Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of the Chesterfield community, Brian ``Scott'' DeMuynck, who is retiring after a remarkable career of dedicated public service. His commitment to our community and its residents exemplifies the spirit of community engagement.

Brian DeMuynck is a proud lifelong resident of Chesterfield Township, with deep family ties to the area that span over 75 years. For 20 years, he has served on the Chesterfield Township Board as a Trustee, beginning on November 20, 2004. He has also participated on our Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission, tirelessly working to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Professionally, Brian has had a distinguished career in law enforcement and public service. He started with the FBI in Washington, D.C., as a fingerprint examiner in March 1977. He then joined the Macomb County Sheriff's Office, where he served in various capacities, including deputy sheriff in the Marine Division, road patrol, and as an evidence technician in the crime scene unit from October 1977 until October 2002. He later became a criminal investigations assistant with the Sterling Heights Police Department in March 2002, where he continued to serve his community.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Brian was a successful entrepreneur, owning and presiding over Maurice DeMuynck Landscaping from 1988 to 2008. He is an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 187 and has enhanced his knowledge by attending various law enforcement classes at Macomb Community College.

During his time in office, Brian achieved significant accomplishments, including the implementation of Universal Waste Hauler contracts and the development of the Waterside Marketplace. He has always had strong support for parks and recreation initiatives that benefit both young families and seniors in his community.

Outside of his professional and public service commitments, Brian is an avid photographer, specializing in lighthouse photography, and enjoys boating--activities that reflect his love for the natural beauty of our region. His loyal dog, Bentley J, has been his right-hand companion throughout his journey. Brian is also a proud father to his son, Scott, and treasures his role as a grandfather to two wonderful grandchildren.

As Brian embarks on this new chapter of his life, we celebrate his invaluable contributions and the positive impact he has made on Chesterfield Township.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude to Brian ``Scott'' DeMuynck for his years of service and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Allyson Reneau, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Allyson Reneau is an international space consultant, successful business owner, coach of Olympic hopefuls in the sport of gymnastics, and the mother of 11 biological children. Allyson graduated summa cum laude from Harvard with her master's degree in international relations with a focus on NASA and the U.S. Space Program. She was nominated in 2019 by her professor as Harvard's Emerging Leader of the Year.

Allyson attended the NASA-sponsored International Space University and was asked to teach space entrepreneurship for ISU for several years. She has held internships at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., the FAA Commercial Spaceflight Office, and the U.S. Naval War College. Her award-winning Harvard thesis was published as a book and became the No. 1 new release on Amazon. It has been referred to as a framework for current U.S. Space Policy on NASA's return to the moon.

Her award-winning Harvard thesis was published as a book and became the No. 1 new release on Amazon. It has been referred to as a framework for current U.S. Space Policy on NASA's return to the moon.

Allyson is in high demand internationally to advise space-emerging nations on the importance of a national space program, speaking with country presidents, as well as members of their cabinets. She has been featured on radio programs and television networks, including NBC's Today Show, ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, and in countless magazines and newspapers around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable individual, Ronald Cischke, a longstanding pillar of the Goodland Township community in Lapeer County, Michigan. He has dedicated nearly his entire life to this vibrant community, serving it in various capacities with unwavering commitment and integrity.

Ron has spent an impressive 55 years as both the township supervisor and assessor, roles through which he has significantly contributed to the development and well-being of the township. Ron is the longest- serving supervisor in Lapeer County history. His professional journey has been diverse--he has farmed, owned a construction company, driven a milk truck, and worked for the Construction Code Authority. This breadth of experience has enriched the community he serves, fostering a spirit of hard work and dedication.

In 1959, Ron married his beloved wife, Ruthie. Together, they have raised three children and have been blessed with four grandchildren. Family has always been at the heart

of Ron's life, reflecting the values of community and service that he holds dear.

Ron has also made significant contributions to the Goodland Community Church, where he has been actively involved for over 30 years. As the Building Community Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors, he has helped guide the church in its mission to serve and uplift the community. Furthermore, Ron's commitment extends beyond the church; he has served on the Board of Directors for the Thumb Narcotics Unit, playing a vital role in addressing and mitigating the challenges of substance abuse in the region.

Mr. Speaker, Ron Cischke exemplifies the spirit of community service and dedication. His tireless efforts and compassionate leadership have made a lasting impact on Goodland Township and its residents. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ron for his years of service and to celebrate his contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Russell Matar, who I named Veteran of the Month for October from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. Born on October 18, 1924, in Port Huron, Michigan, Russell was the second of five children. His journey began with resilience and dedication, culminating in his graduation from Port Huron High School in 1942, before he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943. His service during World War II took him to the

Mojave Desert, where he contributed to vital rocket experiments, and to the Marshall Islands, where he repaired aircraft electronics. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

In 1954, Russell married Ginger McDaniel, and together they built a loving family, raising two sons and a daughter, along with a growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Russell's professional career spanned over three decades with Montgomery Ward, where he made significant contributions throughout the Midwest. His commitment to community service was unwavering; he actively participated in local Chambers of Commerce and Merchants Associations. In Flint, Michigan, where he spent his later career, Russell left an indelible mark on the community. Notably, he served as Chairman of a committee that collaborated with then-Mayor Jim Rutherford to plan the inaugural Crim Race in Flint. Additionally, he dedicated six years to the Whaley Board for Children and served on the board of the YMCA.

As a devoted member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Flint, Russell held the position of Vestry member and worked alongside First Presbyterian Church and Court Street United Methodist Church to establish the Ministry of Crossover Outreach. This initiative addressed the needs of the local community by providing clothing, food, and referral services.

Throughout his remarkable century-long life, Russell Matar has exemplified the core values of family, community, and service. His legacy of steadfast support and commitment to those around him truly sets him apart.

I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the life of Russell Matar, a true pillar of our community and a shining testament to the enduring spirit of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Qaumaniq Suuqiina, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Dr. Qaumaniq Suuqiina--psychologist, teacher, First Nations leader, wife, mother and grandmother--is consciously aware that her actions today will affect those that come after her. She has spent more than 40 years helping individuals recover from all forms of addiction serving as director of a counseling center specializing in the treatment of addictions, co-dependency, sexual abuse and domestic violence.

For the last 27 years, she and her husband, Dr. Iglahliq Suuqiina, have worked as First Nations' leaders and bridgebuilders to bring reconciliation between races and genders, using protocol and honor as a tool for healing and understanding. They have partnered with Jewish people and educated non-Jewish individuals and people groups about the blessings of building relationships with the Jews, and Israel's right to occupy the land of Israel as indigenous people. They are committed to the fight against antisemitism.

Qaumaniq is a certified expressive arts therapist and is a graduate of the Expressive Arts Training Institute. She has a Doctorate in Biblical Counseling from the United Graduate College and Seminary International. She is a published author, trained dancer and musician.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, she strives to be honorable in her work and personal life believing that honor is the language of heaven.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Macy Petty, who was named a 2024 Young Christian Woman of Distinction.

Macy Petty is the legislative strategist at Concerned Women for America. In this role, she advocates for biblical values and constitutional principles in public policy. She graduated from Lee University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with minors in business administration, communication arts, and pre-law.

While playing NCAA volleyball at Lee, Macy joined CWA as a women's sports spokeswoman, advocating for sex-based protections at the state and federal level. A platform was created to defend truth through her experience playing against a male athlete on a girls' volleyball team. Her experience has given her the opportunity to speak across the country about the dangers of gender ideology.

Macy is published in news outlets, including Fox News, the Daily Caller and Washington Examiner. She is regularly interviewed on national media outlets, such as Fox News, Fox Business, and Newsmax.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this young woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sam Sorbo, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Sam Sorbo is an education freedom advocate. After an award-winning Hollywood film career as an actor, producer, and writer of ``Just Let Go,'' ``Let There be Light,'' and ``Left Behind.'' Sam stepped back from her Hollywood career to homeschool her three small children, when she realized there is more to education than the school system accomplishes or addresses.

Sam scripted and produced ``School's Out with Sam Sorbo'' for EpochTV and currently hosts ``The Sam Sorbo Show'' daily on Patriot.TV and as a podcast. Seeking to emancipate families from modern schooling, Sam wrote and produced ``The Playbook for Home Learning,'' a 15-video training with a workbook for parents.

Fluent in five languages, Sam speaks internationally on how to ``Educate . . . differently.''

She has written several books including books on education, ``They're YOUR Kids'' and ``Teach from Love.'' ``Words for Warriors'' addresses the dangerous shifts in our vernacular and ``True Faith,'' was written in collaboration with her husband, Kevin Sorbo. Remarking on the lack of Biblical study in our government's schools, Sam notes, ``How can anyone claim to educate while ignoring the most important book in the history of the world?''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Linda Smith, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Dr. Linda Smith is the executive vice president for the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). She previously served as president of the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, executive vice president and chief operating officer for NRB, chief of the office of public affairs for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and chief of staff for the U.S. Parole Commission.

As chief of public affairs, Linda oversaw congressional, media, and public relations for the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons. At the U.S. Parole Commission, she served as chief analyst for the National Appellate Board and other positions before assuming the role as chief of staff, overseeing this multi-mission agency, responsible for the release and rearrest of federal offenders.

She is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including the Myrl E. Alexander Award from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, which recognizes the development of new techniques in correctional programs and implementation of new and innovative procedures. She also received the Victims of Crime Award from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia for her work with crime victims.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Andrea Ramirez, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Dr. Andrea Ramirez MBA, PhD builds bridges between cultural worlds creating ethnic harmony. Her career has spanned across public service, executive search and the non-profit sector. Her expertise in conflict resolution and cultural intelligence served her well in the White House as a policy advisor, director of Hispanic Outreach, and special assistant to the President. Dr. Ramirez led White House initiatives based at the U.S. Department of Education, including the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiative and the White House Initiative for Hispanics in Educational Excellence.

Prior to her government service, Dr. Ramirez served as executive director of the Faith and Education Coalition of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC). She currently serves as a trustee for Dallas Baptist University, sits on the NHCLC's Executive Committee and is an Open Education Resources Advisory board member for Texas Education Agency.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Abby Johnson, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Abby Johnson is a strong advocate for life from the womb to the tomb and beyond. She went to work for Planned Parenthood believing she would be helping women. After working her way up from volunteer to director of one of their facilities, and even winning Planned Parenthood's employee of the year award, Abby had a surprising change of heart after witnessing a live ultrasound guided abortion procedure. It became clear in that moment that abortion did not provide the freedom she had promised so many women in those counseling rooms. Abortion only caused harm, destruction and devastation. Upon that realization, Abby left her job in the abortion industry and has been sharing her experiences ever since.

Her story was chronicled in a best-selling book titled, ``Unplanned,'' which was later turned into a major motion picture with the same name. She has written several other books, including ``The Walls Are Still Talking'' and ``Fierce Mercy.''

Abby is the CEO of two successful prolife non-profits and hosts her own podcast, ``Politely Rude.'' One of her ministries, ``And Then There Were None,'' has helped almost 700 abortion workers leave the abortion industry and come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sue McGray, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Sue Z. McGray, the president of Christian Women in Media teaches women that it's never too late for hope. Sue has experienced personal triumph over low self-esteem, co-dependency, a broken marriage, and domestic violence and today serves as a mentor for Morning Star Sanctuary, a Christian safe place for women and children. Her personal life experiences have given her the insight to author a book titled ``Becoming Visible: Letting Go of the Things that Hide Your True Beauty,'' written to help and encourage women to become overcomers.

Sue's exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering women through faith is expressed through her support and mentoring of women helping them overcome challenges to pursue their God-inspired dreams and goals.

Sue is a sought-after Christian women's conference speaker and teacher and an entrepreneur who has built a successful business that has reached the pinnacle of her industry. Sue has authored another book titled ``Life Changing Encounters and Divine Appointments,'' a study of biblical encounters that continue to inspire people in the 21st Century.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harris Faulkner, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Harris Faulkner is a six-time Emmy award-winning news anchor who believes that faith in God, still moves mountains. She began her rise in TV news reporting at WNCT-TV (CBS 9) in Greenville, North Carolina and after several career moves she joined FOX News Channel in 2005 where she currently helms two top-rated daily daytime programs ``The Faulkner Focus'' and ``Outnumbered.''

Throughout her tenure at the network, Faulkner has played integral roles in FNC's election coverage, hosted numerous primetime specials, interviewed many notable figures and covered global news events.

As a result of her excellence in broadcast journalism and serving as the only Black woman to anchor two back-to-back cable news programs, Faulkner has received many notable awards including being named to WORTH Magazine's ``Groundbreakers'' list, honoring 50 influential women worldwide for breaking barriers in their industries. In 2021, Variety's New York Women's Impact Report honored Faulkner. And at the National Press Club she was named the Multicultural Media and Correspondents Association's Broadcast Journalist of the Year.

Faulkner is a speaker, author, and philanthropist. Her 2023 FOX News Books title ``Faith Still Moves Mountains,'' became number one on the New York Times bestseller's list. She penned the national bestseller ``9 Rules of Engagement: A Military Brat's Guide to Life and Success'' in 2018.

Faulkner actively raises awareness and funds for numerous organizations offering immediate and ongoing support to the U.S. Military forces and their families. Additionally, she's dedicated to intensifying research around childhood diseases. In 1998, Harris Faulkner received the Amelia Earhart Pioneering Lifetime Achievement Award for her humanitarian efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this inspiring woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chandra Cheeseborough, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Chandra Cheeseborough is an example of a world record breaking Olympic Champion with a successful coaching career after receiving one of the first ever Title IX scholarships given to deserving female athletes.

Chandra broke onto the international track scene at age 16, winning two gold medals at the 1975 Pan American Games, taking the 200 meters in an American record time of 22.77 seconds. In 1976, she set the World junior record at 11.13 seconds, placing second at the U.S. Olympic trials, then placing sixth in that event at the Montreal Olympic games.

Chandra graduated from Jean Ribault High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1977, where she set the still standing NFHS national high school records in both the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes. She attended Tennessee State, where she was a member of national championship teams that set world indoor records. She qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team but was unable to compete due to the Summer Olympics boycott. She won the national indoor 200-yard dash in 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1983.

Chandra's breakthrough year in the 400-meter race came in 1984, when she set two American records in the event, then placing second in the Los Angeles Olympics in a career best of 49.05, the No. 10 performer of all time. She made history at the 1984 games when she became the first woman to win gold medals in both relays, which were held less than an hour apart.

In 1999 she was named head coach of both men and women's track and cross-country teams leading her Tigerbells to 6 Ohio Valley Conference Championships. She also served as assistant coach for the 2008 Beijing Olympics hurdles and sprints.

Her faith in Christ has been a beacon of hope and strength to her student athletes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this inspiring woman of distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, who was named a 2024 She Leads Woman of Distinction.

Pamela Evette, the 93rd Lieutenant Governor, and the first female Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, demonstrates God's love for families and children. She has worked to support early childhood education, school reading programs, school choice, and South Carolina non-profits. Pamela is also a staunch supporter of parental rights, the military, and law enforcement knowing the importance of a safe environment for the future of our country and the next generation.

An entrepreneur and businesswoman, Pamela has received numerous accolades, including the ATHENA Leadership Award and the Enterprising Woman of the Year Award. Since taking office in 2019, Pamela has been laser-focused on utilizing her professional background to highlight South Carolina's thriving small business ecosystem, attract new business to the state, and promote innovative public-private partnerships. To help highlight and protect South Carolina's natural resources,

Pamela created the Grab-A-Bag South Carolina annual statewide litter clean up initiative in partnership with Palmetto Pride. She also joined the SC7 Expedition to raise awareness for floodwater prevention.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this inspiring woman of distinction.

Madam Chair, I am just confused. There is nothing in the bill that says we can't talk to them, right? There is nothing in the bill that says we can't talk to them. There is nothing in the bill that says we can't have diplomacy. What the bill says is: We don't need to fund our destroyers.

I am all for talking. How is that working for us? We talk to them ad nauseam, and what do they do? They continue to push the envelope and push the envelope, so I am sharing that maybe what we should do, since our talking doesn't work, is provide some sanctions.

I want to remind us, let's stick with the facts of the bill. It talks about sanctions. You can talk to them. There is nothing in the bill, unless I am missing something--and I would like you to show me in the bill where it says that we are not allowed to talk with them. Stop with the fear-mongering. Let's stick with the basics.

Madam Chair, I rise today to stress the need for the STOP CCP Act. The Chinese Communist Party has grown to be our greatest geopolitical threat. Chinese dictator Xi Jinping and the Central Committee of the CCP are working to turn the People's Republic of China into the dominant world superpower. Meanwhile, the Biden-Harris administration stands by and continues to cozy up with Xi Jinping.

The CCP has shown us they will do anything to achieve global supremacy. Xi and his Central Committee have crushed Hong Kong's democracy. They have threatened to push the world into war over the free and democratic island nation of Taiwan. Xi has authorized the enslavement and genocide of the Uyghurs within his own country. Recently, the CCP has used their Navy to ram other vessels in the South China Sea to intimidate neighboring nations.

How is the talking going? Today, the talking and the strategy of diplomacy have gone so well that the CCP launched an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean. Maybe we should just call them and say, ``Don't do that anymore'' because they respond so well to that.

For far too long, these atrocities and aggression have gone unchecked and without consequences. Well, I say not anymore. Congress and the United States must send a message that the deliberate disregard for human rights, international norms, and blatant bullying will no longer be tolerated.

I wish words would work, but they don't. They haven't.

Let me remind everyone who may be skeptical about the Chinese Communist Party's intentions: Nothing happens in China without the approval of Xi Jinping and the Central Committee of the CCP.

While I wholeheartedly support the numerous pieces of legislation that have passed this Chamber aimed at countering the CCP's nefarious acts, none of them have targeted the core problem, the actual individuals who are giving the orders.

It is time to begin to deal with the root of the problem. The STOP CCP Act places significant sanctions on Xi Jinping and members of his Central Committee in response to their decades of aggression, human rights abuses, and outright threats to democracies around the world.

Xi's goal is to cover the world in communism. We are the ones who stand in his way, which is why, instead of opposing my bill, the White House should get tough with the CCP. Let's try a different strategy, one that may actually work.

Every time China crosses a line, Biden sends officials to Beijing. That is embarrassing. We do not need to coddle an aggressor. You need to deal with them from a position of strength, not weakness. It is time we draw a line in the sand, say enough is enough, and stop funding our destroyers.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I thank Congressmen Panetta, Buchanan, and Pappas for joining me in this effort to hold the true culprits within the CCP accountable for their heinous acts.