Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Clair Rotary Club and the occasion of their 100th anniversary. Since its founding on April 22, 1924, the St. Clair Rotary Club has served as an emblematic example of the Rotary's motto, ``Service Above Self.''

Throughout the last century, the St. Clair Rotary Club has focused on a lot of community projects benefitting the St. Clair community. Notably, during the 1930s, the club began a student assistance program, helping high school graduates work towards higher education. In 1964, the club started the ``Preparation for Employment'' program with St. Clair High School and soon after in 1965, the ``Seminars for Tomorrows Leaders'' which continues to this day.

The club has managed to preserve their accomplishments and history at the St. Clair Historical Museum, dating back to its founding in 1924. Their team has a remarkable devotion not only to the improvement of the St. Clair Community, but the preservation of the club's rich history. More recently, the club has also notably raised over $150,000 for the St. Clair Little League Park, donated 32 Chromebooks to the St. Clair High School, and led efforts for community spaces throughout St. Clair. As the club celebrates its centennial, it continues to make a difference through projects like the Storybook Walk in Klecha Park and the renovation of Rotary's Wildlife Landing.

Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that the St. Clair Rotary Club will continue to be a significant benefactor to the wider St. Clair Community for many years to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the club and its members for reaching this incredible milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the WIPPES Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that I introduced alongside Congresswoman Peltola of Alaska, Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, and Senator Susan Collins of Maine.

I thank my friend, Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, for moving this bill through the Energy and Commerce Committee and for the committee's unanimous support.

According to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the additional costs to wastewater treatment systems that nonflushable wipes bring is more than $440 million, including more than $18 million in my home State of Michigan. This jeopardizes critical infrastructure in communities across the country, and costs to repair this damage are often forced onto the taxpayer.

This bill aims to be a solution to this nearly half-billion-dollar problem. Ensuring needed information is provided to consumers will prevent damage to wastewater systems and actually save taxpayers millions in repair costs.

We have worked with industry and wastewater systems around the country to draft legislation, and I am glad to say this bill has the full support of many of these organizations.

This commonsense legislation, based on laws adopted by several States around the country, will help address this problem, protect our wastewater systems from critical damage, and save taxpayer dollars. Industry knows this. Wastewater stakeholders know this. The Energy and Commerce Committee knows this, as well.

Again, I thank Chairwoman Rodgers and the Energy and Commerce Committee for their support, and I urge the entire House to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an inspiring trailblazer and groundbreaking Michigan woman, Jackie Kallen, on her induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.

A Michigan native, Jackie Kallen--born Kaplan--has made an indelible mark on the world of boxing. In an industry that has historically been led by men, Jackie broke through barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in sports management, journalism, and competitive boxing.

Jackie's journey began in the 1970s when, as a show business journalist, she interviewed stars like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and the Rolling Stones. In 1977, she began her focus on sports after interviewing Thomas Hearns, then a boxing prospect from the Kronk gym in Detroit. From there, she would serve as Hearns' publicist over the next decade and became a familiar name in Detroit's competitive boxing scene.

In 1988, she made the transition from publicist to manager, where she began guiding the careers of figures like Bobby Hitz, James Tony, and Bronco McKart. Because of Jackie's dedication, she has led fighters to championships, built incredible careers, and inspired countless fans.

In 2004, Kallen was the inspiration for the film Against the Ropes and has gone on to author two books, produce a film, and make nationwide appearances as a motivation speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jackie as she celebrates this outstanding occasion. I am proud to celebrate such an inspiring figure work will be sure to inspire generations to come.

Mr Speaker, I rise to recognize Nancy Gardner, who retired in April of this year after 44 years of selfless commitment to education. Throughout her incredible career, Nancy served the Port Huron Area Schools, Landmark Academy, and the East Shore Leadership Academy, which she founded and has led over the last decade.

A Michigan native, Nancy earned her Bachelor of Science from Northern Michigan University and went on to earn two Master of Arts degrees from Central Michigan University. After graduating, she earned her special education teaching certification and quickly began serving those in need. She later returned to education to serve as a special education teacher and Assistant Principal for Holland Woods Middle School in Port Huron. In the evenings, she worked part-time as a substance abuse therapist and registered social worker. Nancy has also furnished a reputation for her knowledge in crisis management, having received special training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1999-2000.

Nancy has traveled both inside and outside of the United States to receive--and offer--training to accommodate different learning styles.

Throughout her inspiring career in education, Nancy has spearheaded remarkable change and has, without a doubt, changed the academic landscape in Port Huron and beyond. I am confident that her decades of instruction, leadership, and commitment to education will leave a lasting impact for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the occasion of Nancy Gardner's retirement after 44 years in education.

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Republican Conference, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Mrs. Monique Kolterman of St. Veronica Catholic School who is an extraordinary educator very selflessly dedicated to the instruction and guidance of children during one of the most dynamic periods of their lives.

Throughout her career as an elementary school teacher, Mrs. Kolterman has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young men and women as they advance into the next chapter of their academic career.

In 2009, Mrs. Kolterman joined the Diocese of Arlington as an instructional aide at the Nativity Catholic School in Burke. She remained there until 2012. Three years later, she was hired at St. Veronica Catholic School as an instructional assistant for the second grade. By 2019, she began her tenure as a lead teacher for the fifth grade.

Prior to her time in Arlington, Monique held various teaching positions throughout Ohio. There, she was a social studies teacher, a middle school English teacher, a CCD teacher and eucharist minister, a substitute teacher for French courses, and a learning resource assistant.

For years, Monique has served children from all over the United States with tremendous passion. As the teacher for Josiah and Elijah Hawatmeh, who are the nephews of my Chief of Staff, Nicola Hawatmeh, Mrs. Kolterman has left a lasting impression not only on their lives, but on the countless children she has influenced throughout her outstanding career.

Mr. Speaker, I join the wider St. Veronica community in thanking Mrs. Kolterman for her tireless commitment to her students and their families. With National Teacher Appreciation week fresh in our hearts, I am proud to honor her and all the men and women who dedicate their lives to educating the next generation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated high school art teachers across Michigan's 9th Congressional District for their invaluable contributions of time and resources to the Congressional Art Competition. These educators not only nurture the creative talents of our youth but also play a pivotal role in enriching our community through their commitment to arts education.

Our district's art teachers have consistently demonstrated excellence in their field, fostering environments where students can explore their artistic abilities. Their efforts culminate each year in the participation of their students in the Congressional Art Competition, an event that showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of our young artists. This competition not only highlights the artistic talents of our students, but also underscores the critical role that art teachers play in developing these skills.

Through their dedication, these educators inspire a love of art that goes beyond the classroom, instilling in their students a lifelong appreciation for the arts and encouraging them to contribute creatively to their community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the high school art teachers of Michigan's 9th Congressional District. Their selfless commitment to dedicate time, resources, and energy to the success of this annual competition is something to be proud of. I am deeply grateful for the leadership and inspiration they display to these outstanding young adults.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with profound respect to recognize the remarkable valor and contributions of Captain Harold M. Anderson, U.S. Navy (Ret), our esteemed Veteran of the Month for May 2024 from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. It is with great honor that I highlight the exemplary service and dedication of a true American hero whose courage has left an indelible mark on our Nation's history

Captain Anderson was born on a small farm in Ontario, Canada, and raised in Detroit, where he graduated from Southeastern High School alongside his future wife, Sandra Page, in 1960. His distinguished military career began with a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1964. Over the next 18 years, he served on five submarines, including four years in command of the nuclear attack submarine USS Shark (SSN 591). His naval journey continued with notable assignments, including attendance at the Naval War College and earning a master's degree in international relations from Salve Regina University

After retiring from active duty, Captain Anderson's commitment to serving others persisted. He continued to serve as Naval Science Instructor at Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, sharing his knowledge and shaping the future of young minds. In 1998, Captain Anderson faced a personal battle when diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Despite an initial prognosis of 2-3 years, he achieved two years of remission and has since managed his condition with innovative treatments.

Captain Anderson's resilience extends beyond his personal challenges; he has been a beacon of hope for others, actively participating in annual 5K walks to raise funds for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. His efforts have remarkably contributed over $300,000 towards research for better treatments and a potential cure.

Mr. Speaker, Captain Harold M. Anderson's life story is a testament to heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our country. His military service during pivotal moments in history, combined with his ongoing contributions to medical research and education, exemplifies a legacy of valor and service that continues to inspire us all.

I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest gratitude and respect for Captain Anderson. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our service members and their families, and his life inspires future generations to uphold the values of freedom, resilience, and dedication that define our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be the sponsor of H.R. 7219, the Information Quality Assurance Act. I also thank Representative Katie Porter for partnering with me on this important piece of legislation.

From my time in business, I can tell you that American employers and workers cannot afford for the Federal Government to impose new regulations and guidance on them that are misinformed, misconceived, and, quite frankly, backed by bad data.

Regulations like that only harm the American people. They needlessly drain employers' resources, kill jobs, and cede economic victory to America's other competitors, like China.

The same can be said of ill-informed and ill-conceived agency guidance. When an agency's guidance rests on flawed information, it risks sending regulated parties and their resources down rabbit holes just to avoid the threat of misguided agency enforcement actions.

One of the most important ways we can make sure the Federal Government does not issue ill-informed regulations and guidance is also, quite frankly, one of the simplest. It is to require that Federal regulators base new regulations and guidance on the best reasonably available information.

My Information Quality Assurance Act does just that. It requires three simple things.

First and foremost, it requires agencies to use the best data possible in drafting regulations. This includes data on the impacts the regulation will have on the American people.

Second, it requires the agency to make public, in a timely fashion, any model, methodology, or source of scientific, technical, demographic, economic, or statistical information which it intends to utilize in its rulemaking.

Third, it makes sure the public has a chance to question whether that information is the best that is reasonably available.

With these three simple commonsense reforms, we can make sure the Federal regulatory system avoids a mountain of mistakes that would unfairly burden the American people. That is what our job in Congress truly is: making the government more efficient so that we can help the most people.

By making these three simple changes to how agencies utilize data, we can achieve that simple goal and make life better for people in this country.

It is clear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle agree. This bill passed through the Oversight Committee--be careful to listen for it--with unanimous bipartisan support. That is the kind of thing this country needs right now.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to lead this bipartisan bill to improve the way our government works for generations to come, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dennis (Joe) Merchant, a pillar of the Cass City community, for being named Cass City's Citizen of the Year. Joe's lifetime of selfless service, both in uniform and within our community, exemplifies the highest ideals of citizenship and community engagement.

Joe, a Cass City High School graduate of the class of 1968, answered the call of duty by volunteering for the U.S. Army, serving with distinction in the 1st Cavalry Division during his time in Vietnam. Upon his return, Joe continued to serve our community through his family's business until its closure. His commitment to service did not wane with the end of his military career or family business, instead, it deepened as he became an integral part of the Cass City VFW Post 3644.

As Post Commander, Joe's leadership transformed the VFW hall into a vibrant community center, reflecting his vision for a space where veterans and community members alike could come together. His efforts led to significant improvements in the facility, making it a hub of activity and support for veterans and their families.

Joe's dedication to honoring veterans extended beyond the walls of the VFW hall. His determination to give Vietnam Veterans the welcome home they deserved was realized to bringing Sky Soldiers and their UH1H Huey to Cass City for the 4th of July Freedom Festival. This event, which Joe tirelessly worked to organize, provided a poignant moment of recognition and healing for many veterans, as well as an educational and memorable experience for our community.

Mr. Speaker, it is individuals like Dennis (Joe) Merchant who forge the strong backbone of communities across our nation. His lifetime of service, both in the armed forces and within Cass City, sets a sterling example of dedication, resilience, and community spirit. It is with immense honor that we recognize Joe Merchant as Cass City's Citizen of the Year, a title he richly deserves for his indelible contributions to our community and nation.

Today, we celebrate Joe's achievements and service, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many. Let us draw inspiration from his example, striving to serve our communities and country with the same zeal and selflessness that Joe Merchant has shown throughout his remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trysten Gruber, Jr., the Junior Cass City Citizen of the Year, whose exceptional academic record, dedication to community service, and outstanding leadership in athletics are complemented by his remarkable character and commitment to personal development.

Trysten's academic journey is marked by a consistent record of high honors, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. His engagement in community initiatives, such as organizing blood drives and participating in environmental cleanups, showcases his strong sense of civic responsibility and desire to contribute positively to our community.

In athletics, Trysten has proven himself as a natural leader, serving as the football team captain and earning accolades including the Golden Helmet Award and First Team All-State honors. His achievements in wrestling and track further underscore his athletic ability and dedication.

Beyond the realm of sports, Trysten's involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, peer mentoring, and the National Honor Society highlight his well-rounded talents and his unwavering commitment to personal growth and community service. His attainment of the Eagle Scout rank and active participation in the National Honor Society are a testament to his exemplary character and leadership skills.

Today, we celebrate not just Trysten Gruber, Jr.'s past accomplishments but also the potential he embodies for future success and positive impact. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the values that strengthen and enrich our community and nation, and I am proud that he was selected as the Cass City Junior Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Michael Perusich, our Veteran of the Month for April 2024 from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. It is a privilege to acknowledge the service and dedication of a distinguished American veteran whose contributions and sacrifices have left a lasting impact on our Nation.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, in 1942, Michael graduated from Henry Ford High School in 1961. After a brief period working in California in the field of electronics and communications, Michael returned to Michigan and enlisted in the Air Force in November 1963, where he specialized in Top Secret Communications Maintenance.

Michael's service took him to the historic island of Iwo Jima from September 1964 to 1965, where he played a crucial role in supporting communications and the Far East Network from this strategic location. His dedication and skill were further exemplified during his two tours in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, marking a significant chapter in his military career.

After honorably concluding his service, Michael embarked on a successful career with Control Data Corporation, yet his commitment to serving his fellow veterans never wavered. He joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4659 in 1992, where he has been an active and valued member for over 30 years. Rising through the ranks to Sr. Vice Commander, Michael has been instrumental in supporting the Post, the Honor Guard, and the Macomb County Honor Guard, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the veteran community.

Michael's contributions extend beyond his military service; he is deeply involved in the local community, regularly assisting in ceremonies honoring veterans. His recognition with the ``White Hat'' at the 2016 State VFW Convention is a testament to his commitment to veteran support programs, community service, and hospital service.

Mr. Speaker, Michael Perusich's life is a testament to the spirit of American courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to service. His contributions both in uniform and as a veteran advocate have significantly impacted the lives of many and serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in offering our gratitude to Michael Perusich, not only as being named my district's Veteran of the Month but as a true American hero whose legacy of service and community continues to enrich our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the thankless few, the ones who wake up each morning at

the crack of dawn, rain or shine, and simply go to work. Those thankless few are our farmers.

We are great at thanking our first responders, nurses, firefighters, and police officers, as we should, but how often do we thank our farmers? American farmers are the backbone of this Nation, and we often take them for granted.

Regardless of the lack of gratitude we show them, the same farmers get up and do it over and over again, day after day, just to keep this country going.

I encourage everyone to stop and think about where their food comes from and give thanks to the relentless farmers who keep us fed.

Today, and every day, I say thank you to the farmers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable valor and contributions of Randy Armstrong, our esteemed Veteran of the Month from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. It is with great honor that I highlight the exemplary service and dedication of this true American hero, whose courage and commitment have certainly left a mark on our Nation's history.

Randy Armstrong, born and raised in Brown City, dedicated his entire childhood to the community that shaped him. His passion for baseball and humble beginnings, including his initial employment at the Brown City Bank, illustrate a profound--and proud--connection to his roots. In 1966, answering the call of duty, he enlisted for a three-year term alongside his brother at Fort Knox.

Following his graduation from ordnance supply school, Randy's journey took him to Fort Lee, Virginia, and later to Scott Air Force Base, where he served with distinction in the Air Defense Command. His expertise as a radar operator led to his promotion to the rank of E4. In 1967, orders arrived for deployment to Vietnam, and before 1968, Randy found himself across the world. By January 1969, he had attained the rank of Sergeant E5.

Completing his tour of duty, Randy returned to the United States, making his way to Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was there, in acknowledgment of his honorable service, that he was discharged from the Army, marking the conclusion of a chapter defined by profound dedication to his country.

In honoring Randy Armstrong, we pay tribute to a man whose journey from Brown City to the heart of Vietnam embodies the sacrifices and resilience of our armed forces. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this American patriot.