Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Today, I rise in support of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Milk has long been a cornerstone of children's diets in this country. It provides high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients that growing bodies and young minds need to thrive. For many kids, milk is the most reliable source of vital nutrients they receive.

This legislation is about common sense and choice. Whole and reduced- fat milk are safe and nutritious options that many children prefer and are more likely to drink. When kids enjoy milk, they are more likely to drink it and get the nutrition it offers instead of pouring it down the drain.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act supports healthier kids and gives schools the flexibility to meet students where they are, allowing them to nurture healthy habits that will last a lifetime. It also supports our dairy farmers by allowing them more ways to meaningfully participate in healthy school lunch programs.

Let's help our children grow strong and healthy.

I thank the chairman for his leadership on this legislation, and I urge all my colleague to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his strong support. I also thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work in this area.

Today, I rise in support of H.R. 2306, the Adams Memorial-Great American Heroes Act. This bipartisan legislation will extend the Adams Memorial Commission, which is tasked with establishing a national memorial honoring President John Adams, First Lady Abigail Adams, and their family for their leadership in shaping the early course of this Nation.

As we look to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this bill celebrates a family pivotal to the foundation of this country. The United States would not be where it is today without multiple generations of Adams family members serving the country and working tirelessly to ensure its success.

John Adams served as our first Vice President and second President, with Abigail supporting him throughout as his most valued and trusted adviser. They were the first family to occupy the newly constructed White House, which this monument will be immediately adjacent to.

Their son, John Quincy Adams, was America's sixth President, and so dedicated to this country that following his administration, he returned to the Halls of this very building to continue his service as a Member of Congress, arguing adamantly for the abolition of slavery.

This memorial will educate generations to come about this historic family's role in our Nation's founding and inspire all Americans to honor their

principles of leadership, courage, and public service.

I am pleased to support the ongoing work that has brought the Adams Memorial closer to reality, ensuring that our Nation's first leaders are remembered in a fitting and lasting way.

I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

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

China is our Nation's greatest adversary, and it seeks to harm our country on a daily basis. It thrives in the shadows. It uses fentanyl precursors, predatory trade practices, and cyberattacks to hurt us.

China also uses informational warfare, and it would love to influence what American students learn in classrooms, from kindergarten through college.

The CCP uses our free and open society against us, bankrolling civil organizations with nice-sounding names to sponsor exchange programs and curriculums that hide the truth about China.

Earlier this year, my committee highlighted how Montgomery County in Maryland has sent 31 students to China on a trip paid for by the People's Republic of China. That is just one example of why the legislation the House is considering this week is urgently needed.

The CCP does not want Americans to learn about the horrific Cultural Revolution in their history classes. It does not want young Americans to know that it slaughtered innocent students at Tiananmen Square, nor does it want students to learn about the CCP's ongoing Uyghur genocide and the slave labor that affects the supply chains of clothes and other products they use every day.

Parents may think the Chinese Communist Party isn't interested in what their kids are learning, but the CCP wants to influence every American.

These bills will empower parents, protect students from Chinese propaganda, and shine a light on how China tries to influence our education system.

I thank my colleagues for their work on this legislation and my good friend Chairman Walberg from Michigan for moving the bills through the committee and bringing them to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for the bills.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Korson's Tree Farms in Michigan's Montcalm County for being selected to provide the 2025 White House Christmas tree.

Under the leadership of Rex and Jessica Korson, Korson's earned this honor by winning the National Christmas Tree Association's grand champion title, a recognition that reflects years of dedication, family tradition, and the highest standards of Michigan agriculture.

To commemorate this accomplishment, this afternoon, I am introducing a resolution congratulating Korson's Tree Farms.

It has been 41 years since a Michigan-grown Christmas tree was displayed in the White House, and bringing this tradition back highlights the strength and quality of Michigan's growers.

Korson's has been recognized before, winning Michigan's Grand Champion Tree contest and even providing a tree for the Vice President's residence, but this selection marks the pinnacle of their work. Their family-run operation represents the excellence and tradition that define Michigan's growers and exemplifies the First Lady's Christmas theme: Home is where the heart is.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor this achievement and celebrate the role Michigan will play in bringing Christmas spirit to our Nation's Capital.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life of Judge James M. Batzer, who passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 81.

James was born on December 14, 1943, in Manistee, Michigan, where he was raised and graduated from Manistee High School in 1961. He then attended Albion College and graduated with his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 1968.

After college, he received his master's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University, and his Juris Doctorate in 1978 from Wayne State University Law School, where he received awards for his writing and scholastic achievement. James went on to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan's Division of Mental Health where he represented the state in various fields of law.

In November of 1984, he was elected to serve the residents of Manistee and Benzie counties as Circuit Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit. Judge Batzer served his community in this position for 30 years until his retirement in January 2015. Judge Batzer dedicated his life to service and left a legacy on the bench of keeping his community safe and running a fair and fact-based courtroom.

On behalf of Michigan's 2nd Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Judge James M. Batzer for his lifelong commitment to the residents of Manistee and Benzie counties, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for yielding and for his strong support for this legislation. I also thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Pallone, and especially my friend and fellow Michigander, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who has worked very closely with me on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation, H.R. 1082, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act.

In 2023, 36 patients across 7 States contracted tuberculosis after receiving bone grafts containing infected donor material.

One of these patients was my constituent, Shandra Eisenga, of Marion, Michigan, who tragically passed away on August 10, 2023, due to complications from TB.

I was proud to have Shandra's family here last year when this legislation was first considered by the House. This family has been forever hurt by the loss of Shandra. Her daughter, Amber, said: Nothing can erase the heartbreak of my mother's passing, but she would be proud that we have helped make a positive difference in her name.

Today, we are taking concrete action to prevent more families from having the same experience as Amber and to honor her mother's legacy.

Shandra's passing was completely preventable. So were the deaths of nine other patients who have passed away from TB since 2021 because of inadequate oversight of tissue material suppliers.

When it comes to tissue donations, the FDA requires screening for diseases like hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV. This bipartisan bill will require screening for tuberculosis, as well, and put an end to preventable TB deaths like Shandra's.

The bill will also require HHS to conduct research and public education campaigns on the risks of surgery requiring a tissue donation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this vital bipartisan legislation in honor of Shandra and her family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Representative Pfluger's bipartisan bill, H.R. 881, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is about one thing, and that is protecting American students, American research, and America's future from malign foreign influence, especially from the Chinese Communist Party.

The CCP is engaged in a persistent strategic campaign to influence every corner of American life, and one of their most dangerous efforts is to target our education system.

Often disguised as cultural exchange programs, the CCP efforts to infiltrate America's universities are intended to manipulate curriculum, suppress academic freedom, and monitor Chinese students here in the United States.

Let's be clear. The Chinese Government isn't investing in these programs to teach language. They are trying to shape how young Americans see the world and to rewrite the story of the Chinese Communist Party one classroom at a time.

This is part of a broader effort by Beijing to manipulate the next generation, whether through TikTok on their phones or authoritarian propaganda on their campuses, and it is working. That is why this bill matters.

H.R. 881 makes it simple. If a university wants DHS funding, it cannot maintain ties to CCP influence operations. If we want taxpayer dollars, we cannot partner with a foreign adversary.

We have already made real progress. The number of Confucius Institutes in the U.S. has dropped from over 100 to just a few. However, too many Confucius Institutes are rebranding or maintaining quiet ties behind the scenes.

As chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, I can

tell you the threat is real, and the evidence is overwhelming. This isn't about blocking cultural exchange. It is about blocking foreign exploitation. Academic freedom is not for sale. It is not for sale to Beijing and not on our watch.

Let's stand together, Republicans and Democrats, to protect our students, safeguard our campuses, and push back on foreign influence. I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 881.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Paul Oreffice, the former Chairman of the Board of The Dow Chemical Company, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 97.

Paul was born in Venice, Italy and came to the United States with his family when he was 17 years old. He went on to attend Purdue University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1949. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, Paul began his career at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan.

Following international assignments in Switzerland, Italy, Brazil and Spain, Paul became the first president of Dow Chemical Latin America in Coral Gables, Florida, in 1970. In 1971, he was elected as a member of the Board of Directors, and later as president of Dow Chemical U.S.A. in August 1975. Paul was named president and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company in May 1978 and chairman in May 1986.

As a humanitarian, Paul received the Encomienda del Merito Civil (Order of Civil Merit) in 1966 from the government of Spain and in 1978 he was honored with the title ``Grand Ufficiale'' by the Italian government. Paul is the first person to receive both the Societe de Chimie Industrielle's Palladium medal and SCI America's Chemical Industry medal, which he received in 1981 and 1983, respectively.

Paul was especially helpful in giving back to the state of Michigan through his intentional engagement of the community. His involvement in bringing the Midland Soccer Club and the Greater Midland Tennis Center to life has not only provided opportunities for the local youth to come together to be active within the community but also has brought tourism to the area through tournaments and other events. Paul's involvement in philanthropy touched not only the Midland community but reached across the country as he served as a Trustee of the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, served as a Senior Member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Visitors Board, and he served as Chairman of the Board of the Parkinson's Foundation from 2003 to 2007. His strategic thinking and contributions have greatly impacted families across the state and the country.

Today, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Paul Oreffice. On behalf of the people of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Paul Oreffice for his commitment to humanitarian service, a lifetime of leadership and work in chemical engineering, and unwavering leadership that has changed our community for the better.

Please join me in celebrating the life of Paul Oreffice for a lifetime of tremendous service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, especially Congresswoman Dingell, my fellow Michigander, who has worked very closely with me on this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bipartisan legislation. This is the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act.

In 2023, 36 patients across seven States contracted tuberculosis from infected bone grafts. One of these patients was my constituent, Shandra Eisenga, of Marion, Michigan, who tragically passed away on August 10, 2023, from TB.

We are joined today in the gallery by Shandra's daughter, Amber; her husband, Brandon, and their children; Shandra's fiance, Leo; as well as her sister, Tarin Brunink, who also serves in my office as the director of casework.

This family has been forever hurt by the loss of Shandra, and today we are taking concrete action to help stop more families from having this same terrible experience.

Shandra's passing, as well as nine other patients over the past 3 years, was completely preventable if it was not for the inadequate oversight of tissue material suppliers.

When it comes to tissue donations, the FDA requires screening for diseases like hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV. This bipartisan bill will require screening for tuberculosis as well and put an end to preventable TB deaths like Shandra's.

This bill will also require HHS to conduct research and public education campaigns on the risks of surgery requiring a tissue donation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this vital, bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for yielding time and for his kind words, and for the gentleman's kind words.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation to rename the Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Cadillac, Michigan, in honor of the late Corporal Duane Dewey, a Michigan native and a U.S. marine.

Corporal Dewey was extraordinarily brave in his service to our Nation. In April 1952, Corporal Dewey was serving

as the leader of a machine gun squad in Korea when he came under fire. After hours of fighting, an enemy grenade fell at his feet. It exploded, and Dewey was injured.

Then, as he was being treated for his wounds, a second grenade was launched and landed near his position. Dewey alerted his fellow marines of the danger and rushed to smother the explosive. In this moment of bravery, he used his body to cover the explosive and saved the members of his squad.

Miraculously, Duane survived the blast, and he returned home to Michigan to recover from his injuries. Dewey was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Dwight Eisenhower, who did joke that Duane has a body of steel.

Duane's Medal of Honor citation read, in part: ``His indomitable courage, outstanding initiative, and valiant efforts on behalf of others in the face of almost certain death reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Dewey and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.''

Duane Dewey lived a humble life. He served his community as a school bus driver and ran an office machine repair shop. He remained involved in the veterans community and spoke to his fellow veterans frequently, offering them encouragement and sharing his story.

My legislation to rename this VA clinic in his home State is a fitting honor for Duane's service to our Nation and his lifelong support of our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Congresswoman Hinson's bill, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act.

Today, Chinese companies habitually violate U.S. trade laws. They go around our country's tariffs, and this harms U.S. manufacturers, undermines our workers, and diminishes American competitiveness.

Last August, during a roundtable in Wisconsin, the Select Committee on the CCP heard from Americans across industries on how Chinese companies are breaking the law and decimating their operations. It is clear from these testimonies that the civil penalties rarely imposed on companies caught circumventing U.S. trade laws were not enough to stop CCP-sponsored trade fraud.

Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi, Congresswoman Hinson, and the bipartisan members of the select committee recommended last year that Congress pass legislation to criminally enforce trade crimes as a true deterrent to the CCP's coordinated economic coercion.

Today's legislation takes that recommendation and turns it into action. We have solicited feedback from industry, worked closely with the Department of Justice, and coordinated with the standing committees here in the House to develop this robust legislation before us today.

As the House considers this bill, I am committed to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure the prosecutors hired to criminally enforce our trade laws are fully funded. In the face of China's economic onslaught against our country, we must ensure those prosecutors have the resources they need to enforce tariffs, protect American workers, and stop the CCP from taking advantage of the United States.

I again thank Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi and also Representative Hinson for their leadership and for working with committee staff on this key bill. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and support American manufacturing.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I join my Michigan colleague, Representative Slotkin, in support of H. Res. 554.

This resolution is an important bipartisan affirmation of our support of religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq who experience violent persecution for their religious beliefs.

Chaldean Christians are a religious minority in Iraq, and they have been subjected to countless atrocities and genocide over the last decade at the hands of ISIS terrorists.

They have been displaced from their homes, coerced into converting their religion, tortured, and forced into slavery. Churches and other religious sites have been destroyed, and they still face discrimination for their beliefs.

No one should ever be persecuted for their religious beliefs. The Chaldean community has made outstanding contributions to my home State of Michigan. They deserve to know that Congress supports Chaldeans and other religious and ethnic minorities and their human rights here at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act of 2024.

The American people do not want to fund our enemies. The American people do not want CCP-affiliated companies setting up shop in their towns and neighborhoods. The American people do not want to be held hostage to the whims of the Chinese Communist Party's supply of critical minerals. Under the current regulations brought about by the Inflation Reduction Act, these nightmares have become our reality.

The End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act is an important start toward this objective. It aligns with the goal of my NO GOTION Act, which would end the IRA's subsidies for CCP-affiliated companies.

If we want to encourage American energy innovation, we cannot be subsidizing CCP companies at the same time. Funding CCP-aligned companies makes the United States weaker and the CCP stronger, and we need to end it.

Madam Speaker, food security is national security. The Chinese Communist Party understands this.

That is why Xi Jinping has labeled food security a national priority, and CCP-aligned companies have amassed thousands of acres of American farmland.

When the CCP looks at U.S. farmland, it sees a strategic asset. Once acquired, it will be used to enhance Chinese national security and undermine our own.

This is because there is no such thing as a private company in China. Under their national security laws, private companies are required to help the Chinese Government and military upon request. It is certainly not a coincidence that so much of the farmland Chinese companies acquire are next to American military bases or critical infrastructure.

China would never allow U.S. firms to buy land near Chinese military bases. To protect our national security, we need to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support Mr. Newhouse's Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act to do just that.

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 1516, Congressman Pfluger's important legislation on Confucius Institutes.

The Chinese Communist Party seeks to exert its influence over all aspects of American society and that includes the American education system. The CCP uses Confucius Institutes as a vehicle to promote a distorted picture of China and provide American universities with a financial incentive to stay in the party's good graces.

Where missiles and ships are considered hard power, these institutes are soft power, projecting the long arm of the CCP onto our college campuses.

Madam Chair, the Chinese Communist Party funds Confucius Institutes because it wants to manipulate the minds of young Americans, whether it be digitally on TikTok or physically through Confucius Institutes.

We cannot allow American taxpayer dollars to support universities that allow the presence of these institutes to influence and manipulate their students.

As chairman of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''