Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Roy Johnston, the Head Coach of Beaverton High School and the winningest boys basketball coach in Michigan high school history with 729 wins and counting.

Born in his grandparents' farmhouse near the Lake Huron shores, Roy Johnston never forgot his Michigan roots as he moved up the ranks to the title he holds today. Roy was raised in the Croswell-Lexington area of Michigan and received honorable mention All-State as a guard at his high school. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in teaching, Roy's passion for guiding

youth through education and athletics continued. He went on to become the basketball coach at Yale in 1966 before moving to Howell, where he spent two years honing his skills.

When starting his career in Beaverton, Roy became a 5th Grade teacher and spent four seasons as the Junior Varsity Coach. After stepping into the Varsity role, the Beaverton Beavers secured their first district title in two decades and went on to become regional champions. With his record of success and passion for students, Roy set a new example of success in the community.

Roy has been especially vital to Michigan's Fourth District, helping many see how comradery and teamwork play a vital role in rallying a community together for a common cause. Now, with a record league winning streak, the Beaverton Beavers are riding high on theft accomplishments. It's only fitting for Roy to hold this title after his induction into the Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame nearly two decades ago.

On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Roy Johnston for his achievement in becoming the winningest boys basketball coach in Michigan high school history and his lifetime commitment to the people of Beaverton.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jon Lynch, the Midland City Manager, for his sixteen-plus years of service to the city of Midland as he takes on a new role as President of the Three Rivers Corporation.

Beginning his work with the city in 2000, it was not long before Mr. Lynch rose up the ranks becoming the city's chief executive six years later. His work in Midland is most notable with the creation of the Citizen's Academy, which established a medium for residents to learn more about their government. Mr. Lynch also was at the helm during a tumultuous state level tax appeal process where Midland was able to continue city services facing a cut in their general fund. Mr. Lynch's ability to preserve Midland's service abilities with challenging budgets and nominal millage increases year after year is a true demonstration of his capability and talent.

Mr. Lynch's administrative knowledge and strong skill set, as well as his long and successful history, proves his ability. His work in the community, creating and facilitating an open dialogue will only continue with the Three Rivers Corporation.

On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Jon Lynch for his illustrious career and involvement in the Midland community that has positively influenced the careers and lives of countless individuals.

Mr. Speaker, today, I, along with Representative Bishop pay tribute to Tori Jankoska, the all-time scoring leader for Michigan State University Women's Basketball.

Tori was born and raised in Freeland, where she grew up with a passion for competition. As a young girl, Tori was unable to compete with her peers. She grew up with asthma and other illnesses that kept her from playing with the other kids. Through her own perseverance, she was able to play with her siblings and her passion for sports started to grow. As a student at Freeland High School, Tori raised the bar for her own team and her competitors. It wasn't long before her talent was noticed by the coaches at MSU.

When starting her basketball career at MSU, Tori knew that was where she wanted to be. She also knew that she had a chance to do something great. Regarded by her coaches as having the highest basketball IQ on the court, Tori has proven her acumen time and again. Now, as the all- time point leader for MSU, she has written her own legacy into the record book as one of the best college women's basketball players of all time.

Tori has overcome obstacles and excelled at the highest level of competition. On behalf

of the Fourth & Eighth Congressional Districts of Michigan, we are honored today to recognize Tori Jankoska for her lifetime of work on and off the court and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today, I, along with Representative Bishop pay tribute to Tori Jankoska, the all-time scoring leader for Michigan State University Women's Basketball.

Tori was born and raised in Freeland, where she grew up with a passion for competition. As a young girl, Tori was unable to compete with her peers. She grew up with asthma and other illnesses that kept her from playing with the other kids. Through her own perseverance, she was able to play with her siblings and her passion for sports started to grow. As a student at Freeland High School, Tori raised the bar for her own team and her competitors. It wasn't long before her talent was noticed by the coaches at MSU.

When starting her basketball career at MSU, Tori knew that was where she wanted to be. She also knew that she had a chance to do something great. Regarded by her coaches as having the highest basketball IQ on the court, Tori has proven her acumen time and again. Now, as the all- time point leader for MSU, she has written her own legacy into the record book as one of the best college women's basket players of all time.

Tori has overcome obstacles and excelled at the highest level of competition. On behalf

of the Fourth & Eighth Congressional Districts of Michigan, we are honored today to recognize Tori Jankoska for her lifetime of work on and off the court and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bruce Winslow, the Director of the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, upon his retirement.

Bruce was born and raised in Midland and has kept his heart in his hometown. After graduating from CMU he went on to attend the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he honed his skills as an artist. After graduating in 1988, he found employment at the Midland Art Council, which later became the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art.

When starting his career he was the Coordinator of Public Relations for nine years, became the Curatorial Director and quickly after that the Director of the Museum. Since he took the helm in 1997, Bruce has taken the museum in many rewarding directions that have brought interest back into museum from unconventional museum goers. He has helped many see how science and art play a vital role in everyone lives. Now, during his final days as director, the museum is holding a new exhibit just for him, ``35 Years: The Bruce Winslow Retrospective.'' It is to celebrate his life in the arts, his family and his career.

Bruce has been especially helpful to Michigan's Fourth District, ensuring its participation in the Annual Congressional Art Competition for many years. During that time, not only has Bruce built an exhibit to showcase the artists' work from throughout the district, but he has also served as an integral member of the Art Competition Committee as a judge, helping select the piece to be displayed in the United States Capitol building. He also has given of his time and talents to help coordinate a special ceremony to honor all of the participants.

On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Bruce Winslow for his lifetime of work in the arts and for his commitment to the people of Midland.

Mr. Speaker, today, the House voted to end taxpayer support for abortion.

A majority of Americans believe abortion is wrong, and they do not wish to see their tax dollars pay for this gruesome procedure that ends the life of another human being. This legislation permanently puts into law a longstanding policy that has been renewed by Congress every year. It will reassure Americans that the hard-earned money they pay to the government will never be used to fund abortions.

This is necessary because the Affordable Care Act, a law that has been unaffordable for so many Americans, actually paid subsidies for healthcare plans that include abortion. This is unacceptable. A child in a mother's womb is a blessing. Americans expect their tax dollars will never be used to pay to end the life of an innocent child.

Today's legislation will protect taxpayers and, most importantly, our society's most vulnerable--the unborn.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the nomination of Betsy DeVos, of my home State of Michigan, to be the next Secretary of Education.

She shares our belief that all children should have the opportunity to learn in a world-class environment and that they, along with their parents, should be able to choose the schools that are best for them. In Michigan, she has improved learning opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds all across the State. She knows that local control plays a key role in an educator's ability to tailor lesson plans that best provide the education for our students.

For decades, Betsy DeVos has worked tirelessly on education issues, and she has been a champion for parents and students. As a parent of six children who have attended public schools, I am confident that she will do an outstanding job as our next Secretary of Education.

``. . . or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.''

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education is necessary to prepare today's students for future job opportunities. H.R. 1020 will add computer science under the definition of STEM programs while providing STEM grants for the research of new, informal, out-of-school methods for teaching STEM subjects.

Whether it is a hands-on museum, a science competition, or an internship as a lab assistant, finding the best ways to teach these critical subjects outside of the classroom will help students who might not learn these subjects in a traditional setting.

As our Nation's employers look to fill good-paying jobs, STEM education has applications across the board, including skilled trades in construction, manufacturing, and welding. Every student who learns these skills will have the solid academic background to secure employment in a career field.

This important legislation will benefit bright young minds outside of the classroom and help our country remain the world leader in research and innovation.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, it is time to build the Keystone pipeline. Building Keystone will create jobs, expand economic opportunity, and provide our country with energy from a reliable trading partner. It is estimated that the pipeline will carry more than 30 million gallons of oil per day, and the State Department has concluded the pipeline is the safest way to transport it to market. Keystone will support job creation by moving oil to American refineries where American workers will process it. Thousands of products using refined oil are manufactured and purchased by Americans every day, and this pipeline has the potential to make those products less expensive.

The House has passed Keystone policy time and again. Ten times, in fact, the House has stood with American workers and consumers. Today, we stand with hardworking Americans looking for good-paying jobs. Today, we stand with American consumers who will see more of their hard-earned money go further at the gas pump.

Keystone helps secure our country's energy independence, lowers energy costs for every American, and supports jobs without raising taxes or adding to our debt.

It is time to pass this bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, this is my first speech on the House floor, and today I am here speaking because we are voting to repeal the unpopular and unaffordable Affordable Care Act.

Our Nation has over $18 trillion in debt, and this law adds to it by spending more money we don't have. The cost of coverage subsidies alone is expected to quadruple over the next 10 years, according to the CBO.

The Federal Government is picking up the tab for Medicaid expansion, and it will eventually pass the enormous financial burden on to State budgets. In the last decade alone, Michigan has gone from one in eight residents enrolled in Medicaid to approaching one in four enrolled in this unsustainable government program.

What is more, this law has the effect of throwing a wet blanket on the economy. Small business owners say rising health insurance costs are their biggest concern, and the health insurance tax costs them $688 per employee. School districts have cut the hours of part-time employees, and businesses can't afford to hire more employees because of the costs of mandated coverage. We have even seen colleges and universities cut back hours for student workers, and now they earn less money to pay for their classes.

Individuals, families, and businesses all face continuing uncertainty over health care coverage and its costs. The administration, alone, has made 28 changes to the law, including delaying mandates, changing verification requirements, pushing back enrollment dates because the Web site wasn't ready, and expanding waivers to deal with the cancelation of millions of health care plans.

Five years after it was signed, the President's health care law is still changing, and last November the Department of Health and Human Services proposed 35 more revisions. It is time to permanently repeal the excessive spending, the economic pain, and the continuing uncertainty caused by this law and replace it with patient-centered alternatives with lower premiums that allow individuals to choose the coverage they want. It is time to empower patients to take control of their health care choices.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Michigan State Senator Judy Emmons in recognition of her leadership in combating human trafficking.

This week in Congress, we have taken steps to fight the scourge of human trafficking in our country and around the world. In my home state, we are continuing to work on this critical issue, and one state legislator in particular has been at the forefront of this effort.

In Michigan, State Senator Judy Emmons has led the fight against human trafficking. Through her work, Michigan instituted new laws that fight this heinous crime. These laws, including life imprisonment for perpetrators, send a clear message that Michigan will not tolerate human trafficking. Further, Senator Emmons' legislative work and activism has made Michigan a national leader in understanding the plight of victims, and is providing them with the resources they need to recover. Because of Senator Emmons' efforts, victims of this crime will find safe refuge in Michigan, and be able to make a complete recovery.

State Senator Judy Emmons has done outstanding work to help combat human trafficking and is worthy of recognition from this Congress. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Michigan State Senator Judy Emmons in gratitude for her strong conviction to prosecute traffickers, rescue victims, and assist survivors.

``Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the States present the seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven and of the independence of the United States of America the twelfth in witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.''