Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dan Casey for 15 years of dedicated service to St. Clair County as the leader of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County.

Mr. Casey joined the EDA as CEO in 2011 after previously serving in economic development roles with the cities of Southfield and Rochester Hills. He truly built a career defined by strengthening Michigan communities and creating opportunities for businesses and residents.

During his tenure with the EDA, Mr. Casey helped guide St. Clair County through significant economic challenges, including the recovery from the 2009 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the EDA helped attract the Magna Electric Vehicle Solutions project to the long-vacant St. Clair Industrial Park, strengthen local downtowns, and support entrepreneurs through small business programs.

After 15 years with the EDA, Mr. Casey retired as CEO on September 1, 2026. While he has stepped away from his position, he plans to remain active in the community through board service and devote more time to writing.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dan Casey for his service to St. Clair County. I am proud to honor his dedication to economic development, small businesses, and the communities he has worked to strengthen throughout his career, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor ALD Thermal Treatment, Inc. of Port Huron, Michigan, as it celebrates 20 years of excellence in manufacturing and heat treatment services.

For two decades, ALD Thermal Treatment has been an important part of Port Huron's manufacturing community. Since opening its doors, its Port Huron facility has processed more than 500 million parts, with not a single one returned from the field--a remarkable record and a testament to its quality and precision.

Its standard of excellence has earned the General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award in 11 of the past 12 years, including becoming the first heat treatment services company to receive the award in 2014.

ALD Thermal Treatment also invests in the next generation of Michigan manufacturers by hosting Manufacturing Day events for high school students and offering internships to students studying materials science and metallurgy. Several employees have been with the company since it opened 20 years ago, reflecting the strong workplace culture that has helped make the company successful.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating ALD Thermal Treatment, Inc. on its 20th anniversary. I am proud to recognize its commitment to quality, safety, and Michigan manufacturing, and I wish them continued success for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 10167, the Common Cents Act.

This is a straightforward bill that does one commonsense thing: It stops the Federal Government from losing money on a coin that almost no one uses.

Every penny we mint costs taxpayers nearly 4 cents to make and distribute--4 cents to make just one penny. In this single year, that absurd math cost the taxpayers more than $85 million.

As a businesswoman, I can tell you no businessowner in my district would spend $4 to make $1, but that is exactly how Washington has run with the penny. It doesn't make sense.

President Trump saw the waste, and then he acted. Last November, the Mint struck the final penny. This bill writes that decision into law so no future administration can turn the presses back on.

The Mint projects $56 million in savings in just 1 year. Let me be clear: Nobody is taking away pennies you already have. The penny in your pocket, the coin sitting in your jar on the counter, that all stays as legal tender.

I introduced this bill with Congressman Robert Garcia. It is not radical. It is bipartisan. It is common sense.

Republicans and Democrats don't often agree on much in this town, but I do think we agree on this: We shouldn't be wasting $85 million a year by keeping to mint pennies.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to modernize our currency, cut the waste, and bring a little common sense back to Washington. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, for the reasons I explained earlier, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Chief Master Sergeant Maxwell Grindstaff for his distinguished service in the United States Air Force and his community. It is my privilege to honor him as our September 2026 Veteran of the Month.

CMSgt Grindstaff enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1987. He began his career in Security Forces before retraining in communications and computer operations. Throughout his military career, he served in Michigan, the United Kingdom, New York, North Dakota, California, Missouri, Texas, Utah, Ohio, and Afghanistan, taking on increasingly senior leadership roles.

In 2010, CMSgt Grindstaff served as Command Chief in Kabul, Afghanistan. He later served as Command Chief at Hill Air Force Base in Utah and at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio before becoming Command Chief at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado in 2014. He retired in 2017 after three decades of distinguished service, earning numerous honors including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medals.

Today, he continues his service with the Department of the Air Force in a civilian capacity, leading industry engagement and stakeholder management to support major Air Force modernization efforts. CMSgt Grindstaff is a family man and an active member of his community. He and his wife, Millie, are proud Lapeer natives who have raised three daughters and welcomed five grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, Command Chief Master Sergeant Maxwell Grindstaff has dedicated his life to serving our nation and community. Through his military service, leadership, and ongoing commitment to the community, he exemplifies honor, courage, and selfless service. It is my great honor to recognize his service and accomplishments by naming him our September 2026 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Scarlett Davis, Matthew De Vriese, Kenneth Alcorn, Keith Dromowicz, Steven Gerald Snider, David Causby, and Jesse Smith for their exceptional response to a medical emergency at ZF Axle Drives in Marysville, Michigan. Their quick thinking, teamwork, and compassion made a meaningful difference when a fellow employee needed help.

These heroes did not hesitate. Each played a crucial role in keeping the response moving quickly and smoothly, from identifying the emergency to preparing for and briefing first responders on the situation.

Their calmness under the pressure of an immensely difficult situation exemplifies the values of teamwork, safety, compassion, and leadership that define Michigan's workplace culture. Moments like these remind us that our greatest strength is our people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing each of these heroic individuals. Their actions certainly saved a life, and I am proud to honor them for demonstrating the very best of ZF Axle Drives and Michigan as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nehemiah Alliance's 52-Day Rebuild Initiative which begins on sundown September 10th and lasts until sundown on November 1st.

Modeled after the Biblical account in the Book of Nehemiah where Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem's walls in 52 days, the Rebuild Initiative is a national spiritual movement that calls on people of faith to unify in extended prayer, fasting, repentance, and intercession for the renewal of the United States and the rebuilding of its spiritual walls.

There is no better time to call for taking up this task than the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding. As we continue celebrating the 250th birthday of our great country, I am reminded of the great fortune we are all afforded from our First Amendment, especially our Freedom of Religion.

As the highest-ranking woman in Congress, and as a person of deep faith, I wake up every day determined to fight for these continued freedoms.

May God Bless all of those who are participating in this Initiative, and may God continue to Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Blue Water Developmental Housing as it celebrates 50 years of providing life-changing residential and community-based services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Michigan's Blue Water region.

For five decades, Blue Water Developmental Housing has provided a safe, supportive place where individuals can live with greater independence. Today, across St. Clair and Macomb counties, the organization has grown to include 13 group homes and 19 assisted living homes, often referred to as ``Homes for Your Own''.

However, Blue Water Developmental Housing offers far more than a place to live. It has created an environment where members are empowered to become active and valued participants in their communities. Its dedicated staff and caregivers demonstrate unwavering compassion every day, helping those live more independently and providing invaluable support to their families.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Blue Water Developmental Housing on this remarkable milestone. Its mission reflects the very best of our communities. Every person who has contributed to that mission has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals and families, and we thank them for their service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my staffer Melina Spatharis, whose last day in House Republican Conference will be this Friday. After over a year of dedicated service to the House, Melina is moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to continue her career in academia.

Melina was an invaluable asset to our Conference team and will be missed dearly. A dedicated staffer, she often stayed far beyond the end of the workday to ensure she fully prepared and supported my Chief of Staff as his Executive Assistant. Melina was and will continue to be deeply endeared by the entire office--she was a joy to work with, and consistently assumed a positive attitude, paired with a kind demeanor. Regardless of how difficult a day was, Melina exhibited virtue, honor, and patriotism in all things she did, said, and the way she treated others--a truly rare trait. As we bid Melina farewell, we will always be grateful and indebted to her for service to her country and the impact she had on our lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Darwin and Kathy Sneller of Sebewaing, Michigan, on their induction into the 2026 Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame. For more than 50 years, the Snellers have dedicated their lives to farming, family, and investment in Michigan's agricultural community.

At Starward Farms, Darwin and Kathy built a thriving operation while carrying forward the family traditions that have guided them throughout their careers. Their stewardship of their dairy herd and the land they farm has earned them recognition, including 34 consecutive Holstein USA Progressive Breeder Awards.

The Snellers also place family and community at the heart of their work. They farm alongside their son and have opened their doors to dairy interns and students, providing valuable hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation for the hard work that sustains Michigan agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Darwin and Kathy Sneller on their induction into the 2026 Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame. They exemplify the very best of Michigan agriculture through their deep commitment to family, hard work, and stewardship of the land. I am proud to honor their remarkable contributions to our state and the agricultural community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John J. Dailey, a longtime New Baltimore resident and the City of New Baltimore's 2026 Citizen of the Year.

For more than five decades, John has dedicated his time and talents to strengthening the communities he calls home. As a professional community planner, he has helped Macomb County plan for the future and grow, working with local governments, businesses, and residents on planning, zoning, and community development.

However, John's commitment to service extends well beyond his professional career. He has spent decades giving back to New Baltimore, serving on the Planning Commission, the Board of Review, and the Board of Zoning Appeals. He has also supported organizations throughout the community and has spent nearly 30 years coaching softball at Regina High School.

John's dedication to New Baltimore and his willingness to give his time, experience, and energy to others are exactly what make a community strong. His recognition as Citizen of the Year is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating John J. Dailey on being named New Baltimore's 2026 Citizen of the Year and in thanking him for all he has done for the community he is proud to call home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Berlin Township Fire Department on its 50th anniversary. For five decades, the department has proudly answered the call whenever its neighbors need them most.

This milestone is a well-deserved opportunity to recognize the excellence and dedication that have defined the department throughout its history. From responding to emergencies to supporting families in times of need, Berlin Township firefighters have worked tirelessly to keep their community safe. I thank the firefighters, officers, and staff for their bravery in the face of danger and their unwavering commitment to those they serve.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Township Fire Department and recognizing its outstanding record of service. I congratulate them on this important milestone, and wish them the best in many more years of protecting and serving Berlin Township.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Keith Aeder for his decades of dedicated public service to the residents of Fairgrove Township and the surrounding community as he marks his retirement from the Vassar Area Ambulance Board of Directors.

Since 1984, Keith has been a steadfast leader in Fairgrove Township, serving as Township Supervisor for 40 years. During his tenure, Fairgrove Township modernized its firefighting equipment, acquired and renovated the township hall, supported two library expansions, and made significant improvements to local ambulance services and roads. He concluded his tenure as Township Supervisor in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of progress and dedicated service to the community.

Keith's commitment to public service also extended to the Vassar Area Ambulance Board of Directors, where he began serving in 1986. He completed 40 years of service on the board in 2026. His dedication to improving emergency services has made a meaningful difference in the lives of residents throughout the community.

In addition to his public service, Keith built a successful professional career. He spent 29 years with Farm Credit Services before retiring in 2018 and founding Aeder Appraisal Services, where he continued to serve his community through his professional work.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Keith Aeder for more than four decades of dedicated public service. His leadership, commitment, and devotion to the residents of Fairgrove Township and the surrounding community are truly commendable. I congratulate Keith on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his many years of service to Michigan's Thumb.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lapeer County for its continued preservation of the Lapeer County Historic Courthouse, a treasured landmark that has stood at the heart of the community for more than 180 years.

The Lapeer County Historic Courthouse holds the distinction of being Michigan's oldest continuously operating courthouse still serving its original purpose. Most recently, Lapeer County completed a significant restoration project that carefully preserved and enhanced the courthouse's historic architecture while ensuring it remains functional for generations to come.

This accomplishment reflects the county's steadfast commitment to preserving one of Michigan's most cherished landmarks and safeguarding an important part of its heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lapeer County for the successful restoration of the Lapeer County Historic Courthouse and for its continued dedication to preserving this historic landmark for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Seeburger's Cheeseburgers as New Baltimore's 2026 Business of the Year. This family-owned restaurant has proudly served Macomb County since opening in 2007. Known for its American food and welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, Seeburger's has become a staple in the community.

At the head of Seeburger's success are Todd and Jill Seeburger, who, alongside their children, Jacob and Olivia, have built a business grounded in hard work, hospitality, and service. Their commitment reflects the strong values that have shaped both their family and their business.

For nearly two decades, Seeburger's has welcomed customers with quality food and friendly service. Its continued success is a testament to the loyalty of its customers and the hard work of the Seeburger family.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Seeburger family and Seeburger's Cheeseburgers for being named New Baltimore's Business of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Oxford Village Police Department on its 85th anniversary. For 85 years, the Oxford Village Police Department has played an important role in protecting the community and serving the people of Oxford.

Throughout its history, the department has remained committed to public safety and to the well-being of Oxford residents. Its service reflects the importance of strong relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

I want to thank the dedicated officers and staff of the Oxford Village Police Department, past and present, for their professionalism, sacrifice, and commitment to the community. Their service and commitment are deserving of our gratitude and recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Oxford Village Police Department on its 85th anniversary and for its outstanding service to the people of Oxford.