons are now part of the firm, Schostak Brothers still follows the core values of serving both client and community. This is evident in their many philanthropic efforts, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan.

The Urban Land Institute was founded in 1936, as a nonprofit research and education organization with the mission of providing responsible leadership in the use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. The Detroit District Council was founded in 1997, and has regularly sponsored programs and forums to encourage an open exchange of ideas and experiences within the development community in Michigan. For the past four years the District Council has awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to individuals for their work in real estate, commitment to the community, and demonstration of civic, charitable, and philanthropic endeavors.

Madam Speaker, for more that fifty years, Mr. Schostak has been a shining example of excellence in both the national real estate and local community. I commend him for his achievements and wish him continued success.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the Divine Providence Catholic Church as their parish celebrated their 100-year anniversary on April 27, 2008. The church has served as a foundation for the Lithuanian community in Southfield, Michigan.

The parish came to be when an energetic priest, Kazimieras Valaitis, and the Lithuanian Society of St. George, built a wooden church at Westminster and Cardoni, in what is now considered the deep inner city of Detroit. Not surprisingly, it was named St. George's Lithuanian Church. The number of parishioners quickly outgrew the facility, and in 1917 the parish built a new, brick St. George's in the same vicinity. The parish was the center for numerous organizations and activities of the Lithuanian community in Detroit and had committees actively involved in building, fundraising and general governance.

In the 1940's, as the demographics in Detroit were shifting, many of the parishioners were moving into the suburbs around the city. As a result, in 1949, the parish built a new church at Schaefer and Grand River in Detroit. Because the original St. George's church was still active in the local community, the parishioners chose ``Divine Providence Lithuanian Church'' as the new name.

In 1967, Divine Providence was informed that the church was to be demolished to make way for the Jeffries Freeway. A new site was selected at 9 Mile Road and Beech Daly, and despite the Vatican's attempt to consolidate the church into a territorial parish, the new complex was dedicated on September 8, 1973. Thanks to the tireless work and dedication of parish committees, and later parish councils, Divine Providence continues to be a cultural center to this vibrant community.

Madam Speaker, Divine Providence has been a beacon of hope for the Lithuanian community. I congratulate them on their 100-year anniversary and wish them many more years of prosperity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Home for Our Troops as it holds its fifth annual event in my district in Troy, Michigan, on May 10, 2008.

Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit organization that provides specially adapted homes for our severely injured servicemembers. The organization is able to provide assistance at no cost to the veterans that they serve through a growing network of monetary contributions, donations from building contractors, suppliers, corporate supporters, and local volunteers.

John Gonsalves started Homes for Our Troops in 2004 after watching a news report of a severely injured servicemember who had returned from Iraq. He thought to himself, ``What happens to our severely injured veterans once they return?'' Mr. Gonsalves searched for an organization where he could donate his building expertise for a few weeks, but when he found out that none existed, he quit his contractor job and started Homes for Our Troops. Since its founding, Homes for Our Troops has provided 25 veterans and their families with homes suited to meet the physical challenges they face after returning with life-altering injuries.

The continued efforts of Homes for Our Troops has gained national recognition. In fact, the American Institute of Philanthropy has named them as one of their Top-Rated Charities of 2007. They have the honor of being one of only five veterans charities included in the top-rated category. This honor not only displays the breadth of their efforts, but also the speed and efficiency of their delivery.

Madam Speaker, I salute Homes for Our Troops for their tireless efforts on behalf of our courageous men and women in the armed services. Theirs is a shining example of the altruism that embodies the American spirit.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of one of this Nation's strongest allies and friends, Israel.

For 60 years now, Israel has been the pride of her people, and a beacon for those who believe in the transformational power of democracy. Our relationship with Israel is built on the bedrock principle that free people and freedom itself must be defended whenever and wherever it is threatened.

Israel itself faces constant threats to its freedom as her people suffer from the most consistent barrage of terrorist attacks the world over. But that does not stop, does not deter, does not prevent Israel from thriving and standing strong.

As a representative of one of the country's largest Jewish communities, I'm proud to rise today in support of Israel, and to congratulate the great State of Israel on its 60th anniversary. May she live strong and free for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the New Bridging Industry and Government Through Hi-Tech Research on Energy Efficiency (BIG THREE) Act of 2008. This important legislation is a bold step to foster innovation, create and retain high-paying jobs, and promote efficient and alternative fuel technology to ensure that automakers meet the increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy, CAFE, standards.

It is impossible to overlook the importance of the automotive industry to the U.S. economy. Our history and our heritage as a nation are deeply rooted in the automotive industry, which has greatly improved the quality of life in our time. Nearly 400,000 Americans jobs are provided directly by the automotive industry on assembly lines, in research facilities, and offices across the country. Additionally, approximately 3.5 million other jobs are supported by the automotive industry through parts suppliers, hospitals, schools, and police stations that serve them. That means that every automotive job equals nearly 9 other jobs for U.S. workers.

It is also impossible to ignore the current struggles of the automotive industry. When Congress enacted energy legislation that increased CAFE standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, it placed the burden of cost on the auto industry to meet the aggressive efficiency targets. Increased CAFE standards represent only the latest hurdle thrown at the automotive industry from Washington, with little help delivered to assist the industry's pursuit of higher efficiency and lower emissions. During a time of an economic slowdown, Washington should take steps to protect these valuable jobs, not jeopardize them.

CAFE will cost the domestic automotive industry an estimated $85 billion to research, develop, and implement the efficient and alternative fuel technology required to meet the aggressive new standards. For an industry that already spends approximately $16 billion per year on research and development, finding the extra funds to develop this technology without compromising drivers' safety will be extremely difficult. This means that the increased costs will have to be passed on to the consumer, with some estimating that it will cost an extra $6,000 per car to meet CAFE standards.

Instead of throwing the automotive industry up the creek without a paddle,

Washington should play a part in increasing energy efficiency. Energy security is an issue of national security and must be addressed over the short term and the long term. This requires a comprehensive strategy and steadfast dedication to meet our goal.

That is why I have introduced this legislation, which will help automakers meet the new regulations, help make our country a leader in alternative fuel technologies, and help stimulate our slowing national economy. Michigan's economy has been in unique and deep trouble for some time.

The first step in my plan is to permanently extend the research and development tax credit at 20 percent and make it fully refundable for expenditures that help meet the new CAFE standards. Automakers and suppliers have not been able to take advantage of the tax credit because they have not made substantial profits in recent years. Allowing an industry that currently invests significant funding in advanced research and development to take advantage of the tax credit will help defray the costs of increased research and development. This will enable them to reinvest these funds and create more high-paying jobs in the U.S.

The New BIG THREE Act will also invest significant Federal funding in research and development of leap-ahead technologies that will help us meet the new CAFE standards. Advanced battery technology is one of the most promising ways to dramatically increase fuel efficiency. However, there is no domestic production of advanced battery technology that is applicable to vehicles. By investing $750 million over 5 years to research and develop advanced battery technology, my bill will help ensure that America is the epicenter of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles that will help reduce our dependence on oil.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology has always been regarded as the long- term goal of extremely low-emission transportation. The New BIG THREE Act will invest $250 million over 5 years to install hydrogen fuel pumps in commercial gas stations in at least two pilot regions. By establishing a hydrogen infrastructure, we can promote use of currently available hydrogen vehicles and provide an incentive to produce more of these leap-ahead vehicles. The New BIG THREE Act will also invest $150 million over 3 years for the Federal Government to purchase hydrogen vehicles in order to reduce the emissions of our fleets and demonstrate the viability of the technology.

The New BIG THREE Act also has a provision that will affect short- term efforts to increase fuel efficiency. Clean diesel technology is one of the best ways to reduce emissions in the short term, and utilizing biodiesel is a promising way to reduce our dependence on Middle East oil. However, not all current biodiesel blends are compatible with all biodiesel engines. My bill will direct the Environmental Protection Agency to make a harmonized national standard for biodiesel composition.

Finally, my comprehensive plan will establish the Interagency Group on CAFE Standards, which will make sure Federal agencies work together and that all money spent on auto-related projects is used wisely and most effectively.

Ultimately, my plan is about jobs and our economy. The New BIG THREE Act is about working with one of our most important industries to create and retain good jobs, allow the industry to be competitive in the global market, and help move to a cleaner and more efficient line of American cars. The strong position of the Federal Government created by CAFE on

all of these issues mandates a strong commitment to make sure the goals are accomplished. I hope you will help American manufacturing succeed by supporting this important legislation.

I thank the gentleman from California for yielding time.

I rise today in defense of the most important resource in my home State of Michigan, the Great Lakes. The Coast Guard bill contains a measure that will strengthen ballast water treatment requirements for oceangoing ships. For years, these ships have brought with them the scourge of invasive species. I am proud to support these new treatment requirements and consider them an important move to protect our Great Lakes waters for generations to come.

While not all invasive species have made their way into the Great Lakes through untreated ballast water, ballast water still remains one of the most common avenues into the Great Lakes for destructive aquatic invasive species. The ballast water treatment provisions included in this bill will go a long way toward keeping invasive species out of the lakes. Requiring ships to exchange their ballast water 200 miles outside the U.S. will help solve the problem in the short term before ships are required to have the ballast water treatment equipment installed in their ships in 2015.

We in Michigan face threats to our Great Lakes from many angles, from those who try to pollute them, to those who try to take our water. I am proud today that we have successfully strengthened the ballast water treatment requirements that will protect the health of our Great Lakes.

I thank, again, the gentleman from California for yielding time.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the Township of West Bloomfield, in Oakland County, MI, which is celebrating its 175th Anniversary on April 22, 2008. The township's many beautiful lakes show why it continues to rank among Michigan's loveliest communities.

In the early 19th century, a group of mainly Scottish Presbyterian settlers migrated to Bloomfield Township from New York, New England, and the United Kingdom. These settlers were attracted to the picturesque lakes that covered nearly 20 percent of the area, and many settled in and built sheep farms. By 1850, sheep by far outnumbered residents, with over 16,000 sheep contributing to the booming farm industry compared to only 940 people.

On April 22, 1833, West Bloomfield Township was formally established as a General Law Township by an act of the legislative council which carved out 30 square miles from the western part of Bloomfield Township. Then on April I, 1982, the council passed a resolution establishing West Bloomfield as a Charter Township.

Today, West Bloomfield, known as the ``lake township of Oakland County,'' is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse townships in the country. Home to a large and active Jewish community, West Bloom1ield opened the first Holocaust Memorial Center of its kind in 1981. It has since expanded and been moved to Farmington Hills, something I was proud to assist and support, but its roots are firmly planted with the residents of West Bloomfield. In addition, there is a growing Chaldean community that has worked to integrate fellow Arab immigrants into life in the United States.

Madam Speaker, today West Bloomfield is a vibrant, diverse community in Oakland County that is home to over 64,000 residents and 25 beautiful lakes. I congratulate them on their 175th anniversary and wish the residents many more years of prosperity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carroll Shelby. a true visionary in the automotive industry, to honor his receipt for the Automotive Industry Executive of the Year's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Born January 11, 1923 in Texas, Carroll Hall Shelby served admirably in the U.S. Air Force as a flight instructor and test pilot during World War II. After his service with the military, Shelby began what would become a decorated and distinguished career as a professional automobile racer. Named Sports Illustrated's Driver of the Year in 1956 and 1957. Carroll Shelby was also inducted into both the International MotorSports Hall of Fame and the Automobile Hall of Fame.

Mr. Shelby's influence on the racing world as a driver was only exceeded by his impact as an automotive designer, securing his legacy as an industry luminary through the many innovations and designs that have shaped and reshaped the cars we drive today. Some of the most beautiful and powerful cars ever made, including the Ford GT40, the Ford Shelby Mustangs, and the Dodge Viper, are the product of his vision and expertise.

Beyond his achievements in the automotive realm, Carroll Shelby has demonstrated his compassion through his commitment to the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation, a charity he established to help children in need of heart and kidney transplants. His work with this foundation has helped many families and has fueled research that will help save even more lives throughout the future.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the achievements and service of Carroll Shelby. His many contributions to the automotive industry and the country represent his commitment to excellence, and I wish congratulations for receiving this prestigious award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my opposition to H.R. 5719, the Taxpayer Assistance and the Simplification Act of 2008. While this bill has some good provisions, such as the delayed implementation of the 3-percent withholding on Government contracts, the bad provisions simply outweigh the good. Specifically, I am troubled by the section that would alter reporting requirements for Health Savings Account, HSA, owners.

This bill would require individuals using HSAs to provide exhaustive documentation of their medical expenses in order to qualify as a tax- exempt expense. More than 5 million Americans are taking advantage of these accounts, and approximately 25 percent of HSA owners had no health insurance prior to their participation. Currently, every HSA account holder must file specific tax forms to provide details about spending from the account. We must expand this program so we can help families afford healthcare coverage and bring healthcare costs down. Requiring unnecessary and duplicative paperwork is not the right way to accomplish this goal.

HSAs are a very valuable asset to many of my constituents. The manufacturing industry is one of the premier sources of jobs in my district, and most of these manufacturing entities are small in nature. In fact, approximately 93 percent of the more than 1,500 manufacturing firms in my district employ less than 100 people. Employees of these small businesses are the primary beneficiaries of HSAs. In a time when the cost of health care is sharply rising, it is crucial for us to promote the use of innovative health care products such as HSAs, helping families afford the health care they

need. I am concerned that we will inevitably deter these families from utilizing HSAs by adding such draconian reporting requirements for HSA owners. This will ultimately increase the cost of health care for a large number of my constituents who currently take advantage of this valuable product.

It is also worth noting that the best assistance we could provide to taxpayers is to protect them from the largest tax increase in American history. Sadly, many of my colleagues are more interested in dealing with minutia in the Tax Code rather than addressing the looming massive tax hike. Families in my district in Michigan, home of this country's worst economy, simply cannot afford to pay any more in taxes. A tax increase of this size would devastate families struggling with sky-high unemployment, the mortgage crisis, and rising gas prices. It would add insult to injury to ask them to pay more to this Government as well.

A tax increase of this scope would also be devastating for job providers and small businesses, This Congress should be doing everything it can to be helping our economy by creating jobs and encouraging growth. Dramatically raising taxes would do just the opposite.

Madam Speaker, implementing the largest tax increase in American history is a slap in the face to all the families currently struggling to make ends meet. It has been made abundantly clear today who stands with working families and who stands with wasteful Washington spending. I, for one, stand with the hard working men and women of Michigan and across this great land.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.Res. 259, honoring and recognizing the work of the Meals on Wheels Association.

Established in the 1950s, Meals on Wheels is the oldest private, non- profit, volunteer-based service that delivers nutritious meals to homebound persons, enabling them to maintain their independence and continue to live in their own homes.

The program also provides daily contact with a trained volunteer who provides important social interaction and a link to the community and gives important referral information for other appropriate community resources as needed.

Today's elderly depend on this program throughout the country for their meals and other nutrition services. It is crucial that Congress continue to support this important program in order for the most vulnerable people to receive quality meals in the most efficient and effective manner.

Last year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Meals on Wheels in my district and prepare meals and deliver them to seniors. It was such a rewarding experience, and I comment the volunteers of this program for making such a difference in people's lives.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the achievements and service of the Meals on Wheels Association of America. Their contributions throughout the United States touch the hearts of millions of people, and I wish them many years of continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a living legend in Detroit ice hockey, Mr. Gordon ``Gordie'' Howe, as he celebrates his 80th birthday today.

Mr. Hockey, as Howe is universally recognized for his greatness on the ice, sprang from humble beginnings. Born in Floral, Saskatchewan, Canada, in the midst of the Great Depression, Howe, who was the fifth of nine children, grew up in poverty and was often sick due to poor nutrition. A significant milestone in Howe's life came at the tender age of 5, when his mother purchased some used belongings from a neighbor, which included his first pair of skates.

Howe immersed himself in hockey, day in and day out, using anything he could find, be it a puck, a tennis ball, or even clumps of dirt. While he didn't make the local youth hockey team, Howe didn't let this discourage him, and worked hard to develop into an excellent skater. During summers, Howe would work with his father at construction sites where the work helped him develop the exceptional strength that would give him one of the hardest shots in hockey. By the time he was 15, Howe was already an imposing 6 feet tall and 200 pounds.

In 1943, Howe was invited by the New York Rangers for a tryout. Howe failed to make the team, but despite this rejection, he was invited to try out for the Detroit Red Wings, where he impressed the coach and general manager Jack Adams. In 1946, at the age of 18, Howe made his National Hockey League debut playing right wing for the Detroit Red Wings. He quickly established himself as a great goal scorer, a gifted playmaker, and a dominating physical presence on the ice. Using his strength and talent, Howe was able to dominate the opposition throughout a career that spanned 5 decades, a feat unmatched by any athlete in any sport.

By the time Howe retired from the Red Wings in 1971, he had led them to four Stanley Cup championships, seven first place finishes, and established the team as a perennial powerhouse. In addition, Howe was a six-time NHL Most Valuable Player and winner of the scoring title, and was the career leader in games played, goals, assists, and points. In 1973, when his sons Marty and Mark joined the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association, they convinced Gordie to fulfill his dream of playing on the professional level with them. After the WHA folded in 1979, Howe joined the Hartford Whalers of the NHL for one final season, helping the team make the playoffs. In 1997, Howe accomplished the last milestone in his storied career when he played professional hockey in a sixth decade. Playing a shift with the Detroit Vipers of the International Hockey League at nearly 70 years old, Howe was greeted by a thundering ovation.

Along with his many achievements on the ice, Howe and his wife Colleen are dedicated to the children of their community and around the world. The Howe Foundation, which they founded in 1993, is dedicated to enriching the lives of those in need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fine neighbor, a true Michigan fixture, and the man who made Detroit ``Hockeytown,'' the greatest sports city in the world. I wish him a happy and healthy birthday, and wish him many more to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jewish Fund, a charitable organization in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Sinai Hospital began as a clinic opened by Dr. Harry Saltzstein in 1922. In January, 1953, Sinai Hospital opened their doors to give Jewish health care professionals a place to practice and as a central institution for the Jewish community. It was the realization of a dream for Detroit's Jewish community. From there the hospital grew into one of Detroit's top health care institutions.

In 1997, when the Detroit Medical Center purchased Sinai Hospital, it was not the end of that dream, but rather a transformation into another institution of excellence. Established with the proceeds from the sale, the Jewish Fund is an organization designed to perpetuate the Sinai dream through stewardship and innovation. The Fund continues the tradition of assuring excellent and compassionate care for those in need.

The Fund, recognizing the diverse population in Detroit, serves as a resource for the entire community, whether supporting the public health needs or fostering stronger relations with the city. Their role today is vital to many health care initiatives. They have provided over $35 million in grants for health care over the last 10 years, including $600,000 in grants for the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network this year alone.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the achievements and service of the Jewish Fund. Their contributions to Detroit and the metropolitan area are too great to enumerate, and I wish them many years of continued success.

Mr. Brady, thank you very kindly for yielding. I appreciate that very much.

Mr. Chairman, I rise tonight on behalf of the hardworking men and women of Michigan and particularly of my Ninth District.

It will come as no surprise to most to hear me say that Michigan has been struggling mightily of late. For the past 6 years, we have suffered from incomparable job losses throughout Michigan. In fact, Michigan was the only State in the Union to have lost jobs in each and every year of that time frame. Our unemployment rate has been the Nation's highest, or close to it, for longer than anyone can remember. Home foreclosures are up. Wages are down. Costs seem to be rising at every turn. To put it lightly, the people of Michigan are facing some tough times.

Not too long ago, the Governor of Michigan proposed an income tax increase. The citizens were on the verge of revolt. The State government actually shut down for a bit. As Michigan families struggled, the last thing they thought they deserved from their government was a bigger tax bill. But, sadly, they got one anyway.

Now the leadership of this body wants to send the good people of Michigan and the people across the country another tax increase. In fact, they want to send, as has been said before, the biggest tax increase in American history.

Well, I'm here to say, and to say strongly, enough is enough. Enough with higher taxes. Enough with wasteful spending. Enough.

Analysts have calculated that the average family in my district would see their taxes go up by more than $4,100 if this budget were to be enacted. That's $4,100 that families in Oakland County simply cannot afford. Worse yet, we know that a tax increase this big would do serious harm to the economy, costing even more jobs and putting more people out of work.

The other problem is, and some have told me that my district alone would lose some 2,000 jobs in the wake of this scale of tax increase. I do not want to let that happen.

Many are concerned that the national economy is showing signs of weakness. I submit to my colleagues the weakness you may be seeing is just a common cold compared to the prolonged pneumonia Michigan has suffered from during its single-State recession.

I'm going to fight and fight hard to protect Michigan's families, as every Member here I know would protect the people from their own States, protect them from higher taxes. Taking more of their hard- earned money from their pockets will only lead to more problems, more job losses, and more hardships.

So I repeat: Enough with higher taxes. Enough with wasteful spending. Simply, enough.

If you're thinking of voting for a tax increase this big, I'd invite you to come to see me in Michigan. There you can see firsthand what higher taxes do to an economy. Higher taxes shutter factory doors. They close small businesses, and they hurt families right to the core. This budget, and the $4,000 increase that comes with it for Oakland County's families, is simply unacceptable.

Instead of raising taxes, we should be focused on solutions that will strengthen the economy, create jobs, encourage investment, and foster innovation. Raising taxes would do the exact polar opposite.

So I strongly urge my colleagues, Mr. Chairman, to reject this massive tax increase on average Americans. I know firsthand how much harm it would do to Michigan's families, and I have every reason to believe it would do the same to families across America.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 991, which recognizes the continuing service of the 69th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard, whose citizen soldiers have faithfully answered America's call to arms since the regiment's formation back in 1851.

Today, the 69th Infantry Regiment is again deploying to Afghanistan to continue America's fight in the global war on terror.

In this most recent of American wars, the 69th has borne already a distinguished part. It was one of the first units to assist, as was mentioned, in the recovery effort at the World Trade Center in New York following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. It subsequently deployed to Iraq as Task Force Wolfhound where it fought to defend the City of al Taji against al Qaeda terrorists, protected Iraq's free elections, first free elections, and secured the infamous Route Irish, the most dangerous road in Baghdad. During that service in Iraq, 19 members of the Fighting 69th were killed in action and 78 were wounded.

In its history, the regiment has served the Nation, and as was mentioned also, in five wars and 20 campaigns and six of its members have been awarded the Medal of Honor. It is fitting that this resolution recognizes not only the historic contributions of the 69th Infantry Regiment, but also the depth America owes the soldiers of the unit for their exceptional service, patriotism and fidelity in fighting in all fronts of the global war on terror since the attack on September 11, 2001.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers that are available, and I yield back the balance of my time.